BLEED
By: Briana Schwartz
Briana Schwartz
70 Alpha Ave.
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Cell: 732-881-8889
Home: 732-678
Characters
Danielle, Teenage Girl, 15-17
Austin, Teenage Boy, Dani’s best
friend, 15-17
Mrs. Gold, middle aged women,
Dani’s mother, 40-50
Jimmy, Teenage Boy, Dani’s love
interest, 15-17
Jessica, Teenage Girl, enemy to
Dani and Austin, 15-17
Mr. and Mrs. Kratner, middle aged
couple, Austin’s parents, 40-50
Officer Reynolds,older middle aged
man, Investigator of Dani’s Death, 50-60
INT. THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT
The scene is blurry, representing a dream, or more like a
nightmare. Dani is sitting on the floor crying. A blade is in her hand, and she
is holding it to her wrist. Austin takes the blade and holds it to his wrist.
INT-THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S BEDROOM-MORNING
Austin is mumbling in his sleep. He repeats the name
“Dani” over and over again, until he wakes up. His eyes open abruptly. He looks
around, confused. His hands touch the sheets he is lying on.
AUSTIN
Did I wet the bed?
He lifts his hands up, revealing them covered in blood.
AUSTIN
Huh. (With a humorous tone) Guess my period came early this month.
He is still confused about where he is and what is going
on. He looks around at the walls, covered in posters of famous boy bands and
actors.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-OUTSIDE OF DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Austin is knocking loudly from the outside of Dani’s
bedroom door
SMASH CUT
Austin, Mr. Gold, and Mrs. Gold stand in Dani’s bedroom
doorway, frozen with disbelief.
SMASH CUT
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Police officers are standing in Dani’s room, talking to
her parents and Austin
SMASH CUT
INT-HOSPITAL-NIGHT
Austin, Mr. Gold, and Mrs. Gold are talking to a doctor.
As he is talking, Mrs. Gold begins to sob. Mr. Gold has her in his arms, trying
not to cry, Austin is emotionless
END OF FLASHBACK
INT-THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S BEDROOM
Austin gets out of bed, and walks over to the dresser that
is across from the bed. He grabs a baby wipe out of a container, and begins to
wipe his hands. Next to the baby wipes, is a picture frame with a picture of
Dani and Austin in it. Austin has his arm around Dani, and they are standing in
front of a stage.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Austin and Dani are in the same position they were in the
picture, a flash is seen, as if the picture was just taken. Austin lets go of Dani’s
arm.
DANI
We did it. We actually did it.
AUSTIN
Our first school play and we
managed not to kill each other or destroy the entire school
A loud noise is heard coming from behind the curtain.
DANI
Spoke too soon.
END OF FLASHBACK
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-DANI’S BEDROOM-MORNING
Austin picks up the picture frame and smiles.
MRS. GOLD
Austin?
Austin is startled by Mrs. Gold, and drops the picture
frame. The glass on the picture frame shatters. Mrs. Gold is standing in the
doorway. She appears to be very tired.
AUSTIN
I.. I’m sorry.. I didn’t know you
were..
MRS. GOLD
Don’t worry about it.
Mrs. Gold slowly walks to the bed, and sits down. Austin
sits next to her.
AUSTIN
I didn’t go home
last night?
MRS. GOLD
You don’t
remember? (Pause) We didn’t get back from the hospital until about 4 in the
morning and you insisted on spending the night.
AUSTIN
Really?
MRS. GOLD
Yeah. As soon as
we got back, you just crawled into Dani’s bed and past out. We didn’t even get
to change the sheets, but we didn’t want to wake you. (Pause) It was a long
night.
AUSTIN
So last night
actually happened? She’s really..
MRS. GOLD
She’s gone.
Mrs. Gold completely loses it. She begins to cry. Austin puts his hand
on her shoulder. He shows no emotion.
CUT.
