Screenplay

INT/EXT—SHOTS OF VARIOUS PLACES AROUND CAMPUS WHERE ACCESS CARDS MUST BE SWIPPED—DAY AND NIGHT

MARCUS swipes his access card in Benson

Cut to next shot

VAN Swipes her access card to get into the dorms

Cut to next shot

JOLU Swipes his access card to enter a sporting event

Cut to next shot

EXTRAS swipe their cards around campus

Cut to next shot

Extras swipe their cards around campus

Fade out

INT—DORM COMMONS—MORNING

INT/EXT—SHOTS OF VARIOUS PLACES WHERE SECURITY CAMERAS ARE BEING USED TO WATCH STUDENT ACTIVITY (imovie setting to look like surveillance camera shot)

EXTRAS creating harmless mischief during classes/ in Benson

EXTRAS skateboarding where they shouldn’t

EXTRAS having a party in a dorm room

Etc.


Marcus and Van exchange access cards so Marcus can get into a building he isn’t authorized to be in, but Van is. He then swipes for his lunch with her card.

MARCUS
Hey Van, I really need to get the computer lab where your English class is to work on a project. Could I switch access cards with you for the day so I can swipe into the lab?

VAN
(Van hands Marcus her access card)
Sure, no problem. I know you’re low on meal points, so you can swipe for your lunch, if you want. By the way, we’re having a party in my room later. You should come!

MARCUS
(checks watch)
Oh man! It’s almost time for class! I’ve got to go! I’ll see you later!
(Marcus runs out of dorm to his next class)
fade out

VAN
(shouting at Marcus as he runs out)
Don’t forget! Its gunna be a lot of fun!

FADE OUT

INT—MARCUS’ BEDROOM—NIGHT

Marcus is shown in his bedroom reading his emails. He comes to one that is from the access card office, stating that he has been identified misusing access cards, and that he will be fined and required to complete volunteer work. He is also required to speak with the administration. Jolu, his roommate, sits at his desk, diligently working on homework.

Marcus shakes his head and scoffs in disbelief and frustration

Jolu becomes aware something is wrong with Marcus and is annoyed that Marcus is interrupting his studying. Jolu asks him why he seems upset and tries to calm him down.

JOLU
(looking up from his homework)
Dude, what’s wrong? It’s just an email you can calm down.

MARCUS
(Marcus explains his frustrations while pacing the room.)
I can’t believe this. I just needed to get into a lab to use a computer with the right software for my project and the administration is all over me for it. Oh, and apparently friends can’t buy friends lunch anymore, either. They are all mad about me swiping Van’s card to get my lunch….its not like she doesn’t have enough meal points. Oh, and its not good to hang out in each other’s dorms and have a beer, either. Its not like anyone can get drunk on just one anyway. They need to get over themselves and focus on real problems.

JOLU
(less annoyed than before and genuinely concerned for Marcus’ situation.)
Dang, that sucks. Its not that big of a deal. And why are they picking on you? People do that stuff all the time. Someone should really put the school in their place.

MARCUS
Seriously. This is stupid. I’m gunna do something about this. At least I can drink this away at Van’s party. I’ll see you later, man.

FADE OUT

INT—Van’s dorm room. Raging party, with music and people drinking. They are visibly drunk.

INT—SCU ADMIN’S OFFICE—MORNING

SCU ADMIN 1 sits in a high back office chair behind a large desk. He quickly begins asking Marcus questions, not giving him enough time to respond in between questions. Marcus is visibly upset that he cannot communicate his side of the story or his beliefs on the system.


SCU ADMIN 1
I just don’t see how you thought you’d get away with this! You know the school’s policies, Marcus! I would never have expected I’d be sitting here with you talking about this.

MARCUS
It’s really not—

SCU ADMIN 1
I’m sorry, Marcus. There’s no justification for this. You were stealing meal points, being disruptive in the dorms, participated in underage drinking, and you were trespassing in buildings. You will need to pay fines and write a letter of apology to the student body for compromising security, multiple times.

