Chapter 2
EXT. RENÉE'S BEACH BUNGALOW, FLORIDA – DAY
- Beau's face is turned upward to soak in the WARM SUN.
RENÉE (O.S.)
Aren't you going to miss this?…
INCLUDE his mother RENÉE. They lie in chaise lounges separated by a side table on the deck of this funky bungalow.
RENÉE
… The warmth on your skin. The vitamin D soaking into your pores.
BEAU
Yeah, I will.
RENÉE
You know, colleges in Florida are a lot sunnier.
(off Beau's look)
I'm just saying if you go to the University of Alaska, I'm never gonna see you.
Which is the point. Guilt washes over Beau. He puts on a pair of sunglasses, hiding the emotion in his eyes, knowing this could be the one of the last times he sees his mother.
BEAU
They have a really great science program.
RENÉE
You mean Edythe program.
Renée smiles at Beau, who looks inside the house -
BEAU'S POV – INT. BEACH BUNGALOW – THROUGH WINDOW
Edythe sits in an easy chair with a clear view of Beau. She offers a small wave, then turns back to her conversation with PHIL, who lies on his back on the couch.
BACK TO SCENE
Renée reaches over to squeezes his hand, a beat, then glances back at Edythe.
RENÉE
The way she watches you. It's like… she'd be willing to leap in front of you to take a bullet or something.
BEAU
… Is that a bad thing?
RENÉE
It's an intense thing. You're different with her… she moves, you move. Like magnets.
BEAU
We're just…
RENÉE
In love, I get it. I just wanna make sure you're making the right decisions for you. 'Cause you're the one who had to live with them.
Beau takes this in – his choice much bigger than mere geographical location. Renée can see his face cloud.
RENÉE
Alright, enough with the heavy -
She reaches under chaise and pulls up a large box.
RENÉE
- Happy graduation.
She sets a box in Beau's lap. Beau is dismayed.
BEAU
Mom, I don't want you wasting your money -
RENÉE
- I didn't. I promise.
Beau opens the box – to find a QUILT. As he unfolds it, realizes what it is, emotion wells up -
BEAU
It's my old trip T-shirts!
RENÉE
Thought they'd make a nice quilt. Help keep you warm up in Alaska.
REVEAL that each square of the quilt is cut from T-SHIRTS bought at various roadside attractions from around the Americas. Renée points -
RENÉE
Remember that one? From Ensanada -
BEAU
Saul's Snake Farm and Tanqueria -
RENÉE
God knows what was in those tacos.
BEAU
(re: another patch)
The three-headed lobster in Maine! Thing gave you nightmares -
RENÉE
But you were all, "Wow, cool!" Already the science geek at ten.
They laugh together, remembering their past.
BEAU
This is amazing, Mom.
RENÉE
We can always add to it when you have kids of your own. Visit the world's biggest ketshup or the chewing gum art museum…
Renée wraps the quilt around Beau as -
RENÉE
I didn't want you going to Alaska without me – or some part of me.
Beau suddenly hugs her as if for the last time, and perhaps it will be.
BEAU
Thanks mom. I'm gonna miss you.
Renée's a little surprised by Beau's emotionalism, but hugs him back. Off the two of them…
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT
START ON ARCHIE – his eyes glazed over, intently watching something in his mind. The woods are all mist and shadows – a stark contrast to previous bright scene.
INCLUDE ELEANOR, then Jessamine. Then the other Cullens, CARINE, EARNEST and ROYAL. They're spread out, still as statues, waiting for Archie, ready to spring -
JESSAMINE
You're sure this is where you saw him?
ARCHIE
He's almost here…
ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST
CLOSE ON A PAIR OF MALE FEET in boots RUNNING in the rain wet mud. But they falter, slowing to a stop… PAN UP TO INCLUDE none other than VICTOR! He inhales… something smells wrong. He abruptly BOLTS in another direction -
BACK ON ARCHIE – he spins to Eleanor -
ARCHIE
On your left!
Eleanor explodes to her left, Royal right behind her. Jessamine and Carine go wild, looking to cut Victoria off, Earnest and Archie following up the rear -
INTERCUT with Victor racing through the trees, tense but not afraid. Escaping is what he's good at. He reaches -
A RAVINE – he doesn't break stride, just LEAPS across it – Carine pulls up short, yells to Eleanor and Royal -
CARINE
Wait! He's in their territory.
