Chapter 2:
OPEN ON:
INT. BRIDAL SHOP – NYC – AFTERNOON
We pan down onto a beautiful bridal shop with gorgeous flower arrangements and bridal dresses. A group of bridesmaids and an older woman – the mother of the bride – watch in anticipation as the bride changes in a dressing room.
The door opens – TATUM RILEY steps out in a wedding gown. The bridesmaids applaud and her mother wipes her eyes. Tatum's mother, RENEE RILEY, is beaming.
RENEE: My little girl … you look so grown up and beautiful.
Tatum approaches a mirror and spins around. She wrinkles her nose.
TATUM: I don't know … it seems a little too … too …
A bridesmaid – CARRIE – a survivor from the San Martin Inlet Massacre – stands next to her and finishes her sentence.
CARRIE: Cinderellaish.
TATUM: Thank you!
RENEE: Well, it's not like the rocker shirts and ripped jeans you're used to.
TATUM: (rolling her eyes) Don't worry, Mom. I'm not going to show up at the altar in a Led Zeppelin t-shirt.
CARRIE: A hundred bucks if you do.
RENEE: Don't encourage her!
Another bridesmaid – a younger brunette, slightly nerdy, holds up a dress. This is MARTHA MEEKS, younger sister of the late RANDY MEEKS.
MARTHA: How about this one, Tatum? It might be more your style.
It's more of a gothic wedding dress, complete with a neck choker. Tatum's eyes widen.
TATUM: I love it!
She takes the dress and heads for the dressing room.
RENEE: (throwing her hands up) I need a glass of wine! Where's the maître de?
The two other bridesmaids suck up to Renee as the older woman sits down with a glass of pink wine. The one bridesmaid – TANYA – puts her hand on Mrs. Riley's knuckles, comforting her. The other – LESLIE RILEY – Tatum's blonde younger cousin, joins them.
RENEE: (taking a sip) I mean really – is it so much to ask that my daughter have a traditional wedding? In a church with a minister, in a traditional white dress?
TANYA: Of course not. It's every mom's dream to see their daughter get married.
LESLIE: The new dress might look nice, though.
RENEE: It'll make her look like a vampire.
CARRIE: Not to be rude -.
MARTHA: Stay out of it, Carrie -.
CARRIE: - but this is Tatum's wedding. It's her special day. The wedding isn't about any of us. It's about Tatum. And Billy.
RENEE: What do they teach these kids these days? A wedding is about your guests! Not about the bride or groom!
TANYA: (patting Mrs. Riley's hand) That's right …
RENEE: My goodness, it's about making a good impression on family and friends, on -.
CARRIE: (interrupting) On showing off.
RENEE: (offended) Just because some families have a sense of decorum -.
CARRIE: What does that mean?
RENEE: I'm just saying, some families could afford to spruce themselves up a bit. And you children really ought to listen to the grown-ups.
CARRIE: Children? I'm 22 -.
LESLIE: Stop it – she's coming out in the dress.
Renee, Carrie, Leslie, Tanya and Martha watch as Tatum emerges from the dressing room in the gothic-like wedding dress. She wears it splendidly, and with the beautiful choker, she looks stunning. Even Mrs. Riley is at a loss for words.
TATUM: So … what'd you think?
MARTHA: You look so pretty!
CARRIE: It's perfect. I'd say, that's the one.
RENEE: (defeated) I'll get my checkbook.
INT. RILEY RESIDENCE – AFTERNOON
GALE WEATHERS is sitting at a computer screen. She's reviewing several video files and news articles. Old articles. We see on the screen she's reading about the murders committed by Sidney and then the San Martin Inlet murders two years ago. She scrolls through police files, logs, faces … and then one face pops up on the screen – JAMES.
Gale sighs. Tatum's ex-boyfriend. Not one of the killers from the murder sprees, but he had taken advantage of Sidney's killing spree for revenge. He killed two teenagers at a hotel for bullying his younger sister into suicide. He hoped that the police would believe that those two murders were committed by Sidney and Cotton and for a while they did. Until he finally admitted it two years ago, trapped in an amusement park of death.
Gale sighs. She had liked the kid.
She finds a video file – part of a new documentary series she's working on. The file is dated last week. A series of one-on-one interviews between herself and James. She clicks play, watching herself and James sitting across from each other.
V/O GALE: So … James … thank you for agreeing to do this documentary for me.
V/O JAMES: Hey, I owe you. Any chance of getting some more of those fantastic cookies?
