American Milkshake_2013

MILKSHAKE
    by
    David Andalman Co-writer, Mariko Munro (copyright 2011)
    9/28/2011
    Registered WGA

INT. OLD FASHIONED STAGE
    A white man in a top hat introduces the final act of a black face performance.
    TOP HAT MAN
    In the spirit of true minstrelsy, you have again shown that laughter is the wine of life.
    Some 50 performers stand and break out into song. Roll credits to the music. An average American teenage boy begins to speak. His name is JOLIE.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    All my life, my parents have told me I'm smart and talented. That I can be anything I wanna be when I grow up. Getting into the West Branch Magnet Program was supposed to be some kinda honor. They probly thought I'd grow up to be a doctor, or a lawyer, or scientist that cures cancer and junk. I mean for me school has always been a breeze.

EXT. SUBURBAN HIGH SCHOOL - CIRCA 1990
    Now in the mid-90s, for our story present day.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    But when I look around, I just feel surrounded by dorks.
    Angle on an old school hoop on the horizon. A kid silouettes against the sky lays the ball in.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    All I want, is to be like the kids on varisty, who live in the Maple Ave towers.

EXT. MAPLE AVE TOWERS - DAY
    A part of a suburban neighborhood lines with huge apartment buildings.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    The maple ave kids are coming up from nothing. I mean, their only shot at college is balling. And they've got girls blowing up their pagers twenty-four seven.
    Black kids play ball apartment buildings towering over them.

INT. BASKETBALL GYM
    The young naive face of Jolie in the midst of tryout.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    I pray to God I make varsity. I'd do anything to be like the Maple Ave. kids.
    Montage of tryout - Jolie the olny white kid among them. Suicide drills. Push ups. Machine gun defensive stand exercises. Scrimmaging. Jolie is just a breath behind everyone at pretty much all of them. And now Jolie is at the line. A classic american basketball tryout drill. Miss and you run. All the players but Jolie watch from the baseline. Jolie lines up his shot carefully. He glaces at the coach who holds a clipboard. Jolie fires. For a split second it's dead on but then it bricks wildly. The kids take off running.
    COACH
    That was terrible.

INT. HENRIETTA'S GOLDEN BEDROOM - MORNING
    Sounds of a high pace video game begin. JOLIE, in his tighty-whities, plays Sonic on a Sega Genesis. Also on the bed, black girl HENRIETTA AARONSON tries to do her homework.
    HENRIETTA
    Do you think you're gonna make varsity?
    Jolie drops his controller and tears up.
    HENRIETTA
    School is so wack.
    Jolie composes himself.
    JOLIE
    I support you no matter what. But I can't be changin' no diapers.
    Henrietta looks defeated. Jolie pauses Sonic. Curls up with her.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    I've been fucking Henrietta for a while. She's the best. She's pregnant with someone else's baby but I'm cool with that. In fact, I think that's why I like her so much. She's kinda thugged out.
    Jolie rubs her stomach.
    JOLIE
    Your stomach's smooth.
    Henrietta pops up.
    HENRIETTA
    Not now Jolie.
    JOLIE
    I think you look more beautiful like this than anything. I wish you could be this way forever. We'd be so happy like this.
    A drop of sweat runs down Henrietta's face and lands on a sheet of paper full of algebra equations.
    JOLIE
    I love you.

INT. HENRIETTA'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
    Jolie, now clothed, bounds down the stairs with bookbag and basketball.
    JOLIE
    Hey, Mr. Aaronson.
    MR. AARONSON
    (emerging from kitchen)
    Hey.
    JOLIE
    You got my check?
    MR. AARONSON
    Shit man, those hours really add up, hun?
    Mr. Aaronson grabs his checkbook off the top of the TV and heads to the kitchen.
    JOLIE
    I guess.
    Jolie flips on the TV and catchs a little of the OJ Simpson trial.
    JOLIE
    (V.O)
    Henrietta's adopted. She lives in a big house like me. Her parents pay me to tutor her in geometry. She's kind of an outcast. I think that's why we click. Plus, our moms both work for the same law firm. They fly all over the country doing somethin'.
    Mr. Aaronson flips off the TV.
    MR. AARONSON
    What a mess... So, how do you think she's doing? Is she gonna pass?
    JOLIE
    (stumbing)
    Uh, I don't know. Maybe.
    Mr. Aaronson tenses up, then relaxes again and hands over the check.
    MR. AARONSON
    I don't get it. She was always a great student.
    JOLIE
    (searching for word)
    ...you know... Geometry's a hard thing. Algebra leads to it and if you dont get that then-
    MR. AARONSON
    (interupting)
    Yeah yeah I guess so. Well, you do what you can.
    JOLIE
    Yea.
    MR. AARONSON
    Peace out.
    JOLIE
    Thanks.

EXT. WEST BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
    The bells RINGS. Ethnic murals line some of the walls, others are just the old school red brick.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    My great great grandfather was a famous black face performer.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
    Changing classes. Kids of all shapes, sizes and colors. Jolie emerges among them.
    JOLIE
    They used to call him the greatest performer of all time. But now. Kids at school have never even heard of him. I mean not even magnet kids in AP history have heard of him.

INT. AP ENGLISH CLASSROOM
    Jolie and his best friend HAROON are in the back. Haroon's a scrawny Afghan boy with glasses. Haroon glances at his bulky calculator watch and raises his hand.
    HAROON
    Hey, can I be excused for the Million Man March?
    JOLIE
    Hey, can I use the bathroom?
    The teacher MR. MCCARTY already has the passes raised.

INT. YELLOW HALLWAY
    Empty except Jolie and Haroon.
    HAROON
    Dude, don't they post who made the team today?
    JOLIE
    Naw, not till Monday they said.
    HAROON
    Alright man, have a good day at school.
    JOLIE
    Yeah right.
    HAROON
    See ya.
    They smack a secret handshake and Haroon exits. Alone, Jolie looks longingly out the window.
    JOLIE
    Lucky bastards.

EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT
    Haroon waves good-bye to Jolie. Minority kids are hopping into cars with their march signs, psyched to be getting out of school.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    This sucks. All the minorities get an excused absence for the Million Man March.
    An almost white looking kid enters the frame.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    But me, I'm stuck in school like a bama.
    Haroon waves a last goodbye from his Nissan Saturn.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
    Jolie - still looking enviously out the window.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    I wish I was one of them. I wish I was one of them. I wish I was one of them. Fuck.

INT. HENRIETTA'S GOLDEN BEDROOM - DAY
    Henrietta rocks out to her walk-man while jamming on some homework. Jolie's in his underwear again playing Sonic.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    I'm supposed to tutor Henrietta every Sunday. She's getting an F in math. She knows how to do it though. She's flunking on purpose.
    Jolie looks back at Henrietta and smiles to himself.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    She's so gangster.

INT. HENRIETTA'S LIVINGROOM - LATER
    Jolie, clothed, bounds down the steps again, this time two at a time.

EXT. TOWN ESTABLISHING SHOTS
    Suburban homes with large apartments towers in the background. The school is in the more urban part of town.

EXT. WESTBRANCH SCHOOL GYM
    The doors spray-painted "thug life."

EXT. WEST BRANCH HS TRACK AND FIELD
    Jolie and Haroon sit on the hill doing homework.
    HAROON
    Hey you heard Fransisco got arrested?
    SMASH CUT TO:

INT. BLAIR BLAZER GYM
    FRANCISCO, bare chested, struggles against a security guard. He looks directly into the camera.
    FRANSISCO
    I'm innocent, this is bull shit!
    BACK TO:

EXT. CRUMBLING CONCRETE BLEACHERS - THAT MOMENT
    HAROON
    Over some pictures on the Internet.
    Jolie looks confused.
    JOLIE (O.S.)
    Oh you mean like netscape?
    HAROON
    (laughs)
    Yea.
    Haroon gets up to leave.
    HAROON
    Yo dont forget I need my computer homework back by Monday.
    JOLIE
    I got you. Dont forget to get me my bio homework back.
    HAROON
    Yea duh.
    The walk into the distance.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    My great great grandfather had a song, Hallelujah I'm a Bum. Tupac had a song, I'd Rather Be an N.I.G.G.A., so we can get drunk and smoke weed all day. I always thought they were really similar.

INT. WEST BRANCH BIO CLASS - LATER
    Haroon and Jolie in identical poses.
    HAROON
    Yo. I gotta take a massive dump, will you guard the door while I'm in there.
    JOLIE
    Yea.
    They raise their hands - again in identical positions.

INT. BATHROOM
    Haroon in the stall taking a dump. Jolie at the urinal - simultaneously pounding a Sunkist and taking a whiz.
    HAROON
    I'm taking the most epic shit. Oh! Dude! Don't they post who made the team today?
    Jolie looks suddenly worried. It dawns on him. He rushes off.
    HAROON
    Don't forget I need my computer homework back? Jolie!?

INT. D HALL
    Jolie rushes toward the camera.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    As a white boy at West Branch I'm just not cool.
    He's zeroing in on a wall full of sports posters - at it's center a golden piece of paper labled "THE TEAM."
    JOLIE
    (VO)
    But making the team would change my life forever.
    Jolie looks down the list.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    It's my one shot to fit in with the Maple Ave kids. To actually be somebody!
    Jolie's face brightens. Jolie walks past it and does a double take. It's the list. CLOSE ON JOLIE'S EYES: pure intensity. He stands motionless, holding his breath, reading. Then leans back, covering his dropped jaw.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    Making the team, felt like the most important thing in my life.
    Jolie takes off running down the hall past a mop leaning against the wall.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    As a white boy I just didn't fit in, not in Takoma Park. But now...
    Jolie becomes a black silhouette against a row of windows.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    I was practically black.

EXT. SPARSE WOODS - DAY
    Jolie, in his gold Webber jersey, hops in the woods. He wears large purple ankle weights, and "Jump Soles" (clunky and clumsy looking work out shoes).
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whisper)
    I even ditched class to work on my hops.
    Exhausted, Jolie gathers his basketball and backpack and leaves. A metro train roars past in the background.

INT. JOLIE'S JUNKY BASEMENT - NO WINDOWS
    Jolie is bench pressing and Haroon is spotting. A single florescent fixture hangs overhead.
    HAROON
    Man, I can't believe you made the team.
    Jolie finishes his set. Pops up.
    JOLIE
    I was the last bama on the list! If Francisco hadn't been arrested I'd still be a loser! I'd be just another Joe Shmoe Lame-oh geek in the Blair High School Magnet.
    CLOSE ON HAROON: his face slowly falls.
    JOLIE
    Oh hey, can your mom give you a ride home later. There's something I gotta do.
    HAROON
    Oh... Yeah. Yeah. That's cool.
    They rotate positions - we see that Jolie has only been lifting 5 lb. weights.
    JOLIE
    2.5's right?
    HAROON
    Yeah.
    Jolie leans down on the bar and grins to himself - still on cloud nine.

EXT. STREETS OF TAKOMA PARK - DAY
    A shiny cherry-red '93 Nissan Quest approaches.
    JOLIE
    (voice over, whispering)
    Tupac. Biggie. Snoop Dog. Easy-E. Dr. Dre. Suge Knight. Mr. T.
    The Quest pulls to the curb - Jolie and his Dad inside.
    JOLIE'S DAD
    Alright bye. No injuries.
    Jolie hops out in black and red basketball gear - black headband, black Jordans, even black socks.
    JOLIE
    Alright, bye Dad.
    A clunker 90s cell phone rings. Jolie's Dad answers.
    JOLIE'S DAD
    Hey, you back from the hill? What happened?

EXT. SMALL CLEARING IN THE WOODS
    Henrietta sits alone on a stump listening to her Walkman. Jolie bounds down a path startling her.
    HENRIETTA
    It smells like dog shit in these woods, Jolie. Why'd you want to meet out here anyway?
    Jolie chokes up.
    JOLIE
    Wow. That is pretty bad. It smells like a dead mouse or something.
    HENRIETTA
    You dont want to be seen with me do you? Cus I'm pregnant.
    JOLIE
    ...what? No.
    Henrietta softens.
    HENRIETTA
    You wanna make out with me?
    JOLIE
    Yea but, I can't. Not no more. We can't be hanging out any more. You understand though right?
    HENRIETTA
    ...Why?
    JOLIE
    Henrietta, I told you. I made the basketball team. I'm a Blazer now.
    Henrietta looks crest fallen.
    JOLIE
    L...
    Jolie hacks up some spit.
    JOLIE
    Look. If I make the NBA I'm gonna take care of you and your baby. We're gonna live in a big house in Potomac. Be rich, have maids. That's the reason I'm doing this. Can't you see that? Can't you be happy for me?
    Henrietta shakes her head in utter disappointment. She drops Jolie's basketball and walks off. Pregnant, her ass might be a little bigger than before. Then she stops and turns. Jolie spins his basketball on one finger.
    JOLIE
    Do you need a token for the bus or some junk?
    Crushed, Henrietta leaves. Jolie watches her descend through a romantic archway of brush - a blacktop and basketball hoop in the distance.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I felt bad but,
    Jolie darts up the hill - basketball in hand.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    Henrietta had rich white parents. And after I made the team
    CLOSE ON: his black shoes and socks.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I realized, compared to me she wasn't thugged out at all. She was just bad at Algebra.
    Jolie disappears into the woods.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    For a while I was worried her Dad, Mr. Aaronson, would be mad.
    Jolie runs past a jungle gym with a little boy hanging from the monkey bars.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    But he was cool. He even offered me 20 bucks to mow the lawn. So, everything worked out.
    Jolie jogs past a pregnant woman.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I guess.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT (BUT NO WINDOWS)
    The blazers dress after practice, everyone chatting among the many aisles. But Jolie is all alone in an aisle by himself. Jolie slams the locker door.

