CHARLIE'S HOUSE. KIRSTEN is walking through the living room quietly, so as not to wake CHARLIE, who is sleeping on the couch. As she walks past him, he opens his eyes and watches her go into the kitchen. He makes his way toward the kitchen, nearly bumping into Kirsten as she comes back into the living room.
CHARLIE: Sorry…
KIRSTEN: (Letting out a deep breath) I was just grabbing a bottle for Stewie. (She holds it up.)
CHARLIE: (After a slight pause) I can take it up to him, if you want.
KIRSTEN: No, it's fine. I'll do it. (They stand for a moment, awkwardly looking at each other.) Um…I put the coffee on.
CHARLIE: Thanks.
KIRSTEN: Owen has a Halloween party right after school today, so I should be home after that.
CHARLIE: Okay. (Kirsten walks past Charlie to go up the stairs. He turns and walks into the kitchen.)
PO5 Credits
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY. JULIA and JUSTIN are strolling through the quad. Julia is wheeling a small carry-on bag behind her.
JUSTIN: (Looking at her bag) It didn't look like you were planning on staying, anyway. Is that thing even full?
JULIA: C'mon, Justin. That's not fair.
JUSTIN: I know, it's just... Did you even think about it? Like, consider it as an option?
JULIA: Justin...
JUSTIN: And it's okay if you didn't. It's alright to say no. But...my question is if it's because of me.
JULIA: I didn't plan this. It just happened, and now I don't have a job. Forget about the fact that I didn't do what they fired me for. I got a call, packed a bag, and came in for a meeting. Now I'm going home unemployed.
JUSTIN: Yeah, but maybe... maybe you don't have to run from it.
JULIA: Wait, you think...? I'm not running. There's just nothing here for me now. (Justin looks hurt.) I'm sorry. I'm-
JUSTIN: It's a challenge, Julia, that's all. If it wasn't tough, then it wouldn't be worth it. If it were easy, who would want it? Because that...that's what makes it worth fighting for. (Julia slows her pace a bit.)
JULIA: Look, I'm not giving up, or running, or, or however else you want to label it. I'm just going home. That's all, Justin. Home. (Justin takes a moment, then stops walking and faces Julia.)
JUSTIN: Do you know what I think about sometimes? Remember that summer when our families vacationed together at that lake?
JULIA: Yeah, I... We were like, what? Nine?
JUSTIN: Eight. We went swimming almost every day. There was that float, the one way out on the lake with the diving boards and water slides and everything. We always talked about swimming out there and playing with the big kids. Then there was that day we actually got up the nerve to do it. It was like this big monumental decision. I was a little more than halfway there when I started to get tired. I was scared, but I just kept looking at that float and thought, "I'm getting closer with this stroke, I'm getting closer with this stroke." When I climbed up the ladder and actually, you know, got on top of it, I was exhausted. But I was so excited, and I couldn't wait 'till you came up the ladder so I could share it with you. But when I turned around, you weren't there. You were standing back on shore. As soon as the water got deep, you turned around.
JULIA: Justin, I-
JUSTIN: There are probably some really great points or arguments or whatever that I can make right now. But, the one thing I keep coming back to is that I was never the one you had to run away from. (He pauses.) I was always the one you ran to.
THE LIBRARY at the University of Pennsylvania. MARIA and JEAN are sitting at a table covered with books. Jean's laptop computer is open in front of her, and Maria is thumbing through a packet of papers.
JEAN: Hey, I just had a thought. What if we did our papers on the same book? That way we could share references.
MARIA: Hmm…that might work. We'd have to pick different topics though.
JEAN: Of course.
MARIA: Well…what book did you have in mind?
JEAN: I don't know…something by Gertrude Stein maybe?
MARIA: Ewww…anything but her. How about Kate Chopin? (Jean's cell phone rings.)
JEAN: (Answering) Hello? Hey, babe. (Maria raises her eyebrows.) I kinda can't talk right now. I'm in the library, so can I call you later? (She smiles.) I love you, too. (She hangs up, and Maria smiles at her.)
MARIA: "I love you, too?" That's a little fast, don't you think?
JEAN: I know, but Will's such a great guy. (Looking down) I guess it is kind of fast, though.
MARIA: (Sighing) No, it's probably just me. The truth is, I kind of envy you. (Jean looks up.) You know…the novelty of a new relationship. I guess I miss that.
JEAN: Maria, that's crazy. There are tons of guys who would love to go out with you.
MARIA: Even so, I'm not sure I'm ready for a full-blown relationship. The headaches always end up outweighing the fun.
