A/N: This is one of the episodes that I had to change quite a bit. I included all of Edward/Edythe's questions, but I didn't think that Bella's answers would fit with Beau. (Of course, some of them I kept, but still.)
Song of the Episode: With You by Linkin Park
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
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. HALLWAY
STUDENTS crowd the halls, talking and chatting with each other. They all have backpacks on. EDYTHE CULLEN and BEAU SWAN walk silently to class. Edythe wears a t-shirt for The Bangles, a black and grey flannel, jeans, and combat boots. They pass ALLEN WEBER and BECCA CHENEY talking. Edythe glances at them.
EDYTHE (V.O.)
I had wanted to do something nice for Allen. He had been so good to Beau; been someone worthy of being Beau's friend. So, all day, I had been searching through his mind, looking for an item or object that he wanted. But oddly enough, he was quite happy for a teenager. He had no desire for any particular object. But there was something Allen wanted. Unfortunately, it wasn't something that could be so easily gift-wrapped. I felt strangely comforted for a moment, hearing Allen's hopeless yearning. A sense of kinship that Allen would never know about passed through me, and I was, in that second, at one with the kind human boy. It was oddly consoling to know that I wasn't the only one living out a tragic love story. Heartbreak was everywhere. In the next second, I was abruptly and thoroughly irritated. Because Allen's story didn't have to be tragic. He was human and she was human and the difference that seemed so insurmountable in his head was ridiculous, truly ridiculous compared to my own situation. There was no point in his broken heart. What a wasteful sadness, when there was no valid reason for him not to be with the one he wanted. Why shouldn't he have what he wanted? Why shouldn't this one story have a happy ending? I wanted to give him a gift... Well, I would give him what he wanted. Knowing what I did of human nature, it probably wouldn't even be very difficult. I sifted through the consciousness of the girl beside him, the object of his affections, and she did not seem unwilling, she was just stymied by the same difficulty he was. Hopeless and resigned, the way he was. All I would have to do was plant the suggestion... The plan formed easily, the script wrote itself without effort on my part. I was pleased with my solution, with my gift for Allen. It was a nice diversion from my own problems. Would that mine were as easily fixed.
INT. BIOLOGY CLASSROOM
Edythe and Beau walk into the classroom. Everybody stares at them as they do. They sit down and drop their backpacks to the floor. Edythe no longer angles her chair away and sits quite close to Beau. Their arms are almost touching. MRS. BANNER walks into the room, pulling a cart with a TV and VCR sitting on top. Allen enters quickly. The bell RINGS. The room goes dark and a genetics-based movie begins playing on the TV.
BEAU (V.O.)
Wednesday, March twenty-fourth: it wasn't like I wasn't already hyperaware that Edythe was right there, just an inch away from me. I wouldn't have imagined that I could be more aware of her. But in the dark, somehow... It was like an electrical current was flowing through her body into mine, like those miniature lightning bolts that jump between live circuits were dancing up and down the small gap between our bodies. A crazy strong impulse to reach over and touch her - to stroke her perfect face just once in the darkness - almost overwhelmed me. What was wrong with me? You couldn't just go around touching people because the lights were off.
Beau crosses his arms over his chest, balling his hands into fists. Edythe does the same. Edythe glances at Beau, and he does the same. Edythe smiles. Beau looks away. The class continues. At the end of the hour, Mrs. Banner flicks the light on. Beau stretches his arms out in front of him. Edythe laughs.
EDYTHE
Well, that was...interesting.
BEAU
Umm...
EDYTHE
Shall we?
Edythe rises.
INT. HALLWAY
STUDENTS crowd the halls, talking and chatting with each other. They all have backpacks on. Beau and Edythe walk to the Gym in silence. Beau turns toward Edythe. She brushes her fingertips along Beau's jawbone, then turns and walks away. Beau walks into the Gym.
INT. GYM
Nets raised for badminton sit in rows. STUDENTS in gym uniforms hold badminton rackets and talk with each other. MCKAYLA NEWTON, who's holding a racket, goes to stand by Beau, who, like everyone else, is holding a badminton racket. They both wear gym uniforms.
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
I can't stand Edythe Cullen. Oh, I can't stand her. What kind of game is she playing? How much longer is she going to keep this up?
MCKAYLA
Do you want to be a team?
BEAU
Thanks, McKayla - you don't have to do this, you know.
MCKAYLA
Don't worry, I'll keep out of your way.
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
Friends no matter what. He'll see that I'm someone he can rely on. And when Edythe Cullen shows her true colors, then...
INT. HALLWAY
STUDENTS crowd the hall. ELEANOR CULLEN waits outside a classroom for Edythe, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Edythe walks down the hall and walks up to Eleanor.
ELEANOR
Hey, girl.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Wow, she's looking better than she did at lunch. Excited.
EDYTHE
Hey, El.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
So. You told him, huh? Everything?
EDYTHE
Pretty much. Sorry. How's Royal taking it?
