Before The Finale II: Backhand

SCENE ONE:

At home, dining room.

"I've been trying to reach

you all night.  Are you still

joining us at the dance hall?"

[ Syria places her phone down

getting up to prepare some

breakfast.  Kneeling at the

fridge, she almost jumps

with the noise of Sandie's

response. ]

"We'll be there sorry.  I do

appreciate the invite.  No

worries my friend. :]"

[ Not able to help herself, Syria

rolls her eyes at the misplaced

intent. ]

"I saw that look.  Who is it for?"

[ Hahn walks in to the kitchen,

facing her across the island. ]

SYRIA: It's nothing of concern.

Where are you off to dear?

HAHN: Charles asked me to go

running again. Something 

about having a lot more

energy nowadays, I don't 

know.

SYRIA:  Okay.  Just don't

wear yourself out before

we get to shake it.

[ Hahn smiles, kissing her. ]

HAHN: Everyone is going to

be surprised.  This night

is all about me, you, and

our seductive moves.

[ He pouts his lips & spreads

out his arms causing Syria to

nearly choke on her juice. ]

SCENE TWO:
Outside the workout center.

[ Finishing their run, Kyle grabs
Caleb's arm.  Dousing him with
water as they sit down. ]

CALEB: Is this how you treat all
your clients?

[ Kyle looks at him, thinking it
over. ]

KYLE: Yeah man, pretty much.  I
mean normally when you're here.
You're quiet, kind of brooding and
lately this.  I thought I'd take
advantage.

CALEB: Well thanks. It's been three
months since I had that break-
down.  I've obviously changed a
lot but I feel like my friends
don't see it.
KYLE: I get it.  They will though
and in the meantime just focus
on you like you have been
doing.

[ Suddenly Caleb grabs his stomach.
Turning over in pain. ]

CALEB: Hey I need to go out to
my car real quick.

KYLE: Sure.  I can take my free
hour now.  

[ Caleb heads to the lot, not expecting
his trainer to follow him. ]

SCENE THREE: 

Later that night.

[ After dining; Syria, Hahn,

and Trikl are waiting for

the dances to begin. ]

"Is that your real name?"

TRIKL: Yes.  Like the rain.

[ He tries to charm, leaving

Hahn uneasy. ]

SYRIA: Interesting.  So what

is it that you do?

TRIKL: I run a repair shop.

SYRIA: Hahn's good friend

works on cars some times.

TRIKL: Maybe I know him.

HAHN: You don't.  I think I

heard something about a

last call.  Maybe you should

find Sandie.

[ Syria leaves with her eye on

him while Hahn stands near

Trikl.

In the next room, Sandie is

walking slowly through a line

of dangling, crystal chandeliers. ]

[ She starts to run as row after

row flickers off above her head.

Faster & faster until she eventually

tumbles onto the floor, breathing

heavily.  

As she lays there laughing, Syria

comes into view. ]

"What are you doing? This room is

off limits."

[ She gets serious.  Following Syria

out. ]

SCENE FOUR:
Earlier inside Caleb's car.

"Is that really what helps you.

What about medicine?"

[ Caleb exhales, coughing a
little. ]

CALEB: I've been on countless
ones and they're all a joke.
I manage my symptons better
on my own.

KYLE: You know what if it's
working.  Then it's whatever
to me.  It's not the worst
thing you could be doing.

You seem like a decent
enough kid.

[ Caleb looks at Kyle. ]

CALEB: I'm not a kid.  And
yeah.  It should be legal
everywhere anyway.
KYLE: Maybe one day. Here
is fine because no one comes
over but I would suggest not
smoking in your car.  If you
wanna stay safest.

So what are your plans for
the rest of the day?

CALEB: Probably nothing.

[ Caleb hears his phone go off. ]

KYLE: That was me.  Text me if
you get bored.  Later.

[ He exits Caleb's vehicle. ]


SCENE FIVE:
Back at the hall.

[ Syria & Hahn are showing Sandie 
and her date the current dance. ]

HAHN: We must be on fire. Every-
one seems to be staring in this
direction.

[ He smiles, hand-in-hand with
Syria.  She glances over at
Sandie who is making out
at the side. ]

SYRIA: They're not looking at us.

[ She stops Hahn.  Walking over
to her friend, she clears her
throat. ]

SYRIA: You're suppose to be learn-
ing.
SANDIE: I think we have a good
grasp on things now.
SYRIA: Really.  And you think this
sort of behavior is appropriate.

