01INT. KITCHEN — MORNING (PRESENT DAY)
Andrew (57) — gray at the temples, reading glasses pushed up, stands at the counter with coffee, scrolling a laptop.
A female voice from another room jolts him.
WIFE
I just sent you a link!
Andrew - coffee cup frozen halfway to his lips as the article punches up a memory.
INSERT — THE SCREEN: “CONSTRUCTION WORKER RESCUED AFTER HOURS TRAPPED IN OLD BANK VAULT.” Under it, a photo — a grand corner building mid-renovation, scaffolding up, a new remote office space coming soon, a faded sign half pried off the brick: POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN.
WIFE
(from afar)
Did you get it?
ANDREW
(responds under breath)
Wow...
02INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN - OLD TOWN MANASSAS, VA - MORNING
Autumn, 1989.
ANDREW (19) stands on the corner sidewalk in white pants and an oversized white lab coat, hair he obviously cut himself. Behind the gold-leaf lettering on the plate glass, a warm hive of white smocks and teased hair glows against the gray Old Town street. He takes a breath and pushes in.
ANDREW
(under his breath)
Well... here we go!
Inside, the place stops him. It used to be a bank — you can still read it in the bones: marble underfoot, eleven-foot ceilings, crown molding running the whole perimeter, tall arched windows pouring light across two full salon floors, twenty stations to a side.
ANDREW
Geez, I’m already lost.
Andrew moves through an empty front salon, down a narrow corridor, into a break room that smells of hairspray and cigarettes - deluxe lockers, a humming refrigerator, ashtrays nobody emptied on an otherwise nice looking hardwood table.
ANDREW
Am I in the right place?
Beyond the break room, shelves of towels and perm solution. A staircase to the second floor is roped off, a hand-lettered sign hung across it: DO NOT ENTER.
Through the wire-glass window of an interior door, Andrew confirms the worst - every desk filled, every notebook open, fifty young women already deep into the morning.
He steps inside. Fifty heads lift at once - a wall of spiral perms, asymmetrical bobs, and bleached bangs - and turn to the one boy in the room.
MRS. EBERHARDT (55), bouffant lacquered into a helmet, rules the room from a podium with a broomstick for a pointer. Behind her, a blackboard crowded with chemical formulas. She taps her foot once.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Well, look who decided to join us.
(smiling)
Ladies, this is Andrew. He is in fact our first and only male student, so let’s make sure he feels at home here.
Andrew scans the rows for an open seat and finds every eye in the room already fixed on him, combs and sections frozen mid-motion.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Andrew, come up to the front. Got one seat left.
Two girls near the back dissolve into giggles. Eberhardt silences them with a look.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Alright class, flip to page thirty-six. You need to know the chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide in order to pass your state exam.
LATER. The break room churns - a cavalcade of young women drifting through in a blue haze of cigarette smoke, bowls and brushes and roller carts in constant motion, a radio going somewhere under the noise.
ANDREW
(talking abroad)
I’m sorry, excuse me, my fault.
Andrew edges to the front of the room and peers out toward the salon floor, trying to stay out of everyone's way and failing.
Out front, clients are already lined up at the door as a receptionist flips the sign to OPEN.
ANDREW
(under his breath)
There’s no way I can do this.
LISA “LONI” (19) - a dead ringer for the actress, and she knows it - drops a hand on Andrew's shoulder and moves him aside like furniture.
LONI
Out of the way freshman. I need to get into that supply closet behind you. By the way, I’m Loni.
ANDREW
I’m Andrew.
(slight pause)
I’m sure you’ve heard this before... You look like Loni Anderson.
LONI
Yep, heard it many times. My real name is Lisa, but there are two other Lisas, so it’s Loni while in school.
Andrew pivots clear of Loni only to land in someone else's path. As she digs a curling iron out of the supply closet, three more students barrel past with armloads of towels, shouldering him out of the way.
MRS. BATSON (40), lead instructor over freshmen and seniors, leans out of her office door - unhurried, all authority.
MRS. BATSON
(loud)
Freshman! You got one minute!
Andrew turns to find the last straggler in the break room crushing out a cigarette.
ANDREW
(panicking)
One minute for what?
KIM “MADONNA” (22) points him toward the right door without breaking stride.
MADONNA
The freshman room is right there.
(slight pause)
I’m Kim, but the others call me Madonna.
ANDREW
Ok, yeah, I think I see the resemblance. How many other Kims are there?
MADONNA
Just one other, but she started before me, so she gets to keep the name.
Andrew darts into the freshman classroom - Mrs. Batson already at the podium.
MRS. BATSON
Welcome freshmen!
MRS. BATSON
(big lasting smile)
I’m Mrs. Batson. While this might seem a little overwhelming right now, it will prepare you for a career in the beauty industry. With no further ado, find yourself a spot on the workstation banister and set up your mannequins.
Batson crosses to Andrew, taps the brand-new cosmetology duffel at his feet, then points to the banister that rings the whole classroom.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Everything you need is in that bag.
Andrew clamps a long-haired mannequin head to the rail, one in a long row of them staring blankly down the banister. Three stations down, a tall blonde with a short crop wrestles her mount - he steps over and offers a hand.
ANDREW
I just figured mine out. You got to unscrew the clamp all the way in order for it to fit over the lip of the banister.
JESSICA (22). No celebrity look-alike - just stunning, with cat-green eyes that take his measure in one glance.
JESSICA
It doesn’t want to go on.
ANDREW
No problem, I got it.
JESSICA
I’m Jessica, by the way.
ANDREW
Andrew, nice to meet you.
Andrew works his way down the rail, trading names with YVONNE, TINA, and FAYE, all fighting their own mannequin mounts, heads turning on the banister like a row of the decapitated.
MRS. BATSON
Gather around, freshmen. This is haircut 101.
(shears in hand)
These mannequins have to last you all year, so you can’t go and cut the hair short all at once. It’s a gradual process.
Batson sections a mannequin's hair into crisp quarters, the room watching her hands. Andrew's eyes travel the floor-to-ceiling shelves of product, the lit mirrors, the whole improbable world of it.
ANDREW (V.O.)
All the glass you see... everyone in town can look in here to see what we’re doing.
Batson snips a clean test section.
MRS. BATSON
And that’s all there is to it. Just remember, start with a small section. And if you have to, use your comb as a ruler.
One by one the freshmen take a turn - skill levels all over the map.
ANDREW
Wow, yeah, that wasn’t too hard!
Batson reaches in and corrects Andrew's part with two fingers.
MRS. BATSON
Just think of how good you’ll be at this after 1492 more hours.
(talking to everyone)
Keep practicing, I’ll be back.
As Batson retreats to her office, Andrew steals a look at Jessica.
ANDREW
I can’t get the right side to match the left side.
JESSICA
You’ll get it. It just takes time.
ANDREW
It sure didn’t take you any time!
(looking into the salon)
At what point will we have to cut an actual person’s hair?
YVONNE (19) and TINA (21) - both Black, hair styled worlds apart - catch the drift of Andrew and Jessica's conversation.
YVONNE
It’s three hundred hours here in the freshmen room before you move on to intermediate.
TINA
Basically two months.
ANDREW
(befuddled)
And then we’re out in the salon with real patrons?
(hand on his forehead)
I’m doomed if that’s the case.
TINA
It’s not like that... The intermediate period is where you transition to the salon floor. They’re not going to feed you to the lions until you’re ready.
FAYE (22), short red curls, leans into the huddle.
FAYE
Kim was telling me in the break room that students on the salon floor get to keep their tips.
FAYE
Yeah, she told me she made fifteen dollars in tips yesterday. And sometimes more.
ANDREW
Hold on a second, which Kim are you talking about? Madonna-Kim?
FAYE
No, Kim-Kim. She’s a senior.
JESSICA
I’m glad to hear that, because I was seriously thinking about getting a part time job.
TINA
Who you telling? I got another mouth to feed. I need every dime I can get.
Andrew's eyes swing slowly, warily, back to Jessica.
ANDREW
What do you mean... me too?
ANDREW
Huh... Like how old?
Batson sweeps back into the freshman room before Jessica can answer.
03INT. CHEZ ÉLAN SALON, DALE CITY, VIRGINIA - DUSK
Chez Elan is another world from the school - arched mirrors, a pressed-tin ceiling, a row of chrome dryer chairs, vintage barber stations on a marble floor. DIANE (45) - thin, red hair in a polished updo, dressed a cut above the room - crosses to Andrew as he sweeps a drift of cut hair across the stone.
DIANE
Andrew, I need you back at the shampoo station. Mrs. Sundberg needs a light shampoo with a leave-in conditioner.
ANDREW
Can’t Susie do it? She’s already back there.
DIANE
She’s rinsing a perm for one of the other hairdressers. Please tend to Mrs. Sundberg.
ANDREW
She moans when I wash her hair. The entire salon can hear her.
Diane steps in close and drops her voice.
DIANE
Mrs. Sundberg is a valued customer. As such, we’re going to give her the service she’s paying for.
Andrew shakes his head with an edge. Diane steers him aside by the elbow.
DIANE
You want to be a hairdresser, right? You want to own and operate a salon one day, right?
ANDREW
(chip on his shoulder)
Yes.
DIANE
(compassionate)
Son, you’re going to be dealing with clients a whole lot more difficult and embarrassing than Mrs. Sundberg... believe me! It’s part of the business.
Diane marches him back to the row of shampoo bowls, where the rapturous regular waits tipped back in the chair.
ANDREW
Can you please tell the others not to laugh and snicker while I’m doing this?
As soon as Andrew puts his hands on Mrs. Sundberg’s scalp, she starts moaning - the others start laughing.
04INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, FRESHMEN ROOM, ONE MONTH LATER - DAY
The freshman room, a long banister ringing the walls. Andrew and the others stand at the rail, perm rods wound tight on a row of mannequin heads, the air sharp with solution.
ANDREW
This just dawned on me. How is a black hairdresser going to learn to do black hair... if the mannequin is white.
YVONNE
(ears perk up)
Oh, that just now dawned on you?
TINA
I put in a request for a black hair mannequin... Denied!
FAYE
That’s because white mannequins are state board certified.
Faye spins her mannequin to show off the serial number stamped at the nape, perm rods bristling like a crown.
TINA
Yeah, I noticed that on mine too!
FAYE
This is how they track your progress. Every mannequin is accounted for.
Something scrawled on the base of Faye's mannequin catches Andrew's eye.
ANDREW
Yours has a name on it!
FAYE
Yeah, I named her Beth... after my aunt Bethany.
ANDREW
(looking at Jessica)
Do you have a name for your mannequin?
Andrew squares off, nose to nose with his own mannequin.
ANDREW
I’m going to call you, Ethel!
JESSICA
(big eyes)
Ethel?
(laughing)
YVONNE
Damn, you be given her an old ass name!
He lifts it off the mount and plants a kiss on its molded lips.
He drops to one knee and proposes to the mannequin. The freshmen crack up; Eberhardt, passing, just shakes her head.
When the laughter dies, Jessica taps him on the shoulder.
JESSICA
Hey, you got a second?
She draws him to the far corner of the room, away from the rail, and lowers her voice.
JESSICA
You want to go next door after school?
ANDREW
(delayed response)
I’m not 21. I don’t have a change of clothes.
JESSICA
Neither do I. And they’re not going to card you.
Andrew leans in and lowers his voice.
ANDREW
I can’t walk into a bar like that wearing this white uniform. They’re going to know I go to school here.
ANDREW
The rednecks that hang out there!
(stepping closer)
They see me wearing this...
JESSICA
(lips quirked)
No one is going to say anything to you... I guarantee it!
He glances across the street - KC's sign glowing in the dusk.
ANDREW (V.O.)
This is a known place where people get the shit kicked out of them. But I’m not going to pass up an opportunity to be with the best looking woman in the entire world!
05INT. KC’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE, OLD TOWN MANASSAS - DUSK
KC's is all dark wood and low light - a long mahogany bar, a glowing aquarium set into the back-bar, pendant lamps, bottles racked to the ceiling. Jessica and Andrew nurse beers, Andrew checking the door every few minutes like a man expecting trouble.
ANDREW
(mid conversation)
Yeah, it’s not that bad right now! Let some of these guys get a few drinks in them... see me wearing what I’m wearing!
JESSICA
Why are you so paranoid?
ANDREW
(whispering)
This place is in the papers every other week on account of the cops, or an ambulance being here.
JESSICA
You’re with me, you’re fine.
(changing the subject)
By the way, you did a nice blowout on your mannequin today.
ANDREW
Yeah, you think so?
JESSICA
Seriously, you’ve really turned a corner.
ANDREW
It’s only taken me a month!
JESSICA
Yeah, but you’re easily as good as Yvonne and Faye at this point.
ANDREW
That’s nice of you say, but...
JESSICA
You’re gonna be a good hairdresser, I promise you!
Jessica takes him by the chin and turns his face back to hers.
JESSICA
Don’t give up... you hear me?
ANDREW
Yes, I hear you! I’m not going to give up... I just wish I was more on your level.
She signals the bartender for another round.
JESSICA
How much money do you have?
JESSICA
Ok, well, I guess we’re going to be a little short.
ANDREW
(concerned)
What do you mean, short! You don’t have any money?
She digs through the change in the bottom of her purse.
ANDREW
We’re going to be washing dishes!
JESSICA
We won’t have to wash dishes.
TIME LAPSE - the lounge fills, cigarette smoke thickening under the pendant lights, bodies closing into a loose dance floor between the tables.
JESSICA
I don’t know... nine.
ANDREW
Nine! No way we’ve been here four hours!
JESSICA
(silly smile)
Whoops!
ANDREW
We got to be in school at 8am tomorrow!
(catching himself)
I’m sorry... 7:45
JESSICA
Calm down! We got another round of beers coming.
