(Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) Peter & Wendi (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) "The Neverland is always more or less an island... It would be an easy map if that were all, but there is also first day at school, religion, fathers, the round pond, needle-work, murders, hangings, verbs that take the dative, chocolate pudding day, getting into braces, say ninety -nine, three pence for pulling out your tooth yourself, and so on..." "Peter and Wendy" J.M. Barrie (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 2. EXT. 1983 - DARLING HOME - AFTERNOON The Mississippi sun beats down on THREE CHILDREN trudging the uneven sidewalk. Leading the trio, WENDI(13), a black girl with no hope but determined to never cry again, tugs at one of her loosened dookie braids, the missing hair barrette twisting between her front teeth. MICHAEL(9), a little black boy with a big heart, grips tightly to Wendi's hand, but struggles to keep up with her long strides. Bringing up the rear, JOHN (12), a dark skinned Dominican boy with a heart not fully hardened, hums to himself while staring up at the cloudless sky. The trio approach their home, a two-story monument of neglect. PETER(13), a black boy who's rage almost matches his intellect, and MS. COLLINS, his jaded case worker, stand on the front porch. Ms. Collins fusses with Peter's clip on tie. MS. COLLINS Stop slouching. And could you try smiling? Let's try to start on the right foot this time. Peter forces a toothy smile. MS. COLLINS (cont'd) Less teeth, no teeth. Peter closes his mouth into a grimace. MS. COLLINS (cont'd) Err... Wendi and the boys step up behind Peter and Ms. Collins. Peter turns his grimace on Wendi. WENDI Ew! Are you okay? Peter's face drops. MS. COLLINS Oh, hello, Wendi. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 3. Michael waves. MICHAEL Hi. MS. COLLINS Hello, Michael. John. John nods. MS. COLLINS (cont'd) Is your mother home? I've got someone who wants to meet her. Wendi stopped listening at "mother," the barrette twisting furiously between her teeth. Ms. Collins pats Peter on the shoulder. MS. COLLINS (cont'd) Right, Peter? Peter shrugs while readjusting his grungy backpack straps. Wendi looks him up and down. WENDI Hmmph. Well, excuse me. MS. COLLINS Hmm? Wendi pulls a key out from under her collar on a chain. WENDI You're in our way. MS. COLLINS Oh, excuse us! Ms. Collins and Peter move back as Wendi, John and Michael step up to the door. Wendi unlocks the door and lets the boys in before following. Ms. Collins and Peter step up to walk in as Wendi slams the door in their face. Peter smirks. MS. COLLINS (cont'd) Wait a second, Wendi! Open up, please. Ms. Collins knocks on the door. INT. DARLING HOME - AFTERNOON The house looks no better from the inside, the sun peaking through heavy drab curtains illuminating the dust drenched furniture. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 4. TAP TAP TAP MS. COLLINS (O.S.) Wendi? Hello? Ms. Darling? John and Wendi head for the stairs. MICHAEL Mama, we're back! MAMA DARLING, aging matriarch, leans out of the kitchen doorway under the stairs. MAMA DARLING Hey, baby. Everyone home? John and Wendi ascend the steps above her. John leans over the railing and waves. JOHN Hey, Mama Darling. Wendi keeps walking. WENDI You got another one? MAMA DARLING What was that, Wendi? WENDI Nothing. Wendi walks into her room and closes the door. MAMA DARLING What she say, Michael? MICHAEL Ms. Collins is at the door. MAMA DARLING Ooo! Ms. Darling rushes to the front door and throws it open. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) Lily, so great to see you again! MS. COLLINS Mama Darling, it's been so long! I'd like you to meet Peter. Ms. Collins nudges Peter, who grimaces with a bow. MAMA DARLING Ooh, what a... charming young man. It's so hot out, please come in. Ms. Collins and Peter shuffle into the house. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) Do y'all want anything to drink? Water? Lemonade? (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 5. MS. COLLINS Would you like some lemonade, Peter. PETER Yes, ma'am. MAMA DARLING Oh and you've got manners! Michael, could you please grab a glass of lemonade for Peter? MICHAEL Yes, ma'am. MAMA DARLING Anything for you, Lily? MS. COLLINS I'm fine, thank you. Michael skips in to the kitchen. John watches from the top of the stairs. MAMA DARLING Are you hungry, Peter? I've been cooking all morning. Peter nods. Wendi walks out of her room, a couple braids undone comepletely, and joins John at the railing. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) I heard lasagna might be a favorite of yours, is that right? Peter nods excitedly. MS. COLLINS Use your words, Peter. PETER Yes, ma'am. I like lasagna. MAMA DARLING Good, I just hope I made enough. Michael walks back in with the glass of lemonade and hands it to Peter. PETER Thanks. MICHAEL Are you going to be my big brother? MS. COLLINS Aww, how sweet. PETER No. Wendi chokes down a laugh. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 6. MS. COLLINS Peter?! What an awful thing to say. MAMA DARLING It's alright, bouncing from home to home is tough. You know my Wendi had it similar, didn't speak a word to me for a month. But we don't give up in this house, especially not on family. You're a Darling now. Peter looks up at Wendi and John. Wendi walks back into her room and closes the door. John shrugs at Peter and turns towards his room. INT. DINING ROOM - DARLING HOME - EVENING The Darlings bow their heads and close their eyes as Mama Darling says grace over a large platter of lasagna. MAMA DARLING And thank you, heavenly father, for bringing Peter in to our lives. May your love protect, guide him and bring him peace. Peter opens his eyes and sees Wendi staring at him. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) May this food nourish us, so we can continue on in your will. In all this we pray in Jesus Christ's name. Amen. WENDI Amen. MICHAEL Aaaaa-men! JOHN Amen. MAMA DARLING You don't agree, Peter? PETER Huh? MICHAEL Ooo. Wendi grabs a spoon and serves herself some lasagna. MAMA DARLING We don't say, "huh." We say "ma'am, could you please repeat the question." PETER I'm sorry. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 7. Mama Darling waits for the right words. PETER Sorry, ma'am, could you please repeat that? MAMA DARLING It's okay. Did you not agree with my prayer? PETER Uhh, yes, ma'am? MAMA DARLING Then why not say amen? Haven't you prayed before? PETER No, ma'am. MAMA DARLING Bless your heart, child. We're going to Pastor Johnson's first thing tomorrow. We gotta get Jesus in you. John chuckles. PETER What's so funny? John ducks his head. PETER (cont'd) You making fun of me? JOHN N-no. PETER Can't look at me without laughing, huh? John drums up the courage to look at Peter. Peter slams his fist on the table. PETER (cont'd) What?! John and Michael flinch while Wendi eats without batting an eye. MAMA DARLING Peter?! Peter hops out of his seat and walks to a corner to retrieve his backpack. Michael starts to cry. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) Young man, what are you doing? (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 8. PETER This isn't gonna work, I'mma call Ms. Collins from the bus station. Peter hurries to the front door. Wendi takes a bite out of some bread, while Michael turns up the water works. John keeps his head down. MAMA DARLING Peter, wait. Mama Darling hops up from the table and rushes after him. Peter fumbles with the locks on the door, his tears making it hard to see what he's doing. Grabbing his arm and spinning him around, Mama Darling embraces Peter. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) I don't care about what you did or where you came from, I care about you. Peter melts in her arms. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) That's right, baby, let it out. It's gonna be okay. Mama's gonna take care of you. Mama Darling gives him one last squeeze then pulls back. MAMA DARLING (cont'd) You want eat something? PETER Yes, ma'am. Mama Darling grabs Peter's hand and leads him back to his seat. Michael wipes his eyes through snuffles. Mama Darling retakes her seat. MAMA DARLING Okay, who's ready to eat? MICHAEL Ooo,ooo, me! Wendi and Peter share a look as she takes a sip from a glass and continues eating. John hands the bread basket to Peter, who nods his thanks. EXT. TWO YEARS LATER - PARK BASKETBALL COURT - DUSK The Darling children are finishing up a game of HORSE at a nearby park. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 9. Michael misses a far away shot. Peter snatches the rebound. PETER Sorry, Mikey, maybe next game. MICHAEL That's not fair, I'm always out first. JOHN That was a pretty far shot. WENDI You'd think Peter would pick an easier shot for his baby brother. PETER This is HORSE, there's no family in HORSE, only pain and glory. Now stop stalling, it's your shot, John. Same spot. Peter passes the ball to John, who catches it just a little too close to his face. PETER (cont'd) What you on? John dribbles to the spot. JOHN R. PETER Cool, good luck on that S. John shakes his head and squares up the shot. The sun dips below the tree line triggering the park lamps. WENDI Game over. John drops the ball which rolls back to Peter. PETER What? Nah, man, we gotta finish this first. Peter snatches up the ball. WENDI You know the rules, it's time to go home. PETER I just wanna finish the game. WENDI We can finish it tomorrow. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 10. PETER How about this, if I make this shot, we stay and finish? Wendi crosses her arms. PETER (cont'd) Bet. Peter spins the ball in his hands, takes a deep breath and shoots. Wendi jumps in from the side and swats the ball to the grass. MICHAEL Woah! JOHN Ha! John covers his mouth. Peter slinks off the court and down the sidewalk. WENDI Let's go home. John picks up the ball and joins Michael waiting with Wendi. INT. TWO YEARS LATER - LIVING ROOM - DARLING HOME - AFTERNOON John sits at an antique desk pouring over his homework with papers and books scattered around him. Peter is spread out on the couch behind John, eyes closed, his head on a pillow propped up by a stack of books. Wendi pokes her head in. WENDI What y'all up to? JOHN Homework. PETER Studying. Wendi stands over Peter and waves her hand in his face. Peter opens one eye and then closes it. PETER (cont'd) Can I help you? WENDI Studying, huh? (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 11. PETER Uh huh, I'm a visual learner. I close my eyes and visualize the teacher giving me an A. Wendi rolls her eyes. WENDI Visualize this. Grabbing another couch pillow, Wendi swings it at Peter's head. Peter catches the pillow, eyes still closed. PETER If you ever need a tutor... WENDI Right, validictori-clown over here. Peter's eyes pop open. PETER Just trying to be helpful. Gotta start thinking about our futures. WENDI I'll be sure to get your help when I'm studying for dishwashing at McDonald's. INT. ONE YEAR LATER - DINING ROOM - DARLING HOME - AFTERNOON Peter hovers over Michael and Wendi at the dinner table, books and papers scattered across it. PETER Why did we do that, Mikey? MICHAEL 56 is divided by- PETER Divisible. MICHAEL Divisible by 8. PETER Right. So what do we do with this? John bops into the room, tossing his bag and a stack of mail on the cluttered table. MICHAEL Put it up here and move this there. Hey, John! JOHN Hey, Mikey. Yo. PETER Sup, brotha. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 12. Wendi pulls the pile of mail over to sort. PETER (cont'd) Alright, Mikey, now try this next one without me. Michael nods and begins scrawling out the problem. WENDI Is this it? Wendi pulls a small envelope out of the pile. PETER What's that? WENDI Tuskegee. PETER Okay, okay, let's see it. Wendi tears off the end of the envelope and pulls out the single folded sheet of stationary. Unfolding the page, she holds her breath. PETER (cont'd) Well? WENDI I got accepted. Peter squeezes Wendi's shoulder. PETER Congratulations! JOHN Awesome. Michael looks up from his work. MICHEAL What happened? PETER Wendi's going to college! MICHAEL Yay! Is she going where you're going, Peter? Wendi looks up and catches Peter silently shushing Michael. WENDI Hey, what was that? PETER Hmm? Me? WENDI Where are you going, Peter? PETER Umm, here. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 13. Peter grabs a binder from the table, pulling three opened envelopes from it. Sorting through them, he hands one to Wendi. Wendi looks the envelope over, revealing the Tuskegee stationary. WENDI Wait, this is dated from last year? Peter shrugs. PETER Ms. Collins got excited with my test scores and had me apply early. WENDI And you weren't gonna say anything. PETER Didn't seem important. WENDI Uh-huh. Mama Darling appears in the doorway. MAMA DARLING What's not important? MICHAEL Wendi and Peter are going to college! MAMA DARLING Is this true? WENDI Yes, ma'am. PETER Yes, ma'am. We're on our way. Mama Darling claps with tears in her eyes. MAMA DARLING My babies are going to college. We celebrating tonight! I'm gonna call Ms. Collins and see if she wants to join. EXT. ONE YEAR LATER - TUSKEGEE CAMPUS - AFTERNOON Peter strides across campus, arms full of books, right past Wendi sitting on the lawn with CHELL and DENISE, her girlfriends. WENDI Peter? Hey, Peter! Peter looks around confused. Wendi waves. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 14. WENDI (cont'd) Right here, fool. PETER Oh, hey, Wendi! Peter jogs over to Wendi. WENDI How's it going, stranger? PETER You know, surviving. How's pre-law treating you? WENDI Running me over. Might need you to tutor me again. PETER Sorry, my brain is full of anatomy terms at the moment. CHELL Ahem. WENDI Sorry, so rude of me, this is Chell and Denise. Chell, Denise, this is Peter. CHELL Hello, Peter. DENISE Hey. PETER Hello. Afternoon. CHELL So, how do you know our Wendi? WENDI Peter's my foster- PETER Fast friend. We've known each other since middle school. We kind of came out here together. That raises Wendi's eyebrow. DENISE You're from Mississippi, too? PETER Nah, I moved around a bit before settling there, but it became home. CHELL How come she never mentioned you? (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 15. WENDI I have! Remember that story I told y'all about the ducks...? CHELL Oh my- DENISE Is that the scar on his- Denise gets up and closely inspects Peter's forehead. PETER It's perfectly natural to be afraid of ducks attacking you. And that gate was never closed before that. Chell and Denise cackle in delight. DENISE Sorry, I don't mean to laugh in your face. PETER Let it out, I can take it. CHELL You're cute, Peter. You ever play tennis. We need a couple more to get our club sponsored. PETER I'm no Arthur Ashe, but I can swing. Peter swings his arm, dropping his books in the process. The women laugh. CHELL Okay, you can be Denise's doubles partner. DENISE That's fine, I don't mind teaching him. EXT. ONE YEAR LATER - TUSKEGEE CAMPUS - DAY WHITE TENNIS CLUB MEMBERS stand outside the tennis court fence checking their watches and sighing loudly. The BLACK TENNIS CLUB, Peter, Wendi, Chell, Denise and a few others pack their belongings. CHELL I almost had you today. PETER Denise was on, how many aces was that? DENISE 12. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 16. GERARD, another member, zips up his racket bag. GERARD I swear there's a hole in my racket. Had me out there looking crazy just swatting at stuff. WENDI We should probably head out, don't wanna keep these folks waiting. WHITE TENNIS MEMBER Yes, thank you. We were supposed to be on the courts 10 minutes ago and we still have to clean up after you. DENISE Ooo, someone trying to get smacked. GERARD It's okay, you won't catch the black. The white tennis club member can barely contain their disgust. Peter grabs Denise's hand and pulls her to the exit. PETER Let's go to Jotty's, I'm hungry. The black tennis club strolls off the court, Gerard side eyeing the white tennis member. The white tennis club files in and closes the gate behind them. CHELL So what's on for tonight? WENDI I think the AKAs are hosting something? GERARD Yeah, Tracy said come 'round 8. DENISE If we do that, I'm gonna have to get some work done now. You coming, Peter? PETER Laundry. Unless it's okay if I wear