Episode: 1.06 Acid Test

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Da Boss
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Posts: 47

Episode: 1.06 Acid Test Apr 17, 2009 2:02:45 GMT -5

Post by Da Boss on Apr 17, 2009 2:02:45 GMT -5

This is a BtVS Spin-off that takes off a year and half after BtVS Season Seven when Willow uses the scythe to activate the potential slayers all over the world.

RAIN

Episode: 1.06 “Acid Test”

Created by: Beth (Obsessed)
Written by: Beth & Odelia (Obsessed & SaltyGoodness)

~ ~ ~

TEASER:

FLASHBACK - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

JULY 17th, 2004 appear on the screen.

INT. BEDROOM - MORNING

The morning sunlight hits the bedroom window as a disoriented MADELINE stares at the wall. Dressed in a suit, the same MAN we saw at the end of the 1.05 Back to School episode climbs into bed and puts his arms around her.

MAN: (touches her forehead) I wish I could stay.

MADELINE: (eyes still on the wall) I’ll be fine. It’s just a headache.

MAN: Are you sure? I could make my grandmother’s famous chicken noodle soup.

MADELINE: (turns to the MAN; attempts to smile) Really. (Beat; fixes his tie) Go to work, you don’t want to be late.

The MAN kisses her forehead.

MAN: One thing before I go.

He hands her a gift.

MADELINE: (surprised) What’s this?

MAN: Open it.

MADELINE: (fakes a smile) Okay... all right.

MADELINE tears the paper off. She fights her tears when she sees it’s a children’s book, entitled ‘Mary Had a Little Ham’.

MAN: (smiles; with genuine love) I remember you liked it at the bookstore. You said you wanted to read it to our children someday. (Touches her hair) I figured... (Takes her hand) maybe it’s time.

MADELINE doesn’t know what to say as she plays with her wedding ring. The MAN assumes she’s touched and kisses her one more time. He gets up and as walks to the door, he gazes back at her lovingly.

MAN: Happy Anniversary, love.

MADELINE doesn’t respond but gives him a soft smile. He moves into the living room. The minute MADELINE hears the front door close, she climbs out of bed. She walks to the living room window, still holding on to the book, slightly opening the blinds. The MAN climbs into the car and soon we hear the engine start. His car backs up and exits the parking lot.

She rushes to the bedroom and tosses the book on the bed, then stops abruptly, unsure. She paces the room back forth a bit. Then she quickly changes her clothes and puts on her jacket and shoes. MADELINE picks up her purse near the night stand but stops short when she sees the book on the bed. She grabs it and shoves it under her arm, trying not to give it much thought as she exits the apartment.

CUT TO:

EXT. PARK - MORNING

MADELINE is sitting on a bench watching a MARRIED COUPLE play with their LITTLE GIRL. She touches her wedding ring. The book is on her lap and she has a vacant look in her eyes. An AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN dressed in a gray suit approaches and sits down next to MADELINE.

MAN: (gently) They look so much in love, don’t they?

MADELINE looks away.

MAN: It doesn’t often last though, does it? (Beat; MADELINE looks over at him warily) My name is Darius Abernathy, Madeline. (Beat) We can help you.

MADELINE: (glances over to him sharply; whispers) Who’s we? How do you know my name?

DARIUS pulls out an envelope.

MADELINE: (takes the envelope) What is this?

DARIUS: Your new life.

MADELINE: (standing up, backing away) Wait. What? (Beat) Who are you?

DARIUS: (nods; smiles softly) When you’re ready, give him a call.

DARIUS gets up and walks away, leaving MADELINE staring at the envelope. She looks over to the loving family. Their laugher rings stronger in her ears. She sits down, opens the envelope and is surprised by what she sees: a Slayer’s Council business card and a letter from RUPERT GILES.

MADELINE opens the letter and reads:

Dear Ms Reece,

My name is Rupert Giles. Unlike most people in this world, we both know what walks in the night. I help run an organization that targets the forces of darkness. Without trying to touch an open wound, I want you to know that I am aware of what happened to you when you were young child. And I also know about your husband Rowe Edwards and the world he has recently succumbed to. The Slayer’s Council may be able to offer you an opportunity of value. We can help you in your present circumstance and, in return, believe you can be of assistance to us.

Your intelligence and knowledge pertaining to your past experiences will benefit our organization immensely and will help save the lives of many.

Please contact me at the number on my card, any time day or night, but I advise you to do so rather sooner than later before the situation you’re in becomes more precarious.

Sincerely,
Rupert Giles

She folds the letter but keeps the business card in her hand. MADELINE looks at her wedding ring and takes it off. She looks at it for bit and places the ring in the lining of her jacket. The book has fallen open to the ground. Its pages ruffle in the light summer breeze. MADELINE stares at it.

VOICE: Excuse me, ma’am?

MADELINE: (looks up; sees it’s the LITTLE GIRL) Yes?

LITTLE GIRL: May I have my ball?

MADELINE sees a yellow ball at her feet. She grins, picks it up and hands it to the GIRL.

LITTLE GIRL: Thank you.

Just as she is about to turn about, MADELINE stops her. The LITTLE GIRL’S PARENTS approach them. MADELINE leans over and retrieves the book.

MADELINE: (softly) Would you like this book? (Beat) It’s called ‘Mary Had a Little Ham’. It’s about pig name Stanley who doesn’t want to live on farm and dreams of becoming a Broadway actor.

LITTLE GIRL: (looks over to her PARENTS) Can I?

Her PARENTS nod with a smile. MADELINE hands it to her, trying to hold back her tears.

LITTLE GIRL: Thank you ma’am.

MADELINE: You’re welcome.

MADELINE watches the LITTLE GIRL run to her PARENTS, showing them her new book. With a sigh, MADELINE looks at the business card. She gets up, dials the number on it. We see that her hand holding the phone is shaking a little. MADELINE hears the line ring and then a MAN’S voice with a British accent answers.

MADELINE: Rupert Giles? (Beat) Madeline Reece. I… I’m interested.

