(Lorelai and Rory are sitting on the couch on the porch in front of the house. Lorelai is painting Rory's toenails red. Rory squirts whipped cream into her mouth.)
Lorelai : (sarcastically) That's nice.
Rory : Thank you.
L : Don't move, please.
R : So, Why are you insisting on doing this.
L : Well, because you're going to be starting private school tomorrow.
R : Yes, but I'm going to be wearing shoes. Nobody's going to see my feet.
L : Okay, But everybody knows that private school girls are bad. And bad girls always wear red nail polish.
(There is a lull in the conversation.)
L : Are you nervous?
R : About what?
L : About starting Chilton.
R : Well I wasn't until I heard about all those bad girls.
(They both laugh.)
(Lane Kim, Rory's friend runs up.)
Lane : You guys! XTC. Apple Venus Volume 2.
(Lorelai and Lane run into the house.)
R : But you only finished half my toes!
L : Who cares?! You're going to be wearing shoes anyway!
(Rory rolls her eyes and goes into the house.)
(Opening Sequence Starts.)
(Commercials)
(Shows an opening shot of the house.)
(Lorelai is sleeping. Rory, dressed in her Chilton clothes, opens the door to her mom's bedroom.)
R : Mom!
L : (gasps) What? God! Hi. (in a whiny tone)
R : What are you doing?
L : Having a heart attack.
R : I thought you were up. It's 7:10!
L : What?
R : It's 7:10.
(Rory grabs her pillow.)
L : Stop it! It's a quarter to six. (grabs back pillow)
R : No it's not!
L : Yes it is! I set the clock for a quarter to six so it's..
(Rory grabs clock and shows her the time.)
L : It's 7:10!
(Lorelai jumps out of bed and stumbles around, disoriented. Rory slams down clock.)
R : I can't be late on my first day of school. Do you know what happens to people when they're late on their first day?
(Lorelai is rummaging franticly through her dresser for clothes.)
L : It's shorter?
R : They're labeled 'The late girl'.
L : Ohh! So dramatic. Where's the bathroom?
(Rory takes her by the shoulders and steers her through the door.)
R : We have to go! What if there's traffic? Mom!
(Lorelai runs into the bathroom and shuts the door.)
L : I had this all planned. I was gonna get up early. I was gonna get coffee. I was gonna take a shower. I was gonna pick up my clothes from the dry cleaners.
(Lorelai opens the door.)
L : (sighs) Oh my god. My clothes.
R : What?!
(Lorelai walks down the hall with Rory trailing after her.)
L : I don't have any clean clothes.
R : It's 7:15.
L : All my nice things were dirty.
R : It's 7:16.
(Lorelai look in her closet, then turns away.)
L : I was gonna wear my blue suit with the flippy skirt. I look so great in the flippy skirt.
R : It's 7:17.
L : You know what, time lady? Why don't you go downstairs and warm up the car? That would be really super. Thank you.
R : Just hurry!
(Rory goes downstairs, Lorelai rummages through a drawer.)
L : This sucks! This sucks!
R : It's 7:18 (Rory calls from below.)
L : Oh, for the love of god! (sighs) She sits on the bed and puts on socks. This is the last time I ever buy anything just because it's furry. (talking about clock)
(scene changes)
(Lorelai is running down the steps in cowboy boots, really short frayed shorts, and a bright pink tye-dyed tight tee-shirt. She's hurriedly putting her hair into a messy ponytail. Rory is standing at the foot of the stairs and looks up.)
R : It's 7--
L : Don't even think of finishing that sentence. (sighs) What?!
R : Nothing. I just didn't know the rodeo was in town.
L : All right, that's it. (grabs a picture frame) I'm bringing the baby pictures.
(Lorelai runs out the door with Rory in pursuit.)
R : No! I'm sorry! I love the rodeo! The rodeo rules!
(scene changes)
(camera pans through town, finally settling on the jeep, and then the Stars Hollow sign.)
L : I am so done with plans. I am never ever making one again. It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work and what I could've done differently.
(scene changes)
(inside jeep, Lorelai is driving, Rory sitting in passenger seat.)
L : I'm analyzing all my shortcomings when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never ever make a plan ever again which I'm doing now. Having, once again, been the innocent victim of my own stupid plans.
(they go past her old school and Rory looks out at all the kids having fun.)
L : God, I need some coffee. (sighs)
(screen shows Jeep driving down several different roads, and then a road sign that says Hartford, 14 miles.)
(screen switches to show different gargoyles, and then the outside of Chilton.)
(Rory and Lorelai sit in Jeep, peering out at Chilton.)
R : I remember it being smaller. (she looks worried)
L : Yeah. And less.. (she looks intimidated)
R : Off with their heads.
L : Ah. (tilts her head, peering up.)
R: (glancing at her mom, does the same.) What are you looking at?
L : I'm just trying to see if there's a hunchback up in that bell tower.
R : So, how do I look?
L : (sighs, sits back and beams with motherly pride.) You look great.
R : Really? (skeptical)
L : Really. You are an amazing kid. You have earned this. You just go in there and show them what smart really is. I love you. Call me if you need me. (reaches for gear)
R: (looks worried) You're kidding, right?
L : No! Call me if you need anything. I'm great at making up dirty cheers.
R : You have to go in with me.
L : Rory, come on. (looks at her clothes meaningfully.)
R : You have to meet the headmaster.
L : Well, look at me! I can't meet anyone who does anything in there. I look like that chick from the 'Dukes of Hazzard'.
R : This is my first day. You are not getting out of going in there with me.
(Rory and Lorelai get out of the jeep. Two moms walking by stare at Lorelai, who drops her coat. They scurry away.)
L : Good morning!
L : (to Rory) Oh, well, we're gonna be best friends.
(Lorelai puts her coat on as they walk into the Chilton courtyard.)
L : So, where do we go.
R : (looks at paper in her hand) Uh, the Ambroise building.
L : Which is?
R : The big, scary one.
L : Oh great! Thanks for the input.
(man walking by looks over at them, especially with some interest to Lorelai.)
(they look around, slightly bewildered)
Man : lost?
L : Oh, yeah. We're looking for the headmaster's office in the Ambroise building.
Man : Ah, okay. Well, this is it right here. (he points beside them) Down the stairs, make a left and the headmaster's office is at the end of the hall.
L : Great. Thank you.
Man : You're welcome.
(Rory grabs Lorelai's arm to go, but the man extends a hand.)
Man : Uh, I'm Ian Jack. My daughter Julia goes to school here. (they shake hands)
L : Hi! I'm Lorelai Gilmore. This is my daughter, Rory. (Rory looks slightly uncomfortable.)
Ian : Your daughter? Really. (surprised) Wow, that's great. Uh I mean, daughters are a great thing.
L : We're big fans. (they're flirting)
Ian : (laughing) Yeah. So, is your husband here? I'd love to meet him.
L : Um, no. I'm not married. I'd love to meet your wife, though.
Ian : I'm divorced.
L : Shame.
R : Excuse me. I really got to..
L : (grabs Rory's arm) Right! We gotta go meet the big guy, and I gotta get back to work.
(they rush off)
Ian : (calls) Where do you work?
L : (rushes back) At an inn. The Independence Inn. I run it.
Ian : Really?
L : In a different outfit, of course.
Ian : Ha. Well, It was nice to meet you, Lorelai. Good luck in school, Rory. I'll tell Julia to look out for you.
R : Great, thanks.
Ian : See you.
(Lorelai waves a little, smiles, mouths 'bye'.)
L : What a nice, nice man.
R : You're feeling pretty good about yourself right now, aren't you.
L : Yeah (still smiling)
R : Do you want me to get you a mirror?
L : I'm back. Let's go. (smile is gone, they rush off)
(scene changes)
(Lorelai and Rory are walking down the stairs in Chilton. They look around.)
L : Oh, good. More big stuff. (sarcastically)
R : Turn left.
L : Oh
(Rory and Lorelai walk out of the screen. The camera is on three sour looking girls, staring after them. They roll their eyes, look expressively at one another, and continue on their way.)
(screen changes)
(Lorelai and Rory are walking down a hallway, almost to the headmaster's office. They look at their surroundings with apprehension. They get to the door and stand in front of it, just staring.)
L : You ready?
R : No.
L : You ready?
R : Yes.
(They open the doors, and step into a room that contains a desk with a strict looking woman wearing library glasses sitting at it. They stop in front of her.)
L : (clears throat) Um.. Excuse me. (Secretary looks up suddenly. She jumps back slightly.) Oh! How.. Wow. Hi. I.. I'm Lorelai Gilmore. This is my daughter, Lorelai Gilmore. I named her after me. I was in the hospital all whacked out on Demerol. (glances at Rory, realizes she's rambling.) Never mind. B-B-But we call her 'Rory'. It's short for Lorelai or even 'Hey, you' depending on the.. (Rory nudges her) Is the headmaster here?
Secretary : (gets up, removes her glasses) One moment. (Walks briskly away.)
(The Gilmores watch her until she closes the door.)
L : (whispering) See, that's what happens when you go to bed with your makeup on.
(Rory grins, Lorelai sighs)
(Door opens behind them, Secretary stands there stiffly, as if announcing a guest.)
Secretary : Headmaster Charleston will see you now.
L : (clears throat) Great. Thanks.
(They walk into room, secretary shuts door.)
Headmaster : (extending hand) Ms. Gilmore, I'm headmaster Charleston.
L : Hi. Wow. It's really nice to meet.. (looks around, looks again at corner, sees her mother on couch) Mom. Uh, ex.. What are you doing here?
Grandmother : (sweeps past Lorelai) I came to wish my granddaughter luck on her first day of school. (Lorelai looks exasperated) Rory, you look wonderful in that uniform!
L : You didn't have to come all the way out here, Mom.
Grandmother : This gave me a chance to make sure that Hanlin here takes good care of Rory.
L : (gestures to Headmaster) You're Hanlin.
Headmaster : Hanlin Charleston.
Grandmother : Hanlin's wife and I are on the symphony fundraising committee together.
L : Wow. That's great.
Headmaster : Your father and I are golf rivals. We're still fighting it out to see which one is worse.
Grandmother : Oh, yes. We're all old friends.
L : Well, there's nothing like friends. Especially if they're old.
