A drama about a group of kids who run away from their small town in North Carolina, and make a suicide pact to never return.

1. BREVARD
written by
Barry Canty
WGA REGISTERED
(310) 867-1041
Cantybp10@yahoo.com

2. FADE IN:
OVER BLACK
The sound of a speeding automobile CRASHING.
POV A SMALL VIDEO CAMERA --
The floor of the vehicle’s back seat. Smoke and the sound of
disoriented passengers scrambling about.
TEEN BOY (O.S.)
Ya’ll alright?!
An approaching POLICE SIREN.
ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.)
I can’t hear nothing. I can’t hear!
The driver steps on the gas, but they go nowhere.
ADOLESCENT BOY (O.S.)
What’re we gonna do? We’re caught.
The driver tries to open his door, but it’s jammed.
TEEN BOY (O.S.)
I told ya’ll I ain’t going back to
Brevard!
(beat)
C’mon, get your asses out!
They grab their belongings and exit from the passenger side.
EXT. CRASHED VEHICLE - CONTINUOUS
Still from the POV of the video camera, as it is carried
across a two-lane road, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic.
A glimpse of a STATE TROOPER screeching to a halt in his
cruiser and jumping out, as the camera is taken into a CORN
FIELD.
EXT. CORN FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Several rows of stalks, then finally a clearing.
TEEN BOY (O.S.)
You remember how we said we’d do it?
(beat)
Get over here, Amy!
ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.)
What? I can’t...
(CONTINUED)

3. 2.
CONTINUED:
The camera is dropped to the ground. We see nothing but dead
stalks and dirt. We hear someone rummaging through a bag.
TEEN BOY (O.S.)
Hurry the hell up!
Only nervous breathing for a few moments. Then something
falling to the ground, followed by someone being shoved.
TEEN BOY (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Don’t you pussy out on me!
We hear the girl begin to weep.
ADOLESCENT BOY (O.S.)
I love you.
ADOLESCENT GIRL (O.S.)
I love you too.
Sounds of the two adolescents kissing as they sob, followed
by the shuffling of feet. One of the kids inadvertently
kicks the camera and it turns upright.
We can now make out the ADOLESCENT BOY, white, 12, as he
points a GUN at the face of the ADOLESCENT GIRL, black, 12.
ADOLESCENT BOY
Now shut your eyes.
FADE TO BLACK
Insert Title Card: Last Week
EXT. BREVARD - DAY
Late Spring in picturesque western North Carolina. One side
of this small mountain town is made up of retirees and middle
class families. We see Brevard College, Pisgah National
Forest, the Brevard Music Center and groups of tourists.
The other side, mostly populated by blacks and other poorer
long-term residents, is still reeling from the effects of the
stagnating local economy. This side of Brevard is where we
will spend our time.
UNEMPLOYED YOUNG MEN loiter and argue outside a small bar.
A group of DELINQUENT BOYS congregate in a public housing
community, and pass a joint while others sell drugs.
HOMELESS MEN and WOMEN sleep in empty fields framed by
pristine views of the Appalachian skyline.

4. 3.
EXT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - DAY
The sounds of the gospel standard “Rough Side of the
Mountain”.
INT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - CONTINUOUS
JAMES ROBERTS, white, 12, tall and lanky in chinos and a
polo, hides in the rear and watches the all-black SENIOR
CHOIR rehearse. He’s in awe and mouths the words to the
song.
DART (O.S.)
Psst.
NAPOLEON "DART" HUNTER, white, 13, a short, tightly wound
bundle of kinetic energy, dressed in a fitted baseball cap,
skinny jeans and brightly colored high-tops, stands just
outside the entrance on his skateboard.
DART (CONT’D)
Come on. I don’t wanna be late.
The choir finishes and James applauds before ducking out.
EXT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH - CONTINUOUS
James and Dart descend the steep hill adjacent to the
building on their skateboards.
AMY (V.O.)
Napoleon Abraham Hunter was born on
Christmas day. He’s one of my best
friends in the entire world. Most people
think he’s crazy, but they don’t know
‘bout everything he’s been through. He
got his nickname cause when he was
little, he used to dart around the house
and his mama couldn’t catch him.
(beat)
She killed herself two years ago and, for
some reason, Dart got it in his head he
should try and kill himself too.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. DART’S BEDROOM (FLASHBACK) - NIGHT
Dart sits on the edge of the bed holding a pistol to his
temple, his hand shaking. He pulls the weapon down and looks
at a framed picture of himself with his late MOTHER in their
Sunday best. Dart puts the gun back up to his head.
(CONTINUED)

