Chapter 5
INT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL – GYM – GRADUATION CEREMONY – DAY
CAMERA PANS ACROSS THE CAPS AND GOWNS, families and teachers. Umbrellas are on hand in case the clouds open up.
JEREMY (O.S.)
Our answers were things like astronaut, fireman…
FIND Jeremy at the podium, class valedictorian.
JEREMY
… Or in my case, president.
(chuckles from the crowd)
When we were ten, they asked us again and we answered – rock star, cowboy, or in my case, race car driver. But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how about this: who the hell knows?!
LOUD HOOTS AND HOLLERS from the audience, in which we FIND BEAU. Jeremy's words are sinking in.
JEREMY
This isn't the time to make hard and fast decisions, it's time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere chill. Fall in love – a lot. Major in philosophy 'cause there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind. Then change it again, because nothing is permanent…
Off Beau, knowing there will be no changing his mind once he makes his decision. The speech CONTINUES OVER -
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM – GRADUATION CEREMONY – DAY
ON THE STAGE – Beau walks to the SCHOOL PRINCIPAL and shakes his hand while receiving his diploma. OUT IN THE AUDIENCE Charlie CLAPS loudly, beaming with pride.
JEREMY (V.O.)
… So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask again what we want to be… we won't have to guess. We'll know.
EXT. SCHOOL – POST GRADUATION – DAY
Charlie and Beau walk away, Beau awkwardly shouldering out of his gown and mortarboard. Ad-libbed "see you at the party" with various students including the usual suspects if possible. Charlie wraps an arm around Beau's shoulder, emotional.
CHARLIE
I'm really proud of you, Beau. I can't wait to see what you do next. You're my biggest accomplishment.
BEAU
… Dad, that's not true.
CHARLIE
Yeah, it is. And it's…
(amazing)
Well. You'll see, when you have kids.
Off Beau…
RILEY (O.S.) (PRE-LAP)
What did I say about a low profile!
EXT. SEATTLE – ISOLATED STREET – NIGHT
Riley, exasperated, stands next to a late model sedan that lies UPSIDE DOWN in the dark street. Smoke comes from the engine, a FIRE ignites. Inside the car, a WOMAN SCREAMS -
RILEY
You call this low?
A MALE NEWBORN ignores him, as he pulls the screaming Woman from the car and begins to feed on her. Nearby, two other NEWBORNS feed on prizes of their own – a PROSTITUTE and a BIKE MESSENGER. Riley, fed up with being ignored, pulls the Male Newborn off the woman. Picks up the sedan's door and SLAMS it on the ground. The Newborns stop and stare at Riley -
RILEY
Something is coming. Something bigger than any of us alone. And if you can't… control yourselves. We're all going to die.
The Newborns remains frozen. Few of them register her words, while the rest go back their meals; albeit with slightly more self-control. Riley gives up.
RILEY
What's done is done. Just – clean up after yourselves.
CAMERA CRANES UP AND BACK TO -
AN OVERPASS IN THE DISTANCE
- where we find FOUR PEOPLE, utterly motionless, looking down at the mayhem.
PUSH IN TO FIND they're the VOLTURI: JONATHAN with his misleading cherubic face. The hulking FELIX, elegant DEMETRI and innocent looking ALECIA. All wear dark coats with hoods. Jonathan is calling the shots.
ALECIA
(with distaste, to Jonathan)
How… indiscreet.
DEMETRI
They've already drawn too much attention.
FELIX
So has our "inaction." Others may begin to question the Volturi's… effectiveness.
JONATHAN
Let them.
FELIX
Maybe we should consult with Sulpicia.
Jonathan shoots Felix a look – SEARING PAIN shoots through his body. The massive Felix drops to the ground writhing silently. Jonathan is one scary little boy.
JONATHAN
Sulpicia's decisions are being watched. We must decide.
Alecia gently touches his shoulder, interceding.
ALECIA
Then decide, brother. It's time.
He releases Felix. Demetri helps him up. He smiles at Alecia, utterly uncaring of the agony he just caused Felix.
JONATHAN
Yes, it is.
(looks at the newborns)
Either we let them do what they were created for, or we end them. Decisions, decisions…
BACK ON RILEY – He senses something. Looks up.
RILEY'S POV ON THE OVERPASS – the Volturi are gone. We begin to HEAR THE POUNDING OF DANCE MUSIC as we got to -
INT. CULLEN'S HOUSE – FRADUATION PARTY – NIGHT
It's wall to wall teenagers. Dancing, celebrating. Archie has transformed the place into a magical nightclub.
