The Tree House PREVIEW
By David B Barton
A Most Unlikely Love Story...When Love Breaks the Rules
A Screen Play
based on a true story
by
David B. Barton
(801 580-9383
Synopsis for "The Tree House"
The Tree House is a heartfelt drama set against the backdrop of high school life, teenage dreams, and complex family relationships. At its core, the story follows Dave Barton, a 15-year-old boy who excels in football and academics but struggles to navigate the emotional upheaval caused by his parents' divorce. As Dave faces the pressures of high school, sports, and his evolving family dynamics, he embarks on a tender yet complicated relationship with Serene Steele, a 14-year-old cheerleader dealing with her family challenges.
While Dave seeks solace in his athletic pursuits and burgeoning romance, the emotional weight of his parents' split and the following betrayals cast shadows over his achievements. His strained relationship with his father and his mother's declining health creates an inner conflict, forcing Dave to grow up quickly and shoulder responsibilities beyond his years.
Set in a small town, The Tree House explores love, loss, and resilience themes. The treehouse serves as a symbol of innocence and emotional sanctuary for Dave and Serene. As the couple struggles to balance their youthful romance with the complexities of their personal lives, the film paints a poignant portrait of young love in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, The Tree House captures the bittersweet journey of a young man learning to navigate love, family, and personal growth, leaving audiences with a powerful message about finding strength in the face of life's toughest challenges.
A Little of Dave's Character Development
Character development in the screenplay "The Treehouse", focuses on fleshing out the arcs, motivations, and emotional depth of one main character.
1. Dave Barton
Age: 15
Personality: Compassionate, determined, sensitive, introspective
Role: Protagonist, the fourth child of nine in the Barton family, a talented athlete with a desire to do well as a football player
Overview:
Dave Barton is a 15-year-old boy navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence while dealing with the complex and painful dynamics within his family. At the heart of The Tree House, Dave's story is one of emotional growth as he faces the disintegration of his family caused by his father's affair, his mother's deteriorating health, and the deep sense of betrayal he feels when his older brother Rick moves in with their father. Though football provides him with an escape and a sense of achievement, Dave’s inner world is marked by feelings of abandonment, confusion, and a desire to protect those he loves, especially his mother.
FINDING LOVE - EXT. POND – DAY
KIM
Do you think we could get into the treehouse to use the rope swing?
BRAD
Better not. Serene seemed mad at someone for messing with her treehouse. Let’s do it some other time. Come on, let’s hustle over to Lumpy’s and grab some grub.
The group puts their clothes back on and starts walking down the lane. DAVE tells BRAD he’s going to head home instead, but he has no intention of going home. He just wants an excuse to go back to SERENE.
DAVE
I think I’m going to pass on Lumpy’s. I don’t have any money, and I’m sure my mom has lunch waiting for me.
BRAD
I’ll buy you a burger.
DAVE
Thanks, but I should head home.
BRAD
Okay, see you later.
EXT. SERENE'S YARD – DAY
BRAD runs to catch up with the group that is already on their way. DAVE makes his way back toward SERENE'S yard, where she is practicing doing flips.
DAVE
I saw you practicing. You’re amazing with your cheer routines.
SERENE
Thanks.
SERENE is stretching, trying to look busy as if she’s not amused by DAVE. She wipes off sweat with a small towel.
SERENE
I thought you were going to Lumpy’s with your friends.
DAVE
I changed my mind. I think I’ll head home.
SERENE
Where do you live?
DAVE
The Cove area on Mount Olympus.
SERENE
For school, I did a report on the ancient gods of Mount Olympus. What god are you, ha-ha?
DAVE
Zeus, to be exact.
SERENE
Are you serious?
DAVE
What can I say!
SERENE
Zeus rules as king of the gods. Is that what you think?
DAVE
If I were a god, that’s who I’d be.
SERENE
Well, you seem to have a lot of…
DAVE
A lot of what?