V/O GALE: No, afraid the guards wouldn't let me.
V/O JAMES: Shame. And I hear the guards are even worse over at the new place.
V/O GALE: The governor's new prison. At least you'll be closer to Woodsboro.
V/O JAMES: Yeah but those new PANTHYR guards … I hear they make the guys here look like girl scouts.
V/O GALE: Your transfer is in a week. I won't get the chance to interview you again. The governor is increasing security at the new prison.
V/O JAMES: Of course – election is coming up.
V/O GALE: Since this is our last time together – is there anything at all you'd like to say? Anything you would like America to hear?
V/O JAMES: What's there to say? I'm the face of American horror today. A teenage murderer. The next Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. Or Elliot Rodger. Or – even Sidney Prescott.
V/O GALE: You're not a mass murderer, James. But is there any guilt?
Beat.
V/O GALE: Anything you would like to say to the parents? Any remorse?
V/O JAMES: Veronica tortured my sister emotionally and mentally day after day after day. I watched my sister waste away to bulimia until she finally killed herself. (Beat) No I have no guilt. But here's what I'd say to her parents. (He looks directly into the camera) You raised a tormenting, bullying bitch who killed my sister. I gave her exactly what she deserved and I'd do it again. Proudly.
Gale hits the pause button. James' face is on her laptop. His eyes are full of rage. She closes the laptop as her husband DEWEY RILEY enters the living room. A new Sheriff's badge pinned proudly to his chest.
DEWEY: (kissing her) Working late tonight?
GALE: I've got to get this footage to the editors. But no. You?
DEWEY: Eh, the mayor and the governor are riding me. They're opening up that new prison tonight, they want me there to inspect it with them. Especially since it'll soon be housing our … er … old friend.
GALE: James. I'll be watching on tv.
DEWEY: Speaking of which – let's catch up on the news before I go.
Dewey picks up a remote and starts flipping channels. CNN flares on and Chris Cuomo is speaking.
CHRIS CUOMO: - and Ruby Roze is left in critical condition. For those just tuning in, actors Daisy Kean, Brendan Rogers and filmmakers John Milton and Roman Bridger were brutally murdered in Grauman's Chinese Theater last night during the premiere of Stab
Gale stands up next to Dewey. He starts flipping channels.
DEWEY: It's on every news station.
They flip on to Fox News.
SEAN HANNITY: - the killers managed to murder three people and livestream the fourth murder onto the screen. Right under the watch of the theater security. Tell me, how can moviegoers have confidence in their safety, when this -.
Dewey flips the channel. He watches – a video recorded on a phone from the theater, which is now playing, showing Daisy being murdered onscreen. Onscreen by a killer in a Ghostface mask. Gale looks at Dewey, eyes wide open. Dewey gets what she's thinking –
DEWEY: Oh no -.
GALE: Come on! You gotta let me help you!
DEWEY: Gale -.
GALE: I helped solve two of these things -.
DEWEY: There's no proof –
GALE: Oh you are in such denial! We've got another copycat on our hands!
DEWEY: Gale – you are not getting involved. You've got a deadline on your latest documentary anyway.
Dewey grabs his hat and flips his sunglasses over his eyes.
DEWEY: Now if you'll excuse me, I'm sure the mayor will want to have a conference call about all this.
GALE: Dewey -.
DEWEY: No more buts. I'm the sheriff now, so you have to respect my authority.
GALE: (annoyed) Dewey …
DEWEY: You will not get involved! That's an order Gale!
GALE: DEWEY! Your badge is on backwards!
Dewey flushes and fumbles with his badge as he staggers out the front door. Gale turns, arms folded, watching the horror replay on her television, the familiar haunting face of the Ghostface mask filling up the screen …
EXT. BRIDAL SHOP – MIDTOWN MANHATTAN – AFTERNOON
Renee and Tatum exit the shop, followed by the bridesmaids.
RENEE: Yes, yes, we'll see you all later. But for now – Tatum and I have a very important meeting. Mother-daughter bonding, you know?
Tatum hugs her bridesmaids.
TATUM: Thank you all for coming out to New York on such short notice.
CARRIE: We'll see you back in Woodsboro.
MARTHA: (getting giddy as she hugs Tatum) I can't believe the wedding's in only a few days!
LESLIE: Tatum Loomis – has a certain ring to it.
TANYA: Sounds like a pornstar name, but whatever.