ANDREW
We don’t have enough money for the beers we ordered three rounds ago!
A slow song drops on the jukebox. Jessica's face lights and she pulls Andrew up by the arm.
She steers him onto the floor - her arms at his neck, his hands at her waist - two other couples swaying in the half-dark under the bar lights. She sets her lips to his ear and sings along, soft, under the ballad, the two of them alone in the middle of it.
The song ends and the spell breaks - and the whole bar is watching them, two kids in clinging white uniforms who somehow rub the room exactly wrong. Conversations die. Glasses stop halfway to mouths.
ANDREW
(concerned)
Umm, I think it’s time to go!
The focus tightens on one man at the rail, staring.
ANDREW (V.O.)
That guy, hand clutched overtop of his fist... That look means you got 30-seconds to get the fuck out of there!
06 POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, BREAK ROOM - BEFORE LUNCH
Andrew and Jessica watch through the wire-glass door as Batson and Eberhardt move down the banister of mannequins inside, grading, clipboards in hand.
ANDREW
I forgot this was happening today.
JESSICA
You didn’t use too much setting lotion, did you?
JESSICA
And you had it all the way under the dryer for 20-minutes?
JESSICA
Ok, you should be fine.
The instructors emerge from the freshman room, clipboards pressed to their chests.
MRS. BATSON
Congratulations, freshmen! You all passed your set & tease exam.
Quiet cheers - the freshmen fall into each other's arms.
ANDREW
(embracing Jessica)
I did it!
JESSICA
(smiling)
We all did!
ANDREW
Yeah, but you knew you were going to pass!
Jessica and Andrew lock eyes.
MRS. EBERHARDT
(interrupting)
Alright, let’s not count our chickens before they’ve hatched. You got highlights next week, plus your written exam.
The lunch bell cuts through and students stream toward food and cigarettes, the break room filling in seconds. Batson waits in her office doorway.
MRS. BATSON
Andrew... I need to see you for a minute.
Andrew peels off from the break room and steps into her office.
MRS. BATSON
How’s it going?
MRS. BATSON
You’re progressing nicely, so keep up the good work.
ANDREW
I’m actually starting to get a feel for this.
MRS. BATSON
I want to see you more engaged with the salon. You can learn a lot, just by watching. Maybe helping out around the shampoo area as well.
(slight pause)
As opposed to cozying up with Jessica in the freshmen room. You know what I mean?
ANDREW
Yeah-no, I understand.
07INT. OLD TOWN MANASSAS DELI - LUNCH
A narrow Old Town deli, bay window onto the street, a glass case of pastries up front. Andrew and Jessica share a sandwich at a small window table, picking back over his sit-down with Batson.
ANDREW
(semi laughing)
She just came right out and said it!
JESSICA
I realize we goof off sometimes, but cozying... that implies something different.
(thinking)
All that said, you definitely need to spend more time on the salon floor. Offer to shampoo the clients. Get comfortable with your hands on a real person’s head.
ANDREW
I know how to shampoo.
JESSICA
I haven’t seen you shampoo anyone.
ANDREW
(hesitant)
Not sure why I’ve been hiding this but... My mom is a hairdresser, and she owns her own salon.
JESSICA
(big eyes)
You’re kidding me!
ANDREW
I was afraid to say anything because I thought that everyone would expect more out of me. Or think I was privileged.
JESSICA
I guess I can see that, but... it’s a huge plus. You don’t have to go out and look for a job when you graduate.
ANDREW
Also, I work at her salon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mostly sweeping up hair, but I do get to shampoo some of the clients.
(slight pause)
Do you think we can keep that between you and me... at least for a little while.
Andrew starts to laugh in spite of himself.
ANDREW
I also polish the chrome around the styling chairs.
JESSICA
(laughing)
What? Like, the chrome base of the chairs?
JESSICA
(still laughing)
Why?
ANDREW
I don’t know... I guess because I’m good at it. I want my mom to see me taking pride in her shop.
JESSICA
Do you think you’ll take it over some day?
JESSICA
Well, you damn sure better hire me!
ANDREW
Hey, I got an idea... Come by and see me at my mom’s salon this Saturday. I’ll show you around and introduce you to her.
JESSICA
(hesitant)
Oh, I don’t know...
ANDREW
Come on... she’s cool.
JESSICA
Alright, let me think about it.
08INT. CHEZ ÉLAN SALON - SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Saturday light fills the grand salon. Andrew is sweeping near the vintage chairs when Jessica walks in holding the hand of her five-year-old son.
ANDREW
(under his breath)
Oh God... Ok, ok, act normal.
He finds some charm and crosses to meet her in the waiting area.
ANDREW
(squatting down)
And who might this be?
The boy ducks behind Jessica's leg.
JESSICA
This is Kevin Charles.
ANDREW
Kevin Charles... what a wonderful name. We have a little play area with cars and stuff... would you like to see it?
The boy gives a shy little nod. Andrew catches Jessica's eye and waves them toward the dryer area, where a child's table waits scattered with toys on a worn rug. His mother appears a moment later.
ANDREW
Mom, this is my schoolmate, Jessica.
DIANE
(hand extended)
Hi, I’m Diane.
A brief stare-down - Jessica looks away first. Diane's eyebrow climbs at the sight of the boy.
DIANE
Andrew tells me that you two started school at the same time.
JESSICA
Yes...
(thinking of what to say)
We have freshman exams next week. If we pass, we’ll be moving on to intermediates and start working on live patrons.
A dry beat under the hum of the dryers, then Diane draws Andrew aside for a word in private.
DIANE
She’s a little young for having a grade school kid... don’t you think?
ANDREW
(defensive)
I don’t know... She’s a single mom. You were a single mom.
DIANE
Andrew, I was twenty five years old when you were born! I was married to your father and I established a career first!
ANDREW
(hands over his face)
She’s my friend... why are you coming down on me?
DIANE
I just want to make sure you’re making good decisions!
ANDREW
(frustrated)
I am making good decisions... I’m in school, aren’t I?
DIANE
(piling on)
And what is this I hear about you coming in late on Wednesdays?
ANDREW
(grabbing his own hair)
It happened once! All the time I’ve been working here I was late one time!
Hands on her hips, Diane turns her head, reconsidering.
DIANE
I’m sorry, you're right... I just... you know... I worry about you, son.
Something maternal softens her face.
DIANE
Make good choices... That’s all I ask.
(changing the subject)
Are you all going somewhere today?
ANDREW
We were thinking about going to that Halloween hayride.
DIANE
Do you need any money?
ANDREW
(reluctant)
I could use a few bucks.
She slips a twenty from her purse.
On the floor by the dryers, Andrew kneels beside the boy, running Hot Wheels across the tile and making engine noises.
09INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - DAY
The academy's teaching floor - shampoo bowls, lit mirrors, a run of styling chairs. Andrew is parking his mannequin under a dryer when he spots Mrs. Eberhardt rushing a client across to the shampoo bowl.
ANDREW
(looking at Tina)
What’s going on over there?
TINA
(concerned look)
I don’t know!
He drifts over for a closer look. Eberhardt tips the woman back and cranks the cold tap. She peels off the plastic cap - and steam curls up off the client's scalp into the fluorescent light.
ANDREW
(hand over mouth)
Oh my God!
TINA
(equally shocked)
Yeah, that is not good!
Eberhardt waves Batson over; together they start stripping the perm rods from the woman's steaming head, working fast, while a ring of students looks on, hands over their mouths.
ANDREW (V.O.)
That’s the kind of thing they don’t tell you about when you sign up for cosmetology. And you can’t unsee it!
10INT. KC'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE, OLD TOWN MANASSAS - DUSK
Andrew drags a barstool up next to Jessica, who wants the whole story of the salon-floor disaster.
ANDREW
(shaking his head)
Man ‘O Man!
He flags the bartender and orders a beer.
ANDREW
Middle-aged woman, came in for a perm. She was assigned to Madonna, and I guess she left the solution on too long. Or there was a chemical reaction or something. Looked like her head was on fire!
ANDREW
Yes. The instructors got involved... it was a whole show!
The bartender sets it down; Andrew takes a pull.
ANDREW
I walked over to the shampoo bowl after they removed the perm rods.
FLASHBACK - the salon floor, hours earlier. Andrew's eyes clear the rim of the shampoo bowl: perm rods with the hair still wound tight inside. BACK TO the bar.
JESSICA
(disgusted look)
Eew!
ANDREW
Oh yeah, it was gruesome!
JESSICA
What happened to the woman?
ANDREW
I don’t know... I got pulled into the laundry room to help with folding towels.
JESSICA
Wow, that’s crazy!
He takes another sip and changes the subject.
ANDREW
I had fun last weekend... the hayride and whatnot.
JESSICA
Me too! That was a lot of fun.
ANDREW
(easing into the topic)
I don’t know why, but I thought your son would be younger.
JESSICA
(giggling)
He’s only five!
ANDREW
You know what I mean. When you do the math...
JESSICA
(corrective smile)
Oh, I know what you’re saying... If I’m twenty two and he’s five, I must have had him when I was a teenager.
ANDREW
Yeah, that’s kind of where I was going with that.
JESSICA
(lips quirked sideways)
You’ve obviously been sheltered your whole life. But just so you know, half the women in our school are single moms.
JESSICA
Yes! And there are two girls on the salon floor right now with buns in the oven. I’m sure you’ve noticed them.
ANDREW
Oh... I just thought they were fat.
Jessica's eyebrows drop.
ANDREW
(smiling)
I’m kidding! Of course they’re pregnant.
JESSICA
Oh my God... you did not know that until I just told you.
(looking right at him)
Ass!
She flags the bartender for another round.
JESSICA
Hey, let me get two more.
BARTENDER
(head tilted)
You need to talk to KC.
She lets out a long, worn-out breath.
JESSICA
(annoyed)
Where is he?
BARTENDER
He’s in the back.
Jessica hops off her stool and rounds the end of the bar like she's done it a hundred times.
JESSICA
(signaling to Andrew)
I’ll be right back.
A while later she slips back out of the kitchen and settles onto her stool. Down the bar, a man - KC, by the look of him - pulls the bartender close and gives a small nod.
ANDREW
What was that all about?
The bartender brings two fresh beers. Jessica forces the subject somewhere else.
JESSICA
You ready for Friday?
ANDREW
(slow to respond)
Yeah, I feel pretty good about it.
JESSICA
You’re ready for the practical and the written exam?
ANDREW
(smiling)
It’s open book... right?
She presses a hand to her forehead.
JESSICA
No... Andrew, you’re killing me!
11INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, FRESHMAN EXAM - MORNING
JESSICA
(trying to whisper)
Hey, you know how we were talking about Mrs. Batson keeping her eye on us?
JESSICA
Well, I’ve been thinking about a funny prank that we can play on her.
Jessica leans in close, making sure no one can overhear.
JESSICA
Mrs. Batson is going to grade our mannequins at lunch and then post the results outside of her office door. Tina’s mannequin is perfect. She’s definitely going to get an A. Yvonne’s mannequin is ok, but it’s a C at best.
ANDREW
(head tilted)
You’re not suggesting we swap mannequins, are you?
ANDREW
The mannequins are tracked by serial numbers.
JESSICA
I’ve never seen the instructors look at serial numbers. They associate the mannequins with the names we gave them!
ANDREW
I don’t know... I don’t see this working.
JESSICA
Oh, come on! It’ll be funny!
(slight pause)
We’ll swap them back after lunch. No harm, no foul.
LATER, after lunch. Tina has challenged her grade - and now Andrew and Jessica are the ones called into Batson's office.
MRS. BATSON
What... you think you’re the first to try the ol’ mannequin swap trick? I knew it wasn’t Tina’s the second I saw it! Besides, we track the mannequins by the serial numbers.
Andrew catches Jessica's eye and mouths: I told you.
MRS. BATSON
You both are on the salon floor come Monday. And NO, you will not be station mates!
Batson makes a note in each of their files.
MRS. BATSON
Jessica, you’re dismissed. Andrew, hang back for a second.
Jessica steps out and pulls the office door shut behind her.
MRS. BATSON
Andrew... most of the ladies in this school are here on some kind of grant or a student loan. Your mom is paying out of pocket for you to be here. Please respect the investment she’s made in you.
MRS. BATSON
Alright, you’re dismissed.
Andrew catches up with Jessica on the floor outside the office.
ANDREW
My first demerit... Gee, thanks, Jessica!
JESSICA
You got to admit, that was funny!
He crosses to his station and meets his new neighbor.
MONICA (20), long brown hair, Hispanic, settles into the next chair.
MONICA
(laughing)
Everyone knows who you are, Andrew!
ANDREW
(laughing)
Mrs. Batson said that I might learn a thing or two from you.
MONICA
My advice... embrace the fact that you’re here to learn. The clients know this. They sign a waiver that basically says, we might screw your hair up!
(slight pause)
In other words, take chances... It’s the only way to get better.
Andrew nods and starts packing up for the day.
MONICA
By the way, they’re busing in some old ladies on Monday from a nearby retirement home. You’ll be teasing blue hair until your fingers fall off!
ANDREW
(laughing)
That’s the one thing I’m good at!
LATER - Andrew finds Jessica out in the parking lot, keys in hand.
JESSICA
You ready for Monday?
ANDREW
I guess so...
(changing the subject)
It’s none of my business, but... how is it that you know the owner of KC’s?
JESSICA
I used to work there.
ANDREW
(relieved)
Oh, ok... I was concerned about walking out on the tab like we did.
JESSICA
I squared that up, we’re fine.
ANDREW
(segue)
When we’re at the bar... our relationship is different than when we’re in school. Do you know what I mean?
JESSICA
(smiling)
Slow dancing?
ANDREW
Yeah, but... it’s more than that.
JESSICA
Well, not yet it isn’t.