(Everyone looks a tad oddly around at her remark.)
Headmaster : Would you like to take off your coat and have a seat?
L : (looks frightened) Oh, no. No, I'm fine.
Headmaster : I'm afraid they were a little overzealous with the furnace this morning. It's quite warm in here.
L : I like it warm. (nodding her head like an idiot)
Grandmother : Lorelai, take off your coat and sit down. You don't want Hanlin to think you're rude. (commanding tone of voice)
L : (looking extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed, takes off coat. Everyone stares, grandmother rolls her eyes. Exhales loudly.) Laundry day.
Grandmother : Hanlin, did you know that Rory has a 4.0 grade point average?
L : I'm sure he does, Mom.
Grandmother : This is a very special girl. You take good care of her.
Headmaster : We'll do our best, Emily.
(everyone sits down)
L : Rory's not going to be a problem. She's totally low maintenance. You know, like a Honda. You know, they're just easy, just.. (Rory looks embarrassed) Nice office.
Grandmother : Well, I don't think we should take up anymore of your precious time. It was lovely to see you. Give Bitty our love. (kisses cheeks with headmaster)
Headmaster : Tell Richard I'll see him at the club Sunday.
Grandmother : Have a wonderful day, Rory. I want to hear all about it. Do you need a ride or is your horse parked outside? (to Lorelai) (walks out of room)
L : It's so nice to meet you. (shakes hands with headmaster, kisses Rory's forehead.) Have a great day.
Headmaster : Oh, you don't want to forget your coat.
L : (turns) Oh no, 'cause that would be embarrassing. (laughs, walks out of office.)
(scene changes)
(Lorelai and Grandmother are walking down the hall.)
Grandmother : How do you leave the house looking like that? What kind of an impression did you think you were gonna make?
L : (sighs) What are you doing here, mother?
Grandmother : I told you, I came to put in a good word for Rory.
L : She didn't need a good word.
Grandmother : I'm not allowed here, is that it?
L : I didn't say that.
Grandmother : I'm allowed to pay for it. But I can't actually set foot on the premises. I just want to get the rules straight. How about the street. Can I drive down the street? Maybe I should just avoid the neighborhood altogether. Although my doctor is right down the block. Maybe I can get special permission if I'm bleeding.
L : (looking incredibly annoyed, her patience is wearing thin.) I'm sorry. I was just surprised to see you here.
Grandmother : I thought it was important for this school to know they had a Gilmore amongst them.
L : A very good thought.
Grandmother : And that some of the Gilmores actually own clothing.
L : And on that note, I have to get to work. I'll see you later.
Grandmother : Dinner, Friday night. No spurs, please.
(Lorelai walks away, thrusts out her arms in annoyance.)
(Commercials)
(Shows opening shot of the outside of Chilton.)
(Headmaster and Rory are sitting in his office.)
Headmaster : You're obviously a bright girl, Miss. Gilmore.
Rory : Thank you.
Headmaster : Good grades. Teachers like you. Not a lot of social activities, though.
Rory : Oh, well, just living at Stars Hollow is kind of a social activity, actually.
Headmaster : Nothing in your school appealed to you?
Rory : I work at my mother's inn after school sometimes. And I was in the German Club for a while. But there were only three of us. Then two left after seeing "Schindler's List".
Headmaster : What are your aspirations?
Rory : I want to go to Harvard to study Journalism and Political Science.
Headmaster : On your way to being
Rory : Christiane Amanpour.
Headmaster : Really?
Rory : Yes.
Headmaster : Not Cokie Roberts?
Rory : No.
Headmaster : Not Oprah, Rosie, or one of the women from 'The View'?
Rory : No.
Headmaster : Why do you wish to be Christiane Amanpour?
Rory : I don't wish to be her, exactly. I just want to do what she does.
Headmaster : Which is?
Rory : Travel, see the world up close, report on what's really going on, and to be part of something big.
Headmaster : And to be a part of something big you have to be on TV? Why not lead the police on a high speed chase, it's a quicker way to achieve this goal.
Rory : Being on TV has nothing to do with it. Maybe I'll be a Journalist and write books or articles about what I see. I just want to be sure that I see something. (Headmaster looks at papers.) You'll notice the debating teams also missing from my resume.
Headmaster : (nods and stands up) I've known your Grandparents for quite some time.
Rory : I know.
Headmaster : In fact, I was at a party at their house just last week where I had the most delicious lobster puffs I've ever eaten. I'm very fond of them.
Rory : That's nice.
(Headmaster sits down across from her.)
Headmaster : None of this, however, will be of any benefit to you. Chilton has one of the highest academic standards of any school in America. You may have been the smartest girl at Stars Hollow, but this is a different place. The pressures are greater, the rules are stricter, and the expectations are high. If you make it through, you will have received one of the finest educations one can get. And there should be no reason why you should not achieve all your goals. However, since you are starting late, and are not used to this highly competitive atmosphere, there is a good chance that you will fail. That is fine. Failure is a part of life. But not a part of Chilton. Understand?
R : (looking more and more unsure of herself.) So, you liked the lobster puffs, huh.
Headmaster : Take this to Miss. James in the administration office across the hall.
(he hands her the folder, she takes it and leaves the room, he puts on his glasses.)
(scene changes)
(Rory walks into the administration office, she goes up to the desk and puts down the folder.)
R : Hi, I'm looking for Miss James?
Miss James : Name?
R : Lorelai Gilmore. But I go by Rory.
Miss James : Fill this out, please.
(Miss James takes the folder and gives Rory a sheet and a pencil. Miss James puts down the folder on a desk to the side. The girl at the desk looks around and stealthily takes the folder and gives it to somebody out the window.)
(scene changes)
(It is in the bushes, outside the window. There are three girls there, the same ones that stared at Rory on the stairs.)
Girl 1 : Well?
Girl 2 : Shut up.
Girl 3 : Hurry. Please. Spiders.
Girl 2 : Lorelai Gilmore.
Girl 1 : Nice stripper name.
Girl 2 : Formerly of Stars Hollow High School.
Girl 1 : Where's that?
Girl 2 : Make a left at the haystacks and follow the cows. Perfect attendance, 4.0 grade point average.
Girl 3 : Bugs, dirt, twigs.
Girl 2 : She's a Journalism major.
Girl 1 : That means she's going out for the school paper.
Girl 2 : Not necessarily. She's got a thousand recommendations in here. Popular with the adults.
Girl 1 : And going out for the school paper.
Girl 2 : You don't know she's going out for the paper. She'll never catch up. She's a month behind.
Girl 1 : You can tutor her. Be like a big sister.
Girl 2 : You're funny.
Girl 3 : Okay, lizard, goodbye.
Girl 2 : Why are they letting all these extra people in? They just take up space and screw up the curve. We don't need any new kids here.
Girl 1 : Too late.
(Girl 2 says psst out the window, someone takes the folder.)
(scene changes)
(back in the office, Miss James is giving stuff to Rory.)
Miss James : Here's your locker number, here's your schedule. Here's the rules of the school and the Chilton code of honor. Here are the words to the school song, which must be recited upon demand. This an happen anytime, anyplace. If you do it in Latin you get extra credit. Do you have any questions?
R : Uh, not at the moment.
Miss James : If you do, you can make an appointment with your guidance counselor, Mr. Winters. He handles everything but Bulimia and pregnancy. For that, you have to go to the nurse, or Coach Rubens. Welcome to Chilton.
(scene changes)
(Lorelai is walking down the road by Luke's diner with her dry cleaning. She goes into the door and passes a man on his way out, smiling at him.)
L : (sighs) I already had the longest day of my life and it's only ten o'clock.
Luke : (fixing what looks like a toaster) There's no coffee.
L : That's not funny.
Luke : I can give you herbal tea.
L : This is not an herbal tea morning. This is a coffee morning.
Luke : Every morning for you is a coffee morning.
L : This is a jumbo coffee morning. I need coffee in an IV.
Luke : I can give you tea and a balance bar.
L : Please, please, please tell me you're kidding.
Luke : I'm kidding. (goes back and gets the coffee pot.)
L : You're sick.
Luke : Yep.
L : You're a fiend!
Luke : For here or to go.
L : To go please.
Luke : You want to know what this stuff does to your nervous system?
L : Do you have a chart? Because I love charts.
Luke : Maybe next time. What happened this morning that was so awful.
L : Rory started Chilton.
Luke : Really?
L : Yeah. (sees him looking at her strangely) What?
Luke : That's how you dressed to take Rory to Chilton? That's a fancy school.
L : My clothes were at the cleaners. I had the fuzzy clock and it didn't purr on time.
Luke : It didn't purr?
L : It's fuzzy. It purrs. Never mind. I gotta go. I had a plan, damn it.
Luke : Me too. Next time you're getting tea.
(Lorelai stalks out of the diner. Luke pulls what looks like a chicken bone out of the toaster.)
(scene changes)
(Miss Patty is standing next to the street and lots of little girls in pink outfits are twirling batons.)
Miss Patty : Visualize, Ladies. It's thanksgiving day parade. You're standing on fifth avenue. There's 100 beautiful boys marching in place behind you. And there you are. You are out in front with your fabulous legs and your perfect tush. Your baton is on fire and the crowd goes nuts! Okay, cookie time. (looks around and sees Lorelai walking down the street) Lorelai, hi.
L : Hi, Patty.
Miss Patty : Isn't today Rory's first day at Chilton?
L : Oh, yeah, she's there now. I just got through dropping her off.
Miss Patty : Is that what you wore?
L : Oh, look at the time. See you, Patty.
Miss Patty : Bye.
(Lorelai walks around the jeep and gets in. Miss Patty walks back into the studio.)
Miss Patty : Ladies, what do I see. Naked girls. No, no, keep those leotards on. This is not Brazil.
(scene changes)
(Jeep is pulling up to the Gilmore house. Lorelai gets out of the car somewhat uncoordinated with her coffee and her dry cleaning, dropping clothes everywhere. She staggers up to the house and goes in. The phone is ringing, she struggles to find the cordless. Finally finding it in a heap of junk and falling back down onto the couch.)
L : Hello?
Grandmother : Lorelai?
L : Mom?
Grandmother : I'm going shopping this afternoon and I'd thought I'd pick up a few things for Rory.