5. 4.
CONTINUED:
AMY (V.O.)
His hand shook so hard, that when he
pulled the trigger, the bullet whizzed
right past him.
Dart FIRES and misses.
Dart’s father, JAKE HUNTER, 33, bursts in, snatches the
revolver and backhands the boy before throwing him out.
END FLASHBACK
EXT. BREVARD - DAY
James and Dart continue on their skateboards. Dart throws a
rock at a group of LATINO DAY LABORERS.
AMY (V.O.)
He couldn’t hear in his right ear for a
few days, but after that he was fine. I
don’t think he’ll try it again, me and
James won’t let him.
Dart curses the Latinos as they pass a group of WINOS.
AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D)
James Roberts is my boyfriend, and the
love of my life.
(beat)
We've been going together for 3 months,
22 days, 13 hours, 44 minutes and 57
seconds.
(three second beat)
45 minutes now.
James and Dart reach the grounds of the abandoned ECUSTA
PAPER MILL and climb through a hole in the fence.
AMY (V.O.) (CONT’D)
He’s sort of shy and quiet but that’s
okay, most people talk too much anyway.
He’s the sweetest and smartest boy I’ve
ever met, so smart he even skipped a
grade. He tells me he loves me everyday,
even in front of his best friend, Dart.
(beat)
Dart is 13, James and me are 12. We live
in Brevard, North Carolina, population
6,700.
JAMES
I hope she shows up.
(CONTINUED)

6. 5.
CONTINUED:
DART
You know she will.
Dart pulls the building door open and kicks James in the butt
to get him to go inside.
INT. ECUSTA PAPER MILL - CONTINUOUS
The vacant interior of what used to be the town’s largest
employer. Dart and James come to a stop and casually lean on
one of the many pieces of obsolete machinery.
AMY (V.O.)
Dart’s in love with me, even though he
knows I love James. I don't wanna hurt
his feelings, and we'll always be
friends, but... We're meeting today cause
Dart told me if I don't dump James and go
with him he’ll hurt himself.
JAMES
Hope she knows where to come.
Dart lights a menthol cigarette.
DART
Would you stop your goddamn yapping,
nigga? I told you I texted her 20
minutes ago.
JAMES
Did she reply?
DART
Jesus God Almighty, James. Look.
Dart shows James the message from Amy on his cell phone: I’m
gonna pretend to be sick so I can leave early.
The boys hear the creaky doors open and they quickly
straighten up. The object of both their affections, AMY
WILSON, black, 12, enters. Amy is tall and thin, pretty but
not prissy.
AMY
Hey, ya’ll.
DART JAMES
Hey, Amy. Hey, Amy.
Amy approaches and nervously looks the boys over, unsure what
to say. An awkward silence.
(CONTINUED)

7. 6.
CONTINUED:
JAMES
(blurting it out)
If you wanna stop going with me, I'll
understand. I just want us all to be
happy again.
Amy takes James’ comment in and slowly begins to speak.
AMY
I’ll be your be your friend for life...
Dart, but James is my boyfriend.
DART
You fucking slut.
Dart storms out as Amy and James embrace.
EXT. ECUSTA PAPER MILL - CONTINUOUS
Dart skates away. Amy and James exit shortly after.
AMY
I hope he’ll be all right.
JAMES
Dart’s not so bad anymore. He’ll be
okay.
James takes Amy’s backpack and they walk.
AMY
You have a good day?
JAMES
It was fine. Yours?
AMY
It was good.
(beat)
Your Internet still down? I posted a
video on my Facebook last night and you
didn’t make a comment.
JAMES
Daddy told me I’m spending too much time
on there. He made me cancel my account
this morning.
AMY
That sucks. I’m sorry.
(beat)
You wanna come over and do homework?
(CONTINUED)