Tatum laughs as she hails a cab and enters with her mother.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE BUILDING – WOODSBORO – AFTERNOON
BILLY LOOMIS sits in a small cramped office at a desk. The title "Junior Executive" is placed on his desk. He types furiously on a computer.
At a small desk, cramped next to him, is GREG MILLS. Nerdy, but tech expert and other survivor of the San Martin Inlet Massacre.
GREG: Sooo … I really shouldn't be asking this, but Mona has been bugging me and bugging me.
Billy is concentrating on his computer and barely registers what Greg is saying.
BILLY: Mmhmm.
GREG: Okay, I'll just come out and ask. Why didn't Tatum ask Mona to be in the wedding party?
Billy stares up at his friend.
BILLY: What now?
GREG: Well, she's kinda hurt.
BILLY: (blinking) Mona can barely speak English … and I didn't realize she and Tatum were friends …
GREG: Well, they're not really … but you asked me to be in the party.
BILLY: Because I'm friends with you.
GREG: I know, but … is there any way that Tatum could squeeze her in?
BILLY: They're leaving the city tonight. They all bought their bridesmaid dresses. The wedding's literally days away! I can't -.
GREG: Could you ask?
BILLY: (sighs) No promises.
GREG: Fair enough.
They go back to typing when there's a knock on their door. They look up. Their boss, MR. BARTLEBY is there. Thick-moustached. Red faced. Quick temper. Next to him is a young blonde secretary, 22 years old – his personal assistant CANDACE DANIELS who is eagerly trying to catch Billy's eye.
MR. BARTLEBY: Loomis! Mills! Those reports ready yet?
BILLY: Almost, sir.
MR. BARTLEBY: Almost? They should have been done hours ago!
GREG: The network went down this morning. You sent out an email. We had to -.
MR. BARTLEBY: No excuses! Those reports better be in by the end of day or you're both out on your asses!
He storms off. Candace steps forward and places several files on Billy's desk.
CANDACE: Here are some extra files that Mr. Bartleby wants processed. And he wants them done – in his words – "immediately."
GREG: Sometimes I forget we're working for J. Jonah Jameson.
CANDACE: Who?
BILLY: Comic book guy – never mind. Let me see those reports.
Candace leans forward as she hands them to Billy, her chest practically in his face. Billy closes his eyes as he takes the report.
CANDACE: So when are you coming out for drinks with me Billy?
BILLY: Candace, as I've told you before, I don't drink socially anymore.
CANDACE: (running her fingers along his desk) Well that's okay … I can think of a couple other fun social activities …
BILLY: I don't think my fiancé would be too appreciative …
CANDACE: Then you don't say anything. I can keep a secret. And George over here –
GREG: The name's Greg -.
CANDACE: - won't say anything.
Billy doesn't deign to look up from his monitor.
BILLY: As I said – my fiancé …
CANDACE: You're a tough nut to crack, Billy Loomis. Thankfully, I'm a professional nutcracker. (She winks).
BILLY: (handing her several reports) Send these in to Craig for processing, please.
Candace snorts, then takes the reports and walks out. Greg watches her, mouth open.
GREG: How do you do it, man?
BILLY: Do what?
GREG: You literally just sit at a desk and have gorgeous women drop into your lap.
BILLY: You've got Mona.
GREG: Yeah, and I had to go online through a foreign exchange program to meet her. You – you've got the kavorka.
BILLY: The what?
GREG: Oh, right, I forgot you don't watch Seinfeld.
BILLY: Too overwrought for me. (Stands up).
GREG: Where are you going?
BILLY: I need to make a phone call.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE BUILDING LOBBY – AFTERNOON
Billy stands in the lobby of the office building, watching security checking visitors in and out. The TV in the lobby is playing the news. The security guard, ROSS, is sitting there, arms folded, watching. Billy glances up and sees the Ghostface mask and the words Stab on the tv.
BILLY: Nope.
He doesn't even pause to see what the news program is about. It's surely promoting the new movie and that murder-profiteering Roman Bridger. Billy picks up the nearby remote from Ross's desk and changes the channel.
ROSS: Hey, I was watching that!
BILLY: Not anymore!
Billy walks away from Ross' desk to a quiet corner of the lobby and dials on his cell phone. He grins when he hears Tatum's voice.
TATUM: Hey babe, great news – I just picked out the dress!
BILLY: That's great! What's it look like?
TATUM: Now, now, let's not ruin the surprise. Anyway, our flight leaves tonight.
