A/N: You'll notice in this one that I cut out the whole "I'm going to pretend I didn't see you behind the wheel, young lady" part because I'm from Washington, and therefore know that you're allowed to get your permit at age 15 (the age Julie is) as long as you're in a driver's education class.
Song of the Episode: This Mountain by Faouzia
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The house sits silent. BEAU SWAN stands by his Chevy. JULIE BLACK stands by their rental, and BONNIE BLACK sits in her wheelchair next to her. CHARLIE SWAN gets out of the cruiser, which is parked in the driveway.
CHARLIE
Bonnie!
Beau moves to the porch. He unlocks the front door and flicks the porch light on, going inside and leaving the door open. Julie, Bonnie, and Charlie hurry in.
INT. FRONT ROOM
Charlie, Julie, and Beau stand in the entryway, Bonnie sitting in her wheelchair.
CHARLIE
This is a surprise.
BONNIE
It's been too long. I hope it's not a bad time.
CHARLIE
No, it's great. I hope you can stay for the game.
JULIE
I think that's the plan - our TV broke last week.
BONNIE
And, of course, Jules was eager to see Beau again.
Julie scowls and ducks her head, embarrassed.
BEAU
Are you hungry?
JULIE
Naw, we ate just before we came.
BEAU
Okay.
Beau walks toward the kitchen. Julie follows.
INT. KITCHEN
The kitchen is small, with yellow cabinets. A square table sits in the middle with four wood chairs. Beau enters the kitchen.
BEAU
How about you, Charlie?
CHARLIE (O.S.)
Sure.
Beau begins to make food for him and Charlie when Julie walks in the kitchen and leans against the counter next to him.
JULIE
So, how are things?
BEAU
Pretty good. How about you? Did you finish your car?
JULIE
No. I still need parts.
Julie points to the front yard.
JULIE (CONT'D)
We borrowed that one.
BEAU
Sorry. I haven't seen any...what was it you were looking for?
JULIE
Master cylinder. Is something wrong with the truck?
BEAU
No.
JULIE
Oh. I just wondered because you weren't driving it.
BEAU
I got a ride from a...friend.
JULIE
Nice ride. I didn't recognize the driver, though. I thought I knew most of the kids around here. My mom seemed to know her from somewhere.
BEAU
Jules, could you hand me some plates? They're in the cupboard above the sink.
JULIE
Sure.
Julie gets the plates in silence.
JULIE (CONT'D)
So, who was it?
BEAU
Edythe Cullen.
Julie laughs sharply. Beau glances at her.
JULIE
(embarrassed)
Guess that explains it, then. I wondered why my mom was acting so strange.
BEAU
That's right. She doesn't like the Cullens.
JULIE
Superstitious old bat.
BEAU
You don't think she'd say anything to Charlie?
JULIE
I doubt it. I think Charlie chewed her out pretty good last time. They haven't spoken much since - tonight is sort of a reunion, I think. I don't think she'd bring it up again.
BEAU
Oh.
JULIE
Can I say something that isn't supposed to be offensive at all?
BEAU
Sure...
JULIE
Your cologne smells awful.
BEAU
I don't wear cologne.
JULIE
Oh. Maybe it's something else.
BEAU
I don't know. Come on.
Beau picks up the plates and heads to the living room, Julie beside him.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Beau carries the food into the living room with Julie following. The game continues.
INT. FRONT ROOM
Once the game ends, Julie and Bonnie begin to leave.
JULIE
Are you and your friends coming back to the beach soon?
BEAU
Uh, I'm not sure.
BONNIE
That was fun, Charlie.
CHARLIE
Come up for the next game.
BONNIE
Sure, sure. We'll be here. Have a good night.
(to Beau)
You take care, Beau.
BEAU
Thanks.
Julie and Bonnie leave. Charlie waves to Julie and Bonnie as they drive away. Beau heads for the stairs.
CHARLIE
Wait, Beau.
Beau turns.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
I didn't get a chance to talk to you tonight. How was your day?
BEAU
Good. My badminton team won all four games.
CHARLIE
Wow, I didn't know you could play badminton.
BEAU
Well, actually I can't, but my partner is really good.
CHARLIE
Who is it?
BEAU
Um...McKayla Newton.
CHARLIE
Oh yeah - you said you were friends with the Newton girl. Nice family. She didn't want to go with you to the dance this weekend?
BEAU
Dad! She's kind of dating my friend Jeremy. Besides, you know I can't dance.
CHARLIE
Oh yeah. So, I guess it's good you'll be gone Saturday...I've made plans to go fishing with the guys from the station. The weather's supposed to be really warm. But if you wanted to put your trip off till someone could go with you, I'd stay home. I know I leave you here alone too much.
BEAU
Dad, you're doing a great job. I've never minded being alone - I'm too much like you.
EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT [ESTABLISHING]
A medium sized hospital sits among the evergreen trees. Ambulances sit at one side.
INT. CARINE'S OFFICE
The office is small, the only furniture being a desk and chair. A computer sits in the corner of the desk. Another chair sits in the corner of the room. EDYTHE CULLEN walks in the room and sits down at the chair in the corner. After a beat, DR. CARINE CULLEN enters, wearing a doctor's coat and holding a clipboard in her hand.
CARINE
Edythe? Is everything all right?
EDYTHE
Yes. I just wanted you to know right away - Bonnie Black saw me at Beau's house tonight. She said nothing to Charlie, but...
CARINE
Hmm.
CARINE (V.O.)
We've been here so long, it would be unfortunate if tensions arose again.
EDYTHE
It's probably nothing. She just wasn't prepared to be two yards away from a cold one. The others will talk her down. After all, what can they do about it?
CARINE (V.O.)
You shouldn't think of it that way.
CARINE
Though they've lost their protectors, they are in no danger from us.
EDYTHE
No. Of course not.
CARINE
Will you...be coming home soon?
EDYTHE
Is Earnest very upset with me?
Carine sits on the arm of Edythe's chair.
CARINE
Not upset with you...about you, yes.
CARINE (V.O.)
He worries. He misses you.
EDYTHE
I'll go home now.
CARINE
Thank you, Edythe.
EXT. CULLEN MANOR - NIGHT [ESTABLISHING]
The house sits silent in the trees. ARCHIE CULLEN leans against the side of the house. Edythe walk up to him, and he pushes off from the side.
ARCHIE
Wanna go for a walk?
EDYTHE
Sure.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Edythe and Archie walk through the forest.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
What's got your face in such a knot?
EDYTHE
Lousy mood.
Archie shoves Edythe.
ARCHIE
(heavily sarcastic)
Oh ho. What else is new?
EDYTHE
You wouldn't understand.
ARCHIE
Try me.
EDYTHE
It was before you and Jess joined us. That was when the treaty was signed, between Carine and Elda Black - the former chief of the Quileutes. Julie Black and her mother were at Charlie's tonight. Julie's mother, Bonnie, is her granddaughter. She wants to warn Beau's father about my influence. She can't say anything about the treaty. But that might not stop her from warning him that I might not be...good for him.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
That won't stop you.
EDYTHE
Won't it? Don't I have more strength than that? Or is it already a foregone conclusion?
ARCHIE (V.O.)
The inevitable is becoming clearer.
EDYTHE
No. I will not destroy his soul. I couldn't live with myself...
ARCHIE (V.O.)
You could.
INT. LIVING ROOM
A pale couch is pushed up against the wall, a large flatscreen TV across from it. Two pale chairs sit next to the couch. In the center is a coffee table. Two small tables sit on either side of the couch. A piano is in one corner, the lid above the keys up. No sheets of music sit in the stand. The back wall is completely glass, and a small control panel sits on the wall beside it. Edythe sits at the piano bench, playing softly to EARNEST CULLEN, who sits on the bench next to her.
EARNEST
How are you, Edythe?
EDYTHE
I'm...not entirely sure. It's up and down.
EARNEST (V.O.)
He causes you pain.
EDYTHE
I cause my own pain. It's not his fault.
EARNEST (V.O.)
It's not your fault, either.
EDYTHE
I am what I am.
EARNEST (V.O.)
And that's not your fault.
EDYTHE
You blame Carine?
EARNEST (V.O.)
No. Do you?
EDYTHE
No.
EARNEST (V.O.)
Then why blame yourself? I hate to see you suffer.
EDYTHE
It's not all suffering.
EARNEST (V.O.)
This boy...he makes you happy?
EDYTHE
Yes...when I'm not getting in my own way. He does indeed.
EARNEST
Then that's all right.
EDYTHE
Is it?
Beat.
EARNEST (V.O.)
What will it mean for you if he dies?
Edythe cringes and stops playing.
EARNEST
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to -
Edythe shakes her head. Earnest cuts off.
EDYTHE
I don't know how... How I move past that. I can't see anything...nothing past that.
Earnest puts his arm around Edythe.
EARNEST
That's not going to happen. I know it won't.
EDYTHE
I wish I could be as sure.
EARNEST (V.O.)
I am sure. You won't hurt him.
EDYTHE
So you've placed your money with Archie and Eleanor, I see.
EARNEST
This is not a joking matter.
EDYTHE
No, it isn't.
EARNEST (V.O.)
But when Jess and Royal lose, I won't be angry if Eleanor rubs it in a bit.
EDYTHE
I doubt she'll disappoint you there.
EARNEST (V.O.)
Nor will you disappoint me, Edythe. Oh, my daughter, how I do love you. When the hard part is over...I'm going to be very happy, you know. I think I will love this boy.