SERENE
Confidence (hesitantly).
DAVE
I think I can ‘walk my talk.’
SERENE just shakes her head and laughs.
SERENE
You live in the Cove? Isn’t that where all the rich people live? I’m surprised you’re not driving a car.
DAVE
I do drive a car, but I don’t have a license yet. And we don’t live in one of those mansions, and we’re definitely not rich.
SERENE
You drive a car?
DAVE
It’s a long story. So, you made the cheer squad?
SERENE
Yeah.
DAVE
So, you’ll be in the ninth grade?
SERENE
Yeah.
DAVE
I bet you’re going to be the best ninth-grade cheerleader Wasatch Jr. has ever seen.
SERENE
Why do you say that?
DAVE
Most people just practice at school. You’re practicing at home. That’s what it takes to be the best. That’s cool. I practice at home too.
SERENE
How can you practice at home for football?
DAVE
I lift weights and practice ball-handling skills. I throw the football to whoever wants to catch passes.
SERENE
Do you have equipment?
DAVE
I have footballs to throw. When it comes to lifting weights, I improvise.
SERENE
How’s that?
DAVE describes how he lifts weights with paint cans and wheat buckets, using his brothers and sisters for exercises: pull-ups with siblings sitting on his foot, push-ups with someone on his back, and balancing kids while lifting.
DAVE
For weights, I use whatever I can hold onto. Paint buckets and pails of wheat work well. My brothers and sisters love to help me. They think we’re playing games, but I use them as exercise tools.
SERENE
Sounds like you love them. You have a big family?
DAVE
Yep. There are nine of us kids. When Becky was born, we had enough players to be a football team!
SERENE
Is that how you relate to everything? Is it all about football?
DAVE
I don’t just think about football. I don’t have that option. I’m the oldest at home and have to make sure things are done. My mom depends on me. I wish I could concentrate on football more. I want to play for Skyline. I’ve dreamed about it since I was nine.
SERENE
Well, I don’t care much for football. I think the players all think they’re gods. You should try out for cheerleader.
DAVE
Cheerleader? I never thought about that. I think I could do that.
SERENE
Okay, I want to see it.
EXT. SERENE'S BACKYARD – HAY PILE – DAY
SERENE takes DAVE behind her house to a pile of hay.
SERENE
This is where I practice. I like to land in the hay when I try something new. Show me what you can do.
DAVE
I don’t think I should. It might make you jealous. I’m not going to do it. You go ahead.
SERENE
I knew you were just talking big. ‘Walk your talk,’ huh? Just like all those other football players who can’t ‘walk their talk.’
SERENE makes her way over to the haystack. She runs and lands a perfect handspring.
DAVE
That was awesome. Why don’t you add another handspring and a flip at the end?
SERENE
I want to, but I’m scared to do that yet. I’ve tried it at the gym at school, but I always have a spotter to help me if I mess up.
DAVE
Do you mind if I ‘walk my talk’?
SERENE
Go for it!
DAVE runs at the haystack and performs three handsprings, ending with a flip and a full twist.
SERENE
I can’t believe you just did that. Can you teach me?
DAVE
Of course, I can. I can do anything!
SERENE
There you go again, Zeus!
DAVE
I know I might come off as a little overconfident. My Gram always ingrained in me that if I worked hard enough and long enough, I could do anything. It’s been in my nature since I can remember.
SERENE
I think I like your Gram. She reminds me of my Nana.
DAVE
Isn’t it great to have a grandparent who believes in you? We’re lucky. My mom’s always supported me, but my dad is another story.
SERENE
Do you and your dad get along?
DAVE
I never really talk to him anymore. He let me know early on that I talked too much and to keep my distance.
SERENE
That’s sad. Why would he be so mean?
DAVE
I spent my first three years at an Air Force base in Morocco, Africa.
EXT. MOROCCO – DAY (FLASHBACK)
DAVE narrates his story as we see a scene of him as a child, riding on the back of a FATIMA (a young Moroccan maid).
