Liberty Springs:
Episode One-“Pilot”
Screenplay, Story, and Characters by Steve Meredith
Roll Show Credits
EXT-ESTABLISHING SHOT-ADAM’S HOUSE-MORNING
Roll Episode Credits
Marie (O.S. Calling to Adam)
Adam, breakfast is ready.
INT-ADAM’S HOUSE-BATHROOM
Adam is brushing his teeth. He is a handsome young man with a
close crop hair cut. He is dressed in a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops.
Adam (spitting into the sink)
I’ll be right down.
INT-ADAM’S HOUSE-DINING ROOM
Adam enters and sits at his place. He begins eating a bowl of cereal.
His mother, Marie enters soon after and breaks the silence.
Marie
I can’t remember…did you say you had drum line practice after
school.
Adam
Yeah, 3:15 to 4:30.
Marie
You push those guys too hard.
Adam (through a mouthful of cereal)
We want to be the best. (swallowing) The guys said so at the
beginning of summer rehearsals.
Marie
*Sighs* Boys.
Adam
It’s not all boys, mom. The drum line has five girls this year.
Practically the entire tenor line is all girls.
Marie
Just make sure you get a good breakfast, you do have an education to
get.
Adam (smiling sarcastically)
Thanks for never letting me forget.
Adam’s mother chuckles and Adam continues to eat.
EXT-ESTABLISHING SHOT-KAYLA’S HOUSE-MORNING
“Walk Away,” by Kelly Clarkson plays on the radio.
INT-KAYLA’S HOUSE-KAYLA’S BEDROOM
Kayla is in her underwear looking through her dresser for something
to wear. She is an attractive…downright sexy young woman. She
sings along to the music that plays on her stereo as she puts on a pair
of jeans.
INT-KAYLA’S HOUSE-DINING ROOM
Kayla’s 15 year old sister Mary is sitting at the dining room table
eating her breakfast as Kayla gets her cereal.
Kayla
Did mom leave already?
Mary
Yeah, about a half hour ago.
Kayla sits down at the table with her bowl of cereal
Mary (breaking a long silence)
So I have to ask…
Kayla looks up
Mary
…is this the year you’re going after Adam Verron?
Kayla rolls her eyes…there is a brief moment of silence.
Kayla (conceding)
Yeah, I’m hoping we get together.
Mary
I don’t understand what the trouble is.
Kayla
For a long time he’s liked this other girl—
Mary
Who, that Isabel girl?
Kayla
*sighs* Yes…Isabel Lockhart…the Bain of my existence.
Mary
Didn’t you two used to be friends?
Kayla
Yes, but times have changed
Mary
I wouldn’t think too much about it.
Kayla
Why do you say that?
Mary
I’ve seen him in the halls. I’ve seen the way he talks to you.
Kayla
And…?
Mary
His tone completely changes around you. No matter if he’s had the
worst day of his life, his face brightens up when he sees you.
Kayla
That happens to him around Isabel too.
Mary
I donno what you’re on, but no it really doesn’t.
Pause
Kayla
C’mon, I’ll take you to school.
“Too Much Too Soon,” by Llama plays
EXT-ESTABLISHING SHOT-LIBERTY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOLMORNING
INT-LIBERTY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL-HALLWAY
Kayla Applegate, Ben Washmen, and Isabel Lockhart stand around
holding a conversation.
Ben
So, Kayla, what’s you’re schedule look like this semester?
Kayla
I’m taking it easy this time around; I got all the hard work done the
first three years I was here, now it’s time for me to relax. What about
you?
Ben
AP statistics will pretty much be the thorn in my side all year.
Isabel
Oh don’t worry too much about it, who do you have?
Ben (sophisticatedly)
Dr. Cornelius Cosgrove
Isabel
Oh he’s all talk, trust me. I must have failed every single exam and I
still came out of that course with an “A”
Ben
C’mon, you didn’t fail every single exam.
Kayla (under her breath)
I wouldn’t put it past her.
Isabel (to Kayla)
Oh you’re just angry because you think I took Adam away from you.
Kayla
I am not.
Isabel
Oh, c’mon it’s written all over your face.—
Ben
O.k. “girl talk” is the sign for me to leave.
Kayla
See you later, Ben
Ben
Goodbye ladies, don’t kill each other.
Kayla
We’ll try not to.
Ben leaves Isabel and Kayla
Isabel
Look Kayla, how long have we known each other?
Kayla (thinking)
Eh, I’d say since fourth grade.
Isabel
Yeah, when I moved here from Virginia. Now how long have we
known Adam?
Kayla (thinking)
Since seventh grade?
Isabel
That’s right…so, that being true…we’ve been friends longer than we’ve
known Adam. So Adam shouldn’t tear us apart. Besides, I met
someone over the summer.
Kayla:
Oh, and who would this be?
Isabel
He’s a guy named Riley. I met him at a camp, we were both
counselors. He actually doesn’t live too far away, he goes to Valley
Creek High School.