Edythe raises her eyebrows at him.
EARNEST (V.O.; CONT'D)
You wouldn't be so cruel as to keep him from me, would you?
EDYTHE
Now you sound just like Archie.
EARNEST
I don't know why you fight him on anything. Easier to embrace the inevitable.
EDYTHE
You're right. I won't hurt him.
EARNEST (V.O.)
Of course you won't.
Edythe rests her head on Earnest's shoulder.
EARNEST (V.O.; CONT'D)
You'll go to him now?
EDYTHE
Yes.
EARNEST (V.O.)
What do you do all night?
EDYTHE
Think...and burn. And listen.
EARNEST
I don't like that this causes you pain.
EDYTHE
That's the easiest part. It's nothing, really.
EARNEST (V.O.)
And the hardest part?
EDYTHE
I think...that I can't be human with him. That the best version is the one that is impossible. Everything will be all right, Earnest.
EARNEST (V.O.)
Yes, it will be. He couldn't be in better hands.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO, THE NEXT MORNING
Edythe and Beau sit in the car, Edythe driving. Edythe wears a black sweater and jeans. The sweater was stolen from Archie and is too big for her.
EDYTHE
How did you sleep?
BEAU
Fine. How was your night?
EDYTHE
Pleasant.
BEAU
Can I ask what you did?
EDYTHE
No. Today is still mine.
BEAU
I don't think there's anything I haven't told you.
EDYTHE
Tell me more about your mother.
BEAU
Okay. Um, my mom is kind of...wild, I guess? Not like a tiger is wild, like a sparrow, like a deer. She just, doesn't do well in cages? My grandpa - who was totally normal, by the way, and had no idea where my mom came from - used to call her a will-o'-the-wisp. I got the feeling that raising my mom through her teenage years was no cakewalk. Anyway, it's pretty hard for her to stay in one place very long. Getting to wander off with Phil with no sure end destination in mind...well, I think it's the happiest I've ever seen her. She tried really hard for me, though. Made do with weekend adventures and constantly switching jobs. I did what I could to free her from all the mundane stuff. I imagine Phil will do the same. I feel like...kind of a bad son. Because I'm a little relieved, you know? She doesn't have to stay in place for me anymore. That's a weight off. And then Charlie...I never thought about him needing me, but he really does. That house is too empty for him.
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The red brick building sits in the midst of trees. Cheap and scratched cars sit in the parking lot. Edythe pulls the Volvo into a parking space. She and Beau get out, Beau takes her hand, and they walk toward the school together.
INT. GYM
The gym is large, with bleachers lining one wall. The school logo is painted in the middle of the gym. Two doors sit at one wall, marked as the boys' and girls' locker rooms. Nets are set up, with STUDENTS playing badminton on either side. Edythe and Archie are a team, playing against two of their classmates. They all wear uniforms. COACH CLAPP monitors the games.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Oh! Well, it's about time!
Edythe sighs, hitting the birdie over the net.
ARCHIE (V.O.; CONT'D)
Don't be such a baby. It's not much. And I can already see that you won't stop me.
Coach Clapp blows a whistle. Edythe and Archie begin walking back toward the locker rooms.
EDYTHE
No, it won't be very much.
ARCHIE
I can be patient. Baby steps.
Edythe rolls her eyes.
INT. LUNCHROOM
Circular tables are scattered around the room, filled with STUDENTS. Beau and Edythe are sitting at a lunch table. Edythe is back in her black sweater and jeans. ELEANOR CULLEN, JESSAMINE HALE, Archie, and ROYAL HALE sit across the room.
EDYTHE
Tell me about your first date.
Beau hesitates, his eyes widening.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
You're not going to tell me?
BEAU
I'm just not sure...what actually counts.
EDYTHE
Put the qualifications at their lowest setting.
BEAU
Well, then I guess that would be McKayla - a different McKayla. She was my square-dancing partner in the sixth grade. I was invited to her birthday party - it was a movie. I was the only one who showed up. Later, people said it was a date. I don't know who started that rumor.
EDYTHE
That's perhaps setting the bar a little too low.
BEAU
You said the lowest setting.
EDYTHE
Continue, then.
BEAU
A few friends were going to the ice rink with some girls. They needed me to even up the numbers. I wouldn't have gone if I'd realized that it meant I was matched up with Reeta Merchant. And of course, I figured out pretty quickly that ice skating was a bad idea. My injuries were minor, but the plus was that I got to sit by the snack bar and read for the rest of the night.
EDYTHE
Shall we skip to an actual date?
BEAU
You mean like, I asked someone out in advance and then we went someplace alone together?
EDYTHE
That sounds like a workable definition.
BEAU
Sorry, then, I've got nothing.
EDYTHE
No one ever asked you out on a date before you came here? Really?