DAVE (V.O.)
As a child, I spent many hours on the backs of young Moroccan maids. My parents couldn’t believe how cheaply they worked, so they helped my mom a lot, especially with my older siblings.
EXT. SERENE'S YARD – DAY (PRESENT)
SERENE
Do you remember that at all?
DAVE
Not really. It was the time I was supposed to learn to talk, but I didn’t know what language to learn. The maids spoke French and Arabic, so I was picking up more Arabic than English. When we came back to the U.S., I couldn’t communicate well in English.
SERENE
You couldn’t speak at three years old? That’s really weird.
DAVE
It took me a while, but I eventually learned to talk. My dad used to make fun of me, though. He’d embarrass me in front of his friends by saying, "Dave finally learned to talk and hasn’t stopped since." I hated that.
SERENE
Sounds like you were pretty sensitive about it.
DAVE
Yeah, it made me feel bad. To make things worse, I couldn’t pronounce the letter "R." It came out as a "W." My best friend was Richard, but I called him "Whichowed."
SERENE
You talked like Elmer Fudd! “You pesky wabbit!”
DAVE
Funny, funny.
SERENE
That still bothers you, doesn’t it?
DAVE
I’m over it now, but it was a real challenge. Because I talked funny, my dad would tell me to "shut my yap." I think he thought I was stupid because I talked differently. There were times I’d find a spot and just cry.
SERENE
That’s so sad.
SERENE holds DAVE’S hand, facing him.
SERENE
I swear, I’ll never make fun of that again.
DAVE
Now you’re feeling sorry for me. I don’t want that. I finally learned to talk correctly.
SERENE
And when did that happen? (sheepishly asking)
DAVE
Fifth grade!
SERENE
You talked like Elmer Fudd until the fifth grade?
DAVE
There you go again!
SERENE
I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. Most kids grow out of that way earlier. How did you learn to speak correctly?
DAVE
My mom was concerned and sought help. My school provided speech therapy. I was in a class with twins, Carla and Carlene, who couldn’t even pronounce their own names.
SERENE
Now that would be embarrassing.
DAVE (jokingly)
Hi, my name is Cawla. Meet my twin sister Cawlene. (Serene bursts out laughing)
SERENE
I’m so sorry! That’s just funny.
DAVE
Okay, smartie pants. Try saying this: “I bought a pair of ruby red shoes on Redwood Road.”
SERENE
I bought a pair of ruby red shoes on Wedwood Woad. (Serene covers her mouth in astonishment)
DAVE
See? You’ve got a little "Elmer Fudd" in you!
DAVE and SERENE laugh as they start walking, still holding hands.
DAVE
I’ve known you for such a short time, but it feels like you’re one of my best friends. I don’t usually open up like this to strangers.
SERENE
So, you think I’m strange?
DAVE
I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that I don’t usually share my deepest feelings, even with my best friends.
DAVE and SERENE stop, facing each other. DAVE takes her other hand.
DAVE
I know you’re going into ninth grade this year. How old are you?
SERENE
I turned 14 in December.
DAVE
I just turned 15 in December. We’re only a year apart. We can’t be that different, right? We have a lot in common. Can I see you again?
SERENE
I’d like that.
DAVE and SERENE look at each other admirably for a few moments. DAVE leans in and kisses SERENE. He gets bold and tries to add a little tongue. SERENE latches onto DAVE'S tongue and doesn’t let go.
DAVE (struggling to talk)
What are you doing?
SERENE
You kiss me, and I’ve only known you for less than an hour?
DAVE
I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Let go!
SERENE
So you think I’m that type of girl?
DAVE
No! No!
SERENE finally releases her grip on DAVE'S tongue. DAVE checks his finger and notices blood.
SERENE
See what you get when you’re fresh and out of line?
DAVE
I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.
SERENE puts her arms around DAVE and kisses him.
SERENE
Well, it just did!