INT. BASKETBALL GYM - NIGHT
    Jolie is deep on the bench. The acoustics are bad. The semi full bleachers fill the space with echoes. The crowd is various shades of black. A lot of them have their feet kicked up. Classic red versus blue. The action on the court is fast paced. The players are disciplined, setting screens and running concrete plays. WENDEL, a guard, pulls up for a shot - swish. The cheerleaders get excited. The home score flashes red and reappears as 86 to 52. A blow out. The team of Blair Blazers sit together, their heads moving in unison, following the action. At the end of the bench are ARIUS and Jolie. ARIUS, covered in sweat, is a tall thin, care-free, light-skinned black kid. He has a huge scar on his head, a thick red headband and band- aids over his earrings. Jolie is bone dry and still in his warm up suit.
    ARIUS
    Now it comes with two free controllers and the game.
    JOLIE
    (not paying attention)
    Oh yeah.
    ARIUS
    Yeah. We were playing that joint at my place and one of the cheerleaders was all confessing how cute she thinks you are.
    JOLIE
    (excited)
    Which one?
    ARIUS
    (points to the cheerleader bench)
    Christine Ortanyez.
    Jolie focuses in on a particularly cute Panamanian cheerleader - CHRISTINE ORTANYEZ. JOLIE POV: slow motion of Christine - taps her palms and does a leg kick then looks directly at us.
    COACH DALE
    Jolie!
    Jolie flinches. Coach Dale - in afine suit and gold rimmed glasses - glares.
    COACH DALE
    Get Pistol.
    Jolie rips off his warm-ups in a panic. The shirt gets stuck over his head, then he trips over his pants. His teammates look on with various expressions of concern and laughter. A cheerleader from the opposing team points and giggles.
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    (O.S.)
    Unsnap it!
    Struggling, Jolie frees himself. Coach Dale shakes his head and so does the fat black man directly behind him. Their expressions match exactly. The old white referee blows his whistle hard - game over. All the Blazers start high-fiving each other but Jolie.

INT. JOLIE'S MESSY ROOM - NIGHT
    A six foot long poster of a '91 Lamborghini Countach covers the wall. A Nerf basketball hoop hangs on the closed door. Haroon is dressed up as a woman, using a wig, socks as breasts, and a sheet as a skirt.
    HAROON
    Come on man, we've gotta nail the Marion Barry skit tomorrow or I'm gonna get a B in English.
    JOLIE
    I don't feel like it. I told you.
    Jolie throws an African hat and tap shoes off his bed and they smash against the wall.
    HAROON
    Dude, it's was just a preseason game, come on.
    JOLIE
    Man, if I can't get in when we're up thirty in the preseason then I'm never gonna play.
    Jolie pulls off his jersey and throws it down. He picks up a switch blade and looks at his warped reflection.
    HAROON
    He tried to put you in the game.
    JOLIE
    Yeah, for thirty seconds.
    There's a knock on the door. Jolie wipes a teary eye and straights up. ELLIOTT, Jolie's oddly old dad - enters with a bright orange Nerf ball off the bedside table.
    ELLIOTT
    Three. Two.
    (pump fake)
    One.
    Elliott dunks and freezes in mid air. He makes the sounds of a sold out crowd, animatedly, in a comforting way. The kids smile.
    ELLIOTT
    Come on, Haroon. Let's get you home.
    JOLIE
    Already?
    Haroon follows him down the steps.
    HAROON
    Elliott, will you go over this skit with me. I think you'll really like it and I need to practice or I'm gonna get a B in...
    There voices fade into silence. Jolie stands alone, grabs a dumb bell and does a few curls. He pushes it up his bicpt with his hand so that it looks bigger.

INT. HENRIETTA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
    Jolie climbs in through the window. The only light in the room comes from the Sega on pause.
    HENRIETTA
    I knew you'd be back.
    JOLIE
    Because you know I love you.
    Jolie kissed her with lots of tongue.
    HENRIETTA
    Whatever.
    JOLIE
    What?
    Jolie smiles.
    JOLIE
    You're the best. I love you forever Henrietta.
    HENRIETTA
    You promise.
    JOLIE
    I promise to God.
    HENRIETTA
    Are you gonna help take care of my baby?
    JOLIE
    I'd do anything for you.
    Jolie turns off the TV, and in the near darkness of just a night light quietnly mounts her.
    HENRIETTA
    Wait. I want you to know... There's some stuff. I feel like you're the only one I can trust, the only one I can talk too. Like about when I ran away, and let those kids take photos of me. I couldn't tell anyone but you. You know that right?
    JOLIE
    I know. They were just photos. Everyone makes mistakes.
    Henrietta caresses his face and they kiss.
    HENRIETTA
    (voice over)
    Jolie's stupid. He'll believe anything. But I like him. I've been failing algebra just so he can tutoring me.

EXT. HENRIETTA'S MOONLIT HOME
    The automatic sprinkler goes off.
    HENRIETTA
    The thing is. He's not like other guys. I mean, he's on the team, but he's not really a cool kid. I've always hated the cool kids.
    Jolie steps off the porch and trips on a crack in the sidewalk.

INT. DIMLY LIT GIGANTIC AUDITORIUM - DAY
    The theater class is spread out, bored and chatty. In the distance a girl is practicing dance steps on stage. Christine walks down the aisle and sits next to Jolie.
    CHRISTINE
    Hey Jolie. Have you seen this article?
    Jolie is dressed in basketball attire - it's a game day. Christine is in her hot cheerleader uniform.
    JOLIE
    What? No. Lemme see.
    She hands Jolie a newspaper. Their hands touch briefly, they lock eyes - a moment passes between them.
    JOLIE
    Wow. I heard Francisco got arrested but I didn't know he made the paper.
    CHRISTINE
    I heard he got arrested because him and a bunch of other kids banged that pregnant girl Henrietta for a dollar or something.
    A REDHEAD dude with an orange hoody turns around with a spnoonful of green Jell-O, eating from his Tupperware bowl.
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    A dollar total. Or a dollar each?
    CHRISTINE
    Each, I hope.
    JOLIE
    (disturbed)
    That's a rumor, duh. They just took photos.
    CHRISTINE
    How do you know? Were you there?
    JOLIE
    I heard.
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    Believe what you want man. That chick got gang banged! Turned out by mad dudes like a straight porno scene.
    Jolie, lost in thought. The bell rings.

INT. HISPANIC HALL
    Dim. No windows. Hispanic kids line the lockers. Pants sag and Spanish is heard. One black kid from the team, Arius, looks in a locker mirror and puts on cologne. He has a gold cross and greasy hair.
    ARIUS
    Jolie. I heard your old girl is a straight chicken-head.
    JOLIE
    Who?
    ARIUS
    You haven't heard?
    ARIUS
    Heard what?
    ARIUS
    That Maple Ave shit. You haven't seen the porn video with your girl Henrietta?
    JOLIE
    I'm not with that girl man. I just tutor her in Algebra.
    ARIUS
    Chill brother. I'm just saying...
    MR. APPLEBAUM overhears this.
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    What are you boys buzzing about? Maple Ave this.. Maple Ave that..
    ARIUS
    You can take the niggas out the ghetto but you can't take the ghetto out the niggas.
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    Come on Arius. I know you've got somewhere to be.
    Still stunned by the rumor, Jolie follows the steady flow of kids out a single door to the:

EXT. EAST SIDE OF THE SCHOOL - DAY
    The sun backlights the school. Jolie emerges from the school. Christine catches up to him.
    CHRISTINE
    Jolie, aren't you headed to computer class?
    JOLIE
    What? Yeah.
    CHRISTINE
    Is everything alright? You look kind of stunned or something.
    JOLIE
    What? No. I just. The sun was in my eyes.
    CHRISTINE
    Oh.
    JOLIE
    What's up?
    CHRISTINE
    I am totally struggling with my program this month, do you think I could look at your code?
    JOLIE
    My programming skills aren't that good. But we can copy Haroon's code and just change the variable names.
    CHRISTINE
    Really?
    JOLIE
    Yea.
    CHRISTINE
    Cool. Thanks.
    Christine gives Jolie a hug. Henrietta walks past and gives Jolie an eye. Jolie pretends not to notice. From afar the kids look like ants walking in lines to and from the portables (trailer classrooms). A school bell rings.

EXT. CONVENIENT STORE
    Henrietta approaches the Redhead Grunge Kid. They're both skipping class.
    HENRIETTA
    Hey, can I bum a cigarette?
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    Aren't you pregnant?
    HENRIETTA
    Whatever.
    Henrietta rolls her eyes and starts to walk away.
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    Hold up. Here.
    HENRIETTA
    Thanks.
    Henrietta lights up.
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    Fuck it, right?
    HENRIETTA
    Yea. I guess so.

INT. BACK OF CLASSROOM
    Working in groups.
    HAROON
    Dude, Christine's been jocking your nuts lately. What's up with that?
    JOLIE
    I don't know man. I think she's into me.
    ANYA
    She's probably just using you for my code.
    HAROON
    It happens to me all the time.
    ANYA
    You wish.
    HAROON
    Even if she does like you dude, you'd have to be loco to get with her.
    Jolie looks over at Christine on the other side of the classroom. Christine smiles back.
    HAROON
    Her last boyfriend Raymond -
    CUT TO:

EXT. STUDENT PARKING LOT - SUN SET
    Raymond, a cool Hispanic boy perched on a metal railing, cranes his head around and we see he's got a black eye and smokes a Camel.
    HAROON
    (O.S.,
    Has been having sex since junior high. Ray hops off the railing, puts his arm around a girl and kicks over a trash can as they walk into the sunset. BACK TO:

INT. DIM BASEMENT CLASSROOM - THAT MOMENT
    VLAD
    That's nothing. Ray's been suspended three times. They found a gun in his locker. And he has no blood parents. You don't want that kind of sloppy seconds. It's big trouble.
    JOLIE
    Hmmm.
    VLAD
    You would be the man, though. I'd give you that.
    HAROON
    Yea, that's true. You would be the man.
    ANYA
    Why? What does that have to do with anything?
    All the boys roll there eyes. IN SLOW MOTION Jolie turns to look at Christine, this time with his hoody up. Turning back he knocks his notebook off the table - papers scattering, a can of Sour Cream Pringles spilling. Christine notices the commotion, laughs kindly. He smiles back.

EXT. DUSTY MULTIPURPOSE FIELD - SUNSET
    CRACK - the sound of softball being hit. The girls team warming up. Jolie and Christine sit on small metal bleachers.
    CHRISTINE
    You guys have the late practice today, huh?
    JOLIE
    Yeah.
    CHRISTINE
    Well Coach Dale asked me to tape the next game - you wanna see the camera we're using? It's in the small gym.
    JOLIE
    Oh yeah. All the way past C hall.
    CHRISTINE
    Come on. I know a short cut through parenting class.
    JOLIE
    Through parenting class? Let's just go the long way.
    CHRISTINE
    Come on. Don't be such a goody goody. The teacher doesn't care. Trust me. She's like a hundred years old, she gets it. It's just an excuse to have free baby sitters for all the teen moms. And that's a good thing.
    She grabs his hand and leads him.

INT. PARENTING CLASSROOM
    Jolie and Christine cut through the chaotic after school 'class.' Henrietta is there, looking bored, and playing with a toy toddler. Henrietta gives Jolie a suspicious look. Jolie waves nervously.
    CHRISTINE
    Are you friends with her? That's the girl I was telling you about.
    JOLIE
    I just tutor her in Algebra. You know how we need community service hours to graduate, well...