MARCUS
Let me just explai—

SCU ADMIN 1
Didn’t we already determine that we don’t need you talking right now? I’m really sorry, but school policy dictates that if we see something against the rules, we must give the necessary punishments. I don’t see why you’re fighting back. I guess if you want someone else’s opinion, I can make that happen.

SCU ADMIN 2 is brought into the story by SCU ADMIN 1 to backup up his authority. Thinking Marcus is now outnumbered, admin 1 allows Marcus to express his side of the story for the first time, despite the evidence against Marcus. But admin 2 is much more understanding than admin 1 had hoped. He agrees with Marcus’ views that the surveillance is unfair and that the offenses are minor. After exiting the office, Marcus and Admin 2 exchange phone numbers; admin 2 is willing to support Marcus in his quest to rally student opposition to the card system.

SCU ADMIN 1
(Marucs shakes ADMIN 2’s hand)
Alright, this is the co-dean of the school.
(Sarcastically, to admin 2)
Now, Marcus here seems like he wants to talk. So I’m gunna let him. Go on Marcus, tell us your side of the story.
(Under his breath)
Not that it’ll do any good with our set of policies…..

FADE OUT

EXT—STUDENT RALLY ON CAMPUS—AFTERNOON

Students are rallying with signs and chants. They protest the access card system peacefully and legally within the school’s guidelines. They hope to gain enough support that the administration will offer a new plan to secure the campus without violating privacy rights.

EXTRAS (students)
(shouting loudly but in a peaceful tone)
You cant take away our rights!
Security without privacy violation!
Etc
The protest and awareness chants continue peacefully.

Some radical students come to the rally and get out of hand. The police who were monitoring the peaceful protest take them out of the scene. They are escorted away from the rally, and released with just a warning.

UNRULY GROUP OF STUDENTS
(Running around and instigating fights)
SCU admin is stupid!
Lets fight them!
Youre not listening so we’re taking this to the next level!

COPS
Everyone needs to leave now! Please go home and we won’t arrest anyone!

UNRULY STUDENTS
(beginning to fight cops and continue to harass bystanders)
You cant tell us what to do!

COPS
(Rush in and begin arresting the unruly students and taking them off campus. By this time, the peaceful protesters have left or are standing on the perimeter of the chaos)
You all are going to have to come with us. Don’t resist and we won’t take you into the station.

The students who had been previously escorted away return, this time with anger. The police shut down the protest completely. The admin refuses to cooperate on the grounds that the protest was unruly and they don’t want to deal with people who are violent. The oppressive admin thinks he has found a way out of the mess that he had originally gotten himself into by bringing admin 2 into the picture.

UNRULY STUDENTS
(rushing back onto campus, this time more violent)
They cant tell us what we cant do on our own campus!
Are you listening yet, admin?!
Etc.

ADMIN 1
(speaking to group of students congregated around the angry protestors)
Students: we cannot make concessions with a group of protestors who obviously wants to physically harm us. Therefore, any negotiations that we were prepared to have have now been called off. We expect you to all drop this issues now, and move on. We are sure you can understand and accept our reasoning.

Fade out

INT/EXT-- INT/EXT—SHOTS OF VARIOUS PLACES AROUND CAMPUS WHERE ACCESS CARDS MUST BE SWIPPED; NOW, THERE ARE SECURITY CHECKPOINTS WHERE STUDENTS MUST VERIFY THEIR IDENTITIES WITH A SECURITY GUARD; SECURITY CAMERAS ARE EVERYWHERE, BLATANTLY PLACED. “MILITARY STATE” CONDITIONS—DAY AND NIGHT

Admin 2, Marcus and other students, meet in secret to discuss how they can stop the invasions of privacy. They come up with a plan to expose Admin 1’s illegal actions (directing the employees on campus to be more “strict” with security measures).