L : Like what?
Grandmother : A couple of extra skirts and tops for school.
L : Ok, I already took care of that Mom. I got her two skirts and a bunch of tops.
Grandmother : But there a five days in a school week.
L : Are you sure? My days of the week underwear only go till Thursday. (is struggling to pull cowboy boots off.)
Grandmother : Is that a joke?
L : Two skirts are fine. Don't bother.
Grandmother : What if she gets one dirty?
L : Well, then, she'll wear the other one.
Grandmother : What if she gets them both dirty?
L : We'll use this newfangled thing called a washing machine. The town just chipped in and bought one. My turn's Tuesday.
Grandmother : What about socks? Chilton has these special logo socks. Rory should have them. And what about the school sweater. She might want that. And there's a sweater vest and a bookbag.
L : Are you getting a cut of the merchandise?
Grandmother : Rory should have these things. She'll be the only one who doesn't.
L : She'll have them.
Grandmother : I'm at least getting her the Chilton coat. Is she a size 6?
L : Mom, please.
Grandmother : This is a simple question, Lorelai.
L : She's a six, but I'd get a size eight in case she grows.
Grandmother : If she grows, I'll buy another.
L : Ok, well then, a six is great. I gotta go, Mom. Bye.
(scene changes)
(there is a classroom, with a teacher pacing in front lecturing)
Teacher : And while French culture was the dominant outside cultural influence, especially for Russia's monied class, English culture also had it's impact. Tolstoy's favorite author, for instance, was..
Girl 2 : (raises her hand briefly) Dickens.
Teacher : Yes, and last week we discovered Dostoevski's main authorial influences.
Girl 2 : (raises her hand again) George Sand and Balzac. (Rory looks at her slightly apprehensively.)
Teacher : Good. As Tolstoy commenced writing both "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina", Count Leo would turn to..
Girl 2 : "David Copperfield"
Teacher : Correct. He would turn to "David Copperfield" for inspiration.
(door opens and cute guy walks in)
Teacher : Ah, Mr. Dugray.
Guy : Sir. (hands teacher note)
Teacher : Nice to have you back. I hope your Grandfather's feeling better.
Guy : Much better, sir.
Teacher : Good. Take your seat please.
(guy walks over to his seat, leering openly at Rory, making her uncomfortable)
Teacher : "Great Expectations", "A Tale of Two Cities", "Little Dorrit", all major influences on Leo Tolstoy.
(guy leans forward to talk to his friend in the seat in front of him)
Guy 1 : Who's that?
Guy 2 : New girl.
Teachers : of these two literary masters, Tolstoy and Dickens. (bell rings) Class dismissed.
(Girls 1, 2, and 3 are all looking over at Rory's notes and her with disdain, Rory tries to smile at them)
Guy 1 : Looks like we got ourselves a Mary. (looking at Rory)
Teacher : Miss, uh, Gilmore, could you come up here please? (she goes up to him) This is last week's study material. (he hands her a huge binder crammed full of papers) There'll be a test on them tomorrow. But since you're new, you can take a makeup test on Monday. Will that be sufficient time?
R : Monday? Sure, that's fine. (looking overwhelmed)
Teacher : That's just an overview. You'll find it very helpful to you to borrow one of the other student's personal notes. They tend to be more detailed.
R : More detailed than this?
Teacher : It seems daunting right now, I know.
R : No, no. It's okay. I'll be fine. (moves to leave the room)
Teacher : Remember to get those notes. They'll be a lifesaver.
(scene changes)
[SCENE_BREAK]
(Rory is coming out of the room and almost walks into Girl 2)
Girl 2 : I'm Paris.
R : I didn't see you there. Where'd you come from.
Paris : I know who you are, too. Lorelai Gilmore from Stars Hollow.
R : You can call me Rory.
Paris : Are you going out for the 'Franklin'?
R : The what?
Paris : Nice innocent act. At least I know you're not going out for drama club. The Franklin, the school paper, are you going out for it?
R : I have to find my locker first.
Paris : I'm gonna be editor next year.
R : Well, good for you. (tries to move away, but Paris steps in front of her)
Paris : I'm also the top of the class, and I intend to be valedictorian when I graduate.
R : Okay. I'm going now.
Paris : You'll never catch up. You'll never beat me. This school is my domain and the Franklin is my domain. And don't you ever forget that. (she walks off)
R : (looks after her strangely) I guess you're not going to let me borrow your notes, huh. (continues down hallway)
(Commercials)
(opening scene of the outside of the Independence Inn. Switches to kitchen where Sookie is smelling peaches with Fruit Man looking on)
Sookie : They're smaller than the last batch.
Fruit Man : No, they're not.
Sookie : Smaller means watery. No good peach taste.
Fruit Man : No, there's plenty of peach taste being as they're, you know, peaches.
Sookie : What about the ones on the bottom.
Fruit Man : Oh, great. Be sure to check them all. (sarcastically) That's it. Give every last one of them a nice good squeeze. You wouldn't actually want to leave me one that I could sell to somebody else. Wait a minute, you missed one. I'm not going to tell you which one it is. I'm just going to let your impeccably good radar (she picks up peach) There it is, you got it. (throws up hands)
(Lorelai walks into kitchen)
L : Okay, I look great, right?
Sookie : Yes.
L : This is how I was supposed to look. Good morning Jackson (Fruit Man).
Sookie : This was Rory's first day.
L : I was supposed to look fabulous, and not like I'd been up all night playing quarters.
Sookie : Nobody cares how you looked.
L : Everybody cared.
Sookie : Who?
L : The other moms, the Headmaster, my mom, Luke, Miss Patty, the new fire chief with the tiny head.
Sookie : (holds out a peach) Taste this.
L : (bites peach) A little watery.
Jackson : Oh! Now, you planned this!
Sookie : Did you say something about your mother?
L : I walked into the headmaster's office, and there she was.
Sookie : Really? Why?
L : Because she knew I'd wake up late and humiliate myself.
Sookie : Wow, she's good.
L : She's the best.
(Sookie takes peach and rolls it along the floor.)
Jackson : Oh, I would love to know what you're doing.
Sookie : They're rolling differently, too. Because of the extra water.
Jackson : Makes perfect sense.
Sookie : I would ignore those women, cause the only thing that matters is that Rory got into that great school.
L : She looked so amazing in her uniform. She was so excited. I just admire her so much jumping into a new school. She's my hero.
Sookie : Mine too!
Jackson : Oh, yeah. Sign me up. Sookie, the peaches, please. (exasperated)
(Michel walks in)
Michel : (French accent) Excuse me. There's a phone call for you. If I'm to fetch you like a dog, I'd like a cookie and a raise.
L : Thanks for the peach. (hands the peach to Jackson, Sookie takes the peach, Lorelai walks out)
(scene changes)
(parlor at Inn, old women are looking at book and walking by, Lorelai walks by them with Michel trailing)
Woman 1 : This would be absolutely wonderful. There are supposed to be darling shops all up and down this street. Oh, excuse me sir (to Michel). Can you tell me where we'd find the best antiques?
Michel : At your house, I'd guess. (walks off, women are dismayed)
L : Mom, did I give you this number? Because I don't remember giving you this number. Yeah, well, I must be losing my mind. What can I, uh, sorry Mom, can you hold on one second? Um, Drella, can you take it down just a notch? (Drella is the harp player, and is playing very loud, she ignores Lorelai) Thanks. Okay, I'm back.
Grandmother : I wanted you to known that I just bought a parking space for Rory at Chilton.
L : You what?
Grandmother : They are very hard to come by. But I pulled a few strings and it's all hers.
L : Mom, Rory doesn't have a car.
Grandmother : No, but she's got a birthday coming up soon.
(Drella is still playing loudly and Lorelai can't hear)
L : Okay, hold on a second. Um, Drella. Drella! A little softer please.
Drella : Hey, do I look like I got Panasonic stamped on my ass?
L : Mom, you are not buying Rory a car.
Grandmother : Why not? She's a smart girl, she's responsible.
L : She doesn't need one.
Grandmother : She has to have a way to get around. To get to school.
L : She'll be taking the bus.
Grandmother : I hate that she's taking the bus. Drug dealers take the bus.
L : You know what, Mom? I gotta go.
Grandmother : Fine. We'll discuss this at a later date.
L : Okay. Bye.
(Drella plays much softer now that Lorelai is off the phone.)
(scene changes)
(Rory is walking down a Chilton hallway and Guy 1 comes up behind her.)
Guy 1 : Hey, Mary.
R : Me?
Guy 1 : Yeah, you.
R : My name is Rory.
Guy 1 : I'm Tristin.
R : Hi.
Tristin : So you new?
R : Yeah, first day.
Tristin : Remmy's class is rough.
R : Yeah, it seemed very intense.
Tristin : I could loan you my notes, if that would help.
R : Really? That's be great.
Tristin : Yeah? How great? (he's walking forward, pushing her up against the wall)
R : I don't know. Mr. Remmy said that getting someone's notes would be..
Tristin : I could even help you study. If you want.
R : Uh, I kind of view studying as a solitary activity. But thanks.
Tristin : Bye Mary. (he walks off)
R : It's Rory.
(scene changes)
(it's the parlor again, with Drella playing harp and people listening to her. Lorelai is talking to a man and a teenage guy)
L : I completely understand.
Man : Oh, do you. Because this is a brand-new car. (the boy tries to say something) He brings the car up and it's scratched!
Boy : I just backed the car up.
Man : I'd know if my car was scratched before I parked it or not.
L : Let's calm down. Sir, why don't I have your car looked at tomorrow. I'm sure we can find a way to resolve this. In the meantime I would love for you to have lunch here, on me. Dessert is a must. Anything with our homemade ice cream is delicious. Life as you know it will never be the same. What do you say?
Man : I think I will. Thank you.
L : Thank you. (man walks off)
Boy : Lorelai, I swear, I didn't scratch his car. If you thought I was unreliable or a bad driver..
L : Derek. It's okay.
Boy : 'Cause I can drive.
L : Oh, sweetie. I am sure you can. We'll just take it over to Musky's tomorrow and have the guys look at it. I'm sure they can buff it out for nothing, okay?
Boy : Okay. That's a real nice outfit you're wearing today.
L : Thank you, Derek.