INT. BLAZER GYMNASIUM
    A mural of fire emblazons the walls. A second floor balcony - overlooking the court. A space for storing of moldy old trampolines and gymnastic junk.
    JOLIE
    It's hot as a mug in here.
    Christine flips on a giant standing fan.
    CHRISTINE
    Stand in front of this. God that feels good.
    Her hair and cheerleader skirt blowing back. Jolie stands next to her. Christine gracefully gets on her knees. Beat.
    CHRISTINE
    The camera's under here. Come on.
    She crawls under the trampoline, through the glittery tassels hanging around it's edges. Jolie hesitates then follows but we stay behind. A pom-pom and a basketball rest in the foreground.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    The season hadn't even started and my life had changed forever.
    Just below the tassels Christine's top lands on the floor.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I swear, exactly when we kissed someone yelled score.
    Kids of all shapes and sizes rush the court below with hockey sticks. Haroon and Vlad and Benjamin and Anya, and the Redhead Grunge Kid and Ray among them.
    REDHEAD GRUNGE KID
    Score! Score! Score!
    RAY
    Shut your hole!
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    It felt like a million bucks.
    Haroon pumps his fist yes as someone gets a shot past the goalie in warm ups. Christine fixes her hair and walks out with a VHS camcorder.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I felt guilty cuz of Henrietta, but as Tu Pac says, "Only God can judge me."
    Jolie stands behind, in the doorway, fixing his belt and getting a touch of wind from the fan.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I did wonder if Henrietta's Dad, Mr. Aaronson, even knew she was pregnant.
    Jolie takes a last glimpse of the intermural floor hockey game below them.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    But for some reason it just never came up.
    Jolie ducks into the stairwell. Then all the lights go out. Blackness. Hold. Haroon walks into a small shaft of light that goes unseen until it has his face to land on.
    HAROON
    (off camera)
    Would someone please stop messing around and put the lights on. This league is for serious players only.
    Haroon puts on his RoboCop goalie mask. BAM! He is body checked to the floor.
    RAY
    Boom! Step aside, nigga.
    Haroon slouched against the wall - blood dripping from his temple.
    HAROON
    (cringing in pain, almost crying)
    Oww, man. I think you broke my wrist.
    RAY
    Tell your boy Jolie to lay off my girl Christine. Every time he makes a move on her I'm gonna eat your ass for lunch.
    HAROON
    (beginging to cry)
    What? Why me?

INT. HAROON'S HOME - AFTER-SCHOOL DAY
    Haroon, and Haroon's older brother ZEKE are rummaging the kitchen cabinets for snacks. Haroon's arm is in a cast for the rest of the movie.
    ZEKE
    Hey, are there anymore Handi-Snacks or did you take the last one?
    The doorbell rings.

EXT. HAROON'S HOME
    Jolie and Haroon smack their secret handshake. They cross the lawn with Zeke.
    HAROON
    Dude, before I show you this internet stuff at my Mom's place we gotta talk about this Raymond situation. Ray said he's gonna eat my ass for lunch every time you mess with Christine.
    Haroon grabs a key from under the doormat of the second home.
    JOLIE
    Yea he's just afraid to step to me directly because he knows varsity has my back. Don't stress though. He's just a bully.
    Haroon open the door to:

INT. HAROON'S DIMLY LIT SECOND HOME - DAY
    Thick curtains are drawn, most of the place empty but a small computer station is in the corner.
    HAROON
    Don't stress? He broke my arm man. How is anything under control?
    JOLIE
    Ray is just a bully. All you have to do is hold your ground a little probably.
    Jolie fakes like he gonna punch Haroon and Haroon flinches.
    JOLIE
    He'll back off.
    HAROON
    What? Are you serious? He blind sided me. How am I supposed to hold my ground?
    JOLIE
    Come on dude, isn't that why you always carry that Batman figure around?
    HAROON
    What?
    JOLIE
    Because Batman's the only superhero that is just a regular guy.
    HAROON
    Batman is a cartoon. This TOY is for inspiration. We're talking about real life. Are you loco?
    JOLIE
    Fine, then just stay close to me and the team will get your back, I swear.
    HAROON
    Pinky swear. No leaving me behind at lunch now that you're all tight with the team or nothing.
    JOLIE
    Done.
    Haroon has fires up a video game on the PC.
    HAROON
    Cool. Now let's conquor titen again. I think we can break the high score.
    ZEKE
    Seriously.

INT. RUSTY OLD HIGH SCHOOL WEIGHT ROOM - DAY
    Every kid on the team but Jolie is wearing light tan, suède Timberland boots.
    WENDEL
    What's up?
    JOLIE
    Hey.
    ARIUS
    What's up Jolie.
    JOLIE
    What's up?
    MERLY
    What's up? What's up with you?
    JOLIE
    What's up?
    CODROY
    What's up?
    JOLIE
    What's up?
    SURGIO
    Chillen.
    WENDEL
    Peace, nigger.
    Jolie pauses for a second then half smiles. Haroon's face turns red as a cherry as he "maxes" on the bench.
    JOLIE
    See man. Ray can't mess with us now. We're rolling too deep.
    Haroon looks around, the whole basketball team is working out. MERLY leg presses a massive amount of weight.
    HAROON
    (dons his sombrero, spreading a genuine smile)
    Yea. I guess your right. Junior year's actually gonna be cool. And I love spirit week. Merly, did you bring a hat for hat day?
    MERLY
    Yea.
    Merly stops his leg presses - pulls on a black ski-mask.
    MERLY
    Hey, Jolie. Want to give us a lift to Taco Bell for lunch?
    JOLIE
    Yea. No prob.
    HAROON
    Cool man.

EXT. STUDENT PARKING LOT - DAY
    Kids from the team pile into Jolie's Toyota Camry. Six are already in the ride, Haroon tries to squeeze in.
    MERLY
    You want my spot?
    HAROON
    Ummm. Naw. Naw. I'm cool.
    MERLY
    You sure?
    JOLIE
    Jump in the trunk dude. It's not far.
    HAROON
    You think so?
    MERLY
    That's rediculous. Let's just bring you back something? What do you want?
    HAROON
    Uh. Just like a couple burritos. Here's a ten?
    MERLY
    No worries. I got you.
    HAROON
    Oh thanks man.
    MERLY
    No prob.
    Marly closes the door. Haroon stands alone in the parking lot in his sombrero. Jolie waves as they drive off.
    JOLIE
    I'll bring you some cinnamon twists too!
    Haroon looks around and sees Ray staring at him from the top of some steps. Haroon looks scared, tips his sombrero to hide his face.

INT. TOYOTA CAMRY - DAY
    Jolie drives his teammates, all eating Taco Bell. Go-go music blasting. In the rearview mirror a Cop emerges.
    MERLY
    The cops just followed us from the left turn only lane.
    ARIUS
    I knew it. Did you see his face?
    MERLY
    That dude is always messing with us.

EXT. STEEP STREET
    The kids hang out outside the car with one of the cops. Merly with the other Cop by the cop car. The argument between Merly and the Cops escalates. Merly prevents the cops from grabbing his empty looking bookbag. Merly takes off sprinting between two of the houses. The cops hustle after him, their large belts bouncing. Jolie and the other kids stunned.
    WENDEL
    He's still dealing nickel bags I bet.
    ARIUS
    Naw man. It's because of that video. The Maple Ave thing...the one with Jolie's girl Henrietta.
    JOLIE
    She's not my girl.
    ARIUS
    That's not what she said before she started sucking everyone's dicks... Don't believe me. Y'all can see the VHS.
    Arius pulls out his gold cain. Jolie looks intensely shocked by this offer.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL-- MAIN OFFICE
    The kids that were out to lunch are waiting in line getting slips for being late. The Administrator returns with PRINCIPAL GANUS, a 350 pound black man who looks like an ex-football player.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    Arius. This is your fifth detention this semester. That means in-school suspension for the week. Starting now.
    ARIUS
    What!? Did you hear what happened to us? We got harrassed by the cops man!
    Arius follows Ganus into the bowels of the main office. The Administrator takes another call, and the coast is suddenly clear. Jolie and Wendel scope out an escape route - the security guard no longer at the door.
    JOLIE
    Come on man. Coast is clear.
    They peek into the hallway and see security round a bend. Jolie and Wendel run as quietly as possible in the opposite direction.
    SECURITY GUARD
    Wendel! Get your ass over hear.
    WENDEL
    What? What about Jolie?
    SECURITY GUARD
    He's in the magnet program. His teacher will handle it.
    Jolie doesn't dare look back.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    And just like that, with Marley arrested and Arius doing in-school, I might just get some playing time?

INT. TRIG CLASS
    Haroon enters and sits next to Jolie. Haroon has double fresh black eyes. The teacher and classroom is quite and dont even pay any attention to Jolie entering.
    HAROON
    I thought you said Ray wasn't gonna mess with me man?
    JOLIE
    Woah. Dude. Are you alright?
    HAROON
    Do I look alright?
    JOLIE
    I'm sorry man.
    HAROON
    That's all you got?
    JOLIE
    No. Come on man.
    HAROON
    YOu said I just had to hold my ground.
    JOLIE
    Well at least you've still got your teeth.
    HAROON
    You're an asshole.
    JOLIE
    Let me get you back. Come to the movies with me tonight dude. The new Ice Tea flick is out. The tickets on me. Coke, popcorn, the whole nine.
    Haroon rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
    HAROON
    The whole nine? It's a movie.
    JOLIE
    It's an Ice Tea flick and it's gonna be tight as a mug.
    Haroon looks disgusted and offended.

INT. DARK GHETTO MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT
    Henrietta leans in close to Jolie's ear. They whisper to each other:
    JOLIE
    We had an early game today against Paint Branch. And I scored 3 points.
    HENRIETTA
    You know I saw you with that Cheerleader.
    JOLIE
    Come on. Enough with that. I washed my hands already. So I can please you.
    HENRIETTA
    Just tell me yall are hooking up. It's OK if you are. I just want the truth.
    JOLIE
    You want the truth. How is this?
    Jolie reveals a plastic case meant for baseball cards. Out of it he slides a small newspaper cut out. A picture of Francisco getting arrested with the headline 'Sex Video Arrest.'
    HENRIETTA
    (ashamed)
    Yeah. Francisco got arrested. What about it?
    JOLIE
    I thought you said you didn't fuck any of them.
    HENRIETTA
    I didn't.
    JOLIE
    Did you suck their dicks?
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie. It's none of your fucking business.
    JOLIE
    Well everyone at school says you did. And now they're saying there's a video and that's why Francisco and Merly got arrested.
    HENRIETTA
    They're not arrested. They got questioned and shit and then they got suspended.
    JOLIE
    How do you know?
    HENRIETTA
    Because I hear all the Maple Ave stuff.
    Haroon pretends to watch the movie but is obviously uncomfortable.
    HAROON
    Shhh. It's getting good you know.
    Henrietta and Jolie whisper more quietly.
    HENRIETTA
    Look, that's all beside the point. Whatever you heard about me at school, they don't know shit. It's a lie. I already told you. I ran away from home. That's it. Now leave me alone.
    JOLIE
    Why did you let them take pictures?
    HENRIETTA
    I told you. I needed money.
    JOLIE
    For what?
    HENRIETTA
    Duh, an abortion. Does that make you feel better. But I decided I want this baby Jolie. I want a real family. So I went to Pizza Hut for dinner instead. The one on University Boulevard, do you want a receipt or something?
    JOLIE
    Where did you sleep that night?
    HENRIETTA
    I told you. I slept at the ATM machine. Now stop it.
    Henrietta is on the verge of tears and it cracks Jolie.
    JOLIE
    Dang. I know. I'm sorry. I'm such an idiot.
    HENRIETTA
    But I love you. I just want to be with you now. And put all that in the past.
    JOLIE
    Why didn't you come to me then?
    HENRIETTA
    We had just met.
    JOLIE
    I know. Damn it. You could have slept on my couch, easy. My parents wouldn't have even cared.
    We hear a killing on the screen. They kiss. The color cast on them shifts from a blue to a red. Jolie reaches under the starter jacket that lies across her lap.
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie. No.
    JOLIE
    You lied to me.
    HENRIETTA
    I didn't. I would never.
    JOLIE
    How do I know?
    Henrietta guides his hand up between her legs and she closes her eyes, succumbing to his fingers.
    HENRIETTA
    Don't you trust me?
    From behind them they are silhouettes against the Ice-T action pic "Surviving the Game." A baby is crying somewhere in the theater. The red light cast on them begins to flash rapidly. In and out of blackness. Jolie peaks at a boy one seat away. (Jolie's basketball is in the seat between them, with Haroon's Batman toy sitting atop it.) Henrietta breathes hard. Jolie bites his lower lip.
    ANONOMOUS MAN
    (O.C. yelling at the screen)
    Don't mess with his boy? You're gonna get it now! Un-hun!

EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT
    JOLIE
    Haroon and I better get going. We gotta finish our Magnet project for R&E.
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie, my Dad is picking us up. I thought you were gonna help me study?
    JOLIE
    I would but I can't. This is like the biggest project of the year.
    HENRIETTA
    I have a huge test tomorrow and if I don't pass this class I have to go to summer school.
    JOLIE
    I know but Mr. Donaldson just assigned a huge thing-
    HENRIETTA
    Haroon. Would you mind letting me talk to Jolie in private?

EXT. BEHIND THE MALL DUMPSTERS
    HENRIETTA
    The only time we go out is to the movies, and you're always late, and it's always the late show.
    JOLIE
    What are you talking about?
    Henrietta rolls her eyes and looks upset.
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie. I saw Christine was all over you at school.
    JOLIE
    She's just like that. She's a cheerleader.
    HENRIETTA
    Tell me something. What do you really want to do with your life?
    JOLIE
    What do I want to do?
    HENRIETTA
    Why do you repeat everything I say?
    JOLIE
    What do I wanna do? I mean, you know that, right?
    HENRIETTA
    You're five-eight.
    JOLIE
    Spud Web was five seven.
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie.
    JOLIE
    What?
    Henrietta's father Mr. Aaronson, rolls up in a VW van and speaks from the window.
    MR. AARONSON
    So what's happening kids? Haroon said you guys were talking about important stuff?
    HENRIETTA
    Dad, we're fucking studying here! Do you mind?
    MR. AARONSON
    In the parking lot? I just wanted to see if you guys needed anything. I made Rice Krispy treats. They're still hot.
    He showcases a saran wrapped tray.
    HENRIETTA
    Dad, have you seen how fucking fat I am!?
    MR. AARONSON
    Henrietta. Just because you don't want any doesn't mean Jolie doesn't. Tutoring is hard work, after all.
    (to Jolie)
    I tutored high school kids in Oakland in the 60's, and -
    HENRIETTA
    Dad, we all know the story of you saving kids in the ghetto, ok?
    MR. AARONSON
    Jolie, are you hungry?
    JOLIE
    Uh-
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie's bailing, Dad. Come on.
    Henrietta hops into the Van.
    MR. AARONSON
    Oh. Well. That's cool. That's cool.
    Henrietta looks bummed. She cups her stomach and looks at it. Then scowls at Jolie.
    JOLIE
    I'm really sorry, Mr. Aaronson, but-
    HENRIETTA
    Dad. Just drive please.
    MR. AARONSON
    No worries, Jolie. Catch you later.
    Mr. Aaronson makes the West coast gang sign as a friendly gesture as a good-bye as he drives off. Jolie and Haroon watch them leave.

INT. METRO - NIGHT
    The train rumbles along.
    HAROON
    So you've been tutoring her in Algebra and that's it?
    JOLIE
    Yea.
    HAROON
    Whatever man.
    JOLIE
    What?
    HAROON
    I was sitting right there.
    JOLIE
    So?
    HAROON
    So man. I saw what was going on. I'm not an idiot.
    Jolie is silent.
    HAROON
    You're ridiculous. I gotta jump off.
    JOLIE
    What? I thought we were gonna play street fighter?
    HAROON
    I can play dune at home on my PC.
    JOLIE
    What are you scared I'm gonna smoke you like a blunt again?
    HAROON
    You wish. You can't touch my skills.
    JOLIE
    I'd turn you into a straight dikfor.
    HAROON
    What the hell is a dikfor?
    JOLIE
    You don't know what a dick's for!? You fucking homo-thug!
    Jolie jumps on the seat and shoves his crotch in Haroon's face - thrusting hard. Several passengers laugh.
    HAROON
    Oww! Dude, you're pealing off my scab. Get off me! You know you've been a real jerk lately.
    JOLIE
    Damn, Ray really smashed your face didn't he?
    HAROON
    I think you're an asshole for lying to Henrietta and Christine.
    JOLIE
    I never lied to them.
    The metro rumbles to a stop.
    JOLIE
    (cont)
    I love them both.
    Haroon exits. Jolie looks longingly out of the window as the train pulls off.

INT. GYMNASIUM - LATE AFTERNOON
    Post practice:
    COACH DALE
    Kiss! Can anyone tell me what KISS stands for?
    Coach Dale underlines "KISS" on the blackboard. All the bleachers are pushed in. The team gathered on the floor in practice jerseys. Five starters in white. The rest in red. All downtrodden. Wendel wipes sweat off his chin. Coach Dale eyes them down. Two dishevelled white assistant coaches flank Dale. A fat black man in a sweat-suit also hangs around, an unofficial assistant coach. ASSISTANT #1 wears a gray sweat suit. ASSISTANT #2 sports a wrinkled dress shirt and tie. Both don clip boards and red whistles. No one moves. Jolie hesitantly gestures. Coach Dale nods.
    JOLIE
    Uh, Keep it simple stupid.
    COACH DALE
    Why are you mumbling? Speak up.
    JOLIE
    Keep it simple stupid.
    COACH DALE
    That's right. Keep it simple stupid.
    The team stares blankly.
    COACH DALE
    Ya'll screw up and say, "But I thought..."
    (beat)
    Kiss.
    (beat)
    Keep it simple. You guys are thinking too much on the court. Stay aggressive and maybe we'll have a chance of beating Springbrook without Francisco and Merly. We're short handed, especially at guard positions, so everyone has to be ready to play, especially you Jolie. You're as good as anybody on this team. I've seen you play great when we scrimmaged with JV.
    (beat)
    And everyone, no more bringing your stuff in a plastic bag. Get a real bag. Something canvas. Use an old backpack if you have to.

EXT. GYMNASIUM - DUSK
    A few boys from the team and a few girls from the cheerleader squad are hanging around a track and field practice visible in the distance.
    JOLIE
    Arius, man. When can I see the VHS tape you mentioned?
    ARIUS
    What? Oh, it got erased. Didn't you hear the cops are on to the whole thing?
    JOLIE
    Yeah, but-
    ARIUS
    Man, Francisco is in the papers. You haven't seen?
    (turns and tugs at a cheerleader)
    Come here, girl. Sit on my lap.
    Wendel lights a cig. Jolie lays a towel over his head and turns to Wendel.
    JOLIE
    Henrietta didn't really fuck any of them, did she? I mean she was just posing nude for some photos, right?
    WENDEL
    Well, they just paid her to do a little strip tease or whatever but things escalated.
    JOLIE
    How can it just escalate?
    WENDEL
    How did World War 2 escalate? It just did. Someone pulled out his junk teasing her, and then she started messing around with her tongue on his balls, just laughing and stuff. And it just went from there.
    JOLIE
    Dude? If this is a psych, you got me. OK? Just tell me the truth.
    WENDEL
    I'm not lying. I'm dead serious. You can see for yourself.
    JOLIE
    It got erased I thought.
    WENDEL
    The original did. But Arius has a copy.
    Jolie tugs on his underarm hair, worried. They look over at Arius who is daydreaming.
    ARIUS
    (to himself)
    Booooom.
    WENDEL
    Arius!
    Arius snaps out of it.
    WENDEL
    What happened to your head man?
    ARIUS
    The doctors said I was crazy so they took a little piece of my brain out.
    WENDEL
    No they didn't.
    ARIUS
    Yes they did. Look.
    Arius shows off the top of his head
    JOLIE
    Damn.
    CLOSE ON: Arius's brutal scar in his head. Arius pushes at it with his fingers.
    ARIUS
    See how soft it is?
    JOLIE
    Yeah.
    Arius laughs. Looks around to make sure no one's listening in.
    ARIUS
    Come by Coach Dales office tomorrow at 3 o'clock.
    ARIUS
    While he's gone opening up the weight-room I'm showing the tape for five bucks a head. You have never seen anything like this, I promise you.
    A yellow Geo Jeep with 5 very thugged out kids rolls up.
    ARIUS
    Arright y'all.
    Arius gives them the finger from the packed with 6 Jeep as it speeds off (Geo's are equipt with only 4 seats)

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
    Everyone working away - Haroon and Jolie seated in the back with a giant stand alone magnifying glass. The teacher MR. APPLEBAUM puts a paper on Jolie's desk labeled B+, then Haroon's, labeled B-.
    HAROON
    B minus!? Are you serious?
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    Watch the language Mister Mochtarzada.
    HAROON
    Did you even read this shit?
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    Thin ice Haroon.
    HAROON
    Come on Mr. Applebaum? The whole undercover hooker bust opening in this thing is genius.
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    It's not accurate Haroon. The OJ trial didn't begin until long after the Marion Barry bust.
    HAROON
    Duh. Everybody knows that. It's not an Encyclopedia. It's a story.
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    Haroon. This is a current events history class. I think you missed the point of the assignment.
    HAROON
    I think you missed the point of the story! The events were mixed up because the character is mixed up. You think I don't know -
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    Enough !
    Stunned, Haroon walks back to his desk.
    HAROON
    (under his breath)
    ...fucking idiot...
    MR. APPLEBAUM
    Detention. Today.
    The bell rings. The clock shows 3 o'clock sharp.
    HAROON
    Fucking dick-face man, it's not fair!
    Haroon brushes his notebook and pencils onto the floor in frustration.
    JOLIE
    Shit man. I'm sorry dude. You deserved an A. It was tight as a mug.
    HAROON
    Don't placate me asshole. You didn't even read it like you said you would.
    Haroon holds up his cast.
    HAROON
    It's just a broken arm and a couple black eye. Nothing to worry about right? Go hang with your stupid team.
    Jolie looks at the clock as the room empties. Jolie sheepishly leaves Haroon alone with Mr. Applebaum.

INT. HALLWAY
    Jolie walks down a packed hallway and ducks into an office door. As Coach Dale leaves his office Arius catches the door. The team slips in one by one. All hanging out nearby.

INT. BASKETBALL COACH OFFICE - DAY
    Pictures and trophies are all over the cramped room, spanning decades. The team and a group of cheerleaders are hanging out waiting for the video. Arius pops the tape in.
    ARIUS
    Look, look, look. Look. Right here, I told you.
    Ad-lib hollers. Some laugh.
    ARIUS
    I told you she was turned out.
    CHRISTINE
    (to Jolie)
    Damn.
    JOLIE
    Aw, man.
    ARIUS
    Hold up, I gotta rewind to the funny part.
    CHRISTINE
    What a slut! That's that girl you tutor right?
    JOLIE
    (stunned)
    Yea. ...Henrietta Aaronson.
    ARIUS
    I told you! I told you! I told you!
    Jolie looks devastated. The picture in a backwards blur - rewinding, we can make out Henrietta.
    ARIUS
    Shhhhhh. Shhhhh. This is it.
    On the television is Henrietta.
    GUY BEHIND THE CAMERA
    What's the password?
    (beat)
    Lemme see them shits again.
    ARIUS
    When he grabs her tits it looks like he's assessing a race horse. He's like - lemme check out this specimen.
    Everyone laughs but Jolie.
    GUY BEHIND THE CAMERA
    What would your daddy say if he saw this?
    HENRIETTA
    (affecting a sexy voice)
    He'd knock me out for the rest of my life.
    The kids in the room break out into ad-lib excitement.
    ARIUS
    Pause it. Pause it. Pause it. Look. Right there. That's Francisco in the back.
    In the background of the video is a doorway to a hallway, and crouched on the floor as if waiting for a long time, is Francisco.
    CHRISTINE
    Coach Dale is coming. I'm serious. He's coming now.
    Wendel flips on the Sega Genesis. John Madden '95 appears on the screen. Christine and Wendel each grab a controller. Coach Dale enters.
    COACH DALE
    No weightroom today guys, we got some studying to do. This is a copy of last years Springbrook game. Get comfortable, this could be a while.
    The cheerleaders gather themselves. Coach Dale tries to insert the game tape but the VHS of Henrietta is still inside. He ejects the mystery tape, looks at it, unlabeled, and puts it in his bag.
    COACH DALE
    (cont.)
    Girls, you are welcome to watch but please keep it down, we have our work cut out for us.
    The cheerleaders leave, Christine the last to straggle along, grabs Jolie's hand briefly on the way out. Coach Dale turn off the lights and presses play on the game tape. Arius considers swiping the VHS. So does Jolie. But there's no opportunity. The low quality recording of a game plays: one pixilated, long take. The blue team scores. The white team - THE BLAZERS - in-bound the ball, and the camera pans following the action. The video as primitive as it gets. Jolie is in a daze about what has seen with Henrietta. Coach Dale pauses the tape.
    COACH DALE
    Now what was wrong with that shot?
    (beat)
    Jolie?
    ARIUS
    He shot on the first pass of a half court set.
    COACH DALE
    Are you Jolie?
    ARIUS
    (scowling at the coach)
    Do I look like white to you?
    Beat. Coach Dale assails Arius, wrestling him into a hold on the floor.
    COACH DALE
    How does it feel?
    ARIUS
    Owwww. My arm.
    The other players stand back feeling awkward about the semi- abusive coach.
    COACH DALE
    How does it feel?
    ARIUS
    Ah. Ah. Ah.
    COACH DALE
    Look in my eyes. How does it feel?
    ARIUS
    Ahhhhhh!
    COACH DALE
    If I ever see you back away from a rebound again I'm gonna bench you for the season. You wont play one second the whole year. You got that boy?
    Arius pinned and cringing squirms, eyes tearing, shirt bunching up and revealing a tatoo on his back for "Maple Ave." While everyone's distracted Jolie eyes the bag with the VHS, inching closer. Just as he's about to make his move the coach release Arius and sits back down. Then he pounces on Arius again and Jolie quickly grab the tape.
    ARIUS
    Ahhhhh!