(laughing and thinking)
Hey... My girlfriend and I are going to Napoleon’s on Friday. Come meet up with us.
ANDREW
You talking about that place in Warrenton?
ANDREW
That’s a long ways from where I live. I might need to raid your tip jar for gas money.
Jessica laughs, slides into her car, and pulls slowly away.
12INT. NAPOLEON’S BAR AND DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
NAPOLEON'S - a two-story club, disco ball turning over a packed floor, a band working the far wall. Andrew walks in; Jessica and a girlfriend are up at the second-floor bar that overlooks the dancers.
ANDREW
(under his breath)
Good God! Look at that outfit she’s wearing!
He takes the stairs two at a time to the upper tier.
JESSICA
Just in time, we’re about to do shots. Rhonda, Andrew... Andrew, Rhonda.
ANDREW
Hello, nice to meet you.
RHONDA (20s) - tall and curvy like Jessica, dark hair, a completely different face.
Shot glasses crack down on the bar.
Rhonda spots other friends and peels off, leaving Andrew and Jessica alone.
ANDREW
(looking at Jessica)
I’ve never seen you without your uniform on - you look amazing!
JESSICA
You’re not too shabby yourself.
Jessica catches a song she loves off the DJ.
JESSICA
Come on, dance with me!
ANDREW
Fast dance? No way!
JESSICA
Tons of people are dancing... No one is going to judge you.
She grabs his hand and hauls him onto the floor, where his two left feet go everywhere at once - Jessica laughing, spinning him anyway.
ANDREW (V.O.)
I must be the luckiest guy in the world!
Rhonda joins Jessica and Andrew on the dance floor. Additional drinks and dancing are time lapsed until the bar closes. Rhonda hugs Jessica goodbye.
RHONDA
Hey, I got to go. Nice to meet you, Andrew.
13INT. JESSICA’S HOUSE - AFTER MIDNIGHT
A cabin set back in the woods, a single porch light burning. Andrew and Jessica come through the door a little drunk, a little careful.
ANDREW
(being silly)
Is this a trailer?
JESSICA
(giggling)
No! It’s a regular house.
ANDREW
I thought I saw an axle... and some wheels under the front porch.
JESSICA
(laughing)
You did not... ass!
Jessica slips into the kitchen for a glass of water.
ANDREW
(aiming for the couch)
By the way, where’s your kid at?
JESSICA
(talking from the kitchen)
He’s at my parent’s house. My father is taking him fishing tomorrow.
ANDREW
What about his father?
A long pause. The kitchen goes very quiet.
ANDREW
(hand on his forehead)
I probably shouldn’t have asked that... I’m sorry.
She comes back out, handing him the water with a slightly unsteady hand.
JESSICA
I got a spare bedroom you can sleep in.
They move down a short hall; Jessica nods to the first open bedroom on the right.
JESSICA
That’s you, right there.
Andrew drops face-first into the pillow.
LATER - his eyes open at the weight of someone sliding under the covers behind him.
JESSICA
(whispering)
I’m not trying to get fresh, I’m just cold.
Jessica curls against his back, an arm sliding over his waist and up to his chest - then rolls him onto his back and climbs on top, her silhouette over him in the dark.
14INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, THE FOLLOWING MONDAY
Andrew is punching his time card when Jessica walks in.
JESSICA
(no eye contact)
Morning.
She clocks in and walks straight past him onto the floor; before he can get a word out she ducks into the laundry room and shuts the door.
ANDREW
(under his breath)
That’s… not good.
TIME LAPSE - Andrew and his stationmates run a steady line of clients toward lunch, dryers roaring, foils flashing. Pizza boxes land on the break room table.
KAREN (21), long brown-highlighted hair, very pretty, lips always glossed.
KAREN
(looking at Andrew)
Soo... how’s it going, Space Cowboy?
Andrew glances over his shoulder on the off chance she means someone else.
ANDREW
(pizza in his mouth)
Space Cowboy?
KAREN
Dude, you are... out there!
MONICA
(shaking her head)
Karen...
ANDREW
No, no, that’s alright. I can handle it.
KAREN
(smiling)
You look like you’re staring off into space all the time.
ANDREW
(slightly guarded)
I’ve been on the salon floor all of a week. Still trying to get my bearings.
Karen just sits there, smiling, saying nothing.
ANDREW
Cowboy... where does that come from?
Loni fields it for her.
LONI
(subtle)
Because sometimes you wear that belt with the big buckle.
Loni and Karen crack up. Monica turns her head, embarrassed.
ANDREW
(defensive)
They only give you three pairs of white pants with the uniform. The one pair they gave me is bigger than the others... it’s the only belt I have. To me it seems like a normal size buckle... sort of.
KAREN
(still smiling)
Calm down dude... we just prefer the tighter pair of pants.
Karen and Loni lose it; Monica can't help joining in. Andrew goes a little red.
ANDREW
(jokingly)
I’m never going to take my lab coat off again!
END OF LUNCH - Andrew, straggling behind, throwing away empty pizza boxes, sees Madonna enter the open foyer where spare towels and products are stored near the roped off stair case.
ANDREW
Hey, Madonna, what’s upstairs.
MADONNA
(scrambling for perm rods)
Oh... I don’t know.
(divided attention)
Someone said the old bank vault is still up there... probably why it’s off limits.
Andrew’s head tilts as he tries to look beyond the forbidden sign.
END OF DAY - Jessica is walking out; Andrew chases her down in the parking lot.
ANDREW
Jessica, what the hell!
She says nothing, swinging her duffel into the trunk and dropping the lid.
ANDREW
Why are you avoiding me?
She opens the driver's door.
JESSICA
Look, you don’t know the first thing about being a parent. You don’t know what it’s like having a child reach a certain age where they start asking where their father is, and why he’s not at home. It’s a world you know nothing about!
Before he can answer, she peels out.
15INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR, WEEKS LATER
Andrew is setting up his station when Monica nods toward the front of the salon.
ANDREW
Yeah, I noticed that... A lot of new faces!
MONICA
We picked up two intermediates from another school, plus a part-timer from a local high school.
MONICA
Trade release program that just started.
MONICA
Not sure, but I overheard the instructors say that she’s emancipated.
ANDREW
What does that mean?
MONICA
It means that she’s declaring herself an adult, even though she’s not.
MONICA
Not sure, but don’t be getting any funny ideas!
ANDREW
Eew! Why would you even say that!
Andrew keeps scanning the room, shaking his head.
ANDREW
(pointing)
What about her, she’s new.
MONICA
Her name is Lola. She was here last year, took a break, and now she’s back.
ANDREW
She’s got to be in her thirties!
MONICA
Yeah, and she’s also a bartender next door.
MONICA
(laughing)
No, right next door. Heroes.
ANDREW
Oh, ok. Makes sense. She kind of has that high society look about her.
MONICA
(doesn’t agree)
High society? You mean because she walks around with her chest sticking out.
ANDREW
(laughing)
To me it just looks like she has good posture.
MONICA
(nose scrunched up)
As if...
Monica takes him by the hand.
MONICA
Come with me for a second.
She pulls him into the intermediate lab room.
MONICA
Don’t tell anyone that I told you this. Ok?
MONICA
When you started, we all thought you were Jessica’s gay friend. But then rumors started flying around about you and her hanging out at KC’s.
ANDREW
We went there one time!
MONICA
Regardless, someone saw you two, and they said it looked like more than just friends. Which means you’re not gay!
She gets in close so no one can hear.
MONICA
(whispering)
The intermediates feel that maybe... you might want to be more than just friends with them!
Andrew looks like he's not quite following.
ANDREW
Which intermediates are you talking about?
NOON - the floor emptying out, Andrew and Monica the last two finishing their clients before lunch.
MONICA
Dude, good job with that perm! She looked amazing.
MONICA
By the way, there’s cake in the classroom.
ANDREW
What’s the occasion?
MONICA
A few seniors are graduating today.
Andrew glances across the salon and catches Jessica at the far window, staring out at the street.
ANDREW
(approaching Jessica)
There’s cake in the break room...
JESSICA
I heard, but... I think I’m just going to hang out here.
He starts to walk off, then stops.
ANDREW
What can I do to fix this?
JESSICA
There’s nothing to fix... Everything is fine.
He shakes it off and heads for the classroom, where Monica already has a slice of cake waiting.
Monica drifts over to Karen and Loni, out of Andrew's earshot.
KAREN
(looking at Monica)
Soo... what’s going on with you and Space Cowboy?
MONICA
Oh please, he wants nothing to do with me.
LONI
Were you able to get the 411 on his situation with Jessica?
MONICA
He admitted that he was over at KC’s with her, but... looks like they’re hardly talking to each other now.
The returning student from last year makes her approach.
LOLA (36) - short brown curls, sharp features, a figure she knows how to carry, a walk like finishing school.
LOLA
Do you want to know something funny?
LOLA
When the instructors told me there was a male student, they said, whatever you do, don’t look into his eyes.
(quiet laugh)
They were right!
Holding his eyes from inches away, Lola bites off a sliver of cake and chews it slow, right in front of him. Onlookers gasp.
LONI
She didn’t waste any time!
MONICA
She knows we’re watching... Just trying to make us jealous.
Next comes the part-time high-schooler.
SAMANTHA - four-foot-eleven, ninety pounds, shoulder-length red curls, a dead-close talker.
SAMANTHA
(hand extended)
Samantha. I just transferred here.
The top of her head barely clears Andrew's chin.
ANDREW
Andrew.
(stepping back a foot)
Part time student, huh?
SAMANTHA
Yeah, I go to Central High for half-a-day, then here.
ANDREW
No, no, I mean in high school?
ANDREW
Someone told me that you were emancipated.
SAMANTHA
That was last year, but yeah.
ANDREW
What does that mean, exactly?
SAMANTHA
I was in a foster home... Wasn’t a good scene. Judge declared me an adult... Now I live in a house with a bunch of other trade students.
His lab partners are clustered a few feet off, heads bent together over something.
KAREN
What in the world could those two be talking about?
MONICA
And why is she so close to him?
LONI
(soft laugh)
Someone needs to tell her to put her lab coat back on.
KAREN
Oh my god, she’s not wearing a bra!
LONI
Let me go say something to her... Avoid any further embarrassment!
As Loni pulls Samantha aside, Batson calls the classroom to order.
MRS. BATSON
(champagne glass raised)
To our graduating seniors, I bid you a farewell. Potomac Academy of Hair Design has given you the foundation for success. And now it’s on you to further your career.
(pointing at everyone)
And what is our motto?
ENTIRE CLASS
(chanting)
We... do... big... hair!
MRS. BATSON
(smiling)
That’s right! We do big hair. Now go make a name for yourselves!
(cheering)
MRS. EBERHARDT
(now at the podium)
Congratulations seniors! While it breaks my heart to see you leave... it’s time for you to go out and earn a real paycheck!
(laughter throughout)
As her emotions get the better of her, Mrs. Eberhardt steps away from the podium - the graduating seniors surround her with appreciation and hugs.
16INT. BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE - WEEKEND
A cramped beauty-supply shop, shelves climbing to the ceiling with bottles and tools. Andrew and his mother bend over a glass case of cutting shears.
ANDREW
I don’t know... seems expensive.
(thumbing the blades)
DIANE
Like any other trade, you have to have the proper tools.
Diane looks to the store manager and points out a different pair in the case.
DIANE
The shears are an extension of your hand.
He lays the next pair in Andrew's palm, heavier steel, and Andrew tries them for fit, opening and closing the blades.
DIANE
Your school issued shears were designed to get you through the freshman phase. You’re past that now.
ANDREW
Wow, these do feel nice!
DIANE
Notice how quiet they are when the blades open and close? It means they are honed and aligned properly.
Diane turns back to the manager.
As he boxes the shears, Diane turns her attention back to her son.
DIANE
How’s it going with your friend, Jessica?
ANDREW
I don’t know... we’re still not exactly talking.
(sorrow filled look)
When we started, it was all about supporting each other, and eventually graduating together... But now it seems like everything is changing. Also, she’s just better than me at doing hair.
DIANE
Son, let me tell you something. Being a hotshot in cosmetology means nothing. It’s what you do in the real world that matters. I have two hairdressers that barely got through beauty school, and now they’re doing some of the best work I’ve ever seen.
She pays at the register and hands Andrew the gift bag.
DIANE
There’s a hair show this weekend in DC that a few of us are going to. I have an extra ticket. I want you to tag along with us.
DIANE
Yes... you need to see a broader perspective of the beauty industry.
17INT. INTERNATIONAL HAIR SHOW, CONVENTION CENTER, DC - WEEKEND
A cavernous convention hall - product booths in every direction, banners, demo stages. Andrew, Diane, and two other stylists thread through the crowd toward one of the demonstration halls.
ANDREW
I can’t get over how many people are here. And the hairstyles are wild!
DIANE
A lot of new fashion trends are coming out of Europe, so what you’re seeing today are really the hairdos of tomorrow.
They drop into their seats as the show detonates - lights strafing, bass thumping, stylists dancing across the stage and somehow cutting hair in the middle of it.
ANDREW
(in his mother’s ear)
This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen!
DIANE
Look at how fast they can complete a haircut. You can be that good one day if you put your mind to it.
INTERMISSION.
DIANE
Son, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. Follow me.
Andrew and his mother cross to the side of the stage, where a middle-aged woman with a clipboard greets them.
DIANE
Andrew, this is Sheila Davis. Sheila, this is my son, Andrew.
SHEILA
Hello, Andrew! You enjoying the show?
ANDREW
It’s amazing! I’m truly inspired.
SHEILA
Glad to hear it. Would you like to come back stage and see how it all comes together?
SHEILA
Diane, is it ok if I borrow Andrew for a minute; show him around.
Sheila walks Andrew backstage into the setup room - mirror bulbs, bodies flying, everyone scrambling for the second half.