ADMIN 2
Obviously, my co-dean is out of line, and I’m not prepared to support his views that to have a secure campus we must oppress our students. He needs to be fired fast and replaced with someone more reasonable and willing to challenge problems. Any ideas on how we can make that happen?

MARCUS
All of these new security measures cant be legal. Maybe we can get him fired on those grounds.

JOLU
Hasn’t he done something wrong in the past? Maybe we can bring up some old issue to get him fired.

MARCUS
That probably wont work….but we could probably get the board on our side and they can fire him.

ADMIN 2
That’s simple, but it probably could work. Lets give it a shot.

FADE OUT

INT—BOARD MEETING—DAY

ADMIN 2
(to board)
My Co-dean is no longer performing his duties well. He is too focused on his power hungry- agenda than running a good school.

MARCUS
In short, hes being stupid. Hes gotta go.

JOLU
I second that!

ADMIN 2
(to Marcus and Jolu)
That’s enough, guys…I’ll take it from here.
(to admin)
We’d like to propose that you find a replacement for him. One who is more focused on creating a secure but privacy- respecting campus instead of a military state. We need to focus on what’s important instead of tracking down students like Marcus, who are just living the average college lifestyle.

BOARD PRESIDENT
Thank you, we will consider what you’ve said and look into the issue further. We will get back to you with any developments.

FADE OUT

With the help of Admin 2, Marcs & friends are successful in changing the security system on campus. Admin 1 is fired and Admin 2 promoted.

Marcus is in his room, reading his emails. He smiles as he reads an email, sent to the entire student body.

BOARD PRESIDENT, QUOTED IN AN EMAIL
(Voice over of President reading email as Marcus reads)
It has come to our attention that our administration was not performing at its best. With that said, we have decided to hire a new dean. This should ensure that the campus runs at its best, with academics and safety the number one priority. He has promised to do all in his power to ensure privacy for students on campus. Thank you to our peaceful student demonstrators for bringing this to our attention. We would not have taken action without you.

Marcus calls Jolu over to read the email. They both smile as Jolu reads the email. They high five.

FADE OUT

CREDITS

Mallory Miller Revised Screenplay

Mallory Miller

Screenplay

Marc Bousquet

2/28/2012

Play By The Rules

1.    Ext. Outside High School- Day

It’s a misty grey day at Winston Churchill High school. The school flag is whipping in the wind then suddenly the wind changes directions. A whistle sound fills the courtyard. A cold front is blowing in, papers fly across the courtyard.

2.  Int. Classroom- Day

Close shot of Melinda (Mel) staring at the clock, and tapping her pen against her notebook. Tick, tick, tick. The second hand hits the twelve in slow motion. There are 3 minutes left of 5^th period. The class starts rustling around, packing up.

Mr. Bigz

You need to turn your lights off not when you remember, or when it’s convenient, but EVERY time you leave a room.

Mr. Bigz pauses.

Mr. Bigz (yelling)

EXCUSE ME! I don’t care if there are only three minutes left of class. While I am speaking, the class is listening. Stop packing up.

Caitlin, whose sitting in the front row turns around and glares at the rest of the class.

Caitlin (stuck up voice)

I wasn’t packing up Mr. Bigz.

Mr. Bigz smiles at Caitlin in a perverted way.

Mel looks at her best friend Casey and makes an annoyed face. Casey makes her hand look like a gun and pretends to shoot herself.

The class continues to sit still, until the bell finally rings. The whole class covers their ears, in a routine fashion, because the bell is so loud and obnoxious.

3.  Int.- Hallway Day

   Students are filling the highway.

4.  Int.- close up Mel & Casey

   Mel and Casey Walk to their next class.

Mel

Ugh Mr.Bigz’s quizzes are so annoying. He never quizzes us on what’s important.

Casey

Ya, it’s so not fair. I get like 70’s on every single one.