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Like you'd expect. He's just buzzing like a hornet. You'll be in for it when you get back. Jessamine's not happy either.
EDYTHE
What about you?
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Well, it did kind of make me want to put you in a headlock. I mean, if you were going to go spill all our secrets to a human, I'd figure you'd at least call a meeting first. But, I guess it had to happen sometime. Considering what Archie saw.
Becca enters the classroom, holding a backpack. Eleanor goes to enter after her, but Edythe puts a hand on her arm.
EDYTHE
Hey, El. There's something I'm going to do...if you don't mind, please don't interfere.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Do? Do what?
EDYTHE
A good deed.
INT. SPANISH CLASSROOM
STUDENTS sit in desks around the classroom. SENOR GOFF stands at the front of the class, helping a student with a worksheet. Edythe and Eleanor enter the classroom and sit at their desks; they start readying their homework. Becca sits in the desk behind Edythe, also getting her homework ready. Edythe turns around.
EDYTHE
Becca?
Becca freezes. Beat.
BECCA (V.O.)
Must have imagined it.
EDYTHE
Becca.
BECCA (V.O.)
Is that Edythe Cullen? Is she talking to me?
BECCA
Yes?
EDYTHE
How's your week been so far, Becca?
BECCA
Um...good.
BECCA (V.O.)
Edythe Cullen is talking to me. This is weird. This is really, really weird.
EDYTHE
I was wondering if you might consider doing something for me. Just a little favor.
BECCA (V.O.)
I knew it. I knew she had to want something - but why me?
EDYTHE
You're friends with Beau Swan, aren't you?
BECCA (V.O.)
Beau?
BECCA
Not...not really.
EDYTHE
But you're friends with Allen. And Allen is friends with Beau.
BECCA
Not really friends... I mean Allen - we just have some classes together.
EDYTHE
Whatever. The point is, you do know Beau, at least a little. Well, I have it on good authority that he's at a stage in his life where he could use the friendly advice of a female friend.
BECCA
Um... McKayla is better friends with him than I am... Maybe you could ask her.
EDYTHE
Yes, but I don't like McKayla. Or any of Beau's other little female admirers.
BECCA (V.O.)
I thought I heard someone saying they saw her hanging around Beau a lot yesterday. Are they dating? So why does she need my help? I don't like this. I don't like this at all.
EDYTHE
It's nothing serious. Merely, when it comes to Beau, things haven't been progressing quite as quickly as I'd like, and sometimes just a little nudge from an outside perspective can do wonders.
BECCA (V.O.)
She can't really expect...but I don't even know Beau.
EDYTHE
Of course, you're not the best choice. But unfortunately, you're the closest girl to him who wouldn't also be angling to take him for yourself. After all, you already have someone else.
BECCA
I don't know what you mean.
EDYTHE
Oh, I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret. No wonder the two of you haven't made any progress. Here's an idea. I'll help you out. All you really need is a bit of advice - and when it comes to this sort of advice, trust me, I'm never wrong. Then when it works out, you'll owe me a favor. And you can just give Beau that bit of a nudge I'd like - don't worry, I'll tell you exactly what to say.
BECCA
I don't have any idea what you...
EDYTHE
Come now, Becca. How do you expect to get Allen Weber to take you to the prom with that attitude? (beat) Well?
BECCA (V.O.)
I don't want to get mixed up in this. What if this is all part of a big joke on Beau? I can't be a part of that.
EDYTHE
How unfortunate.
Edythe shakes her head.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Well, if that's how it is... Then I suppose you wouldn't mind if Allen went to the prom with me.
BECCA
You...
EDYTHE
Why not? I like shy guys.
BECCA (V.O.)
She couldn't - I thought she liked Beau. Would she really try to get Allen to go with her just because I wouldn't do what she wanted? Allen's so nice, he doesn't deserve that. What if she turns them against each other? I can't let that happen, can I? What should I do?
EDYTHE
Look, the fact is that I've already talked to Allen, felt him out a little. And I think he would want to ask you, if he doesn't let himself get roped into that group thing a few of his friends have been trying to put together. But he's far too shy, and he's not one for picking up on subtle hints. Here's my advice: take the initiative. Just come straight out and ask him if he'll ask you. The way I see it, you don't have to risk a whole lot. Catch him alone and ask him. If you want you can even use me. Say, "Edythe Cullen told me you wanted to ask me to prom. Is that true?" Worst case scenario, I'm wrong and he doesn't like you, so he says no. He certainly wouldn't embarrass you by telling anyone else. But I'm not wrong. Trust me, I know how to read people. That's my advice. What you have to gain is far more than I'd ever ask for. Of course... I'll understand if you don't have the guts to even try.
BECCA (V.O.)
Edythe Cullen doesn't know the first thing about guts. Like she's ever had to worry about a guy turning her down. But whatever she's up to, I wonder...could she be right? Could Allen like me?
EDYTHE
Good luck.