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS- HALLWAY-MORNING
Two days have gone by. Austin stands at the end of the hallway. It is
crowded, but Austin seems separated from the rest of them.
INT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - THEATER CLASSROOM-MORNING
Austin walks into the theater classroom. He appears to be the last one
to arrive. Everyone looks up at him, including the teacher, Ms. Hernandez, and
Jessica, a rather shady looking student, wearing all black.
MS. HERNANDEZ
Hey kiddo. How
are you feeling?
Austin does not respond. He walks to the 2 empty seats at one of the
tables, and sits in one of them. He stares at the empty chair next to him:
Dani’s seat. Another student, Holly, hugs him, but he doesn’t react to it. He
is still emotionless.
The classroom bell rings. Everyone is walking out of class. Austin is
taking his time.
MS. HERNANDEZ
Austin. Can you
stay for a minute?
Austin shakes his head “yes”.
MRS. HERNANDEZ
Pull up a chair.
She moves her chair in front of the chalkboard; Austin moves his chair
across from her.
MRS. HERNANDEZ
I can only
imagine how you must be feeling right now.
AUSTIN
Feeling? I forgot
what that word means.
MS. HERNANDEZ
It’s perfectly normal for that to happen when coping with a loss.
AUSTIN
I haven’t slept
since that night.
MS. HERNANDEZ
You should have
taken the week off. You need some time to breathe.
AUSTIN
I couldn’t.
Finals are this week.
MS. HERNANDEZ
Yeah. About that, I had a long talk with the rest of your teachers and
we all thought it would be best to void your finals.
AUSTIN
You really didn’t
need to do that.
MS. HERNANDEZ
You’re a straight
A student. You have been since freshman year; it won’t be a big deal.
AUSTIN
I could take
them, really.
MS. HERNANDEZ
You can’t. You
aren’t stable Austin. Look at you! You look like your about to pass out.
AUSTIN
Look, I have to
get to history.
Austin gets up, pushes the chair back to its place, grabs his things,
and begins to walk out
AUSTIN
Thank you for the
concern, I really do appreciate it, but I have to go.
Austin makes his way to the door
MS. HERNANDEZ
Promise me you will come back if
you need something?
CUT
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL -CAFETERIA-AFTERNOON
Austin is sitting at a crowded lunch table with a bunch of
other people. They are laughing and joking around, not paying much attention to
Austin. He looks across the cafeteria, and see’s Bella, a friend of his, who
was very close with Dani. He gets up, and walks over to her lunch table. It is
the same sort of scene as the table he was at. Bella smiles and laughs here and
there, but she is not her normal bubbly self.
AUSTIN
Hey, do
you want to go outside?
BELLA
Austin. Hey.
Um,sure. Why not?
EXT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS-
OUTSIDE OF THE CAFETERIA
AUSTIN
How are
you handling all of this so well?
BELLA
I don’t
even know. Her not being here is really weird. (Pause) I can’t even imagine
what’s going through your head right now.
AUSTIN
I don’t
even know what’s going on up there.
BELLA
Is it
too soon?
AUSTIN
Is what
too soon?
BELLA
Is it
too soon to ask you what really happened the other night? I know you were
there.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Dani throws a pillow at Austin
DANI
Get out! Now!
SMASH CUT
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- OUTSIDE OF DANI’S ROOM
Austin is sitting on the floor outside Dani’s room
SMASH CUT
Austin is trying trying to turn Dani’s door knob, but it
won’t open
END OF FLASHBACK
EXT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS-
OUTSIDE OF CAFETERIA
AUSTIN
Yeah. It’s too soon.
CUT
INT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR PERFORMING ARTS-
AUSTIN’S MATH CLASS
The whole class is listening to the teacher speak and
write notes on the board. A voice is heard over the loudspeaker.
LOUDSPEAKER
Austin Kratner, please report to
the main office.
Austin walks out of the classroom
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR PERFORMING ARTS- MR.