8. 7.
CONTINUED:
JAMES
I gotta check with daddy to see if he has
any chores for me to do first.
Amy laughs at James.
AMY
You do chores more than I do, and I’m a
girl.
Amy snatches James’ skateboard and rides ahead of him.
EXT. HOME OF JAMES ROBERTS - MOMENTS LATER
Amy and James stop in front of this old but well-kept ranch-
style home. MR. ROBERTS, late 30’s, blue collar, waits for
his son on the porch. He’s not happy.
AMY
Hey, Mr. Roberts!
MR. ROBERTS
Hey, Amy.
(beat)
James, you come on in here now. I need
to speak to you before I go to work.
JAMES
Yessir!
(to Amy)
He must’ve found out about me and Dart
skipping.
AMY
He won’t be too mad, will he?
JAMES
He probably won’t believe me when I tell
him this is the first time. He’ll say
it’s just the first time I got caught.
James and Amy hug.
JAMES (CONT’D)
I love you.
James walks across the yard toward the front door.
MR. ROBERTS
Get off that grass, boy! I just put
fertilizer down!

9. 8.
EXT. WILSON HOME - NIGHT
A crumbling split-level with a dead lawn. Supper time.
INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS
Amy eats with MR. WILSON, 42, hometown boy, short and wiry
with a gentle manner, MRS. WILSON, 40, heavy-set, nurse’s
uniform, and her brother, TOMMY, 7. Amy hasn’t touched her
food and Mrs. Wilson watches her daughter disapprovingly.
MRS. WILSON
If you didn’t want all that, you
shouldn’ta put so much on your plate.
Are you trying to be skinny like those
little white girls at your school?
MR. WILSON
You feeling better, honey?
Amy nods. Her mobile phone rings from across the room. It’s
on the counter where the Wilsons keep them during meals.
Amy’s mother is annoyed, but Mr. Wilson rises to answer it.
MR. WILSON (CONT’D)
Hello, James.
JAMES (O.S.)
Sorry for calling during supper, sir.
MR. WILSON
It’s all right, son, just don’t make it a
habit. Here she is.
Amy pops up and runs to take the phone.
MR. WILSON (CONT’D)
Try not to stay on too long.
AMY
Okay, Daddy.
(to James)
Hello?
DART (O.S.)
Amy, it’s me. I had James call since
your daddy don’t like me.
Amy steps around the corner to another room.
AMY
That’s not true and you know it.
(CONTINUED)

10. 9.
CONTINUED:
DART (O.S.)
Whatever. We’re getting suspended three
days for skipping. Let’s meet up after
supper.
AMY
Where?
DART (O.S.)
Little Harlem. Here’s your boy.
AMY
Everything all right?
JAMES (O.S.)
Yeah, everything’s fine. I’ll come by
quarter after seven. Bye.
James hangs up before Amy can ask anymore questions. She
returns to the table and her mother waits for an explanation.
AMY
I had asked James to help me with my
math. I’m gonna go over there after I
clean the kitchen, if that’s okay.
MR. WILSON
Of course it is.
Mrs. Wilson is surprised by her husband’s hasty approval.
MRS. WILSON
And what time are you planning on being
home on this school night?
AMY
By my curfew.
Amy quickly eats her dinner.
EXT. WILSON HOME - LATER
Amy runs out with her backpack over her shoulders as James
waits on his skateboard. James has a baseball cap pulled low
on his head, shielding his face.
AMY
Hey.
JAMES
You ready?
(CONTINUED)

11. 10.
CONTINUED:
AMY
That hat doesn’t match your outfit.
Plus, it keeps me from seeing your pretty
blue eyes.
Amy pulls the cap from James’ head.
JAMES
No, Amy...
Amy gasps when she sees a large purple bruise under James’
right eye.
AMY
Who hit you in the face?
James tries to get his hat back, but Amy won’t give it up.
JAMES
Nobody. I thought daddy had finished
whipping me for skipping today, but when
I turned around to say I’m sorry, he
caught my cheek with his fist.
Amy turns around and stomps back toward the house.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Where you going?
AMY
To tell my daddy about what he did.
JAMES
Amy, stop!
James runs after Amy and grabs her arm.
JAMES (CONT’D)
It’s my fault for getting in trouble. If
your daddy finds out what I did, he might
not let me by your boyfriend anymore.
Amy thinks it over for a few moments. She kisses James’
bruise, then gives his cap back to him. He takes Amy by the
hand and they walk to his skateboard.
EXT. BREVARD STREET - CONTINUOUS
James and Amy reach the entrance to a public housing
community at the base of a small mountain. They hop off the
skateboard and prepare to walk.
(CONTINUED)