ANGLE ON THE FRONT DOOR – as Beau enters, immediately overwhelmed by the crowd. He weaves his way through the throngs, searching for Edythe. He finally spots her -
BEAU'S POV – THROUGH THE KITCHEN DOOR
Edythe is deep in consultation with Carine, Eleanor and Jessamine. Their mood is intense.
Beau heads towards them but Jeremy and Allen swoop in.
ALLEN
You're finally here!
JEREMY
So, how was my speech? Too simple, too self-help?
BEAU
(genuine)
No, you absolutely nailed it.
JEREMY
Natural leader, right?
ALLEN
Time to celebrate! The rest of our live begins now -
Allen and Jeremy pull Beau into the dance floor where Erica and McKayla find them.
MCKAYLA
Time to see you dance, Beau. Both legs are fine and you're here.
ERICA
We're officially graduates of high school. This is the time to get wild.
McKayla and Erica start dancing wildly. The guys laugh and join in. Beau reluctantly dances, but rein himself in. Their celebratory mood is in striking contrast to the atmosphere in the kitchen. A dance floor is Beau's idea of hell, but he forces a smile, shuffles a bit. Then he SEES -
BEAU'S POV – ON THE FRONT DOOR
Julie enters, calm, confident. Quil and Emma flank her, looking tense, eyes darting around the room. Beau manoeuvrers off the dance floor and into Julie's path.
BEAU
What are you doing here?
JULIE
You invited me, remember?
BEAU
After what happened I'd think you'd be aware that you were uninvited.
JULIE
(genuinely remorseful)
Beau, I'm sorry about, you know, the kiss and your hand and… I'd blame it on the whole inner animal but… it was just me. Being a bitch. I'm really sorry.
He sees she's sincere. He softens, nods.
JULIE
I brought you a graduation present. Made it myself.
She takes his hand and clasps to his wrist a TRIBAL BRACELET.
INSERT – The bracelet: leather, beads and string woven together to create a masculine looking accessory. Attached via a small chain is a miniature WOLF CARVING. Beau looks at it, moved -
BEAU
It's awesome. Though I don't know if I can pull it off.
JULIE
Don't worry, you can. I made sure it would look good on you.
BEAU
You made this?
(off her nod)
Whoa, that's… thank you.
Julie's pleased. But then Beau's eye is caught by - ARCHIE – standing by THE STAIRCASE, frozen. He's having a vision. Alarm clouds Beau's face. Julie sees it -
BEAU
I'll be right back.
JULIE
Why? What's going on?
BEAU
Just give me sec.
Julie shares a suspicious look with Emma and Quil as Beau pushes through the crowd.
ANGLE ON THE STAIRCASE – Beau reaches Archie just as he comes out of his vision, his face alarmed.
BEAU
Archie, what is it? What did you see?
Julie appears.
JULIE
Okay, something's clearly up. Can you tell me what's going on?
ARCHIE
I… need to talk to Jess.
Julie puts an arm against the wall, blocking him.
JULIE
Why don't you just talk to me?
Suddenly, Jessamine is there. Her expression lethal.
JESSAMINE
I suggest you remove – your – arm. Before I do.
Julie does so, slowly, carefully.
JULIE
Just looking for info.
ARCHIE
The decision's been made.
BEAU
You're not going to Seattle, are you?
ARCHIE
No… they're coming here.
Off Archie we SMASH TO -
ARCHIE'S VISION: SEATTLE – ABANDONED CANNERY
RILEY passes Beau's red t-shirt amongst the newborns. As they inhale, picking up his scent -
EXT. CULLEN HOUSE – BACK DECK – NIGHT
The party continues inside. But outside, the discussion is tense. Beau, Archie, Edythe, Jessamine and Carine debate as Julie tries to follow. Quil and Emma are nearby, on guard.
EDYTHE
How long?
ARCHIE
They'll be here in four days.
CARINE
(sickened)
This could turn into a blood bath.
JESSAMINE
There aren't enough of us to protect the town.
JULIE
Someone's going to attack Forks?
EDYTHE
(ignoring him, to Archie)
Who's behind it?
ARCHIE
I didn't see anyone familiar – maybe one -
EDYTHE
(reading his mind)
Yes, I've seen her face – she's local. Riley Biers -
She catches Beau's eye are he recognises the name, shaken.
EDYTHE
- He didn't start this.
ARCHIE
Whoever did is staying out the action.