JEAN: So…get the fun without the headaches.
MARIA: What do you mean?
JEAN: You know…an arrangement. A guy--on call--for all the pleasures of a relationship without any of the hassles.
MARIA: (Whispering loudly) Jean! (She looks around and smiles embarrassedly.)
JEAN: And I know the perfect guy.
MARIA: (Smiling) I'm not listening to this. (Jean scoots her chair closer to Maria.)
JEAN: Don't tell me you don't think Bailey is absolutely adorable. And he just got out of a relationship, too. It's perfect.
MARIA: You're crazy. (She pauses.) What makes you think he'd do it anyway?
JEAN: Oh, gee, I don't know. The fact that using the words "sex" and "no-commitment" in the same sentence makes every guy on Earth drool?
MARIA: I still don't think he'd do it.
JEAN: Want me to find out? I could ask Will-
MARIA: Don't you dare! You know what big mouths guys have. Promise me you won't. (Jean smiles.) Promise me.
JEAN: Okay…I promise. (Jean looks back to her laptop, then smiles.)
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA. BAILEY and WILL are shooting baskets at an indoor gym.
BAILEY: You're nuts. Besides, Maria would never go for that.
WILL: How do you know? Jean seems to think-
BAILEY: Whoa, whoa, whoa. You talked to Jean about this?
WILL: Hey, we're just looking out for you guys. (Bailey sighs, shaking his head.) Can you honestly tell me the idea isn't appealing? (Bailey grabs the ball from Will.)
BAILEY: We are not having this conversation. (He shoots the ball, and Will grabs it, keeping it away from Bailey.)
WILL: Fine, you tell me you don't find Maria remotely attractive, and I'll shut up.
BAILEY: I'm not gonna say that. Just gimme the ball.
WILL: Not until you say it. C'mon: "Maria's a troll." Say it.
BAILEY: No, that's- C'mon, Will. This is ridiculous.
WILL: Look, man, I'm just thinking about your health. I mean, think about it. How long has it been since…well, y'know?
BAILEY: None of your business.
WILL: I mean, don't you miss it?
BAILEY: I just don't think about it, okay? (He grabs the ball from Will and shoots.)
WILL: Oh, okay. Now I'll tell you one.
THE LUNCH BOX LUNCHEONETTE. CHARLIE and JOE are sitting at a small table near a window. They have just finished eating their sandwiches, and are awaiting the check.
JOE: Thanks again for lunch, Charlie. You're right, this place does have the best Monte Cristo.
CHARLIE: My pleasure. (Looking around) It's been so long since I've eaten here, I wasn't even sure the place was still around.
JOE: You know how restaurants come and go in this town. Only the good ones have real staying power. A bunch of these places have been here for years, but only a handful will survive the long haul.
CHARLIE: And what a haul it is. (Takes a sip of his coffee.)
JOE: I've been in this business a long time. I've seen a lot of things happen…restaurants being sold…places going bankrupt…Board of Health shutting them down…
CHARLIE: I guess we've been pretty lucky with Salingers'.
JOE: Luck, yeah…but it takes a lot of hard work too. What's that motto: "it's not just a job, it's an adventure?" The thing is, everyone expects it to be fun, when well… (Lifts his coffee cup, and gestures toward Charlie.) I don't have to tell you.
CHARLIE: You're preaching to the choir, Joe. Kirsten's barely talking to me right now, and that's an adventure.
JOE: Well, it's kind of hard to blame her, Charlie. Family stuff is different. You gotta separate the two.
CHARLIE: C'mon, Joe. That's all I hear when I'm home. Do I have to hear it when I'm not home, too?
JOE: All I'm saying is Kirsten's a very rational person. I'm sure she wouldn't just-
CHARLIE: Rational? (Smiles, looks away briefly) She pushed me for months to spend more time together as a family. Then I tell her I'm going to sell the restaurant, and she tells me not to rush into anything, to be sure it's what I really want. So I do what she says and I think about it…and I decide to keep it. Now she's angry with me all over again. Does that sound rational to you?
JOE: Well… you know, Charlie, Kirsten's dealing with a lot. I'm not trying to meddle here, but between the restaurant and the factory, I'd bet she's been feeling a little left out. I know how important the businesses are to you...
CHARLIE: Doesn't anybody get it? I'm not out there breaking my back every day just for the heck of it. I'm doing it for my family.
JOE: (Nodding) Just be sure you're not neglecting them in the process. (Charlie looks away.) Look, I'm not saying it's easy, Charlie. But it can be done. (Charlie looks back at Joe unconvinced.) Hey, do you remember when you were a kid, and your dad used to coach your Little League team?