SHEILA
This is where the magic happens!
ANDREW
Wow, this is like a real-life movie set dressing room!
They step into an adjoining room rigged like a miniature salon - a few clients already up in the chairs with their hair pinned, mirror bulbs blazing. Sheila hands him off to the prep tech.
SHEILA
Andrew, this is Sophia.
SOPHIA (19), wild blonde hair, talking around a barrette clamped in her teeth.
SOPHIA
(muffled voice)
Nice to meet you.
SHEILA
Andrew, I’m going to leave you with Sophia for a minute while I get ready for the next set.
Sophia sends the last two clients off toward the stage.
Sophia pulls Andrew into a smaller stockroom stacked to the ceiling with product and equipment, the noise of the show muffled through the wall.
ANDREW
Wow, so you have one shampoo bowl and one dryer for everyone that goes up on stage?
ANDREW
And you do all of that work?
SOPHIA
(chuckling)
Pretty much.
ANDREW
I got to tell you, I’m blown away by all of this. And there’s like... real celebrities here! John Paul is literally here. I saw him walking around the product displays.
SOPHIA
I work for Paul Mitchell.
ANDREW
(big eyes)
No way! You’re a hairdresser for Paul Mitchell, really?
SOPHIA
They referred to me as a technician, because I’m still in cosmetology.
ANDREW
You’re kidding me! I’m in cosmetology!
SOPHIA
Oh cool! How many hours do you have left?
ANDREW
I’m about half way.
SOPHIA
Yeah, me too! How many students in your class?
SOPHIA
(shocked)
Fifty? We got like... fifteen! How many are guys?
ANDREW
(smiling)
I’m the only one!
SOPHIA
Oh my God, I can’t imagine!
ANDREW
It was stressful at first. I’m finally starting to fit in.
SOPHIA
Got to be tough learning how to do hair and fending women off all day.
ANDREW
I’ll be honest, they stick to themselves.
SOPHIA
(head tilted)
I highly doubt that!
Sheila's voice cuts across the backstage din, calling for Sophia.
SOPHIA
(looking at Andrew)
That’s my cue!
ANDREW
Yeah-yeah, go do your thing! I’m going to go back to my seat.
SOPHIA
Hey... After the show, come back here and see me.
Sophia bolts for the stage; Andrew slips back into his seat beside his mom in the dark house.
ANDREW
You can’t even believe how much goes on behind the scenes. It’s like a mad house back there.
The curtains sweep open and the techno slams back in - hair flying, theatrics cranked past the first half.
LATER - Andrew wanders back toward the dressing room. Sophia is alone, sweeping up, straightening chairs.
ANDREW
Man, this place cleared out quick!
SOPHIA
(laughing)
They typically go straight to the bar after the show.
ANDREW
I noticed that some of the models changed outfits between sets. How is that possible?
SOPHIA
We have a fitting room... the wardrobes are just generic stuff.
He follows her into a walk-in wardrobe, a full-length mirror at the far end.
SOPHIA
It’s small, but works for a quick change of clothes.
She turns and faces him head-on.
SOPHIA
We keep a couple of outfits in different sizes...
(heavy eye contact)
Sophia lunges forward and kisses Andrew on the mouth, pushing him back into empty clothes hangers. The passion and intensity ramp up - Sophia closes the dressing room door for privacy.
18INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - MORNING
Andrew turns his new shears in the light, admiring them.
MONICA
Busy day today! You ready?
ANDREW
I’m ready... I have a new outlook on life.
MONICA
Yeah, and how is that?
ANDREW
I went to the International Hair Show this past weekend in DC.
MONICA
Dang! I wanted to go, but the tickets were seventy five bucks!
ANDREW
It changed me... I mean it really changed me!
Mrs. Eberhardt walks two clients over to Andrew and Monica's station.
LUNCH - the break room.
MONICA
Man, you’re on a roll!
ANDREW
Yeah, except for the last haircut. Nothing is more embarrassing than an instructor stepping in to fix your mistake!
ANDREW
(half laugh)
It doesn’t happen to you!
MONICA
Not now, but it did when I was new to the floor.
ANDREW
Yeah, I guess but... You and Jessica are light years ahead of me. And she and I started at the same time.
MONICA
Do you ever notice that our conversations always fade back to your feelings for Jessica?
ANDREW
Well, I mean, she is my friend!
MONICA
(head tilted)
It’s more than just friends.
ANDREW
(long delay)
It happened once.
MONICA
(disbelief)
Oh, just like you only went to KC’s with her once... yeah... ok!
Monica finishes the last of her sandwich.
MONICA
Do you want my advice?
ANDREW
(defensive smiling)
Depends on whether it’s good advice.
MONICA
Instead of looking at Jessica with infatuation, look at what she’s doing. Be inspired by the art she’s creating. Ask questions about her techniques!
ANDREW
What is infatuation?
MONICA
(laughing)
It means don’t be all goggly-eyed when you’re around her!
Lola strolls into the break room to pay Andrew a visit.
LOLA
(extra upright posture)
I heard through the grapevine that you own a truck.
ANDREW
It’s an El Camino. I like to think of it as half car, half truck.
LOLA
Do you think it would be possible for us to switch vehicles this weekend? I have a few things at my house that I’m trying to get rid of.
ANDREW
Do you need me to help you?
LOLA
No-no-no, I can do it. Just need your truck for a few hours.
LOLA
Saturday. You can take my car for the day... Do whatever you have to do.
Lola saunters off. Monica grins and shakes her head.
19EXT. LOLA’S HOUSE - SATURDAY MORNING
A weathered shingle cabin at the edge of the pines, the white El Camino nosed up in the dirt drive. Lola, in work gloves and boots, is dragging junk into a pile for a landfill run.
ANDREW
Good God!
(exiting the truck)
I thought you were talking about a few household items. That’s like hazardous material!
LOLA
(smiling)
It’s not hazardous! It’s an old microwave and pieces of a metal fence.
She crosses to trade keys with him.
ANDREW
To be honest, I don’t really have anything to do today. I was just planning on staying home and watching college football.
LOLA
Well, you can hang here and watch TV if you want. I won’t be gone long.
ANDREW
Yeah, ok, that works.
He follows her inside; she points out the TV remote and the way to the kitchen.
LOLA
I think there’s a few beers in the fridge, snacks in the pantry.
He hands over his truck keys and she heads back out to finish loading the bed.
FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER - Andrew channel-surfs, an open beer sweating a ring into the coffee table. A flicker of guilt as he listens to Lola grunting with the load out in the yard.
ANDREW
(looking out the window)
The right thing to do is go out and help her, but...
OUTSIDE - Lola heaves the last of the debris into the bed of the truck, climbs in, and rattles off down the dirt road.
ANDREW
Oh well... too late.
AN HOUR LATER - she's back from the dump, hot and streaked with dirt. Andrew jerks awake, chip crumbs down his shirt.
LOLA
(yelling from the kitchen)
I was going to have a beer, but Looks like you drank... all of them!
She comes into the living room - Andrew sprawled on the couch, half-conscious, three empty cans on the table.
LOLA
You’ve certainly made yourself at home!
Lola heads for her bedroom at the end of the hall, leaving the door not quite shut behind her.
THE SHOWER - Lola, half lathered, hears the glass door slide open behind her.
LOLA
(arms covering her body)
Did I forget to lock my bedroom door?
ANDREW
That, plus the bathroom door was cracked open.
LOLA
(smiling)
That’s because I didn’t want the mirror to get steamed up.
ANDREW
It seems I’ve misread this situation. Should I leave?
LOLA
Everyone has to take a shower. No sense in wasting water.
OUTSIDE THE STALL - through the mottled glass, the blurred silhouette of two bodies drawing together under the water.
LOLA
Oh no, you are not going to be behind me while I’m shampooing my hair. We’re switching places!
(awkward transition)
No, don’t face me! Turn sideways... you’re poking me in the rib!
A FEW MINUTES LATER - Andrew stands on the back deck, dressed, hair wet. Lola comes out in a robe.
LOLA
(hand on Andrew’s back)
Hey... I got to get ready to go.
ANDREW
(staring into the abyss)
Can I see you again?
LOLA
(big breath)
You know we can’t do this.
LOLA
For starters, my son is damn near your age!
(long pause)
Look, if the circumstances were different, yes, but... they’re not!
He doesn't answer, staring off at the pines. Lola steps in behind him, wraps her arms around his waist, and rests the side of her head against his back - the two of them still against the gray morning.
LOLA
(subtle levity)
Did you cum on my soap dish?
ANDREW
(embarrassed)
Wasn’t my fault!
LOLA
(somewhat of a smile)
Well whose fault was it?
20INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - MORNING
Andrew and Monica are wrapping their first clients of the day.
MONICA
Did you notice anything different when you walked into school today?
ANDREW
Different about what?
Monica tips her head toward the freshman classroom.
ANDREW
Oh my gosh, we have a new freshman class?
MONICA
Only three this time, but yes.
Andrew slips around the intermediate lab, angling for a look into the freshman area.
MONICA
You better not let Mrs. Batson catch you.
He's back at his station seconds later, playing it casual.
ANDREW
They look absolutely petrified!
MONICA
You don’t forget your first day here, that’s for sure!
ANDREW
I know it’s a rite of passage but... it’s painful to see that look on their faces.
(thinking)
Hey, do you want to go out for lunch today?
MONICA
Sure, but I have to go to the bank first. Just got to deposit a check, and then we can go somewhere.
LUNCH - Andrew finishes an older woman, gray hair teased to the ceiling, and walks her up front past the mirrors to check out.
ANDREW
(overly polite)
Ok, Mrs. Cantor, we’ll see you next time.
Heading back to his station, he catches Jessica watching him.
21EXT. CAR RIDE TO THE BANK - LUNCH HOUR
INSIDE THE CAR - Andrew fumbling to explain the look that passed between him and Jessica.
ANDREW
I don’t know how to explain it, but it was a look!
MONICA
Probably checking out your work. That was the biggest bouffant hairdo I’ve ever seen!
They swing into the bank drive-thru lane.
MONICA
Mrs. Cantor was smiling ear to ear when she left. And she’s not an easy woman to please!
Monica loads her check into the pneumatic tube and fires it up to the teller window. The car rolls out of the lot and stops short at the mouth of the alley that cuts through to the deli.
ANDREW
Why are we stopping here?
MONICA
Because I want to talk about this Jessica thing.
She throws it in park and unclips her seatbelt.
MONICA
Every girl in school wants to be with you... why Jessica? I mean, aside from the fact she’s beautiful, what is it about her that has you so wrapped up?
ANDREW
(put on the spot)
Umm, she’s smart, she’s funny, she has a great personality. The fact that she talks loud and you can hear her a mile away... I can’t exactly explain that particular attraction, but I like that about her.
She studies the headliner a beat, then gives Andrew a thin, false smile.
MONICA
It kills me that you’re so obsessed with her...
She reaches across the console and lays a hand high on his inner thigh, eyes still on the alley ahead.
MONICA
The lever is on the side of the seat... if you want to recline a little bit.
ANDREW
(head turned sideways)
Monica... How is this going to look when we walk back into school?
MONICA
I doubt anyone will suspect a thing... based on the way you fixate on Jessica.
ANDREW
No, I mean, we work right next to each other, all day, every day!
MONICA
I can handle it if you can.
(more direct)
I’m doing you a favor... just sit back and relax.
Monica's head drops into his lap.
22INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - WINTER
Snow piles against the big storefront windows, the street beyond gone white. JESSICA'S POV - finishing a client, she clocks all the attention Andrew is drawing, the three new freshmen cutting through the salon on their lunch break. One of them holds his eyes across the room a beat too long.
JESSICA
(under her breath)
Oh... I don’t think so, blondie!
Jessica watches Andrew clowning with Monica, Karen, and Loni, then sets down her comb and wanders over to see what the fuss is about.
JESSICA
Y’all are having all the fun over here.
Monica explains to Jessica what's got them all laughing.
MONICA
Lisa looks like she’s been hitting the Ganja a little harder than usual. Her patron’s hair is all jacked up!
Jessica's eyes cut to Lisa.
JESSICA
Oh Lord, she’s high as a kite!
ANDREW
(cracking up)
She keeps dropping the curling iron, and now it doesn’t work.
MONICA
She’s waiting for it to heat back up again, but the light’s not even on.
JESSICA
(looking at Monica)
Hey, have you heard anything with regards to who’s moving over to the senior floor?
MONICA
Karen and I are at 1000 hours, so we’re moving over Monday. Technically, you just have to have 750 hours, so I’m guessing you and Tina will get pulled over with us to fill those two extra spots.
JESSICA
(surprised)
Really?
MONICA
It’s at the discretion of the instructors, but that would be my guess.
JESSICA
That would be awesome, because it would allow me to work on Saturdays and graduate earlier.
She looks out at the falling snow.
JESSICA
How the hell are any of us going to get home today?
Andrew crosses to the storefront window to size up the drifts piling on the sill. Jessica comes and stands beside him, close.
JESSICA
In light of this bad weather, I say we go over to KC’s after school.
ANDREW
(slowly turning his head)
You mean, in general. As in everyone?
JESSICA
No-no, just you and I.
ANDREW
(somewhat skeptical)
Ok, yeah... sure.
23INT. KC'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE - DUSK
KC's again, warm and dim against the cold outside. Andrew and Jessica at the bar, beers in front of them, Jessica flipping through a European fashion magazine.
ANDREW
Where did you get that from?
JESSICA
It was in the break room. Check out these hairstyles! Is that cool or what?
ANDREW
I was just at the International Hair Show...
JESSICA
(Surprised)
What! Why didn’t you tell me you were going?
ANDREW
It was a last minute thing. My mom had an extra ticket.
JESSICA
Ahh man, I would have loved that!