(Derek walks off, Michel walks up)
Michel : Your faithful pooch is here to say "Someone needs to talk with you".
L : It's not my mother, is it?
Michel : It's possible.
(Lorelai looks around him, standing at the counter is Ian Jack, from Chilton)
L : It's possible?
Michel : There's a resemblance. (walks off)
L : Hi.
Ian : Hi. Is this a bad time?
L : No, not at all. What are you doing here?
Ian : Well, I had to meet an associate for lunch, and he was coming up from New York so I thought, "Why not meet him in a beautiful inn?"
L : Good. Enjoy your lunch.
Ian : Thanks. I will. I was also wondering if maybe I could take you out to dinner sometime.
L : We're a little food-obsessed, aren't we?
Ian : It's the company more than the food that interests me.
L : I'm flattered.
Ian : Is that a yes?
L : That's a You're a dad.
Ian : And you're a mom. Although I'm still finding that really hard to believe.
L : No, I mean, you're a Chilton dad.
Ian : Ooh, that sounds bad.
L : Not bad. Just tricky. You know, Rory just started there, and I think I should let her fall in with the bad crowd before I start hooking up with the P.T.A.
Ian: Well, I'm not on the P.T.A.
L : See? There you go, I can't date anyone not on the P.T.A.
Ian : It's just a casual dinner.
L : Sorry. (she walks around the counter)
Ian : Okay, I'll tell you what. I'm going to China for a week on business. When I get back I'm going to try again
L : China. Wow.
Ian : Impressed?
L : No. Rome, I'd be impressed. China I'm just "China, wow"
Ian : (laughs, picks up a card from the desk, puts it in his suit) Lorelai Gilmore, General Manager, I'll talk to you soon.
L : Have a safe trip.
Ian : I will. (walks off)
L : (walking him walk off) He does that so well.
Michel : You are making me sick.
L : Aw, now, honey. You try it, I'll watch you walk away too.
Michel : Stop it.
L : Go on now, walk. It can't be that bad.
Michel : Go away. (he walks off, she follows)
L : No. You have to do it with a little more attitude. Make me think you mean it! (she walks off)
(people are listening to Drella play the harp, she suddenly stops)
Drella : That's lunch. (walks off, people look around surprised)
(scene changes)
(Rory is in Chilton, finds her locker, tries to open it, It's stuck, she pulls really hard and it opens, she stumble backward right into Paris who was holding a really big project of a intricate castle and dropped in when she got bumped into. The project broke into a million pieces)
R : Oh no! I am so sorry. Paris, please. I am so sorry. It was an accident. My locker, it just slipped. I pulled too hard.. I didn't mean to.. Is there water in that moat?
Paris : Get away from me! (she stalks off into a classroom)
(Rory picks up her books and puts them in her locker, and then taps a boy walking by)
R : Excuse me, I need Mrs. Ness, History?
Boy : It's behind you. (points to the classroom Paris walked into and leaves)
R : Of course it is. (slams locker and walks into classroom)
Paris : (sees Rory) Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
(Rory sits down in a seat, Tristin sits right near her.)
Tristin : Hey, Mary.
Teacher : Ok, We left our projects off on Friday with Mr. Gaynor. So today we will pick up with Miss Geller.
Paris : (stands up) I don't have my project.
Teacher : Miss Geller.. Did you have sufficient time to complete your project?
Paris : Yes
Teacher : And yet you don't have it done?
Paris : No
Teacher : You will receive an incomplete on the project.
R : (stands up) It's my fault.
Teacher : Who are you?
R : Rory Gilmore. I wrecked her project.
Paris : Shut up.
Teacher : I don't have a Rory Gilmore. I have a Lorelai Gilmore.
R : That's me.
Teacher : You are Rory and Lorelai Gilmore?
R : Yes. And I wrecked her project. My locked got stuck.
Paris : Just stay out of this.
Teacher : Do you go by Rory or Lorelai.
R : Whatever. It's not her fault.
Teacher : I need you to pick one.
R : One what.
Teacher : One name.
R : Rory.
Teacher : Thank you. Rory, you wrecked Paris' project when?
R : Just before class.
Teacher : Very convenient.
R : No, I did. My locked got stuck
Paris : Stop it!
Teacher : Miss Gilmore, since you say you wrecked Miss Geller's project, then you may help her fix it. You have until tomorrow.
R : Fine.
Paris : No. I don't want your help!
R : But I don't mind doing it.
Paris : Just stay out of this.
R : I'm trying to help you.
Paris : Well don't!
Teacher : Ladies, enough. Miss Geller, if you don't want Miss Gilmore's help you may have until tomorrow. If it's not done, you will receive an incomplete. Is that understood?
Paris : Yes. (sits down)
Teacher : As long as you're standing, Class, we have a new student. Say hello to Rory Gilmore.
Class : Hi, Rory.
Tristin : Hello Mary.
(Rory sits down)
(Commercials)
(opening scene is the Welcome to Stars Hollow sign, Population 9,973. Scene shifts to Miss Patty next to the street and the girls in the studio, walking with books on their heads.)
Miss Patty : Walk smooth. That's the new Harry Potter on your heads. If they should drop, Harry will die, and there won't be anymore books. (sees Lorelai walking by) Now that's how you should've dressed this morning, Missy.
(Lorelai ignores her, scene shifts to Lorelai walking into Luke's diner. Luke is walking near the entrance and he has to squeeze by her to get through.)
Luke : What are you doing here?
L : See, now that's why you were voted Mr. Personality of the New Millennium. Where's your crown?
Luke : I just mean you don't usually come it at this time.
L : I have to pick up Rory from school. (Luke pours her coffee without any argument) Thank you.
Luke : You're welcome.
L : No lectures?
Luke : My blood sugar's low. I'll eat an apple and get back to you.
L : God, this has been one hectic, bizarro day for me.
Luke : Yeah?
L : Yeah. This morning with the being late. And my mother with her existing. Oh, and this father. This father from Chilton. He drove all the way from Hartford just to ask me out.
Luke : Really? Are you going? (trying to appear like he doesn't care)
L : No. He's got a kid in school with Rory. The whole thing just seemed a little weird.
Luke : Good.
L : Good?
Luke : Yeah, I think it's good that you turned him down.
L : Okay.
Luke : I mean, he's probably old, right?
L : Old?
Luke : I mean, he's got a kid in high school.
L : Well, so do I.
Luke : Yeah, but you were young when you had Rory. Most people aren't that young. Most people are..
L : Old.
Luke : Yeah.
L : Like this guy who asked me out.
Luke : But you're not going.
L : No. No, I'm not going.
(she kind of smiles a bit, thinks he likes her, her cell phone rings, he points to the sign that says no cell phones)
L : Oh, that's me. Hi Babette. What? Okay. No. No, I'll be right there. Thanks. (hangs up) Uh, I have to go. (pulls out wallet)
Luke : Keep it. I gave you decaf.
(she frowns and walks out the door)
(scene changes)
(A man and a woman holding a cat are sitting in their yard. They live right next to the Gilmores. Lorelai's jeep pulls up and she gets out)
L : Hey.
Babette : Oh, Lorelai, I'm so sorry I had to call you like this.
L : That's okay, Babette. I appreciate it.
Babette : All of a sudden, they pull up, get out of the truck, and start sniffing around. It's very strange.
L : Let me go talk to them.
(Lorelai pets cat, Man gets up and stands next to Babette)
Man : Tell her about the gnome.
Babette : They kicked a gnome.
L : What?
Babette : Right in the head.
Man : That's just not cool.
L : I'm very sorry. Is the gnome okay?
Babette: He's fine, sugar. But I wouldn't trust these boys. Gnome kicking says a lot about a man's character.
L : Yes, well, I'm gonna go take care of this. Thanks.
(she walks over to her house, men are on the porch, she goes up the steps to talk to them)
L : Hey. Um, what are you doing?
Man 1 : You live here?
L : Yeah.
Man 1 : I'm supposed to install a DSL for a Lorelai Gilmore. Is that you?
L : Yes, but..
Man 1 : I'm Mick.
L : Nice to meet you. Could you get off my porch?
Mick: I was told that you wouldn't be here, but to look for a ceramic frog with a key inside. We can't find the frog.
L : I didn't order a DSL.
Mick : The order was placed by an -- Emily Gilmore (grandmother). We would've been done by now, but the frog search put us way behind.
Man 2 : Hey, Mick, found it.
Mick : You found the frog?
Man 2 : It wasn't a frog, it was a turtle.
Mick : It says here it's a frog.
L : Turtle.
Mick : Really?
L : Trust me. I'm going to have to cancel that DSL order.
Mick : You sure? It's already paid for.
L : Yeah, I know. We don't need a DSL, so thanks for coming, and you guys can just go.
(the guys leave, Lorelai walks over to the jeep)
Babette : Is there a problem?
L : Oh, nothing Shakespeare couldn't turn into a really good play.
(Lorelai gets into jeep)
(scene changes)
(camera is on a piece of paper that says "Paris -- I am so sorry. Please let me help you." In Rory's handwriting )
Teacher : The Romanists have, with great adroitness, drawn three walls around themselves, with which they have hitherto protected themselves so that no one could reform them, whereby Christians has fallen terribly. Who said this?
(Rory gave the note to Paris, who immediately crumpled it up and threw it on the floor)
R : (sees Paris about to give the answer) Martin Luther.
Teacher : Very good, Miss Gilmore. And what year does Martin Luther address the Christian nobility?
R : (again sees Paris lean forward) 1520.
Teacher : Very good, Miss Gilmore. Until next time, class.
(Paris goes up to Rory's desk)
Paris : Stay out of my way. I will make this school a living hell for you. (Rory swallows apprehensively.)
Tristin : See you tomorrow, Mary.
Rory : The name is Rory.
(scene changes)
(camera shows a street corner, then switches to the inside of a salon where Lorelai appears to be searching for somebody.)
Stylist : Can I help you?!
L : (brushes past her) God, I wish. (knocks on her mother's hairdryer)
Grandmother : What on earth..?
L : You're not buying us a DSL.
Grandmother : Lorelai, this is hardly the place.
L : I canceled the order, and it's not happening.
Grandmother : But Rory needs the Internet for her school.
L : We have the Internet.
Grandmother : This is faster.