CHARLIE: (Confused) Yeah.
JOE: Do you remember fishing at the lake with your dad every spring? And how about those weekly dinners at Salingers'? Your dad was a fanatic about getting the whole family together at least once a week.
CHARLIE: (Smiles) Yeah, you know how many dates I had to cancel because I couldn't get out of it? (Joe smiles.) But what's your point?
JOE: My point is… you have a lot of memories with your father. And those are precious… even though they may not have seemed like it at the time. Those memories are a big part of who you are. (Charlie's smile fades, and Joe looks at his watch.) Oh, I've got to go, kiddo. Thanks again for lunch. Next time I'm buying. (Gets up, puts his hand on Charlie's shoulder) Listen, all I'm saying is… think about it, Charlie. Businesses come and go. Family's forever. (As Joe leaves, Charlie looks down a moment, then stares out the window, contemplating Joe's words.)
THE FACTORY. CHARLIE is sitting behind his desk looking over some spreadsheets. LUKE enters, scribbling some notes on a clipboard.
CHARLIE: I've been going over these numbers, and I've gotta tell you, if they're right...
LUKE: I checked them three times myself. They add up kinda nice, huh?
CHARLIE: (Grinning) We might actually be able to write in our account book with ink this month.
LUKE: Yeah, and once we get the prototype done...
CHARLIE: Wait a... it's not built yet? The finishers were supposed to complete it this morning. I told them to make it a priority! God, I can't believe... I gotta get down there. (He gets up to leave. )
LUKE: Whoa, Charlie. Don't bust a gut. One of the machines cracked a gear, that's all. Griffin's fixing it right now. We'll get the line back up and running and have the prototype finished this afternoon, then replace the part. It's nothing major, but-
CHARLIE: Luke, we really need to stay on top of this order.
LUKE: Yeah, well, so does she. (Charlie looks confused.) Kathleen Isley. She wants to come by to see the prototype, tour the factory floor, meet the workers...
CHARLIE: Tell me this isn't happening today.
LUKE: No, I haven't called her back about it yet. Figured I'd talk to you first.
CHARLIE: Good, good. That's... (pausing as an idea strikes him) Schedule her for tomorrow. I'm gonna be at Salingers' all day anyway...
LUKE: C'mon, Charlie. That's....
CHARLIE: Just set it up for tomorrow.
WANDA'S HOUSE. KIRSTEN and WANDA are sitting in the living room, talking. Wanda is holding STEWIE on her lap and bouncing him up and down.
KIRSTEN: I'm just so confused, you know? After the whole thing with Paul didn't work out, I remember thinking nothing mattered to me except being with Charlie. I was just so happy to be with him again, to be near him, that I didn't think about anything else. But now… I guess I'm finding out that's not true. That being with someone is just part of it. It's the life you make with that person, the time you spend with them and the things you share that are really important. My marriage to Paul wasn't what I hoped for… and now it seems like this isn't exactly the marriage I thought it would be, either. (She lets out a deep breath.)
WANDA: I know what you mean. I went through exactly the same thing when I was married to James… the important thing is for you to be happy, Kirsten. And lately it doesn't sound like you are.
KIRSTEN: No, I'm really not. I just thought we were finally going to get a break, with Charlie selling the restaurant, and now… (shaking her head) …we just seem to be drifting further and further apart. I want to be with him, but I'm so angry at him for letting things get so out of control. I just don't know what I want anymore.
WANDA: Well… maybe it would do you some good to get away from everything a little while. Take some time to clear your head and think things through. You know, just get away from the stress.
KIRSTEN: Hmm… actually, my mother's been asking us for ages to visit her in Chicago. But, of course, Charlie hasn't been able to take the time off.
WANDA: So, go without him.
KIRSTEN: (Mulling it over) I guess I could go for a week or so…
WANDA: (Smiling) Good. Then don't waste another minute. (She leans over and picks up the phone from an end table, handing it to Kirsten.) Call your mom and make your plans… before you change your mind.
THE FACTORY. LUKE is leading KATHLEEN through the machines on the factory floor, giving her a guided tour. They approach the end of the line where a display of sorts has been set up. A completed chair, the prototype, sits on a small platform in the middle of an open space. Some of the overhead lights have been adjusted to shine on it, creating a dramatic effect.
LUKE: Then, after the joiners and finishers work their brand of magic, the design comes to life. (He motions to the chair, presenting it to her. Kathleen runs her hands over it, admiring the workmanship.)
KATHLEEN: Wow. This scrollwork on the armrests...