BEAU
I'm not totally sure. Is it a date? Is it just friends hanging out? Not that it mattered much. I never had time for either. After a while the word gets around, and no one asks again.
EDYTHE
Were you actually busy? Or making excuses like you do here?
BEAU
Actually busy. Running a house is time-consuming, and I usually had a part-time job, too, not to mention school. If I'm going to get to college, I'm going to need a full-ride scholarship, and -
EDYTHE
Hold that thought. Before we move on to the next subject, I'd like to finish this one. If you hadn't been so busy, were any of these invitations one you would have liked to accept?
BEAU
Not really. I mean, other than just to have a night out. They weren't particularly interesting girls.
EDYTHE
And other girls? Who you didn't ask?
BEAU
I wasn't paying that much attention.
EDYTHE
So you never met anyone you wanted?
BEAU
Not in Phoenix.
Edythe looks away, awkward, but slightly flattered.
BEAU (CONT'D)
I know it's not my day, but -
EDYTHE
No, it's not.
BEAU
C'mon. I just spilled my entire embarrassing lack-of-dating history.
EDYTHE
Mine is quite similar, actually - minus the ice-skating and trick birthday parties. I haven't been paying much attention, either. (beat) Which college would you like to go to?
BEAU
Um... Well, I used to think ASU was the most practical, because I could live at home. But with Mom moving around now, I guess my field is more open. It will have to be a state school - someone reasonable - even with a scholarship. When I first came here...well, I was glad that Charlie doesn't live close enough to Washington State to make that practical.
EDYTHE
Are you disparaging our fine state's Huskies?
BEAU
Nothing against the institution - just the weather.
EDYTHE
And if you could go anywhere - if the cost were no object - where would you go?
BEAU
I'd have to do some research. Most of the fancy schools are in the snow zone. I wonder what colleges in Hawaii are like.
EDYTHE
Lovely, I'm sure. And after school? What then?
BEAU
Something with books. I always thought I would teach like - well, not exactly like my mom. If I could...I'd like to teach on a college level somewhere - probably a community college. Elective English classes - so that everyone who's signed up is there because they want to be.
EDYTHE
Is that what you've always wanted?
BEAU
Mostly. I once thought of working for a publisher - as an editor or something. I did some research. It's a lot easier to get a job as a teacher. Much more practical.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Edythe. It's the same place. (beat) Edythe! I love him, Edy! (beat) Don't tell him I said that. (beat) Edythe, we have to talk. I won't let you just ignore this. We're leaving, and we're going to work this through. I'll give you till the end of the period. Make your excuses - oh! (beat) Thank you.
EDYTHE
I should have let you drive yourself today.
BEAU
Why?
EDYTHE
I'm leaving with Archie after lunch.
BEAU
Oh. That's okay, it's not that far of a walk.
EDYTHE
I'm not going to make you walk home. We'll go get your truck and leave it here for you.
BEAU
I don't have my key with me. I really don't mind walking.
EDYTHE
Your truck will be here, and the key will be in the ignition - unless you're afraid someone might steal it.
BEAU
So where are you going?
EDYTHE
Hunting. If we're going to be alone together tomorrow, I'm going to take whatever precautions I can. You can always cancel, you know.
BEAU
No. I can't.
EDYTHE
Perhaps you're right.
BEAU
What time tomorrow?
EDYTHE
That depends...it's a Saturday. Don't you want to sleep in?
BEAU
No.
EDYTHE
The same time as usual, then?
BEAU
Where should I pick you up?
EDYTHE
I'll come to your place, also as usual.
BEAU
Um, it doesn't help with the Charlie situation if an unexplained Volvo is left in the driveway.
EDYTHE
I wasn't intending to bring a car.
BEAU
How -
EDYTHE
Don't worry about it. I'll be there, no car. No chance that Charlie will see anything out of the ordinary. And then, if you don't come home, it will be a complete mystery, won't it?
BEAU
Guess so. Maybe I'll get on the news and everything. What are you hunting tonight?
EDYTHE
Whatever we find in the park. We aren't going far.
BEAU
Why are you going with Archie? Didn't you say he was being annoying?
EDYTHE
He's still the most...supportive.
BEAU
And the rest of them? What are they?
EDYTHE
Incredulous, for the most part.
BEAU
They don't like me.
EDYTHE
That's not it.
ROYAL (V.O.)
Ha!
EDYTHE
They don't understand why I can't leave you alone.
ROYAL (V.O.)
Well, that's true enough.
BEAU
Me, either.
EDYTHE
You're not like anyone I've ever known, Beau. You fascinate me.
BEAU
I can't understand that.
EDYTHE
(discreetly touches her forehead)
Having the advantages I do, I have a better-than-average grasp of human nature. People are predictable. But you...you never do what I expect. You always take me by surprise.