L : Well, we like our internet slow, okay? We can turn it on, walk around, dance, make a sandwich. With DSL, there's no dancing, no walking, and we'd starve. It'd be all work and no play. Have you not seen "The Shining", Mom?
Grandmother : What on earth are you talking about?
L : Also, there will be no cars, no parking spaces. And all the uniforms will be supplied by me. The mother. That's final. There will be no discussion.
Grandmother : You're being stubborn, as usual.
L : No, Mom, I'm not being stubborn. I'm being me! The same person who always needed to work out her own problems and take care of herself. Because that's the way I was born. That's how I am!
Grandmother : Florence, I'm dripping.
L : I appreciate what you have done for Rory in paying for this school, That will not be forgotten. You won't let it. But she is my daughter. And I decide how we live, not you. Now then, do they validate parking here?
Grandmother : There's a stamp at the desk.
L : Thank you.
(Emily looks embarrassed and dismayed. Lorelai walks out.)
(scene changes)
(It's the outside of Chilton. Lorelai is drinking coffee and waiting for Rory to come out. Rory emerges.)
L : Mm. Hey, you.
R : (drops backpack and hugs Lorelai) So, this whole plaid-skirt thing My idea?
L : My day sucked too.
R : Promise?
L : I swear on my mother's life.
R : Not yet. (doesn't want to stop hugging.)
L : Still hugging, still hugging. (smooch) So, I brought us some coffee.
R : Why, I'm shocked.
L : Triple caps, easy foam. If that doesn't work, we'll stick our fingers in a light socket. (laughs, picks up backpack) Come here. (staggers under weight) What, do they expect you to get smart all in one day?
R : Oh, they expect a lot of things.
L : So tell me.
R : I don't know. It was just one big, long, scary, tweedy, bad eight hours.
L : Add some hair spray, and you got my day.
R : One of the girls already hates me. The guys are weird.
L : Weirder than other guys?
R : Yeah, they kept calling me Mary.
L : You're kidding me. Wow, I can't believe they still say that.
R : Why? What does it mean?
L : It means like, Virgin Mary. It means they think you look like a goody-goody.
R : You're kidding.
L : No.
R : Well what would they have called me if they thought I looked like a slut?
L : Well, they might have added a Magdalene to it.
R : Wow. Biblical insults. This is an advanced school.
(they laugh, Lorelai turns over the engine)
(scene changes)
(it's night, the town is lit up by lights along the streets. Lorelai, Rory, and Lane are all walking with food in hand.)
Lane : It was so weird not having you in school today. I mean, I finally noticed some of the other kids. Let me say, they are a sad lot.
R : Yeah, well add a couple plaid skirts, and you got the Chilton freaks.
Lane : I totally miss you.
R : I miss you.
L : I have an idea. What about, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when I go into Hartford for my business class, what if Lane comes along and you guys can shop and study, and join a cult and shave your heads.
Lane : Really?
L : All except the shaving your heads part.
Lane : Oh, no. What time is it?
R : 6:30
Lane : Oh, no. I'm late for dinner.
L : Again? Lane, your mother is gonna kill me if I keep sending you home fat and happy.
Lane : I'm sorry. But she found a web site that sells Tofu in bulk.
L : Oh, you're kidding, right?
Lane : (shakes her head) Yesterday, she went out and bought a bigger fridge. (takes off her pink jacket, handing it to Rory, and shaking out her hair.)
L : Boy, honey, your life is scary.
Lane : Can I have your crust? (to Rory, pizza crust)
R : It's the least I can do.
Lane : Thanks. Bye.
R : Bye.
L : Bye. (watches her leave) A pizza for your thoughts.
R : I wish I could figure out a way to get Paris off my back.
L : Yeah, angry chicks are the worst. When I was in high school I had a Paris.
R : Yeah?
L : It was horrible.
R : How'd you get rid of her?
L : I got pregnant and dropped out.
R : What if I just learn to french braid her hair.
L : Even better. Sweetie, you can't let those kids get you down. Do you want me to talk to anybody? A parent, a teacher, a big guy named Moose?
R : I'll just figure it out for myself.
L : Okay. (sees Rory laugh) What?
R : I was just thinking about the way Paris' face looked when I beat her to that Martin Luther question.
L : Good, huh?
R: 14 shades of purple.
L : Cool.
R: Tomorrow I'm shooting for 15.
L : (they stop in front of Luke's diner) Hey, what do you think of Luke?
R : What do you mean?
L : I mean, do you think he's cute?
R: Oh, no. No way. You cannot date Luke.
L : I said nothing about dating Luke.
R : If you date him, you'll break up. And we'll never be able to eat there again.
L : I repeat, I said nothing about dating Luke.
R : Date Al from Pancake World, his food stinks.
L : I cannot believe what I'm hearing. Al's food does not stink, Al stinks.
(Luke comes out of the diner and stares after the Gilmores. Then he closes his restaurant and goes back inside.)


(Capeside High School - Dawson and Joey are walking down the hallway talking.)
Joey: Correct me if I'm wrong Dawson, but don't you already own a camera?
Dawson: A video camera, yeah.
Joey: And the difference is?
Dawson: Well, imagine Schindler's List shot on a family camcorder. Alright, I mean, it... video is a great format to learn on, but the look and the feel is strictly amateur. Film is key, and if we can find her we can give it another spin.
Joey: "Her"?
(They enter a room, not noticing Nikki, who is messing with a film camera.)
Dawson: The Aeroflex. Capeside High's one and only 16mm camera.
Nikki: She is a beauty, Dawson.
Dawson: Nikki! Hey, what are you doing here?
Nikki: Extra credit for joining this film class. Plus, I get to be near all the equipment.
Dawson: Ah, how very earnest of you.
Nikki: Joey, right?
Joey: Right. Hey. I heard wonderful things about your film.
Nikki: Really? From who?
Dawson: Um, speaking of equipment, hand her over.
Nikki: Sorry, Dawson, she's checked out.
Dawson: That's highly unlikely...
Nikki: Yet completely true.
Dawson: Well, how long has it been checked out for?
Nikki: About seven days.
Dawson: Then it's due back today.
Nikki: Nope. She's checked out for the next four weeks straight.
Dawson: There's a one week maximum.
Nikki: I cleared it with Mr Jordan.
Dawson: You did.
Nikki: Hmm-mmm.
Dawson: You checked out the camera?
Nikki: Me checked out the camera, yes.
Dawson: Well, there's a project I want to start working on.
Nikki: There's a project that I AM working on.
Dawson: OK. Well then when can I have the camera back, exactly?
Nikki: When I'm done.
Dawson: And when will that be?
Nikki: (rolling the camera out the door) Filmmaking is not fast food, Dawson. You can't rush it.
(Commercial break. Grocery Store - Jack and Jen push a cart through the store, tossing items in as they walk down the aisle.)
Jen: Wait a minute. Three boxes of cereal, Jack? You're gonna need an explanation before you put those in the cart.
Jack: OK, fine. First, we have our Grape Nuts; combination of taste and sufficient nutrients to make the perfect day-starter. (tossing it in the cart) From there we move onto the premier afternoon snack. The, well, underrated, but, uh, ever-tasty, Cocoa Pebbles. (tossing it in the cart) And then, we round out the, uh, cereal lovers perfect day with a yummy, late-night staple... Captain Crunch! (tossing last box in)
Jen: (removing the last two boxes) If there was ever a concern that you are not Andie McPhee's brother, it's been solved.
Jack: Whoa! What are you...? Come on!
Jen: You're a good man, Jackie Brown, but as a grocery shopper, you blow. I'm afraid I must leave you with the Grape Nuts.
Jack: Fascist.
Jen: (walking off to return the cereal) Pig.
Ethan: (walking up) At least you fought the good fight. Hey Jack.
Jack: Uh, Ethan. From the... from the train Ethan.
Ethan: I prefer just plain Ethan.
Jack: Wow, uh, what are you doing here?
Ethan: Food shopping. I hear it's pretty standard in one of these places.
Jack: Uh, I meant, I thought you were going back to school last weekend?
Ethan: I did. I came back for Capefest.
Jack: Oh. Uh... what is that, I mean, is... is it like a, uh, a feed the poor type of thing?
Ethan: Which one of us lives here year 'round? It's a concert. A free concert in the park.
Jack: Oh, OK, so it's like a Lala Palooza type deal?
Ethan: Moshing, stage diving, overpriced bottled water. Anyway, umm, there's a camp site outside the concert where everyone hangs out. I'm going down to get a spot tomorrow.
Jack: Oh, well cool, that sounds like a blast.
Ethan: Well if you're a fan, you should come.
Jack: Uh, yeah, I'm a total fan.
Ethan: Telltale fan quiz: Who's your favourite Foo Fighter?
Jack: Courtney Love.
Ethan: You're in the alternative nation, just not quite in the right zipcode. (seeing Jack's dissapointment) You should come anyway.
(As Ethan leaves, Jen walks up.)
Jen: Cute!
Jack: Yeah.
Jen: Aren't they all.
(Capeside High school - Andie walks up to a teacher who is closing up his classroom.)
Andie: Excuse me, Mr. Broderick, can I speak with you for a minute?
Mr Broderick: (rudely) And you are?
Andie: Andie McPhee.
Mr Broderick: And you want to waste my time about?
Andie: The school play.
Mr Broderick: I see. Auditions are after school, so if you don't mind...
Andie: No, but if you can just give me a minute...
Mr Broderick: I am not auditioning at this time, comprende? I am eating lunch. I assume you eat lunch on your planet, do you not?
Andie: But I'm not here to audition.
Mr Broderick: I know, you want to star in the show.
Andie: (showing him the play flyer) Assistant Director.
Mr Broderick: I'm very familiar with the scenario.
Andie: Look, Mr Broderick, I want to be Assistant Director. I'm smart, bossy, and super efficient. And the truth is, you need me.
Mr Broderick: Why didn't you just say so?
(Leery Residence - Dawson and Joey walk into the house.)
Dawson: (acting like Nikki) Filmmaking is not fast food, Dawson.
Joey: She's entitled to the equipment too.
Dawson: Look, if you check out a camera, you return the camera in a timely fashion, that's all I'm asking.
(Joey follows Dawson into a family room empty of furniture. Gale is there picking up a box.)