Kayla
Hmm, interesting, so you two hit it off?
Isabel
Pretty much, we’re taking it slow.
Adam walks up
Adam (with happiness in his voice)
Hey Kayla
Kayla (smiling)
Hi Adam
Isabel
Hi Adam
Adam (changing tone)
Oh, hi Isabel
Isabel (realizing the opportunity)
You know, I’m supposed to meet my other friend downstairs, so I’ll
see you later Kayla…bye Adam.
Kayla
Bye Isabel
Adam
Bye. (to Kayla) How are you Kayla?
Kayla
Oh I’m fine, how are you?
Adam
I’m doing well, how was your summer?
Kayla
Not long enough
Adam (chuckling)
I hear you on that one. Hey, I heard we’re in the same English class.
Kayla (shocked)
We are?!
Adam
Yeah, you have Bonando right?
Kayla
Yeah!
Adam
Sweet, so I guess I’ll be seeing you later then?
Kayla
Yeah. Sounds good.
Adam starts to walk off, but then turns around.
Adam
You know, Kayla, it’s really nice to see you.
Kayla
Yeah, it’s really nice to see you too.
Adam smiles, turns around again, and walks off.
INT-KAYLA AND ADAM’S ENGLISH CLASS-LATER THAT DAY
Kayla and Adam are sitting next to each other, towards the back of
the classroom. They each have a copy of “The Great Gatsby” on their
desks.
Adam (leaning towards Kayla, whispering)
I can’t believe we’ve got to read on the first day of school
Kayla (whispering)
Yeah, I don’t know if I’ll understand any of this.
Adam (whispering)
Oh, well I was just saying that making us read sucked. I read this
book last year, I just hate doing the paperwork for it.
Kayla (whispering)
You already read it?
Adam
Yeah, if you need help with understanding it, we could do the packet
together tonight at my house.
Kayla
Really! (whispering) That’d be great. What time?
Adam (whispering)
8ish?
Kayla (whispering)
Sounds good.
Adam nods in approval and smiles. Kayla smiles back at Adam.
INT-BEN’S SCIENCE CLASS-LATER THAT DAY
Isabel walks in and sits next to Ben.
Ben (to Isabel)
Hey! I didn’t know you were in this class.
Isabel
Yeah well, I don’t want to take a college Science course, so I got
myself put into this class at the end of the summer.
Ben
Well that’s cool.
Isabel
Not, really it’s not, I’ll be lucky if I understand two words that come
out of that teacher’s mouth.
Ben
Oh c’mon it’s not that bad. Besides, this stuff comes easily to me, so if
you need any help, I’m here.
Isabel
Good, because I just might take you up on the offer.
They both turn their attention to Mr. Kerney, the teacher for the
course.
Mr. Kerney
O.k. everyone, I know it’s probably been a hectic first day for all of
you, so I’ll make this as painless as possible. (Handing out papers)
This is your syllabus for the course, which is called Advanced
Placement Physics. We will be using a college level text, with what
amounts to college level work.
Isabel (under her breath)
Shit.
Ben (whispering)
All teacher’s do their scare speech on the first day. I hate it.
Mr. Kerney
Really folks, I’m a fair guy. If you show up, work hard, and take good
notes in class, I have no doubt that you’ll do fine in here.
Ben (whispering to Isabel)
So what’s the deal with you and Kayla? Are you two enemies now?
Isabel (whispering)
Nah, she just thought that I was still going after Adam. I found
someone else though, I think he’s pretty interested in me.
Ben (whispering)
What’s his name?
Isabel (whispering)
Riley Holloway
Ben (whispering)
Oh! I know that kid, he was on the same soccer team as I was, in the
summer league.
Isabel (whispering)
Really! That’s awesome!
Pause
Isabel (whispering)
So…is he well built?
Ben (whispering)
What?
Isabel (whispering)
Well I know he’s got a gorgeous face, but what about his body.
C’mon, you had to have seen him shirtless at some point.
Ben (whispering)
I don’t know. I mean, I don’t judge guys like that.
Isabel (whispering, sarcastic)
What good are you?
Ben (whispering, chuckling)
When it comes to letting you know about guys bodies, I guess I’m no
good at all.
They both chuckle under their breath.
EXT-KAYLA’S HOUSE-ESTABLISHING SHOT-AFTER SCHOOL
Kayla walks up to the front door.
INT-KAYLA’S HOUSE-AFTER SCHOOL
Kayla enters the house
Kayla (shouting up the steps)
I’m home
Kayla waits a few seconds for a response. From the dining room,
Mary’s voice is heard.
Mary
I’m in here.
Kayla (walking into the dining room)
Oh, are you the only one home?
Mary
Yup, mom has to work late tonight. She said she’d be home after
eleven.
Kayla
Oh.
Kayla
So…how was school...tell me about your day…how’s Adam.