FADE TO WHITE

END OF TEASER

~~~

THEME PLAYS - ‘BEAUTIFUL FREAK’ BY EELS
OPENING CREDITS ROLL

:: STARRING ::

Rain Mason (Mila Kunis)
Isabella ‘Bella’ Talmadge (Emily Van Camp)
Michael Corbis (Michael Vartan)
Nick Caro (Jason Behr)
Madeline Blake (Bonnie Somerville)

:: GUEST STARRING ::

Rowe Edwards (Ioan Gruffud)
Darius Abernathy (Tyrees Allen)
Warner Talmadge (Victor Garber)
Sheridan Talmadge (Lisa Thornhill)
Oliver (Gerry Becker)
Agent Parson (Matthew Glave)

:: SPECIAL GUEST STARRING ::

Rupert Giles (Anthony Head Stewart)

Edited by: Odelia (SaltyGoodness)

Disclaimer: The characters of AtS/BtVS belong to Joss Whedon,
Mutant Enemy, Sandollar Television, Kuzui Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Television, the WB and UPN. Original characters that weren’t on these shows belong to Odelia & me. Please do not take them without permission.

Da Boss
Administrator

Posts: 47

Episode: 1.06 Acid Test Apr 17, 2009 2:05:48 GMT -5

Post by Da Boss on Apr 17, 2009 2:05:48 GMT -5

ACT I

PRESENT TIME - DECEMBER 2004 -

INT. RAIN’S BEDROOM - MORNING

RAIN quickly turns off her alarm; she climbs out of bed wearing black PJs covered with bunnies. She heads over to the kitchen, pours herself a bowl of Lucky Charms and a glass of OJ. She takes her breakfast back to her bedroom and puts it on her desk. RAIN grabs a sketchpad and a crumbled up business card falls out. She picks it up. It reads: SLAYER’S COUNCIL, MADELINE BLAKE along with her and RUPERT GILES’ phone numbers. Her eyes glance over at her cell phone. RAIN turns it on, scrolls to MADELINE’S number. Just as she’s about to dial it, she changes her mind and dials MICHAEL’S instead but gets his voice mail. The camera slowly backs away to the end of the room while RAIN leaves a message but we can’t hear her.

There is music playing in the background. It’s Shawn Colvin’s ‘Between Two Worlds’. We hear:

Off in the distance
A cool wind is blowing
I’m not who I was
And I’m not where I’m going

CUT TO:

INT. MICHAEL’S APARTMENT - MORNING

On the right side of the apartment, in the living room, is a leather couch where MICHAEL is deeply asleep, tightly holding on to a worn-out blanket. Near the couch, a homemade coffee table holds numerous ancient texts as well as a carafe and a coffee mug containing the remains of day-old coffee. Beyond the table, a beat up TV rests on an old steamer trunk. In the corner there is a small, expensive-looking desk with an antique lamp that both look out of place in this old cabin-feel apartment.

Compared to the living room, to the left the kitchen has been kept more up-to-date with stainless steel appliances. The cabinets are a shade of walnut, while the counter top is made of dark gray granite. There is a long wooden table that has a few more ancient texts as well as stacks of files covering it. To the far left, we see a door that leads to MICHAEL’S bedroom.

A dog barks outside, startling MICHAEL out of his deep stupor. For a few moments he stares at the ceiling, but eventually gets up and takes the coffee mug with him to the counter. After he sets the coffee machine going, he starts making himself an egg-white omelette with portobello mushrooms and gorgonzola cheese.

MICHAEL picks up the coffee mug, dumps the old coffee in the sink, rinses out the mug and pours a fresh cup. After he plates the omelette, he takes his breakfast and coffee to the end of the kitchen table and leaves it there. Then he walks toward the desk, retrieves a old leather-bound journal from the bottom drawer. MICHAEL sits down in front of his breakfast takes out some papers and newspaper articles from the journal. He refers to some of the papers and writes in his journal. MICHAEL takes a bite of his omelette and a sip of his coffee. Then he picks up his cell phone nearby and turns it on. He sees there is a message in his voice mailbox. The camera pans back as he listens.

We hear:

I’m so tired of knowing
That there’s no way of knowing

CUT TO:

INT. BELLA’S ROOM – MORNING

BELLA is asleep in bed. Sunlight streams through a break in the curtains and we see a glimmer of bright blue sky. We hear a loud argument apparently coming from outside of her room. Her alarm goes off and BELLA groans. We see her hand reach out from under the covers to grab at the clock.

WARNER: (OS) –not a matter of choice. It’s an emergency, Sheridan!

SHERDIAN: (OS) It’s your day off, for god’s sake! We have a dinner to prepare for and you are just—

WARNER: (OS) --the dinner will take care of itself. It always does.

SHERDIAN: (OS) It’s me, Warner! I take care of it. How do you think these things happen? (Sarcastically) It’s not the dinner party fairy!

WARNER: (OS) I do not have time for this! I have a flight to Los Angeles in an hour!

BELLA sits up slightly and yawns, looking toward her bedroom door. She sighs.

SHERIDAN: (OS) So, you’re going to leave? Just like that? Leave me to tend to your friends? What do you think they will say when they realize you’re not here!

WARNER: (OS; softly) Please, tell Bella I had to leave.

SHERDIAN: (OS) Tell her yourself!

There is a crash and BELLA flinches. She flicks the television on and turns it up loud, drowning out the discernable words of the argument. She pretends not to listen as the front door slams downstairs and a car bursts into life, revving in front of the house. The engine noise fades as the car drives off. BELLA sighs and lays down again grabs her cell phone and dials RAIN’S number. Once again, the camera pans back from BELLA as we hear RAIN’S voice answer.

RAIN: Hello?

BELLA: Morning sunshine.

RAIN: (softly; distracted) Hey.

BELLA: (concerned) What’s wrong?

There is a silence but soon we hear:

You left me stranded
Between two worlds

CUT TO:

INT. MADELINE’S BEDROOM - MORNING

There is a close up shot of an alarm clock showing it’s seven in the morning. The camera zooms in on MADELINE who is awake staring through the French doors leading to her porch. We can see she is naked under cream sheets as the sun touches her blonde tousled hair. A MAN’S arm drapes over her shoulder. MADELINE displays very little emotion. As the camera pans to the MAN’s hand, we see he is wearing a wedding ring. The MAN mumbles as he slowly wakes up. The camera pans to his face and we see it’s the same MAN from the teaser.

MAN: (drowsily) Morning.

MADELINE doesn’t respond. The MAN pulls MADELINE closer, holding her affectionately. She closes her eyes when he does this. As the MAN touches her hand, he feels her fingers as if he’s searching for something.

MAN: You’re not wearing it.

MADELINE looks away.

MADELINE: I lost it.

MAN: Why don’t I believe you?

MADELINE: (sighs) Rowe, I have to get ready for work.

MADELINE moves to get up out of bed, but ROWE climbs on top of her. It’s clear that MADELINE wants to be someplace else.

ROWE: (caresses MADELINE’S hair) Take another day off.

MADELINE: (doesn’t look at him) I have to go to work.

ROWE: Maddie, do I have to ask again?

MADELINE: (whispers) No, you don’t.

She manages to struggle out of his embrace and out of bed, still covering herself with a sheet.

MADELINE: I’m gonna shower.

ROWE: Sure thing. I was thinking we’d check out the museum. (Beat; he reaches up to touch her face) I know how much you love art.

MADELINE: (doesn’t smile) You know me so well.

ROWE: (kisses her) That’s right. (Beat) I’m going make breakfast. Pancakes, again love?

MADELINE: (gives a small nod) Sure.

ROWE gets up puts his boxers on and heads toward the kitchen. MADELINE throws on a silk robe, grabs her cell phone and walks to the bathroom, closing the door after her. Once she turns on the shower, she sits on the toilet and flips open her phone. Taken aback, MADELINE sees she has three messages in her voice mailbox. She listens to the first message.

MICHAEL: Madeline? Umm... this is Michael... Corbis. (Beat) I know you’re surprised to hear from me. Don’t worry this isn’t about Rain. (Pauses) Well, it sort of is... Rain is really worried about you. She’s been trying to reach out to you. And you know that’s not like her. I mean for her to go out of her way like that. Um…Listen, this silence, it needs to stop. (Beat) I know you missed school yesterday. You wouldn’t ignore your duties as a teacher... and as her Watcher unless something was ... really wrong. So please... call her or me, even. We’re... here for you. Bye.

MADELINE takes a deep breath stunned to hear from MICHAEL. She presses a few buttons and listens to the second message.

BELLA: Hey Mad... I mean Madeline. (Awkward) Sorry. I normally don’t meddle. I am not a meddler. (Beat) Well, sometimes I am but for a good reason. (Beat) Rain would kill me if she knew I called you. Look, Rain is my best friend. She’s is seriously worried about you. I think she’s gonna get an ulcer. So... just call her... so that she doesn’t get one. Umm... bye.

MADELINE’S eyes start to water. She looks toward the bathroom door and then back at her phone. She listens to the last message.

RAIN: Madeline, it’s Rain. Missed you yesterday at school. They’re saying you’re sick but we both know that’s not true. (Beat) I want you to know that you can trust me. So... could you just call me? Please?

We hear a click. MADELINE closes her phone. She stares at it. All of the sudden she starts sobbing uncontrollably, her hand over her mouth, being careful to not be heard.

We hear:

You turned me into a mixed up girl
You left me stranded between two worlds
Two worlds…

FADE TO WHITE

FLASHBACK- CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

December 1993 appears on the screen.

INT. ART MUSEUM - MORNING

We can see MADELINE in her early twenties, observing a painting. A young ROWE walks in holding on to a brochure. He immediately sees MADELINE and appears to be taken in by her beauty. He awkwardly approaches her. We hear soft, lilting piano music and faint lyrics in the background, although we cannot really make out the words. It is the bridge from ‘I Don’t Believe Any More’ by Icehouse.

MAN: It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

MADELINE: (startled) I’m sorry?

The MAN gestures the work of art.

MAN: The painting.