SERENE hugs DAVE, and he lifts her, spinning her in circles. He lets go, and she lands on her feet, then runs back to where she was practicing.
DAVE
Can I see your cheer routine?
SERENE runs toward the haystack, doing handsprings. She starts a cheerleading chant.
SERENE
Ready... Lean, lean, lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!
SERENE turns around and continues the chant.
SERENE
Lean, lean, lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!
DAVE joins in, pretending to box as she says "fight, fight, fight."
SERENE
Lean, lean, lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!
SERENE throws a playful punch and hits DAVE square in the jaw, surprising him. She has an “oops” look on her face and runs behind the haystacks.
EXT. SERENE’S YARD – HAYSTACKS – DAY
DAVE
You bite my tongue, you punch me in the face, and then just take off?
The sound of SERENE’S footsteps fades. After about 15 seconds of silence, DAVE hears her yell:
SERENE
Fire in the hole!
DAVE looks around, confused. Suddenly, a softball shoots into the air. DAVE positions himself and catches the ball.
DAVE
What the heck?
SERENE
You’re a football player, aren’t you? Prove it.
DAVE
I have a few footballs in my gym bag. Do you think your launcher could handle them? I’m hoping to return punts and kickoffs this year at Skyline. I need practice.
SERENE
Sure.
DAVE runs over to his gym bag and brings back two footballs. SERENE already has several footballs near her launcher.
DAVE
Where did you get these footballs?
SERENE
They’re from games where the ball ended up in our yard. The school never seems to come and get them.
DAVE
These are awesome! Regulation and everything!
SERENE loads up the first football then stretches the launcher, and the ball soars through the air. DAVE lines up to catch it but misses.
SERENE
Hey, pretty boy, if you’re going to be returning punts this year, you’d better think of a way to catch the ball!
DAVE gets serious and puts on his cleats. SERENE prepares to load more footballs into the launcher. DAVE misses the first two balls. He kicks the ground, visibly frustrated.
SERENE walks over to DAVE with a bushel basket that had been holding some softballs near the launcher.
DAVE
I know Coach wants me to return punts. I told him I’d try, but he said Skyline High hasn’t returned a punt for a touchdown in over three years. He thinks with my speed and our awesome team, there’s no way we can’t return one this year. The problem is... I can’t even catch the flipping ball! I’ve never returned punts before, not with thousands of people watching. It’s scary. You take your eyes off the field, looking up at the ball, not knowing if a mass of bodies is racing toward you, ready to crush you. I don’t know if I can handle the pressure, even if I catch the ball. And the hits... they could be dangerous!
SERENE throws the bushel basket to DAVE.
SERENE
Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Try this!
DAVE
What am I supposed to do with this?
SERENE
Just try it. You’ll see!
SERENE launches two more footballs. DAVE catches them with the bushel basket. He then mimics the basket with his arms.
DAVE
Now all I have to do is figure out how to carry this onto the field.
SERENE
Make your arms into a basket by putting your elbows together.
In the next series of launches, DAVE successfully catches the footballs. SERENE runs over to him, giving him a fist bump.
SERENE
See? You can do this. Practice makes perfect!
DAVE
You’re amazing! Thank you for helping me with catching punts. I’m so much better now. Thank you, thank you! (bowing)
DAVE tries to hug SERENE, but she pushes him back.
SERENE
Keep your distance. You’re sweaty. You stink!
DAVE
Sorry.
SERENE sees DAVE’S expression of apology and feels bad for being rude. She places her hands on either side of DAVE’S face.
SERENE
The last one in is a rotten egg!
SERENE takes off running toward the pond. DAVE chases after her but, just as SERENE reaches the shore, she stops abruptly. DAVE, running at full speed, can’t stop in time and ends up in the pond. DAVE looks back at SERENE and starts laughing. He begins washing his armpits, pretending to bathe.
DAVE gets out of the pond and walks toward SERENE.
