ACT I

OVER BLACK:

"When anger rises, think of the consequences"

Confucius(504 B.C)

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAYS - DAY

An upper end private school producing students of money and power. Sunlight shines through windows, a rich interior glows within. Finely dressed staff represent the strict school standards. Uniformed students speckle the halls.

EMILY (V.O) When I grew up with a foster family, I lived a life of regret, given to me by the sins of my father’s supposed family.

Victoria and Conrad Grayson tred hurriedly through the hallways, pretending to love one another. In a rush to be on time, they enter an office, shutting the door behind them.

EMILY (V.O)(CONT’D) Everything we do has consequence. Being late for an appointment, cheating in a relationship, killing an honest man... The innocent must pay the same cost as the guilty, whose actions will have farther reaching consequences.

(A BELL RINGS)

EMILY (V.O)(CONT’D) Even when the story should end happily ever after.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - IN FRONT OF ROOM 207 - DAY

LEGEND: FRIDAY THE 13TH, 2013, SOUTHAMPTON, NY

Students rush to class. Charlotte Grayson paces in front of a room, triple checking her cell. She receives dirty looks from peers who detest her name. She reaches for the door handle. Declan Porter charges into focus.

CHARLOTTE GRAYSON Well, what took you so long?

DECLAN PORTER (out of breath) Caught in a hold up, sorry. Meet at the Stowaway after school?

CHARLOTTE GRAYSON Fine, you’re lucky your cute.

DECLAN PORTER Think the word you’re looking for is sexy, baby.

Charlotte rolls her eyes. Declan pulls her into a passionate kiss. Charlotte composes herself and enters. Declan reaches in to his jacket pocket, retrieving a small black container. Flipping it open reveals: AN ENGAGEMENT RING. Declan repockets it, and wipes his forehead of sweat.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM 207 - CONTINUOUS

Charlotte and Declan take the remaining two seats in a class of 30. MR. TRASK, a man in a suit, who has a hidden agenda, stands at the head of the classroom.

MR. TRASK (elegantly) The love birds decide to join us...

He looks down at the students. Confusion is prominent.

MR. TRASK (CONT’D)(lying) I am the substitute for you pampered lot. Your teacher Mr.Hines is, indisposed today.

MALE STUDENT I didn’t realize this school could hire any more pricks. I’m out.

The male student grabs a backpack to leave. Mr. Trask takes three calculated steps, and fires a harsh backhand at the student’s face. The student sits down; class is stunned.

MR. TRASK Let’s take roll shall we? Clarify there are no imposters among us.

He shoots a pointed look at a girl in the back row, who is none other then Emily Thorn. Emily wears a black wig and glasses, reminiscent of a past disguise.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - INTERSECTING HALLWAYS - DAY

Jack Porter races to search for someone. On a leash is Sammy, the dog. Looking within each passing room, disappointment becomes evidence of his search. Crashing into Nolan Ross--

JACK Did you find her?

NOLAN Does it look like I have control, alt, revenge at my side?

JACK Check upstairs. Me and Sammy will finish these halls.

Sammy BARKS. Jack turns to leave, Nolan grabs his shoulder.

NOLAN Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. If you find her, my number is on speed dial. Yes, I borrowed your phone.

They take off in opposite directions.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - STAFF LOUNGE - DAY

VICTORIA and CONRAD GRAYSON stand at the head of a crowded room of staff, including the PRINCIPAL, scholarly and impatient. Staff gossip while Victoria and Conrad shoot daggers with their looks, patiently waiting.

PRINCIPAL Can we start? You gather us here during school hours, and I put up with it because of the generous donations, but--

Victoria checks iphone. Text from Daniel reads: IT’S BEGUN.

VICTORIA Lets not keep them waiting any longer, honey.

CONRAD Patience is a virtue, m’dear. (aside) or has your scheming little psyche forgotten why we’re here?

Victoria kisses him melodramatically. She raises her phone, pretending to check the time.

CONRAD GRAYSON (CONT’D)(To staff) We live in a world of educational reformation, ladies and gentleman. No child should be left behind...

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM 207 - DAY

Finishing up a pointless roll call--

MR. TRASK --last but not least, Megan Black? Megan, if you are present, it would be a shame to mark you absent.

He stares at Emily, obviously waiting for her to speak. The door swings open. Sammy bolts inside, BARKING, Jack manages to hold his collar.

MR. TRASK (CONT’D) How unfortunate you couldn’t keep your nose out of others business, Mr. Porter.

In one swift motion he retrieves a hidden gun, and points it in Jack’s direction. Emily reaches for something behind her. She comes up empty-handed; now confused, and fearful.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - GYM - DAY

Nolan bursts into a room full of students running laps. He grabs the shoulders of a jogging FEMALE STUDENT, who resembles Emily. She looks up

NOLAN ROSS Apologies. Aren’t you the fast one!

A TEACHER, dressed in a suit, approaches him.

TEACHER May I help you? I’m a sub.

NOLAN ROSS Kinky.

Nolan turns to jog away.

A GUNSHOT RINGS OUT.

The teacher grabs his collar before he can escape. A gun point rests against his head. Students stop jogging.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - STAFF LOUNGE - SIMULTANEOUS

CONRAD GRAYSON...which is why we will make another donation for you to consider an expansion.

The Principal raises his hand. A GUNSHOT RINGS OUT. The staff become distressed.

PRINCIPAL May god have mercy. Someone get on the phone, now!

VICE PRINCIPAL My phone’s in the office.

Others voice similar concerns. Victoria and Conrad share a knowing look.

INT. PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM 207 - SIMULTANEOUS

A GUNSHOT RINGS OUT. Jack has blood on his hands. He looks down, Sammy is shot. Dead silence. Declan and Charlotte have stood up.

MR. TRASK (to the class) Now give me what I want or--

First aiming the gun at Jack, he slowly points it at Declan, and then Charlotte, like a game of russian roulette.

MR. TRASK (CONT’D)(to everyone standing) is a second Grayson going to crash and burn this day, Amanda Clark?

Jack, Declan, Charlotte, and then Emily are stunned.

Mr. Trask COCKS THE GUN.

END ACT I