LUKE: All hand-carved with the work done in-house, right here on the floor. Plus, the pattern's an original, not a stencil or copy.
KATHLEEN: Sounds like quite an involved process.
LUKE: Actually, it's our hallmark. Each and every piece is exclusive.
KATHLEEN: And that doesn't add any extra time to production? Because I'm working on kind of a tight schedule, and if there's a delay...
LUKE: Nope, we're used to working under deadlines, so...
KATHLEEN: It's just because I see a lot wood on these machines and it looks like you're in the middle of a project, but there's no sawdust on the floor.
LUKE: No, ah, you see... It's just a small job that we, um… paused so I could take you on this tour.
KATHLEEN: You put a job on hold just for me?
LUKE: We take your business very seriously.
KATHLEEN: Well, that's nice to hear, Luke, but, um... it sounds like a line you've used before. (Luke lets out a deep breath.)
LUKE: One machine needs a new part. We fixed it temporarily to complete your piece, but it has to be replaced before we can start the line up again. So, there it is.
KATHLEEN: (Smiling) See, that's the other thing that impressed me. Sure, the furniture's gorgeous, but you guys don't hide behind a sales pitch. That's honesty, and it's nice to see.
LUKE: Uh, yeah...
KATHLEEN: So, let's make it official: go ahead and draw up the papers. I'll have the check ready the day after tomorrow. (She extends her hand, and Luke accepts it, shaking it vigorously.)
LUKE: Great! Does three o'clock work for you? (Griffin walks out onto the floor carrying a good-sized box.) Hey, Griffin. Come over here for a sec. (Griffin puts down the box with a grunt and goes over to them.)
LUKE: This is the man that keeps these machines running. Griffin Holbrook, Kathleen Isley. (Kathleen pauses for a second as a faint look of recognition sweeps across her face.)
KATHLEEN: So, you're the "fix-it" guru around here?
GRIFFIN: Just a glorified mechanic, I guess. It's not exactly motorcycles, but... (rubbing his arm muscles) ...those parts are lighter. (The look of recognition grows on Kathleen's face.)
KATHLEEN: You used to work on motorcycles?
JULIA'S APARTMENT. JULIA is lounging out on the couch, watching TV. She's flipping through the channels rather quickly, not lingering on any one for too long. GRIFFIN is munching on some potato chips across the room.
GRIFFIN: We could go out. You know, do something fun.
JULIA: I just wanna watch this, alright?
GRIFFIN: C'mon, Jul. Only Rain Man could understand all those channels.
JULIA: I'm enjoying it.
GRIFFIN: You've been parked on that couch ever since you got back. We gotta, like, I dunno, air you out. (Julia suddenly clicks off the TV.)
JULIA: Griffin! Look, I-
GRIFFIN: You got fired, I know, but what's the big deal? I've lost dozens of jobs. You just get a new one.
JULIA: "Get a new one"? How can you--
GRIFFIN: Yeah, okay, you're right. I'm sorry. But, you just wrote words for them, right? There are like, tons of places where you can do that. I mean, I see all the magazines and stuff at the newsstands, so I'm just thinking...
JULIA: Griffin, please just--
GRIFFIN: No, I mean it. I'm no like, English guy or anything, but I'm sure you're really good.
JULIA: Thanks, but--
GRIFFIN: So then people will hire you again, right? They'll see that you know how to put all those words together, and they'll hire you. Someplace like--
JULIA: Like "Mime Monthly"? I could go for that idea right now.
GRIFFIN: Never heard of 'em. But if that's what you want, go for it. (Julia rolls her eyes.)
THE LIBRARY at the University of Pennsylvania. BAILEY and MARIA are sitting across from each other at a table. The library is practially empty. Bailey is reading a textbook and Maria is reading a novel. After a moment, Bailey slowly lowers his book so he can see Maria. She continues reading, unaware of Bailey's glance. Bailey begins reading his book again as Maria glances over her novel, stealing a look at Bailey, who continues reading his book. Maria begins reading once more. A moment later, both Bailey and Maria begin looking over their books and their eyes meet. They laugh nervously and quickly look back to their books.
STREET CORNER. JULIA is in front of a newsstand, looking over all the magazines and newspapers. She picks one of them up: NOW Magazine. She starts flipping through it when a voice startles her.
VOICE: It's not in there. I looked. (Julia turns around to see Kyle walking up the sidewalk.)
JULIA: I wrote a good article. You know I did. Sure, it might have been a little verbose, and the style too soft. But it was all true. It was honest. But my editor--excuse me, EX-editor--seems to think you paid me to write all that stuff about you. That I took some sort of bribe. Even that you tried to bribe them. How do you... What do you have to say about that?