BILLY: Can't you catch an earlier one? I'd like to see you this afternoon …
TATUM: No can do. Mom wants to do some Mother-Daughter bonding time in the Big Apple. We're actually at a big ritzy restaurant right now.
A voice comes through on the other line.
RANDOM MAN: Tatum – we're ready for you.
TATUM: Oh, Billy, that's the waiter getting our table ready. I gotta go. Love ya'!
BILLY: I love you too -.
He pauses, as he realizes that she has already hung up.
CUT TO:
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE – NYC – NIGHT
We cut to Tatum, who is staring regretfully at her cell phone. We take in her surroundings. She is very clearly not in a restaurant. It's a sanitized doctor's office. Tatum sighs as the doctor calls for her again.
DR. JONES: Tatum –
TATUM: Coming. Coming.
We follow Tatum into the doctor's office. Renee is already sitting there, a heartbroken look on her face. Dr. Jones gestures for her to sit before he takes his seat at his desk.
DR. JONES: The results of the scan have come back … it's spreading.
(Beat)
TATUM: S-spreading? But I thought it was under control?
DR. JONES: It was. For a while. I told you last year there was a chance this could happen …
TATUM: Shit …
RENEE: Can it be contained?
DR. JONES: It's spread much further than we thought. I don't know if she would even respond to normal treatments at this point -.
TATUM: How long?
DR. JONES: At this point, it's really just a guess, I -.
TATUM: (angrier, tears beginning to flow) How long?
DR. JONES: (sighs) Some people at this stage have gone on and lived for decades even. Others … the less fortunate ones … well … some of them a matter of months … it really depends on the next couple of weeks, how much further it spreads and how quickly we can contain it.
RENEE: But she has her wedding in a few days!
DR. JONES: She can return to Woodsboro for the wedding. But cut the honeymoon short. It is imperative we see you here at some point within the next two weeks. We'll start treatments then and see if we can slow it from spreading any further. Okay?
Tatum nods. She stands up.
RENEE: Where are you going?
TATUM: I need some air …
She turns and walks out of the room.
INT. DR.'S OFFICE HALLWAY – NIGHT
Tatum leans against a wall. She looks down at her phone. She has a whole text message fully written out and about to send to Billy. She's about to hit the SEND button when she stops. She closes her eyes and deletes the message, pocketing her phone.
Renee comes up behind her.
RENEE: You need to tell him.
TATUM: Mom -.
RENEE: For goodness sake, Tatum! You've known about the cancer for over a year! Now you're about to marry him in a few days! He has the right to know!
TATUM: I can't -.
RENEE: Stop being so damn selfish and -.
TATUM: I'm selfish! Me?
RENEE: Don't start -.
TATUM: Who's the one who walked out on Dad because he didn't make enough money? Who's the one who took me out of Woodsboro High in sophomore year because I was pregnant and it would've made you look bad! Who's the one who made me terminate the pregnancy and act like I lost the baby because you didn't want the family or your precious white collar, pompous friends to find out her little girl was a whore?! Tell me, Mother!
RENEE: Are you done attacking me? Yeah? Good. Now let me tell you a few things.
Renee steps forward, finger pointed.
RENEE: Your father was a gambler and a drunk – not the first loser I was ever with, just the first that put me in serious debt. But I never left him - he walked out on me for some dumb blonde bimbo named Crissi! As for your education, I took you out of that awful school because I knew you would be bullied for being pregnant -.
TATUM: Oh, how noble of you!
RENEE: Why are you fighting me? I paid for your damn dress! I've paid for your treatments this past year, helped you keep it a secret from your fiancé and I'm paying for this whole damn wedding because the universe knows your loser fiancé can't keep a job together to save his life -.
TATUM: You keep him out of this!
RENEE: He got you pregnant in high school. He roped you into a massacre because of damn Sidney Prescott and which in turn set off your Dad's loser sister to try to kill you! I have had it with damn Billy Loomis and if I had my way, I'd cancel the whole damn wedding!
TATUM: Well you know what, Mom? I love Billy Loomis -.
RENEE: No you don't. Love would have been to tell him about the cancer a year ago – to make sure he knew what he was getting himself into before he proposed! You think I'm the selfish one? Just look in the mirror.
Mrs. Riley storms past her daughter. Tatum stares down at the phone, just wishing she could have the courage to tell Billy. She slides down against the wall, breaking down into tears.