Beau looks at Eleanor, Archie, Jessamine, and Royal.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
That part is easy enough to explain. But there's more, and it's not so easy to put into words -
Royal turns to glare at Beau.
ROYAL (V.O.)
Don't you get too comfortable, kid. I could still take you out. It would be easy... Too easy...
Edythe HISSES at Royal. He turns away. Beau looks back to Edythe.
ROYAL (V.O.; CONT'D)
He started it.
BEAU
That was definitely dislike.
EDYTHE
I'm sorry about that. He's just worried. You see...it's dangerous for more than just me if, after spending so much time with you so publicly...
BEAU
If?
EDYTHE
If this ends...badly.
Edythe drops her head into her hands. Beau reaches toward her and places his hand on her elbow.
BEAU
And you have to leave now?
EDYTHE
Yes. It's probably for the best. We still have fifteen minutes of that wretched movie left to endure in Biology - I don't think I could take anymore.
Archie appears behind Edythe's shoulder. Edythe continues looking at Beau.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Archie.
ARCHIE
Edythe.
EDYTHE
Archie, Beau - Beau, my brother, Archie.
ARCHIE
Hello, Beau. It's nice to finally meet you.
BEAU
Um, hey, Archie.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
I won't push my luck.
ARCHIE
(to Edythe)
Are you ready?
EDYTHE
Nearly. I'll meet you at the car.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
I'll get out of your way now. Thanks.
Archie leaves.
BEAU
Should I say, "have fun," or is that the wrong sentiment?
EDYTHE
"Have fun" works as well as anything.
BEAU
Have fun, then.
EDYTHE
I'll try. And you try to be safe, please.
BEAU
Safe in Forks - what a challenge.
EDYTHE
For you it is a challenge. Promise.
BEAU
I promise to try to be safe. I was meaning to do the laundry...or is that too hazardous a task? I mean, I could fall in or something.
Edythe glares at Beau.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Okay, okay, I'll do my best.
Beau and Edythe stand.
BEAU (CONT'D)
I'll see you tomorrow.
EDYTHE
It seems like a long time to you, doesn't it?
Beau nods glumly.
EDYTHE
I'll be there in the morning.
Edythe smiles crookedly and reaches across the table to brush Beau's hand with her fingertips. She turns and walks away. Beau stares after her until she's gone.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Archie sits in the passenger seat. Edythe climbs in the driver's.
EDYTHE
Archie -
ARCHIE
First things first. We have an errand to run, don't we.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
Beau's truck sits on the curb. Edythe pulls the Volvo up behind it, and Archie gets out. He walks up to the front door, grabs the key from under the eave, unlocks the door, and goes inside. Moments later, he returns with Beau's car keys and a piece of paper in his hand. He gets back in the Volvo.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Archie closes the door behind him.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Here.
Archie hands Edythe the piece of paper and a pen from the console between them.
EDYTHE
I'll concede that you're useful.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
You couldn't survive without me.
Edythe writes a quick note, then exits the car.
INT. GYM
The gym is large, with bleachers lining one wall. The school logo is painted in the middle of the gym. Two doors sit at one wall, marked as the boys' and girls' locker rooms. MCKAYLA NEWTON and Beau are walking to the dressing rooms, both in uniform.
MCKAYLA
Are you taking Edythe to the dance?
BEAU
No. I told you I wasn't going.
MCKAYLA
What are you doing, then?
BEAU
Laundry, and I have to study for the Trig test or I'm going to fail.
MCKAYLA
Is Edythe helping you "study"?
BEAU
Don't I wish. She's so much smarter than I am. But she's gone away somewhere with her brother for the weekend.
MCKAYLA
Oh. You know, you could come to the dance with our group anyway - that would be cool. We'd all dance with you.
BEAU
I'm not going to the dance, McKayla, okay?
MCKAYLA
Fine. I was just offering.
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
The red brick building sits in the midst of trees. Cheap and scratched cars sit in the parking lot. The bell RINGS. STUDENTS begin getting in their various cars and driving away. A few stop to chat with friends. Beau walks to his truck and opens the door. On the seat, a folded piece of paper sits. Beau unfolds it. It reads "Be safe - E"
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Edythe drives down the street, Archie sitting next to her.
EDYTHE
Now, Archie.
ARCHIE
I'm sorry. I wish I didn't have to -
EDYTHE
It's not real. It's just an old vision. Before everything. Before I knew I loved him.
EXT. THE MEADOW - DAY
VISION SEQUENCE:
Shadowed trees surround a brightly lit meadow. Wildflowers of all colors are scattered through the grass. Edythe holds a dead Beau in her arms. Her eyes are red, and blood drips down her lip.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Edythe cringes.
EDYTHE
It can't still be valid. You didn't see it again, you just remembered it.
Archie shakes his head.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
It's not just a memory, Edythe. I see it now.