Why are you acting like this?

[ She waits while Trikl is playing
in Sandie's hair. ]

SANDIE: Maybe because I'm tired
of hiding from you.  

This is Charles' brother.  And what-
ever your opinion on the matter is
you can save it.  We've already
heard enough.

[ They walk off the dance floor,
leaving Syria in surprise. ]


SCENE SIX:

[ Smiling, Caleb parks his car.
Saving his new friend's number,
he walks inside the house.

Tripping over boxes, he turns
on the light.  Seeing his dad
sitting at the kitchen table. ]

"What is going on?"

DAD: There's something I have
to tell you.  Sit down.

[ Caleb joins his dad, quietly. ]

DAD: It's my job.  They're reloca-
ting me.  We have to move out
by this summer.

[ Caleb immediately gets up. ]

DAD: I'm sorry.  There's nothing
I can really do.  Are you okay?

CALEB: I'm fine.  It's fine.  I'm
just worn out.  I need to lay
down.  

[ He exits the room. ]

Clip Clop & A Hard Place

scene one:

Between TA & The Salon.

[ After their shifts, Lorenzo &

Hahn are sitting down at the

outdoor table. ]

"Thanks for inviting me.  I

don't get to have a lot of

bro time anymore."

LORENZO: Why?  Has Syria 

cracked the whip since your 

engagement?

HAHN: No it's Charles.  Ever

since he took over my lease.

I've seen less and less of him.

LORENZO: Well you know where

he lives.  Just show up one night.

[ Hahn looks away, ending the

subject & they stay quiet for

awhile.  Thankfully Pierre shows

up to break the silence. ]

HAHN: Nice man.  Those layers

are on fleek.

[ Pierre sits, staring him down. ]

PIERRE: Uhh thanks.  Who is this

again?  

LORENZO: He's a manager at TA.

PIERRE: Nice to meet you. So

what do we have planned

for the night?

HAHN: Apparently it's a mystery.

LORENZO: Yeah and we should

get going.  The dinner part starts

in just an hour.

[ They pile In L's car & head for

Maison City. ]

scene two: 

Meanwhile, on the highway.

[ Dyminic is driving on a country road.

He pulls into a driveway, gets out

fast & knocks on the door.  Excited.

Waiting, he looks over at the stables

& miles of stretched out land. ]

"Dime.  Come in."

DYMINIC: Everything looks the same.

[ They hug and he follows his friend

back behind the house. ]

SANDERS: Here.  I already have one

ready for you.

[ Dyminic smiles & they lead their

horses out on his massive track. ]

DYMINIC: I should bring my wife out

here.  She would love the views.

[ Sanders doesn't answer & rides on

ahead.  Changing from a brisk jog

to a steady sprint.

Dyminic watches as Sanders' horse gains

momentum, ready to lap his own. ]

[ Later inside.  They are talking over

their glasses of whiskey. ]

SANDERS: I have some guys coming

over tonight to race.  You in?

DYMINIC: I don't know bud.  I've

never really tried.  I'm more into

the relaxation of it all.

SANDERS: It's cool.  I can show you.

Once you start, you can't get

enough.  Trust me.

[ Dyminic takes a drink, unsure. ]

scene three:
Later that night.

[ Lorenzo parks in a back lot. Hahn
& Pierre follow him toward the
entrance. ]

LORENZO: You may want to stick
with me.  If there's a murderer
inside, I can sniff it out.
PIERRE: Alright Rover be my
guest.  I'm just here for the
steak.  

[ They stop talking when Hahn
reaches in front of them. Looking
over the gate, they see two people
dressed in costume arguing. ]

"If this is how she wants to
do things.  I'll celebrate my
last night."

"You don't mean that, we
can talk to the boss."

"I'm done talking.  After to-
night she will know."

[ Later inside. Lorenzo & Pierre
are watching Hahn tear through
his sirloin and potatoes.  ]

LORENZO: You should be paying
attention.  There are clues every-
where.

[ Hahn looks up for a second. ]

HAHN: Stuff 'em.  Mmmmm.
PIERRE: We all know the lights
are going to go out at some
point.  Whatever you do
don't scream.

[ He teases Hahn and they laugh
getting in their last bites.

Soon the lights start to flicker in
the room and everyone stops.

Trying to gain some insight. ]


scene four:
Back at the Ranch.