SERENE
Now that you’ve taken a bath...
SERENE quickly runs toward the treehouse. She climbs up the steps nailed to the tree. Just as SERENE enters the treehouse, DAVE catches up. SERENE jumps up and wraps her legs around DAVE'S waist, giving him an intimate hug. They rub their noses and exchange butterfly kisses.
DAVE looks around the inside of the treehouse.
DAVE
So, this is the place you hang out?
SERENE
Yep!
DAVE
Very interesting.
DAVE notices a locked closet.
DAVE
A locked closet?
SERENE
That’s where I keep some of my treasures... and some dry clothes.
DAVE
Treasures?
SERENE
Want to see?
DAVE
You’ve got me curious.
SERENE opens the combination lock and reveals towels, clothes, and some of her treasures, including an old guitar.
DAVE
Very interesting. You’ve got an old guitar?
SERENE
It was my grandfather’s. My Nana gave it to me after he passed.
DAVE takes out the guitar, tunes it, strums a chord, and then puts it back in the closet.
DAVE
Do you play?
SERENE
A little. Not much. I want to learn.
DAVE
I can teach you. At least get you started.
SERENE
You teach me to tumble, now you can teach me the guitar?
DAVE
It’s hard to be humble when...
SERENE
Don’t say another word! I’m guessing Zeus comes to mind again. You are something else. Is there anything you can’t do?
DAVE
Remember, my Gram always said I could do anything if I worked hard enough for it.
SERENE
Well, she might have created a false sense of what life is really like.
DAVE
For now, it’s working. I don’t dare change my mindset.
SERENE shakes her head in disbelief. DAVE grabs a towel from the closet.
SERENE
I keep plenty of towels, so after my friends swim in the pond, we can dry off.
DAVE
Do you swim often?
SERENE
Whenever I can, it gets so hot here in the summer.
SERENE opens a back door, revealing a platform.
SERENE
This is the rope swing. It’s a quick way to get into the pond, and I practice some of my cheerleading flips on it.
DAVE
How’s that?
SERENE
I do flips and stuff off of it.
DAVE
Cool! I want to try it sometime, but I should go first. My mom probably has a long list of things to do.
SERENE
I’ll walk you to the street.
SERENE grabs a pen and writes her phone number on DAVE’S hand.
SERENE
Here’s my number.
DAVE
Thanks. I was just about to ask you for it.
SERENE
Oh, sure you were.
DAVE
Absolutely! I’ve only known you a short time, but it feels like I’ve known you all my life. You and I... are we a thing?
SERENE
Yep. We’re a thing!
DAVE and SERENE climb out of the treehouse. SERENE holds DAVE'S hand as they walk to the street.
DAVE
I’m glad I came back today.
SERENE
I’m glad you did. See you again?
DAVE
You can count on it.
EXT. SERENE’S YARD – DAY
SERENE and DAVE hug as they part ways.
INT. DAVE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
DAVE rushes inside and immediately picks up the phone. He dials SERENE’S number. The phone rings, and SERENE’S SISTER, STEPHANIE, answers.
DAVE
Is Serene there?
STEPHANIE
Who’s calling?
SERENE playfully smacks STEPHANIE, knowing it’s probably DAVE on the line.
DAVE
Tell her it’s Dave.
STEPHANIE
I’m sorry, she’s not allowed to talk to boys on the phone.
SERENE grabs the phone from STEPHANIE as they laugh.
SERENE
Hi! My sister’s being a pest. What’s up?
DAVE
Just checking to make sure you didn’t give me a bogus phone number.
SERENE
Why would I do that?
DAVE
I just wanted to make sure you knew how much I enjoyed today. I have to go now, but can I see you tomorrow?
SERENE
Sure. Why not? I’m sleeping in, but you can come over around 1?
DAVE
Looking forward to it. See ya.
SERENE
See you tomorrow.
SERENE hangs up the phone, and STEPHANIE starts teasing.
