CUT TO:

INT.BOOKSTORE- MORNING

Tess, dressed in a solemn black dress, walks over to the shelf. We see the film that she is staring at: "Karate". She picks it up and begins to read the back.

TESS (V.O.)

"Read this guide to the amazing Asian secrets of self preservation and discipline."

Tess carries the book over to Mr. Miller. TESS

Can you please buy me this book?

MR. MILLER

Oh, come on. That's the cheap way out. I'm a blue-belt, and I tell you- you need actual physical training, because reading just a book won't get you anywhere.

TESS

Well then, could I take classes?

MR. MILLER

I'm sorry, but we just took three kids into our house. We can't afford that right now. Not to mention, I took it only because I was being beaten up in high school. You won't be. It would just be a waste of time and money.

TESS

Then why don't you teach me?

MR. MILLER

Um… I don't think it's really the best idea.

TESS

And why not?

MR. MILLER

I don't want you to do anything dangerous. Oh God, how do I explain this?

He kneels down in front of her.

MR. MILLER

You just now get a huge interest in karate. Why? Because your mother was just killed. What does this tell me? You want to kill your father.

TESS

Please, it's really what I want to do. You don't understand.

MR. MILLER

Let's ask your mother.

Tess shifts uncomfortably at what he says. They proceed to get up and walk over to Mrs. Miller.

TESS

May I take karate lessons?

MRS. MILLER

Of course not.

TESS

WHY?

MRS. MILLER

Because I don't want you to hurt anybody. Is this all right with you?

TESS

Fuck no!

MRS. MILLER

EXCUSE ME?

TESS

Listen to me, please- don't even bother to ask my opinion if the answer is no!

MR. MILLER

We're terribly sorry, but we're going to have to ground you.

TESS

No, you're not.

She throws the book down hard, and everyone turns to look.

TESS

The whole world owes me for this. Do you understand what I'm saying?

MRS. MILLER

Look, young lady, you're getting way out of line!

TESS

I'm sick of this shit! You'll take care of the twins, and I'll be gone for a little while. After a few years, you'll see me. Before then, you may see me in porn.

MR. MILLER

WHAT?

TESS

I've been thinking about it.

MRS. MILLER

Thinking about what?

TESS

Getting enough money to learn how to fight, and to get all of the right supplies.

MR. MILLER

Look, this is getting ridiculous! Now, you're going to half to calm down!

TESS

Fuck off!

Mrs. Miller slaps her across the face and she stares up, horrified, at her foster parents. The whole store is looking at them, gasping.

MRS. MILLER

You are going home with us, you understand? And we will take care of you. But you are not going to act like this. We are sorry for your loss, but that doesn't mean you can-

Tess snatches her purse and rushes out the door. Mr. And Mrs. Miller dart out after her.

CUT TO:

EXT.STREET- NIGHT

Tess jumps into the back of a mack truck as it speeds away.

CUT TO:

EXT.LAWN- NIGHT

The truck pulls over in front of a house. A TEENAGE BOY walks out of it and into his house. Once the coast it clear, Tess sneaks out of the truck and turns around. She sees the Miller car approaching. She turns and runs really fast into the shed.

CUT TO:

INT.SHED- NIGHT

Tess slams the doors and pulls a chain, turning on the light. She pushes the huge wooden lock down in front of the doors and we hear banging on the other side.

MR. MILLER (O.S.)

Look, Tess, we just want to help you, please don't run!

Tess frantically turns around to a huge tool shelf and a tiny window above it. She darts towards it and grabs a hammer from the shelf. She begins to climb the shelves.

MRS. MILLER (O.S.) Please, dearie! What are you doing in there?

Tess approaches the window and smashes it with the hammer. She begins to crawl out and onto a tree limb.

CUT TO:

EXT.STREET- NIGHT

Tess drops down onto the lawn and we hear her leg break. She whimpers and covers her mouth to keep from screaming. She begins to slowly climb away.

CUT TO:

EXT.STREET- MORNING

Tess is walking on a large tree limb, using it as a cane. She turns to an elderly old WOMAN.

TESS

Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know where I can find a church.

WOMAN

Yes, dear. There is one not too far from here. Just turn to the right and-

CUT TO:

INT.CHURCH- MORNING

Tess is sitting in front of a HELPER, wrapping up her leg. We see that it is in the homeless area of the church.

HELPER

So, where do you come from? How did you end up homeless?

TESS

I was born into a homeless family. But my parents just died.

HELPER

How?

TESS

They were bitten by a rat. They killed it before it got to me. But they died.

HELPER

I'm so sorry.

TESS

By the way, is there a television here? I've been following the case of the father who killed his wife and orphaned his three kids. The verdict is reached tomorrow.

HELPER

Of course! We have a television right there-

She points to a television in the corner.

CUT TO:

INT.CHURCH- MORNING

Tess is sitting with all of the others, watching the news.

REPORTER

And he has been convicted to twelve years.

Tess sneers.

TESS

Just enough time.

She reaches into Mrs. Miller's purse. The cell-phone is ringing, and it says "HOUSE". Tess flips it open and answers it.

TESS

Hello?

MR. MILLER (O.S.)

What the hell are you thinking? Where are you?

TESS

That's none of your business.

MR. MILLER (O.S.)

Look, we're going to find you. Wherever you are, you're only a little kid, you can't be in the porn industry. And we are putting this on the news.

TESS

When it comes to being in porn, I'm waiting. The verdict was twelve years. I'll wait 6 of those years and lie about my age.

MR. MILLER (O.S.)

Whatever you do, you really can't use the credit card you stole. It's been locked.

TESS

Fine then, I'll rob if I have to. But I will gather enough money until I can afford karate, firearms, weapons…

MR. MILLER (O.S.) (Whisper)

Please, Tess. We love you. You need help, you've gone crazy.

TESS

Well, let's put it this way: Once you're beaten up over and over and witness the death of your mother, and then you have had over a month's time to think about it, you will realize that you grow very mature and calloused. Goodbye.

She drops the phone and crushes it.