BAREN’S OFFICE
Austin is sitting in a chair across from Mr. Barren’s
desk.
AUSTIN
Am I in trouble or something?
MR. BARREN
No, not at all. I just wanted to
see how you were doing. I’m so sorry for your loss.
AUSTIN
Is that the only reason why I’m
here?
MR. BARREN
No. Actually we were wondering if
you could clean out Danielle’s locker.
AUSTIN
What?
MR. BARREN
If it’s too soon we could get
someone else to do it.
AUSTIN
No, I’ll do it. Why now though?
MR. BARREN
It’s almost the end of the year
and you guys need to start cleaning out your lockers. If someone doesn’t do it
soon everything in there is going to be thrown away and her parents wanted to
make sure there isn’t anything of value in there. They said you would be the
best person to do it.
AUSTIN
Oh. (Pause) When do you want me to
do it?
MR. BARREN
Now if that’s ok. Here’s the
combination.
Mr. Barren slides a piece of paper across the table.
Austin does not take it. He gets up and begins to walk out.
AUSTIN
I know it already.
CUT
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING
ARTS-HALLWAY-AFTERNOON
Austin walks down an empty hallway with a box under his
arm. He stops at a locker. Dani’s. He puts in a combination, and the locker
opens. It is very organized. There are a few small posters/pictures on her
locker door. Some are of singers and bands she likes, she has the same “Ghost
the Musical” poster as Austin, and has some are pictures of her, two or three
have Austin in them. He puts the box on the floor, takes down the pictures and
posters, puts them in the box, sand begins going through the books in her
locker. He pulls out a book here and there, and puts it in the box. He pulls
out a notebook that he does not recognize, and holds it for a moment. He opens
it, and shuffles through it. The pages reveal that it is a diary. He puts the
journal onto the floor next to the box. He slams the locker shut, puts the box
under his arm, grabs the notebook, and begins walking down the hallway.
CUT
EXT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-FRONT DOOR-AFTERNOON
Austin walks up to the front door. He has his backpack on
his back and still has the box in his hands. He puts it under one arm, and
rings the doorbell. Mrs. Gold answers the door.
MRS. GOLD
Hi Austin.
AUSTIN
Hey. Um, I have the box of Dani’s
things from her locker.
MRS. GOLD
Oh good. Thank you for doing that.
(Pause) We went to the funeral home today. Her wake is going to be on Friday.
AUSTIN
Oh.
MRS. GOLD
Yeah. (Pause) Mr. Gold and I
thought that Dani would have liked you to say a few words on her behalf, if
that’s ok with you?
AUSTIN
I would be honored. I was going to ask you if
I could either way.
MRS. GOLD
That’s great. Thank you. (Pause)
I’ve been trying to go through her room all day to find things that we could
bring to represent her at the wake, but I haven’t made it past her bedroom
door. (Pause) Would you like to come in and help me?
Austin smiles slightly
CUT
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S ROOM- AFTERNOON
Austin and Mrs. Gold look through Dani’s room to find
items. They both find many things, and set them down on the bed. They look
through them.
AUSTIN
What about these?
Austin picks up a bundle of Broadway show tickets. They
both laugh a little
MRS. GOLD
Of course, Her collection of
Broadway tickets
Mrs. Gold takes the bundle of tickets and shuffles through them as
well. She pulls two out.
MRS. GOLD
Memphis, Her favorite.
Mrs. Gold reveals two Broadway show tickets from the show Memphis.
AUSTIN
At first the only
reason she wanted to see it was because Adam Pascal was playing the lead. I saw
it on Netflix and wouldn’t see it with her. She ended up becoming obsessed with
it. I can’t believe she made Mr. Gold see it with her twice.
They both laugh. Austin takes the stack of tickets, and pulls out one.
AUSTIN
Ghost. This is our show.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
INT- THE BACKSEAT OF AUSTIN’S MOM AND DAD’S CAR-NIGHT
Austin and Dani get into the backseat of Austin’s mom and dad’s car.