12. 11.
CONTINUED:
AMY
I hate coming to Little Harlem at night.
Especially since Lucy’s brother got shot
up here during Christmas.
JAMES
We’ll be okay, it’ll be quick.
EXT. LITTLE HARLEM - CONTINUOUS
Identically depressing one-story apartment buildings. The
white and black RESIDENTS play loud music from their cars,
loiter in front of their apartments and service the drive
through drug traffic. Amy and James walk past with their
heads lowered.
The mentally ill and perpetually inebriated ROBERT HALL,
black, 68, stands at his usual spot under a street lamp.
Robert holds a bible in one hand and a brown-bagged pint of
cheap liquor in the other. He spots James.
ROBERT HALL
White man done took everything else from
us, now he invading our neighborhoods
too. Guess they got tired of driving to
the black side of town for they dope.
Robert looks toward a group of poor WHITE RESIDENTS.
ROBERT HALL (CONT’D)
Ain’t the white neighbors I used to dream
bout having, tell ya that much.
EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Amy and James look through the large bay window of the messy
three-bedroom and see Dart in the living room.
INT. DART’S APARTMENT (LIVING ROOM) - CONTINUOUS
Dart feeds GRANDMAMA HUNTER, 90 and senile, macaroni with
cheese and fish sticks, while rapping along with a music
video. The song comes to an end.
VJ
Houston hip-hop ain’t been quite the same
since the death of Chad Butler, aka Pimp
C. Rest in peace.
Dart spots his friends outside. He lets them in then walks
back to his seat.
(CONTINUED)

13. 12.
CONTINUED:
DART
Don’t slam my door.
AMY
How you, Grandmama Hunter?
Amy gives Grandmama Hunter a hug and kiss.
GRANDMAMA HUNTER
Aww, it’s so good to see you, sweety.
You’re prettier every time you come over
here.
AMY
Thank you.
James stands by Dart, bashful.
DART
Don’t be rude to my grandmama, go say
hello.
James does as he’s told and Dart walks down the short
hallway. He peeks into the master bedroom and sees his
father, JAKE HUNTER, is passed out with his haggard
GIRLFRIEND.
Note: Dart refers to his father by his first name.
INT. JAKE HUNTER’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dart searches the pockets of the various pairs of pants
scattered across the floor. He finds a small bag of crystal
meth in one pair and leaves it, but takes a half a pack of
cigarettes from another.
INT. DART’S APARTMENT (LIVING ROOM) - CONTINUOUS
Amy chats with Grandmama Hunter and James sits quietly on the
sofa as Dart re-enters.
DART
You all done, Grandmama?
GRANDMAMA HUNTER
I sure am, just enjoying talking to this
pretty girlfriend of yours.
Amy smiles and Dart rolls his eyes as he takes his
grandmother’s plate to the sink.
(CONTINUED)

14. 13.
CONTINUED:
DART
I keep telling you, she ain’t my
girlfriend, Grandmama.
GRANDMA HUNTER
But yesterday morning you told me she was
gonna be soon.
Amy and James exchange uncomfortable glances. Dart loudly
drops the plate in the sink with the other dirty dishes.
DART
You want your Butter Pecan ice cream?
GRANDMAMA HUNTER
No, I’m fine. You cooked us another good
dinner tonight. You leave some for your
daddy?
DART
(under his breath)
Unfortunately.
GRANDMA HUNTER
What’s that?
DART
Yes, ma’am, I did. You gonna be alright
here or you want me to put you to bed?
GRANDMA HUNTER
In a little bit.
DART
Okay, well, we’re fin’ to go study now.
Dart kisses his grandmother. Amy and James say goodbye and
all three exit.
EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Dart locks the front door then whips around to his friends.
DART
What the fuck took ya’ll so long? You
were twenty goddamn minutes late!
Amy and James are silent. Dart lights a cigarette and walks
away. He finally turns around and looks at Amy.
DART (CONT’D)
Me and James are leaving Brevard.
(CONTINUED)

15. 14.
CONTINUED:
AMY
What?
DART
We can’t live in this town no more. You
know we all hate it. Our families, these
people, and now we’re getting suspended.
AMY
What are you talking about?
DART
Look at James’ face! How many straight A
students are getting back handed by they
daddies?
AMY
It was an accident, he didn’t mean to.
DART
(to James)
Is that what you told her?
(to Amy)
It won’t no accident.
Amy is confused.
JAMES
But he apologized right after he did it.
DART
Ain’t no way we gonna hang around and let
his daddy start beating on him like Jake
does me. We gotta be out, and the only
way I'm coming back is in a fuckin’ body
bag!
Amy is angry at James for lying to her.
AMY
When’d ya’ll decide this?
DART
Tonight.
(beat)
And we want you to go with us.
Amy slowly shakes her head no.
JAMES
Please, Amy, I love you. What am I gonna
do out there without you?
(CONTINUED)