Dawson: Uh, mom? What's going on?
Gale: Hey. Uh, look, honey, I'm going to be taking some furniture over to my place.
Dawson: Oh, OK.
Gale: Just from the family room and the guest room. It's part of the settlement. I asked your dad not to say anything because I wanted to explain myself.
Dawson: Mom, you don't have to explain yourself, that's how it works.
Gale: I need you to keep being as positive as you can be about this, honey. It's going to make it so much easier on all of us.
Dawson: Well, I aim to please.
Gale: Thank you for understanding.
(Gale walks off with the box. Joey looks at Dawson, knowing he's very affected by this.)
Joey: Do you want to talk?
Dawson: (shrugs) What's there to say?
Joey: About what you're feeling.
Dawson: I'm thinking my parents are divorced and I'm glad it's finally over.
Joey: Dawson, I said what you're feeling.
Dawson: (walking away) I'm still working on that one.
(Cape Fest - Jack and Jen are carrying their stuff, looking for a spot to camp out. Actually, Jack is just looking for Ethan.)
Jack: This is gonna be great, I mean, sleeping out under the stars, fresh breeze off the ocean, call of the wild...
Jen: It's the call of nature I'm worried about. Jack, where are the chemical toilets?
Jack: I dunno. What do you say we set up here?
Jen: God, I thought I'd go to extreme measures to get into some guy's pants.
Jack: Whoa, whoa, whoa, I am not trying to get into his pants. For crying out loud, this is the first gay guy that I've actually conversed with, excuse me for wanting to get to know him.
Jen: Jack, I know. Just be aware that you're venturing into new territory here. And that before you take this great big emotional leap, Jack, you should be willing to admit that you're taking it. Don't just try and brush it off as simply wanting to get to know somebody.
Jack: I'm telling you, it's all it is.
Jen: OK. Even still, take my advice - play it cool. Let him come to you.
Jack: I think I'm gonna see if I can find him.
(He walks off, leaving Jen with all the equipment.) (Capeside High Auditorium - The audtions have started, and quite frankly, they are terrible. Mr. Broderick and Andie make faces as the camera goes through various people reading lines off the script.)
Student 1: (passionately) Okay Cory, maybe you're right, maybe love isn't enough, maybe two people should have to take more than a blood test...
Student 2: (monotone) ...maybe love isn't enough...
Student 3: Okay Cory, maybe you're right, maybe love isn't enough... Student 1: (passionately)...maybe two people should have to take more than a blood test, maybe they should be checked for common sense...
Student 2: ...maybe they should be checked for common...
Student 3: ...common sense, understanding...
Student 1: ...maybe they should be checked for common sense, understanding, and emotional maturity.
Student 4: (this one isn't nearly bad as the rest) Okay Cory, maybe you're right, maybe love isn't enough, maybe two people should have to take more than a blood test, maybe they should be checked for common sense, understanding and emotional maturity.
Andie: (to Mr. Broderick) I like him. What do you think?
Mr Broderick: I think I'm getting a migraine.
Andie: I think he's got a certain dramatic flair.
Mr Broderick: I've got someone else in mind.
Andie: Who 'someone else'? We are out of someone else's.
Mr Broderick: Granted, the boy I know is a deplorable student and he has the ethics of a billy goat.
Andie: We've already cast our Cory and Valasgo, please don't let our only Paul slip away.
Mr Broderick: Have no fear, Miss McPhee. I cut a deal with one of my students. The kid is a natural with comedy.
Andie: Okay, Mr Broderick, if I may be so bold. From my limited perspective, I see but two kinds of actors - those with talent... and those with the ability to expand on that talent. Which requires maturity, which requires a sense of responsibility, which requires the ability to come both prepared and on time.
Pacey: Hey you guys, I'm sorry I'm late. I'm here to read for the role of Paul. Pacey Witter.
Mr Broderick: That's him, that's our Paul.
(Andie has this, 'you gotta be kidding' look on her face. Nikki's House - she is sitting on a porch swing reading when Dawson walks up.)
Nikki: Dawson, tell me this isn't an attempt to repossess the camera.
Dawson: I just want to reiterate something.
Nikki: Reiterate away.
Dawson: Okay, I get this little ego trip. I know you're the principal's daughter, but that does not give you the right to be selfish or rude...
Nikki: Dawson. I didn't know you wanted to use the camera. But... you're just gonna have to get used to it.
Principal Greene: I thought I heard a familiar sounding voice. If it isn't my second favourite student filmmaker. How are you, Dawson?
Dawson: Principal Greene. Good.
Principal Greene: So I understand you and Nikki have become fast friends.
Dawson: Yeah, yeah.
Principal Greene: I had a feeling you two would hit it off. Hey listen, why don't you stay and join us for supper?
Dawson: I couldn't, I gotta...
Nikki: Oh, Daddy, I'm sure Dawson has other plans.
Principal Greene: Now wait a minute. As your father and as your principal, I think I'm gonna have to pull rank here. Besides, how often do I get a chance to have a nice meal with one of my students? And I promise not to talk too much about my lovely little daughter. Come on.
(Dawson follows the two inside. Cape Fest - Jack is looking for Ethan.)
Ethan: (up in a tree, what is now a hippy?) Hey there. So you decided to show.
Jack: One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
Ethan: You here by yourself, or with?
Jack: Um, with... a girl. She's, uh, a friend of mine. She's setting up our tent. What about you?
Ethan: All by my lonesome.
Jack: Umm, ah...
Ethan: So, you want to go grab a bite to eat, take a walk, what?
Jack: Yeah. Uh, to both. Whatever.
Ethan: Come on, I'll lead the way.
(Scene cuts to Jack and Ethan walking on the beach talking.)
Ethan: After the train ride I thought for sure you'd ask for my number.
Jack: Yeah well, typical paranoia set in. Hey, what can I say?
Ethan: I figured as much.
Jack: How come you didn't ask for mine?
Ethan: Because I could. It's more important that you learn to ask. You're the newbie, remember?
Jack: Yeah, newbie. Barely 'outed' gay kid soon to have his heart broken, right?
Ethan: Good recall!
Jack: Well there's not much I'm gonna forget about that conversation, it was a first for me.
Ethan: It was your first time talking to another gay kid?
Jack: Yeah, well, unless you count the Internet.
Ethan: I... I don't.
(Cape Fest - Jen is wrestling with the tent when a kid walks by eating a burger. Jen looks hungrily at him.)
Jen: Hey man, where'd you get that?
Guy: (pointing behind him) Over there. This guy's like a genius with a veggie burger.
(Jack walks up to a crowd of people, someone yelling "Veggie burgers! Get 'em while they're hot!". As the crowd parts, Henry is seen behind a BBQ grill, making burgers. He doesn't notice Jen.)
Henry: (not looking up) You want your bun toasted?
Jen: I thought you'd never ask.
(Hearing Jen's voice, he looks up at her.)
Jen: Hey. Henry: (softly) Hey.
Jen: It's quite a crowd you have here.
Henry: Listen, I... I really don't have time for small talk at the moment. Did... did you want a burger, or not?
Jen: Yes. (pause) You know, I was wondering if you could give me a hand with my tent. I was never much of a girl scout.
(Jen smiles at him, but Henry doesn't return one.)
Henry: Stanley? Take over here for a minute, will you?
(He follows Jen as she walks back to her tent.)
Jen: So you never told me you were a vegetarian.
Henry: You never asked.
Jen: Do I detect a note of ambivalence in seeing me?
Henry: That would be correct.
Jen: Any particular reason?
Henry: You... you mean besides the fact that you led me on for the sole purpose of crushing me underfoot?
Jen: That's not true Henry, and you know it.
Henry: Well, you could have fooled me.
Jen: What are you talking about?
Henry: Don't tell me that you're not taking some small satisfaction in...
Jen: In what?
Henry: Being on the requited side of unrequited love.
Jen: Henry, I thought that you and I agreed to be friends?
Henry: Friends? You haven't even noticed, have you?
Jen: What? Noticed what...
Henry: That we haven't even spoken in over a month. For the past four weeks I've been giving you the silent treatment, and it hasn't even registered on your radar screen. Hell, I could have fallen off a cliff ten thousand feet for all you care...
Jen: That's not true... Henry: You know what? You can put up your own damned tent.
(Henry walks off, leaving Jen quite confused. Principal Green's House - the three are sitting at the table eating.)
Principal Greene: Dawson, you're looking at possibly the only little girl in America who wanted a super eight camera for her tenth birthday. Nikki, should I tell him the name of your first cinematic achievement?
Nikki: Oh, don't you dare!
Principal Greene: 'A Day in the Life of Daddy'. She followed we around all day long.
Nikki: James Cameron of third grade.
Principal Greene: So tell me, has she enlisted your for her new film?
Dawson: Uh, no, she hasn't. I don't even know what it's about.
Nikki: That's between me and my crew.
Dawson: So in order to bask in the glory of this mind-bending idea of yours, I have to offer my services?
Nikki: Is that an offer?
Dawson: Are you asking for my help?
Nikki: I don't need any help, Dawson.
Principal Greene: I think it would be a great idea for you two to work together.
Nikki: Forget it.
Dawson: I don't think that...
Principal Greene: Sorry I mentioned it.
Dawson: Yep.
(Cape Fest - Jack and Ethan are walking off the beach back into the camp sites.)
Jack: You knew that young you were attracted to men?
Ethan: No, I knew that young that I was different. Being gay isn't about what s*x you're attracted to, it forms so much of what and who you are.
Jack: You lost me.
Ethan: I'll make it simple. You haven't talked to another gay kid, so you definitely haven't kissed one, right?
Jack: No.
Ethan: But you still know you're gay.
Jack: Sure.
Ethan: How?
Jack: I just know, I guess.
Ethan: Everyone always wants to define gay and straight by who you sleep with. It's not about that. It... it's about moments, it's about being too nervous to ask for my number. It's about conversations like this, alright? It's about who and what you love, and that's why you can't erase it, because it's not just a part of your life... it's everywhere. (look at his camp site) Unlike my stuff.
Jack: What?
Ethan: My camping gear. It's gone.
(Capeside High Hallway- They both come around different corners, about to walk up the stairs.)
Pacey: Well, after you.
Andie: I want you to quit.