EDYTHE
We'll go somewhere else. (beat) I'll cancel. He's forgiven my broken promises before.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
His blood is so strong to you, Edy. As you get closer to him...
EDYTHE
I'll go back to keeping my distance.
ARCHIE
I don't think that will work. It didn't before.
EDYTHE
I'll leave.
ARCHIE
It's still there, Edythe.
EDYTHE
How can that be?
ARCHIE
Because if you leave, you will come back.
EDYTHE
No. I can stay away. I know I can.
ARCHIE
You can't. Maybe...if it was just your own pain...
INT. BEAU'S ROOM, CHARLIE'S HOUSE
VISION SEQUENCE:
Beau lays on his bed, curled up in a ball. Dark circles are under his eyes and it is clear that he has not shaved in several weeks.
EDYTHE (V.O.)
What's wrong? Why is he like that?
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Because you've left. He's not...doing well.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Archie wraps his arms around himself.
EDYTHE
Better than other options.
ARCHIE
Do you really think you could leave him like that? Do you think you wouldn't come back to check? Do you think when you saw him that way, you would be able to keep from speaking?
EDYTHE
I should never have come back.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
There were things I saw, while you were away...
EDYTHE
What things? What did you see?
ARCHIE (V.O.)
They weren't pleasant things. At some point - if you hadn't come back when you did, if you'd never loved him - you would have come back for him anyway. To...hunt him.
Edythe pulls the car over.
EDYTHE
Give me something that will work! Tell me another path! Show me how to stay away - where to go!
EXT. CULLEN MANOR - DAY
VISION SEQUENCE:
Archie and Beau sit on the porch steps. Beau's eyes are gold, his skin paler.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
ARCHIE (V.O.)
It's sixty-forty...ish. Maybe even sixty-five-thirty-five. There's still a good chance you won't kill him.
EDYTHE
He's dead, either way. I'll stop his heart.
ARCHIE
That's not exactly what I meant. I'm telling you that he has futures beyond the meadow...but first he has to go through the meadow - the metaphorical meadow - if you catch my meaning.
EDYTHE
I don't understand.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
All his paths are leading to one point - all his paths are knotted together. Whether that point is in the meadow, or somewhere else, he's tied to that moment of decision. Your decision, his decision... Some of the threads continue on the other side. Some...
EDYTHE
Do not.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
You can't avoid it, Edythe. You've going to have to face it. Knowing it could easily go either way, you still have to face it.
EDYTHE
How do I save him? Tell me!
ARCHIE
I don't know. You'll have to find the answer yourself, in the knot. I can't see exactly what form it will take, but there will be a moment, I think - a test, a trial. I can see that, but I can't help you with it. Only the two of you can choose in that moment.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
You know that I love you, so listen to me now. Putting this off won't change anything. Take him to the meadow, Edy, and - for me, and especially for you - bring him back again.
Edythe allows her head to fall into her hands.
ARCHIE
How about some good news?
Edythe glares at Archie. He smiles.
ARCHIE (CONT'D)
Seriously.
EDYTHE
Tell me, then.
ARCHIE
I've seen a third way, Edythe. If you can get through the crisis, there's a new path out there.
EDYTHE
A new path?
ARCHIE
It's sketchy. But look.
INT. LIVING ROOM, CHARLIE'S HOUSE
VISION SEQUENCE:
Edythe and Beau sit on the couch, his arm around her. Archie sits on the ground, his head resting against Beau's legs. Beau is clearly much older.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
ARCHIE
It's still not very probable, but I thought you'd like to know it was there. If you two get through the crisis, this is out there.
EDYTHE
Thank you, Archie.
Edythe pulls the car back onto the road and starts driving.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Of course, this is all you. This doesn't take his wishes into account.
EDYTHE
What do you mean? His wishes?
ARCHIE
Did it never occur to you that Beau might not be willing to lose you? That one short mortal life might not be long enough for him?
EDYTHE
That's insanity. No one would want to choose -
ARCHIE
No need to argue about it now. Crisis first.
EDYTHE
Thanks, Archie. (beat) I know you love him, too.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
It's not the same.
EDYTHE
No, it isn't.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
I love you. You can do this.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - NIGHT [ESTABLISHING]
The house sits silent, Beau's Chevy and the cruiser sitting on the curb.
INT. KITCHEN
The kitchen is small, with yellow cabinets. A square table sits in the middle with four wood chairs. Beau stands at the sink, washing a dish. Charlie clears his plate and silverware.
BEAU
You know, Dad...
CHARLIE
What's that, Beau?
BEAU
I think you're right about Seattle. I think I'll wait until Jeremy or someone else can go with me.
CHARLIE
Oh. Oh, okay. So, do you want me to stay home?
BEAU
No, Dad, don't change your plans. I've got a million things to do...homework, laundry...I need to go to the library and the grocery store. I'll be in and out all day...you go and have fun.