MADELINE: (smiles; assessing him) You don’t have a clue what it means, do you?

MAN: (laughs; shrugs) Guilty as charged. I know nothing about art. (Beat) Are you an art major?

MADELINE: English, actually.

MAN: (awkwardly, but with a boyish charm) But you really love art, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.

MADELINE: (blushes; faces him) Do you talk to all women you’ve just met this way?

The MAN moves closer. We make out a line from the song:

…I never counted on this…

MAN: (intensely) No, just you.

MADELINE: (smiles again) What’s your name?

He offers his hand. We hear:

…and I could see and I was sure
and everything was young and new but…

MAN: Rowe Edwards.

MADELINE: (takes his hand) Madeline Reece.

ROWE: (warmly) It’s nice to meet you, Madeline.

MADELINE: Likewise.

ROWE: Perhaps you can give me an art history lesson someday.

MADELINE: (grins nervously) Perhaps.

END OF FLASHBACK

PRESENT TIME - DECEMBER 2004 -

EXT. TEA LEAF CAFE - LATE MORNING

Even though it’s now winter, snow hasn’t settle in but the air is chilly. MADELINE is drinking her hot tea outside, sitting near the cafe by the art museum. Wearing a suede brown jacket, a white sweater, jeans and brown shoes, ROWE approaches her with a smile. He hands her a box. On the radio, we hear that same bridge from ‘I Don’t Believe Any More’.

MADELINE: (puts down her cup) What’s this?

ROWE: (sits down) What do you think?

MADELINE doesn’t respond. We hear:

…I never counted on this
guess that's the way that it goes yeah…

ROWE: It’s a gift.

MADELINE sighs and opens the box. She becomes very uncomfortable by what she sees.

ROWE: I knew you didn’t lose it.

MADELINE: (astounded) How... did you find it?

ROWE: (touches her hair) You should know I can find anything.

Reluctantly, MADELINE lets him kiss her but we can see she clearly has some strong feelings for him. We hear:

…I don't believe anymore
and this is all I know
I know I've heard it before…

ROWE’S cell phone rings. He pulls away from her to answer it.

ROWE: (annoyed) I believe I told you no interruptions. (Beat) I see. All right. Good-bye.

ROWE flips the phone closed. We hear:

…I don't believe anymore
and I remember your voice
before this happened to us…

ROWE: I have to go. Business.

MADELINE: (surprised) Here? In Haven?

ROWE: (Beat; looks her straight in the eye) Can I trust that you’ll return to your apartment safely?

MADELINE: Of course.

ROWE: Good. (Glances at the box in MADELINE’S hand) Let’s put this on.

ROWE picks up an antique diamond ring from the box and places it on MADELINE’S finger. He kisses her on the cheek.

…you used to be someone I knew
somebody I could understand but
now I don't know what to do…

ROWE: Still looks beautiful, doesn’t it? (Beat; searching for an answer from MADELINE but doesn’t get one) I’ll see you in a couple of hours, no more than three, okay?

MADELINE: Sure.

The camera pulls back and we see NICK talking to a girl near the art museum. He happens to glance toward where MADELINE and ROWE are sitting. Before he can wave at MADELINE, ROWE gets up and walks away. NICK sees MADELINE looking at her hand somberly.

…I don’t know where to begin…

CUT TO:

EXT. MICHAEL’S HAVEN - LATE MORNING

CUT TO:

INT. MICHAEL’S HAVEN - LATE MORNING

NICK enters the restaurant and is surprised to see RAIN and BELLA sitting at the bar. He sets his bag on a stool. There’s a laid-back and fun Sunday-sounding indie song playing on the bar’s stereo: it’s ‘Crash into Me’ by the Dave Matthews Band.

NICK: (shivers) Brrr. It’s getting cold out there. (Beat) So ladies, what are we doing here on a school day?

BELLA: (smiles) We’re playing hooky! (Throws an arm up) Woot!

RAIN rolls her eyes.

NICK: Seriously?

RAIN: Yeah.

NICK walks around the bar.

NICK: And what does Mike have to say about it?

RAIN: He doesn’t support it.

BELLA giggles.

NICK: (points to BELLA) You’re my kind of woman.

RAIN groans. Soon, MICHAEL appears holding a box. He sees NICK.

MICHAEL: You’re late.

NICK: Sorry boss. Had a field trip.

MICHAEL puts the box on the counter.

RAIN: Field trip?

NICK: (leans against the counter) As hard as it may be for you to believe, Ms. Mason, I do go to college.

BELLA: (arches brow; grins) Really?

RAIN: That is hard to believe.

NICK mock-laughs at her.

RAIN: So where did you go? A strip club?

NICK: You kill me. (Beat) I went to the art museum for my art history class, thank you very much. (Beat) Speaking of which, I saw your Watcher at the Tea Leaf.

RAIN, MICHAEL and BELLA look at each other stunned.

NICK: (stands up) Something I said?

MICHAEL: (puts down a box cutter) You saw Madeline?

NICK: (looking at the girls, indicating MICHAEL, in a stage whisper) He’s not slow, that one is he?

BELLA: (ignoring NICK’s comment) Looks like she’s playing hooky again too.

NICK: (nods) Yeah, I saw her with some guy.

RAIN: (taken back) A guy?

NICK: (smirks) Well, she is female. I presume she is human and appreciates some male company every now and then. Unless you expect- (connecting the wrong dots)… you think she would have been with another girl?! (Sees RAIN’S glare) Okay, okay. Look, I didn’t see much. They were sitting down outside the cafe. All of a sudden the guy got up and left. Madeline didn’t look too happy about it. (Beat; shrugs) Well, I’m going to grab a bite at Smoothie Addict before lunch hour. (Walks around the bar) Later peeps!

MICHAEL: You know, Nick, I am inclined to think you don’t like the food here.

NICK: (at the door; grins) Yah, your food sucks.

MICHAEL smiles back as NICK departs the restaurant.

BELLA: (folds her arms, looking after him) Is he actually from this dimension?

RAIN: (to MICHAEL; with concern) This has to be reason why she’s avoiding us.

BELLA: (jumping to the soap opera answer) Maybe it’s an old boyfriend! They rekindled their relationship or something?

MICHAEL and RAIN shake their heads in disagreement.

RAIN: (rolling her eyes) Are you from this dimension? She has shown signs of fear, Bella. I think this guy has a hold over her or something.

The main door swings open. EVERYONE looks up. It’s ROWE EDWARDS with an eerie grin on his face.

FADE TO WHITE

FLASHBACK - CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

May 1994 appears on the screen.

INT. ART MUSEUM - NIGHT

MADELINE is walking through the gallery. It’s clear that it’s empty.

MADELINE: Rowe? Where are you?

There is no response.

MADELINE: (impatiently) I am not kidding, Rowe. Tell me where you are.

MADELINE stops to one of the galleries and sees ROWE sitting at a table. The table is set with the finest china. There are two candles lit and a bouquet of red roses. ROWE, dressed in a tux, nervously gets up. From somewhere, softly, music is playing – we hear cellos, but it isn’t a classical song… it is the opening of ‘Flames’ by VAST.

MADELINE: (puzzled, a smile on her lips) Rowe... what’s going on?

ROWE: This is where we first met.

MADELINE: (inches closer) Right.

ROWE: (points) In front of that painting.

MADELINE looks over to the painting and back at him.

…close your eyes
let me touch you now…
let me give you something that is real…

MADELINE: What are you doing? (Beat; looks around) How did you do this?

ROWE: You should know by now I have connections.

MADELINE: (smiles softly) Rowe... this is... very romantic.

ROWE: (bringing her over to the table) I should hope so. I’d hate to think I was losing my touch.

MADELINE laughs as ROWE reaches in his pocket and pulls out a black velvet box. She gasps. He gets down on bended knee and opens the box, revealing the same antique ring we’ve seen MADELINE wearing earlier in the episode.

…close the door
leave your fears behind
let me give you what you're giving me
you are the only thing…

ROWE: (closes his eyes, takes a deep breath) Madeline Blake, will you marry me?

ROWE opens his eyes.

MADELINE: This is your grandmother’s ring. I couldn’t.

ROWE: (warmly) She would want you to have it.

MADELINE: (sits on ROWE’S knee; touches his face tenderly) Yes, Rowe Edwards, I’ll marry you.

The two kiss passionately. He places the ring on her finger.

…when I am with you
there's no reason to pretend
that when I am with you I feel flames again
just put me inside you
I would never ever leave
you…

ROWE: I asked your father for permission and he gave me his blessing.

MADELINE: (gazes into his eyes) So old fashioned.

ROWE: Yeah well... I was afraid the old geezer would skin me alive if I didn’t ask.

MADELINE jerks her head as she laughs, putting more weight on his leg.

ROWE: (strained) Maddie, my knee, it’s hurting.

MADELINE: (tries to get up) Oh! I am sorry!

MADELINE loses her balance forcing both of them to fall to the floor.

…I would never ever leave
you…

Their laughter echoes through the gallery as they roll around on the floor, kissing each other again.

END OF FLASHBACK

PRESENT TIME - DECEMBER 2004 -

INT. MICHAEL’S HAVEN - LATE MORNING

MICHAEL moves in front of RAIN and BELLA. It become clear he recognizes ROWE.

MICHAEL: (quietly but urgently) Girls... uh, just head out back, would you?

BELLA: Rain, what’s going on?

RAIN: I don’t know. (Beat) Michael?

ROWE strides towards them, clearly showing his demeanour is a threatening one.

MICHAEL: (to the GIRLS) Just get out of here!

He steps in front of RAIN and BELLA and pushes at them, pushing RAIN backward.

RAIN: (affronted) Hey! What the hell?! No—!

BELLA: (nervously) I knew we shouldn’t have played hooky.

ROWE looks at MICHAEL and realizes MICHAEL recognises him.

ROWE: (politely) Have we met?

MICHAEL: (darkly) I know who you are.

ROWE: (nods) I see. And you are? (Holds his hand up) Wait, let me guess; the owner of this establishment? Michael... (Grins) of ‘Michael’s Haven’?

MICHAEL: (menacingly) Get out.

ROWE: (looks around; takes of his gloves) It’s bad for business you know, treating your customers this way.

MICHAEL: There’s nothing on the menu for you here.

ROWE raises an eyebrow at MICHAEL.

ROWE: I don’t know about that. (Looks at RAIN; gives an eerie smirk) I think I’d like the special.

RAIN: Michael, who is this guy? What’s going on?

MICHAEL: (ignores RAIN; forebodingly) Edwards, you’re not welcome here. I suggest you leave before-