CARINE
They must be playing with the blind spots in your vision.
EDYTHE
Only the Volturi could know how Archie's gift works. Sulpicia would have found out, when she read Archie's mind…
JESSAMINE
Either way, the army is coming and our odds aren't good.
JULIE
Alright, hold up! What damn army?
She's about to explode. Carine and Edythe share a look. Edythe shakes her head no, but Carine decides differently -
CARINE
Newborns. Our kind.
QUIL
How many?
JESSAMINE
Enough.
EMMA
What are they after?
ARCHIE
They were passing Beau's scent around, a red T-shirt.
BEAU
That's what she was doing at my house -
JULIE
Okay, what does this mean?
CARINE
(anguished)
It means an ugly fight. With lives lost.
The weight of it lands on all of them. Beat. Julie shares a sober look with Emma and Quil. An imperceptible nod.
JULIE
Okay, we're in.
BEAU
What? No, you'll get yourselves killed.
JULIE
Wasn't asking for permission -
CARINE
- Alright.
The girls back off. Carine turns to -
CARINE
Julie, do you believe Sam would agree to… an understanding.
JULIE
If that's your way of saying fighting together, yeah. This is our home to.
Edythe looks at Carine who's still weighting it.
CARINE
Jessamine?
JESSAMINE
They'll give us the numbers. Newborns won't even know they exist. That'll give us an edge.
They all look to Carine. She nods.
CARINE
We'll have to coordinate.
Edythe's not happy, but resigns herself. Beau is panicked.
CARINE
- Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jessamine has. We were already planning a strategic meeting. You're welcome to join us.
JULIE
Alright, name the time and place.
INT. CULLEN HOUSE – PARTY – A MINUTE LATER
Julie, Quil and Emma head for the door. Beau catches Julie.
BEAU
Julie, wait – do you realize what you're getting into -
JULIE
- This is what we do. You should be happy. Look at us, working together. You're the one who wanted us to get along.
- and Julie strides out leaving him amid the revellers. As the MUSIC grows louder, PUSH IN on Beau's worried face -
EXT. CLEARING IN WOODS - DAWN
The eerie silence contrasts the previous scene's noise. It's a large field surrounded by dense forest. The mist is heavy; it's overcast, grey. Suddenly, the quiet is broken by -
ELEANOR BEING FLUNG THROUGH THE AIR, FLAILING IN SLOW MOTION. She lands HARD on her back, but immediately springs up to face Jessamine, the person who threw her.
ELEANOR
Again.
INCLUDE Carine, Earnest, Archie and Royal who watch them spar.
ANGLE ON AN ARRIVING VOLVO – as it skids to a halt next to Jessamine's JEEP. Edythe and Beau climb out, head to the field together. Edythe lifts Beau's wrist, looking at the tribal bracelet.
BEAU
It's a graduation present.
Edythe sighs. She's about to reply, but stops.
EDYTHE
They're here.
ON THE TREELINE – From out of the mist skulk EIGHT GIANT Wolves, as wary and on-edge as the Cullens are. Eleanor recognises Paula-wolf; their eyes meet, both itching for a rematch. Carine joins Edythe who reads the pack's mind.
EDYTHE
They don't trust us enough to be in their human forms.
CARINE
They came. That's what matters.
Beau sees the RED-BROWN WOLF as it turns towards him.
BEAU
Hey Jules…
She seems to almost smile, tongue lolling. A sharp look from Sam-wolf gets Julie-wolf to focus. Carine asks Edythe -
CARINE
Will you translate?
Edythe nods. Carine moves slowly towards the pack. Sam-wolf, the biggest and blackest, steps forward.
CARINE
Welcome.
EDYTHE
(reading Sam-Wolf's mind)
She says they'll watch and listen, but that's the most we can ask of their self-control.
CARINE
That will be fine. Jessamine has experience with newborns. She'll teach us how to defeat them.
EDYTHE
They want to know how the newborns differ from us.
CARINE
They're a great deal stronger than us, because their own human blood lingers in their tissues. Our kind is never more physically powerful than in our first several months of this life.
The pack takes this in. Carine nods to Jessamine to take over. Jessamine is initially uncomfortable with both the wolves and the attention. But steps forward -
JESSAMINE
Carine's right. That's why they're created.
EDYTHE
One of them - Quil - she wants to know how many vampires constitute an army.
The CHOCOLATE-BROWN WOLF, Quil, looks embarrassed about being called out. Jessamine chuckles.
JESSAMINE
It's an expression for a large number of new vampires. A newborn army doesn't require thousands like a human army.