(Kyle stutters before responding.)
KYLE: It's happened before.
(Julia's eyes open wide.)
JULIA: I don't... What?! You're admitting it?
KYLE: These aren't PTA newsletters we're talking about here, Julia. They're national magazines. How do you think they're able to print all those millions and millions of copies? By selling subscriptions at seventy percent off?
JULIA: So you did this to me on purpose? You knew about, and you did it anyway!
KYLE: No, that's not... This is all coming out wrong. Just let me start over.
JULIA: I don't think you can say anything to make it better. (She starts to walk away, but Kyle runs in front of her, cutting her off.)
KYLE: Look, you were the first person, the first one to look beyond my lyrics and ask about me. Nobody else ever cared about doing that. They never wanted to listen to anything that wasn't recorded on a CD. They bought the lyrics, because the lyrics sold albums. And they thought that's where it was at. They thought that was the story, but they were all wrong. You... you got it right.
JULIA: But there was money. You said so yourself. Where did it come from?
KYLE: When I started getting pigeonholed by the press, my managers figured it was time to soften my image, so...
JULIA: That's great, Kyle, but all this doesn't help me now.
KYLE: I may be guilty of a lot of things, Julia, but I need you to understand that I never meant to hurt you. (Julia considers this for a moment.)
JULIA: I'd like to believe that, I really would, but... You still knew about it.
KYLE: This isn't an excuse, but... it happens everywhere. I just didn't want it to happen to you. And I'm standing here, telling you this face to face. If I wanted to be this, this... malicious guy, I wouldn't have to say anything at all. But you deserved to hear it, and hear it from me. So...that's all I was coming to tell you.
CLAUDIA'S DORM ROOM, JUILLIARD. CLAUDIA and her roommates are getting ready to go out for Halloween, helping each other get into their costumes. Claudia is dressed as Dorothy, HEATHER is the Tin Man, VALERIE is the Lion, TESS is the Scarecrow, and TINA is the Wicked Witch. Tess is sitting on the couch, stuffing hay into the sleeves of her shirt. Heather, who is silver from head to toe and wearing a funnel hat, walks past the bathroom and stops when she sees Tina standing in front of the mirror.
HEATHER: Wow, Tina. Your makeup looks great! I knew you'd make the perfect Wicked Witch.
TINA: (Sticking her tongue out at Heather) Ha, ha, very funny. You know I'm not finished yet. (She wipes some green makeup on her face.) At least I have a heart.
HEATHER: Yeah, but too bad Tess gets the brain, 'cause that's what you really need. Maybe she can convince the Wizard to give you hers since she already has one. (Heather looks across the room at Tess, who smiles. Valerie comes out of the bedroom and walks over to Heather.)
VALERIE: Hey, can you zip me up? (She turns around and holds the top of her costume together.)
HEATHER: Sure. (She zips Valerie's costume.) There you go. (Valerie spins around quickly and holds her hands up like boxing gloves, dancing around.)
VALERIE: Put 'em up, put 'em up. (Heather good naturedly gives her a little push.)
HEATHER: As if… (Valerie grabs her lion's tail and bites it dramatically, then runs back to the bedroom. Heather walks over to the couch and sits down next to Tess. She watches her put the finishing touches on her scarecrow outfit.) Gosh, doesn't that itch?
TESS: Not too much. But it's a good thing I don't smoke. I better stay away from anyone who needs a light tonight.
HEATHER: That's for sure. (She looks at her watch.) Where's Claudia? She should be dressed by now. (She calls toward Claudia's room.) Claudia! Are you ready? (Claudia is sitting in front of the vanity in her room. She's wearing a blue-checkered dress, and has one braid in her hair tied with a ribbon at the end. She's slowly braiding the other half of her hair. After a moment, Heather peeks into her room.)
HEATHER: We're almost off to see the Wizard…you almost ready?
CLAUDIA: (Looking up from the mirror) Huh? Oh, yeah. I guess so. Just as soon as I finish my hair.
HEATHER: Great! I can't wait to get to the party. Finally, something exciting around here!
CLAUDIA: (Half-heartedly) Yeah. It'll be great.
HEATHER: Well, hurry up before my hinges rust and I need someone to oil me. (Claudia forces a slight smile, then watches as Heather lumbers away from the room.)
CHARLIE'S HOUSE. DAPHNE, LUKE and KIRSTEN are outside the house, getting ready to take STEWIE, MATTHEW, OWEN and DIANA trick or treating. The children are in their costumes, and are getting antsy. Diana is dressed as Tinkerbell, Stewie is Peter Pan, Matthew is a pirate, and Owen is Digimon Gabumon, complete with extra arms. He is waving all four of them around excitedly.