Mel

I bet Caitlin gets 100’s on all of them because she is such a teacher’s pet. I wish she would stop sucking dick, its getting old. I mean she’s like already a pro she’s been practicing her blow jobs since 3^rd grade, she doesn’t need to practice any more on Mr. Bigz.

5.  Ext.- Outside

Mel and Casey walk outside, and to their surprise it is windy and rainy.

Casey

Ya, ya, we’ve had this conversation a million times we all know Caitlin sucks every teachers dick, regardless if they have a dick or not, but who cares let’s stop complaining and talk about something else.

Mel

Fine.

As the two best friends continue to walk to their 6^th period video technology class they link arms because it is cold outside.

Casey

I can’t wait for the week to be over, I have had so much homework this week- 3 quizzes, 3 math assignments, and one group project. That’s way too much for one week. I wish something exciting would actually happen, the only thing that ever changes in this lame ass city is the weather.

Mel

Who’s the one complaining now? At least you aren’t the captain of the dance team, and you haven’t had dance practice everyday after school for two hours. Which reminds me I’m performing at the football game tonight. I have a solo too. It’s your duty as my best friend to be at the game.

6.  Int.- Video Tech class- Day

They get to the classroom, sit down at a computer, and starts surfing the web.

Casey

OK. I promise I’ll be there.

Girls both look at each other.

Mel

Leave?

Casey

Ya.

Mel

Dance room to drop off my bags? Then food?

Casey

 Sounds good. (sighs) Oh how I love video tech.

Mel walks over to Mrs. Vasquez’s desk.

Mel

Hello Mrs. Vasquez. Can Casey and I leave and go film during class?

Mrs. Vasquez

Sure. Just write a pass.

Mrs. Vasquez smiles. Mel writes out a pass. Mrs. Vasquez signs it. Mel and Casey leave the classroom without a video camera. It is clear they are just ditching class because they bring their stuff with them, but Mrs. Vasquez is so cool she doesn’t even care, and turns her head in the opposite direction.

7.  Int.- Dance room/band hall- Day

Mel and Casey walk in, and drop off the bag. They see the band file in, along with Caitlin, as they leave.

Casey

More dick sucking, except this time band nerds rather than teachers.

Casey and Mel both give Caitlin a dirty look and exit the band hall/ dance room.

Jack, holding his trumpet, stands next to Caitlin.

Jack

Damn that Mel girl is such a bitch. She always gives you those dirty looks, and treats you like shit.

Caitlin

Ugh I know she just thinks she’s SOOO HOTT just because she’s captain of the dance team. I hate her guts, she always puts me in the back row of our routines, and she always gets the solos because she gives them to herself!

Jack

Why don’t you do something to fuck with her? Get back at her, or something. You shouldn’t always be in the back row, especially with that ass!

Caitlin punches Jack.

Caitlin

EWWW seriously? Don’t ever talk about my ass, especially in front of me. But besides that, you have a good point. I should get back at her for always treating me like shit… but how?

Jack

 You can start by looking through her bag she just dropped off over there, maybe steal some cloths from her or something. Haha I don’t know. Guys just fight each other I don’t really know what girls do.

Caitlin searches her bag, finds her key chain and sees that there is pepper spray attached to it.

Caitlin

What the hell? Jack check this out, Mel has pepper spray attached to her keychain.

Jack

Spray it! And pretend it was Mel who did it. I mean either way it’s hers so she’s gunna get busted.

Caitlin

You’re so evil. I love it!

 She sprays the pepper spray in the hall while the band and dance team are getting ready for the game. The spray disperses, everyone coughs, and the band director comes out. Caitlin gets scared slides the keychain with the pepper spray to the corner of the room.

8. Int- Bandhall/dance room cont.- Day

Mel returns to the dance/band hall with her food. She inhaled a biting scent and her lungs immediately reject it with a non stop cough. She looked around to see that the other 150 kids in the band hall were violently coughing as well.