STEPHANIE
Serene’s got a boyfriend! Serene’s got a boyfriend!
SERENE starts chasing STEPHANIE around the house as they laugh. The scene fades out.
INT. TREEHOUSE – NEXT DAY
DAVE and SERENE are lying on their backs, staring up at the ceiling of the treehouse. DAVE hears COACH SCHMIDT’S voice echoing in his mind:
COACH SCHMIDT (V.O.)
If you want to play on this year’s football team, it requires total dedication. I want you to think about football.
DAVE looks troubled. He knows he needs to talk to SERENE about keeping their relationship under wraps during football season. He starts bouncing a tennis ball on the ceiling, catching it over and over.
SERENE
Stop doing that. It’s annoying.
DAVE
This is what I do to improve my hand-eye coordination.
SERENE
I don’t care. It’s driving me crazy.
DAVE continues bouncing the ball off the rafters. SERENE intercepts the ball and tosses it out the window. DAVE looks amused and laughs, but then his expression turns serious.
DAVE
Serene, you know I… really, really like you?
SERENE
I kind of like you too.
SERENE playfully straddles DAVE and starts to remove her sweatshirt. DAVE, a little confused, hesitates.
DAVE
Do you know what you’re doing?
SERENE
I sure do!
SERENE stands up, removes her sweatpants and shoes, and stands there in shorts and a swimsuit top. Before DAVE can react, SERENE bolts for the platform leading to the rope swing that extends over the pond.
DAVE follows, tossing off his muscle shirt and shoes. A series of rope swing stunts ensue, leading to playful competition. After some time, they end up back in the treehouse, drying off.
SERENE
That was so much fun!
DAVE
It was fun in the tenth degree for sure.
DAVE pauses, trying to find the right moment to bring up the conversation that’s been weighing on his mind.
DAVE
There are some things that the coach requires of us. I don’t think you’ll like what I’m going to say. Coach doesn’t agree with us having girlfriends. He thinks it’ll be distracting.
SERENE
Is it distracting like this?
SERENE begins a seductive dance routine as she dries off with a towel, eventually wrapping herself in DAVE’S arms.
SERENE
What about this type of hand-eye exercise?
SERENE kisses DAVE’S hand and gives him butterfly kisses over his eyes.
DAVE
You’re making this so difficult. Can we cool it for a few months while football season is my focus and my dream?
SERENE
You don’t want to see me? You don’t want to give me butterfly kisses
DAVE
You are so cool. You make me forget about things that are hard to deal with at home. I like you, Serene, but we’re both so young. I’m fifteen, and you’re just fourteen. You’re in junior high school; I’m a sophomore with a chance to play varsity football on a great team. I know what I want to do, but I have to decide what I need to do to accomplish my goals. I think we need to take a step back… just for a little while.
SERENE
I know what’ll probably happen.
DAVE
What?
SERENE
You’re going to be this popular jock in high school… and the girls will flock around you. You’re going to meet someone. I know you will. They’ll be older, and probably much prettier.
DAVE
I promise we’ll stay together—just in a different way. I’d love for you to come to my games and watch. It’d be nice to know you’re there.
SERENE
My older sisters got into trouble with high school football players. My mother forbids me from going near the school or the football stadium during games.
DAVE
And you’d miss me returning a punt for a touchdown—the first one Skyline’s had in years?
SERENE
Don’t make this tougher than it is. I can’t believe this is happening.
DAVE
Serene, I like you a lot! In fact, after knowing you for such a short time, I think I’m falling in love with you. I can’t believe I’m saying this to you… I’ve never met anyone like you.
SERENE
Do you love me?
DAVE
Yes, I think so.
SERENE
I can’t stop thinking about you since you left yesterday. I love you too. I don’t know if I can go without seeing you for the entire football season. It lasts for months.
DAVE
Football season will be over before you know it. We’ll pick up where we left off.
SERENE
For some reason, I feel like that might not happen.
