Chapter 6
EXT. BEAU'S HOUSE – NIGHT
PUSH IN ON the second story… beau's darkened window…
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS – NIGHT (DREAM SEQUENCE)
FIND BEAU back in the field, only now he's alone. CAMERA CIRCLES around him until it's over his shoulder and we SEE -
Jessamine in front of him. Then MIGUEL steps next to Jessamine, whispers seductively into her ear; we don't hear it -
But we PUSH IN CLOSE ON JESSAMINE'S EYES – they begin to TURN BRIGHT BLOOD-RED, thirst crazed…
PULL OUT AGAIN to discover that it's no longer Miguel next to her. It's VICTOR.
He LUNGES for Beau, but for once instead of running he faces his enemy and SWINGS -
INT. BEAU'S ROOM – NIGHT
ON BEAU IN BED – MID-SWING – Edythe catches his fist. He was dreaming, but the fist was real. His eyes focus, realizing he swung at Edythe. His heart is racing.
BEAU
I'm sorry Edythe. It was a dream, I saw…
EDYTHE
What is it?
BEAU
The intruder, the newborn army. They're all his puppets.
(off Edythe's look)
Victor.
EDYTHE
… Archie would have seen Victor's decision to make an army.
BEAU
Unless he's hiding behind them. Letting someone else decide. Maybe he found out how Archie's visions work.
Edythe rises, considering.
EDYTHE
Trust me - I want it to be him. I want him that close. To end him myself, with my own hands.
He sees the darkness in her face. Not certain what to make of her murderous side.
EXT. SEATTLE – UNDER A BRIDGE – NIGHT
It's dark. Riley appears in the shadows DRAGGING by the collar a barely conscious, athletic young man, TRISTAN, 18. Riley effortlessly pulls Tristan's weight behind her as she traverses the long stretch of the underpass.
ON TRISTAN'S FACE – he tries desperately to focus. The BUMP on his head prevents lucidity.
TRISTAN
Stop… I…
But he's dragged over a stone, CRIES OUT in pain -
Riley ignores him, finally reaching her destination. She releases Tristan who drops hard to the ground.
Tristan's blinded by the darkness, dazed, terrified – he starts to crawl away. He doesn't SEE a pair of boots step up behind him. He manages to get to his feet, about to run -
- suddenly, a HAND wrenches him backward… it's Victor. He forces him to his knees, his back to him (Note: Tristan never SEES Victor). He shoots a smile at Riley – she returns it, backing away from the coming blood.
He yanks Tristan's head to the side to expose his neck.
VICTOR
(whispers to Tristan)
Welcome to the army.
(then, to Riley)
We're ready.
EXT. BEAU'S HOUSE – DAY
Edythe exits with Beau at her heels.
BEAU
I'm not just gonna hide while you're out there taking all the risks.
EDYTHE
If it's Victor involved, I need to keep you as far away from the fight as possible.
BEAU
Jessamine said I could help. So, I will, however I can.
EDYTHE
We won't need your help. With the wolves in this, it's an easy win. There won't be enough for the rest of us to do.
BEAU
So, either it's so dangerous I have to hide, or it's so easy you're gonna be sidelined. Which is it?
EDYTHE
(rolls her eyes)
It's dangerous for you. It's easy for us.
BEAU
I think it's dangerous for us to separate. You'll be worried about me; I'll be worried about you. And it'll just make us both more vulnerable.
Edythe is caught by his logic.
EDYTHE
You're right.
BEAU
So, I'm going with you.
EDYTHE
No, we'll both stay away together.
BEAU
I can't make you choose between me and your family.
EDYTHE
The only way I can protect you is to be with you.
Edythe and Beau hug. They're both relieved, but guilty given the circumstances.
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS – DAY
Julie faces Edythe and Beau. They're in the centre of the field. Jessamine stands several paces behind Edythe.
JULIE
(mocking)
You're not fighting? What, you afraid to break a nail or something?
BEAU
She's doing for my sake.
Julie looks at him, at Edythe, shakes her head with disdain.
JULIE
Whatever. Just tell me the plan.
Jessamine steps forward slightly.
JESSAMINE
This field will give us an advantage in battle. We can lure the newborns with Beau's scent, but it needs to end here.
BEAU
Edythe and I are going to a campsite. But even if we go together, they'll pick up my scent.
EDYTHE
Your stench, however, is revolting.
JULIE
Listen princess, you really don't want to start comparing stinks -
BEAU
- What she means is, your scent will mask mine if we go together -
JULIE
- Done.