Band Director

 (yelling & coughing)

Everyone needs to evacuate the building.

In his hand he is holding a small red canister key chain. He raises it in the air.

Band Director

If anyone has a clue to what this is and who it belongs to report to my office immediately!

Mel

Holy shit someone sprayed my pepper spray in the band hall. Fuck, my keys are attached, I have to claim them.

Mel walks over to Band director’s office.

9. Int. Band director’s office- Day

Mel

Sir, those are my keys, and that is my pepper spray, but before you flip out, I SWEAR I DIDN’T SPRAY IT. Someone dug through my bag while I was getting food. Ask anyone, I wasn’t even in the band hall getting ready for the game.

Band Director

The Vice Principle is on her way. This is a serious matter. Seven kids just had asthma attacks and the paramedics have arrived. You have causes a huge scene Mel.

The Vice Principle arrives. Mel, band director, and VP are all sitting at a desk, still in the Band director’s office.

VP

Mel, do you realize this is and explosive weapon? In the handbook, which I have a form on file you signed declaring you read it, it says pepper spray is NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS, and for this very reason.

Mel

Well my parents gave me this pepper spray. If this school provided enough parking spots on campus, and I didn’t have to park in those ghetto apartment lots across the street, this wouldn’t be an issue in the first place!

VP

So are you saying, Mel, it is our fault you brought this dangerous weapon on campus, AND SPRAYED IT, because our school does not provide enough parking spot?

Mel

No, I’m saying I didn’t spray the damn thing, and ya I wouldn’t have to carry it if you would let your students park their cars on campus. I don’t want to get raped at the fox fire apartments walking to my car, its happened before, is that such a CRIME miss VICE PRINCIPLE?

VP

Am I seriously supposed to believe you didn’t spray it? And get rid of your attitude missy. You just got yourself 6 weeks of alternative high school. If you fail to attend you will be expelled from Winston Churchill. You may not perform at the game tonight, or participate in dance for the next six weeks either.

VP

THAT’S NOT FAIR! There’s no way I’m going. I didn’t spray it!!! I’m a straight A student and captain of the dance team, I refuse to go to AHS.

VP

Well then, Mel, you are expelled.

10.Ext.- Football Stadium- Night

Casey is in the stands watching half time. She notices Mel isn’t on the field.

Casey

Something seriously must have gone wrong. Mel would never miss her solo.

Casey calls Mel on her phone in the stands.

Mel (voice only, crying)

Casey, you’ll never guess what happened. I got expelled today.

Scene cuts to black.

11.Int.- Classroom- Day 2

Mr. Bigz

Hello class. Today is a fine day. Today we are talking about the dangers of bringing weapons on campus.

Casey (shout)

Umm excuse me. What the hell does this have to do with environmental science Mr. Bigz? This is not appropriate to discuss in class!!!

Mr. Bigz

Detention Ms. Casey, No, two detentions. One for being disrespectful, and the other for cussing. For your information, I can teach about whatever I want.

Casey

This isn’t fair. We have got to do something about this.

Caitlin

(giggles)

12. Ext. Outside- Day 3

Hundreds of students gather outside before school starts and are chanting.

Mob

FREE MEL OR GO TO HELL. FREE MEL OR GO TO HELL!

News cast shows up and is filming the mob.

VP (with megaphone)

Everyone here will be expelled if they do not stop now. This is a private institution. Protest is not allowed!

Cops show up to break up the mob.

13. Int.- Office- Day 3

VP enters Principle’s office.

VP

Did you see the newscast?

Principle

Yes.

VP

I wonder which clever student submitted that video catching Caitlin spraying the pepper spray. I can’t believe she didn’t confess, I always thought she was an honest student. The newscast made the administration look horrible for expelling Mel. We should have looked deeper into the situation before automatically assuming it was her.