[ Dyminic is eyeing the track. 
Hearing the signal, he readies
his horse but all the other riders
have already taken a lead. 

Once he gets back around, he
gains confidence and starts to
pass other participants. ]

[ He sees Sanders a little ways
ahead & attempts to pick up
the pace.

Head to head now, Dyminic
keeps his glance steady on
the approaching finish line. ]

"I got this."

[ Dyminic thinks to himself
already imagining getting
there first.

Just when Sanders passes
him at the end. ]

SANDERS: Not gonna lie.  That
was decent for your first time.
DYMINIC: Decent?  I'm almost
beat your butt.  

[ Suddenly they hear footsteps
and a few men in uniform 
approach the bonding riders. ]

"You are all going with us."

[ Dyminic stands there in shock
as officers surround, putting
everyone in handcuffs. 

Sanders is being brought out. ]


scene five:
At the event.

"Everyone needs to evacuate
the building.  This way please."

[ Lorenzo, Hahn, & Pierre join
the crowd that is being gathered
from the tables.

They hear a scream in the back-
ground. ]

PIERRE: Is this part of it?

[ Lorenzo just nods, looking around. ]

[ Everyone is gathered in the
front room where the one actor
from earlier & a female are
positioned in the middle. ]

People stand back to listen. ]

"It was you the whole time."

[ The audience is glued but the
participant looks perplexed by
her coworkers choice of ad
lib. ]

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"You're sleeping with my brother."

[ The other man from the alley
appears & immediately a fight
breaks out.

Horror sweeps over the crowd
as the situation quickly turns
to a very, scary real. ]


scene six:

[ In a holding cell close by. ]

"Don't worry I got the bail.  We'll
be out of here asap."

DYMINIC: That's not the point.  You
didn't tell me what we were doing
was illegal.  I thought you of all
people would have the proper
license.

SANDERS: I did but they ran out.  
And of course my regular racers 
aren't going to understand.
DYMINIC: So you shut it down.

Take a break.

[ Dyminic stands up, pacing. ]

SANDERS: It's fine.  We'll go to
court and everything will get
worked out.  Like a slap on the
wrist.
DYMINIC: It's not that simple.

If this is charged as a felony.
I could be barred from my
practice.  
SANDERS: That's not going to
happen.

"Mr Jones?"

DYMINIC: Yeah?


"You can go.  Your wife is here."

DYMINIC: You better hope not.

Lights, Cam, Distraction!

scene one:

Late afternoon, MS Prep school.

[ Freshmen Little H & his junior 

co-host are finalizing spots 

for the weekend's talent 

show in the auditorium. ]

LITTLE H: Sorry for the short

warning everyone but the prin-

cipal is demanding to see each

act before the show now.  

[ The performer's reactions vary

 from surprise to annoyance

as a camera guy arrives,

facing the stage. ]

JR. DEAN: We'll go in order.  We

should be able to knock this

 thing out pretty quickly guys.

LITTLE H: Yeah.  Just like we planned

out but will skip the opening.

[ H notices Dean's glance toward

the aisle & Caleb comes into

view. ]

LITTLE H: Give me five.  Okay.

[ In the waiting area. ]

CALEB: Everything looks set.  I'm

guessing you didn't watch the

video I sent you.

LITTLE H: I've been busy.  And

you know what we agreed on.

CALEB: What? I just got off two

months of being watched.  I just

wanted to do something with our

other friends. Sounded cool.

[ H backs aways from him. ]

LITTLE H: This isn't what I meant

when I asked for space.  This show

is my thing.  I brought it to life.

And you just can't be involved

for my sake.  I'm sorry.  

[ He leaves Caleb standing

in the hall. ]


scene two:
Following day, Dym & Am's.

[ Amber steps downstairs, grab-
ing her jacket from a chair in
the front room.

She quickly notices her hus-
band's glare from the couch. ]

"Why are you looking at me
like that?"

DYMINIC: Simply cause you're
beautiful.

[ He perks his lips in a seduc-
tive manner but Amber isn't
fazed. ]

AMBER: You have no idea 
what tonight is.  Do you? It's
on your office schedule.  
DYMINIC: Okay.  The one I
never look at.

[ Amber shakes her head. ]

AMBER: I'm going to brunch with
Ski & Hithe.  Are you still 
meeting me at the school later?

[ Dyminic nods. ]

AMBER: Good.  See you then.

[ She kisses her man before
scooting out the door. ]


scene three: 
Evening, outside Zain's.