They have Ghost playbills in hand.
They are both smiling ear to ear.
DANI
Oh my god I can’t
believe how amazing that show was! The vocals! The effects! Everything was
just.. Wow. Amazing. I want to be Caissie Levy. I want her voice, and Oh my
god, Richard Fleeshman! You would never know he was British. His belting. Those
teeth! Perfection. Pure perfection.
AUSTIN
(mocking Dani)
Thank you Austin, thank you for introducing me to the amazingness that is Ghost: The Musical.
DANI
Thank you. And
thank your Mr. and Mrs. Kratner for taking me. I really appreciate it.
MRS. KRATNER
Don’t worry about
it Dani. It’s the least we could do for having you put up with Austin all the
time.
DANI
Yeah. It’s a full
time job.
Dani makes a face at Austin. Austin gives Dani one of his headphones.
Dani puts it in her ear and smiles.
END OF FLASHBACK
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S ROOM- AFTERNOON
MRS. GOLD
She didn’t sleep
that night when she got home. She stayed up all night listening to the music
from the play.
AUSTIN
Same here. We were
texting each other all night.
MRS. GOLD
She was like that
after every show she saw. Except Sister
Act.
AUSTIN
And Priscilla!
Mrs. Gold and Austin laugh for a few beats.
MRS. GOLD
I miss her so
much.
She begins to wipe tears from her eyes.
AUSTIN
So do I.
MRS. GOLD
I knew she had
been in a bad mood for a while, I just had no idea things were that bad. I
can’t believe she didn’t come to me for help. I failed her as a mother.
AUSTIN
Don’t say that.
MRS. GOLD
She was such a
strong girl. I didn’t know anything could have been that bad. I could have
helped her get through whatever she was going through. (Pause) What was she
going through anyway?
FLASHBACK BEGINS
INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-FAMILY ROOM-AFTERNOON
Austin and Dani are sitting on the couch. The T.V. is on. They are in
a deep conversation with each other. Dani appears to be crying.
DANI
I don’t know what
to do.
AUSTIN
Neither do I.
DANI
It’s something
that is completely out of my control. Austin I’m scared.
END OF FLASHBACK
AUSTIN
I really wish I
could tell you that.
MRS. GOLD
Mr. Gold and I
have been thinking about it all day. Mental illness runs in the family I have
no idea why we didn’t get her tested for anything.
AUSTIN
I really don’t
think that was the problem.
INT- KRATNER FAMILY HOME- AUSTIN’S BEDROOM- NIGHT
Austin is in his pajamas getting ready to go to bed. He turns out the
lights, lies down in bed, and tries to fall asleep. He tosses and turns, but he
is wide awake. He turns on the lamp beside his bed, and reaches for his
backpack that is sitting next to his bed. He pulls out his netbook. He opens up
Facebook, and scrolls down his newsfeed. Numerous posts about Dani are written.
They say “R.I.P Danielle Gold, never really got to become friends with you, but
you were beautiful” or “My prayers go out to Danielle Gold and her family. Rest
easy.” He laughs slightly at the fact that everyone called her “Danielle.” One
post specifically catches his eye. He reads it out loud
AUSTIN
I had so many
things left to say to you, but I guess you’re never going to know exactly how I
feel. Rest in Peace Danielle “Dani” Gold. You were beautiful. If I could change
things, I would”
Austin sighs loudly, and slams his netbook shut, and sets it on the
nightstand next to his bed. He reaches
into his backpack, and pulls out the notebook from Dani’s locker. He flips
through it, skimming the pages. He suddenly becomes upset and frustrated,
causing him to throw the book across the room. He takes a moment and pulls
himself back together. He turns out the lights
CUT.