OWEN: Let's go, let's go. We're going to miss all of the good candy!
KIRSTEN: Don't worry, Owen. There'll be plenty of treats.
DIANA: (To Daphne) Mommy, we have to hurry!
DAPHNE: Okay, Pumpkin. Just a second. (Kirsten looks at her watch, frowning for a moment.)
OWEN: Kirsten, can we go yet? Come on…
KIRSTEN: (Smiling at Owen) Almost.
LUKE: Let me get a picture while we're waiting.
DAPHNE: (Lighting up) Oh, that's great. Don't all the kids look adorable? Diana, come stand here with Mommy so Luke can take our picture.
OWEN: (Groaning) Oh, no. Not pictures.
LUKE: I promise I'll be quick, buddy.
KIRSTEN: Everyone squeeze in.
LUKE: Good, that's great. Daphne, hold Matthew up so I can see his little sword. Diana, look here, honey. Wave your magic wand. (He lifts his hand over his head.) Stewie…okay, everybody smile! (He clicks the camera.) Perfect! Now, just one more for good measure. (Owen folds his arms in front of him and pouts.) Okay, got it. (Owen jumps up.)
OWEN: Now can we go?
KIRSTEN: Well, as soon as Charlie gets here. (To Daphne) He should have been here by now. (She secures Stewie in his stroller.)
DAPHNE: It's okay. We can wait a while longer if you want.
KIRSTEN: (Sighing and looking at the kids, who are holding their Trick or Treat bags and starting off down the block) No…that's okay. Let's go. (She forces a smile and starts pushing Stewie in his stroller as they walk down the sidewalk.)
FIRE AND ICE NIGHTCLUB, NEW YORK CITY. CLAUDIA and her roommates have just come out of a subway station, and are making their way toward the club. The streets are sprinkled with people dressed as witches, goblins, and vampires. They even pass a group in costume as the characters from Scooby Doo.
TINA: This is so much fun, you guys! I'm so glad we decided to go downtown.
HEATHER: I told you…now, does everyone have their ID's ready? (To Tess) I mean…except you, of course.
TESS: (Good-naturedly) Hey, you never know…I could get carded.
CLAUDIA: (Holding up her ID card) Well, it's a good thing it's Halloween or these things would never work.
VALERIE: Yeah…there's no way I could pass for 24 without this makeup on. (The girls chatter as they approach the nightclub. There's a small line out front of people dressed in leather.)
TINA: Oh, look. They're dressed as bikers-like the Hell's Angels. (The girls stand in line behind the others, and wait to enter the club. As they're in line, more people arrive and stand behind them. They are also dressed in black leather, with tight pants and vests. When it's Claudia's turn to pay the entrance fee, the cashier looks her up and down and laughs.)
CASHIER: You're a long way from Kansas, little girl. Happy Halloween… (He stamps her hand and looks at the rest of the group, shaking his head and laughing. Claudia and the roommates giggle and enter the club. It's dark inside, and there are cobwebs, candles and Halloween decorations everywhere. Rubbery bats are hanging from the ceiling and brush the top of their heads. Bluish lights and lasers flash on the dance floor, and techno music is pounding out a beat.)
VALERIE: (Loudly) Wow…that sure is a big group of Hell's Angels. They must all work together or something. (She points to more people wearing leather outfits. One man has no shirt on, and sports a dog collar with spikes coming out of it. Another girl is wearing a leather teddy that laces up the front, and thigh-high black boots. They stop and stare as Claudia's group makes their way through the crowd. As the girls continue, they see more and more people, all dressed in leather, spikes and bondage gear. They look at each other with surprise and huddle closer together.)
CLAUDIA: (Above the music) Oh boy…we're definitely not in Kansas anymore! I think there's some kind of theme going on here.
TESS: I'll say. Heather, what kind of party did was this supposed to be?
HEATHER: (Shrugging) The flyer said the "Ball n' Chain Ball…" You know, a masquerade ball.
TESS: I think "Ball n' Chain" were the operative words here. I should have known…
TINA: Should have known what?
TESS: It's a fetish party. You know, bondage…whips and chains, and that sort of thing.
CLAUDIA: (Giggling and covering her mouth) Oh my gosh…are you serious? Heather!
HEATHER: What? How was I supposed to know? I'm from Iowa, for goodness' sake. We don't even have leather couches.
TINA: (Looking around with wide eyes) Wow…
VALERIE: No wonder everyone was staring at us…like we're the freaks.