Edythe turns to the front of the room.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
You have a really weird definition of a good deed. You know that?
INT. GYM
McKayla hit the birdie over the net. Beau stands in the back corner, clutching his racket. COACH CLAPP blows the whistle, ending class. Coach Clapp is an older woman in a track suit. McKayla and Beau walk off the court.
MCKAYLA
So.
BEAU
So?
MCKAYLA
You and Edythe Cullen, huh?
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
You and the Black Widow. I mean, I guess if that appeals to you... I bet it's 'cause she has money...
BEAU
Yeah, me and Edythe Cullen.
MCKAYLA
I don't like it.
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
Why can't he see what a circus sideshow she is? Like they all are. The way she stares at him... Like he's her little pet or something.
BEAU
Well, you don't actually have to.
MCKAYLA
So she just snaps her fingers and you heel?
BEAU
Guess so.
Beau enters the boys' locker room.
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
Whatever. It's his life... I mean, I'll take him back if he comes crawling back after that creepy spider takes a bite out of him, but still... Girls like her always get what they want. Why do all the nice guys always fall for insensitive bitches like her? It's not fair.
INT. HALLWAY
Edythe stands by the door with her backpack. The bell RINGS. STUDENTS crowd the halls. Beau walks eagerly out the gym doors. McKayla follows Beau, but Edythe is there waiting for him. McKayla heads for the door.
BEAU
Hi.
EDYTHE
Hello. How was Gym?
BEAU
Fine.
EDYTHE
Really? How's your head?
BEAU
You didn't.
Beau and Edythe start walking toward the parking lot.
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The red brick building sits in the midst of trees. Cheap and scratched cars sit in the parking lot. STUDENTS wait to talk and converse with friends and classmates. A group of them surround Royal's red BMW, slack-jawed. Beau and Edythe start walking slowly toward the parking lot. McKayla stands by her car.
EDYTHE
You were the one who mentioned how I'd never seen you in Gym - it made me curious.
BEAU
Great. Fantastic. Well, sorry about that. I don't mind walking home if you don't want to be seen with me.
EDYTHE
It was very entertaining.
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
I hate her. I wish she would die. I hope she drives that shiny car right off a cliff. Why couldn't she just leave him alone? Stick to her own kind - to the freaks.
EDYTHE
Though I wouldn't have minded if you'd hit that girl just a little harder.
BEAU
What?
EDYTHE
It's been a while since someone besides family thought those kinds of words about me. I don't think I like it. Don't worry, I wouldn't hurt your friend. If I did, who else would agree to be your badminton partner?
BEAU
What kinds of words has your family been thinking about you?
EDYTHE
It's not fair to judge people on their thoughts. Those are supposed to be private. It's actions that count.
BEAU
I don't know... If you know someone can hear, isn't that the same thing as saying it out loud?
EDYTHE
Easy for you to say. Controlling your thoughts is very difficult. When Royal and I butt heads, I think much worse things about him, and I do say those words out loud.
Beau has to slide between the car and the group of kids surrounding Royal's car to open Edythe's door for her. Edythe gets in. Beau walks around the car and enters with no problem.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Edythe sits in the driver's seat, Beau in the passenger's.
EDYTHE
Ostentatious.
BEAU
What kind of car is that?
EDYTHE
An M3.
BEAU
Um, I don't speak Car and Driver.
EDYTHE
It's a BMW.
BEAU
Okay, I know that one.
Edythe tries to back up without running over anyone, then drives out of the parking lot. She drives down the road incredibly quickly.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Is it later yet?
EDYTHE
I suppose it is later. And you want to know why you can't see me hunt?
BEAU
Yes. And why you seemed so...mad when I asked.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
The house sits silent, Beau's truck sitting on the curb. Edythe pulls the Volvo up to stop in front of the curb.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Edythe takes her hands off the steering wheel.
EDYTHE
Did I frighten you?
BEAU
Did you want to?
EDYTHE
Maybe I did.
BEAU
Okay then, sure, I was terrified.
EDYTHE
I apologize for overreacting like that. It was just the very thought of you being near...while we hunted.
BEAU
That would be bad?
EDYTHE
Extremely.
BEAU
Because...?
EDYTHE
When we hunt, we give ourselves over to our senses...govern less with our minds. Especially our sense of smell. If you were anywhere near me when I lost control that way...
Beau and Edythe stare at each other in silence. After a beat, Edythe closes her eyes.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Beau, I think you should go inside now.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
Beau opens the door and closes it behind him. Edythe rolls down the window and leans across the seat.
EDYTHE
Oh, Beau?
BEAU
Yeah?
EDYTHE
Tomorrow it's my turn.
BEAU
Your turn to what?
EDYTHE
Ask the questions.
Edythe straightens, closes the window, and drives down the street.
EXT. CULLEN MANOR - DAY
Edythe walks up to the house. She stops, staring at the front door. ROYAL HALE stomps outside. He stops at the edge of the porch.