INT- PIZZA PLACE- AFTERNOON
Austin is sitting at a booth in a pizza place by himself, looking
around as if he is waiting for someone. A teenage boy, Jimmy, who is around the
same age as Austin, sits across from him at the table.
AUSTIN
Hey, Jimmy.
Thanks for meeting me here.
JIMMY
No problem.
(Pause) Why am I here exactly?
AUSTIN
I.... I just
wanted to thank you in person for that post you wrote to Dani. It would have
meant a lot to her.
JIMMY
Don’t thank me,
really.
AUSTIN
I also wanted to
let you know that her wake is Friday night. It starts at 7. (Austin takes a
napkin from the holder on the table, pulls a pen from his pocket, and begins
writing) This is the address; I think it would have meant a lot to her if you
were there.
JIMMY
Are you sure
that’s such a good idea? Me being there?
AUSTIN
I don’t see why
not.
JIMMY
I don’t know.
AUSTIN
It would
really... It would have really meant a lot to her.
JIMMY
I... I guess.
(Pause) I loved her, you know. If I could change what happened I would. You
know that right?
AUSTIN
I know. She knew
that too. It was out of your control.
JIMMY
I hope so.
AUSTIN
I know so, but I
do have a question.
JIMMY
Shoot.
AUSTIN
Are you still
really going to be friends with Jessica?
JIMMY
There’s nothing I
can do.
AUSTIN
You could do what
Dani was too scared to do. You’re the only person who can.
JIMMY
Do you realize
how hard that would be? You saw what happened to Dani! I’ll be next.
FLASHBACK
INT- MIDDLSEX HIGH SCHOOL- THEATER DRESSING ROOM- NIGHT
Dani is folding clothes and hanging them up, while Jessica is just
standing there.
DANI
I don’t really
understand what you’re asking me to do here.
JESSICA
I’m telling you
to stay away from him.
DANI
You don’t have
the right.
JESSICA
But I have the
ability to destroy you.
DANI
Yeah, because I’m
totally scared of some rumors being spread about me, right?
JESSICA
I didn’t mean
emotionally.
Jessica walks up to Dani, and whispers something in her ear. Dani’s
smirk fades, and she is now as pale as a ghost.
END OF FLASHBACK
AUSTIN
Do you not
understand how dangerous this whole thing is? Will someone else have to die for
you understand?
JIMMY
Jessica didn’t
touch her.
AUSIN
And that’s
supposed to make it ok?
JIMMY
No! That’s not
what I’m meant! I’m just saying Jessica didn’t touch her; therefore it would be
impossible to blame her for anything.
AUSTIN
She verbally
threatened her. It scared her.
JIMMY
Yeah,verbally. Do
we have any written proof?
AUSTIN
No, but.
JIMMY
There you go! We
have nothing. We are only going to cause a scene if we attempt to pin this on
her, and then she’ll come after us.
AUSTIN
Then let her!
(Pause) I don’t care that she didn’t touch Dani, she still killed her.
Austin gets up from the table and walks out.
CUT.
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL-CLASSROOM-MORNING.
Austin is reading Dani’s diary from the very beginning. Her first
entry was from the first day of freshman year, which was the first day they
met.
FLASHBACK
The hallways of Middlesex County High School are filled with people.
Austin is looking around for someone that he may know, but there are no familiar
faces. Everyone seems to have a friend but him. Someone taps him on the
shoulder suddenly.
DANI
Hi. You’re
Austin, right?
AUSTIN
Um,yeah.
DANI
I recognized you
from freshman orientation. I’m Danielle.
AUSTIN
Oh yeah. You
added me on Facebook, right?
DANI
Yep. I noticed we
have the same schedule. You want to attempt to find Grade 9 Theater together?
AUSTIN
Uh,yeah. Why not?
Dani and Austin begin walking down the hallway together.
DANI
You’re eyes are
gorgeous, by the way.
Austin smiles.
END OF FLASHBACK.
Austin has the same faint smile on his face. He looks up.In front of
him is Jessica.