this? Peter leans his armpit into Denise's face. DENISE Eww, you nasty! GERARD My man be playing with onions under his arms! (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 17. DENISE I'll catch y'all later. CHELL Ooo, my stuff is at yours, wait for me. Chell grabs Gerard's arm. CHELL (cont'd) Wanna walk us home. Gerard plays it cool. GERARD Alright, y'all, see you tonight. The club separates with Wendi and Peter headed in the same direction. PETER So here we are, just like the old days. WENDI And just like then, I'm still running you off the courts. Peter bites his tongue. WENDI (cont'd) No witty comeback? I'm liking this quieter you- Peter grabs Wendi by the arm, pulling her close. His lips find hers and don't stop, Wendi unconsciously pulling him closer. Peter ends the kiss before he can't. PETER Peter You know I'm gonna marry you one day. Wendi is breathless. Peter leaves Wendi to her thoughts. EXT. TWO YEARS LATER - LAKE SIDE PARK - EVENING Cars are scattered along the waters edge, black students enjoying the night off campus. Gerard and Chell sit in the front seats of a pristine Ford Explorer, while Peter holds Wendi's hand in the backseat, their heads bobbing to the stereo. Chell leans into Gerard's ear. GERARD Hah, yeah. Hey, we gonna take a walk. Keep an eye on the Beast for me. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 18. WENDI Don't worry about it, Peter's gonna make sure I keep it under 90. GERARD Haha! Now I gotta take the keys. Gerard turns off the car and hops out with Chell. Peter opens his door. PETER Yo, man it's hot in here. We need the AC. GERARD Just keep the door cracked open. If it gets really hot, make sure to take it outside. PETER Bro. GERARD Ah-ah, if not tonight, when? PETER C'mon, man. GERARD And don't leave a mess. I gotta get this back to my uncle in the morning. WENDI I can hear you. GERARD Enjoy yourselves! See you in a minute. WENDI Someone's telling on themself. PETER Thanks, bro. Gerard closes the door and chases a skipping, undressing Chell into the trees. Peter turns around to a waiting Wendi. WENDI So what's this about getting "really hot?" PETER Ha, you know how Gerard is. He just wants us to have a good time. WENDI Mmhmm. Peter reaches behind his seat and pulls out a big box wrapped in brown paper. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 19. WENDI (cont'd) What is that? PETER A little something something for you on our anniversary. Wendi looks the package over. WENDI Okay, that's not for another week. Love the wrapping, very romantic. PETER Little early surprise. And nothing wrong with love on a budget. If you don't want it, just say so. Peter reaches for the package. WENDI No, no, no, I'm just messing. Peeling back the wrapping, Wendi braces for disappointment. Opening the box reveals a cassette tape recorder with a mic and headphones. WENDI (cont'd) Huh? What's all this? Peter lugs the recorder out of the box. PETER This records and plays cassette tapes. I made you something to listen to. WENDI A mix tape? PETER Well... Peter slides the headphones over Wendi's ears then presses the play button. CLICK Wendi jumps at Peter's voice. PETER (V.O.) Ahem, sound test, check, check- Wendi rips off the headphones. WENDI Too loud. PETER Oh! Sorry. Peter fiddles with the knobs. Wendi eases the headphones back on. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 20. PETER (V.O.) -looks good. Today's the 19th, a Sunday, and I'm getting ready for our double date with Gerard and Chell. Wendi pulls one of the headphones cans to the side. WENDI You're just talking. Where's the music? PETER Mid terms are around the corner and then I'll be working on grad school admin while you're getting ready for law school. I figured this way we could keep in contact during the week. PETER(V.O.) Need to finish laundry and then I'll head your way. CLICK WENDI So it's not a mix tape. PETER No, it's more of an audio letter. But I can add music next time. Wendi gives Peter a peck on the cheek. WENDI My electronic man. You know you could've just written me a letter, with paper. PETER Like a caveman? Oh no, no, no. I need to hear your voice, I live for the way you say your Hs. WENDI You gotta a problem with enunciation? PETER Oh, no, baby, say all the syllables. I'll show you how to set it up and then you can read the dictionary to me if you want. WENDI So stupid! PETER And when you're done with that, I wouldn't mind a few hymns. You still know some right? Like, sweet low, sweet cherry, yeah! Coming, four, two- (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 21. Wendi puts a hand over his mouth. WENDI Pretty sure it's "swing low, sweet chariot." Peter wriggles free. PETER Mhmm, say chariot again. Wendi tries to shut Peter up with a kiss, who pulls her to him. The headphones fall to the floor, pulling the box of electronics with it. Scooting closer, Peter moves from her lips to her ear, nibbling on the lobe, before slowly kissing his way down Wendi's neck. Wendi leans back, gasping as goosebumps follow Peter's lips across her chest. Peter's hand slides up Wendi's knee, finding the hem of her dress. Wendi grabs his hand and slowly guides Peter under the fringe. He savors the feel of her, squeezing and stroking her thigh. Peter reaches higher. Wendi arches her back bracing against the passenger door, her palms leaving hieroglyphics in the fogged glass. Peter, unaware of a flashlight beaming into the front seat, wraps an arm under Wendi and pulls her to him, seeking