16. 15.
CONTINUED: (2)
AMY
But, I mean, it’s just a few days.
DART
You think we’re ever gonna get outta
Brevard if we don’t leave now?
AMY
When we graduate we might be able to go
to college, you don’t know.
DART
On whose dime? Your mama and daddy gonna
be able to pay for you? Are James’? No
one ever leaves this town. Our mamas and
daddies were born here and so was theirs.
AMY
But Dart...
DART
We’re gonna end up just like ‘em. Dying
in the same place we lived in all our
lives.
Amy looks the boys over and shakes her head.
AMY
Ya’ll are crazy.
DART
Fuck that bitch, if the she don’t wanna
go. Let her stay here, she can have it.
AMY
Napoleon Hunter, don’t you speak to me
like that!
Amy looks at James, but he drops his head. She’s too
frustrated to continue.
AMY (CONT’D)
I’m going home. I was supposed to be
back fifteen minutes ago.
(beat)
James...
Amy can’t finish her thought and walks away.
DART
We leave from my house, tomorrow morning
at 8:00 sharp! Decide tonight if you’re
going or not!

17. 16.
INT. WILSON HOME - LATER
Amy enters from Dart’s apartment. Her parents argue in their
bedroom.
AMY
I’m home!
No one responds. Amy sits at the family computer in the
living room and gets on the Internet.
MRS. WILSON (O.S.)
I told you we should’ve left before Amy
started middle school! How are we gonna
stop this house from being foreclosed on,
when you can’t even find a job?
MR. WILSON (O.S.)
We still have that money we put into
Amy’s college fund to hold us over for a
little while.
Amy pulls up a blog she has created. We see her musings on
James, Dart, Brevard, etc. She begins typing: I know James
doesn’t want to leave Brevard, he’s just letting Dart push
him around. I don’t think they’re serious about leaving, but
I don’t want to be left here all alone.
MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D)
She’s such a good student, she’ll be able
to get a scholarship somewhere. You just
gotta trust me.
MRS. WILSON (O.S.)
I have trusted you and look where it got
me!
MR. WILSON (O.S.)
We’ll talk about this later. I think I
heard Amy come back in.
Amy quickly erases her page history and switches to a
different website. Mrs. Wilson steps outside to have a smoke
and Mr. Wilson joins his daughter.
MR. WILSON (CONT’D)
Hey, baby girl, how long you been home?
AMY
I just walked in right when ya’ll were
coming out your bedroom.
Amy pulls up a chair for her father.
(CONTINUED)

18. 17.
CONTINUED:
MR. WILSON
Was James able to help you with your
math?
Amy nods.
MR. WILSON (CONT’D)
How’s Dart doing? I worry so much about
that boy. Does he still know he’s
welcome to stay over here any time things
get too crazy in Little Harlem?
AMY
Yes.
(beat)
How was your job interview?
MR. WILSON
I thought it went good. The drive was
longer than I expected, so I was a little
late, but I think they liked me.
AMY
Mama said it’s two hours.
MR. WILSON
About that, yeah.
(off Amy’s reaction)
But that don’t mean I won’t be able to
make it home in time for dinner every
night.
Amy is relieved to hear this.
MR. WILSON (CONT’D)
Oh, and I been meaning to apologize for
not being able to get you a new cell
phone yet. I know all the kids are going
crazy over that latest iPhone.
AMY
I didn’t ask for a new phone, daddy.
MR. WILSON
I know. And I thank you for that.
Mr. Wilson kisses his daughter on the forehead.
AMY
Are we still gonna watch the Braves
tomorrow night? Who’s pitching?
Mr. Wilson grins appreciatively at the change of subject.
(CONTINUED)