ROWE: -before what? Before you call the cops? (Beat) We both know you’re not going to do that, especially since you’ve obviously read my resume. So you should know small town cops and threats mean nothing to me. (Beat; glances over to RAIN) But the slayer on the other hand... well, she just might.

RAIN: (a little frightened) Michael?

MICHAEL glances over to RAIN, urging her to stay back. ROWE looks at MICHAEL with irritation. He lifts his right arm toward MICHAEL.

ROWE: (matter-of-factly) Immobeliss.

RAIN and BELLA’s eyes widen in horror as a charge of dark purple, electrical-looking energy shoots from ROWE’S hand and hits MICHAEL square in the chest, launching him up into the air and smashing him against the back wall with a crunch. He slithers to the floor, unconscious.

RAIN: Michael! (Turning to look at ROWE) What the hell? What—?

ROWE disappears.

BELLA: Where did he go?

RAIN looks around for him, startled.

RAIN: Stay behind the bar, Bella.

As BELLA does what she asks, RAIN adopts a fighting stance.

RAIN: (nervously, circling; shouts) Come out! Want to speak to me? I’m here!

ROWE manifests directly behind her and grabs her around the throat with one hand. She’s caught by surprise. He pins her arms down with his free arm and speaks politely into her ear as she struggles.

ROWE: (fighting to hold her; calmly) I’d be interested to see how you fight, Slayer. How you will get out of this.

RAIN: (growling) Argh!

ROWE: (matter-of-factly) You’re physically very strong, that’s true. What else can you do? Hmm?

RAIN struggles again. Abruptly, he lets her go, disappears and manifests standing astride a table in the centre of the room. She whirls around, looking for him, angry, terrified, and confused.

RAIN: Who are you?!

He folds his arms and studies her.

ROWE: (stating) I think the question, really…would be… who are you?

RAIN glares at him, gathers herself and runs at the table. In mid-leap, ROWE raises his hands and utters something in Latin. RAIN smashes into an invisible shield he has created around himself, exploding back from it to hit the floor with a bang, face down, a few feet away.

ROWE: I know there’s much more to you than this slayer strength. Don’t be coy.

He jumps down and walks toward her, coat flying out behind him. RAIN struggles to get up. There is a cut on her face. Still behind the bar, BELLA is crouched down attempting to dial her phone.

ROWE: Come on, Slayer. This is most disappointing!

She looks up, both anger and terror raging in her expression. ROWE raises his arms.

ROWE: Momentum instantia—

RAIN growls, her eyes go white and the table behind ROWE launches into his back with force before he can finish the spell, swatting him to the floor. She gives a sharp cry of triumph that ends in a half-sob and a deep, shaking breath.

There is a rumble from under the table. ROWE literally flies up from underneath the wreckage to stand before her.

BELLA: (scared; hits phone; trying to get a signal) Come on stupid phone!

ROWE forms a fist and punches it into RAIN’S diaphragm. She screams and doubles over. ROWE’S hand remains connected to RAIN. His head is thrown back. A bright white-blue energy is pulled out of RAIN and into ROWE. He laughs. RAIN’s eyes fade; she is shaking from the drainage.

Suddenly, she pushes him forward with both arms and, with astonishing force, pushes a huge fiery burst of white-hot energy out of her, through his arm and into his chest. ROWE is hurled backwards. We see his shirt and coat are on fire and his flesh is burnt where the energy went into him. For the first time, we see a flash of fear in his eyes as he looks at RAIN.

NICK enters the restaurant holding on to a coffee and drops it as he is stunned at what he sees. Quickly, ROWE turns around, sees NICK and then disappears. RAIN is lying in a heap, looking up in disbelief at the spot where he just was. Panting, dripping with sweat and completely drained, she faints.

Slowly, MICHAEL regains his consciousness as BELLA emerges from behind the bar. All three move to RAIN.

MICHAEL: (touches RAIN’s face softly) Careful. She’s very weak but I think she’ll be okay.

BELLA: Michael, who was that guy?!

MICHAEL doesn’t respond.

NICK: Guys... I’ve seen him before.

MICHAEL and BELLA shoot him a look.

BELLA: What are you talking about?

NICK: That’s the guy I saw... with Madeline; at the cafe.

There is a noise coming from the back door. EVERYONE is surprised to see its MADELINE walking toward them. She looks at RAIN with great concern and then back at MICHAEL, NICK and BELLA.

MADELINE: What happened? (Beat) Is she all right?

MICHAEL: (darkly) How do you know Rowe Edwards?

MADELINE: (swallows) He’s my husband.

FADE TO BLACK

END OF ACT I

Da Boss
Administrator

Posts: 47

Episode: 1.06 Acid Test Apr 17, 2009 2:07:36 GMT -5

Post by Da Boss on Apr 17, 2009 2:07:36 GMT -5

ACT II

EXT. MICHAEL’S HAVEN - AFTERNOON

There is a closed sign hanging on the door.

INT. MICHAEL’S HAVEN - AFTERNOON

While BELLA is sweeping the floor NICK tackles the big pieces of debris. He throws a piece of the table in a large garbage can.

NICK: (mutters) This is stupid.

BELLA: (Looks up) Well, yah.

NICK: Why doesn’t he tell us what’s going on?

BELLA: How long have you known Michael?

NICK: A few years. He’s a good guy but he’s just...

BELLA: Secret-ops.

NICK nods as BELLA rest her chin on the broom handle with her hands.

BELLA: (low voice) I’ve never seen Michael like that way before. Have you?

NICK: (picking up a splinter of wood) Sure. He’s not a fun man to talk to when you mess up an order.

BELLA: (laughs softly) Not like that. I mean... did you see the look on his face when Madeline said that Rowe guy was her husband?

NICK: No, how could I miss the rather large vein on his forehead throbbing, ready to pop? (Grabs another piece of wood) Come on, we need to clean this up as quickly as possible before the boss pops a blood vessel.

BELLA: (observes NICK) You’re scared.

NICK: (stops; glances over to BELLA) Yeah, I am. (Scratches his head) I’ve never seen Mike like that before.

CUT TO:

INT. RAIN’S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

MICHAEL takes a wet cloth off RAIN’S forehead and replaces it with a fresh one. He looks at her, touches her face tenderly. MADELINE sees this in the doorway, surprised by his demeanour towards RAIN.

MICHAEL: (without looking up) Why are you still here?

MADELINE: We have to talk.

MICHAEL: (shoots a look at MADELINE) Talk? (Gets up and walks over to her; whispers) Now you want to talk.

MICHAEL shuts the door with the wash cloth still in this hand. He drapes it over the bathroom sink before making his way to the living room. MADELINE follows him.

MADELINE: Please, Michael. Hear what I have to say.

He sits down on the couch and rubs his eyes.

MICHAEL: I find it interesting, that it’s only after RAIN is injured that you finally want to bare your heart and soul. (Points to RAIN’S bedroom, tries hard to control his emotions) That girl has been worried sick about you. Sick! Hell, even I called you; left you a message but you didn’t call back. (Beat) Big surprise there.

MADELINE looks distressed but doesn’t respond.

MICHAEL: (cont’d) You know what Rain has been through. (Gestures) The way her... mother raised her... treated her like crap. In the time you’ve known Rain; you know she doesn’t respond well to authority. (Beat; shakes his head) She trusted you.

MADELINE: (scoffs) Trust? You think she trusts you? (Beat) We know nothing about you. Nothing. We don’t have the faintest idea how you seem to know about Rain, her powers or how you know a lot about magic. You always seem to come to the rescue at the right time but we can’t ask you how you’re able to save the day? You got a funny way showing Rain should trust you.

MICHAEL: (quickly gets up; rushes to MADELINE and gets in her face) Do not make this about me. This is about you! I would never hurt Rain. If I knew the kind of danger she was in with your husband in the picture, I would have got her the hell out of Haven. (Beat; softly but firm) I am always careful. I always cover my tracks to make sure there is no danger threatening us... but this, Madeline! You practically made Rain, Edwards’ target. It’s like you picked her up and put her in front of him. You practically offered her to him on a plate.

MADELINE: (unconvincingly) He won’t kill her. He just wants her powers.

MICHAEL: (backs away; scoffs) Oh, he won’t kill her, won’t he? (Beat) And what, exactly, do you think he was in here doing tonight, then, huh? Asking her out for coffee?! (Beat) Or maybe he wanted a little side action, a mistress perhaps?

MADELINE: (Hurt) Michael, please. (Takes a breath) I just need you to listen to me. I don’t have much time. I need to find Rowe before–

MICHAEL: (walks away from her) –I am done listening.

MADELINE: Please! I didn’t know Rowe was going to go after her until he showed up in my apartment two nights ago. (Beat) I tried to distract him, keep him focused on me but... then when he said he had to take care of some business today, I knew he was going to see Rain but (tears well up in her eyes)... it was too late.

MICHAEL: (turns around) You’ve never heard of a cell phone?

MADELINE: I tried calling... but the calls never went through. I got here as fast as I could.

MICHAEL shakes his head.

MADELINE: (softly) Michael, you have to know I’d never hurt Rain.

MICHAEL: (glances up at her coldly) Well, you have.

He gets up, dials a number on his cell.

MICHAEL: (line rings) Nick? I need you guys to watch Rain. I have to take care of some business. (Waits for NICK to answer) All right, come up now. Bye.

MICHAEL hangs up.

MADELINE: What are you doing?

MICHAEL: Unlike you, I am going to figure out a way to keep Rain safe from your husband.

MADELINE: (stands in front of him) You can’t defeat him. Nothing can. He’s... too powerful. Even Rain can’t go up against him. People will get hurt.

MICHAEL pushes MADELINE out of his way, almost knocking her over.

MICHAEL: (at the door) You should have thought of that before you married him.

MADELINE’S eyes water as she hears the door slam.

FADE TO WHITE

FLASHBACK - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