EDYTHE
I'm so sorry, Royal.
ROYAL
How could you have been so stupid?
Eleanor walks out after Royal and puts her hand on his shoulder.
EDYTHE
I'm sorry.
ROYAL
Are you happy now?
EDYTHE
No.
ROYAL
Why did you do it, then? Why would you tell him? Just because he asked? Why? Why did you tell him?
ELEANOR
I'm actually surprised you were able to. You rarely say the word, even with us. It's not your favorite.
EDYTHE
You're not wrong. I doubt I would ever have been able to say it myself.
ROYAL
Then how?
EDYTHE
Don't overreact. It wasn't an intentional breach. It's probably something we should have foreseen.
ROYAL
What are you talking about?
EDYTHE
Beau is friends with the great-granddaughter of Elda Black.
Royal and Eleanor freeze. DR. CARINE CULLEN appears in the doorway.
CARINE
Edythe?
EDYTHE
We should have known, Carine. Of course the elders would warn the next generation when we came back. And of course the next generation wouldn't credit any of it. It's just a silly story to them. The girl who answered Beau's question didn't believe anything she was telling him.
CARINE
You're right. Naturally, it would play out that way. It's bad luck Elda's progeny had such a knowledgeable audience.
ROYAL
Hardly bad luck. It's Edythe's fault that the boy knows anything.
EDYTHE
True. This is my fault. I am sorry.
ROYAL
Please. Enough with the roll-over routine. Stop playing so penitent.
EDYTHE
I'm not playing. I know I'm to blame for all of this. I've made an enormous mess of everything.
ROYAL
Archie told you I was thinking of burning your car, didn't he?
EDYTHE
He did. But I deserve that. If it makes you feel better, have at it. It's just a toy, Royal.
ROYAL
You've changed.
EDYTHE
I know.
Royal stalks into the garage.
ELEANOR
I don't suppose you'd give me the full story now.
EDYTHE
I don't know what you're talking about.
Eleanor follows Royal.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
(mouthing; to Carine)
Jessamine.
CARINE (V.O.)
Yes, I can imagine. I'll speak with her.
ARCHIE CULLEN appears next to Carine.
ARCHIE
She's waiting for you.
Carine walks in the house. Edythe sits at the edge of the porch and puts her head down on her knees. Archie sits down next to her and puts his arm around Edythe's shoulders. Edythe leans into him.
INT. KITCHEN, CHARLIE'S HOUSE
The kitchen is small, with yellow cabinets. A square table sits in the middle with four wood chairs. CHARLIE SWAN and Beau are eating dinner at the table.
CHARLIE
About this Saturday...
BEAU
Yes, Dad?
CHARLIE
Are you still set on going to Seattle?
BEAU
That was the plan.
CHARLIE
And you're sure you can't make it back in time for the dance?
BEAU
I'm not going to the dance, Dad.
CHARLIE
Didn't anyone ask you?
BEAU
It's just not my thing.
CHARLIE
Oh.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Edythe walks down the sidewalk, then scales the side of the house and slips in Beau's window.
INT. BEAU'S ROOM
Beau lays in bed, asleep. Edythe slips through the window and sits in the rocking chair.
BEAU
(asleep)
Edythe. You're beautiful.
Edythe smiles.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
The silver Volvo sits in the driveway. Edythe sits in the driver's seat, wearing a Poison concert shirt, green jacket, combat boots, and black jeans. Beau grabs his backpack and leaves the house. Beau gets in and closes the door behind him.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Beau puts his backpack down by his feet.
EDYTHE
Good morning. How are you today?
BEAU
Good, thank you.
EDYTHE
You look tired.
BEAU
I couldn't sleep.
EDYTHE
Neither could I.
Edythe starts the engine and begins driving.
BEAU
I guess that's right. I probably did get more sleep than you.
EDYTHE
I would wager you did.
BEAU
So what did you do last night?
EDYTHE
Not a chance. It's my day to ask questions.
BEAU
Oh, that's right. What do you want to know?
EDYTHE
What's your favorite color?
BEAU
It changes.
EDYTHE
What is it today?
BEAU
Um, probably...gold, I guess.
EDYTHE
Is there anything material behind your choice, or is it random?
BEAU
It's the color of your eyes today. If you asked me in a week, I'd probably say black.
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
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. Edythe pulls the Volvo into the parking lot and finds a spot. She and Beau get out of the car.
EDYTHE
What music is queued on your phone right now?
BEAU
Oh, right. It's Linkin Park. Hybrid Theory.
Edythe and Beau start walking toward the school.
EDYTHE
Which is your favorite song?
BEAU
Mmm. "With You," I think.
EDYTHE
Why that one?
BEAU
I'm not sure.
EDYTHE
Your favorite movie?
BEAU
I'm not sure I can pick just one.
EDYTHE
Favorite movies, then?
BEAU
Hmm. Definitely Glory, the 1989 one with Denzel Washington. Vertigo. And...Monty Python and the Holy Grail. There are more...but I'm blanking...