19. 18.
CONTINUED: (2)
MR. WILSON
You’re supposed to be the one keeping up
with the Atlanta’s rotation, not me. You
been slacking?
Mr. Wilson tickles Amy and they both laugh.
AMY
Maybe just a little.
EXT. BREVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - MORNING
The start of another school day.
INT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS
STUDENTS recite the Pledge of Allegiance then take their
seats. As roll call begins, Amy enters and hurries to her
desk.
AMY
I’m sorry. I missed the bus and daddy
had to bring me.
As soon as Amy settles, her phone vibrates in her pocket.
She waits for her TEACHER to direct her attention toward
another part of the room and peaks at the message.
The text from Dart: Look out the window.
Amy turns around and sees Dart hiding next to a tall shrub.
INTERCUT AMY AND DART --
Amy faces the front and receives another text from Dart: Got
keys to Jake’s car!
Dart holds up the keys as Amy composes a text message with
the phone concealed in her pocket.
Dart waits for Amy to respond. His phone finally vibrates:
Where’s J?
Dart quickly replies: Turning in his math homework. That
dork!
Amy can’t help but smile as James finally appears next to
Dart.
JAMES
She coming?
(CONTINUED)

20. 19.
CONTINUED:
DART
Anybody see you?
JAMES
No.
DART
I still can’t believe you did that.
JAMES
I spent my time working on it. I at
least wanna get credit, so I won’t be
behind at our new school.
DART
New school? Boy...
JAMES
What’s she saying?
Dart types: What’s the deal, woman?
Three SCHOOL HOOLIGANS approach James and Dart.
HOOLIGAN #1
What up, D?
Dart slaps hands with the boys.
DART
Trying to get the hell outta Dodge,
that’s what’s up.
HOOLIGAN #2
Heard about ya’ll getting a three-day
suspension. That’s cool. What’s up,
James?
JAMES
Hey.
HOOLIGAN #1
We’re having a Rock Band tournament at
Lamont Washington’s. Ya’ll should come
by.
Dart isn’t interested in talking to the boys.
DART
Maybe.
The kids depart and Dart gets a text from Amy: I can’t go
with ya’ll. Dart shows the message to James.
(CONTINUED)

21. 20.
CONTINUED: (2)
DART (CONT’D)
That’s it. Fuck her black ass, let’s go.
Dart walks off, but James stays behind.
Amy’s eyes fill with tears as she scans the classroom, trying
to avoid looking toward the window. She can’t resist, and
turns around in time to see James’ heartbroken expression
before he limps away.
Amy dries her eyes and unpacks her books. She raises her
hand.
AMY
May I go to the bathroom?
TEACHER
Late this morning and you’re already
asking to be excused?
Amy doesn’t know what to say. The Teacher sees her tears.
TEACHER (CONT’D)
If you’re not back here in three minutes,
you’re spending the rest of your morning
with Principal Miller.
EXT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS
Amy exits and leans back against the door, her mind racing.
AMY (V.O.)
School was gonna be over in two weeks,
anyway.
(beat)
Me and James could come back to Brevard
at the end of summer, if we didn’t like
it. Even if Dart didn’t want to.
Amy gently sets the pass against the wall and sprints down
the empty hallway.
EXT. BREVARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
Amy bursts through a side exit and sees Dart and James
skating away with backpacks thrown over their shoulders.
AMY
I can’t believe you two buttholes were
gonna leave me!
The boys turn around. James quickly skates back to Amy.
(CONTINUED)

22. 21.
CONTINUED:
JAMES
I’m sorry.
Amy wraps her arms around James' neck and kisses him.
AMY
I love you, James Roberts. I wasn’t
gonna let you get away.
JAMES
You sure you wanna go?
Amy nods. They kiss again.
DART
Well come on then, yall're making me
sick.
EXT. WILSON HOME - LATER
Amy, Dart and James climb a fence into the backyard. They
walk toward Amy’s bedroom window.
AMY
Be quiet now, my daddy’s home.
Dart and James prop a ladder against the house and Amy climbs
up.
JAMES
Careful.
INT. AMY’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Amy quietly packs a bag and can hear Mr. Wilson arguing on
the phone with her mother.
MR. WILSON (O.S.)
I’m gonna call them as soon as I can get
off this phone with you. It’s just now
half past nine.
(beat)
Bye.
Amy grabs clothes, her small video camera, lip gloss, a
family photo and her iPod. Mr. Wilson makes another call.
MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Hello? This is Rodney Wilson, following
up on an interview I had for the plant
manager position yesterday morning. I
know you’re looking to fill it soon so...
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