[ Zain, Tiesun, & Baby Mila
are sitting on the porch
watching the sunset. ]

"We should probably get you
ready soon little girl."

ZAIN: Yup.  One thing Stuu
hates is waiting around.
TIESUN: Daddies impatient.

[ Mila smiles, then throws
her bottle toward the wall. ]

ZAIN: Hey!

[ He catches it & she makes
a face. Zain hands it back. ]

TIESUN: What were you try-
ing to tell me earlier?
ZAIN: Nothing serious.  Just
Jazpur again.
TIESUN: He having family
problems?

ZAIN: Yes.  I knew he should-
've moved out and away like
I did. 
TIESUN: So not only is he deal-
ing with random family but
also crazy fans.

ZAIN: And there's a bigger issue.

[ The doorbell rings.  Mila runs
toward it & Zain gets up. ]


ZAIN: He wants to come here.


scene four:
That night, MS Prep.

[ Little H is dressed in his bright
pink tuxedo when Mairya arrives
in a white dress. ]

"Should we practice the opening?"

[ H grabs her hand and Mairya
twirls around. ]

LITTLE H: I think we're solid.

Let's talk instead.

[ They take seats in the empty
auditorium. ]

MAIRYA: I know you're not ner-
vous.

[ H shakes his head. ]

MAIRYA: Then it's Caleb.  It's
always Caleb.

[ He looks serious. ]

LITTLE H: It's not.  Someone
made a move on me.  Some-
one else and I don't think they.

[ They both turn around as H's
co-host enters the room. ]

JR. DEAN: Is everyone excited?

I know I am!

[ Mairya leaves & H looks away,
pretending to be busy. ]


scene five :
A couple hours earlier.

[ Amber, Hithe, & Ski are dining
at a mixed meal buffet before
heading to the show. ]

"Is Mr. Jones getting demanding?"

SKI: Right I mean.  Syria did kind
of warn you.  

[ Ski snickers & Hithe starts to laugh
but Amber waves her fork at them. ]

AMBER: Not at all.  He just doesn't
remember everything I plan.

Dyminic knows we need to do
our own things.  In fact, he's 
taking time out from his cases
to explore some other hobbies.

HITHE: That's cool.  Like what?
AMBER: Uh.  He won't say yet.

SKI: So there's secrets.

[ Ski makes a questioning face. ]

AMBER: I'm sure I'll find out when
the time is right.  So did little Jai
finally pick a song?
SKI: They're doing Little Mix.
AMBER: The new one?  I love it.

[ Hithe starts to hum the melody. ]

AMBER: Can't wait to see H dance
too.

[ She looks down at her phone. ]

AMBER: And guess what.  Dyminic
cancelled.  



scene six:
Back in the auditorium.

[ After the opening, the crowd
is clapping while Mairya exits
the stage.

Little H joins Dean at the mic. ]

"Good evening and thank you
for joining us."

LITTLE H: Its their first year
but they're already making
a mark in Senior Show Choir.

To start us off Trailyn & Jai 
Simon.

[ The rooms goes dark as a tall
curtain begins to lift from the
ceiling.

Trailyn unfreezes from her pose
& starts to sing. ]

TRAILYN: When you hold me in
the street.  And you kiss me on
the dance floor.

[ Everyone starts to clap as Jai
steps out, taking over the lyrics. 

Little H is watching from back-
stage when Dean decides to
grab onto him.  Pulling H out
of view. ]

DEAN: When I said this was
exciting.  Did you know what
 I really meant?

[ H looks down & back up fast
as Dean's hand leads him to the
visible proof.

His speech is stunned as
Dean sits there stroking 
through his pants. ]

JAI: Guys.  We're done.

Oh wow.  What the?

[ Dean looks around, adjust his-
self and heads for the stage.

Leaving H, Trailyn, & Jai struck
by his nerve. ]


scene seven:

[ Amber arrives at home after
a full day to find an over excited
Dyminic waiting for her. ]

"Gee.  How much coffee have
you had?"

DYMINIC: Just a few cups. Or 
four.

[ Amber shakes her head. ]

DYMINIC: Anyway, I just got off
the phone with a buddy of mine.

I finally figured out what I'm 
going to do while I'm taking
some time off.  
AMBER: And what's that?

DYMINIC: I'll give you a hint.

You know how much I love
to ride.

[ He begins to "neigh" at Amber
until she hits him with a pillow. ]