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
    Rain pours. Jolie sits on a stump, drenched and pounding a can of Coca- Cola and holding a basketball. Henrietta comes timidly down the path with an umbrella and flashlight, removing her Walkman headphones.
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie, you are soaking wet. What's going on? Why did you want to meet here in the middle of the night?
    JOLIE
    This. This tape is going on. I saw it. The whole team saw it.
    Henrietta is silent.
    JOLIE
    You lied to me. Why?
    Jolie puts the VHS on the stump and smashes it violently with his basketball. Then he pulls the tape out of the VHS cassette and throws it into the air dramatically.
    JOLIE
    Don't you have anything to say?! Don't you?!
    HENRIETTA
    What the fuck?
    Silence.
    JOLIE
    How could you lie to me like this? How could you make a fool of me like this?
    HENRIETTA
    How could I tell you when you never listen?
    JOLIE
    Why? Why not? I love you.
    Jolie hugs her.
    HENRIETTA
    Sometimes love is not enough.
    Jolie just looks at her. Jolie is dumb struck. Henrietta hugs him.
    HENRIETTA
    I just couldn't tell you about Maple Ave., Jolie. I just couldn't let you down. Your a Magnet kid. Your smart. Your excellent at computer, math and science. You don't understand where I'm coming from. What's important to me.
    Henrietta hides her face in his shoulder.
    JOLIE
    I think we shouldn't see each other anymore.
    HENRIETTA
    I think you're right.
    JOLIE
    You do?
    HENRIETTA
    (tearing up)
    Yeah. This time I think you're actually right.
    JOLIE
    Kiss me one last time.
    A beautiful silhouette kiss against the dark blue sky in the rain. Jolie's basketball in a glistening puddle. Magnetic tape from the VHS strewn about.
    HENRIETTA
    I never meant any of that to happen. Things just got out of control.
    JOLIE
    I'll tell your Dad I'm not your tutor anymore.
    HENRIETTA
    Thanks. Oh, and here. I want you to have this back.
    Henrietta ejects her tape from her Walkman.
    JOLIE
    What's this?
    HENRIETTA
    It's Milkshake. The 95 R&B mix you gave me at our second tutoring session.
    JOLIE
    Oh. One of those tracks isn't even out yet though.
    HENRIETTA
    Yea, I know. And some are older. It's kind of fucked up.
    JOLIE
    Just like us I guess.
    HENRIETTA
    Just like everyone.
    Jolie looks at the mixtape and Henrietta leaves him standing alone in the rain in the woods. FADE OUT.: BLACKNESS Hold.

INT. FOOTLOCKER
    As Chris Rock would say, Jolie, Christine and Haroon are in the mall 'white people used to go to.' Jolie takes a suede Timberland boot off the shelf.
    JOLIE
    Dude, I was thinking about getting some Tims.
    HAROON
    So what?
    JOLIE
    So you haven't noticed all the kids on the team wear them?
    CHRISTINE
    Duh.
    HAROON
    Man, with sandals you never have to tie your shoes. That's all I'm saying.
    Jolie sizes up the boot next to his foot and looks in the mirror.
    JOLIE
    Do you have these in a size ten. And bring a what -
    (looks to Haroon)
    Size 7? Yeah size seven for Haroon.
    Footlocker kid nods and goes.
    HAROON
    I told you, man, I don't want Tims. I'm a sandals guy. Like Jesus. And Muhammad.
    Haroon sits down defeated and looks in the mirror.
    CHRISTINE
    You'd look good in them, Haroon. You should try them on. Come on. Be cool.
    Haroon looks at his toes, wiggles them. Christine and Jolie french kiss as the Footlocker Kid returns with three boxes of shoes, stopping short to watch Jolie and Christine make-out. Haroon looks away sheepishly. Begin the make out montage:

EXT. BLAZERS GYM PARKING LOT - DUSK
    Run down gravel plot built to fit fifteen cars. Empty except for Jolie and Christine. Wendel and Arius driving off in a bright yellow Geo jeep packed with 7 other kids. Christine and Jolie are french kissing. Both wearing their Timberland boots.

EXT. BEAUTIFUL CEMETERY - NIGHT
    On the bank of a stream. Jolie unzips Christine's daisy dukes under the moonlight and traces her exposed skin with the tips of his fingers.

EXT. EMPTY "SAFEWAY" GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
    Drizzling. Jolie's Toyota Camry is fogged up, and there are feet in the window.

INT. TACO BELL - NIGHT
    Jolie and Christine are kissing.
    CASHIER
    Anything else with that?
    We see Christine slip Jolie a lot of tongue.

EXT. TACO BELL PARKING LOT - DAY
    Jolie and Christine walk out of the bell.
    MR. AARONSON
    Jolie.
    Jolie turns to see Mr. Aaronson and Henrietta in their VW van. Henrietta sits all the way in the back wearing headphones.
    JOLIE
    Mr. Aaronson.
    HENRIETTA
    Dad.
    MR. AARONSON
    What's up? You kids want anything from the Bell.
    JOLIE
    We just ate. But thanks.
    MR. AARONSON
    OK, well. We're on for this Sunday right?
    JOLIE
    Oh. Uh, Henrietta didn't tell you? I, uh, can't tutor anymore.
    MR. AARONSON
    What? Uh, why not? Your Dad hasn't mentioned, uh.-
    JOLIE
    No, it's just, the team. Basketball is taking up so much time now is all. Getting ready for the playoffs and everything. Honestly, I'd be so tired I wouldn't even be any good.
    MR. AARONSON
    Dang, Well are you still gonna mow the lawn at least?
    JOLIE
    I could probably recommend someone. My buddy Haroon's older brother maybe.
    The car behind them in line honks loudly.
    MR. AARONSON
    What's his number? Lemme grab a pen.
    (shuffling through the glove box)
    You sure you don't want a bean burrito or anything?
    JOLIE
    No. I'm good. It's-.
    Honk!
    HENRIETTA
    Dad!
    MR. AARONSON
    I'll get it from your dad.
    Jolie waves. Henrietta glares at Jolie as they drive off.
    CHRISTINE
    Wow. She really hates you or something.
    JOLIE
    What do you mean?
    CHRISTINE
    Don't pretend like you didn't see that evil eye she gave you.
    JOLIE
    What evil eye?

INT. TOYOTA CAMRY
    Parked.
    CHRISTINE
    You know their's a rumor going around that you were hooking up with her?
    The engine roars to life.
    JOLIE
    Who? Henrietta?
    Jolie blasts the AC - blowing their hair back. Christine kills it.
    CHRISTINE
    Some people even say you're still hooking up.
    JOLIE
    Henrietta Aaronson?
    Jolie notches up the AC a touch.
    JOLIE
    I tutored her in algebra. Her dad is a long time friend of the family.
    Jolie leans over and kisses Christine.
    CHRISTINE
    I was gonna say. Because she's kinda pregnant.
    JOLIE
    I know, right. You'd have to be twisted to get down with that.
    Jolie bites into a bean burrito, some beans spilling down his cheek.

INT. JOLIE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
    Redman's Whatever Man is playing. Jolie makes out with Christine.
    CHRISTINE
    Do you have a jimmy?
    Jolie searches through his sloppy dresser drawers.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I never had to use a condom with Henrietta.
    CHRISTINE
    Hurry up.
    JOLIE
    Dang. I don't see one here.
    CHRISTINE
    What?
    JOLIE
    Well maybe we can just do it a little bit.
    CHRISTINE
    No way.
    Christine rolls over. Jolie is still for a moment.
    JOLIE
    (whispers)
    I won't even do it. I'll just feel it.
    Jolie nestles close to her. Beat. The sheets move. Christine lightly moans.
    CHRISTINE
    (barely audible)
    Oh.
    The covers begin to shuffle CLOSE ON: Jolie's closed eyes. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. FANTASY SMOKE FILLED BASKETBALL COURT
    A spotlit Jolie dribbling down a seemingly endless court. Faint roars of an unseen sell-out crowd cheer him on.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    In my head I kept thinking about dribbling a basketball down an endless basketball court, playing point guard in the biggest game of the year. The Springbrook game.
    A spotlit Christine does a cartwheel followed by a split.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    That kept me focused so I wouldn't bust in about two seconds.
    Jolie looks down at his soiled pants, forgetting his basketball that bounces off into darkness.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I was gonna pull out but...
    Three old white referees, also spotlit, are blowing their whistles and pointing furiously at Jolie as they charge closer, revealing they all have the face of Mr. Aaronson. BACK TO:

INT. JOLIE'S BEDROOM - THAT MOMENT
    Jolie's face of extreme worry.
    JOLIE
    Uh, I better not keep going.
    CHRISTINE
    (under her breath)
    Oh. Fuck.
    Silence. Christine takes a few second to cool off.
    CHRISTINE
    Have any music we can listen to?
    JOLIE
    Yea.
    Jolie grabs some sheets around him and walks over to desk with CDs and junk. In a sneeky manor he grabs a tissue and wipes himself clean, then grabs a Handi-Snacks wrapper and throws them in the trash together. Then he pulls out an All Eyes on Me CD. We get a long close up of the cover. The music begins to play. Jolie and Christine cuddle.
    CHRISTINE
    Do you ever wish you were Tu Pac?
    JOLIE
    No. Do you?
    CHRISTINE
    Actually yeah. Sometimes.
    JOLIE
    Really? Shit, so do I. All the time.
    CHRISTINE
    I can't believe he shot those drunk cops and then the cops' guns turned out to be-
    JOLIE AND CHRISTINE
    -stolen.
    CHRISTINE
    Yeah. So cool right.
    JOLIE
    So SO cool.
    Jolie and Christine kiss.

EXT. TACO HUT AT FOUR CORNERS - DUSK
    The crossroads. Two huge four lane roads cross to form a massive intersection. Behind it, a Taco Bell parking lot full of cars. A short line at the 'Drive-Thru.' Kids from the team are hanging out by Jolie's Toyota Camry.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    As the season rolled on, the Taco Hut became the spot to be. Some days I would just look around and soak it in. I couldn't believe I was even here.
    ARIUS
    That looks like one of them locks you can just bust with your hands.
    They eye a girly looking chain that locks a new forest green girls mountain bike to a bike rack.
    WENDEL
    I don't think so. The rack thing's not, like, stuck down.
    Arius contemplates breaking the lock. He sips the last of his huge soda, the cup still heavy from ice, and launches it over a few parked cars. It crashes loudly in a dumpster.
    ARIUS
    Arright ch'all.
    Arius walks away toward the rack. He yanks the new shiny green mountain bike with two arms up toward his chest. The entire bike rack jerks off the ground but the lock doesn't break. Arius walks on like nothing has happened. Disappears among the parked cars - the sun setting behind them.

INT. BLAIR BLAZERS HIGH SCHOOL FOYER
    A large entrance-way with drop ceilings, a black floor, and red trim. The Blazers Emblem is mounted high. A giant copper shield divided into four, like something out of a gladiator movie. It's lunch period and kids from the team are hanging out. Jolie, Haroon, Vlad and Christine are nearby.
    CHRISTINE
    (whispering)
    Jolie. I have to tell you something. Wanna go outside for a sec?
    JOLIE
    (eyes on Ray approaching)
    Sure.
    Ray, walking past, intentionally brushes Haroon with his shoulder. Haroon drops his Handisnacks - his crackers crumbling across the floor.
    RAY
    Dead man.
    ARIUS
    You're not gonna do shit.
    RAY
    This aint about you.
    ARIUS
    Man just chill out.
    RAY
    Fuck you.
    ARIUS
    You're just rude. That's why your Mom beat your ass growing up.
    RAY
    Keep talking about my Mom nigga. I'll smash your fucking nigga lips in.
    In a flash Arius wrenches Ray by the collar, swings him around into the tall windows and they slam into them.
    ARIUS
    Say it again.
    Ray throws a punch and a fight breaks out. Kids come running to watch from different classrooms. Arius gets Ray by the collar again and swing him around into the window but this time they fall through the glass. Ray lands on his back outside. Arius falls forward hanging half out of the window and glass punctures his gut.
    ARIUS
    My fucking gut. I'm bleeding all over my fucking Guess. My Guess shit man!
    RAY
    Ah fuck man. I'm OK. I think I'm OK.
    A large crowd has gathered around the blood and broken window in the aftermath of a fight.
    ARIUS
    Ah shit, man! Ahhh! My fucking gut is burning!
    JOLIE
    Holly shit. You need help. Someone call an ambulance.
    HAROON
    Whoa dude. That is a lot of blood. Where is he going?
    JOLIE
    I dunno.
    Arius hobbles around leaving a trail of blood on the linoleum tiles as Principal Ganus and Mr. Applebaum appear on the scene and hold him up.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    An ambulance is on the way.
    Arius is hobbled out. Ray is shepparded off by Mr. Applebaum.. A trail of small spats of blood across the linoleum floor. Principal Ganus is surveying the scene with a few of the kids who were present.