23. 22.
CONTINUED:
MR. WILSON (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Oh, okay. I understand completely, this
recession is hell, you got that right.
Amy stops packing at the sound of her father’s bad news. She
contemplates going to comfort him.
DART
Hurry up, girl.
Amy finishes and climbs out with her bag.
EXT. BREVARD STREET - MOMENTS LATER
The kids are a block away from Amy’s house.
JAMES
What all did you bring?
Amy shows James what’s in her bag.
AMY
What about ya’ll?
JAMES
Just my computer, some clothes, daddy’s
GPS and my bible.
Amy smiles at this and kisses James on the cheek.
DART
I brought gear and grub.
Dart shows Amy and James a gym bag full of wrinkled clothes
and junk food.
DART (CONT’D)
And Jake’s pistol, cause you never know
when you might need to shoot something.
JAMES
What’re we gonna do about money?
DART
We’ll hustle us up some dough, don’t you
worry. The rest of the world ain’t like
Brevard, they actually got jobs that pay
more than whatever a Mexican’ll take.
AMY
Where’s your daddy’s truck?
DART
Little Harlem, where you think?
(CONTINUED)

24. 23.
CONTINUED:
Dart’s surliness doesn’t dampen Amy’s enthusiasm.
AMY
Where ya’ll wanna go?
(beat)
Last night I thought about what I should
change my name to. How about Vanessa, or
maybe Marilyn -- Amy’s so plain. Ya’ll
think I could be a Rihanna?
DART
(snickering)
Yeah, and maybe you can get James to slap
you around some too.
Amy punches Dart in the arm.
JAMES
This is our chance to become completely
new people. We can do whatever we want,
come and go as we like.
DART
We do need to decide where to go first,
though.
JAMES
I always wanted to see what Idaho was
like. No one to bother you, all that
open space. I bet houses are cheap out
there.
AMY
But it’d be so boring.
JAMES
I think we’d like it.
AMY
Maybe. Where do you wanna go, Dart?
DART
I’d like to live in a big city, like
Houston. We won’t have to deal with a
bunch of hicks like here and there’s more
to do. I just like big cities better.
AMY
And we can make stops on the way. It’ll
be like that old MTV show, “Road Rules”.
(to Dart)
What’s Houston like?
(CONTINUED)

25. 24.
CONTINUED: (2)
DART
Never been. But I know it’s cool.
EXT. DART’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
Dart, Amy and James approach. Dart’s father, Jake, argues
with his Girlfriend as he stands beside a GRAND WAGONEER.
JAKE
Bitch, I know you’re hiding my keys cause
you don’t want me to go nowhere. Now
give ‘em here, goddamnit!
The kids duck behind a car.
GIRLFRIEND
I don’t have your fucking keys, Jake!
But I’m glad you don’t neither, cause all
you’re gonna do is go smoke up your
disability check and come back here horny
trying to get some.
The kids watch Jake push his girlfriend aside and go back in
the apartment. She follows him inside.
DART
C’mon.
The kids sprint to the Grand Wagoneer. As they’re getting
into the vehicle they hear:
JAKE
What in the hell do ya’ll think ya’ll
doing?
Jake stands on the front porch.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Dart, son, why do you have my keys?
GIRLFRIEND (O.S.)
See, I told you I wasn’t hiding ‘em!
JAKE
Shut up, bitch, before I come in there
and really give you something to scream
about!
Jake saunters over.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Give ‘em here.
(CONTINUED)

26. 25.
CONTINUED:
Dart doesn’t move.
DART
We’re leaving Brevard.
JAKE
Good. I’ll draw you a goddamn map. Just
don’t think you’re doing it in my truck.
Dart grips the keys tighter.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Did you get into my stash, boy? Cause
you’re acting like one of these nigger
crackheads around here. No offense, Amy.
(palm out)
Put the damn keys in my hand now, before
I slap fire out your little ass.
Dart stands pat. Jake laughs, lights a cigarette and blows
smoke in his son’s face. He then turns back to the house.
The kids exhale nervously, but Jake pivots back around and
PUNCHES Dart square on the chin. Dart lands on his back and
bangs his head against the cement. The keys fall from his
hand.
AMY
Dart!
James and Amy run to Dart’s side, but Jake pushes them away
and starts kicking his boy.
JAKE
Get up off your ass and pick up them
keys!
JAMES
Mr. Hunter, stop! He’s hurt.
JAKE
He’s gonna hurt more if he don’t do what
I say.
Jake kneels next to his boy.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Don’t show out in front of your friends,
when you’re too light in the britches to
back it up.
Jake suddenly lands face down on the concrete. James has
jumped on his back.
(CONTINUED)