TESS: Come on…let's get out of here before we get into trouble. (She starts leading the girls back to the entrance of the club.)
TINA: Hey wait a minute you guys…we paid a lot of money to get in here. Can't we stay a little while? (The others all turn and look at her sharply.) Okay, okay, I'm coming. Geez. (They hurry out of the club. Tina sneaks some looks over her shoulder on the way out.)
CHARLIE'S HOUSE. CHARLIE has just arrived home, and rushes up the steps to the front porch. He bursts through the door and runs up the stairs. CHARLIE: Owen? Kirsten? (He goes upstairs only to find empty rooms. He comes back downstairs.) Hello? Anybody home? (He runs into the kitchen, and through the first floor, again finding it empty. He rushes back outside and to the sidewalk, running a few feet and looking down the street. He turns and looks down the other way.) Damn!
THE LIBRARY at the University of Pennsylvania. BAILEY and MARIA exit the library, descending down a large number of concrete steps.
BAILEY: I didn't realize the library was closing early tonight.
MARIA: I guess they figure anyone with a life wouldn't be caught dead studying on Halloween.
BAILEY: God, that's a pretty sad statement about us then, huh?
MARIA: I don't know…I prefer to think of us as dedicated students. (They both smile. As they reach the bottom of the steps, they stop.) So…
BAILEY: So… (They smile nervously.)
MARIA: You heading back to the dorm?
BAILEY: I don't know. I guess so. Are you?
MARIA: I don't know. I guess. (An awkward moment passes.)
BAILEY: Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then.
MARIA: (Quickly) Yeah…tomorrow. (They smile, then begin walking in different directions. After a few steps, Maria turns around.) Bailey? (Bailey turns around, and Maria takes a deep breath.) I…I just wanted to say…Happy Halloween.
BAILEY: Yeah. You, too. (As they begin walking in separate directions once more, Maria closes her eyes and shakes her head.)
CHARLIE'S HOUSE. CHARLIE is sitting at the kitchen counter looking over some paperwork as OWEN - still wearing his Digimon costume - runs throught the kitchen, practially skidding as he makes a turn toward the living room.
CHARLIE: Hey, slow down! And I told you to take off that costume and get ready for bed. (Charlie shakes his head as Kirsten enters the kitchen.) I've heard of sugar highs, but that's ridiculous. (Kirsten forces a slight smile, then begins putting away the dishes. Charlie puts down his paperwork and approaches her.) Kirsten, look…I know you're upset about tonight…
KIRSTEN: I'm not upset.
CHARLIE: …but I really tried, Kirsten. I really wanted to be there…you've gotta believe me.
KIRSTEN: I know you did. You tried. (Kirsten continues putting away the dishes.)
CHARLIE: If you're not upset, why are you acting like this? (Kirsten makes eye contact for the first time.)
KIRSTEN: Like what?
CHARLIE: Like you don't care.
KIRSTEN: You said you're tired of hearing me complain…so I'm not complaining. (Charlie looks to the side, shaking his head. Kirsten begins putting away the dishes again, and Charlie sits back at the counter, sighing. An awkward moment passes.) Charlie, you know my mother's been asking for awhile, so... (Charlie looks up) …I'd like to go visit her.
CHARLIE: Okay. Yeah, we should. The holidays are coming up, so maybe we could-
KIRSTEN: I booked a flight for next week.
CHARLIE: (Flatly) Next week.
KIRSTEN: Stewie and me.
CHARLIE: Kirsten… (sighs) …I know we're going through some stuff right now, but…running away isn't going to-
KIRSTEN: This isn't about running away, Charlie. It's about…taking a break. I mean, look at the way we've been acting toward each other. And it doesn't seem to be getting any better.
CHARLIE: I'm not disagreeing, Kirsten. I'm not. It's just…going away isn't going to make things better.
KIRSTEN: And staying here has?
MOONDANCE DINER. CLAUDIA, TINA, HEATHER, TESS, and VALERIE are all crammed into one little booth in the back corner of the diner. Coffee mugs and empty plates litter the table. The check lies among them.
TESS: No offense guys, but this is only a minor improvement over that club. Do they make these booths for third graders?
TINA: Well, at least it's keeping with the theme of the night.
VALERIE: Yeah, but let me be the first to say that out of all us of here, you were the only one a little curious about those…those… Do they have a name for themselves?
HEATHER: Perverts.
TESS: And sickos.
HEATHER: And freaks.
CLAUDIA: Oh, my! (The girls look at each other for a second, then let out a wild bray of laughter.)