EDYTHE
Tell me when you think of them. While you consider that, tell me what you favorite scent is.
BEAU
Lavender. Or...maybe clean laundry.
EDYTHE
Was there more?
BEAU
No. Just those.
EDYTHE
What candy do you like best?
BEAU
Black licorice and Sour Patch Kids.
EDYTHE
Where would you like to travel to most? Think about it and give me your answer at lunch.
INT. HALLWAY
The STUDENTS crowd the hall. Edythe leans next to the door to a classroom, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Beau exits the classroom, his backpack also on.
BEAU
Lilo and Stitch. And The Empire Strikes Back. I know that's everyone's favorite, but...
EDYTHE
For good reason.
Beau and Edythe start walking down the hall.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Did you think about my travel question?
BEAU
Yeah...I think Greece. Or maybe New York. I've never been to a big city that was mostly vertical. Just sprawl places like LA and Phoenix. I'd like to try hailing a cab. And then, if I can go anywhere, I'd want to go to England. See all the stuff I've been reading about.
EDYTHE
Tell me about your favorite places that you've already been.
BEAU
Hmm. I liked the Santa Monica Pier. My mom said Monterey was better, but we never did get that far up the coast. We mostly stayed in Arizona; we didn't have a lot of time for travel and she didn't want to waste all of it in the car. She liked to visit places that were supposed to be haunted - Jerome, the Domes, pretty much any ghost town. We never saw any ghosts, but she said that was my fault. I was too skeptical, I scared them all away. She loves the Ren Faire, we go to the one in Gold Canyon every year... Well, I missed it this year, I guess. Once we saw the wild horses at the Salt River. That was cool.
EDYTHE
Where's the farthest place from home you've ever been?
BEAU
Here, I guess. Farthest north from Phoenix, anyway. Farthest east - Albuquerque, but I was so young then, I don't remember. Farthest west would probably be the beach in La Push.
INT. LUNCHROOM
Circular tables are scattered around the room, filled with STUDENTS. A table with JEREMY STANLEY, Allen, Becca, TAYLOR CROWLEY, McKayla, LOGAN MALLORY, ERICA YORKIE sitting at it is at one side of the room. Edythe and Beau enter the room and walk through the lunch line. Beau grabs a tray and begins filling it with food.
EDYTHE
You've never left the country?
BEAU
Not yet.
Edythe and Beau sit down at a table.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Gattaca. That was a good one. Have you seen it?
EDYTHE
Yes. I liked it, too.
BEAU
What's your favorite movie?
EDYTHE
It's not your turn.
BEAU
Seriously, I'm so boring. You must be out of questions.
EDYTHE
It's my day. And I'm not at all bored. Tell me about books.
BEAU
You can't make me choose a favorite.
EDYTHE
I won't. Tell me everything you like.
BEAU
Where do I start? Um, Robin Hood. That was the first big book I read. I still read it pretty much every year. Everything by Suzanne Collins, though I'm not a huge fan of Mockingjay -
EDYTHE
Why not?
BEAU
Ugh, it's so boring.
EDYTHE
Before you continue, Hunger Games or Catching Fire?
BEAU
Catching Fire, obviously. I mean, come on, Finnick? Madge? And the clock arena was so cool!
EDYTHE
Yes! Thank you! I've been fighting about that with my family since it came out.
BEAU
Is there anyone that's with you?
EDYTHE
Archie and Jess. Although I'm pretty sure that it's because Archie has a crush on Finnick.
BEAU
He's bi?
EDYTHE
Yeah. So am I, by the way.
BEAU
Cool.
EDYTHE
Continue with your list.
BEAU
Frankenstein. I read that one pretty often, too. Everything by Orson Scott Card. To Kill a Mockingbird, obviously. Fahrenheit 451. All of the Chronicles of Narnia, but especially The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 20000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Vern. Douglas Adams -
EDYTHE
Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, classic.
BEAU
David Eddings and Robin McKinley. JK Rowling, but just the Harry Potter stuff, not the transphobic thing. Did I already say Rick Riordan?
EDYTHE
I assumed as much from your travel hopes.
BEAU
Did you want more? I'm going on too much.
EDYTHE
Yes. I want more.
BEAU
These aren't in any kind of order. My mom had a bunch of Zane Grey paperbacks. Some of them were pretty good. Shakespeare, mostly the comedies. See, out of order. Um, everything by Agatha Christie. Uncle Tom's Cabin. I wish I could meet Harriet Beecher Stowe. Anne McCaffrey's dragon books...and speaking of great dragons, Jo Walton's Tooth and Claw. The Princess Bride, much better than the movie... There are a million more, but I'm blanking again.
EDYTHE
That's enough for now.
BEAU
Somewhere in Time. I love that movie. I can't believe I didn't think of it right away.
EDYTHE
Tell me about the music you like.
BEAU
Linkin Park, as I said before. Bon Jovi, the power ballads, not the country stuff. Paramore. But I mostly just listen to what my mom had.