(beat)
Of course, no human army could ever stand against them. But they're untrained, undisciplined and their thirst will make them wild and volatile. That can work in our favour.
As Jessamine moves to the centre of the field for a demonstration, she grows more commanding, the long dormant leader in her resuming control.
Beau watches with surprise as this new Jessamine emerges. The pack sit or lay to observe, ready to spring if need me.
JESSAMINE
Now, the two most important things to remember are, first, never let them get their arms around you. They'll crush you instantly. And second, never go for the obvious kill. They'll be expecting that. And you will lose. Eleanor!
(gestures for her to attack)
Don't hold back.
ELEANOR
Not in my nature.
Eleanor charges Jessamine with impossible speed, but Jessamine is a virtual BLUR. Eleanor lunges several times, her strong arms grabbing at air. Jessamine stops long enough to say -
JESSAMINE
You have to come at them from the side, and keep moving. Always moving.
Eleanor lunges again with similar results, until suddenly she FREEZES – Jessamine has her from behind, her teeth an inch from Eleanor's throat.
JESSAMINE
And make sure, you never lose focus.
Beau is taken aback by Jessamine's skill. And there's an impressive RUMBLE among the watching wolves.
TRAINING SEQUENCE – A SERIES OF SHOTS:
Everyone takes turns sparring with Jessamine, or pairing off against each other. They're all blurs, which become visible as we shift to SLOW MOTION to SEE a violent but extraordinary dance.
- Archie and Jessamine spar, spiralling, twisting. Jessamine launches at him but with his eyes GLAZED OVER, not looking at her, he sees her moves before she makes them. Out of nowhere, Archie grabs her from behind; he kisses her cheek.
ARCHIE
Gotchya.
- Edythe and Carine attack one another, but Edythe can read Carine's mind which gives her the advantage. She twirls beyond Carine's grasp, then SLAMS into her delivering a vicious body blow.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
Focus on speed and agility, keep your opponent off guard…
- The wolves rise or pace, watching intently, itching to get into the fray but holding back.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
Use their momentum against them - yes, good…
ANGLE ON BEAU - anxiously watching these fierce, life and death war games. A portrait of the violence to come:
A FURRY MUZZLE brushes his face. Julie-wolf is beside him, her eyes conveying concern. He pensively looks back out at the field -
BEAU
It'll be a hundred times worse than this, won't it?
BEAU'S POV – PANNING ACROSS THE FACES OF THE CULLEN'S and the WOLVES…
BEAU
Some of you might not be here. Afterwards. Because of me.
A beat – then Julie nuzzles his face again. He pets her. Leans against her.
EDYTHE (O.S.)
We're done for the day.
Edythe has suddenly appeared next to him. Her expression is calm, but firm. Julie-wolf eyes them… then rejoins her pack as they retreat into the woods.
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS – LATER DAY
The Jeep pulls away carrying Carine, Earnest, Royal and Eleanor.
Beau sits on the hood of the Volvo. Jessamine approaches, kicking the mud from her shoes, brushing dirt off. Beau looks at her as if for the first time.
BEAU
Jessamine… are you sure there's nothing else I can do to help?
JESSAMINE
Your presence alone, your scent will distract the newborns; their hunting instincts will take over, drive them crazy.
BEAU
Okay. Glad I can at least do something to help.
(then)
Hey. How do you know so much about all this?
JESSAMINE
(beat, reluctant)
I didn't have quite the same… upbringing as my adopted siblings.
She slowly rolls up her sleeves. Shows her -
BEAU'S POV – CLOSE ON JESSAMINE'S ARM
At first, we SEE nothing in the overcast grey light. Then it becomes clear – her arm is feathered with hundreds of white, half-moon shaped scars. Beau is aghast.
BEAU
Those bites are like mine.
JESSAMINE
Battle scars. Even with the little training I could get in the Confederate Reserves, it was useless against newborns. Still, I never did lose a fight.
BEAU
This happened during the Civil War?
She nods as she starts to walk. He walks apace with her.
JESSAMINE
I was one of the youngest to join the Ladies' Aid Society. Sewing, nursing, suppling; my mother said I had a gift for rhetoric. Inspiring even the most wounded soldiers to get back up and fight.
BEAU
(prompting)
So how did you become a vampire.
JESSAMINE
… my charisma attracted the attention of a certain immortal. Miguel.