ANDREW
They were cutting and styling hair on stage... looked just like what you’re seeing in that magazine.
JESSICA
I bet! I’m going next year for sure.
She keeps turning pages, hands flying as she talks hair, Andrew lit up and laughing, the stools creeping closer, the bar filling around them, the beers adding up.
JESSICA
(head perking up)
You hear that?
She hesitates, then grabs his hand and whips him onto the dance floor.
WIDE - arms wrapped tight, turning slow under the pendant lights. Her mouth at his ear again, singing the song in her own words. Then back to the bar.
JESSICA
I can’t even begin to explain to you how that makes me feel.
Just as Andrew opens his mouth, the bartender crosses to their end of the bar.
BARTENDER
This weather isn’t letting up, so we’re going to close early.
Andrew and Jessica trade a look.
JESSICA
(holding up two fingers)
Two more beers?
The owner steps around the bartender.
KC (40s) - a man who's clearly spent his whole life in the restaurant business.
KC
Jessica, can I talk to you for a second.
Jessica walks to the dark end of the bar, out of earshot - not fighting, but not agreeing either - then comes back to where Andrew sits.
JESSICA
(slightly perturbed)
Well, looks like we’re not getting another round. Let’s go!
THE PARKING LOT.
ANDREW
(at Jessica’s car)
You gonna be alright? I can drive you home if you want.
JESSICA
I’ll be fine... I’ve got front wheel drive and the roads are mostly clear.
Andrew leans in for a kiss; Jessica puts a hand out flat.
JESSICA
(reluctant)
Let’s just hold off on that... for a little bit. Ok?
ANDREW
Yeah... ok. I just... you know... we were having a good time.
She glances back - KC standing in the doorway, arms crossed. She looks back at Andrew.
JESSICA
Save it for another night.
Andrew follows her eyeline to KC. Jessica eases away in her car, tires slipping on the snow.
ANDREW
(under his breath)
Something… isn’t right about that.
Andrew looks over at Heroes Lounge - lights still burning.
24INT. HEROES LOUNGE, OLD TOWN MANASSAS, RIGHT NEXT TO THE SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER
HEROES LOUNGE - a narrow, low-ceilinged bar tucked beside the school, a chandelier over dark wood, every stool filled by middle-aged men but one. Lola works behind the taps.
LOLA
Well, well, isn’t this a treat!
Lola deliberately over-pours a Rob Roy for a regular, tips the overage into a second glass, and slides it down to Andrew.
LATER - Andrew, drunk and happy, is sure he's making new friends.
ANDREW
Lola, I think I’ll have one more... of whatever that was.
Lola clocks that he must have been drinking somewhere before this.
LOLA
Oh, I think one was plenty for you!
ANDREW
(delirious smile)
Can I get a pen? And a... napkin or something.
She grabs him a pen without thinking and gets back to her customers. Out of the corner of her eye she watches him sketch something on a napkin - and only when he shows it to the man beside him does her face change.
The man studies the napkin, laughs, then shakes his head the way you shake it at something hopelessly immature.
LATER - Lola drags Andrew down the stairs by the back of his collar and out into the snowy alley, the napkin crushed in her fist. She holds it up inches from his face.
LOLA
(loud tone of voice)
A vagina! Really?
ANDREW
(calm voice)
It was supposed to be a sea shell.
LOLA
(angrier)
What are you, ten years old?
ANDREW
(slow delivery)
I don’t think most ten year olds know what a vagina looks like...
LOLA
(head tilted)
You just said it was a sea shell!
ANDREW
Well, it becomes a sea shell... That’s the joke, but you didn’t let me finish drawing it.
LOLA
(zero patience)
Let me tell you something. Those customers upstairs... that’s my livelihood! That’s how I’m able to keep food on the table for my kid. That job is all I have! Do you understand that?
Lola can see it hasn't landed. She drops the napkin and presses a hand to her forehead.
LOLA
You know what... it’s not your fault. You don’t know any better.
(fingers on her temples)
I am absolutely mortified right now.
ANDREW
What does mortified mean?
LOLA
Shut up, you’re not funny!
(looking around)
Give me your keys!
ANDREW
How am I going to get home?
LOLA
(mad)
You’re not drinking and driving. Give me your fucking keys!
Andrew hands her the keys to his El Camino.
LOLA
(pointing)
There’s a pay phone right there! Call your parents to pick you up.
She turns and heads back up into the lounge.
LOLA
Oh, and make sure you show your mom that napkin... see if she gets the joke!
25EXT. THE ALLEY, TWO BLOCKS FROM SCHOOL - LUNCH THE NEXT DAY
A snowbound brick alley, the El Camino tucked in the familiar spot, snow banked along the walls. Andrew and Monica sit parked, engine ticking.
MONICA
She kicked you out of the bar... What were you, drunk?
MONICA
I’m surprised you went over there... that place is expensive!
ANDREW
She only served me one drink.
(laughing)
I guess it was on the house, I don’t remember paying for it.
MONICA
Where were you drinking before that?
MONICA
Oh, well that would just about figure, wouldn’t it.
ANDREW
Yeah, but it wasn’t like that. We were just killing time long enough for the streets to be plowed. She was showing me this fashion magazine and we were talking about hairstyles. After that, she went her way, and I went to Heroes.
Monica shakes her head and looks out the driver's window, turning something over.
MONICA
Look, I’m never going to tell you what you can and can’t do. I have no ownership over you. But you can’t sneak out of the salon with Jessica as if you’re trying to hide it from me. You didn’t even say goodbye to me yesterday!
(heavy sigh)
Just... be mindful of my feelings. That’s all I ask.
(looking at her watch)
We have to be back in school in ten minutes; are we going to do this or what?
ANDREW
I’m not feeling particularly good about myself... at this exact moment.
Still staring out the glass, she keeps talking.
MONICA
(frustrated)
This is the one thing I get from you that the other girls don’t get.
ANDREW
I understand, but... in light of everything that happened yesterday, plus being hungover... can we maybe wait until after school?
No answer - arms crossed, eyes out the window.
ANDREW
(adding humor)
I have other abilities beyond just reclining this seat.
She unfolds her arms and turns to face him.
MONICA
(bit of smile)
Oh... is that right?
She digs a pen from the console and writes her address across his palm.
MONICA
I’m calling your bluff!
She drops it in drive and they roll out of the alley.
26INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, CLASSROOM - MORNING
Full attendance - Batson at the podium.
MRS. BATSON
Alright, listen up! As you’ve probably heard... Tina and Jessica will be joining Karen and Monica on the senior floor starting Monday.
A quick cheer from the class.
MRS. BATSON
That of course will open up four new spots on the intermediate floor... Renee, Cynthia, and Rose will be on Andrew’s team. Samantha will be on Loni’s team with Yvonne and Faye... And everyone else will stay put.
Jessica gives Andrew a light punch on the arm.
JESSICA
Team lead... good for you!
ANDREW
(shocked)
Oh my God, I did not see that coming!
Batson goes on.
MRS. BATSON
(looking at her notes)
The dryer issue... repair man is supposed to be here today. If it’s the same handsome guy they sent last time, please don’t harass him... just let him do his work.
The students laugh at Batson's parting shot; she steps aside to let Eberhardt have the floor.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Couple of announcements!
(looking around the room)
Towels... if you don’t volunteer, I will schedule you accordingly.
(slight pause)
Parking... Yes, they are repaving our lot. Until it’s complete, you will park at the train station.
27INT. THE OLD BANK VAULT — MOMENTS LATER
Andrew and Jessica are at the bottom of the stairs, do not enter sign against their stomachs.
ANDREW
Because that’s the one thing that can get you expelled from here.
JESSICA
They’re just saying that to scare us.
Under the rope and up the stairs - Andrew slips in behind Jessica and swings the massive vault door halfway closed. The roar of the salon floor drops to a hum. No windows. No instructors. No fifty pairs of eyes.
JESSICA
How much money do you think was in here at one time?
ANDREW
I don’t know... trillions?
(looking in circles)
And stacks of gold bricks!
Jessica catches his eye in the half-dark — Andrew closes the door a little further.
28INT. MRS. BATSON’S OFFICE - LATER
Batson and Eberhardt are discussing a rumor surrounding the vault.
BATSON
Were they up there or not?
MRS. EBERHARDT
One of the freshmen swears she saw Jessica walking down the stairs with Andrew right behind her.
BATSON
Get those two in here!
Eberhardt exits Batson’s office and returns with Andrew and Jessica.
MRS. BATSON
(harsh stare)
A few years ago, we had a student that ventured upstairs and managed to get locked in the vault. She had to be revived by paramedics after they figured out how to open the door.
(slight pause)
If I didn’t make this clear before, I’m making it clear now. Anyone caught going upstairs will be expelled! Understood?
Andrew and Jessica nod their heads - Eberhardt escorts them back to their stations.
29INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - MONDAY MORNING
Andrew and Monica at the reception desk awaiting their next patrons.
MONICA
Dare I ask if the rumor is true that you and Jessica went upstairs.
ANDREW
Nothing happened... if that’s what you’re asking.
MONICA
I wasn’t asking that! Just wondering what’s up there.
ANDREW
A huge bank vault. Like, bigger than the entire break room!
MONICA
Really... Was there anything in it?
ANDREW
No, empty. But it does look like what you see in movies. Giant metal door with a wheel and combination. It’s really cool!
MONICA
Why is it that they don’t want us up there?
ANDREW
Mrs. Batson said that a student almost died in the vault a few years ago. I guess if you close the door all the way, there’s no oxygen.
MONICA
Alright, well I guess that makes sense.
ANDREW
(changing the subject)
I’m really bummed that you’re not my stationmate anymore.
MONICA
(pointing)
My new station is literally right over there!
ANDREW
Yeah, but it’s not the same.
MONICA
(counting the station)
Actually... when you become a senior, you might get Madonna’s station after she graduates.
MONICA
(giddy)
The one right between Jessica and me.
ANDREW
(undecided look)
I can’t tell if you’re trying to be funny right now.
MONICA
You’re the one that’s full of jokes.
(a playful shove)
By the way, I enjoyed the other day... I honestly didn’t think you were going to come over.
ANDREW
Yeah, that was different, right?
ANDREW
Hey are you trying to go to DC this weekend? Yvonne and Loni want us to go to that dance club they’ve been talking about.
MONICA
I’ll have to let you know about that. I might have to babysit my little brother.
Jessica walks by - Andrew’s line of sight follows her, Monica’s line of sight follows his wandering eye.
MONICA
(under her breath)
Tan cerca del agua y muerto de sed.
30EXT. EL CAMINO, DRIVING TO WASHINGTON, DC - SATURDAY NIGHT
The El Camino runs the highway into the city, the Washington skyline rising ahead. Andrew, Loni, and Yvonne jammed shoulder to shoulder across the bench seat, windows down.
LONI
Karen and Monica are so lame!
ANDREW
I told you Monica had to babysit.
LONI
We’ve been planning this for three weeks!
A plastic bottle of something pink makes the rounds, passed hand to hand across the bench seat.
ANDREW
Ugh, what is this? It’s awful.
YVONNE
It’s vodka and cranberry.
LONI
(laughing)
Because she had it on the floorboard of her car, next to the heater.
YVONNE
Beggars can’t be choosers!
(looking at street signs)
Yo-yo, turn here!
ANDREW
(last minute lane change)
Why are we turning here?
YVONNE
I got to stop and see my friend real quick.
(looking at cross streets)
Make a right at this light. Ok, make your next left... Just park anywhere.
Andrew brakes and Yvonne hops out.
YVONNE
I’ll be right back... just hang tight.
ANDREW
(looking at Loni)
Where is she going?
LONI
Pick up some party favors.
ANDREW
Party favors... What do you mean party favors?
LONI
She’ll be back in a second, calm down!
Andrew starts scanning the lot.
ANDREW
This place looks like Cabrini Green from the movie, Candyman!
He looks back at Loni.
ANDREW
Seriously, what is she doing?
A shadow falls across the driver's window - a hooded man, a pistol leveled through the glass at Andrew's head.
ROBBIE (25) - gold chains, gold watch, gold teeth.
ROBBIE
Roll down the window.
White as a sheet, Andrew rolls the window down.
ROBBIE
What are you doing in my hood?
ANDREW
(delayed response)
My wallet is in the glove compartment.
ROBBIE
I don’t need your wallet. I need a reason not to kill you. And so far you haven’t given me one.
Robbie thumbs the hammer back with a click.
ROBBIE
I’m going to ask you one more time... you don’t give me a reasonable answer, I’m going to put a bullet in your head.
He drops his eyeline to Loni, just as pale - then slowly pushes his hood back, cocks his head, and something strange and delighted takes over his gold-toothed face.
ROBBIE
(high pitched tone)
Lisa!
LONI
(beside herself)
Robbie!
A grin splits both their faces - Andrew's, not so much. Robbie pockets the gun and jogs around the front of the El Camino, headlights washing over him.
ROBBIE
(squatting down)
WKRP... what’s happening, girl!
LONI
Robbie, you scared the shit out of me!
ROBBIE
Girl, you know you can’t just roll up in here like this.
Robbie steps back, taking it all in.
ROBBIE
El Camino... I thought for sure your boy was five-oh!
He looks across the passenger door at Andrew.
ROBBIE
Nothing personal homie!
Loni spots Yvonne coming out of the apartment complex - Robbie turns.
ROBBIE
Oh, she’s with you?
LONI
Yeah, that’s my girlfriend, Yvonne.
ROBBIE
Oh snap, ok! Where you all going?
LONI
Georgetown... hit this club. Do you want to go?
ROBBIE
Oh, hell no, I don’t mess with DC. Mother fuckers being getting shot for no reason whatsoever.
Andrew stares up at the headliner and shakes his head. Yvonne climbs back in.