ROYAL
He'll get away.
JESSAMINE
(hearing something)
No he won't -
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RAVINE – THREE GIANT WOLVES LEAP into the scene and take up the chase after Victor. The leader is black, enormous (SAM-WOLF).
A parallel chase ensures, the wolves and the Cullens keep to their sides of the ravine, which we realize is the line that demarcates the territories. Victor leaps back over -
ELEANOR
All ours now.
The Cullens close in.
Eleanor GRABS HOLD OF HIS SHOULDER! They roll head over keester – Victor uses the momentum to his advantage and FLINGS Eleanor off and over him into a tree.
He takes the split second she's down to leap over to wolf-land and keeps running. Eleanor is pissed -
EARNEST
Eleanor, don't
- but Eleanor, seeing red, FLIES over the ravine – the second her feet hit the other side – PAULA-WOLF turns to face her.
There's a moment of standoff. It would be simple enough for Eleanor to defuse the situation by jumping back - but that's not her style. Paula GROWLS with bravado. That just makes Eleanor smile.
ANGLE ON VICTOR, at a safe distance now. He slows, looks back, surprised to see what's happening. He studies the conflict with curiosity, his mind working…
Paula and Eleanor CHARGE each other. BAM! They roll a dozen yards in the dirt.
EXT. FORKS HIGH SCHOOL – PARKING LOT – MORNING
Edythe pulls her Volvo into a parking spot -
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO (CONTINUOUS) – SAME
Beau's in the passenger seat, sadness in his face. Edythe strokes his cheek, comforting him.
EDYTHE
Are you sorry you went?
BEAU
No. I was great seeing my mom. Just… hard saying goodbye.
EDYTHE
It doesn't have to be goodbye.
BEAU
Is that why you wanted me to go? Hoping I'd change my mind?
She offers a gentle smile.
EDYTHE
I'm always hoping that.
(beat)
You also didn't tell her about our engagement.
BEAU
I will. When the time's right so she doesn't overreact.
Edythe nods acknowledging this decision - then suddenly she looks up; stiffens. Hearing something.
BEAU
What is it?
EDYTHE
Would you stay in the car if I asked you to?
He looks at her, concerned, then pulls open his door.
EDYTHE
Of course not.
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT (CONTINUOUS) – DAY
Beau and Edythe emerge from the Volvo to SEE Julie climb off her motorcycle and stride towards them. She wears a fitted black T-shirt, grease-stained jeans, biker boots. No jacket in the cold.
Her hard expression causes other students to give her a wide berth. She looks almost dangerous. But Beau is delighted -
BEAU
Jules! -
Edythe subtly, protectively keeps Beau close. Students watch from a distance, out of earshot.
JULIE
Charlie said you left town.
BEAU
To see my mother. Why?
EDYTHE
She's here to make sure your still human.
JULIE
You wanna read my mind? Go ahead.
Julie concentrates on something, and suddenly Edythe seems to be distressed.
BEAU
What are you doing?
JULIE
Just taking a walk down memory lane.
EDYTHE
She's reminding me. Of what it was like for you when I went away.
BEAU
Julie. Enough, please.
Julie takes a breath to calm herself. Then faces Edythe.
JULIE
I'm here to warn you – if your kind come on our land again -
BEAU
Wait, what?
JULIE
(realizing, to Edythe)
You didn't tell him.
EDYTHE
Leave it alone, Julie.
ANGLE ON ARCHIE AND JESSAMINE
- who gracefully and swiftly climb from their car, place themselves in proximity, just in case.
ANGLE ON MCKAYLA, ERICA, JEREMY AND ALLEN
- who watch the goings on. Allen clearly fears a fight; the others seem more intrigued by one.
BACK ON EDYTHE, JULIE AND BEAU.
BEAU
Tell me. What happened?
EDYTHE
There was a misunderstanding between Eleanor and Paula. Nothing to worry about.
JULIE
Wow! Listen to you. Did you lie to get him out of town, too?
EDYTHE
You should leave. Now.