Principle

WE should have? It’s you’re job as Vice Principle to look into these matters. I’m afraid I’m going to have to suspend you from your job. You’ve cost the whole school’s reputation in the city of San Antonio, and now I have to clean up the mess.

VP

Suspension? Does that include pay?

Principle

Yes it does. And before you leave, that is if you eventually want your job back, call the news station, tell them it was your mistake for making assumptions, and thank the student who submitted the video and set the situation right. Tell the News station we are re admitting Mel Smith into Churchill High School. Hopefully they are willing to put together a follow up newscast that will make us look better as a school.

VP

Don’t you mean make YOU look better and make me look worse? I refuse to do it. I will not take the blame in front of the whole city.

Principle

Well then, you’re fired. I’ll make the phone call myself. Please exit immediately.

14. Int.- House, Day

The Television is on. Mel is on her couch flipping through channels and comes across a new station.

News Station

Breaking news. Vice Principle of Winston Churchill High School fired for false accusation of student Mel Smith using an explosive weapon on campus.

Mel Smiles.

Mel

Paybacks a bitch. I guess Karma did all my dirty work for me.

 End

Mallory Miller Revised Screenplay

Mallory Miller

Screenplay

Marc Bousquet

2/28/2012

Play By The Rules

1.    Ext. Outside High School- Day

It’s a misty grey day at Winston Churchill High school. The school flag is whipping in the wind then suddenly the wind changes directions. A whistle sound fills the courtyard. A cold front is blowing in, papers fly across the courtyard.

2.  Int. Classroom- Day

Close shot of Melinda (Mel) staring at the clock, and tapping her pen against her notebook. Tick, tick, tick. The second hand hits the twelve in slow motion. There are 3 minutes left of 5^th period. The class starts rustling around, packing up.

Mr. Bigz

You need to turn your lights off not when you remember, or when it’s convenient, but EVERY time you leave a room.

Mr. Bigz pauses.

Mr. Bigz (yelling)

EXCUSE ME! I don’t care if there are only three minutes left of class. While I am speaking, the class is listening. Stop packing up.

Caitlin, whose sitting in the front row turns around and glares at the rest of the class.

Caitlin (stuck up voice)

I wasn’t packing up Mr. Bigz.

Mr. Bigz smiles at Caitlin in a perverted way.

Mel looks at her best friend Casey and makes an annoyed face. Casey makes her hand look like a gun and pretends to shoot herself.

The class continues to sit still, until the bell finally rings. The whole class covers their ears, in a routine fashion, because the bell is so loud and obnoxious.

3.  Int.- Hallway Day

   Students are filling the highway.

4.  Int.- close up Mel & Casey

   Mel and Casey Walk to their next class.

Mel

Ugh Mr.Bigz’s quizzes are so annoying. He never quizzes us on what’s important.

Casey

Ya, it’s so not fair. I get like 70’s on every single one.

Mel

I bet Caitlin gets 100’s on all of them because she is such a teacher’s pet. I wish she would stop sucking dick, its getting old. I mean she’s like already a pro she’s been practicing her blow jobs since 3^rd grade, she doesn’t need to practice any more on Mr. Bigz.

5.  Ext.- Outside

Mel and Casey walk outside, and to their surprise it is windy and rainy.

Casey

Ya, ya, we’ve had this conversation a million times we all know Caitlin sucks every teachers dick, regardless if they have a dick or not, but who cares let’s stop complaining and talk about something else.

Mel

Fine.

As the two best friends continue to walk to their 6^th period video technology class they link arms because it is cold outside.

Casey

I can’t wait for the week to be over, I have had so much homework this week- 3 quizzes, 3 math assignments, and one group project. That’s way too much for one week. I wish something exciting would actually happen, the only thing that ever changes in this lame ass city is the weather.

Mel

Who’s the one complaining now? At least you aren’t the captain of the dance team, and you haven’t had dance practice everyday after school for two hours. Which reminds me I’m performing at the football game tonight. I have a solo too. It’s your duty as my best friend to be at the game.