ROBBIE
(looking at Yvonne)
My cousin hook you up?
YVONNE
(smiling)
Yeah, we good!
They ease out of the lot and minutes later cross Key Bridge, the city lit up behind them, all three mid-argument.
ANDREW
(loud)
If he hadn’t recognized Loni, I’d be dead right now!
YVONNE
He was just trying to scare you.
ANDREW
I saw the look in his eyes... he had every intention of shooting me.
Yvonne pulls a glass pipe and loads it with whatever she just bought.
ANDREW
You could have just as easily bought weed from Karen... she always holding!
LONI
(sneaky quiet laugh)
It’s not weed.
YVONNE
(also sneaky in tone)
It’s butter...
(giggling)
Yvonne lights the pipe, takes a puff, and passes it to Loni.
ANDREW
It doesn’t smell like butter... Smells like plastic.
Loni takes a hit and holds it to Andrew's lips so he can keep both hands on the wheel.
ANDREW
(puff and exhale)
Tastes like plastic as well.
Yvonne and Loni go glassy and content. Andrew hangs a right onto M Street, deep in Saturday-night traffic, neon sliding across the windshield.
YVONNE
Ahh, love that feeling... can’t wait to get to the club!
ANDREW
I’m... I don’t know...
LONI
Just give it a second to fully kick in.
ANDREW
No-no-no, this doesn’t feel right! I need to pull over.
The El Camino turns down a dark side street and parks. Andrew kills the engine and drops his shaking hands over his face.
ANDREW
(cracking voice)
I should not have done that... Feel like I’m having a heart attack!
LONI
You’re not having a heart attack.
ANDREW
(hyperventilating)
I can’t feel my hands and feet.
LONI
Just go with it... embrace the feeling.
ANDREW
(hysterical)
I’m dying... this isn’t a joke!
Loni grabs the vodka-cranberry bottle.
LONI
Take a sip! It will calm you down.
Yvonne reaches across her and forces it to Andrew's mouth.
ANDREW
(trembling)
I can’t... I can’t feel my throat. I’m going to choke!
YVONNE
(with authority)
You’re not going to choke! Drink it!
She cups the back of his head and tips the bottle up - he gets down three big gulps.
LONI
You’re fine, everything is fine, you’re ok.
Loni rubs his back while he keeps his forehead pressed to the wheel.
ANDREW
(labored breathing)
Give me a second...
(regaining his breath)
I thought I was dying...
(lifting his head)
Let me get one more sip.
YVONNE
Damn dude, you about killed my buzz.
ANDREW
I’m alright now...
(slight pause)
I actually feel ok now.
(controlled breathing)
That initial surge... I just wasn’t ready for it!
YVONNE
(laughing)
It’s a rocket ship taking off, you got to buckle up!
LONI
Ok, can we finally go to the club now?
ANDREW
Yeah-yeah, I’m ready!
Eyes bugging, Andrew checks the mirrors left, right, left again, white-knuckling the wheel, then eases out into traffic.
THE CLUB - the three of them in a fast house-music grind under a high ceiling, bodies hip to hip, sweat lit silver by the strobes.
NEXT MORNING - Loni and Yvonne tangled under the covers; Andrew surfacing off the floor beside the bed, fully clothed, a pale, lost look on his face.
31INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR, A MONTH LATER - MORNING
Andrew is setting up his new station on the senior side when Renee sneaks up behind him, wrapping her hands around his waist, and digging down into the front pocket of his lab coat - retrieving a specialized looking round brush.
ANDREW
Borrowed is not stealing.
RENEE
Whatever!
(changing the subject)
Hey... I got an extra ticket to a Monster Truck thing at the Capital Centre on Saturday. You down?
ANDREW
(eyes light up)
Monster Trucks! Oh my God, yes!
Over Renee’s shoulder, Jessica takes in the whole thing — the hand, the pocket, the laugh. She turns back to her patron and starts combing a section she already combed.
Yvonne rounds the corner with some unexpected news.
ANDREW
(shocked)
What do you mean, she quit?
YVONNE
I overheard them talking about it in Mrs. Batson’s office.
ANDREW
She’s got two months of school left, why would she quit? That makes no sense!
YVONNE
That’s what I heard.
Tina, one station down, overhears and jumps in to set them straight.
TINA
She didn’t quit, she’s taking a leave of absence.
Faye, two stations over, chimes in.
FAYE
I’ll bet you anything she’s pregnant.
Yvonne fixes Andrew with a head-tilted stare.
ANDREW
(whispering)
What are you looking at me for?
LATER that afternoon - Andrew slows as he passes Batson's open office door.
ANDREW
Mrs. Batson, do you have a second?
ANDREW
What’s going on with Monica?
MRS. BATSON
She’s dealing with some personal issues.
ANDREW
How long is she going to be out?
MRS. BATSON
Not sure... couple of months, maybe.
ANDREW
Can I have her station until she returns... so I can be by the window?
MRS. BATSON
(stern look)
So you can be next to Jessica, absolutely NOT!
He paces the office floor.
ANDREW
I don’t understand what’s going on here. As soon as I became a senior, you changed the entire station arrangement so that Jessica and Monica are as far away from me as possible!
MRS. BATSON
(standing at her desk)
Gee Andrew, why do you think that is?
ANDREW
I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking!
MRS. BATSON
You don’t think I don’t know about your little trips to the bank with Monica? You and Jessica going next door. You and Karen in the train car!
ANDREW (V.O.)
I sort of forgot about that one.
SPECULATIVE MOMENT - Andrew and Karen exiting an abandoned train car at the train station. The back of Karen’s lab coat covered in soot, Andrew’s white pants ripped at the knee.
BACK AT MRS. BATSON’s OFFICE
MRS. BATSON
And I’m not even going to mention that other woman you’ve allegedly been with.
(ugh look)
Twice your age!
Batson settles back behind her desk.
MRS. BATSON
I chose your station specifically so that I can see you at all times through my office window.
(slight pause)
No more pranks, no more ballyhoo! Focus on your work, do your time, and graduate.
(slight pause)
You’re dismissed!
Andrew returns to his station; Jessica drifts over.
JESSICA
Why were you in Mrs. Batson’s office?
ANDREW
I wanted to see if I could have Monica’s station while she’s on leave.
ANDREW
She said no!
(slight pause)
She also said no more ballyhoo... whatever that means!
MONSTER TRUCK EVENT - Landover, Maryland - Saturday Night
Andrew, Renee, and another couple are in the stands watching oversized 4x4s jumping over crushed cars and flying through the air - looking a whole lot like a double date.
There’s a moment where a monster truck goes out of control and drives up into the stands where people are seated - everyone gasps, and the event comes to a halt.
RENEE
(startled)
Did you see that?
ANDREW
(concerned)
I hope everyone is ok!
The foursome collectively decides it’s time to go - Renee propositions Andrew as they are exiting the stadium.
RENEE
Night’s young! My parents are out of town...
(slight pause)
Got a swimming pool, swimsuit optional.
ANDREW
(big eyes)
You have a swimming pool... that means you’re rich!
RENEE
My dad is a lawyer. Doesn’t exactly mean we’re rich.
(slight pause)
If you’re scared, just say you’re scared.
ANDREW
Are there lights in the pool?
RENEE
(laughing)
Oh Jesus, Andrew, I’ll make sure the lights are off!
32EXT. RENEE’S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER
Andrew is already in the dark side of the pool as Renee jumps from the diving board and swims underwater until their bodies come together - passionate kissing commences.
33INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR
LUNCH - Andrew and Jessica stand at the corner window of the salon, waiting for their next patrons - the street quiet beyond the glass.
JESSICA
(trying to whisper)
You know how Lisa drops her shears all the time?
JESSICA
No, no, Stoner-Lisa.
JESSICA
I fished her old shears out of the trashcan the other day. Remember the ones she stepped on?
JESSICA
Well, they don’t work anymore, but they look just like her new ones.
(giggling)
ANDREW
I think I know where you’re going with this.
LATER - the prank already in motion.
ANDREW (V.O.)
Lisa has the same routine every day. She gets high in her car, comes in and puts her shears on top of a folded towel.
Jessica narrates under her breath while looking at Andrew, combined with a voice over walk-thru of the prank in progress.
JESSICA (V.O.)
You’re going to walk by her desk from one direction and flip the towel over her new shears. And I’m going to walk from the other direction and place the old shears...
ACTION - Lisa attempts to cut her patron’s hair, but nothing happens, so she hunts down Eberhardt. Andrew and Jessica reverse the prank so that new shears are in place. Eberhardt proves to Lisa that the shears are fine and concludes that she’s stoned out of her mind.
Andrew and Jessica duck behind their stations, howling.
ANDREW
(quiet giggly talk)
Oh my God, that was funny!
JESSICA
You know what’s really funny? As soon as she done with that patron, we should be able to pull it off again.
ANDREW
Yeah-yeah-yeah, let’s do it!
END OF DAY - Andrew and Jessica back in Batson's office.
MRS. BATSON
I don’t know why, but I thought you two would be more mature by now. Maybe even set a good example for the intermediate. But nope, I was wrong!
(slight pause)
I’m going to make this short and sweet... Leave the other students alone!
Batson hollers for Eberhardt, who appears seconds later.
MRS. BATSON
We have two volunteers for towel duty next week. When everyone is packing up and heading home, these two would love to stay behind and fold towels.
MRS. BATSON
I’ll go ahead and add them to the schedule.
Andrew and Jessica file out of the office, trading a look.
JESSICA
I don’t know about you, but I could go for a drink next door.
ANDREW
(smiling)
Most definitely!
34INT. KC'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE - DUSK
Jessica and Andrew in their usual seats.
JESSICA
A few more demerits in our files... totally worth it!
ANDREW
(giggling)
For sure.
Jessica takes a slow sip, staring past him at nothing.
JESSICA
I know I shouldn’t ask you this, but it’s killing me.
JESSICA
Rumors about you and Monica...
ANDREW
(defensive)
What rumors?
JESSICA
(trying to be quiet)
That you two have been fooling around!
JESSICA
Who cares who said it, is it true?
She looks relieved and orders another round. Andrew seizes the opening to turn it back on her.
ANDREW
I know I shouldn’t ask you this, but... is there anything going on between you and the owner of this place?
Jessica nearly comes out of her chair.
She stands there a second, mouth open, floored.
JESSICA
I obviously insulted you by asking about Monica, so I apologize for that. But you’re way out of line!
She lays four dollars on the bar and walks off. Andrew looks at the money.
ANDREW
I doubt that’s enough to cover it!
35INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SENIOR SALON FLOOR - DAY
END OF WEEK - Andrew finishes a client and ambles to the windowsill at the far end of the salon. Jessica joins him. Both stare out at the street.
JESSICA
I don’t want there to be friction between us.
ANDREW
I don’t either.
(slight pause)
I’m sorry about what I said. I had no reason for saying that.
JESSICA
So... are we cool... can we go back to acting normal around each other?
Andrew nods out at the cars lined bumper to bumper along Main Street.
ANDREW
A buddy once showed me this trick where you can stop the meter from running out with a metal pin.
(smiling)
Similar to the teeth on a fine tooth metal comb.
Andrew and Jessica exchange a mischievous look.
END OF DAY - everyone gone but Andrew and Jessica, stuck once more on towel duty in the back. Eberhardt steps into Batson's office.
MRS. BATSON
I’m done with this nonsense. We’re literally getting letters from other businesses in town that want to know what kind of operation we’re running here.
Batson shows Eberhardt the stack of complaint letters.
MRS. BATSON
Not to mention all that other BS... Stupid wind-up toy mouse running around the salon. Rigging the window shades so that the intermediates have to cut hair in the dark. Now pulling shenanigans with the meter maid... what the hell was that all about?
MRS. EBERHARDT
Apparently, they rigged the meters so that the students could park out front all day without getting a ticket.
MRS. BATSON
(hand on her forehead)
Those two are lucky the cops didn’t show up and arrest them!
(thinking)
If it happens again, they’re out of here. They can finish up their hours at some other school.
Eberhardt comes out and heads for the laundry room to confront Andrew and Jessica.
MRS. EBERHARDT
(always smiling)
Jessica, how many hours do you have left?
MRS. EBERHARDT
You’re working the floor this Saturday.
MRS. EBERHARDT
And then the following Friday is your last day, right?
MRS. EBERHARDT
(sincere)
I care about you two. Despite all of your tomfoolery, you’ve developed into great stylists. Amongst the best I’ve seen come through here. And I mean that!
(long pause)
I don’t know what you did earlier today... but it has to stop. Also, we’re missing a pair of fine tooth combs. They’re three dollars a piece... I’ll be coming by your tip jars tomorrow to collect.
Andrew and Jessica wait her out.
JESSICA
Three dollars for one of those shitty combs that nobody uses?
ANDREW
Yeah, that’s a bit much.
JESSICA
(thinking)
You up for a drink?
JESSICA
(sinister grin)
I can’t wait to tell you about this prank I’ve been working on.
(all giddy)
Although I might have to save it for my last day.
Just as they're heading for the door.
36INT. KC'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE - MOMENTS LATER
Andrew and Jessica are standing at the far side of the bar.
ANDREW
A male stripper... in school!
JESSICA
(facetious)
He’s not a stripper... He’s a service repair man!
(giggling)
ANDREW
I got three weeks of school left, I can’t be a part of this, you know that.
JESSICA
No one is asking you... I’m just telling you what I’m doing.
ANDREW
Ok, I’ll bite, how are you going to pull this off?
JESSICA
(smiling)
The graduation party starts at noon on Friday, Mrs. Batson leaves at two, and Mrs. Eberhardt will be in the lab with the intermediates when Johnnie Longfellow shows up.
ANDREW
(laughing)
Longfellow... really?
JESSICA
That’s what it said in the yellow pages.