July 16th, 2004 appears on the screen. It’s the day before MADELINE was approached by DARIUS ABERNATHY. We hear a dark, and initially slow, song begin. There is piano and violins but it gradually builds into an electronic, industrial sound. It’s Grace Jones’ ‘Devil in my Life’.

INT. ROWE AND MADELINE’S APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING

ROWE is sleeping while MADELINE is wide awake, looking ill and shivering as well as sweating in her tank top and a pair of ROWE’S boxers. We hear:

Isn't a crying shame how you became
Isn't a crying shame how you became
The devil in my life

She gradually gets up and walks toward the bathroom but something under the bed grabs her eye. Quietly as possible, she heads over to ROWE. MADELINE sees an empty syringe and a small vial on the floor. She picks them up. We hear:

Welcome in tonight
Wide open arms
Freeze-dried smile…

She reads the label on the bottle and a betrayed look appears in her eyes. Soon, she feels nauseous and runs to the bathroom. We can hear her vomiting through the door but ROWE, asleep, is oblivious to the violent sounds of MADELINE’S pain.

Drop your names
Just like a bald campaign
Collaborate while being exploited
And we celebrate by drinking poison…

CUT TO:

INT. BATHROOM - EARLY MORNING

MADELINE has her head over the toilet. She leans back, sits against the tub and wipes her face with a wet cloth, and then her mouth, hoping this is the last of it. Suddenly again, she starts to groan in pain. MADELINE grabs for her stomach and attempts to get up. She tries to reach for the doorknob but the pain she is experiencing is unbearable.

Devil in my life
Treading on thin ice
With you words so wise

As she looks to the floor, she sees drops of blood. She steps back wondering where the blood is coming from. MADELINE sees the blood trail on her legs. She reaches down, touches herself and discovers her hand is covered with blood. MADELINE is stunned.

She then looks over to the sink and sees the syringe. MADELINE inches back, hits the wall, covers her arms shaking her head in disbelief. Then she looks over to the wastebasket. MADELINE picks it up and sits it down on the toilet lid. Her eyes start to water. She covers her mouth to stop herself from crying. The camera pans to the wastebasket showing the contents inside. We see there is an opened pregnancy test box. MADELINE tosses in the syringe and the vial followed by the bloody boxers and bloodied towels from the floor. Quickly she washes the blood off her hands and arms. MADELINE rinses the sink, making sure all of the blood is gone.

Always in disguise
Devil in your eyes
I see it in your lies
Slowly mesmerised

The camera cuts to bedroom. We see the bathroom door is still closed. Soon, the door opens and we see MADELINE has her rob on and a pair of jogging pants. MADELINE wipes her eyes, clearly still raw as she comes out of the bathroom. She is holding onto a small trash bag. MADELINE observes ROWE still snoring away. Quietly as possible, she leaves the bedroom, finds a pair of flip flops in the living room and takes the bag to the dumpster outside the apartment building.

Going back inside, she takes off her robe and flip flops. Before joining her husband, she is overcome with emotion but fights it, trying not to wake him up. As she climbs into bed, ROWE wraps his arms around her tenderly.

Roll back my eyes tonight
Call to you inside
Tie my tongue
Try to stop all your lies

ROWE: (murmurs) I love you, Maddie.

MADELINE: (tears wells up in her eyes) I-I... love you too.

I ask myself
Who am I?

FADE TO WHITE

PRESENT TIME - DECEMBER 2004 -

INT. RAIN’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

NICK is watching TV while BELLA is making herself some mint tea. After she finishes the tea, she joins him on the couch. There is an awkward silence.

BELLA: When did he say he was coming back?

NICK: He didn’t. (Beat; glances over to BELLA) Shouldn’t... Rain be at the hospital or something?

BELLA: (shakes her head) No, its mystical... not medical. She’s just really drained.

NICK plays with the remote as she drinks a sip of her tea.

NICK: Does that happen often? I mean... the draining part.

BELLA: (nods) Does all of this freak you out?

NICK: I could play it cool, and pretend it doesn’t... but yeah... it does. I mean, I’ve only known Rain for about a month and I find out there are vampires, demons and... whatever that Rowe character is.

BELLA: I think he’s a warlock... at least that’s my theory.

NICK: So he’s human?

BELLA: Yeah.

NICK: You seem uber-calm. This stuff doesn’t freak you out?

BELLA: Actually... no. (NICK gives her a look; puts down her tea) I’m serious. I find it interesting. I even do research on my own... course my resources aren’t really what Michael would call ‘valid’.

NICK: What do you mean?

BELLA picks up her bag next to her and pulls out a couple of books. The titles read: ‘Witchcrafts for Dummies’ and ‘Idiot’s Guide to Magic’. NICK gives a chuckle.

NICK: Why do you read this stuff?

BELLA: Rain is my best friend. I want to help her.

NICK: How long have you known... about Rain.... being a slayer and all?

BELLA: She told me. Not right away though. (Beat) The magic powers were like a... Cracker Jack surprise.

NICK: (chuckles) I can see why you would think this would be intriguing. It’s like something out of science fiction novel. (Beat: smirks) I bet you read those for research too.

BELLA: (grins) How did you guess?

NICK: (leans closer) Me personally, I’ll stick with Charmed.

BELLA: (arches brow; grins) You watch Charmed?

NICK: (hits BELLA’s books) You got your resources and I got... (Points to himself) mine.

Before BELLA could respond, there is a soft moan from RAIN’s bedroom.

NICK: Sounds like she’s waking up.

They both rush to the bedroom door. NICK stays in the doorway while BELLA tends to RAIN.

BELLA: (very softly) Rain? Hon?

RAIN opens her eyes and tries to focus on BELLA, disorientated. She is panting, her skin grey and clammy.

RAIN: Bella?

BELLA takes her hand.

BELLA: You’re okay. You’re going to be all right.

RAIN: (frightened; confused) Where he’d go? Bella... it’s not safe... y-you have to get out of here!

She struggles to sit up, and stops suddenly, dizzy and overwhelmed. NICK, feeling uncertain as to how to help RAIN, stays behind.

BELLA: Stay still, Rain. Don’t try to move too soon.

RAIN: (panics) He’s here... I have to-

She struggles upright. Her skin suddenly pales to chalk, her eyes roll back into her head and she goes limp. BELLA eases her back down. They briskly walk out to the living room, where BELLA dials her cell phone.

BELLA: Michael? She’s not doing so well. (Beat; listens to other end) Oh... okay.

BELLA hangs up.

NICK: What did he say?

BELLA: He’s coming back with a friend.

NICK: A friend? Who is this friend?

BELLA: (shrugs) Some guy named Oliver.

NICK: (mutters; nods) Probably another warlock.

CUT TO:

INT. MADELINE’S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

MADELINE is rummaging through ROWE’S suitcase, as if she’s looking for something in particular. She stops and then goes to the closet, and searches through a couple of his suits but doesn’t find anything. Soon her phone rings. She sees its ROWE calling her.

MADELINE: Rowe? Where are you? (Beat) I’m on my way.

She grabs her jacket, purse and hastily leaves the apartment.

CUT TO:

EXT. RAIN’S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

OLIVER emerges from RAIN’s bedroom with a large leather bag. MICHAEL follows him out, looking worse for wear but better than earlier. He escorts OLIVER to the door and lets him out, turning back to BELLA and NICK who have scrambled to their feet.

NICK: Is she okay?

BELLA: Can we go in?

MICHAEL: (reassuringly) She’s okay.

RAIN appears at the bedroom doorway. She looks tired, otherwise okay.

MICHAEL: Actually – Rain? Why don’t you tell them how you’re doing?

BELLA and NICK turn around.

BELLA: Rain!

BELLA races over to give her a big hug. NICK grins with relief.

RAIN: I’m good... just tired. (Beat) Very tired.

We see RAIN and MICHAEL share a look that shows she wants to talk.

NICK: (catches RAIN’s glare at MICHAEL) You guys about ready to tell us what’s going on now?

MICHAEL sits down at the kitchen table and the others follow suit. He brings his hands together and looks at RAIN.

MICHAEL: Edwards... he’s serious business; delusions of grandeur, sponsored by some important and powerful dark powers. We could be... (Glances at RAIN; grimly) we’re in for some trouble.

NICK: (mutters) And on top of that, he’s Madeline’s husband.

RAIN: (arches brow) Excuse me?

BELLA: (winces) Oh, right – you haven’t heard… um, yeah – Madeline told us.

RAIN: (shocked) You’re not serious?

MICHAEL: Edwards is her husband. She admitted it after he tried to absorb your powers.

BELLA: It looked like he was successful. He has second-degree burns over twenty percent of his body!

NICK: Look at you, Dr. Talamge.

MICHAEL: (lowers voice) No... he wasn’t successful.

RAIN: (shoots him a look) What do you mean, he wasn’t successful? He put a pretty big dent in my armour. I mean... I’ve never been this drained before. And of all of the demons I’ve fought, he’s the toughest so far. We need to finish this guy. How do we do it?

MICHAEL: You can’t Rain. (She attempts to protest) I’m serious.

BELLA: Is he a warlock?

MICHAEL: No, he’s human.

RAIN: How is he not a warlock? His powers were–

MICHAEL: –he doesn’t enough personal aptitude for wicca to become a warlock. His power is all borrowed.

BELLA nods as if she’s mentally taking notes.

MICHAEL: (cont’d) He helps demons and other dark powers gain footholds in this dimension and in return–

NICK: (interrupting; sharply) -this dimension? Now there’s more dimensions? (Looking for confirmation) As in, there’s more than one?

RAIN: (annoyed with NICK) Yeah, there’s even one without shrimp.

NICK: Huh? (Beat) Why would there be a dimension without shrimp?

MICHAEL: Nick, please.

BELLA: (to MICHAEL) How do you even know about this guy?

MICHAEL: Underground.

RAIN: (scoffs) Underground, of course.