DAVE
It will. I promise.
SERENE
You know I’ll be watching you from the treehouse… with my telescope and binoculars.
DAVE
After every punt I catch and return at home games, I’ll look toward the treehouse. You’ll be part of the reason for my success. If you see me pound my chest and point in your direction, you’ll know I’m thinking of you.
DAVE and SERENE climb down to the base of the treehouse. DAVE begins to walk away.
SERENE (YELLING)
I love you, Dave Barton!
DAVE looks back, pounds his chest over his heart, and points at her. SERENE climbs back up into the treehouse and starts pounding the floor in frustration.
EXT. TREEHOUSE – DAY
DAVE begins walking home but changes his mind and makes his way back to the tree house. He gathers a few rocks and throws them at the treehouse. SERENE hears something but stays lying down. DAVE throws another rock. SERENE jumps up and opens the wood shutter.
DAVE (MIMICKING SERENE’S CHEER)
Lean, lean, lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!
At the end of his routine, DAVE does a backflip and makes his way back to the base of the tree house.
SERENE
So… what?
DAVE
I have a better idea.
SERENE
Get up here. Right now!
DAVE scurries up the rails and enters the treehouse. SERENE lunges at DAVE. They kiss passionately.
DAVE
I still have to stay focused on football. If my friends see me with you, they’ll know I’m not obeying the coach’s warnings. They might say or do something that’ll get me in trouble with the coaches. We have to keep our relationship secret.
SERENE
I can’t tell anyone?
DAVE
No one.
SERENE and DAVE stare at each other for a few moments.
DAVE
We’ll meet here after every game. I’ll share my experience with you. I need someone to share it with.
SERENE
What about your family? Don’t they come to watch your games? Don’t you tell them about how you play?
DAVE
Last year, none of my family except for my Gram attended any of my games. When I go home, they don’t even talk about football or anything I’m doing. I need you.
SERENE
You want me to be your cheerleader?
DAVE smiles and looks at SERENE admiringly.
DAVE
Yes. You can be my personal cheerleader.
DAVE and SERENE hug and kiss.
DAVE
Gotta go.
SERENE
When will I see you next?
DAVE
We start two-a-day practices on Monday. We’ll do nothing but think, learn, and live football. I really need this time to focus. In three weeks, let’s meet after the Bountiful High game—it’s on our home field. I’ll meet you as soon as I can pull away.
SERENE
Well then, Mr. Barton… I’ll be here! Until then, I’ll be working on my triple handspring and backflip.
DAVE
I’m sure you will!
DAVE and SERENE climb down the rails of the treehouse. DAVE picks out a football from his gym bag.
DAVE
Do you want to be my girl?
SERENE
Yes!
DAVE
Some guys give a ring. I’m giving you a football. Will it do?
SERENE
Absolutely!
DAVE and SERENE hug and kiss one more time.DAVE heads toward the road, then turns around, bumps his chest, and points at her. SERENE bumps her chest over her heart and throws him a kiss.
New Scene later in the season when Robin Enters the Picture
SERENE is putting up a newspaper article from yesterday's game. She seems more somber than usual.
DAVE
What’s up? You aren’t as happy as usual. Your little friend show up?
SERENE
No, it’s not that. I talked with my sister, and she said you’re going to the girl’s choice dance the day after the state game.
DAVE
Yeah, I was going to tell you about that.
SERENE
When?
DAVE
It just happened yesterday. I swear I was going to tell you today.
SERENE
Who is she?
DAVE
Her name is Robin.
CUT TO: INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY
It’s after school, and DAVE is getting his things before practice at his locker. Students are bustling, trying to leave the building or catch buses and carpools. A few girls stand near DAVE, talking. DAVE glances over at ROBIN, a 5'10" tall, beautiful girl with lead roles in school plays and an incredible voice. She is also a friend of DAVE’s brother, RICK, and a senior. DAVE looks away when ROBIN notices him.