ANDREW
(doubtful)
It’ll never materialize.
JESSICA
(surprised)
Materialize... that’s a pretty big word for you!
ANDREW
Yeah, I just learned it the other day.
JESSICA
(alluring cat eyes)
Look here, oh ye of little faith... I’m going to leave my mark on this school, and that’s all there is to it!
Jessica orders another round and asks Andrew to join her at a high table next to the window.
JESSICA
I want to ask you something, but...
(light laughter)
I don’t want there to be another rift between us.
ANDREW
(smiling)
Let the chips fall where they may.
JESSICA
Ok, umm... what do you think about Blondie?
ANDREW
(fully understands)
Renee?
JESSICA
Yes... Do you think she’s pretty?
ANDREW
(slight delay)
I think a lot of guys would say that she’s attractive.
JESSICA
I’m talking about you.
ANDREW
(processing thoughts)
Yes, I think she’s pretty.
JESSICA
(lip turned up)
Really?
ANDREW
(no win look)
Jessica, what do you want me to say... that’s she’s not as pretty as you?
JESSICA
I don’t know, I just... don’t see how you could find her attractive.
ANDREW
First of all, I barely know her! Secondly...
(stopping himself)
Remind me again, why are we having this conversation?
JESSICA
Because she annoys me... that’s why! She comes by your station twenty frigging times a day!
ANDREW
(laughing)
Ok, I’ll talk to her... I’ll tell her to cut it back to ten times a day.
JESSICA
It’s not funny. She’s pining for you, and she’s doing it deliberately to piss me off!
37INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN - JESSICA, TINA, AND KAREN’S LAST DAY
Timecards punched, the three graduates linger in the classroom. The rest drift back to the salon; the freshmen are in the lab with Eberhardt. Andrew is manning the reception desk when the service repair man walks in, toolbox in hand.
SERVICE REPAIR MAN
I’m here to fix one of the dryers.
Andrew signals for Yvonne.
ANDREW
Hey Yvonne, can you assist this gentleman... he’s here to fix one of the dryers.
YVONNE
Yeah sure. Which one is it?
ANDREW
Just a guess but... I’m going to say it’s one of the mannequin dryers in the classroom.
YVONNE
Got it.
(ushers the repair man)
Come with me, sir.
ANDREW
(extra thought)
Yvonne, if you’re not working on any patrons, can you just hang out back there... in case he needs anything.
Loni comes up to the reception desk.
LONI
Repair guy back again?
ANDREW
Umm... I don’t think he’s the same guy that was here last time.
(slight pause)
But uhh... you might want to keep an eye on him. Make sure he fixes the dryer correctly this time.
As Loni slips into the classroom, dance music drifts up from somewhere. Andrew looks around, baffled. A moment later Eberhardt comes out of the lab and crosses to the reception desk.
MRS. EBERHARDT
(looking curious)
Where’s that music coming from?
ANDREW
(looking around)
I think it’s coming from outside. You know... one of those loud car stereos.
The music picks up a track of hooting and hollering.
JESSICA
(from a distance)
Take it off!
TINA
(from a distance)
Take it all off!
KAREN
(from a distance)
Show us that thing!
Eberhardt makes a beeline for the classroom - locked. Through the observation window she sees the repair man, down to a g-string, circling the graduates as they pelt him with bills straight from their tip jars. She bolts for Batson's office and the spare key.
From the desk, Andrew watches Eberhardt chase the half-naked man out with a broom. The man trips and sprawls in the middle of the salon floor, takes a few more whacks, scrambles up, and flees - clients and students pressed to the window as he stumbles down the sidewalk hauling his pants up. Loni runs back to the desk, cackling.
LONI
(catching her breath)
Oh my God... did you see that?
ANDREW
(looking the other way)
I didn’t see anything!
38INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, OFFICE - THE FOLLOWING MONDAY MORNING
Eberhardt is trying to walk Batson through what happened Friday after she'd left for the day.
MRS. BATSON
(horrified look)
Oh, please tell me that didn’t happen!
MRS. EBERHARDT
I chased him out of here, but by then the damage was already done.
MRS. BATSON
And he was fully nude?
MRS. EBERHARDT
Well, no, he had on those tiny underwear. But then when I was chasing him, he fell down and his wiener was showing.
MRS. BATSON
What do you mean it was showing?
MRS. EBERHARDT
(flummoxed)
He’s a male dancer! A lot going on down there... Damn thing flopped out!
Batson lowers her head to the desk.
MRS. BATSON
The board is definitely going to find out about this.
(eyes closed)
Mrs. Batson walks over to the filing cabinet with a Manila folder showing Jessica’s name across the top of it.
MRS. BATSON
I’m going to file this away under, biggest pain in the butt!
Batson comes back to her desk.
MRS. BATSON
Have you spoken to Monica?
MRS. EBERHARDT
She’s pregnant.
MRS. BATSON
Jesus Christ...
(looks up at the ceiling)
Is it his?
MRS. EBERHARDT
I didn’t ask her.
(thinking)
But, uhh, she said she’s not coming back until after he graduates.
MRS. BATSON
I think that answers that question.
(apprehensive)
What about the other thing?
MRS. EBERHARDT
Apparently, she came up behind him and put her hands down the front of his lab coat.
MRS. BATSON
Did you confront her about it?
MRS. EBERHARDT
She said he had her curly brush in the front pocket, and that she was just trying to retrieve it.
MRS. BATSON
(long pause)
What about Samantha?
MRS. EBERHARDT
Technically, she didn’t break any rules, but... supposedly she was showing Andrew her driver’s license to prove to him that she’s eighteen.
MRS. BATSON
I’m literally going to be ill.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Now that Jessica is gone, they’re all jockeying for his attention. And they’re not being shy about it.
MRS. BATSON
Is there no self respect left in the world? Or is it just here?
(slight pause)
Potomac Academy of Perversion...
Batson looks out onto the salon floor through her office window.
MRS. BATSON
We have inventory this afternoon, so I’m closing the salon early. I want everyone in the classroom.
39INT. OLD TOWN MANASSAS DELI - NOON
Andrew and Renee sit at the window table where he and Jessica always sat.
RENEE
(sarcastic)
Aww, isn’t this sweet... you and Jessica’s little happy place.
Andrew shakes his head and tries to get out in front of it.
ANDREW
I had fun with you at the monster truck event.
RENEE
It was fun until it wasn’t.
RENEE
Well, you brought that on yourself!
ANDREW
We were in the pool, doesn’t that account for something?
RENEE
Andrew, as soon as we went up to my bedroom you completely checked out.
(slight pause)
And don’t say it was whiskey dick. You had one beer!
ANDREW
(turning red)
Oh my God, it was our first time together, I was nervous!
RENEE
You want to know what I think? I think you’re in love with Jessica, and that’s why you can’t get it up with me!
ANDREW
(uncomfortable laugh)
It happened once!
RENEE
(disbelief)
You’re not being forthcoming about your relationship with Jessica. And that’s all there is to it!
ANDREW
(very defensive)
We were together one time! And then she didn’t talk to me for months.
RENEE
(upset)
You know, Andrew, everything with you is one time!
(mocking him)
I only did it once, it only happened one time... I’ve only been with every other girl in school once!
There’s a substantial delay as Andrew sits there stunned!
RENEE
In your mind... as long as it doesn’t happen twice, you’ve done nothing wrong!
Renee stands up and tosses her empty paper plate and cup - Andrew is without words.
RENEE
(checking her watch)
We have to get back to school.
With her hands on her hips, she waits out his last bite of sandwich, foot tapping.
RENEE
Come on, shrink-a-dink, let’s go.
Andrew gets up and scans the deli, hoping no one's listening - Renee keeps needling him as they cross back toward school.
RENEE
There’s some kind of emergency meeting in the classroom this afternoon... did you hear anything about that?
40INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, CLASSROOM - THAT AFTERNOON
The whole student body is at their desks, rows of white coats - both instructors and Andrew up at the podium.
MRS. BATSON
Alright class, turn to page 56 in your cosmetology books.
(flipping pages)
In order to pass your state exam, you need to know head, neck, hands, and feet. Those four body parts and nothing else!
Batson lifts a yardstick and holds it level at Andrew's throat as he stands facing the class, a specimen on display.
MRS. BATSON
The head would be everything above this yardstick from the neck up!
His arms go out in front of him; she lays the yardstick across his wrists.
MRS. BATSON
These of course are the hands.
(over accentuating)
Which we keep to ourselves... Unless we’re working on patrons.
Eberhardt steps in with the broomstick and brings it down level with Andrew's ankles.
MRS. BATSON
And lastly... the feet!
Andrew is boxed between them in front of the whole room.
MRS. BATSON
Ok, so this space...
Batson sweeps the room to be sure everyone's listening.
MRS. BATSON
Can everyone see up here?
(slight pause)
This space between the yardstick and the broom handle is off limits!
Andrew goes red.
MRS. BATSON
Anyone, and I mean anyone that crosses this threshold, which includes putting your hands in someone else’s lab coat pockets... will be expelled from school!
Wide eyes everywhere.
MRS. BATSON
Effective immediately, there will be no hugging, no shoulder rubs, and no hip contact of any kind between any two people!
(long pause)
Have I made myself clear?
No one says a word. Their faces say plenty.
MRS. EBERHARDT
(changing the subject)
For those who have inventory duty, you will be with me in the supply room. The rest of you can stay in here and study or finish out the day doing lab work.
ENDING - Andrew walks to his car. A note on the windshield, from Jessica, asking him to come by her house after school Thursday.
41INT. JESSICA’S HOUSE - THURSDAY EVENING
Candlelight and a laid table - the good plates, a bottle of wine, a fire going. Jessica opens the door; Andrew steps in.
ANDREW
Wow, I didn’t know we were doing all of this!
He takes in the room - candles on the dining table, a bottle of wine, two place settings.
JESSICA
I hope you’re hungry.
ANDREW
(in a daze)
Food smells amazing.
JESSICA
Not really much of a cook, but I managed to pick up a few things from the grocery store.
He wanders into the kitchen - pots working on the stovetop, steam leaking from the oven.
ANDREW
What are we having?
JESSICA
Mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roast in the oven that needs to come out.
Jessica's dress is simple, chosen to play up every curve, hair and makeup turned up a notch past the salon. She crosses the candlelit kitchen and hands him the oven mitts.
ANDREW
(pointing at a pot)
What’s in that one?
ANDREW
(smiling)
There’s nothing better than mashed potatoes and gravy.
JESSICA
(laughing)
I’ve heard you say that before.
Andrew pulls the roast from the oven in a billow of steam and sets it on a rack.
JESSICA
Have you ever opened a wine bottle before?
ANDREW
Nope, but I’ve seen it done on TV. I think I understand the trick.
He works the cork free while Jessica carries the plates to the candlelit table.
ANDREW
What is the occasion?
JESSICA
I don’t know... maybe a little pre graduation party for you.
She watches him take the first bite.
JESSICA
What do you think?
ANDREW
It’s delicious! Not sure I’ve ever had roast before. What exactly is roast?
JESSICA
I guess it could be any kind of meat, but in this case it’s roast beef.
ANDREW
(thinking)
So... if you put chicken in the oven, it becomes roast chicken?
JESSICA
(delightful nod)
That’s what I love about you.
(slight pause)
And it’s the very thing that worries me about you.
ANDREW
Why do you say that?
JESSICA
Because in a week, you’re going to be leaving school and going out into the real world!
ANDREW
The way I see it, everyone has to make that leap at some point.
Andrew digs in without a care; Jessica doesn't look away, biting her bottom lip.
JESSICA'S BEDROOM - low light, tangled sheets, rolling over each other.
NEXT MORNING - Andrew up and scrambling into his whites, late for school.
ANDREW
(panicking)
Jessica, I have to go, I’m going to be late!
JESSICA
Call in sick. Spend the day with me!
JESSICA
Yes you can. Work the salon floor on Saturday if you need to make the hours up.
ANDREW
I have no change of clothes.
JESSICA
We’ll go out and buy you some. Just stay with me...
(promiscuous look)
Stay in bed with me awhile.
He looks at Jessica, torn - then gives it up, kicks his shoes back off, and dives into bed.
MONTAGE - their day together: wandering Old Town, trying on clothes, dinner, the popcorn line at the theater, and later, another glimpse of them tangled in bed.
NEXT MORNING - Andrew comes out of her bedroom in his whites, ready for school.
JESSICA
Hey, hold on a second.
Jessica presses a cassette into his hand.
JESSICA
I don’t know... it’s a whole mix of stuff. Just pop it in on side A, and listen on your way to school.
He nods and heads for his truck.
LATER - Andrew driving, feeding the cassette into the El Camino's deck.
The hook of a wistful pop ballad lands at last - a love affair already ending.
ANDREW
(angry)
What kind of bullshit is this?
The lyrics gut him. Veins popping out of his hands, fingernails digging into the steering wheel, he rides out the whole verse — then punches eject, rips the tape out, and hurls it through the window.
The camera holds on the shoulder as the El Camino rips away. The cassette comes to rest in the gravel, guts unspooled, side B facing the sky.
42INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - SATURDAY.
Andrew catches Renee's eye as she parks a client under the dryer and starts back toward her station - right hand up, index finger curled.
Eberhardt crosses to the reception desk.
MRS. EBERHARDT
What did she say?
ANDREW
I think she said that her patron’s hair is shrinking.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Oh, dear! I better go have a look.
Andrew ducks into the break room for a soda. Renee's lab partner, Cynthia, is working a cigarette.
CYNTHIA (22), dirty-blonde, girl-next-door.
CYNTHIA
Hey, are you going to Napoleon’s tonight?
CYNTHIA
Renee, me, maybe Rose.
ANDREW
Renee wants nothing to do with me.