EDYTHE
(to Jessamine)
This is a bad idea -
JESSAMINE
Edy, they won't want to get anywhere near her… odor.
BEAU
Let's test it. Make sure it works.
Edythe finally nods. He walks towards Julie. She grins, hugs Beau tightly.
JULIE
Eau de wolf, natural Quileute.
EDYTHE
Get going.
EXT. FOREST – DAY
Julie and Beau head through the trees, walking extremely close together. She is ensuring Beau's scent is masked, and engaging in some satisfaction against Edythe. Some time has passed (indicated by brief cuts) Julie and Beau turn around. They continue to walk, circling back towards their distant starting point.
JULIE
We'll see if that works. Personally, I think I smell great. You ever notice anything different?
BEAU
I don't have supernatural senses. Though now that you mention it.
(sniffs)
You kind-of smell like the forest: trees, grass and rain.
JULIE
(sincere)
Thank you.
They both laugh, like they did before.
JULIE
So, you gonna ask me to sit out the fight too? Or don't you care about my safety?
BEAU
I course I care, but you'd say no.
(hopeful)
Unless you'd consider…
JULIE
Yeah, right -
(backpedalling)
But that doesn't mean she loves you more. And I don't have a choice anyway. Since I let Sam be alpha, I have to live with the shots she calls.
BEAU
Wait – you let Sam be Alpha? What does that mean?
JULIE
(considers; finally)
Technically, I was supposed to be alpha. It's a lineage thing. It also would have meant being chieftess of the whole tribe. But I turned it down when Sam offered.
BEAU
You're kidding.
JULIE
I didn't want to be in a pack, let alone be their leader.
BEAU
(seeing her with new eyes)
Wow. Chieftess Julie.
JULIE
Opted out – but every choice has consequences… some more than others -
BEAU
- Don't start – you're gonna have to accept my choice.
Julie stops, their proximity intimate.
JULIE
You can love more than one person at a time. I've seen it, with Sam, Elliot and Lee…
BEAU
I'm not a wolf, I can't imprint -
JULIE
It's not about imprinting. It's about feeling something for someone. And I know you feel something for me. I can sense how I make you feel. Physically. I make you nervous.
Julie pulls him closer, indeed, making him a little nervous.
BEAU
… Julie, don't…
JULIE
Don't worry, I promised I won't kiss you again unless you asked.
BEAU
You'll keep that promise a long time, Chieftess.
She sees she's gotten to him, grins.
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS – DAY
BACK ON EDYTHE as Jessamine jogs out of the woods.
JESSAMINE
I mostly picked up wolf stench. Beau's scent is there, but heavily masked.
EDYTHE
So, it didn't work.
JESSAMINE
Not necessarily. I think if Julie transforms, and Beau rides her to the campsite, it'll completely mask his scent.
Edythe is frustrated. She's about to object -
JESSAMINE
- Edy, this'll work. Trust me.
EDYTHE
(gritted teeth)
Fine then.
EXT. BEAU'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
Beau climbs from his truck just as Archie exits the house with Charlie. The two laugh, enjoying one another. As Archie heads down the stairs…
CHARLIE
Don't be stranger, Archie. Hey Beau.
Beau, surprised, waves back as Charlie heads into the house. Archie meets beau in the yard.
ARCHIE
Your alibi for the battle is all arranged.
BEAU
Really.
ARCHIE
I told Charlie that my whole family's going camping this weekend. So, you and me are having a guys-night at my place.
BEAU
Charlie? You're on a first-name basis.
ARCHIE
Me, he likes. Actually, you and Edythe will have the house to yourselves tonight…
BEAU
… Alone?
ARCHIE
We're all going hunting, powering up for the battle. You're welcome.
Beau is flushed with anticipation and nerves. He starts to walk to his house. Archie grabs his arm.
ARCHIE
Hold it. We need to have a talk regarding a certain… engagement.
Beau quickly looks at the front door. He still hasn't told Charlie.
BEAU
(panicked)
Keep it down.
ARCHIE
Don't worry, Charlie can't hear us.
BEAU
What is it?
ARCHIE
(droning tone)
Listen. I know the agreement you and Edythe have. Wedding while human, she'll turn you -
BEAU
- Yeah, so?
ARCHIE
(serious tone)
But I want you to consider what Edythe might want, even though she doesn't know.
Beau is confused. Archie puts an arm around Beau, keeping voice low, but clear.