AUSTIN
What do you want?
JESSICA
I just wanted to
see how you were doing, that’s all.
Austin rolls his eyes, and continues to read Dani’s journal. Jessica
opens her mouth to say something, but holds back and walks away. Austin’s
teacher calls him from the doorway.
TEACHER
Austin, can you
come here please?
Austin tucks the notebook under his arm and walks to the teacher.
TEACHER
This is Officer
Reynolds. He wants to speak with you.
AUSTIN
Um, that’s really
not necessary.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
I just want to
help, Austin.
AUSTIN
And I appreciate
it, but I can handle this on my own.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
Please just come
talk to me for five minutes, and if you want to leave, you can leave.
CUT.
INT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL-MORNING-CLASSROOM
Austin and Officer Reynolds are sitting on chairs across from each
other.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
So, you and
Danielle were very close?
AUSTIN
DANI and I are
best friends.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
I see. You guys
spent a lot of time together?
AUSTIN
As much time as
humanly possible.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
It sounds like
you guys had something great. Friends like that are hard to come by. You were
very lucky.
AUSTIN
Look as much as I
love awkward small talk, I have classes to attend.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
You promised me
five minutes. It has been less than two.
Austin lets out a sigh.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
So, tell me a
little bit about yourself Austin
AUSTIN
What do you want
to know?
OFFICER REYNOLDS
Anything.
AUSTIN
Such as?
OFFICER REYNOLDS
Anything you
think I should know about you.
AUSTIN
I’m a kid whose
best friend just killed herself. What else do you really need to know?
OFFICER REYNOLDS
I just want to
get to know you. That’s all.
AUSTIN
Well I don’t see
why you’re even wasting your time.
OFFICER REYNOLDS
Austin, I’m
investigating this case. I need an official statement about what happened. You
were the last person to see her before she killed herself.
AUSTIN
So you think I
had something to do with it?
OFFICER REYNOLDS
It is possible
that you may have provoked her to do what she did.
AUSTIN
Are you serious?
You think that I made my best friend kill herself? You don’t know me, and if
you did you would know that I would never, ever, do that. (Pause) My five
minutes are up. It was a pleasure talking to you.
CUT.
INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL-HALLWAY-MORNING
Austin has just walked out of the room that Officer Reynolds and he
were talking in. Jimmy spots Austin and walks toward him.
JIMMY
Whoa! I heard a
cop came in to talk you! What happened? Did you say anything about...?
AUSTIN
No! I didn’t.
JIMMY
Then what
happened in there?
AUSTIN
Well, thanks to
your little friend, the cops think that I have something to do with Dani
killing herself.
JIMMY
What? That’s
insane! You would never...
AUSTIN
I know that, you
know that, but I was the last one seen with her, which makes me questionable.
Now do you see why you need to say something?
JIMMY
Well you didn’t
do anything. Can’t they do some type of lie detector test on you or something?
AUSTIN
I really don’t
think it’s that simple.
JIMMY
Well I told you,
I have no proof.
AUSTIN
Then get some!
Record her saying something? I don’t know! Get something.
JIMMY
I can’t.
AUSTIN
Well if you
can’t, that means you never cared about Dani at all.
JIMMY
You’re acting
like this is some movie! Like you’re going to get some type of revenge and
everything will be okay! Well it won’t!
AUSTIN
It might! If we
at least try!
JIMMY
I can’t. I’m
sorry
CUT.
Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I went back and edited everything to fit the now plot line. I even came up with a possible title for the screenplay. I chose the title "Bleed" for this because of a song. The song "Bleed" by Hot Chelle Rae is a song about someone you love leaving you, causing you to write out all of the feelings you can't say. I know it doesn't fit completely, but it does fit for the most part. With the new plotline, Austin needs proof that Jessica caused Dani to kill herself, and at the end he finds out that Dani wrote an entry in her notebook a day before she killed herself.
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