CYNTHIA
Oh, she’s just playing hard to get. Come on... it’ll be fun!
ANDREW
I’ll be honest, I got enough problems right now. I need to stay the course and graduate school.
43INT. NAPOLEON'S BAR AND DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
ANDREW (V.O.)
As if I wasn’t going!
Napoleon's again, the disco ball throwing light across the crowd. Andrew walks in, spots his classmates at the second-tier bar, and heads up the stairs.
ROSE (21), Asian, short straight hair, braces.
ANDREW
Rose, I know we talked once, but I don’t really know you all that well.
ROSE
Yeah-no, you’re on the senior floor, it’s cool.
ANDREW
I’ve seen some of your work. You’re really good!
Cynthia barges in with four shots. Renee catches Andrew's eye, playing it like there's nothing off between them - Shots down the hatch.
Jessica walks in. Everyone freezes.
CYNTHIA
Well, this is certainly interesting, now isn’t it.
(looking at Andrew)
ANDREW
I didn’t invite her!
CYNTHIA
I’m not saying you did. But this does look a little too convenient!
Renee makes a show of not noticing.
RENEE
Who wants another shot?
While the bartender builds a round of sex-on-the-beach shooters, Jessica finally threads her way up the stairs to the second tier.
JESSICA
(surprised to see Andrew)
Fancy seeing you here!
Andrew takes a beat, hunting for something witty.
ANDREW
There was a men’s Speedo contest earlier... you missed it.
JESSICA
(smiling)
Oh, is that right... Did you enter?
ANDREW
I did, but I was disqualified.
JESSICA
(laughing)
Ok, I’ll bite, let’s hear it?
ANDREW
I wore my white lab coat from school with nothing on underneath.
Jessica cracks up.
JESSICA
(bashful smile)
You are such a liar...
She shakes her head and locks eyes, deliberately, with each of Andrew's three schoolmates, holding the stare an extra step on Renee.
Rose lights up, starstruck in spite of herself — and the standoff loses its air.
ROSE
We’ve never actually met, I’m Rose.
JESSICA
Jessica. Nice to meet you.
Jessica turns her attention back to Andrew.
JESSICA
Hey, I got to get back down stairs. I just wanted to say hi.
Jessica turns and walks away.
Cynthia sidles up to Andrew, watching Jessica and her friends head for the dance floor.
CYNTHIA
The question is, who are you going home with?
ANDREW
(half laughing)
I wish it was that easy...
LATER - Jessica cuts Andrew off near the men’s room.
JESSICA
Hey look, I know you’re out with your schoolmates having fun... You’re totally entitled to that. I just want you to know that the last couple of days with you...
(closer to his ear)
You made me feel so good. You have no idea!
ANDREW
(different opinion)
Umm, I thought it was great too, but... then you gave me that stupid cassette.
JESSICA
(confused)
Why are you calling it stupid? It had our slow dance song on it. I recorded it from the radio!
He looks lost. Jessica puts it together.
JESSICA
Oh my God, I told you side A! It was cued up and everything!
ANDREW
I thought I put it in on side A.
(slight pause)
Some... song about us being over. I thought you were trying to end things between us.
JESSICA
(smiling)
How could you think that... Best two days of my life!
She lays a hand on his shoulder.
JESSICA
It’s Rhonda’s birthday, so I have to get back there. Just know that I’m thinking about you!
She walks off. Andrew goes back up to the bar, where Cynthia's still planted at the rail.
ANDREW
(looking at Cynthia)
I heard that you and Jessica went to high school together?
CYNTHIA
I knew who she was... but we didn’t really hang out or anything. Why do you ask?
ANDREW
I don’t know. Just wondering what she was like.
CYNTHIA
I just remember that she drove this cool Camaro... it was like brand new. But then she got pregnant, left school.
ANDREW
I met her son. Seems like a nice kid.
CYNTHIA
(sarcastic look)
Oh, you mean little KC?
ANDREW
(startled)
Little KC!
CYNTHIA
(laughing)
I’m kidding!
ANDREW
(concerned)
Why would you even say that?
CYNTHIA
Kevin Charles... KC... Get it?
ANDREW
(very concerned)
Please tell me there’s no truth to that?
CYNTHIA
It was a running joke in high school because of his initials. I’m sure there’s no truth to it.
ANDREW
(still concerned)
Yeah, that would be incredibly messed up!
CYNTHIA
(thinking)
Although it was kind of ironic that she was working at KC’s as a hostess when she was sixteen... when all of that went down.
(slight pause)
The guy that supposedly got her pregnant... no one knew who he was. And then he mysteriously went to jail in some other state or something.
Renee and Rose come over to the railing.
CYNTHIA
I’m going to get another drink, anyone want anything.
RENEE
I’m good, I have to drive home.
(looking at her watch)
Oh shit, it’s almost one o’clock in the morning... I got to go!
Renee hugs Cynthia and Rose, then asks Andrew to walk her to her car.
MINUTES LATER - the parking lot, cars scattered under a single pole light. Andrew and Renee stand face to face beside her car.
RENEE
I had a really good time tonight.
She opens the driver's door; Andrew gropes for the words.
ANDREW
I don’t think I’ve ever been more confused than I am right now!
RENEE
(unsympathetic)
You’re not confused, you’re insecure. When you figure that out, let me know!
ANDREW
Can we just... start over!
Renee smiles, half a laugh, and pulls him into a quick kiss.
RENEE
I have to go, see you on Monday.
He gives her a pat on the rear as she drops into the seat. She rolls the window down.
RENEE
Prove to me that you’re serious... And then you can smack my butt!
As Renee pulls away, Andrew turns - Jessica standing not ten feet off.
JESSICA
(brink of tears)
Please tell me that I didn’t just see you do that!
(awaiting a response)
How could you do that to me!
(loud getting louder)
I poured my heart and soul out to you!
(stepping closer)
I made you dinner...
(really loud)
I bought you that fucking shirt you’re wearing!
(full emotional breakdown)
You made love to me yesterday... YESTERDAY!
Her words stop coming - hands clamped over her mouth, sobbing. People spill out of the bar to see the commotion, Cynthia and Rose among them.
ANDREW
(squeaking out the words)
I honestly thought it was over between you and I.
Jessica screams, raw and open, dissolves into tears, folds at the waist, and finally sinks to the gravel. Cynthia rushes to her side.
CYNTHIA
(looking up at Andrew)
What did you do?
Taking it for a fight, a couple of drunk rednecks stumble out toward the scene. Andrew bails into the El Camino and guns it - clipping the curb on his way out, the muffler tearing loose, a length of tailpipe sparking behind him.
44INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, SALON FLOOR - MONDAY MORNING
Andrew works a client in a full set of rollers. Faye lobs a comment his way as she passes.
FAYE
Heard you had a wild weekend...
He doesn't answer - just moves his client to the dryers. Renee comes by.
RENEE
What the hell happened after I left?
ANDREW
Jessica followed us out of the bar. As soon as you drove away, she had a meltdown. Like... on the ground meltdown.
Andrew crosses to the windowsill; Renee follows.
RENEE
I thought about you all weekend... And then I come into school today and hear this. Every fiber in my being is telling me to stay away from you.
He throws his hands up.
ANDREW
What do you want me to say?
RENEE
I want you to say that you’re 100% dedicated to our relationship!
ANDREW
I’m 100% dedicated... I can’t control what Jessica does! I had no idea she was going to be there!
RENEE
I want to talk about this some more, but we have a whole slew of clients about to walk in here.
END OF DAY - the last students filing out into the dark, Eberhardt pushing a broom across the floor, Batson working the locks.
MRS. BATSON
Is that one sink still acting up?
MRS. EBERHARDT
No, I fixed it. Just some hair caught up in the drain.
Batson, one hand on her hip, looks out the window.
MRS. BATSON
Monica is going to be here on Friday to sign her grant. And then she’ll be starting again on Monday.
MRS. EBERHARDT
(still sweeping)
Did you ask her about Andrew?
MRS. BATSON
I did... she’s insisting that it’s not his.
MRS. BATSON
Yeah, well... Single mom, state pays for cosmetology. All you have to do is submit a positive pregnancy test and claim you don’t know who the father is!
MRS. EBERHARDT
But you do think it’s Andrew’s?
MRS. BATSON
I absolutely think it is. But if she doesn’t want to own up to it, what’s the point in telling him?
MRS. EBERHARDT
I don’t know... I think he could be a good father, given the chance.
(slight pause)
I got pregnant at a young age... Joe and I made the most of it. Wasn’t always easy, but we managed to raise a few kids.
MRS. BATSON
(thinking)
I don’t know... Maybe I’ll say something to him when the time is right.
After a while, Eberhardt changes the subject.
MRS. EBERHARDT
By the way, looking at the new station assignment, did you mean to put Monica right next to Blondie?
MRS. BATSON
(hands now on her head)
Oh, for Christ’s sake... I didn’t even think of that!
45INT. POTOMAC ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, ANDREW’S LAST DAY - MID MORNING
He and Yvonne hang around the dryer area, the floor quiet around them.
YVONNE
Today is the big day!
ANDREW
It’s not like it used to be. No graduation parties anymore. Instructors gave me a gift certificate.
YVONNE
Are you going to do any hair today?
ANDREW
No... just going to chill until it’s time to clock out. I’ll technically hit 1500 hours at noon.
No sooner has Andrew checked his watch than Jessica walks in.
ANDREW
(fear driven face)
Oh no... this can’t be good!
She sweeps past reception, down the corridor, and straight into Batson's office - noticed by everyone.
Andrew turns - Renee staring from across the salon, hands up, silently mouthing WTF.
Moments later Batson and Jessica come out of the office and walk straight off the floor and out the door. Eberhardt summons Andrew and Renee.
MRS. EBERHARDT
You two, come with me!
Students crowd the storefront window - out on the sidewalk, Batson has her arms out, holding Jessica and Renee apart.
MRS. BATSON
(yelling)
Alright, this bullshit ends now!
(looking at Jessica)
You don’t go to school here anymore!
Eberhardt braces for a brawl; Jessica swings her cat-eyed death stare onto Andrew.
JESSICA
It’s either me or her!
(pointing at Renee)
Which is it going to be?
Andrew looks at Renee.
ANDREW (V.O.)
This was a no-brainer five minutes ago.
He looks at Jessica, then back at Renee - who reads exactly where his head is in an instant.
RENEE
(mouth wide open)
Really! You got to be fucking kidding me!
Andrew says nothing.
Renee turns and walks away.
JESSICA
(callous)
Bye, Blondie!
MRS. BATSON
Jessica, I’m asking you nicely, please leave.
Jessica turns to go. Andrew calls after her.
JESSICA
(yelling back)
What?
ANDREW
What happens from here?
JESSICA
This wasn’t about you! I just didn’t want her getting the best of me!
For half a second, Jessica's face shows it really was about him.
JESSICA
(tears)
Good luck... I hope you get everything you ever wanted!
As Andrew stands there reeling, Monica appears at the corner, waiting to cross.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Boy, this just keeps getting better and better.
Andrew makes a move to just walk back into school like nothing happened.
MRS. BATSON
(grabbing Andrew’s shirt)
No-no-no, your days at Potomac Academy of Hair Design are over!
(eyeing Mrs. Eberhardt)
Clock him out at noon, or whatever time he needs to complete his hours.
(looking back at Andrew)
Come on, you and I are going to have a little talk.
Andrew and Batson cross the street; Monica meets Eberhardt at the salon door.
MRS. EBERHARDT
You don’t want to know.
(opening the door)
Come on inside, I have your paperwork. Get your station set up for Monday.
BACK ON ANDREW AND BATSON - sidewalk, traffic passing, she drops the bomb about Monica's pregnancy.
ANDREW
(disbelief)
But it only happened once!
MRS. BATSON
Yeah, well, that’s all it takes!
ANDREW
(searching)
Could it be some other guy...
MRS. BATSON
(in his face)
Andrew... it’s yours!
(long pause)
Look, I will talk to her and make arrangements for you two to sit down and work this out. But for now, you need to come to grips with this!
Andrew, hands locked on top of his head, eyes wet, voice breaking.
MRS. BATSON
Welcome to the world that the rest of us are already living in!
Eberhardt crosses the street carrying Andrew's duffel bag against her chest.
MRS. EBERHARDT
Here you go, Tiger!
She turns back for the school. Batson has a few last words.
MRS. BATSON
I’ll fax your certification over to the board this afternoon. If you have any issues tomorrow, call me.
Andrew nods. Batson can't hold back her own tears.
MRS. BATSON
Good God almighty... I can’t believe you’re going to make me cry.
(half composing herself)
Andrew, I believe in you, I really do. But it’s time for you to grow up. Ok?
He nods again, crying now too, as she pulls him into a goodbye hug.
Andrew wanders in a slow, stunned circle until he reaches the El Camino. He swings the duffel into the bed - and there on the windshield, a note, folded the particular way only Jessica folds it.
JESSICA (V.O.)
In my fantasy, you and I are slow dancing, and I believe in my heart that you only have eyes for me. I guess that was just a crazy dream.
The El Camino pulls out onto Main Street and away from the school for the last time, the tailpipe scraping and sparking behind it.
46INT. KITCHEN — MORNING (PRESENT DAY)
Andrew is still at the counter with his eyes glued to his laptop when his wife walks in.
WIFE
Did you read the article?
ANDREW
Yeah, that’s crazy. Who knew that place was still there?
Wife pours a cup of coffee for herself.
WIFE
I seem to remember you getting stuck in that same bank vault.
(familiar tone)
What was her name?
ANDREW
(same smile)
I don’t remember.
WIFE
Yeah, I bet you don’t!
She kisses Andrew on the cheek, grabs her coffee cup, and proceeds with her day.
WIFE
(under her breath)
Tan cerca del agua y muerto de sed.
THE END