GIRL 1
I hear you’ll ask Rick’s brother to the girl’s choice dance. Robbing the cradle, huh?
ROBIN
Yeah, but he could easily pass for a senior. I was introduced to him once when he was with his brother. I doubt he remembers me, but I’m going to ask him anyway. I’m ready for something... different in my life.
GIRL 2
Well, I feel sorry for him if he says yes. You date, and you dump. That’s what you do.
ROBIN
You know I’m not a steady type of girlfriend. I like to have fun with lots of people. Is there anything wrong with that?
GIRL 2
Well, you’d better ask him before he finds out what he’s getting into from everyone else.
ROBIN
Give me a break, you two. I just want to have some fun.
ROBIN walks over to DAVE, who is standing by his locker.
ROBIN
Hi, Dave. Do you remember me?
DAVE
Hi, Robin. How are you?
ROBIN
You remembered my name. That’s quite a feat, considering there are over three thousand students here.
DAVE
Your name is easy. I always associate names with objects. You sing like a robin.
ROBIN
You associate me with a bird?
DAVE
Yeah, funny huh?
ROBIN
So, what should I associate you with?
DAVE hesitates momentarily, then opens his locker and points to his Statue of David. They both laugh.
ROBIN
Well, that was interesting. Statue of David? I get it. I’ll never forget your name now as if I would anyway. You’ve made a name for yourself these last few months. Quite admirable, if I say so myself.
DAVE
Thanks. It’s been an interesting ride, especially for my first year here. I’ve had some great opportunities so far and love every minute of it.
ROBIN
Well, I’m going to make it even more interesting.
DAVE
How’s that?
ROBIN
I was wondering if you’d go to the girl’s choice dance with me. It shouldn’t interfere with football because it’s the day after your state game.
DAVE
I’m sure there are plenty of senior studs who would love to go with you.
ROBIN
I knew this was a bad idea. Why would you want to go with an old lady like me, anyway?
DAVE looks away down the hall, thinking. ROBIN gets a worried look on her face, but DAVE finally responds.
DAVE
Sure, why not? I hope I can still dance that night. I get pretty sore after games sometimes.
ROBIN (excitedly)
We’re going to have so much fun! We’ll be doubling with another couple.
DAVE
Do I know them?
ROBIN
Yes! It’s your quarterback, Steve Marshall, and Janine, the head cheerleader.
DAVE
Wow. Quite the power date. Did Steve or Janine have anything to do with this?
ROBIN
Well, kind of.
DAVE
I hope you’re doing this because you want to, not because they put you up to it.
ROBIN
I didn’t think you’d say yes. I’m so happy!
DAVE
Well, I guess I’m your date for the girl’s choice dance. I’ll have to dust off my suit if it still fits.
ROBIN
One more thing.
DAVE
Yeah?
ROBIN
You might have to sit out one dance. The band has asked me to sing a song during the dance.
DAVE
I love your voice. I’ve seen one of your plays. It’ll be a pleasure to gawk at you for a while.
ROBIN
Gawk?
DAVE
Well, you’re not hard to look at.
ROBIN
I’ll take that as a compliment.
DAVE
What song will you be singing?
ROBIN
It’s the new Dionne Warwick song. I love it, and my band buddy wants me to sing it.
DAVE
I love that song, too. It’s a love song.
ROBIN
It is. It has a catchy melody and is perfect for a slow dance.
DAVE
I know. I’ve sung it to my siblings before, just changing a few words to make it apply to them. They love it when I play my guitar and sing to them.
ROBIN
Maybe you can help me practice!
DAVE
I don’t think so. I’m not that good. I’ve got to go, but I look forward to being your date.
ROBIN
Thanks, Mr. Statue of David.
DAVE
I...
ROBIN twirls away, singing a line from the song.
ROBIN
(singing) You see this girl, this girl’s in love with you.
DAVE laughs as he heads to the locker room, shaking his head.
End of Preview
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