OFF JESSAMINE'S FACE, darkening with the past -
INT. LADIES' AID SOCIETY BUILDING, TEXAS – NIGHT (1863)
MATCH CUT – JESSAMINE'S HUMAN FACE, tan and flushed with exhaustion of carrying several blankets amongst the other ladies working within the society. She looks very beautiful in her society dress.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
I was helping prepare supplies for our soldiers on their attempt to retake Galveston. Working late into the night, exhaustion let me fall asleep rather quickly.
She collapses into her bed, falling asleep within seconds. PAN OUT to reveal a SINGLE MAN in tattered clothing and bare feet, cloaked in the darkness. He watches her intently, motionless.
Stepping into the faint light of the room, MIGUEL, Mexican, black-haired, porcelain-skin and red eyes. He stares with interest at Jessamine. Approaches her…
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
Next thing I knew I was being carried by hands that were cold as ice.
CUT TO:
EXT. DESSERT OUTSIDE HOUSTON, TEXAS – NIGHT (1863)
Jessamine wakes up slowly, as she's floating through the air. She looks up, sees Miguel. He stares down at her. Jessamine is scared, but remains silent at the sight of Miguel. TWO OTHER VAMPIRES appear in the distance.
LYLE
(inhaling her scent)
Mmm. Sweet. But we need soldiers, fighters, not women.
NESTOR
I hope you know what you're doing Miguel. A soldier disappearing from a battlefield is nothing. But a woman, will raise questions.
Miguel stops. He places Jessamine down. She is clearly scared and confused. She looks around, there is no one else besides the three men.
MIGUEL
Patience. If this gamble pans out… she'll be more valuable than any soldier.
JESSAMINE
Who are you? What do you want?
NESTOR
Then get it over with Miguel.
(grinning)
I don't think I'd be able to stop with this one.
LYLE
Agreed.
MIGUEL
(to Jessamine)
I hope you survive Miss Whitlock. You'll be an excellent addition to us.
Miguel moves closer to Jessamine. He strokes her hair and his hand moves to her neck. He BITES.
SMASH CUT:
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS – DAY
BACK ON JESSAMINE who stops walking, the painful memory washing over her. Beau moves to a fallen log, sits. Prompts her -
BEAU
Miguel was creating an army?
JESSAMINE
They were very common in the South. Constant… brutal battles for territory, and Miguel won them all. He was smart, careful… and he had me.
EXT. TEXAS DESERT – NIGHT (1860'S)
MATCH CUT JESSAMINE'S FACE, EYES RED – she's almost unrecognizable in her ferocity as she TEARS through an opposing ARMY OF NEWBORNS, ripping off limbs, arms, heads. She's a terrifying warrior.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
I became his second-in-command. My ability to control emotions served him well.
INT. BARN – DAY (LATE 1800'S)
Jessamine trains a group of NEWBORNS, demonstrating defensive and offensive attack manoeuvrers. They're a feral-looking bunch. Jessamine's eyes are burgundy-red, her face hard, cold -
- until she crosses a YOUNG, INNOCENT-LOOKING GIRL, 15. Jessamine softens ever so-slightly as she encourages the Girl who clearly looks up to her.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
I trained his newborns – an endless occupation since he never let them live beyond their first year…
- A STRONGER NEWBORN easily pins the Girl. MIGUEL appears behind Jessamine, grabs her into a kiss, dominant and salacious. He whispers to her regarding the Girl -
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
It was my job to dispose of them.
INT. BARN – NIGHT (LATE 1800'S)
Jessamine approaches the Girl who looks up and smiles at her friend and mentor. So she's surprised when Jessamine throws an arm around her throat -
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
I could feel… everything they felt.
- SEE Jessamine's despair as she restrains the Girl in a choke-hold, almost an embrace before twisting the Girl's head off.
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS – DAY
BACK ON JESSAMINE – Her despair as acute as if it was yesterday. Archie has appeared next to her.
JESSAMINE
I thought what Miguel and I had was love. But I was just his puppet. He pulled the strings. I didn't know there was another way… until I met Archie. He'd seen me coming, of course.
ARCHIE
Well, you southern belles really like to keep a guy waiting long enough.
(to Beau)
It's a pain when you know who your true love is, but have to wait because she might try to kill you otherwise.
JESSAMINE
(bowing her head)
My apologies, good sir.
(then)
I don't know what I would've become without him.
Archie wraps his arms around Jessamine from behind her.
ARCHIE
Ssh. You'll never have to be that again.
Archie kisses Jessamine, soft, but passionate, to drive her memories of that life away. Off Beau, taking it all in…