INT. PACKED BLAZER GYM - NIGHT
    The crowd is filled with energy. Brightly lit. A home game. Everything is red, white, and black. The glossy floor shines like it has just been polished. Go-go music, blasting over the sub-par audio system, fades out. The fifteen Blair Blazers in their red and white warm ups have taken center court for a ritual. Huddled in a pack, hunched over and jumbled together with their arms around each other, swaying back and forth, they get pumped up:
    WENDEL
    Who's house?
    WHOLE TEAM
    OUR HOUSE!
    WENDEL
    Who's house?
    WHOLE TEAM
    OUR HOUSE!
    WENDEL
    Who's house?
    WHOLE TEAM
    OUR HOUSE!
    Ad-lib hollers in excitement as the huddle breaks and they head for the bench. Players wipe the soles of their shoes on the way over.
    COACH DALE
    OK, starting five. Let's go.
    Five players shed their warm ups and gather on the bench. Jolie is one of the starters.
    COACH DALE
    OK, we're gonna come out in a twenty-two going black on made buckets. Wendel and Jolie up front.
    Everyone puts their hands in together in a circle.
    COACH DALE
    Defense on three.
    WENDEL
    Defense on three. One! Two! Three!
    LATER The bench players have formed an entry way for the starters to take the court. On a crappy microphone:
    ANNOUNCER
    Starting at point guard. Number twenty two. Joel "Jolie" Jolson.
    Jolie trots the isle of his teammates. Wendel stoically slaps fives and gives pounds as he takes center floor. He takes in the experience - looking at the huge crowd in the stands around him. All applauding. Jolie's smile fades, and we see he has spotted Henrietta in the crowd, and not far from her - Christine. Whistle! SMASH CUT TO:

INT. BLAZERS GYM - GAME TIME
    The noises of the game and crowd are very frantic and everything is fast paced. Coach Dale looks at the clock - 30 second left, Blair is down 1 with the ball.
    COACH DALE
    Jolie! Get back in the game! Take Pistol.
    Jolie barrels toward check-in ripping off his warm-ups (top and bottom), squats at mid court - the buzzer sounds - he taps Pistol an underhand five.
    JOLIE
    Who you got?
    Pistol points at a huge BLOND DUDE who pounds his chest ferociously. A buzzer indicating a substitution. Jolie is passed the ball - he puts a quick move on his man, jab step and cross, slicing through the lane. He fakes a pass behind his back and goes up for a lay up when his shot is blocked and he is slammed violently by a help-side defender. The ref blows his whistle hard and gestures - calls a foul. Jolie is on the ground in pain, holding his hand, wincing.

INT. JOLSON'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
    Jolie still in his basketball attire, looks down over a large bandage on his thumb. The microwave buzzes.
    ELLIOTT
    That was a great move you made. You would have been on the line for two if that guy didn't injure you.
    Jolie pushes his food away.
    JOLIE
    Owwwww! My thumb. Sharp pain just shot all the way threw my neck.
    ELLIOTT
    Are you alright?
    JOLIE
    Yeah.
    ELLIOTT
    More ravioli or anything. I could microwave some more.
    JOLIE
    No, I'm good.

INT. HENRIETTA'S HOME - DAY -- STAIRWELL
    HENRIETTA
    I don't care if I go to Summer School!
    Crumpled on the steps, Henrietta shrieks again.
    HENRIETTA
    This shit is meaningless! Who gives a crap!?
    A paper on the floor is marked with a big fat red F with a circle around it. A note is paper-clipped to the corner of the page. Henrietta shrieks again - launches her TI-81 Calculator at Mr. Aaronson, who dodges and it breaks a few plates that were on display. Mr. Aaronson acts fast.
    MR. AARONSON
    (mumbling)
    You're gonna break this thing.
    He checks the calculator and bee lines for the phone.
    MR. AARONSON
    (genuinely amazed by her anger)
    Unbelievable.
    He dials - in the background kitchen Henrietta's STEP-MOM rises and comes to check out the commotion.
    STEP-MOM
    (O.S.)
    Did Henrietta just break my grandmother's China?
    MR. AARONSON
    (grabbing the phone)
    Shhhh.
    Henrietta's shriek carries over into:

INT. LIVINGROOM
    Jolie and Elliott eat ice cream - they both look very tired. Jolie lies on the couch, still in uniform. The late nights lurid news plays on a small white television.
    MALE NEWS ANCHOR
    (on the television)
    They said 'had they known it was Jordan's Dad they never would have done it...'
    FEMALE NEWS ANCHOR
    If only they had seen the license plate... Airness, they might have known.
    On the TV: Jordan's Dad's Red Lexus 400, parked, now with a smashed back window as well. The shot zooms into the license plate - AIRNESS. The phone rings. Elliott checks the circa 90's caller ID - a separate box wired to the phone.
    ELLIOTT
    The Aaronsons? At this hour? Should I get it?
    JOLIE
    I don't know?
    ELLIOTT
    (answers)
    Hello.

EXT. JOLIE'S HOME - NIGHT
    Jolie in his uniform and Timberland boots, and his Dad Elliott in boxers, a T-shirt and barefoot, run to the minivan.
    ELLIOTT
    They think only you can talk her off the ledge.
    Jolie looks like a deer in headlights.
    JOLIE
    Why me?
    ELLIOTT
    That's what she said.
    JOLIE
    Really? Dang.
    ELLIOTT
    Well she's not literally on a ledge. Figuratively. Do you know what figuratively means?
    JOLIE
    Duh. Come on, Dad. Just drive.
    They hop in the van.

EXT. STREETS OF TAKOMA PARK
    The drive past a sign that symbolizes 'Caution, Kids at Play.'

INT. HENRIETTA'S LIVINGROOM
    Jolie, still in his pajamas, walks up the steps then stops to look down them with frightened hesitation in his eyes. The four parents look up - some give a few encouraging nods.
    MR. AARONSON
    You don't have to do this.
    JOLIE
    Don't worry, I know how to help Henrietta get her shit together.
    ELLIOTT
    Jolie.
    JOLIE
    Dad. Come on. You know what I mean.

INT. HENRIETTA'S BEDROOM
    Total darkness. No TV. No overhead light. Both kids are wearing white. Henrietta's stands in front of a mirror, face wet and red from crying. Jolie hugs her from behind.
    JOLIE
    Henrietta, your Dad showed me the test. It was bad, but if you get an A on your last exam you'll still pass.
    He flicks on a soft warm lamp and kisses her neck.
    JOLIE
    You just gotta learn to distribute.
    HENRIETTA
    You really think I don't know how to do that shit?
    JOLIE
    What?
    HENRIETTA
    That test isn't why I was so mad.
    JOLIE
    What is it then? You can talk to me. You can tell me anything.
    HENRIETTA
    I wasn't invited with you guys to the Tyson fight tomorrow. The one on pay TV. I heard everyone was going and I just flipped out. I mean what's the deal?
    JOLIE
    What? You mean the Bowe fight?
    HENRIETTA
    Yeah. Bowe, Tyson, whatever. The point is the whole team's going.
    JOLIE
    Yeah. It's pretty much just a team thing though.
    HENRIETTA
    No it's not. Wendel, Arius, and Codroy are all bringing girls.
    JOLIE
    Oh. I didn't know that. Well, why don't I just call you when I figure out what time we're going.
    HENRIETTA
    Well the fight is at eight, right?
    Henrietta puts her hand on his leg.
    JOLIE
    Is it?
    HENRIETTA
    Yeah. And everyone's going to Muhammad Ali's Rotiserie Chicken at City Place.
    She slides her hand up.
    JOLIE
    Oh.
    HENRIETTA
    Yeah.
    JOLIE
    Well, I don't know. You have a lot of studying.
    Uneasy with her advances, Jolie plucks a Cliff Livingston basketball card off the wall.
    JOLIE
    Cliff Livingston. I forgot about that guy.
    Henrietta goes for a kiss.
    JOLIE
    Henrietta. Come on? We're not together anymore.
    HENRIETTA
    (suddenly angry)
    You know Spud Web only gets a roster spot because he's a circus freak. He shouldn't be there, and that's why he sells tickets. Don't you get it. He's not good, he's just a draw. Is that what you want to be, a circus freak?
    JOLIE
    He won the dunk contest. The guy's a beast. You're way out of your league.
    HENRIETTA
    The league is about making money. Jolie, the only reason you even got on varsity is because your Dad paid for the new uniforms. You never would have made it even with Francisco getting arrested. Don't you realize that?
    JOLIE
    No he didn't.
    HENRIETTA
    Yes he did. They cost over two thousand dollars. How could you not know that? I mean you made Varsity at Blair after being cut from JV last year. When have you ever seen that happen?
    The news hits Jolie hard.
    JOLIE
    That's not true. Where did you hear that?
    HENRIETTA
    My Dad talking to your dad on the phone in the kitchen.
    Jolie looks at his bandaged hand - lost in deep depressing thought. Henrietta leans into Jolie. Strokes his leg. Jolie, defeated, leans into her comforting arms.
    HENRIETTA
    I still love you, though. None of that matters to me.
    Henrietta kisses him. He kisses her back. Henrietta's father knocks.
    HENRIETTA
    Dad, we're studying here! Do you mind?
    MR. AARONSON
    (off screen)
    Sorry. I just wanted to see if you guys needed anything.
    Silence for a moment as the kids are frozen, then we hear him head down stairs. Jolie lies down and Henrietta spoons him. They cuddle.

EXT. HENRIETTA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
    A full moon illuminates: Jolie leaves with his Dad and a big fat rice crispy treat in his mouth. They pass a Black Volvo and an old Red Volkswagen Bug and Golden Retriever sleeping in the yard. They hop into the Minivan. Jolie takes a big bite of the rice crispy treat as they drive past a "speed hump" sign.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    It must have been good for Henrietta too, because afterwords, she didn't mention joining the team to the Bowe fight, she didn't mention Christine, she didnt mention nothing.
    As they drive off Jolie looks back at Henrietta's home getting smaller and smaller. A speed hump sign in the foreground, and a basketball hoop set up on the street.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    Still though, I was worried she'd show anyway. If she did, I didn't know what I was gonna do.

EXT. CITY PLACE MALL - NIGHT
    Wide, dark, empty streets, lit up by pools of light from street lamps. Haroon and Jolie cross to: Muhammad Ali's Chicken, a restaurant with TV's in the windows, and a color scheme of red, black, and white.
    HAROON
    So she was just pissed because you didn't invite her to this?
    JOLIE
    Yeah.
    HAROON
    But it sounds like she was really freaking out. I mean you said she smashed their PC.
    JOLIE
    Yeah, when I first got there she didn't even have any clothes on.
    JOLIE
    She threw her pajamas into the fireplace. I swear to God.
    HAROON
    I don't know. I mean maybe something more is going on?
    They pass a BLIND BLACK MAN in a black suit poking around a seeing-eye stick, trying to orient himself.
    HAROON
    I mean, she's pregnant and it sounds like she's keeping the baby. Like she's fulfilling some need or something.
    JOLIE
    Yeah - the need for something.
    They cackle.
    HAROON
    You wear a condom right?
    JOLIE
    I don't have to. She's pregnant.
    They laugh harder.
    HAROON
    Ah man. Ah man. That is crazy.

INT. CITY PLACE MALL
    They enter and their demeanors shift - they both affect bravado.
    HAROON
    (softly)
    Have you ever been here?
    JOLIE
    (softly)
    Not for a fight?