JULIE
He has a right to know. After all, he's the one the red-heads after.
BEAU
Victor's back.
(realizing, to Edythe)
Archie's vision – it wasn't about Jessamine, was it? It was Victor -
EDYTHE
I was trying to protect you -
BEAU
By lying to me?
She can't respond. There are no words to express her concern and frustration. A beat… then he turns.
BEAU
We're gonna talk about this.
(to Edythe)
As for you. Why haven't I heard back from you?
JULIE
I had nothing else to say.
Julie starts to walk back to her bike.
BEAU
Jules, wait up -
Edythe's hand is on his arm so fast he's barely moved. He turns to her with controlled anger.
BEAU
Edythe, you can trust me.
EDYTHE
I do trust you. She's the one I don't trust.
Beau just looks at Edythe; strong, independent, not about to acquiesce. Finally, she releases him. He jogs to Julie. Climbs on the back of her bike. Julie grins.
BEAU
Lose the grin. We're just taking a ride.
JULIE
(for Edythe's benefit)
Better hold on tight.
She kick-starts the bike, then ROARS off with Beau on the back. Edythe watches them go; off her apprehension -
EXT. LA PUSH – ELLIOT'S HOUSE – DAY
Julie pulls up; she and Beau climb off the bike.
BEAU
As you sure this is okay. I mean I am the, "vampire guy".
JULIE
You'll be fine.
The front door BURSTS open and JAY, PAULA, EMMA & QUIL pile out, finishing the last of their meal. Beau tenses, but much to his surprise and relief, Emma smiles when she sees him.
EMMA
Hey! Look who's back.
QUIL
How've you been, Beau?
BEAU
Ladies. Wow Quil, you've really bulked up.
QUIL
(grins, flexes)
Just one of the perks of finally being in the pack. Glad you're here though. Maybe we'll finally get a break from Julie's obsessive inner monologue -
PAULA
(mimicking Julie)
"I wish Beau would call -"
JAY
"I wish Beau wouldn't call -"
EMMA
"Maybe I should call Beau -"
JULIE
Shut it.
QUIL
"Maybe I should call Beau and hang up -"
JAY
"Maybe I should call Beau, say something, then hang up -"
JULIE
(to Beau)
I looking for a new pack. Any suggestions?
Beau smiles as the girls laugh and clown around, like a group of sisters.
Behind them a muscular guy with shot-cut black hair exits, LEE CLEARWATER, 19. He'd he handsome if not for his scowl. Lee sees Beau and the scowl deepens.
JULIE
Beau this is Lee Clearwater. Holly's son.
BEAU
Hey… I'm really sorry about your mother. My dad really misses her.
LEE
If you here to torture Julie some more, feel free to leave.
Beau's taken aback. Julie shoots Lee an angry look; he's impervious. As SAM and ELLIOT exit, Lee abruptly moves off.
JULIE
Fun, isn't he?
Elliot grabs Beau hand, shaking it happily. Sam offers a pleasant nod hello.
ELLIOT
Beau. I was wondering when we'd see you face around here again.
JULIE
Sam. We good?
SAM
We're good. He won't be getting through our line anytime soon.
The girls talk softly as they make their way to the forest's edge. Sam turns to Elliot to say goodbye, looks into his eyes. Their connection is deeply intimate. As Sam gently kisses him, beau politely looks away… to SEE -
BEAU'S POV – ON LEE
- at the edge of the woods. Lee glances at Sam and Elliot's kiss, then abruptly FALLS FORWARD – before his hands hit the ground, they become PAWS! Lee, now a LIGHT GREY WOLF disappears into the woods. Off Beau's surprise…
EXT. JULIE'S HOUSE – DAY
Julie and Beau climb off the bike, and start wheeling it toward the garage as -
BEAU
When did Lee… actually how did Lee join the pack?
JULIE
It was around the time when his mom died. Everyone was completely surprised and confused. The Quileute's have never had a male transform before.
BEAU
Like ever?
JULIE
Not according to our history.
(beat)
They think it's because Lee has the genes of all three families that allow us to phase.
BEAU
Three families?
JULIE
The Blacks, such as yours truly. Plus, the Ateara and Uley lines.