ARCHIE
Oh, come on. You don't think she's really okay eloping in Vegas.
BEAU
She said -
ARCHIE
I know what she said. But I also know my sister. If you guys had a proper wedding, she'll love it and you would too.
Beau considers his words. He about to respond when Archie interrupts him.
ARCHIE
All I'm saying is… if you guys are going to do this. Don't feel like you need to rush or downplay the event. Weddings are beautiful. Take it from someone who's planned several.
BEAU
(realizing)
Is this just about you wanting to plan our wedding?
ARCHIE
(slyly)
That's only a small part. But think how much she'd love a proper wedding, especially when you're still human.
Beau takes this in. Edythe wanted to marry him as a condition for changing him herself. But would he really deny her a proper wedding, just to make it easier on himself.
ARCHIE
Just think it over. That's all I'm asking. Honest.
Archie pats him on the back and walks off. Beau is about to head back -
ARCHIE
Also, there's one more thing.
BEAU
What?
ARCHIE
The box is on top of your wardrobe.
Beau is completely lost. Archie just smiles.
ARCHIE
You'll see.
He winks at Beau as he climbs in his Yellow Porsche.
Off Beau, confused and flushed with anticipation and nerves…
INT. BEAU'S HOUSE – KITCHEN – AFTERNOON
Beau enters as Charlie makes a sandwich. He looks up.
CHARLIE
Now the brother, I like.
BEAU
Yeah, Archie's great.
Beau frowns, recalling his earlier conversation with Archie. He moves to the sink, starts washing dishes, overly casual.
BEAU
Hey, Dad, I was wondering… how come you never got remarried after mom.
CHARLIE
I don't know. Guess I just, never met the right girl. Why?
BEAU
I thought maybe after that you, I don't know – gave up on the whole institution of marriage. Do you… still think it has value?
CHARLIE
(suspicious)
Yeah, marriage has value. When you're older. Much older. Like your mom – it worked out great for her the second time. Later in life.
BEAU
… I guess.
CHARLIE
You definitely don't want to have to get married, because you weren't… careful -
BEAU
… What?
CHARLIE
You know what I mean, there are things you need to be aware of if you're gonna be - physically intimate -
BEAU
No – we're not about to have "The Talk" -
CHARLIE
This is just as embarrassing for me as it is for you -
BEAU
I seriously doubt that. And Mom already beat you to it ten years ago.
CHARLIE
Well, you didn't have a girlfriend ten years ago.
BEAU
I'm pretty sure things still work the same way.
CHARLIE
Ok. So you two are… taking precautions right?
BEAU
Dad, please. You really to worry about that. Edythe is more… traditional.
CHARLIE
Traditional. Great. Is that code for something or - ?
BEAU
Geez dad. We're virgins okay.
Beau starts towards his room. He can't believe what he just said.
CHARLIE
(uncomfortable)
Alright, alright. Glad we covered that.
BEAU
Same here.
On Charlie as we hear Beau's footsteps go up the stairs.
CHARLIE
Virgins. Okay then.
INT. BEAU'S BEDROOM – AFTERNOON
Beau quickly enters his room. He closes the door, burying his head in his hands. Embarrassed by the conversation he just had with Charlie. A long beat.
Beau takes a deep breath and moves over to his desk. He picks up the picture of him and Edythe at the Spring Formal (from "Twilgiht") and stares at it.
CLOSE UP ON THE PHOTO we can see Beau is somewhat uncomfortable at the dance, but smiling happily for being able to go with Edythe. ZOOMING ON EDYTHE her expression is one of joy, big dimpled smile, warm golden eyes and hugging Beau with love.
Beau sets the photo down. A long beat. His earlier conversation with Archie has clearly got him thinking about Edythe, and their wedding. Beau gets up.
He opens his wardrobe. About to open a drawer. He pauses, looks up. He reaches to the top, pulling down dusty shoebox. He blows off the dust. Opens it.
CLOSE UP ON THE collection sentimental objects (old photos, trinkets etc.) He pulls out a small black box. He opens it (we don't see inside) and smiles.
EXT. CULLEN HOUSE – NIGHT
Beau approaches the front door, overnight bag on his shoulder. He's nervous. Awkward. He grooms his hair with his fingers. Straightens his jacket. Checks his breath -
THE DOOR SUDDENLY OPENS – to reveal Edythe, worried.
EDYTHE
Why are you waiting out here? What's wrong?
BEAU
Nothing.