Pacey: Listen, he saw my potential, okay?
Andie: No, no, no, no, no. This was my after school activity.
Pacey: But I'm the lead in the play.
Andie: I want you to quit!
Pacey: Listen, the guy said he'd give me a C in English, what do you want?
Andie: Oh, and that's what it's come to? Anything for a C? What's happened to you?
Pacey: OK. Not that any of this is your concern, but Mr Broderick says he thinks I might actually be good at this and so do I.
Andie: OK, listen. Mr Broderick may be a lousy English teacher, but as a theatre director, he is probing new lows, Pacey. Rumour has it that he has botched every school play for the past five years. And, it's only been by sheer force of will that the past student theatre geeks have managed to sandbag his bi-hourly nervous breakdowns.
Pacey: So what's your point?
Andie: My point is, I got into this to get over you, okay? To give myself a new focus, and instead your presence is giving me perpetual myopia.
Pacey: What? We haven't even done one rehearsal yet. You want me to throw my whole theatre career to the wind?
Andie: Ooh. OK, listen, Sir Barrymore, our director is irrational. And your lack of ability, though not apparent to him yet, is enough to send him over the proverbial edge, and me with him.
Pacey: Fine. You quit then.
Andie: I most certainly will not...
Pacey: I'm not going to quit. Witter's aren't quitters.
Andie: Oh, oh that's really cute. You know what? Fine, just... don't.
Pacey: Fine. I won't. (Principal Green's house - Dawson enters Nikki's bedroom to get his coat, but then stops to notice the decor. Nikki enters.)
Nikki: Dawson?
Dawson: Hey. I must say, film-geekdom is definitely not evident in your bedroom decor.
Nikki: Your room, let me guess? Wall-to-wall Spielberg film sheets?
Dawson: Ahhh, yeah. More or less a shrine.
Nikki: I figured as much.
Dawson: You say that like it's a bad thing.
Nikki: Oh, it's not, it's just... there's so much to be passionate about, it seems kind of silly to focus on just one.
Dawson: Yeah, but if you're lucky enough to find that one thing, why not immerse yourself in it?
Nikki: Don't get me wrong, Dawson, I love film. But I love it because it allows me to explore all of the other subjects that interest me. If all you care about is film, then you're just going to end up making movies about other movies. What good is that? I'm really sorry about my father. Um, ever since the divorce, he does this really aggressive thing when it comes to me making friends. It's so weird. But, you know, I try to cut him some slack.
Dawson: So, so you're cool with it? The... the divorce?
Nikki: Ummm, constant shuttling between living quarters? The continually veiled and not so veiled comments my parents make about each other? The, umm, never-ending expectation that I look on the bright side of things? Oh, sure, I'm just dandy.
Dawson: That's the oddest thing. I mean, judging from how well put-together you come off, I would have just assumed that you were not affected by it all.
Nikki: It's a well crafted disguise, Dawson. Inside, I'm just another angry kid.
Dawson: How angry?
Nikki: Angry enough to make a film about it.
Dawson: So that's what your movie's about?
Nikki: More or less. It's about the, ummm, "American Family". What makes them functional, or as more often seems to be the case, dysfunctional.
Dawson: That should provide you with a healthy supply of material there.
Nikki: What about you? Your parents are divorced. How do you feel about it?
Dawson: Ummm...
Nikki: I, ummm, I didn't mean to probe. I'm sorry.
Dawson: No, no. I mean, you... you were honest with me, right? Ummm, truth is, most of the time I'm fine with them not being together. You know, I mean, maybe I'm just... self-obsessed, but I... I just don't think about it that much, you know? And then, ummm, other times it... it just kinda sneaks up on you, you know? I mean, it's... like a disappointment of being the product of something that didn't work out. Because that's what our parents are. They're our... our primary examples of love, and... in my example it just wasn't I guess, strong enough to... Umm... (he stands to leave)
Nikki: Dawson?
Dawson: Yeah, I should keep going. Ummm, tell you dad thanks.
[SCENE_BREAK]
(Cape Fest - Jen sits on the tent which she obviously had no success with. Jack walks up.)
Jen: Oh, Jack, thank God you're back from your stalk... walk. You're never going to guess who I ran into here of all... (she sees Ethan behind Jack) Hi.
Ethan: Hello.
Jack: Ethan, Jen. Jen, Ethan.
Jen: Nice to meet you.
Ethan: It's nice to meet you. Looks like you could use a little help with this tent.
Jen: Yes. Please. Relieve me of all of my feminist delusions about the equality of the sexes concerning spatial relations.
Jack: Uh, listen (he pulls Jen off a bit, out of hearing range of Ethan) All of his stuff got stolen, okay, all his gear. So, uhh, he needs a place to stay tonight.
Jen: And you, being the kind-hearted soul that you are, offered him a spot in our tent.
Jack: Yeah, so could you, uhhh, go take a walk for a couple of hours? Come back around, say, midnight?
Jen: You're kidding me?
Jack: No. Go mix, mingle. Write a few letters for Amnesty International. You'll probably make a lot of nice new friends.
Jen: You know what, I got a better idea. How about me and the car, we go back to Grams' house and we pick you up in the morning? Besides Jack, I thought that you two were just getting to know each other.
Jack: Hmm-mm.
(Disgusted, Jen walks off. Suddenly she hears music and she walks over to a camp fire where people are listening to someone play the guitar. Jen finally realizes it's Henry.)
Henry: (singing)
Well we busted out of class. had to get away from those feelings, we learned more from a three-minute record, baby, than we ever learned in school Tonight I hear the neighbourhood drummer sound, I can feel my heart begin to pound, you say you're tired and you just want to close your eyes, and follow your dreams down
(chorus)
well we made a promise we swore we'd always remember no retreat, baby, no retreat
(Jen watches with a smile on her face. Capeside High Auditorium - Play rehearsal has begun. Pacey is sitting at a table, opposite another actress.)
Pacey: (reading script very monotone) It's not that kind of club. It's a locker room and a hand-ball court, and to sleep there I'd have to keep winning the serve...
Mr Broderick: No, stop, right there. Pacey, in theory your character may deliver his lines like that, but in concept, no.
Pacey: In concept, no?
Mr Broderick: Yes.
Pacey: Well, what precisely is the difference between 'in theory; and 'in concept'?
Andie: Well, I think what Mr Broderick means is...
Mr Broderick: What Mr Broderick means is that he can speak for himself. You see, Paul desires his young bride to know she knows nothing of the real world.
Pacey: Right. Which practically speaking, means what?
Mr Broderick: Louder, and angrier.
Pacey: Louder and angrier?
Mr Broderick: Yes. Let's do it again, right now. Louder, and angrier.
Pacey: (yelling, very angry, totally not right) It's not that kind of club! It's a handball court with a locker room, and to stay there I'd have to keep winning the serve!
Mr Broderick: Good. I liked it.
Pacey: (surprised) You liked that?
Mr Broderick: Well, except for the hand stuff. (to Pacey) You were gesticulating.
Pacey: (Pacey leans back in his chair with his feet up on the table) Whoa, hey, gesticulating? Me, never. I mean, sometimes in the privacy of my own home...
Andie: Wh.. wait, Pacey. That, just now, that's it. You nailed it.
Pacey: What 'just now'?
Andie: The joke. The dry, smug delivery. That's the character.
Mr Broderick: Wha... Miss McPhee? Am I, or am I not the director here? You're confusing my actors.
Andie: Well, I just thought that...
Mr Broderick: Don't think. Ever. (to the actors) Let's do it again. Louder, and angrier.
Pacey: (extremely angry and pounding the table) It's not that kind of club! It's a hand-ball court with a locker room attached to it, and to stay there I'd have to keep winning the serve!
(Cape Fest - Jack and Ethan stand outside the finally put up tent.)
Ethan: This is really cool of you guys. I... you're sure Jen's not going to mind if I take her sleeping bag?
Jack: Definitely not. She's, uh, she's a bit of a night owl.
Ethan: Old girlfriend?
Jack: Nah, not exactly. (they go inside the tent) But we did get set-up once.
Ethan: Let me guess? School dance?
Jack: Yeah. How'd you know?
Ethan: The punchbowl, wrist corsage, all the trappings of straight-dom. Until you realise you both like boys. Oldest story in the world.
(Ethan gets into Jen's sleeping bag.)
Ethan: Well, goodnight.
Jack: (disappointed) Ah, goodnight.
Ethan: (looking at the lantern) Aren't you going to turn off the light?
Jack: Look, I... I was thinking, maybe, um, you know, we could talk... some more.
Ethan: You know what? I'm really beat. We got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Twenty bands starting at daybreak.
(Jack, still disappointed, turns the light off and lays his head down. Outside, Jen walks over to Henry who is packing his guitar up.)
Jen: Hey. Ummm, that was really beautiful. I mean, that was more than beautiful, it was... it was awesome.
Henry: Whatever.
Jen: I didn't know that you could sing?
Henry: I thought we established that there's a lot you don't know about me. (walking off)
Jen: Henry, Henry wait up for me.
Henry: Why?
Jen: Because I wanted to talk to you.
Henry: Look, you can't... you can't keep doing this to me.
Jen: Doing what?
Henry: Trying to be my friend and then pushing me away wh... when my feelings scare you.
Jen: OK, I admit it. I miss you. I miss the goofy way that you used to look at me with all that passion and intensity. It made me feel that I was actually worth the fuss.
Henry: You know, I used to spend every day thinking about you, and dreaming about you. And every time you walked by, I lost myself. Do you know what that feels like? Do you?
Jen: No.
Henry: Then you couldn't possibly know what it feels like to have that person not have the same feelings back. Look, I'm sorry you miss how I looked at you. But I don't miss how you never looked at me.
(He walks off, leaving Jen there alone. Dawson's Bedroom - He is taking his posters down when Joey enters through the window.)
Joey: Have I stepped into some parallel universe? Say it isn't so, Dawson.
Dawson: It's very so, Jo.
Joey: Is this about your parents?
Dawson: Truth me told... I don't know what it's about. All I know, is I was at Nikki's house today and we were talking, and it hit me. The kid who hung these posters up... I'm not him any more. I don't see the world the same way. My viewpoint was so limited, and now I... I don't know what I see, but I don't see this.