EDYTHE
Classical music?
BEAU
Sometimes.
EDYTHE
And other times?
BEAU
Simon and Garfunkel. Neil Diamond. Joni Mitchell. John Denver. That kind of thing. She's like me - she listens to what her mother listened to. She liked to do sing-alongs on our road trips. Remember those definitions of scary we talked about before? Until you've heard my mom and me trying to hit the high notes in the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, you've never known true fear.
Beau and Edythe laugh.
EDYTHE
Favorite TV show?
BEAU
I don't watch a lot of TV. But if I had to pick...Bones.
EDYTHE
What's your favorite character?
BEAU
Saroyan. Or, maybe Hodgins.
EDYTHE
Coke or Pepsi?
BEAU
Dr. Pepper.
EDYTHE
Favorite ice cream?
BEAU
Cookie dough.
EDYTHE
Pizza?
BEAU
Cheese. Boring but true.
EDYTHE
Football team?
BEAU
Um, pass?
EDYTHE
Basketball?
BEAU
I'm not really a sports guy.
EDYTHE
What's your favorite gemstone?
BEAU
Depends on the week. Topaz or onyx.
EDYTHE
Depends on the week?
BEAU
On what color your eyes are.
EDYTHE
(slightly embarrassed)
What kinds of flowers do you prefer?
BEAU
Dahlias. For looks. Lavender and lilac for fragrance.
EDYTHE
You don't like to watch sports, but did you ever play on a team?
BEAU
Just in school when they made me.
EDYTHE
Your mother never put you on a soccer team?
BEAU
My mom liked to keep weekends open for adventures. I did Boy Scouts for a while, and once she put me in a dance class, but that was a mistake. I quit after two classes. She thought it would be convenient because it was close enough for me to walk there after school, and she taught there, too. But no convenience was worth the mayhem.
EDYTHE
Mayhem, really?
BEAU
If I had Ms. Kamenev's number, she would corroborate my story. (beat) There's one question you haven't asked me yet.
EDYTHE
More than one, actually, but which specific one are you looking for?
BEAU
The most embarrassing thing I've ever done.
EDYTHE
Is it a spectacular story?
BEAU
I'm not sure yet. I'll tell you in five minutes.
Beau stands, grabs his backpack, and walks over to the table where Jeremy, Allen, Becca, Taylor, McKayla, Logan, and Erica are all getting ready to leave.
JEREMY (V.O.)
What does he want?
(angry)
Why isn't his new girlfriend with him?
BEAU
Taylor, can I have a minute?
TAYLOR (V.O.)
Did he say my name? Ohmigod, is he actually going to ask me to prom?
Jeremy, Allen, Becca, McKayla, Logan, and Erica all stare at Beau, wide-eyed.
LOGAN (V.O.)
Back off, dude. What? Edythe Cullen not enough? You have to have what's mine, too?
TAYLOR
Sure, Beau.
TAYLOR (V.O.)
Crap. Is he mad at me?
BEAU
Look, I can't do this anymore.
MCKAYLA (V.O.)
He couldn't have done this in private?
TAYLOR
What?
BEAU
I'm tired of being a pawn in your game, Taylor. Do you even realize that I have feelings of my own? And all I can do is watch while you use me to make someone else jealous.
Beau glares at Logan.
BEAU (CONT'D)
You don't care if you break my heart in the process. Is it being beautiful that's made you so cruel?
TAYLOR (V.O.)
He thinks I'm beautiful?
BEAU
I'm not going to play anymore. This whole prom charade? I'm out. Go with the person you really want to be with.
Beau stalks out of the lunchroom, slamming the doors dramatically. Edythe runs [human speed] to join him, taking her backpack with her.
INT. HALLWAY
Beau walks down the hallway, which is crowded with STUDENTS. Edythe runs up to him.
EDYTHE
That truly was spectacular. How'd you do that?
BEAU
Combination soap opera and something I used to think about you.
Edythe looks at Beau with a confused expression.
BEAU (CONT'D)
The "is it being beautiful that's made you so cruel" thing.
EDYTHE
Hey, you could say that about Royal, but I'm just cruel because it's fun.
BEAU
Did it work, at least?
EDYTHE
Like a charm. Taylor's feeling quite the femme fatale, and she's not even sure why. If Logan doesn't ask her to prom by Monday, I'll be surprised.
INT. SPANISH CLASSROOM
STUDENTS crowd the desks. Eleanor and Edythe sit at desks next to each other. Suddenly, Edythe tenses severely.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Oops. Sorry, I was trying not to think about that. I didn't mean any harm. Hey, I took your side, right? Honestly, Jess and Royal are just being silly, betting against Archie. It's the easiest wager I'll ever win.
EDYTHE (V.O.)