INT. MUHAMMAD ALI'S CHICKEN
    Haroon and Jolie walk threw looking for their friends; we take in the setting as they do. An old dude finishes a coke through a straw; we hear the loud bubbling noise. The giant plastic cup has a picture of Muhammad Ali in his prime. B & W Muhammad Ali posters fill the walls. Ali stands in glory over his unconscious opponents, or lays blows to their faces, sweat frozen in the air as it flies from their bodies. The food is laid out cafeteria style. The tables and booths are a step above any fast food joint. Televisions hang from every angle, some even face the streets to attract pedestrians. On every television, without exception: a boxing match. Bowe versus a large white guy, Golota. Watching are about a hundred and fifty black people of all ages, mostly male, packing the restaurant. The crowd subdued by the early rounds. Jolie finds his friends from the team and their girlfriends lining the shinny metal railing that guides people along the buffet style assortment of chicken and biscuits. Jolie is the only white person in the whole spot.
    CHRISTINE
    Hey.
    JOLIE
    Hey.
    CHRISTINE
    Did you see those guys who killed Jordan's Dad got life?
    JOLIE
    Yeah. I did.
    CHRISTINE
    They said, if only they had seen the license plate, Airness. They --
    JOLIE AND CHRISTINE
    Never would have done it.
    HAROON
    Dude, my dad just 911-ed me.
    JOLIE
    When did you get a pager?! That is tight, dude.
    HAROON
    Last week. You just haven't been around that much.
    Haroon peels off as the crowd ad-libs excitement. Jolie looks to the match. We see the fight itself, close up on the television: Bowe has Golota cornered. A couple of blows are deflected and Golota, the lug, clinches Bowe in a bear hug. Disappointment from the crowd.
    WENDEL
    A sucker move.
    The crowd roars again, but this time they rush to the windows - jostle for a view of the street where:

INT/EXT. MUHAMMAD ALI'S CHICKEN
    Two black kids wrestle on the sidewalk. We see Haroon behind them on the pay-phone, watching. The kids fighting have jeans that are falling off and one of them has lost a gym shoe. In the windows everyone cheers them on, pounding the Plexiglas. Including Jolie and Christine. Above them in the windows are two televisions of the fight, that face the street. In the TV, the boxers and the referee shuffle aimlessly around the ring. The kids on the sidewalk are scrappy; they grab and stretch at shirts; neither can escape the others' grasp. They reach a stalemate, knotted awkwardly and exhausted; fury replaced by heavy breathing; one has a bloody nose and a huge scratch on the cheek
    FIGHT KID 1
    You ripped my Polo shit, motherfucker! You ripped my Polo shit!
    FIGHT KID 2
    You scratched my face, nigger!
    The crowd watches the stalemate and the cheering and pounding mellows, slowly they bore, returning to their seats. Suddenly on the television there is a whirlwind of action and punches are chaotically thrown by both fighters. The crowd erupts at the televisions. The kids on the sidewalk remain tangled, breathing hard. On television Golota throws a combo of blows below the belt and Bowe tumbles to the mat. The referee jumps and waves furiously at the penalty which he reports to the judges in a series of arm waves and animated hand signals. We see the people in the front rows at the boxing match, almost all white, and wearing glamorous suits and dresses. The patrons go berserk. Extreme close-up on the replay: Golota pounding Bowe in the nuts; Bowe's face distorted in pain. Ad-lib excitement from everyone but Jolie who is looking over at the entrance.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    Strangely Henrietta never showed. I should have been relieved, but instead I felt awful. It was like yesterday we were in love and today she didn't even care I was with Christine.
    They all look at the TV - Golota has won - his arm is raised, he's the new champion of the boxing world.

EXT. BLAIR BLAZERS GYMNASIUM - NIGHT
    The little gravel parking lot is filled to the brim. Kids of all shapes and sizes are gathering. Some carry signs. Most are wearing red and white. The opposing school kids wear blue.
    COACH DALE
    (O.S.)
    This is what it all comes down to.

EXT. NEARBY SUBURBAN STREETS
    The streets lined with cars. Kids and parents walk in droves.
    COACH DALE
    (O.S.)
    This is where we find out what we're made of.

EXT. TICKET BOOTH WINDOW IN GYMNASIUM
    The line spirals around the corner and down the steps.
    COACH DALE
    (O.S.)
    What we have trained for, not just this season, but for you seniors, the last four years.
    CLOSE ON: A ticket torn at the door. One in a long line.

INT. BLAZERS WEIGHT ROOM
    Coach Dale is directly in front of a stand alone chalk board.
    COACH DALE
    (O.S.)
    Is it unfair that we drew Springbrook in the first round? Yes. Random seeding is only because the sorry white schools complained to the school board about always losing in the first round. When I was younger the regular season meant something around here.
    Coach Dale begins diagraming the board.
    COACH DALE
    But that means nothing now. We gotta go out and play no matter what. We're gonna open in a one- twenty-two. Wendel on the ball, Pistol on the two. Falling back into the half court, we go one- twenty FIVE. Forcing left. Trap and take the throwback.
    (suddenly disturbed)
    Where's Jolie?
    ASSISTANT COACH
    He's such a goof ball, man. This is the playoffs. Where is he at?! Who's seen Jolie?!

INT. LOCKERROOM SHOWERS
    Three Cheerleaders drag Jolie, with his bandaged thumb, to the showers. Jolie looks genuinely scared.
    JOLIE
    Ms. Bart. I know you're the cheerleading coach and all, but this really better be important. I'm supposed to be in the weight- room by now.
    CHEERLEADING COACH
    You're injured. And like I said, this is more important than any basketball game. This is life or death Jolie.
    They arrive at the last shower stall - Christine on her knees in tears.
    JOLIE
    Christine?
    Jolie steps into the shower. The Coach leaves them alone.
    CHRISTINE
    Jolie. I haven't had my period in three months.
    She sobs. Jolie gets on his knees.
    JOLIE
    Well, maybe you should get one of those things and check it out.
    CHRISTINE
    A pregnancy test?
    JOLIE
    Yeah.
    CHRISTINE
    I did.
    (she cries)
    I'm pregnant with your baby.
    She cries and shivers. Beat.
    JOLIE
    No worries. My Dad will let me put it on his credit card. Trust me.
    She cries. Suddenly Jolie has a face of determination. He unwraps his bandaged thumb and throws it on the floor.
    CHRISTINE
    Oh God. I'm sorry.
    JOLIE
    No. It's not your fault. I gotta run though. Let's talk about this after the game, OK? The team needs me.
    Christine nods but clearly wants to refuse.
    CHRISTINE
    What for? You're injured anyway.
    JOLIE
    I'm ok though. I can play through it. do you understand. I just gotta do this?
    CHRISTINE
    What? I just told you I'm pregnant with your baby. Doesn't that mean anything.
    JOLIE
    Tonight I'm gonna play for you and our baby.
    Jolie kisses her and runs off.

INT. WEIGHTROOM - MOMENTS LATER
    Jolie sneaks in. Coach Dale notices.
    ASSISTANT COACH
    Jolie! Where the hell have you been!?
    JOLIE
    I got stuck with no toilet paper, coach.
    ASSISTANT COACH
    Damn man. This is the biggest game of the year.
    JOLIE
    I know. It wasn't my fault. I gotta be light on my feet.
    ASSISTANT COACH
    You make me sick.
    COACH DALE
    Bring it in.
    JOLIE
    My hand is all better. Look.
    Jolie takes a ball from an assistant coach and pounds it showing no sign of pain. Then palms it in his bad hand. Dale stares at him like he's a fool.
    WENDEL
    Let's go baby! Bring it in.
    The coaches exit, and the players quiet down for a quick prayer.
    TEAMMATES
    Hail Mary Full of Grace, the lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
    ARIUS
    Domination baby! Domination!
    The team snaps into game mode forming a single file line. The two assistant coaches scramble in with game balls and hand them off to the first and second players in line. Jolie ditches his practice ball and files in. The players start clapping in rhythm. One. One, two. One. One, two.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    That night. I never played. None of us did. Because there never was a game. Before the opening tip even kicked it off a fight between schools broke out in the crowd. Some fired a gun twice, and all hell broke loose.

EXT. GYMNASIUM - NIGHT
    All of Wayne Avenue fills with police cars. Mobs of kids and parents and players flee the scene. Among them are all the characters we know. WENDEL and WENDELS MOM duck into their old Buick. Christine's and CHRISTINE'S MOM run for their Lexus. Mr. Aaronson and Henrietta run for their VW van. HAROON'S DAD and ZEKE and Haroon sneaks him off to the gold 80's Nissan hatchback. Jolie and Elliott run and duck behind the red Nissan Quest mini van.
    ELLIOTT
    Jolie, are you OK?
    JOLIE
    Yeah. Was that gun shots?
    ELLIOTT
    I don't know. Stay down just in case.
    From the van, Jolie and Elliott see Francisco, Arius and Hunio all running into the woods among the chaos.

INT. MAIN OFFICE
    Lined with windows, yields a view to an empty hall. Jolie sits, waiting...sees Christine and a couple other cheerleaders, no longer in uniform, pass by. Jolie waves and Christine holds up both hands as if to say "come on" and continues walking... Suddenly a group of black girls come barreling down the hallway like they are possessed. They are followed in droves by other minorities. Black girls bounce up and down and cry and paw at each other. Black boys and kids of other races, not quite as ecstatic but still amazed join the celebration. A couple of kids are slammed loudly against the window in the excitement. Through the glass Jolie can hear:
    BLACK GIRL
    We won! We won! We won!
    SUPERIMPOSE in the top left corner in white letters: OJ Simpson was just found not guilty. The hallway is growing into total commotion and chaos. Jolie walks through the doorway into the hall and the camera follows without a cut. Jolie looks out of place as he takes it all in. The wild scene rages. Jolie looks back into the main office. Ray comes out of Principal Ganus's door. His eyes red from tears, he curses to himself. Principal Ganus emerges, acknowledges the commotion in the hallway.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    What the hell is going on out there?
    JOLIE
    OJ Simpson....not guilt.
    Principal Ganus is stone faced. He gestures Jolie into his office. Ray brushes shoulders with Jolie.
    RAY
    You're dead.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    Look who you're stepping to, Ray. A little white boy?
    Ray blows it off.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    (beat)
    Jolie. Come with me.

INT. PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    Look. I'm not proud of what happened in that gym.
    Surrounded by proud school ornaments and paraphernalia. Jolie sits alone in a chair, an empty chair adjacent him.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    Everyone who was caught fighting is being suspended for a minimum of three days. And that includes most of the team. But a suspension for you would only tarnish the reputation of the Magnet program. So...
    Principal Ganus thumbs through a manila envelope.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    You're going to do this school a favor,
    (beat)
    at the international math meet.
    He hands Jolie a form.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    You were great your freshman year. Your calculus teacher tells me your still great, but for some reason you quit.
    JOLIE
    I made JV that year.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    Well, there's going to be no rematch of the Springbrook playoff game. Both teams are forfeiting. So now you've got plenty of time, that's for damn sure.
    JOLIE
    They're not rescheduling our game? That's insane.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    The math team needs you Jolie. We're on the verge of nationals.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    This year we settles for nothing less than number one, second to none.
    (beat)
    In whole numbers.
    The principal laughs at his own joke.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    You can go now.
    Stunned, Jolie grabs his bag and heads for the door.
    PRINCIPAL GANUS
    Oh, one more thing. You will also join the team for an additional 40 hours of community service, as part of the new "Adopt a Highway" Program. It's part of the team punishment.

INT. BALZERS HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
    JOLIE
    It's not fair man. I mean everyone got suspended on the team but me. Just because I'm in the Magnet.
    HAROON
    Wake up dude. Life's not fair. Who ever said it was.
    JOLIE
    Are you sure you wanna do that? We're in the middle of C hall.
    HAROON
    I told you. I don't give a fuck.
    JOLIE
    Really? On Mr. Applebaum's door? Yall have been warring. He's gonna know it was you.
    HAROON
    So what?
    Haroon pulls out a spray-paint can and writes the words 'Thugg Life' over Mr. Applebaum's classroom door and wall.
    JOLIE
    (soft)
    Jesus Christ, man.
    JOLIE
    You just sprayed painted 'thugg life' on Mr. Applebaum's door.
    HAROON
    I know. Duh.
    They admire the work for a moment. Then run for cover. They burst through an exit and out into the blinding light.

EXT. SCHOOL ZONE
    Haroon and Jolie run into the teachers' parking lot ducking between cars as they catch their breath.
    JOLIE
    You could get suspended for that.
    HAROON
    Who cares? What does school even matter?
    JOLIE
    What's gotten into you?
    HAROON
    I don't know.
    (beat)
    Maybe my parents are getting divorced and you don't even know about it.
    JOLIE
    Are you serious?
    Haroon draws the spray can like he's about to go to work on the cars, but Jolie fights him for it.
    HAROON
    Gimmie my spray-paint! Owww. Fuck you.
    JOLIE
    It's for your own good. This car belongs to Principal Ganus.
    They stair each other down.
    HAROON
    I swear, of all the things you have to worry about.
    JOLIE
    What's that supposed to mean.
    HAROON
    Come on dude.
    JOLIE
    Come on what?
    HAROON
    Are you numb? The whole school knows Christine is pregnant with your baby.
    JOLIE
    Dude. It's not like that. She's gonna get an abortion. She comes from a wealthy family.
    HAROON
    So what if she does. Doesn't it mean anything to you?
    JOLIE
    I don't know. I don't know what it means. It just happened.
    Jolie ponders the situation. Haroon shakes his head. Jolie pulls out a magic marker and begins to write on the car.
    HAROON
    Magic marker? That is so lame. Don't get me started.
    Haroon pops the top of his spray can and begins to shake it.