Joey: So you were at Nikki's house? Your worst enemy?
Dawson: Hey, she's not my worst enemy. Have you missed everything that I've just told you?
Joey: I never thought that I'd say this about you Dawson, but, you're such a sell out.
Dawson: What?
Joey: I mean, first Eve practically tugs you around town by a dog collar, and now this new film girl breezes into town and you're tossing your identity out the window.
Dawson: I'm not tossing my identity out the window. If anything, for the first time in my life, I'm actually getting closer to discovering what my identity is, alright? I talked to Nikki; she helped me sort through all the crap with my parents.
Joey: Dawson, I wanted to talk to you about that and you didn't want to talk.
Dawson: No, I didn't. How did this become all about you?
Joey: Because you ran to her!
Dawson: (yelling) I did not!
Joey: (yelling also) What did you do then?
Dawson: Look, you want to site this for a friendship, try this on for size, Joey? Every time I express one iota of interest, or even respect, for anyone else of the opposite s*x, you attack me like I'm some sort of criminal.
Joey: And you don't attack me?
Dawson: No, I don't. As you've noticed, I have not once asked about Mr. Ivy League.
Joey: Yeah, that's noted. His name is A.J, okay? And maybe you're not asking about him is worse than my attacking you, okay?
Dawson: No, it's not. My choice is civil.
Joey: And I'm not civil?
Dawson: No, you're yelling. That's not civil.
Joey: You're yelling too!
(Dawson realises he is and stops.)
Joey: Out with the old, in with the new, huh? Have fun.
(Joey crawls out the window and Dawson goes over and slams it shut. Cape Fest - the following day, Jack and Ethan climb out of the tent.)
Jack: Well, I'm gonna go grab some breakfast before the music starts.
Ethan: Thanks again for letting me crash here.
Jack: Sure.
Ethan: Aren't you forgetting something you're supposed to ask me for?
Jack: I don't think so.
Ethan: My number, Jack. You know, so you can call me sometime, we can talk, get together.
Jack: I don't get this. I mean, last night, you didn't seem interested enough to want to talk to me, and now all of a sudden you want me to have your number?
Ethan: I was tired. I wanted to sleep. That's got nothing to do with us being friends.
Jack: Friends?
Ethan: I figured you were probably interested.
Jack: You're not?
Ethan: Even if I was, I would never go there with you, you're so not ready.
Jack: How could you possibly know what I'm ready for?
Ethan: It doesn't mean that I'm not interested in you, Jack. It just means that if I'm gonna stay in your life, and I want to, then I'm a lot more likely to stick around this way.
Jack: So, you are interested?
Ethan: (smiles) No comment.
Jack: Wow, this is, uh, this is sort of funny. I mean, as much as I didn't want to admit it, you were the first guy that I was ready to take that... that next step with, and you said no. I guess I should be somewhat discouraged. I don't know, I mean, I keeps me really optimistic just to know that there's someone like you out there.
(Ethan writes his number on a pad.)
Ethan: (giving Jack the pad) Take care, Jack.
(Capeside High Auditorium - All the actors sit around, waiting for the director.)
Girl: I had a date. I ditched a perfectly good date for a non-rehearsal.
Andie: Okay, be patient. He'll show.
Guy: Oh, joy, then we can do more "louder, angrier!"
Pacey: Well, why not just start without the grand poo-bah? I mean, Andie's here, she can direct us.
Andie: How about not. I've been in the dungeon enough, thank you.
Pacey: What? All we're gonna do is run through a few lines. Besides, wasn't it you who said this is actually your after-school activity? Hmm?
Andie: Okay, fine. Pacey, do your dead-pan thing. Cory, when the phone rings I want you to do just like the stage directions, you know, confidential, umm, laughing at times, provocative, okay? Okay, on my direction. Okay. And... begin.
(Cape Fest - Jen walks around when she notices Henry drinking coffee on the back of a truck bed.)
Henry: (pointing) The stage is over there. You lost or something?
Jen: Kinda. Actually, I came here to apologise.
Henry: For what?
Jen: For being callous with your heart. For thinking that just because I'm older, I knew better. Last night, I stayed up all night thinking about what you said, and... you're right. I don't know what it's like to be in love like that. I don't know what it's like to completely lose yourself in somebody else. But I'd like to. And if one of us is younger than the other here, I don't think that it's you, Henry. Henry: You got that right. Now... (holding up the coffee pot) how do you like your coffee?
(Capeside High Auditorium - Rehearsel is still going on. Everything looks clean and well acted.)
Girl/Cory: You can't say that we didn't try.
Pacey/Paul: Yeah, almost two whole weeks.
Girl/Cory: It's better than finding out in two years.
(Mr. Broderick, who is standing at the back, begins clapping.) Mr Broderick: I like it. I like where this is going.
Pacey: Yeah, we started running it with Andie, and...
Mr Broderick: All those exercises I've been throwing out at you to stretch you range, they're paying off beautifully.
Girl/Cory: Mr Broderick, we ran through those with Andie...
Mr Broderick: I like the pacing, I like the funny, I like the energy. Andie, get me the set designs, would you please.
Pacey: I'm telling you, all those things were Andie's ideas.
Mr Broderick: Yes, sir. I mean, I... I was beginning to doubt myself there for a moment, but you guys are definitely in the groove. The rest is just grunt work, memorisation, pacing... the easy stuff.
(He looks at the designs that Andie has returned with.)
Mr Broderick: Andie, these aren't the set designs that we discussed.
Andie: They are. I told Lauren you wanted a completely simplistic set. Freestanding doorways, hanging windows, and minimal props.
Mr Broderick: Well then I changed my mind, didn't I? I mean, the... the actors will send this stuff flying around like a trapeze.
Andie: No, no, no, Mr Broderick, we don't...
Mr Broderick: Andie, don't argue, just follow orders. (to the actors) Alright. Let's run the scene again. Same way, no changes.
(Andie walks off, slamming the designs on a table before exiting the theatre. Pacey follows her.)
Pacey: Andie, you can't leave like this, alright? You said yourself that this guy thinks he's God's gift. He's just terrified that someone's going to find out that that he's not.
Andie: No, I can't work under these conditions, okay, it's hard enough as it is.
Pacey: Okay, alright, if it's hard, I'll quit.
Andie: You can't do that. I mean, you're... you're actually good.
Pacey: (smiles) Thank you. But the fact still remains that you're better, alright? We need you in there even if that guy's a jerk. You gotta stick it out. I mean, I need you, McPhee.
Andie: What am I supposed to do? Resume kissing his ass?
Pacey: Yeah, basically.
Andie: Well, is he going to stay out of my way?
Pacey: Who Broderick? You're talking crazy talk, he'd never do anything like that. It'd be too easy.
Andie: Alright then, what's in it for me?
Pacey: Well that depends. I mean, are we talking in concept or in theory?
(She smiles at him.)
Pacey: Alright, what's the verdict, yes or no?
Andie: I thiiinnnkkkk... no.
Pacey: Alright, good. I mean, you know actually, that's kinda what I expected you to say, so, um (he walks up the stairs) I'll see you at rehearsal then.
Andie: What? No, Pacey, I said no.
Pacey: I'm sorry, what did you... I can't hear you. It's good to hear you're so fired up about this project.
Andie: Pacey, I said no.
Pacey: ...it's good.
Andie: Oh, Pacey, I said no.
(Cape Fest - Jen and Jack are in final stages of packing the tent up.)
Jen: So all your efforts to secure some major scam time with the new beau backfired?
Jack: Yeah, well, it turns out that the gay version of the 'let's be friends' speech is basically the same as the straight version.
Jen: Hmm. So would that mean that the part when you were rude and insensitive, and sent me off into the cold dark night unescorted... that was all for nothing?
Jack: 'Rude' is such a... a strong word. I... I prefer something more like, uh, momentarily self-involved?
Jen: Now that does have a certain ring to it.
Jack: Am I forgiven?
Jen: Yes, Jack, you are forgiven. You know, it's a happy turning point in a girls life when her gay best friend finally dumps her for another boy. They should make some sort of greeting card for that.
Jack: Wh... hold on, what happened?
Jen: What?
Jack: You're good attitude. I mean, you're wigging me out here. Explain. What did I miss?
Jen: Well, remember when you sent me off into the night and told me to make new friends?
Jack: Yes! I thought we already established that was not my finest hour.
Jen: I know. Well, let's just say that... that while I was wondering around I may have... inadvertently stumbled upon somebody.
Jack: A, uhh... friend?
Jen: Yep.
Jack: Anyone I know?
Jen: Yeah. Yeah, most definitely someone that you know.
Jack: Well who is it?
Jen: I'm not telling.
Jack: Who is it?
Jen: Uh-uh.
(Jack tickles Jen, trying to force it out of her.)
Jen: You're not getting it out of me!
(Dawson's Bedroom - Dawson lays on his bed when a knock is heard at the window.)
Joey: Do I still have ladder privileges?
Dawson: I suppose so.
(Joey climbs inside holding a rolled up sheet.)
Joey: I come bearing gifts.
(She unrolls the poster. It is a John Lennon "Imagine" poster.)
Joey: Do you remember? Do you remember that summer we came across a pile of Mitch and Gale's old Beatles albums, and listened to them on the porch everyday for hours?
Dawson: Grams kept on yelling for us to turn down that hippy music.
Joey: Yeah... and you wanted to be John Lennon. You wanted to write songs and change the world with your music.
Dawson: I did?
Joey: You did. You weren't just about Spielberg. You weren't limited. You... you were about so many things. I just wanted to remind you of that.(hands the poster to Dawson) I also wanted to remind you that, even though sometimes my emotions, particularly jealousy, uhh, sometimes get the best of me, I still hear you. No matter how much we yell, or, no matter how quiet you are. I hear you, Dawson.
Dawson: I hear you too, Joey.
Joey: Listen, I know what's going inside of you is huge. It's okay if you don't share it with me. Just promise me you'll keep trying to share it with someone?
Dawson: (gesturing the poster) Do you want to give me a hand?
(They both climb on the bed and hang it up.)
Dawson: Hmm. So what do you think? You think John here will inspire me to walk my own path?
Joey: You've always walked your own path, Dawson. You just needed to widen it a little. And be on the look out for your Yoko.