BEAU
(impressed)
Talk about being genetically blessed.
Julie chuckles. Beau's right, but Julie knows first-hand it's not always a blessing.
JULIE
His sister, Sarah, also phased. She's only fifteen. One of the youngest we've ever had. Sam keeps her home studying, but she's chomping at the bit. I wish it was Lee who'd stay home.
BEAU
You ladies don't want to work with a guy.
JULIE
It's not a gender thing. It's a triangle thing. We all have to live the Lee-Sam-Elliot pain-fest. Wolf telepathy, remember?
BEAU
Sam… dumped Lee for Elliot?
JULIE
No, it wasn't like that. Honestly, Sam hates herself for hurting Lee like that, but… Elliot was the one.
BEAU
Yeah, guess it sometimes chooses you.
Julie knows he's talking about Edythe, won't got there.
JULIE
It's more than some crush. Sam imprinted on Elliot.
BEAU
Imprinted? Like a baby bird?
JULIE
(sniggers)
It means something different for us.
(bitterly)
Just one more thing we have no control over. Even our damn soul mates are chosen for us. Thanks to your bloodsucker buddies.
BEAU
You can't blame this on them.
JULIE
Yes, I can. If we weren't wolves, we wouldn't imprint. And we wouldn't be wolves if the damn vampires would stay away. But they keep coming back.
BEAU
(getting it)
… And when they do, you change.
JULIE
We lose everything. Our lives, our futures, our free will – You know Quil imprinted on someone. Clark. He's two years old.
BEAU
What… okay that's just creepy.
JULIE
You don't get it. There's nothing romantic about it. It's… a spiritual thing. All the same, Quil won't even consider dating anyone for two decades. Until Clark catches up with her.
BEAU
(beat)
It's still pretty creepy.
BEAU
(laughs)
You still don't get it.
She continues into the garage. He follows -
INT. JULIE'S GARAGE (CONTINUOUS) – DAY
Julie and Beau enter. Julie rolls the bike to its spot. He notes his old motorcycle in the corner, collecting dust.
JULIE
It's like, the first time you see that person after you've phased.
As she finds her words, she slowly moves towards him.
JULIE
… everything changes. Your whole centre shifts. Suddenly, it's not gravity holding you to the ground anymore. It's that person.
(very close to Beau now)
Nothing else matters. You would do anything – be anything for them. Depending on what they needed.
She's looking into Beau's eyes. He's afraid to ask, but…
BEAU
Sounds like you know the feeling.
JULIE
I just have a direct line to Sam and Quil's thoughts. Helps us understand it a bit better.
BEAU
Have you… imprinted on someone?
She weighs the loaded question – the truth versus what she wishes was the truth. He waits, emotions conflicting. Finally, she turns away, regret in her voice -
JULIE
You'd know if I had. Believe me.
He's relieved. And confused by his relief. She picks up a wrench, tightening something on her bike as -
BEAU
So for now, you're still you.
JULIE
And you're still you.
BEAU
Yeah.
(hesitates; then)
Until after graduation -
BEAU
(anger abruptly flashing)
Graduation?
BEAU
Jules, I told you it was going to happen -
JULIE
Not in a month. Not before you've even lived! -
- She abruptly THROWS her wrench across the garage. HEAR it SMASH into the wall -
JULIE
- God. For a second – just a second, think about this. In a few weeks you'll be a monster -
BEAU
- I'm not going to be a liability forever. Besides, it's my decision -
JULIE
Beau they're not even alive – it makes me sick. Moreso that you can see how sick it is… I'd rather see you dead than one of them.
Beau reels back from her words. She's too angry to take it back. He heads for the door.
BEAU
Edythe was right, I never should've come here.
JULIE
Beau, I don't want you to – please.
He slows, turns back to her. She tries to calm herself.
JULIE
(takes a breath)
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that.
It takes a long beat for him to recover from the harsh comment. Finally, he nods. He moves to his dusty motorcycle, brushes off the seat.
BEAU
It would be safer if we stuck to more comfortable subjects. Like… motorcycles.
JULIE
Only thing safe about you on a bike is when you turn it off.
He smiles, as does she. The tension slowly dissipates as they dust off the bikes, shifting back to friends mode.