MICHAEL: (ignores RAIN; cont’d) I have an associate who runs an organization like a supernatural version of America’s Most Wanted. Edwards is on the list.

NICK: This couldn’t get even weirder.

BELLA puts a hand on NICK’S arm to shush him.

RAIN: So, what kind of business is he in exactly? Extortion? Revenge? Is he a loan shark? What?

MICHAEL: Worse.

He looks at them all in turn.

BELLA: (quietly) Law?

MICHAEL: Property.

CUT TO:

EXT. AUTUMN SUN MOTEL- LATE AFTERNOON

MADELINE parks in the AUTUMN SUN MOTEL parking lot. She walks to one of the rooms and opens the door. ROWE is on the bed tending to his wounds.

ROWE: (looks up) It’s not bad as it looks.

MADELINE: That’s a shame. (Takes out a gun; shaking)

FADE TO BLACK

END OF ACT II

Da Boss
Administrator

Posts: 47

Episode: 1.06 Acid Test Apr 17, 2009 2:09:14 GMT -5

Post by Da Boss on Apr 17, 2009 2:09:14 GMT -5

ACT III

PRESENT TIME - DECEMBER 2004 -

EXT. AUTUMN SUN MOTEL – LATE AFTERNOON

CUT TO

INT. ROOM 105 - LATE AFTERNOON

MADELINE still has the gun pointed at ROWE.

ROWE: (smirks; buttons his shirt) What are you doing with a gun, Maddie? (Beat) We both know you don’t like guns.

MADELINE: I bought it since you’ve been stalking me. (Beat) Leave Rain alone. She is of no value to you.

ROWE: (gets up, moves toward her) Ah, Rain. That’s what all this is about. (Beat) On the contrary, Maddie, she is of great value to me.

MADELINE: If you don’t back off, I’ll kill you.

ROWE: No you won’t. You love me. (Beat) That night you left me, I was... hurt and angry... like really angry... especially I after I did a hit and... then a second one and the one after that. (Gives a small chuckle) Well, all the hits roll into one. (Pauses; coldly) I didn’t like the way you left with (he gesticulates, arms in the air) those men. You were hard to find – especially when you changed your last name, but... I forgive you.

MADELINE: (shakes her head) You forgive me? (Beat) Unbelievable. You injected me with drugs! With poisons!

ROWE: (shouts at her) I was trying to bring us closer! (Beat; talks to himself) Maybe I should have just done the simple stuff, eh?

MADELINE: Rowe, it’s not funny! It doesn’t matter what it was, it’s about trust. (Beat) And that mystical compound is far more dangerous than any street drug! You know this! (Beat) You were willing to put my life in danger!

ROWE: (throws his hand in the air) It was one dose!

MADELINE: (yells) I don’t care if it was one dose or twelve! (Taps her chest) You betrayed me! (Pauses) The day after you injected me, you remember when you gave me that book? About the pig?

ROWE nods.

MADELINE: You said you it was time to start a family. (Beat) That is what would have brought us closer. Starting a family... but you changed during those last few months of our marriage. I mean, it was like overnight, almost. And those injections you took, they made you a different person. (Beat) In fact you are a different person. I don’t know you anymore. Just look at you... you’re still high! You are still craving for more power... but it’s not enough and it will never be enough. That’s why you’re after Rain.

MADELINE runs out of bluster suddenly and stops, shocked, but satisfied, at her vehement outburst. Her grip tightens on the gun.

ROWE doesn’t respond which makes MADELINE nervous. Within a matter of seconds, he grabs for her gun. They struggle for it and moments later, the gun goes off.

CUT TO:

EXT. RAIN’S APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM - EARLY EVENING

RAIN is standing up, arms folded, looking exhausted and at a loss. NICK is behind the kitchen counter, aimlessly polishing glasses. BELLA’S head is down, resting on the kitchen table and MICHAEL is nowhere to be seen. The door opens and its MICHAEL, holding on to a paper bag from OLIVER’S OCCULT OASIS. Once he sets the bag on the table, he takes off his jacket.

NICK: (puts down the cloth) What’s this?

MICHAEL: Supplies... to hide Rain... (Seeing the look on RAIN’S face) It’s just temporary.

NICK: Are you going make her invisible? (Beat; muses) That’s not a bad power to have, Rain. (Smirks to himself) It would be good for the showers at Haven University... (Nods) or in your case Haven High.

RAIN: (glares at NICK; to MICHAEL) I thought you had a solution. I don’t see how hiding me is going to help.

MICHAEL: Edwards could come back... try again. (Beat) In fact, I’ll bet on it.

BELLA: But he got a lot of power from Rain, enough to burn himself. Why come back for more?

RAIN looks at MICHAEL, the same question in her eyes.

MICHAEL: Because he’s not a warlock, the power he collects dissipates. He can’t hold onto it for too long. He needs fixes. That’s why he didn’t kill you. (Beat) He’s aware you’re a threat to him. That’s another reason why he’s testing you. It wasn’t just to find out how much power you have.

NICK looks up, his expression very grim.

NICK: He wants what? His own personal, ‘Duracell bunny’?

MICHAEL: (nods) Yes, like a battery to him. (To RAIN) But, he needs a way to contain you.

RAIN: (worried) Great. I’m liking him more and more. (Beat) What’s he good at? (Talks with her hands) He must have a ‘thing’; they always have a ‘thing’- like a particular weapon... or a power source... or something that I can use against him, that could be his weakness?

BELLA: He kept disappearing and reappearing all of the time. Can we use that against him?

MICHAEL: Temporal magicks. (Nods) Yes, maybe we could get at him that way. Good thinking, Bella.

BELLA smiles.

RAIN: Time bending?

NICK: (throws his arms in the air) Great. Next you’ll tell me there are little green men-

BELLA gives him a look.

NICK: (to BELLA) What?

BELLA: (turns to MICHAEL) What can we do with that? There’s got to be -

MICHAEL: (shrugs; unsure) I’d have to make some calls. I’ve never encountered someone like Edwards. (Beat; looks up at RAIN) I still think we should hide you–

RAIN: (annoyed; defensive) – I hit him good! He left here with a hole the size of Sunnydale in his chest! I can fight him, Michael.

MICHAEL: (firmly) Rain, he’s the toughest supernatural being you’ve fought thus far. You’ve experienced a major power surge that has left you unconscious for way too long. (Gestures) You’re still weak. (Points to RAIN’S bedroom) If it wasn’t for my friend, you’d still be in that bed, out of it.

Before RAIN can attempt to protest, her cell phone rings.

RAIN: It’s a text message... from Madeline. (Gasps) Oh god...

MICHAEL: What is it Rain?

RAIN shows them a picture of MADELINE strapped to a table.

RAIN: (troubled) Edwards has her! He wants to do a trade at the Autumn Sun Motel.

MICHAEL: (shakes his head) It’s a trap. (Beat) He wouldn’t just trade his wife for you.

BELLA: He’s right, Rain. This guy has been keeping Madeline on a tight leash. I don’t think he’s going to let her go.

RAIN: I am going to help her. I have to... (Troubled) it’s Madeline!

MICHAEL: (inches closer to RAIN) I know you’re worried but please don’t do this. You’re going to get yourself killed. Let me call my contacts and we’ll come up with a solid plan.

RAIN: (puts on her jacket) Well, when you come up with a solid plan, call me. Until then, I’m going to start one myself.

MICHAEL tries to block her but RAIN slightly pushes him out of her way and leaves the apartment.

NICK: Great... now what, boss? (Beat) Got any aliens to pull out of the hat?

CUT TO:

EXT. AUTUMN SUN MOTEL - EARLY EVENING

CUT TO:

RAIN walks pass the front entrance but she bumps into a WOMAN in her forties with red hair.

RAIN: Oh, I am sorry.

WOMAN: That’s all right, child.

RAIN sees the WOMAN’S name tag. It reads: Manager – Barbara.

RAIN: (puzzled) What happened to the previous manager?

BARBARA: (touches her name tag) Oh you mean Lloyd? He just up and quit. Imagine after twenty years. No warning or anything. (Beat) Is there something you need?

RAIN: (surprised) No, I’m fine.

The WOMAN nods and enters the motel. Remembering the task at hand, RAIN finds the room and knocks on the door. There is no answer. She opens the door and finds the room empty. From behind, a hand reaches around RAIN’s head and covers her mouth with a cloth, slowly RAIN faints.

CUT TO:

EXT. ABANDONED ASYLUM - EVENING

CUT TO:

INT. PATIENT ROOM - EVENING

Unconscious, MADELINE is strapped to table. ROWE touches her hair. After injecting her, her body starts to shiver. He puts the syringe down and kisses her. The camera follows him leaving the patient room. ROWE walks down the hall and enters an large electro-shock therapy room where RAIN is also knocked out strapped to a table. Slowly she wakes up.

ROWE: You’re awake. Just in time.

RAIN: (groggily) Where am I?

ROWE: (looks around) You’re in the electro-shock therapy room of an abandoned asylum. (Beat; smirks and chuckles to himself) Sounds like a line from a bad 50’s movie! Kind of appropriate though, you in here –considering what I am about to do to you.

RAIN immediately starts to struggle but realizes the straps that are holding her down are made out of metal.

ROWE: I wouldn’t bother. It’s metal. Steel, plus some extra magical strengthening. But I doubt that even with your... unique powers, that you’ll be able to break them.

RAIN: Where is Madeline? (Screams; kicks her legs) What the hell did you do to her?!

ROWE: (puts down syringe) I didn’t ask you over for marital advice.

RAIN: You said you wanted to trade. So let’s trade. Release Madeline and you can do anything you want to me – you can have all my powers.

ROWE: (smiles) Did you really think I’d trade my wife for you? I mean, not that you’re fine looking young woman. (Softly) Madeline is the love of my life. She’s my soul mate. I’ll never let her go. (Smirks) You’re just a bonus.

ROWE lifts his arms and starts chanting in Latin. RAIN struggles under the straps. Soon there is a big gust of wind in the room. Electricity emerges from ROWE’S hands and targets RAIN, covering her entire body as it violently shakes.

CUT TO:

EXT. LOCKLAND STREET - EVENING

MICHAEL, NICK and BELLA are walking down Lockland Street.

BELLA: This isn’t the way to the Autumn Sun.

NICK: Yeah, what gives boss?

MICHAEL doesn’t respond as he looks at his phone.

MICHAEL: She’s not at the motel.