CHARLIE
Are you sure?
BEAU
Absolutely, Dad. Besides, the freezer is getting dangerously low on fish - we're down to a two, maybe three years' supply.
CHARLIE
You're sure easy to live with, Beau.
BEAU
I could say the same thing about you.
INT. BEAU'S ROOM
A bed is pushed up against one of the light blue walls. A faded rocking chair sits in one of the corners, checkered drapes brushing the arm. The drapes surround a singular window. There's a desk at one wall with a chair pushed up against it. A dresser is also in the room. Beau sits at his desk on his computer. He closes it, walks over to the dresser, opens it, then pulls out clothes for the next day.
INT. EDYTHE'S ROOM
A bookshelf lines one of the walls, full of CDs. There are books scattered on the floor and desk, but there's no bed to be seen. A sound system is up against a wall with a black leather couch at another. Shelves are covered with pages of music and books. Walls are full of a combination of old and new photos. Edythe walks into the room and opens her dresser. She digs through a drawer and pulls out a white tank top.
EXT. DENALI CLAN'S HOUSE, TWO YEARS AGO [ESTABLISHING]
A small house sits in the midst of trees and a blanket of thick snow. Text on screen reads:
Denali, AK
Two years ago
INT. LIVING ROOM
Archie and Eleanor sit on the couch in silence. Edythe walks in, holding a hanger with a thin-strapped tank top hanging from it.
EDYTHE
Okay, so I'm cleaning out my closet so it's easier for us to move. Here's what I need to get rid of.
Edythe tosses the white tank top at Archie. He looks at it, then stands.
ARCHIE
No! You need to keep this!
EDYTHE
Why? I've had it for five years, and I've never worn it. And besides, it's extremely revealing.
ARCHIE
No.
EDYTHE
I'm not keeping it.
ELEANOR
You go, girl!
ARCHIE
(screaming)
Anyone who is in this house, get in here now!
KIRILL, TANVIR, and Jessamine walk into the room. Kirill is a young blond vampire man with gold eyes.
ARCHIE (CONT'D)
Edythe and I are having a debate.
JESSAMINE
When are you two not having a debate?
EDYTHE
Never.
ARCHIE
Edythe wants to get rid of this, but I want her to keep it because she'll look good in it.
EDYTHE
And I want to get rid of it because I've never worn it and it's skimpy.
JESSAMINE
I'm with Edythe.
ARCHIE
Jess!
EDYTHE
Thank you.
ARCHIE (CONT'D)
How could you do this to me?
JESSAMINE
Because. Edythe's never going to let a man tell her what to do or what to wear. And neither will I. Or Eleanor or Carine or Elena or whoever.
ARCHIE
Kirill?
KIRILL
Archie, you aren't the fashion god.
ARCHIE
Says who?
KIRILL
It's her choice, Archie.
ARCHIE
(seething)
Tanvir?
TANVIR
What can I say, you'd look hot, Edythe.
EDYTHE
See, I'll never wear it. I'd rather be comfortable than hot.
INT. EDYTHE'S ROOM, PRESENT
Edythe holds the tank top in front of herself. She smiles.
INT. FRONT ROOM
Beau walks downstairs, shaking with excitement. There is a light KNOCK at the door, and Beau jumps. Beau opens the door to see Edythe standing on the other side, unsmiling. When she sees Beau, Edythe smiles. She and Beau are wearing the same thing: a tan sweater over a white shirt and jeans. Beau wears tennis shoes, while Edythe wears hiking boots. Edythe's sweater is way too big for her; she has stolen it from Royal.
EDYTHE
Good morning.
BEAU
What's wrong?
EDYTHE
We match.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
The cruiser is gone. Beau locks the door behind him. Edythe and Beau walk to the truck. Edythe stands by the passenger door, frowning, while Beau climbs in the driver side. Beau unlocks the passenger door, and Edythe climbs in.
INT. BEAU'S TRUCK
Edythe shuts the door with a BANG.
BEAU
You agreed to this. Where to?
EDYTHE
Put your seatbelt on - I'm nervous already.
Beau puts his seatbelt on.
BEAU
Where to?
EDYTHE
Take the one-oh-one north.
Beau pulls out of the driveway and begins driving down the street.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Were you planning on making it out of Forks before nightfall?
BEAU
This truck is old enough to be the Volvo's grandfather - have a little respect.
They continue driving for some time.
EDYTHE
Turn right on the one-ten. Now we drive until the pavement ends.
BEAU
And what's there, at the pavement's end?
EDYTHE
A trail.
BEAU
We're hiking?
EDYTHE
Is that a problem?
BEAU
No.
EDYTHE
Don't worry, it's only five miles or so, and we're in no hurry.
They continue driving.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
What are you thinking?
BEAU
Just wondering where we're going.
EDYTHE
It's a place I like to go when the weather is nice.