A wager about this weekend, whether Beau would live or die. Fourteen and a half minutes before I could punch her in the face.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
C'mon, Edy. You know it wasn't serious. Anyway, it's not even about the boy. You know better than I do whatever's going on with Royal. Something between you two, I guess. He's still mad, and he wouldn't admit for all the world that he's actually rooting for you. And Jess - well, you know. She's tired of being the weakest link. You're kind of too perfect with the self-control, and it gets annoying. Carine's different. Admit it, you're a little...smug. Don't take it personally. You want me to back out of it? I will.
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The bell RINGS. STUDENTS crowd the parking lot. Edythe and Beau walk toward the Volvo.
EDYTHE
Tell me about your home. What do you miss?
BEAU
Um...my house? Or Phoenix? Or do you mean here?
EDYTHE
All of those. Please?
Beau holds the driver's door open for Edythe. She steps in. Beau walks around the car and gets in, deliberating.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Edythe begins driving. Beau puts his hand over hers, which rests next to her.
BEAU
Have you ever been to Phoenix?
EDYTHE
No.
BEAU
Right. Of course. The sun. It creates some kind of problem for you...?
EDYTHE
Indeed. So tell me about this place I've never seen.
BEAU
The city is mostly very flat, not much taller than one or two stories. There are a few baby skyscrapers downtown, but that was pretty far away from where I lived. Phoenix is huge. You can drive through suburbs all day. Lots of stucco and tile and gravel. It's not all soft and squishy like it is here - everything is hard and most things have thorns.
EDYTHE
But you like it.
BEAU
Yeah. It's so open. Just all sky. The things we call mountains are really hills - hard, thorny hills. But most of the valley is a big, shallow bowl and it feels like it's filled with sunlight all the time. The plants are like modern art compared to the stuff here - lots of angles and edges. Mostly spiky. But they're all open, too. Even if there are leaves, they're just feathery, sparse things. Nothing can really hide there. Nothing keeps the sun out.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
The house sits silent. Beau's truck sits on the curb. Edythe pulls the Volvo up behind it.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Beau and Edythe sit in Edythe's car, Edythe in the driver's seat.
BEAU
Well, it does rain occasionally. But it's different there. More exciting. Lots of thunder and lightning and flash floods - not just the nonstop drizzle thing. And it smells better there. That's the creosote.
EDYTHE
I've never smelled the scent of creosote.
BEAU
They only smell in the rain.
EDYTHE
What is it like?
BEAU
Sweet and bitter at the same time. A little like resin, a little like medicine. But that sounds bad. It smells fresh. Like clean desert. That's not helpful, is it?
EDYTHE
On the contrary. What else have I missed, not visiting Arizona?
BEAU
Saguaros, but I'm sure you've seen pictures.
Edythe nods.
BEAU (CONT'D)
They're bigger than you'd except, when you see them in person. It takes all the newbies by surprise. Have you ever lived anywhere with cicadas?
EDYTHE
Yes. We were in New Orleans for a while.
BEAU
Then you know. I had a job last summer at a plant nursery. The screaming - it's like nails on a chalkboard. It drove me crazy.
EDYTHE
What else?
BEAU
Hmm. The colors are different. The mountains are mostly volcanic. Lots of purple rock. It's dark enough that it holds a lot of heat from the sun. So does the blacktop. In the summer, it never cools off - frying an egg on the sidewalk is not an urban myth. But there's lots of green from the golf courses. Some people keep lawns, too, though I think that's crazy. Anyway, the contrast in the colors is cool.
EDYTHE
What's your favorite place to spend time?
BEAU
The library. If I hadn't already outed myself as a huge nerd, I guess that makes it obvious. I feel like I've read every fiction book in the little branch near me. The first place I went when I got my license was the central library downtown. I could live there.
EDYTHE
Where else?
BEAU
In the summer, we'd go to the pool at Cactus Park. My mom had me in swimming lessons there before I could walk. There was always some story in the news about a toddler drowning, and it freaked her out. In the winter, we'd go to Roadrunner Park. It's not huge, but it had a little lake. We'd sail paper boats when I was a kid. Nothing very exciting, like I've been trying to tell you...
EDYTHE
I think it sounds lovely. I don't remember much about my childhood.
BEAU
That must be difficult. And strange.
EDYTHE
It's all I know. Certainly nothing to worry about. (beat) What are you thinking?
BEAU
I have a lot of questions. But I know -
BEAU (CONT'D) EDYTHE
Today is your day. Today is my day
Edythe and Beau laugh.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Have I sold you on Phoenix yet?
EDYTHE
Perhaps I need a bit more persuasion.
BEAU
There's this one kind of acacia tree - I don't know what it's called. It looks like all the others, thorny, half-dead. But in the springtime, it has these yellow fuzzy blossoms that looks like pom-poms. They smell...amazing. Like nothing else. Really faint, delicate - you'll get a sudden hint of them in the breeze and then it's gone. I should have included them with my favorite scents. I wish someone would make a candle or something. And then the sunsets are incredible. Seriously, you'll never see anything close here. Even in the middle of the day, though, the sky - that's the main thing. It's not blue like the sky here - when you can even see it here. It's brighter, paler. Sometimes it's almost white. And it's everywhere. There's so much sky there. If you get away from the lights of the city a little bit, you can see a million stars. You really ought to check it out some night.