She looks at him quizzically, but shows him in. He takes a deep breath and enters.
INT. CULLEN HOUSE – NIGHT
Beau and Edythe silently walk up the stairs. They approach Edythe's room. She grabs Beau's arm, turning him to face her.
EDYTHE
Wait.
(lifts his hand)
It's only fair that I be represented as well.
Edythe deftly attaches a silver crest, with the Cullens heraldry, to his Tribal Bracelet. NOTICE that crest is very similar to one Edythe wears as a necklace.
BEAU
It's like yours. Thank you.
Off Edythe's smile…
INT. EDYTHE'S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Beau follows Edythe into the room to find a large, luxurious, wrought-iron BED. He stops at the sight of it.
BEAU
There's a bed.
EDYTHE
I thought you might need it. To sleep in?
He tentatively moves to it, sitting on its edge. Edythe joins him.
BEAU
Pretty sure a blow-up mattress would have sufficed.
EDYTHE
Excessive?
BEAU
(nervous)
A bit… but thank you.
Beau and Edythe smile as they look at each other. He is the first one to break their shared gaze.
EDYTHE
Is everything okay?
BEAU
Yeah, why?
EDYTHE
Your acting nervous.
BEAU
Just worried about tomorrow.
EDYTHE
Everything, will be fine.
Edythe pulls Beau in for a kiss. Gentle. Beau and Edythe move closer together, kissing each other with increased vigour. Passion sweeps over them. They fall into the bed, but Edythe starts to pull back - overwhelmed -
EDYTHE
Stop.
BEAU
Was that too much. I'm sorry -
EDYTHE
- Beau. It's simple for me to control myself at your house because Charlie might hear and decide to walk in. It very easy to control myself at school and when my family's around.
(beat)
But here. Alone. It's harder than ever.
Beau understands her fear, he moves towards the edge of the bed. Inhaling courage, he turns to her.
BEAU
Edythe. I have a question. You said you wanted me to have as many human experiences as possible, right? Before I'm changed.
EDYTHE
Of course.
BEAU
Well, after we're married are we…
(beat, he swallows)
Going to have a genuine honeymoon.
Beau is mortified to ask her this. Edythe looks at Beau, realizing what he's asking.
EDYTHE
Beau… no. I could hurt you -
BEAU
- it's just. Everyone convinced that after I've changed, the only thing I'll want is to slaughter the town -
EDYTHE
- That part doesn't last forever -
BEAU
I'm just wondering, whether I'll still feel the same way after I'm turned.
EDYTHE
It's different for everyone. I can't tell you how you'll feel. But one thing I know is that I can't risk killing you.
Beau accepts her answer. Embarrassed and slightly dejected, but accepting.
EDYTHE
Please, Beau, don't ask me to -
BEAU
- I understand. It's fine, I'm not trying to pressure you -
- She grabs his hands. Pulling him towards her, intense desire is in her eyes.
EDYTHE
Believe me, I want to. More than you could possibly imagine.
(she strokes his face)
I'm just so afraid I'll hurt you.
Beau takes her hand. He rubs her fingers.
BEAU
You'd also like to married first, right?
EDYTHE
Yes, I would. I know it's rather old-fashioned.
BEAU
More like ancient. But I get it. Things were different in your era.
EDYTHE
They were… less complicated. If we'd met then -
BEAU
I would've had to court you.
EDYTHE
Call on me at home. Taken chaperoned strolls, or had ice tea on the front porch.
(runs her fingers on his lips)
Perhaps stolen a kiss or two.
They laugh at the ancient notion of dating. He remembers one that's still used today.
BEAU
But only after asking for your father's permission, would I get down on one knee…
Beau, now on one knee…
BEAU
… and offer you a ring.
- as he takes from his pocket the little black box, he flips it open to reveal -
INSERT – THE SPARKLING RING – a round diamond set on a band of gold.
BEAU
My grandfather gave this ring to my grandmother. He left it to me before he died.
The beautiful ring memorizes Edythe. She's overwhelmed with joy.
BEAU
Edythe Cullen. I love you. Would you do me the honour… of marrying me?
Edythe holds out her hand, Beau slips the ring on her find. She is overcome with love, gazing at the ring and her fiancé.
EDYTHE
Yes. Yes, I will.
Beau and Edythe rise, overjoyed, and they embrace. Edythe is joyous. She kisses Beau all over, before pulling him into a deep, passionate kiss. They separate, but continue to embrace each other.