6.  Int.- Video Tech class- Day

They get to the classroom, sit down at a computer, and starts surfing the web.

Casey

OK. I promise I’ll be there.

Girls both look at each other.

Mel

Leave?

Casey

Ya.

Mel

Dance room to drop off my bags? Then food?

Casey

 Sounds good. (sighs) Oh how I love video tech.

Mel walks over to Mrs. Vasquez’s desk.

Mel

Hello Mrs. Vasquez. Can Casey and I leave and go film during class?

Mrs. Vasquez

Sure. Just write a pass.

Mrs. Vasquez smiles. Mel writes out a pass. Mrs. Vasquez signs it. Mel and Casey leave the classroom without a video camera. It is clear they are just ditching class because they bring their stuff with them, but Mrs. Vasquez is so cool she doesn’t even care, and turns her head in the opposite direction.

7.  Int.- Dance room/band hall- Day

Mel and Casey walk in, and drop off the bag. They see the band file in, along with Caitlin, as they leave.

Casey

More dick sucking, except this time band nerds rather than teachers.

Casey and Mel both give Caitlin a dirty look and exit the band hall/ dance room.

Jack, holding his trumpet, stands next to Caitlin.

Jack

Damn that Mel girl is such a bitch. She always gives you those dirty looks, and treats you like shit.

Caitlin

Ugh I know she just thinks she’s SOOO HOTT just because she’s captain of the dance team. I hate her guts, she always puts me in the back row of our routines, and she always gets the solos because she gives them to herself!

Jack

Why don’t you do something to fuck with her? Get back at her, or something. You shouldn’t always be in the back row, especially with that ass!

Caitlin punches Jack.

Caitlin

EWWW seriously? Don’t ever talk about my ass, especially in front of me. But besides that, you have a good point. I should get back at her for always treating me like shit… but how?

Jack

 You can start by looking through her bag she just dropped off over there, maybe steal some cloths from her or something. Haha I don’t know. Guys just fight each other I don’t really know what girls do.

Caitlin searches her bag, finds her key chain and sees that there is pepper spray attached to it.

Caitlin

What the hell? Jack check this out, Mel has pepper spray attached to her keychain.

Jack

Spray it! And pretend it was Mel who did it. I mean either way it’s hers so she’s gunna get busted.

Caitlin

You’re so evil. I love it!

 She sprays the pepper spray in the hall while the band and dance team are getting ready for the game. The spray disperses, everyone coughs, and the band director comes out. Caitlin gets scared slides the keychain with the pepper spray to the corner of the room.

8. Int- Bandhall/dance room cont.- Day

Mel returns to the dance/band hall with her food. She inhaled a biting scent and her lungs immediately reject it with a non stop cough. She looked around to see that the other 150 kids in the band hall were violently coughing as well.

Band Director

 (yelling & coughing)

Everyone needs to evacuate the building.

In his hand he is holding a small red canister key chain. He raises it in the air.

Band Director

If anyone has a clue to what this is and who it belongs to report to my office immediately!

Mel

Holy shit someone sprayed my pepper spray in the band hall. Fuck, my keys are attached, I have to claim them.

Mel walks over to Band director’s office.

9. Int. Band director’s office- Day

Mel

Sir, those are my keys, and that is my pepper spray, but before you flip out, I SWEAR I DIDN’T SPRAY IT. Someone dug through my bag while I was getting food. Ask anyone, I wasn’t even in the band hall getting ready for the game.

Band Director

The Vice Principle is on her way. This is a serious matter. Seven kids just had asthma attacks and the paramedics have arrived. You have causes a huge scene Mel.

The Vice Principle arrives. Mel, band director, and VP are all sitting at a desk, still in the Band director’s office.

VP

Mel, do you realize this is and explosive weapon? In the handbook, which I have a form on file you signed declaring you read it, it says pepper spray is NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS, and for this very reason.