EDYTHE
It's beautiful to you.
BEAU
It's not for everybody, I guess. I liked the...minimalism. It's an honest sort of place. It doesn't hide anything.
EDYTHE
You must miss it a great deal.
BEAU
I did at first.
EDYTHE
But now?
BEAU
I guess I'm used to it here.
EDYTHE
Tell me about your home there.
BEAU
It's nothing unusual. Stucco and tile, like I said. One story, three bedrooms, two baths. I miss my little bathroom most. Sharing with Charlie is stressful. Gravel and cactus outside. Everything inside is vintage seventies - wood paneling, linoleum, shag carpet, mustard Formica counters, the works. My mom's not big on renovations. She claims the dated stuff has character.
EDYTHE
What is your bedroom like?
BEAU
Now or when I lived there?
EDYTHE
Now?
BEAU
I think it's a yoga studio or something. My stuff is in the garage.
EDYTHE
What will you do when you go back?
BEAU
We'll shove the bed back in somehow.
EDYTHE
Wasn't there a third bedroom?
BEAU
That's her craft room. It would take an act of God to make space for a bed in there.
EDYTHE
What was your room like when you lived there?
BEAU
Um, cluttered. But still organized. I had a system, like I do now.
EDYTHE
Tell me about it.
BEAU
It's a narrow room. Twin bed on the south wall and dresser on the north under the window, with a pretty tight aisle in between. I did have a little walk-in closet, which would have been cool, if I could have kept it clean enough to be able to actually walk into it. My room here is bigger and more organized, but that's because I haven't been here long enough to make a serious system. Um...the ceiling fan is broken, just the light works, so I had a big noisy fan on top of the dresser. It sounds like a wind tunnel in the summer. But it's a lot better for sleep than the rain here. The sound of the rain isn't consistent enough. (beat) Are you finished?
EDYTHE
Not even close - but your father will be home soon.
BEAU
How late is it?
EDYTHE
It's twilight. It's the safest time of day for us. The easiest time. But also, the saddest, in a way...the end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?
BEAU
I like the night. Without the dark, you'd never see the stars. Not that you see them here much.
EDYTHE
Charlie will be here in a few minutes. So, unless you want to tell him that you'll be with me Saturday...
BEAU
Thanks, but no thanks. So, is it my turn tomorrow, then?
EDYTHE
Certainly not! I told you I wasn't done, didn't I?
BEAU
What more is there?
EDYTHE
You'll find out tomorrow.
BEAU (V.O.)
Thursday, March twenty-fourth: I'd always thought I didn't really have a type; my former crowd back home all had something. I'd thought I was less particular, a pretty girl was a pretty girl. But I realized now that I must have been the most difficult to please of them all. Apparently, my type was extremely specific - I'd just never known it. I hadn't known my favorite hair color was this shade of bronze, because I'd never seen it before. I hadn't known I was looking for eyes the color of honey, because I'd never seen those, either. All along, there had only been one face, one girl, that would move me.
Beau reaches for Edythe's face, leaning in and trying to kiss her. Edythe recoils.
BONNIE (V.O.)
Ought to be safe enough for the girl. No reason to run into any vampires here, even if this is neutral territory. I hope I was right to bring her into town.
BEAU
Sorr -
Edythe's head whips forward.
EDYTHE
Oh no.
BEAU
What's wrong?
EDYTHE
Another complication.
Headlights flash as another car parks a few feet from them.
JULIE (V.O.)
Wow! Is that an S60 R? I've never seen one in real life before. Cool. Wonder who drives one of those around here? Custom-painted aftermarket front splitter...semi-slicks... That thing must tear the road up. I need to get a look at the exhaust...
EDYTHE
Hurry.
Edythe flings the passenger door open and moves away from Beau.
BONNIE (V.O.)
Cold one! Vampire! Cullen!
JULIE (V.O.)
Oh, it's Beau!
BONNIE (V.O.)
What is it doing here? What should I do?
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Beau gets out of the car. Edythe pulls away.
JULIE
Hey, Beau.
BEAU
Jules?
The cruiser swings around the corner. JULIE BLACK stands on the sidewalk, BONNIE BLACK sits in a wheelchair by her side. Bonnie is much older now.
BEAU (V.O.)
Had Bonnie recognized Edythe so easily? Could she really believe the impossible legends her daughter had scoffed at? The answer was clear. Yes. Yes, she could.
A/N: Oh Bonnie, referring to every vampire as "it".
On a positive note, I finally got past that freaking fourth season wolf episode. Usually I can churn out an episode in about two hours, but that one took me two days.
Also, on a side note, my sister has begun to sing Christmas songs at the top of her lungs. Pray for my sanity.