NICK: How do you know? (Beat) Do you have powers of your own?

BELLA: It’s Oliver, right? He’s helping you again?

MICHAEL remains silent, still texting.

NICK: The warlock guy?

BELLA: He’s not a warlock. He owns a magic shop.

NICK: Right. (Beat) Are we going to be able to do this?

MICHAEL: (looks at NICK and then BELLA) We’ll find them.

BELLA: (drily) Is that your idea of a pep talk? Cuz it needs more work.

MICHAEL doesn’t smile.

CUT TO:

EXT. ABANDONED ASYLUM – EVENING

CUT TO:

INT. PATIENT ROOM – EVENING

MADELINE gradually opens her eyes and blinks them a bit, attempting to clear the fog in her head. Once she can see again, MADELINE realizes she’s strapped to the table. She starts wiggling, attempting to break free. She groans in pain, recognizing the throbbing headache, a side effect of the drugs ROWE has injected her with. All of a sudden MADELINE hears screams.

MADELINE: (breathlessly) Rain!

FADE TO BLACK

END OF ACT III

Da Boss
Administrator

Posts: 47

Episode: 1.06 Acid Test Apr 17, 2009 2:11:51 GMT -5

Post by Da Boss on Apr 17, 2009 2:11:51 GMT -5

ACT IV

EXT. ABANDONED ASYLUM – EVENING

CUT TO:

INT. PATIENT ROOM – EVENING

The door bursts open and MADELINE is shocked to see MICHAEL, BELLA and NICK.

MADELINE: (weakly) Michael, he’s got Rain!

MICHAEL: (to NICK) Help me with the straps.

NICK runs around MADELINE and helps MICHAEL with the straps while BELLA remains at the doorway as lookout.

MICHAEL: Are you okay?

MADELINE: Don’t worry about me. We have to find Rain. He’s going to hurt her.

MICHAEL: Let’s just get you out of here first.

Together, MICHAEL and NICK help MADELINE to her feet but she loses her balance.

MICHAEL: Bella?

BELLA: Coming.

She puts her arm around MADELINE replacing MICHAEL.

MADELINE: Wait, what’s the plan?

MICHAEL: The plan is for you to leave the building. (Beat) I’m going to take care of Rowe.

MADELINE: Michael, you’re going to get yourself killed. Please. Let me talk to him. You can’t do this alone.

MICHAEL: I’m not doing this alone. Rupert Giles sent help.

MADELINE: (softly) Rupert? Who did he send?

NICK: Ahh... Mr. Rupert Giles. (Nods to himself; knowledgably to BELLA) He’s Rain’s third boss. Snooty guy, apparently.

BELLA shoots him a shut-up look.

MADELINE: (ignores NICK; to MICHAEL) He’s sending Black Ops isn’t he? They’re going to kill Rowe?

NICK: (arches brow; whispers) Black Ops?

Screams echoes through the building. Everyone responds to the agony floating in the air.

BELLA: (cries) Oh... god.

NICK: Ah... Mike?

MICHAEL: We gotta get moving. (Meets MADELINE’S eyes) I will do everything in my power to save Rain. Everything... just trust me.

MADELINE: I trust you. (Beat) Michael, I’m sorry.

MICHAEL doesn’t reply. He nods to NICK and BELLA to leave with MADELINE while he walks further into the asylum following the screams.

CUT TO:

INT. ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY ROOM - EVENING

RAIN is panting, writhing in pain as ROWE breathes in some of the power he’s has borrowed from her.

RAIN: Please... stop...

ROWE: (deep sigh) I’ve never tasted anything like this. The rush is amazing. I thought I tried it all but... I was wrong. (Looks at RAIN obsessively) You have no idea, Rain, just how powerful you are. No idea.

RAIN: (breathlessly) You’re a sadistic... bastard. You know that? I can’t see what Madeline ever saw in you.

ROWE: I wasn’t like this before... when I read the kinds of things you can experience with mystical chemicals, I couldn’t pass it up. (Beat) I thought... it would bring Madeline and me closer but... she’s resistant. She’ll change her mind. You’ll see. (Beat) Now let’s try again.

RAIN: (shakes) No... please!

ROWE chants in Latin and again uses his powers to steal RAIN’S. Her body starts to tremble violently. Her eyes roll into the back of her head.

Without warning, someone shoots ROWE with tranquilizer darts. He turns around and sees a firing squad aiming their guns at him. MICHAEL peers in from behind.

ROWE: (takes the darts out of his body; tosses them on the floor) You think you can stop me?

MICHAEL: We can certainly try.

Just as ROWE attempts to attack MICHAEL with his powers, a voice calls his name. It’s MADELINE, holding herself up against the door frame. BELLA and NICK catch up from behind.

BELLA: (to MICHAEL; catches her breath) She insisted on coming back.

NICK: (annoyed) She kicked me.

MICHAEL: Madeline, I said I’d take care of this.

MADELINE: (walks around the firing squad) Rowe... stop this. Please.

ROWE takes a step toward her but the firing squad lifts their guns higher. He puts his hands up. Soon, he chants in Latin, with the intention of bending time but nothing happens.

ROWE: (surprised; looks at MICHAEL) W-What happened?

MICHAEL: (picks up one of the darts) These... can stop temporal magiks. (Smirks; points at ROWE) So, no more disappearing acts from you.

ROWE: (nods) Clever. A little ancient magic in modern weapons. I like the way your mind works, Corbis. (Beat; backs up) However, I can still hurt Rain the old-fashioned way.

MADELINE: Rowe, don’t!

ROWE does a quick power thrust and zaps RAIN, forcing her into a seizure. MADELINE gasps just as BELLA looks away and cries in NICK’s arms. One of the firing squad agents calls for Black Ops paramedics. Within seconds, they arrive. The paramedics wait for instructions from MICHAEL.

MADELINE: (cries) Rowe, she’s seizing! Let the paramedics through! Please!

ROWE ignores her and throws another power surge at RAIN. A song begins – it’s ‘Inscape’ by Stateless. It begins slowly with the sound of soft, sad cellos.

MADELINE: (yells) I was pregnant!

ROWE freezes suddenly and looks over to MADELINE.

NICK: (whispers) Did she say she was preggars?

BELLA: (sniffles, trying to listen) Quiet.

MADELINE walks closer to ROWE while MICHAEL instructs the squad to hold their fire to let the paramedics in. The paramedics tend to RAIN right away while ROWE stares at MADELINE in shock. The metal straps click open allowing the paramedics to work on her. As ROWE and MADELINE look at each other, we hear:

We wake with our forms all tangled up
Frozen in silence, no sound save breathing
I can feel your skin on my skin
How did it get so cold in here...?

ROWE: What did you say?

Able to control RAIN’S seizure, the paramedics take her away while BELLA and NICK follow. The squad and MICHAEL stay in position.

MADELINE: (holding back tears; inches closer) I was two months pregnant. I was going to tell you the night of our anniversary, as a surprise. (Looks down) But... then you injected me with those chemicals, the rush was so strong, I couldn’t tell you... I knew something wasn’t right. (Pauses) There were side effects... later... I miscarried that night.

…I need to crawl inside your shivers
We let go of ourselves sometimes…

ROWE: (overwhelmed) Why didn’t you tell me?

MADELINE: (stands before ROWE) I was so shocked and overwhelmed with grief over losing the baby. And I was just... so angry with you because I never thought my husband would do that to me. (Beat) After seeing you’d get jealous and hostile... I was afraid of you... (Stands taller; strongly) But I’m not anymore.

ROWE: (Touches her hair) Maddie... I’m so sorry. (A tear falls down his cheek; distraught) I... can’t believe I did this... (He grabs her; clinging on her)... to our baby... our child... oh god.

MADELINE: (breaks free) It’s done, Rowe. It ends here now.

And we rise in the air from our cradle shell
Like tears we fall onto the ice
We lay entangled, ice against skin
How did it get so cold out here?

And at that moment, the firing squad grabs ROWE, throws him down and cuffs him. MICHAEL wraps his arms around MADELINE as she sobs. ROWE doesn’t fight; he lets them drag him away.

…How did it get so cold out here?

MICHAEL: (his arms still around her) It’s over.

MADELINE: (whispers) No… It’ll never be over.

The music fades.

CUT TO:

EXT. ABANDONED ASYLUM - EVENING

There is a helicopter and an armoured car in the parking lot but the majority of the firing squad is on the ground, some with minor bullet wounds. MICHAEL is holding onto MADELINE who has a blanket wrapped around her as they emerge from the building. The LEAD AGENT approaches MICHAEL.

MICHAEL: (looks around) Agent Parson, what just happened here?

AGENT PARSON: The suspect escaped.

MADELINE: How?

AGENT PARSON: (grimly, irritated) We were ambushed. A black van showed up, took a round of shots at my men, grabbed the suspect and drove off in that direction.

MICHAEL: Something is not right here.

AGENT PARSON: I don’t think the suspect planned the escape, sir. (Beat) He was as surprised as we were.

MADELINE: What’s going on, Michael?

MICHAEL: Your guess is as good as mine.

FADE TO WHITE

FLASHBACK – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Stateless’ ‘Inscape’ fades up again. July 17th, 2004 appears on the screen. It’s the same day MADELINE was contacted by GILES via letter, but it’s later in the evening.

INT. MADELINE and ROWE’S APARTMENT - EVENING

As the thunder rolls across the midnight sky, MADELINE sits calmly drinking her tea on the couch. We hear:

…We wake with our forms all tangled up
Frozen in silence, no sound save breathing
I can feel your skin on my skin…

Soon, ROWE enters the apartment soaked, holding a briefcase.

ROWE: (more excited than usual) Hey, honey.

MADELINE continues to drink her tea. He puts down his briefcase on the coffee table and takes off his jacket.

ROWE: It’s unbelievable out there.

MADELINE gets up just as ROWE walks towards her with a smile but she backs away.

ROWE: (grins in confusion; upset) You don’t want a kiss?

MADELINE doesn’t respond.

How did it get so cold in here?

ROWE: What’s wrong? Are you still not feeling well? (Leans back; sees the a suitcase near the couch; with a catch of fear in his voice) What’s this?

Two MEN emerge from EDWARD’S office; it’s GILES and DARIUS.

…I need to crawl inside your shivers
We let go of ourselves sometimes…

ROWE: What’s going on? (Beat) Madeline, who are these guys?

MADELINE: (see his eyes are dilated) I found your stash, Rowe. The syringes, the vials, so don’t deny it.

ROWE: (glances over to GILES; agitated) Is this supposed to be an intervention or something?