TINA: But you have to admit: it was interesting.
VALERIE: Oh, so that's the word we're using to describe the night?
TESS: Yeah, isn't that like, code for "kinky"? (The girls laugh again, but this time the humor is wearing thin on Claudia, who only lets out a token chuckle. She turns her head away from the table, just in time to see two Firefighters walk into the diner. They're dressed in full gear, and covered with soot and grime. They approach the counter, place an order with the Waitress, then disappear into the men's room. Claudia lifts the check off the table.)
CLAUDIA: I'm going to take care of this. (She goes over to the counter where the Firefighters stood. The Waitress comes over, and Claudia hands her the check along with several 20 dollar bills. The Waitress notices all the money, far too much for their check, and gives Claudia a confused look. Before she can say anything, Claudia motions to the men's room, indicating the Firefighters.)
CLAUDIA: I'm paying for anything they ordered.
WAITRESS: It's not just them. They got food for their crew in the truck, too. (Claudia takes a moment, fights down a lump in her throat, then places four more 20 dollar bills on the counter.)
CLAUDIA: For anything they ordered. (The Waitress picks up the money and gives Claudia a warm smile.)
WAITRESS: Sure thing, hon. (As she walks away, Claudia notices a soot handprint left by one of the Firefighters on the surface of the counter. The lump rises in her throat once again. Claudia brings her hand to her mouth, kisses her fingertips, then presses them over the handprint. The lump in her throat swells, and a single tear rolls down her cheek.)
CHARLIE'S KITCHEN. JULIA is sitting at the table having tea with KIRSTEN. A bottle for Stewie is warming on the stove.
JULIA: Why do guys have to be so... I want to say one-sided, but that's not it, exactly. It's more than that. But, if that's true, there's more than one side, and that's not right, either. I just don't get it.
KIRSTEN: I think you might be giving them too much credit.
JULIA: No, I mean it. Like, Justin said all this stuff, that made me feel so... I dunno. I just, related to it, you know? Words like "warm" and "safe" and "free" suddenly made sense to me. I knew what they meant. (Kirsten thinks for a moment.)
KIRSTEN: Yeah, I know...
JULIA: But then...then I come back and there's Griffin. He doesn't even have to say a word, and I'm completely comfortable and relaxed just because I'm around him. And I feel like me again. But...
KIRSTEN: ...sometimes you think about "warm" and "safe" and "free".
JULIA: Exactly. Does that make them one-sided, or me for thinking about it like that? (Kirsten thinks about for a moment, then chooses her words very carefully:)
KIRSTEN: I wish I had that answer, Jul. I really do. Because I know it would make things so much easier. But maybe... Maybe that's the point. The answer's not out there... there's only a choice. And when we make it, we just have to grab on and hope it's the right decision. (She pauses.) Maybe... maybe it's our test, and not theirs.
THE FACTORY. LUKE, GRIFFIN, and KATHLEEN are in the office. Kathleen is sitting behind the desk reading over the contract.
KATHLEEN: You're right, it's a straightforward work-and-labor contract.
LUKE: So then everything's-
KATHLEEN: I just want to talk about the down-payment before I sign. (Luke and Griffin exchange a worried glance.)
LUKE: Yeah, um... Sure.
KATHLEEN: I went over the numbers, and your proposed figure didn't quite work.
LUKE: Well, ah, that's something we can talk about...
KATHLEEN: It seemed...low. So I added ten percent to the check. I'll keep it there if you can agree to take two percent off the final price of the order. (Luke is shocked, but tries to do some quick math in his head.)
LUKE: That, with the... Let's see... I can... Yeah, yep, okay. That works for us.
KATHLEEN: Then we're in business. Just give me a pen and I'll sign.
(Luke and Griffin start rummaging around for a pen, pencil, marker, etc. Before they can find anything, the door to the office swings open. Griffin and Luke stop cold, but Kathleen immediately recognizes…)
KATHLEEN: Charlie.
JULIA'S APARTMENT. JULIA walks in and heads straight for the couch. Before she can pick up the remote and plop herself down, something on the kitchen table catches her eye. She goes over and sees it's the Help Wanted section of the newspaper. Several ads have been carefully circled in red. There's no note, no explanation, it's just there, waiting for her. Her face brightens with a knowing smile.
APARTMENT BUILDING. JULIA walks across to GRIFFIN'S apartment. She's about to knock on the door when she catches a glimpse of him though the window. He's playing with MATTHEW, gently lifting him up over his head, then back down. Matthew is loving it, giggling and cooing with each motion. Julia watches them for a moment, smiles to herself, then turns back to her apartment.
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