Kayla
Oh he’s great. I’m going over to his house tonight to study.
Mary
That was fast.
Kayla
What?
Mary
Well you have the entire year to get with the kid, and the first day of
school he invites you over to his house…wow, he’s got it bad for you.
Kayla
Oh, don’t make it into a big thing, we’re just studying.
Mary
Uh huh, that’s what they all say. But studying leads to places.
Kayla (smiling)
So tell me, my oh so enlightened little sister. Just where do you think
studying leads?
Mary
Making out, fondling, and eventually, the inevitable episode of mad
passion sex.
Kayla (stunned)
MARY!
Mary
What? It’s true.
Kayla
Well true or not, I’d like to think that I’m not that kind of girl.
Mary
I wasn’t insinuating that you were a whore. The sex part comes after
the “falling madly in love with each other” part.
Kayla (under her breath)
How long does that take?
Mary
What—
Kayla
Nothing. Look, I’m going over to Adam’s around 8ish tonight. You
think you can hold down the fort while I’m gone.
Mary
Yeah, dad should be home soon after that.
Kayla
Alright.
EXT-ADAM’S HOUSE-ESTABLISHING SHOT-NIGHT
A light is on in Adam’s room.
INT-ADAM’S ROOM-NIGHT
Adam is clearing off his desk for his study session with Kayla. Music
is heard coming from his radio. A doorbell is heard from downstairs.
Adam rushes out of his room, down the stairs too…
INT-FOYER OF ADAM’S HOUSE-NIGHT
Adam opens the door to reveal Kayla, dressed in jeans and a tank-top.
A smile comes across Adam’s face.
Adam (dazed)
Wow.
Kayla
Adam…are you—
Adam
I’m sorry, come on in.
INT-ADAM’S ROOM-NIGHT
Adam and Kayla enter.
Kayla
Are you sure you’re alright, Adam
Adam
Yeah, I’m fine. You look really good tonight.
Kayla
Oh thanks, it’s only pants and a shirt though.
Adam
Well still, you look very pretty.
Kayla smiles.
Adam
So The Great Gatsby, chapter one. What seems to be the trouble?
Kayla
I just have trouble keeping everyone straight.
Adam
Alright, well, there’s Nick Carroway. Who’s just bought a house on
West Egg.
Kayla
And what about Gatsby?
Adam
He is the insanely rich next door neighbor to Nick.
INT-ISABEL’S HOUSE-KITCHEN-NIGHT
Isabel and her Mother, Kathy, are talking.
Kathy
So how was your first day?
Isabel
Uneventful. Except for the fact that I found out today that Ben
Washmen is in my Science class.
Kathy
Oh that’s nice.
Isabel pours herself a glass of water.
Kathy
You know, Izzie, if things don’t work out between you and Ril—
Isabel
Mom, please…Ben’s not interested in me.
Kathy
I’m just saying if the long distance relationship with Riley gets to you,
then you could go after Ben. He’s a nice boy, and would make a great
prom date.
Isabel (cracking a smile)
You know, mother, I’m convinced that you live vicariously through
me.
INT-ADAM’S ROOM-NIGHT
Kayla is getting ready to go.
Adam
Did you drive?
Kayla
No, I walked.
Adam
Here, let me drive you home.
Kayla
Oh, you don’t have to do that, I don’t want to be a bur—
Adam
Trust me, it’s not a problem.
Kayla (smiling)
Alright
EXT-KAYLA’S HOUSE-NIGHT
We see Adam’s Saturn Sky pull into the driveway. Both Adam and
Kayla get out. They talk as they walk to the door.
Kayla
That’s a nice car you’ve got.
Adam (smiling)
Yeah…well…it’s not mine, it’s my folks. I call it their “mid-life crisis
car.” They’re pretty cool about letting me drive it though. I get it a lot
of the time.
Kayla (now reaching the door)
Well, thanks for the help
Adam
Hey anytime. (hugging Kayla). You have a good night.
Kayla (smiling)
Thanks you too.
Adam starts to walk away.
Adam (turning back around)
Oh yeah. I’m having a pool party at my house this Friday. You’re
welcome to come if you’d like.
Kayla (smiling)
Really! Thanks, I’ll see you then.
Adam (smiling)
Cool
Adam walks to his car, gets in, and turns it on. The camera zooms out
to a birds eye view of the scene as Adam’s voice over comes on.
Adam (V.O.)
So the first day was out of our way. And I was starting to drop hints
to Kayla, letting her know that I’m interested. We’ll see where it goes.
We see Adam driving
Adam (V.O.)
It’s the end of the summer. Which can only mean one thing. The
start of something new. Who knows what’s going to happen in the
next few weeks. Hopefully it’ll involve Kayla and Me. Hopefully it
will involve all of my friends. All I know is that we’re all growing up.
I just hope it doesn’t happen too fast.
FADE OUT-ROLL ENDING CREDITS.