GILES: (tilts his head) In way, yes.

ROWE scoffs turns to MADELINE but she puts her hands up.

MADELINE: You’re an addict. You’re using with... magic. (ROWE starts to protest) Don’t tell me ‘magic’ is not real. You obviously know it is. (Takes a deep breath) For months I’ve known something was wrong. You’ve been coming home late at night, you’ve been angry, jealous and then… (Shivers, remembering a violent episode) that time–

ROWE: (becoming agitated) Maddie... that was an accident. I didn’t mean to–

MADELINE: –Let me finish. The night of our anniversary... I know you gave me those drugs. (Pauses) I found out what it was (looks at him with disgust) –horrible stuff, dangerous! You never know... it’s like Russian roulette. You just don’t know. And you... injected it in me. Your wife of ten years... (Looks down) the woman you wanted... (Voice breaks) to have a family with… grow old with.

ROWE: (softly; his hand starts to shake a little) Madeline.

MADELINE: (whispers) It’s over, Rowe.

ROWE: (pleading) Don’t say that. (Beat; takes her arm) Not after everything we’ve been through. After your mother died... my brother–

MADELINE: (angrily; breaks free) –Don’t you dare use our family as way out of this! (Beat) What I don’t understand is... why? For power? To become a warlock?

ROWE: (runs his fingers through his hair) No... it wasn’t... like that. Not at first.

GILES: (interrupts) That’s how it starts. (Beat; takes off his glasses, cleans the glass and puts them back on) The compound you’ve been taking, it’s specifically designed for humans to possess warlock-like powers, but of course, like any narcotic in general, there are side effects. Addiction is one of them.

ROWE: (annoyed; throws his hands at GILES) Who asked you?

GILES: (nods towards MADELINE) Ms. Reece did.

ROWE: (angrily) Its Edwards! Her last name is Edwards!

MADELINE: Not anymore. (Beat) I’m leaving, Rowe. Now.

MADELINE picks up her suitcase but ROWE stops her.

ROWE: (imploringly; grabs MADELINE) Maddie... please don’t leave me. (Cups her face; kisses her all over) I love you. (Whispers) I’ll quit. I know I can. I’ve only been on the stuff for a few months. How hard can it be to kick it?

GILES gives DARIUS a nod to escort MADELINE out of the apartment. He takes her suitcase, pulls MADELINE away from ROWE. They make it to the door as MADELINE tries hard not to cry.

…And I'm crawling inside your shivers
Oh, we let go of ourselves sometimes
And I'm crawling inside your shivers…

ROWE attempts to go after her but GILES steps in front of him.

ROWE: (enraged, desperate) You can’t just barge in here and take my wife away from me! (Threateningly) I might have only been on this stuff for months, but you don’t know how powerful I can get and what I can do to you and your friend.

GILES: (gets in ROWE’S FACE; darkly) Now listen to me. You’re a low-level amateur but you’re spiralling out of control. You’re going to hit hard and fast. And you’re never going to get back up. I’ve seen addicts like you on this stuff. (Beat) You’re high right now. It’s fading though but I can see right through you. Soon, in a couple of hours, you’ll have another hit and another and another. (Looks over to MADELINE; softly) Do you really want your wife to see what happens then?

ROWE glances over to MADELINE who is still at the door, waiting for him to let her go. He clearly starts to shake a little more, showing signs of wanting another hit.

ROWE: (looks away; voice breaks) You – you’d better go, Madeline.

Quickly, DARIUS and GILES take MADELINE out of the apartment and close the door behind them, never giving her a real chance to say goodbye to him.

ROWE sits down on the couch loosens his tie. Staring at his briefcase, he opens it and we see a couple of filled syringe inside, on top of some files. ROWE picks one of the syringes, looks at it, and immediately injects himself. His eyes swirl of yellow as he gets a strong rush.

And we rise in the air from our cradle shell
Like tears we fall onto the ice
We lay entangled, ice against skin
How did it get so cold out here?

ROWE leans back on the coach, almost knocking over a picture frame on the end table nearby. He picks it up and sees their wedding photo. ROWE touches MADELINE’S face, tenderly. In a burst of violent anger, more than we’ve ever seen, he throws the picture frame across the room.

Oh, we let go of ourselves sometimes…

FADE TO WHITE

PRESENT TIME - DECEMBER 2004 - LATE EVENING

CUT TO:

EXT. RIVER ROCKS APARTMENT - TWO DAYS LATER - AFTERNOON

CUT TO:

MADELINE’S APARTMENT - TWO DAYS LATER - AFTERNOON

There is a knock on MADELINE’s apartment door. As she answers it, she’s surprised to see MICHAEL who is holding a box.

MADELINE: Michael... umm... come in.

MICHAEL enters the apartment while MADELINE closes the door.

MADELINE: (hugs herself) What are you doing here? (Beat) Is Rain all right?

MICHAEL: Yes, she’s fine. Healing nicely. (Beat) I would have called but... I felt you should see this.

They walk towards the couch. MICHAEL sets the box on the coffee table.

MADELINE: Have you heard anything about Rowe?

MICHAEL: No. There’s no trace of him. Giles has his team looking for him but you know... it’s too soon. (Beat) I am sure we’ll find him.

MADELINE doesn’t look convinced.

MICHAEL: I have my sources looking for him too.

MADELINE: (grins) Thank you. I’d ask what kind of sources but I won’t... for now.

MICHAEL laughs.

MADELINE: So what’s in the box?

MICHAEL: Agent Parson found these at Edwards’ apartment here in Haven.

MADELINE: I figured he’d been staying in Haven. (Nods) So... this is some of his stuff?

MICHAEL: Yeah. (He pulls out a file) Remember the Glasnost Demon that attacked Rain a month ago?

MADELINE: Yes, of course.

MICHAEL: (shows her the file) He was on Edwards’ payroll. (Beat) Edwards has been in town at least since then.

MADELINE: (examines the file) But that doesn’t make sense. A Glasnost demon’s only purpose is to kill its victims.

MICHAEL: True but... I think Rowe was testing Rain’s strength... her powers. Or maybe he did want to kill Rain but later realized how powerful she was and changed his mind. I don’t know.

MADELINE: (sees a tape in the box) What’s on the tape?

MICHAEL: It’s footage of the Glasnost demon tracking us... and there are other tapes of just you.

MADELINE: Ohh... I–I don’t want to see that.

MICHAEL: That’s fine. I’ll take it with me. (Beat; gently) Also... I found this.

MICHAEL hands her a book.

MICHAEL: It was in a safe. In fact, it was the only thing in the safe. I figured you’d want it.

Dumbfounded, MADELINE slowly takes it from him.

MADELINE: (eyes wells up) I don’t believe it. (Beat; tenderly) Michael... thank you.

MICHAEL: (softly) Sure. (Beat) There’s more stuff inside the box but I’ll let you go through it alone.

MADELINE quickly hugs him, taking him by surprise and MICHAEL, in return, hugs her back.

MICHAEL: (releases her; smiles) There’s just one more thing.

MADELINE, puzzled, gives him a look. He gets up, taking the tape with him and walks towards the door and opens it. RAIN smiling is in the doorway, holding a bag from Michael’s Haven. RAIN enters the living room, allowing MICHAEL to quietly leave the girls alone.

MADELINE: (eyes well up; softly) Rain.

MADELINE puts the book and walks towards Rain.

MADELINE: (to RAIN) This is a nice surprise. (Beat) When did they release you from the hospital?

RAIN: This morning.

MADELINE: I bet you’re tired.

RAIN: Yeah. Totally. (Beat) So... are we gonna hug or what?

MADELINE: (smirks; folds arms) I don’t do hugs.

RAIN rolls her eyes and warmly, if awkwardly, embraces MADELINE. Soon they sit down on the couch. RAIN sees the book just as she puts down her bag on the coffee table.

RAIN: (picks up the book) Mary Had a Little Ham! I love this story!

MADELINE: (arches her brow) You’ve read it?

RAIN: I love children’s books. (Lowers voice) It’s my dark little secret. (Beat) Don’t tell Nick, he’ll never let it go.

MADELINE: (smirks) You’re secret is safe with me.

RAIN: Who gave it to you?

MADELINE: (somberly) Well... it’s a long story. I don’t want to bore you with the details.

RAIN: I am a good listener. Just ask Bella.

MADELINE: (grins softly) Okay... well... this is my hus-… this is Rowe’s copy. I didn’t realise he would have it… (Her voice trails off).

There is a silence between them.

MADELINE: Rain... I am truly sorry for what I put you through. I haven’t been your Watcher for weeks. I don’t see how I can see even...

RAIN: Madeline, you didn’t know he’d come after me until it was too late. (Beat) And I know you’d never hurt me intentionally.

MADELINE: (nods softly; still wearing her wedding ring) I... loved him, you know. (Takes the ring off) I really did.

RAIN takes the ring from MADELINE’s hand and observes it.

MADELINE: It belonged to his grandmother.

RAIN: It’s beautiful. (Reads the inscription) Memento Mori?

MADELINE: He added the inscription. It means, ‘remember that you die’ (she gives a half laugh) Remember that you have to die. It’s Latin. (Sees a perturbed look on RAIN’S face) It’s supposed to be romantic. Like- ‘til death do us part’, you know? Devotion until death; to remind us to live in the now. That sort of thing. (Beat) I’m going pawn it... again.

RAIN: (nods) Are you sure... you want to do that?

MADELINE: Not really but... just take it.

RAIN: Okay. (Puts it in her pocket) Do you want me to stay?

MADELINE: (gives a small smile) I’d like that. (Beat) So what did you bring me for lunch?

RAIN: A salad.

MADELINE: What?! Are you kidding me? (Takes the bag; looks inside) You liar! It’s a double bacon cheeseburger and... chilli fries! (Beat) You know, you never should lie to your Watcher. I am gonna have to mark you down for that.

RAIN: (laughs) Now that’s my English teacher talking.

MADELINE: (with growing confidence) And after lunch, I’ll tell you a story… about me and a guy…

RAIN smiles softly at her watching MADELINE take the burger and fries out of the bag. The camera pans away as we observe MADELINE hungrily eat her burger while RAIN grabs a fry. Soon MADELINE’s laughter echoes in the background.

FADE TO BLACK

END OF EPISODE