INT. JOLIE'S BASEMENT - NIGHT
    Lit by a TV, the room could be it's own apartment. Wendel sleeps with a Super Nintendo controllers in his laps, on a futon. Arius, Codroy and a few kids from the team are asleep all around the room.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    Once everyone heard that I got Christine pregnant, it was like I was the coolest kid in school.
    JOLIE
    All the kids from the team wanted to hang at my place while my parents were gone. And even some cheerleaders came too.
    Christine and Jolie make-out, lying on the floor/power pad.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    I told them all it was Haroon who spray-painted 'Free Mike Tyson,' and even he was cool too.
    Haroon, half asleep, sparking the tail end of a blunt.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    We even smoked a blunt. It was our first time gettng blazed and drunk.
    Soda cans, crumbs, bags of chips, and other treats and wrappers are scattered around. On the television: the audience laughs wildly at a Monkey doing sign language on the Carson show.
    JOHNNY CARSON
    (on television)
    What's he saying now? What's he signing?
    The guest interprets.
    GUEST
    (on television)
    He wants to say he loves you all, and he wishes he could hang onto these people a little longer, connect with them a little deeper, before it's all over.
    The Carson crowd laughs wildly. Jolie's hand slides up Christine's skirt.
    CHRISTINE
    (whispering)
    Jolie! No way. Not until you know what.
    JOLIE
    (whispering)
    Don't worry.
    CHRISTINE
    (whispering)
    When? You've been saying you're gonna get your Dad's credit card for like a month. Time is of the essence here, duh.
    JOLIE
    (whispering)
    I told you I'm on it. First thing when my parents get back. But this is the best time to do it because we dont have to wear a condom. Come on, let's go upstairs. Trust me.
    He reaches back up her skirt.
    CHRISTINE
    (whispering)
    No means no, Jolie.
    Christine pushes him away. Haroon comes out of the bathroom.
    HAROON
    (whispering)
    Dude. I am blazed out of my mind right now, but I think someone's hiding in your shower?
    JOLIE
    (whispering)
    Forreal?
    HAROON
    (whispering)
    Yeah, dude. Check it.
    Jolie grabs a portable phone, bracing himself for battle.

INT. BATHROOM
    JOLIE
    Who's there?
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie.
    JOLIE
    Damn Henrietta. You scared the shit out of me.
    HENRIETTA
    How could you?
    She opens the curtains.
    JOLIE
    What? What are you doing in my basement bathroom?
    HENRIETTA
    I'm catching you cheating with Christine! You asshole!
    JOLIE
    Shhh. People are sleeping.
    HENRIETTA
    Don't lie to me. You think I dont know shit. She's pregnant with your baby.
    JOLIE
    Whao.
    HENRIETTA
    You think the Maple Ave. kids don't hear mad junk about the Magnet kids.
    JOLIE
    Henrietta, relax.
    HENRIETTA
    I know about all that stuff, how y'all hooked up during floor hockey intramurals under the trampoline. Everything. You think I don't have friends? I have friends!
    Henrietta starts crying.
    JOLIE
    Come on, I know you have friends Henrietta.
    HENRIETTA
    You think I'm a fool? I watched you make out with her on the Power-pad two second ago!
    Crying, Henrietta exits. The basketball team and cheerleaders have woken up from the argument, and are now enraptured by the drama. Jolie and Haroon looks like dear in headlights.
    CHRISTINE
    All this time you've been hooking up with some pregnant girl failing out of school. I am so fucking humiliated right now. Don't you ever, ever, ever so much as speak to me again. Come on girls.
    Christine and three other cheerleaders leave the party.
    WENDEL
    Damn Jolie, all the girls just bounced.
    ARIUS
    Yea, let's get out of here.
    The kids from the team leave and Jolie and Haroon stand alone.
    HAROON
    Damn man. I better go too. This shit is too fucked up right now.
    Jolie stands all alone.

EXT. MAPLE AVE - NIGHT
    The street sign reads Maple Ave. It is lined with tall apartment buildings. Government housing. Bus stops. And cheap liquor stores and sub shops. Jolie walks down the street.
    JOLIE
    (V.O.)
    The next day I found out Christine had the abortion on her own. She said she asked the doctor to see the fetus.
    Jolie approached one of the apartment buildings.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    The doctor said she wasn't supposed to showed it, but did anyway.
    Jolie buzzes up to an apartment.

INT. MAPLE AVE APARTMENTS - NIGHT
    ELEVATOR Jolie rises.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    Christine said the dead fetus looked like a baby squirrel. Like the ones that fall out of the nest and are on the sidewalk dead with no fur yet. I guess it went well though.
    ARIUS'S APARTMENT The living room of a small dim one bedroom. Sensual R&B tunes play softly from a small radio.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    After that Arius said not to worry about anything. That Christine would be cool, and Henrietta was just fucked up anyway.
    A gold cross hangs on the fake wood paneling with some framed family photos at a summer bar-b-que, a wedding, and the beach.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    He even invited me back to his place. It was the first time I had ever been to Maple ave.
    Four kids from the team are playing cards around a coffee table for one dollar bills siting mostly on a puffy floral patterned couch covered in shinny plastic.
    JOLIE
    (V.O., cont.)
    Everybody played this ghetto version of Jin Rummy called 'Tunk.'
    They all wear Addidas flip flops with socks and name brand sweatpants (Hillfiger, Nautica, Polo, etc.). Some of the kids have on athletic shorts on under their sweatpants, In the background, Jolie has a gray ratty hoody on, and is hunched over and old PC computer with Arius, a beer-bellied, balding black dude who is smoking a cigarette and has no shirt on.
    WENDEL
    Jolie, you want in?
    Everyone else, other than Jolie, is also shirtless. The kids have exquisite ABS, the kind you see on television.
    JOLIE
    Naw. I gotta see this.
    ARIUS
    Ok. Here it goes.
    Close on: An arrow clicks on the play button, but the image stays frozen: a low res picture of a bare ass black man mounted miliary style on a black girl. The image moves for a brief moment. We hear a grown with half a thrust, and the image freezes again. Then it reverts to the beginning image.
    JOLIE
    Wow.
    ARIUS
    Yeah. This is the future right here.
    JOLIE
    Why wont it go play or whatever?
    ARIUS
    Bandwidth.
    JOLIE
    (confused)
    Oh yea.
    Jolie tokes a blunt. Arius takes a last puff and puts it out. A little cute six year old girl comes out of the bedroom with a sheet of paper and pencil.
    CUTE GIRL
    Arius. Who was the first president of the United States?
    ARIUS
    Uh, George Washington.
    She runs back into the bedroom.
    ARIUS
    So. That's what it's all about. I'm a capital venturist man. Internet porn is the future of sexual healing. Henrietta was just the first of many. It's big business. Dollar bills man.
    Jolie looks on, stoned. Not sure what to make of it all.

EXT. THE BELTWAY - DAWN
    A six lane highway banks a sharp curve. It's raining lightly. On the shoulder of the highway are kids from the Blair Basketball team picking up trash with pokers. They are spread out - a kid every 25 yards or so - and together they extend clear around the curve and out of sight. Jolie pokes a Coke can. Jolie plucks the can off the end metal nail and realizes he also stabbed the tape liner notes of MC Hammer's "Please Hammer Don't Hurt'em." There is a picture of Hammer on the cover. The coach sits in a nearby van with its lights on, parked in the shoulder. He sips hot coffee, watching. Jolie looks closely at the tape insert. It's a picture of Hammer but someone has scratched out his eyes with a pen. And the poker has put a hole through his face.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    I wasn't sure what to make of it all. Why Henrietta's parents never know she was pregant until too late? Or why I never said something myself? It was like none of it really mattered, or was even real at all, until it was too late.
    CLOSE ON: An old PC monitor. A picture slowly emerging from a blurry pixilated square of colors.
    JOLIE
    (voice over)
    After that I used the internet to find a bunch of places that would take Henrietta's baby up for adoption. It wasn't easy, but I found all the information right from Haroon's basement, using Netscape.
    The picture of a couple materializes: hopeful parents and their profile.

INT. HAROON'S SECOND HOME - DAY
    HAROON
    This couple looks good.
    JOLIE
    Yeah, yeah, yeah. They're perfect. All I have to do is convince Henrietta.
    HAROON
    Are you guys still on good terms?
    JOLIE
    I don't know. Our sessions are in the kitchen now.
    Adreseis enters.
    ADRESEIS
    We got the trampoline set-up. Come on.
    They make their way to the back yard.

EXT. HAROON'S BACKYARD - DAY
    Haroon's brothers have set up a trampoline to dunk on an adjustable rim lowered to 8 ft. The younger brothers do an awesome array of dunks. Jolie and Haroon sit on the side.
    JOLIE
    (bummed)
    It's weird, I don't really care if I make the NBA anymore.
    HAROON
    Really? What do you care about then?
    JOLIE
    I don't know.
    Haroon's youngest brother runs, bounces, and does a 360 jam. Haroon's Dad emerges from the house.
    HAROON'S DAD
    Good one, Adreseis!!
    Haroon turns.
    HAROON'S DAD
    I've made some grill cheeses! Come and get it!
    HAROON
    Sweet! Now that Mom moved out we always eat American. You wanna eat with us?
    JOLIE
    I do but there's something I gotta do.
    HAROON
    Oh yeah. That's right. Well, good luck with it all.

INT. HENRIETTA'S BEDROOM - DAY
    Henrietta lies on the bed studying. Mr. Aaronson enter.
    MR. AARONSON
    Hey Henrietta. Jolie is here. He brought over a gift.
    HENRIETTA
    Oh yeah. Let him in.
    JOLIE
    Hey. What's up? Uh. I brought over my Super Nintendo. I thought the baby might want it.
    HENRIETTA
    Did Jaguar 64 finally come out?
    JOLIE
    No. Come on. I'm just trying to show you I actually care.
    Mr. Aaronson smiles and leaves, closing the door lightly behind him. Jolie hands over the Nintendo.
    JOLIE
    And I brought this too.
    Jolie pulls a jersey out of a paper bag.
    HENRIETTA
    Your practice Jersey!
    JOLIE
    Yeah. I'm not gonna need it anymore so.
    HENRIETTA
    Really? Why not?
    JOLIE
    I'm not playing next year. I want to focus on my studies.
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie. Thank you.
    (smells it)
    It smells like you. Someday little Benny will wear it. That's what I've decided to name him, Benny.
    JOLIE
    Oh. Wow. Well. Uh, before you name him, I was kinda thinking maybe we could discuss, uh,
    HENRIETTA
    What?
    JOLIE
    Well,
    (Jolie sits next to her)
    JOLIE
    I was also thinking maybe we could talk about the possibility of you giving up your baby for adoption?
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie. How could you even say that? I've wanted a family of my own, a real family, since as long as I can remember. There is no way I could ever give little Benny away. Ever. In a million years. Do you understand that?
    JOLIE
    Well. Yeah. I guess so. But at the same time, it just doesn't seem like the smartest thing. I've already found a really wealthy, well educated, good meaning couple who'd like to meet up with you about it.
    HENRIETTA
    Never. No way Jolie. End of discussion.
    JOLIE
    Don't you even want to think it over for a few days? I mean, look how lucky your parents are to have you. You'd be making some couple just as happy. And your child would have more opportunities. I mean you're still in High School, know what I mean?
    HENRIETTA
    Jolie, I can't even believe you're suggesting that? Dont you see how racist that is?
    JOLIE
    What?
    Jolie is silent.
    HENRIETTA
    Now do something to cheer me up. I am totally offended you wanted to give away my baby.
    Jolie sits in silence for a moment, pondering his situation. He stands up and heads to the door, demoralized. Then he turns and looks at Henrietta on the bed. Jolie looks at her bulging belly, much of it exposed. BLACKNESS HOLD Credits roll to Micheal Jackson's Billy Jean.

Summary: In the mid-1990s, Jolie Jolson, a white high school student (the great-grandson of blackface performer Al Jolson) wants to be on the basketball team because he thinks that it will bring him closer to being the one thing that he isn't: black. His African American girlfriend, Henrietta, is pregnant with another man's baby and had a seedy past which includes appearing in a sex tape. Jolie gets on the basketball team due to a large donation from his well-off father, and ends up dating one of the cheerleaders for the team, and accidentally impregnates her.