BEAU
Charlie said it would be warm today.
EDYTHE
And did you tell Charlie what you were up to?
BEAU
Nope.
EDYTHE
But you probably said something to Jeremy about me driving you to Seattle.
BEAU
No, I didn't.
EDYTHE
No one knows you're with me?
BEAU
That depends...I assume you told Archie?
EDYTHE
That's very helpful, Beau.
Beau ignores her.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Is it the weather? Seasonal affective disorder? Has Forks made you so depressed you're actually suicidal?
BEAU
You said it might cause problems for you...us being together publicly.
EDYTHE
So, you're worried about the trouble it might cause for me - if you don't come home?
Beau nods. The pavement ends, and Beau stops the truck. Edythe and Beau get out.
EXT. TRAILHEAD - DAY
The pavement road cuts off and is surrounded by a brightly lit forest. A gravel trail cuts through. Beau pulls his sweater off; he wears a white t-shirt underneath. Edythe does the same, but she wears a thin white tank top under hers. She twists her hair into a low bun. Edythe starts into the forest, ignoring the trail. Suddenly, she stops, then glances over her shoulder.
EDYTHE
This way.
BEAU
The trail?
EDYTHE
I said that there was a trail at the end of the road, not that we were taking it.
BEAU
No trail? Really?
EDYTHE
(smiling)
I won't let you get lost.
Edythe turns around. Beau's eyes widen as he sees her.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
(frowning)
Do you want to go home?
BEAU
No.
Beau starts walking toward Edythe.
EDYTHE
What's wrong?
BEAU
I'm not a fast hiker. You'll have to be very patient.
EDYTHE
I can be patient - if I make a great effort. (beat) I'll take you home.
BEAU
If you want me to hack five miles through the jungle before sundown, you'd better start leading the way.
Edythe frowns, but eventually gives up and leads the way into the forest.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
The trees are basked in the sun's glow. Beau and Edythe walk through the forest.
EDYTHE
(laughing)
How do you kill three fish in a row?
BEAU
(smiling widely)
I don't know! I think I had bills due that week or something.
EDYTHE
But you were five! Why would you have bills due?
BEAU
(serious)
My childhood wasn't the best. Mostly because my mother wasn't the best.
Edythe stops and pulls Beau into a hug. Beau's eyes widen, then he wraps his arms around her.
EDYTHE
I'm sorry.
BEAU
It's not your fault.
Edythe lets go of Beau; they start walking again. Beau reaches over and takes Edythe's hand. They continue walking for some time.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Are we there yet?
EDYTHE
Nearly. Do you see the brightness ahead?
BEAU
Um, should I?
EDYTHE
Maybe it's a bit soon for your eyes.
BEAU
Time to visit the optometrist.
Edythe laughs softly. Beau clears ferns that are between him and a circular meadow.
EXT. THE MEADOW - DAY
Shadowed trees surround a brightly lit meadow. Wildflowers of all colors are scattered through the grass. Beau lets go of Edythe's hand hesitantly and steps through the ferns, looking around in wonder. Edythe stays in the shadow of the trees, scared. Beau steps back toward Edythe, holding his hand in the shadows and beckoning for her to join him. Edythe takes his hand gently. Beau lifts it to his mouth and kisses it gingerly.
BEAU
Trust me. Please.
Edythe smiles slightly.
EDYTHE
I do.
BEAU
Then what's the problem? I feel as though you don't trust me for some reason.
EDYTHE
No, I do trust you. A lot. I'm just really scared about how you'll take it.
BEAU
I'll take it well. I promise.
EDYTHE
I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I can show you.
BEAU
Do you want me to help you?
Edythe nods. Beau takes her other hand and tries to pull her into the meadow. She doesn't move an inch.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Edythe, you're going to have to help me.
EDYTHE
I can't make my legs move. It's like my muscles are frozen.
BEAU
Okay, you're probably going to hate that I'm about to do this, so I'm extremely sorry in advance. But I want you to be able to fully trust me, and I feel like this would be a big step in that process.
EDYTHE
What are you about to do?
Beau takes a deep breath then puts his arms around Edythe and picks her up. Edythe gasps slightly.
BEAU
Sorry!
Beau tries to put Edythe down, but she puts her hand on his shoulder.
EDYTHE
It's okay! I kind of like it.
BEAU
(smiling)
You're really light, by the way.
EDYTHE
(smiling)
That's because, technically, I have no blood in my body.
BEAU
But you went hunting yesterday...?
EDYTHE
It makes no sense, I know. (beat) Can we get this over with?
BEAU
Yeah.
Beau turns around and is about to take the step that would put Edythe in the sun when he stops.
BEAU (CONT'D)
You know you'll always be beautiful to me, right?
Edythe shakes her head.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Well, you are.
Beau steps into the meadow, then gasps.