Mel

Well my parents gave me this pepper spray. If this school provided enough parking spots on campus, and I didn’t have to park in those ghetto apartment lots across the street, this wouldn’t be an issue in the first place!

VP

So are you saying, Mel, it is our fault you brought this dangerous weapon on campus, AND SPRAYED IT, because our school does not provide enough parking spot?

Mel

No, I’m saying I didn’t spray the damn thing, and ya I wouldn’t have to carry it if you would let your students park their cars on campus. I don’t want to get raped at the fox fire apartments walking to my car, its happened before, is that such a CRIME miss VICE PRINCIPLE?

VP

Am I seriously supposed to believe you didn’t spray it? And get rid of your attitude missy. You just got yourself 6 weeks of alternative high school. If you fail to attend you will be expelled from Winston Churchill. You may not perform at the game tonight, or participate in dance for the next six weeks either.

VP

THAT’S NOT FAIR! There’s no way I’m going. I didn’t spray it!!! I’m a straight A student and captain of the dance team, I refuse to go to AHS.

VP

Well then, Mel, you are expelled.

10.Ext.- Football Stadium- Night

Casey is in the stands watching half time. She notices Mel isn’t on the field.

Casey

Something seriously must have gone wrong. Mel would never miss her solo.

Casey calls Mel on her phone in the stands.

Mel (voice only, crying)

Casey, you’ll never guess what happened. I got expelled today.

Scene cuts to black.

11.Int.- Classroom- Day 2

Mr. Bigz

Hello class. Today is a fine day. Today we are talking about the dangers of bringing weapons on campus.

Casey (shout)

Umm excuse me. What the hell does this have to do with environmental science Mr. Bigz? This is not appropriate to discuss in class!!!

Mr. Bigz

Detention Ms. Casey, No, two detentions. One for being disrespectful, and the other for cussing. For your information, I can teach about whatever I want.

Casey

This isn’t fair. We have got to do something about this.

Caitlin

(giggles)

12. Ext. Outside- Day 3

Hundreds of students gather outside before school starts and are chanting.

Mob

FREE MEL OR GO TO HELL. FREE MEL OR GO TO HELL!

News cast shows up and is filming the mob.

VP (with megaphone)

Everyone here will be expelled if they do not stop now. This is a private institution. Protest is not allowed!

Cops show up to break up the mob.

13. Int.- Office- Day 3

VP enters Principle’s office.

VP

Did you see the newscast?

Principle

Yes.

VP

I wonder which clever student submitted that video catching Caitlin spraying the pepper spray. I can’t believe she didn’t confess, I always thought she was an honest student. The newscast made the administration look horrible for expelling Mel. We should have looked deeper into the situation before automatically assuming it was her.

Principle

WE should have? It’s you’re job as Vice Principle to look into these matters. I’m afraid I’m going to have to suspend you from your job. You’ve cost the whole school’s reputation in the city of San Antonio, and now I have to clean up the mess.

VP

Suspension? Does that include pay?

Principle

Yes it does. And before you leave, that is if you eventually want your job back, call the news station, tell them it was your mistake for making assumptions, and thank the student who submitted the video and set the situation right. Tell the News station we are re admitting Mel Smith into Churchill High School. Hopefully they are willing to put together a follow up newscast that will make us look better as a school.

VP

Don’t you mean make YOU look better and make me look worse? I refuse to do it. I will not take the blame in front of the whole city.

Principle

Well then, you’re fired. I’ll make the phone call myself. Please exit immediately.

14. Int.- House, Day

The Television is on. Mel is on her couch flipping through channels and comes across a new station.

News Station

Breaking news. Vice Principle of Winston Churchill High School fired for false accusation of student Mel Smith using an explosive weapon on campus.

Mel Smiles.

Mel

Paybacks a bitch. I guess Karma did all my dirty work for me.

 End