her lips. TAP TAP TAP The flashlight's knocks against the window shatter their night. WENDI Hello? PETER Yo, Gerard, one second, bro. TAP TAP TAP OFFICER SMEE (O.S.) Police! Come out with your hands up! CAPT. HOOK (O.S.) Settle down, Smee. This is the police, open up. The lovers separate, rushing to be presentable. WENDI The cops? PETER One second, officer! (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 22. WENDI What do we do? Gerard isn't here. PETER It's cool, stay cool. CAPT. HOOK (O.S) Either you open up or we do. Peter jumps for the window crank at the sound of a gun cocking. The rolled down window reveals the barrel of OFFICER SMEE'S .38 revolver, the diminutive cop and gun tremble with excitement. CAPTAIN HOOK towers above the window, his flashlight blinding the lovers. CAPT. HOOK Looky here, Smee. The flashlight beam lingers on Wendi. OFFICER SMEE Pretty. Peter leans in front of the probing light. PETER Can I help you, officers? Captain Hook points to the silver bars on his collar with a scoff. OFFICER SMEE This here Captain Hook, boy. Don't go disrespecting your superiors, it'll get you caught up. Officer Smee fingers his trigger guard, gun still trained on the couple. CAPT. HOOK Thank you, Officer Smee. Peter grinds his teeth into a grin. PETER I'm sorry, Captain, how can we help you this fine evening? OFFICER SMEE Y'all steal this vehicle? CAPT. HOOK Not so forward, Smee. Pretend this is a traffic stop. Officer Smee uncocks the hammer on his revolver. WENDI Pretend? (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 23. OFFICER SMEE Uhh.. Captain Hook mouths out the words. CAPT. HOOK Lie... OFFICER SMEE Li-cense and registration! CAPT. HOOK Good man. PETER We'd get that for you, but it's not our car. Officer Smee recocks his gun. OFFICER SMEE Thief! Out of the car. PETER Woah, woah, woah! WENDI Officer, please, wait! This is our friend's car. CAPT. HOOK You hear that, Smee, she claims to know the owner of such a fine automobile. WENDI That's right, Captain, we're here with friends. They can't be too far away. CAPT. HOOK Hmm... alright- Get out of the vehicle, both of you. WENDI What? OFFICER SMEE Don't talk back! Officer Smee reaches in the window with his free hand, grabs hold of Peter's collar and shoves the gun in his face. PETER Woah, woah! WENDI Stop, we're getting out. CAPT. HOOK Hold up, Smee. Officer Smee releases the collar and waves at the couple with his gun. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 24. OFFICER SMEE Let's go. Peter opens the door and the lovers slide out. Officer Smee grabs Peter by the arm and shoves him up against the car as Captain Hook guides Wendi by the hand to his side. CAPT. HOOK Stand here, child. WENDI Wait, don't hurt him! Officer Smee places his pistol against the back of Peter's head. OFFICE SMEE Move an inch and I'll send you a mile. Peter holds his breath. OFFICER SMEE Now put your hands up. Peter complies and Officer Smee starts to roughly handcuff him. The sanctuary violated, black students begin packing up and leaving, while others watch from in and around their cars. WENDI Captain, this isn't necessary. CAPT. HOOK On the contrary, our diligence is the one thing keeping society together. If we let your thief friend go now, there's no telling what he thinks he'll be able to get away with. Arson? Murder? Not on our watch. WENDI He's not a thief, he's studying to be a doctor. We go to Tuskegee University. OFFICER SMEE A likely story. CAPT. HOOK Officer Smee is right, we'll check your alibi over at the station. Officer Smee squeezes on Peter's handcuffs. OFFICER SMEE There you go, nice and snug. PETER Ow, sir, please- (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 25. Officer Smee yanks the chain between Peter's bracelets and shoves his head into the side of the SUV. OFFICER SMEE Hush, boy. Gerard, Chell and another student rush over. GERARD Ay-yo, officer! CHELL Leave them alone! Captain Hook's magnum revolver is out and pointed at the newcomers before they can blink, his other hand gripping Wendi tighter. CAPT. HOOK Stop right there. The newcomers raise their hands. GERARD Woah! OFFICER SMEE They trying to ambush us, Captain. CAPT. HOOK Stand firm, officer. I've got them covered. CHELL Why are you arresting them? OFFICER SMEE Ve-hicular thievery is a felony. CHELL Ain't no thieving going on. GERARD That's my car. CAPT. HOOK Your car? GERARD My uncle's letting me borrow it for the night. OFFICER SMEE Lies! They accomplices. CAPT. HOOK Officer Smee raises a sturdy point. Do you have any proof of your claim? Gerard slowly lowers his arms. GERARD I'm going for my wallet and keys. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 26. Gerard slowly pulls out his wallet and keys, pressing the button on the key fob. BE-BEEP The car alarm squawks its arming and disarming. GERARD (cont'd) Check the glove box. Captain Hook nods at Officer Smee, who reaches into the vehicle and pops open the glove compartment. OFFICER SMEE I've got a registration for a- Langley Philips, here. Gerard flips back his wallet, revealing his driver's license. Captain Hook holsters his magnum for his flashlight and shines it on the ID. CAPT. HOOK Jared Philips. Other black students have begun to crowd the scene. CAPT. HOOK (cont'd) Release him, Smee. Wendi pulls free of Captain Hook. OFFICER SMEE But, Captain, it's obviously a forgery. We can't let them get away with this! CAPT. HOOK That was a direct order from your superior, Officer Smee. OFFICER SMEE Yes, sir. Officer Smee yanks Peter back in front of him and slowly unlocks the handcuffs. Captain Hook addresses the growing crowd of black students. CAPT. HOOK We thank you for your cooperation in our commitment to keeping this community safe. Once free, Peter skips into Wendi's open arms. WENDI You okay? Peter nods while rubbing his chafed wrists. CAPT. HOOK Nothing to see here. Everyone back to your cars. Enjoy the evening. Gerard and Chell join Peter and Wendi. Chell hugs Wendi. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 27. GERARD Y'all alright? WENDI I think so. Peter nods while watching Captain Hook and Officer Smee head to their patrol car. Captain Hook stops at his car door and locks eyes with Peter, flashing him a manic grin. Peter looks away and Captain Hook slides into his seat with a laugh. GERARD Let's get out of here. Anyone hungry? CHELL I am! Let's get some Whataburger. WENDI Some fries do sound good. GERARD Then hop in and let's go. Gerard and Chell hop into the front, while Wendi slides into the backseat. Peter stands outside the car staring at the ground. GERARD (cont'd) Yo, man, let's go. Wendi gets back out of the car. WENDI Hey. PETER Hey. WENDI We're safe. Peter shrugs. Wendi grabs his hand and kisses the back of it. WENDI (cont'd) Let's get out of here, huh? PETER Okay. The two step into the vehicle. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 28. INT. 3 MONTHS LATER - CAFETERIA - TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY - MORNING CLICK Wendi sashays through the cafeteria doors to the beat of Never Never Gonna Give You Up from her headphones, the cord disappearing into her bookbag, with Barry White crooning underneath Peter's musings. PETER(V.O.) I thought memorizing those anatomy terms was gonna be the hard part, but this biochem is killing me. A line of STUDENTS queue for breakfast, while others huddle around a TV stationed on a cart blasting the morning news. Peter pours over study notes, one elbow sitting in a sticky plate of half eaten pancakes. Gerard sits across from him, watching the news over Peter's shoulder while bent over a bowl of cereal and a stack of milk cartons and cereal containers on his tray. PETER(V.O.) (cont'd) Just a few more months and then off to med school, but I'll need your super detailed note cards if I'm gonna survive finals. Wendi queues up for breakfast and scans the dining hall for familiar faces. Gerard spies Wendi and waves at her, who waves back. Gerard motions towards his overloaded tray. Wendi nods and heads over. PETER(V.O.) (cont'd) Thank you for letting me talk you out of Georgetown. Tulane is so close to Xavier, we can work on our strategy for my future malpractice cases, although, we'll have to discuss billing rates. CLICK Wendi drops her bag onto the table, shaking Peter from his study fugue state. PETER Oh, hey, baby. GERARD Morning. Wendi kisses Peter's forehead. WENDI Hello, my love. Good morning, Gerard. Peter hops up from his seat. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 29. PETER You eat yet? Want me to grab you something? WENDI No, sit back down, you can keep studying. GERARD I gotcha. Gerard offers Wendi his tray of goods. Wendi grabs a couple boxes of cereal and milk and sits down. WENDI Ooo! Spoon? GERARD Ah, nah, sorry. Peter jumps out of his seat and heads for the silverware station. PETER I'll get it! Wendi watches Peter walk away. GERARD How you doing? WENDI Eh, you know, finals stressing me out. GERARD I feel that, but that's on you. You fools spend your time sweating over your degrees instead of instead of enjoying the last moments of our youth. WENDI Oh, so they got you taking philosophies on the P.E. teacher tract. GERARD Kinesiologist, please. WENDI Uh-huh. How's he doing? GERARD He's been hitting the books hard, never leaves the room. You saw that prompt he's on, man's got his hands full. WENDI He hasn't mentioned a prompt to me. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 30. GERARD I thought he was making you- what happened to the tape thing? WENDI All I hear is how great things are gonna be later. Peter makes his way over to the silverware station. After grabbing a spoon, he ambles past the TV cart. A NEWSCASTER addresses the audience from the screen. NEWSCASTER The top story that might never have surfaced if someone hadn't picked up his home video camera. The screen changes to grainy footage of five cops wailing on a prostrate black man. STUDENT #1 What the fuck?! STUDENT#2 Wow. Peter can't take his eyes off the screen. He can't shake the thought of Captain Hook's grin. GERARD Whew, they whooping that boy. WENDI What? Gerard nods at the TV. Wendi spins around and watches a cop's billyclub slam down onto the man's back. WENDI (cont'd) Oh my- Wendi spots Peter staring agape at the screen. Wendi jogs over and grabs his arm, startling Peter. WENDI (cont'd) There you are. I'm getting hungry over here. PETER Oh, hey. Peter hands her a sweaty spoon. Wendi kisses the back of the offered hand. WENDI So after breakfast, what are we doing. Peter can't look Wendi in the eyes. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 31. PETER I've got time reserved at the library for a study room. WENDI Oh, okay. We can discuss my billing rates afterwards. PETER I kind of want to work on somethings by myself. Maybe tomorrow? Wendi can't find Peter's gaze. WENDI Of course, sure. Maybe you could stop by later today, after you finish? And if you have time, obviously. Peter shrugs. PETER Maybe. I'll see you later. Peter rushes over to the table, collects his things and leaves before Wendi makes it back to her seat. GERARD Y'all okay? WENDI Huh? GERARD Everything okay, Peter just took off. WENDI Oh yeah, yeah. He has to get over to the library for his reservation. GERARD Hmm. That boy loves his books. INT. LIBRARY - TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY - DAY Peter and Wendi share a study room, books and paperwork scattered across the table in front of them. Wendi watches a focused Peter fill out note cards. WENDI Hey, look at me. PETER Hmm? WENDI You look tired. All this studying is gonna be a waste if you're not getting rest. PETER I'm fine, just a lot on my mind. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 32. WENDI I know, I know. It's funny, I miss your goofy tapes now, but I know you don't have time for them. PETER Goofy? You thought my tapes were goofy? WENDI Baby. PETER Artists are rarely understood in their lifetime. Wendi laughs and kisses Peter's cheek. WENDI My Renaissance man. I'm sorry I never figured out that recorder. PETER One more month and we won't need tapes. WENDI I've found a couple cute spots we can check out when we get down there. Should be able to cover the deposit with the rest of our refund. PETER Sounds good. I told the clinic I'd let them know when we got into town. Trying to start as soon as possible. WENDI Works for me. I've got a bunch of interviews lined up- Raised voices fill the library. WENDI (cont'd) Who's that? The couple step out of the study room and spot a group of students circled around the librarian's desk, a small portable TV sitting on the end of it. Several students are openly weeping, others in shock. STUDENT #2 How? How could they? STUDENT#3 What do we do? Wendi walks up to a student staring at the ceiling. WENDI What happened? STUDENT#4 We lost. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 33. Peter steps over to the TV, a chyron reading "NOT GUILTY" emblazoned on the screen. NEWSCASTER ...Not one of the four officers seen on video beating Mr. King is guilty of using excessive force. They've all be found not guilty. Peter knees give out, dropping him down to all fours. Captain Hook's wicked smile flashes before his eyes. Wendi rushes over to Peter and holds him from behind. WENDI Peter, hey, baby, I'm here. Peter leans back into her arms and pulls her tighter around him. EXT. TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY - NIGHT Peter steps out of his dorm into the night. Trekking off campus, he heads down a side road. GLORIBELL, a rainbow colored Kingfisher, alights on a tree above Peter and begins following him, hopping from branch to branch. Peter reaches a crossroads while Gloribell lands on a tree branch above it. Addressing a dilapidated road sign, Peter can't make out the faded words. Peter looks up at Gloribell. PETER Do you know where I'm going? BRRRRING-RRIIING Gloribell's call tinkles like the stars. PETER (cont'd) Well aren't you something. Gloribell preens her wings. PETER (cont'd) Never seen anything like you before. BRRRRING-RRIIING PETER (cont'd) How did a gorgeous bird like you end up in Alabama? And why are you still here? If I had some wings like yours, I'd just coast on the wind and never come down. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 34. BRRRRING-RRIIING Gloribell stretches out her right wings and shakes it, producing a single feather that flutters down to Peter. Peter reaches out and grasps the feather. BRRRRING-RRIIING Peter eyes widen with understanding. PETER (cont'd) Yes! Please, take me with you. Emerald feathers burst from Peter's back. Gloribell takes off from her branch and flies towards the northstar. Peter's wings flap, lifting him above the trees in one motion and then he follows Gloribell past the clouds. INT. WENDI'S DORM ROOM - TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY - MORNING Wendi snorts awake and reflects on her dream. INT. PETER'S DORM ROOM - TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY - MORNING After several knocks and multiple keys, the RA bursts into the empty room, Wendi in tow. WENDI He's not here! RA Maybe he's in class? Wendi shakes her head and looks around the room. A cassette tape with "Wendi" scrawled across it sits on the nightstand. Wendi grabs the tape and rushes out of the room. EXT. GRADUATION CEREMONY - TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY - DAY CLICK The graduating class sits restlessly in folding chairs on the football field, their families waving to them from the stands. PETER(V.O.) I can't stop thinking about that night and how it could've be different. Wendi waves to Mama Darling and Michael in the stands as she walks across the stage to accept her diploma. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 35. PETER(V.O.) (cont'd) Not what if we did something else, but what if Gerard didn't show up. What if he lost his keys? INT. MISSISSIPPI COURTHOUSE - DAY The busy courthouse has citizens streaming in and out of the doors. PETER (V.O.) I thought when I got older, it would get easier. I'll be a doctor, finally have money and heal people. Mama Darling said if I'm good everything else would work out. Wendi stands outside of a courtroom with the ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY, an older white man, unconsciously twisting one of her microbraids around a finger. ADA Hey, you've got nothing to worry about. WENDI Sir? ADA We both know why you were hired, so just smile and pretend like you belong here. The ADA pushes open the courtroom door and walks in. WENDI Excuse me, pretend? PETER(V.O) But that doesn't matter to them. They only see us in a certain way and we can't do anything to change that. The ADA leans out. ADA Hey let's go. Wendi is already walking out of the courthouse. INT. MISSISSIPPI COURTHOUSE - DAY A jury trial is underway, with Wendi representing the DEFENDANT against the ADA, a little black boy in a juvenile detention jumper sitting next to her. PETER(V.O.) I'm sorry for ruining our plans. I wanted to stay- be the man I'm supposed to be. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 36. The ADA approaches the JUDGE's bench and places a folder on it. ADA These letters from the affected faculty at the defendants school paint their reign of terror quite clearly. Wendi flips through a similar folder. WENDI "Reign of terror?" Really? The boy threw a pair of scissors at a wall in frustration, your honor, no one was hurt. Hyperbole has no place in a court of law. ADA You're saying the testimonies of staff who care for the defendant don't matter? WENDI In regards to my client getting bail, yes. There's no reason an 8 year old can't be released to their parents before trial. JUDGE That's why we have systems in place to make these decisions instead of anyone off the street. Bail denied. WENDI Your honor, please. JUDGE We'll set the date for pre trial next week. Remand the defendant. DEFENDANT Do I get to go home? Two court officers step over to the defendant. WENDI Not yet, but soon. I need you to keep being brave for me, okay. The officers grab the defendant and handcuff him. JUDGE Next case, zero dash seven eight three dash four. The court officers walk in the next defendant, a teenage black girl. PETER(V.O.) But it's so hard to be anything when the world doesn't seem to want you in it. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 37. Wendi opens her briefcase, searches through her files and pulls the pertinent ones. The defendant sits next to her and Wendi pats her on the shoulder. CLICK INT. 5 YEARS LATER - DOWNTOWN OFFICE - NIGHT The office party is in full swing,a hand full of families and employees crowd into the modest space to celebrate Wendi, her natural curls shimmering in the dim light. The ADA stands in front of the group, glass raised. ADA From the second you walked out of that courthouse, I've been waiting for you to fail, and you've really tested my patience. Seriously, though, the work you've done these past few years has made it apparent just how much we lost out on. To your continued success. The group toasts an embarrassed Wendi. WENDI Okay, okay, enough sentimentality, back to celebrating, this is y'alls night too. Everyone applauds and the music starts up. The WILLIAMS, a black family of three, approach Wendi, TIFFANY, the child, hugs Wendi's waste. TIFFANY Wendi! Wendi! Wendi! WENDI Hey, sweetie. These two treating you good? TIFFANY Uh-huh, Mr. Williams taught me how to ride a bike! WENDI Really?! TIFFANY Yuh-huh, and Mrs. Williams is showing me times tables. MRS. WILLIAMS She's so excited to start school. MR. WILLIAMS She's been a real blessing. WENDI Good, good, glad to hear it. (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 38. MR. WILLIAMS Thank you for bringing her into our lives. WENDI It was nothing. Tiffany did the hard part when she picked up the phone and called our hotline. TIFFANY Are you an angel? The adults laugh. WENDI No, but I was a foster kid too. TIFFANY Nuh-uh! WENDI Yup! And I know how hard it is waiting for someone like the Williams, so I try to help whoever I can so they don't have to. TREVOR LEWIS, a tall black man in an oversized, wrinkled suit, flanks Wendi. TREVOR LEWIS She was definitely my angel. WENDI Trevor! Ahem, Mr. Lewis, I'm so glad you could make it. TREVOR LEWIS Wouldn't miss it. Congrats on the new spot, really nice. WENDI Thank you, though I'll always miss my little office. Trevor pulls back one of his baggy suit sleeves revealing a burn mark. TREVOR LEWIS With that space heater? I won't. The Williams step away from the enamored couple. TREVOR LEWIS (cont'd) You shouldn't sell yourself short, there's a reason all these folks showed up. Wendi shrugs. TREVOR LEWIS (cont'd) You think I'd put this on for any ol'body? (Printed with the demonstration version of Fade In) 39. WENDI You didn't have to. TREVOR LEWIS I had to look presentable for a law office party, though I wish my brother knew what a clothes hanger was. WENDI Well, it's great to see you here. I hope you're settling in okay. TREVOR LEWIS It's been alright, I got that job with the grocery store starting up next week. WENDI Awesome! TREVOR LEWIS So I was wondering if you'd like to celebrate with me. Over dinner? WENDI Oh, oh, I don't know. TREVOR LEWIS Please, it's the least I can do for the person who saved my life. WENDI I don't know, maybe when my schedule clears- TREVOR LEWIS So never? I know you're an extraordinarily busy and extremely important woman, but I would love just a singular moment with you. Alone. Wendi takes in that last word. WENDI How's next Wednesday? I've only got a half day at court. TREVOR LEWIS Yes, please. I mean sure, sounds great. Other party goers gather around Wendi separating her from Trevor. PARTY GOER#1 Speech! PARTY GOER #2 Speech, speech! Wendi mouths "call me" to Trevor.
Enter the password to open this PDF file:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-