27. 26.
CONTINUED: (2)
Jake throws James to the ground and resumes beating Dart.
James and Amy watch helplessly.
JAKE (CONT’D)
Hand me them fucking keys!
AMY
Stop, Mr. Hunter, stop!
Other RESIDENTS congregate as Jake continues pummelling the
kid. After a few moments, he hears the sound of a GUN COCK.
He looks up and sees Amy pointing his .22 at him.
Jake smiles and lets go of Dart.
JAKE
Well I’ll be goddamn, Amy. Is that my
pistol you got there? Never figured you
for the gun-slinging type.
Amy’s hands shake as Jake stays on his knees and slowly comes
toward her.
JAKE (CONT’D)
But I can see your daddy never taught you
the proper grip.
Jake is eye level with Amy and less than a foot away.
JAKE (CONT’D)
If you let me show you what you’re doing
wrong, I promise to give you a beating
that’s only half as bad as what Dart’s
getting.
Jake turns back toward his son just in time to see the bottom
of DART’S FOOT coming straight toward his face. Dart
connects with his kick and his father falls on his side.
Amy drops the weapon and backs away. Dart stands over Jake
and STOMPS him repeatedly.
Amy and James eventually pull Dart off his father, who’s now
unconscious. James retrieves the .22 and Dart spits on Jake
before getting behind the wheel of the truck. Amy joins him
up front and James gets in back.
Dart spots something on the ground and opens his door to pick
it up. It’s his father’s wallet. Dart pockets it without
his friends noticing.

28. 27.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
Dart slowly pulls away from the apartment.
AMY
Dart, you’re bleeding everywhere.
Amy takes a Kleenex from her bag, wets it with water and
starts to clean Dart’s bruised face.
DART
Get off me.
AMY
It’s not as bad as it looks, it’s just a
lot of blood.
Dart pushes Amy away.
DART
I know it ain’t bad, I’m the one it was
done to! Why don’t you get in the back
with your man so I can concentrate on
driving?
Amy can’t believe Dart is mad at her.
DART (CONT’D)
Go’on!
AMY
I was just trying to help you.
Amy throws more Kleenex at Dart, then goes and sits beside
James. Dart cries tears of relief and anger as he dabs at
his wounds.
Through the rear window, Amy watches the onlookers disperse
as the vehicle exits Little Harlem.
DISSOLVE
EXT. EASTERN TENNESSEE - MORNING
The sun rises from behind the Appalachian mountains.
EXT. TENNESSEE FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
No traffic this morning. The Grand Wagoneer approaches.

29. 28.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
Amy drives as Dart sleeps with his head in her lap. James is
in the back. Amy brushes Dart’s hair from his face and blows
on his scabbing bruises.
Amy checks the clock in the console and it’s stuck on 11:00
p.m. She turns on her phone to get the correct time and
immediately receives an incoming call from her father.
Dart’s head pops up and Amy shows him the caller ID.
DART
Turn off your damn phone, girl.
Amy powers down her mobile.
DART (CONT’D)
And keep it off unless you need to use
it.
AMY
Sorry.
(beat)
And good morning. Sleep good?
Dart looks to the back seat and is disappointed to see James.
DART
Hell no.
Dart covers James’ nose and mouth. James wakes up as Dart
snickers.
JAMES
Good morning, ya'll.
Dart stretches, then lets his window down and sticks his head
out. He leans back in after a few seconds.
DART
So I been holding out on ya’ll. And that
ain’t right.
AMY
What’re you talking about?
Dart digs in his pocket and tosses his father’s wallet to
Amy. Inside are credit and debit cards along with $50 cash.
DART
How bout we go shopping to celebrate our
freedom?
(CONTINUED)

30. 29.
CONTINUED:
AMY
Okay!
EXT. OUTLET MALL - LATER
Amy steers the Grand Wagoneer into the parking lot.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
The kids are excited.
AMY
Looks like they’re just opening too.
JAMES
You think we could get a bite to eat
first?
Dart takes the $50 from the wallet and gives it James.
DART
Breakfast is on Jake. Let’s go.
INT. OUTLET MALL - LATER
The kids have just scarfed down a large meal of pancakes,
bacon, eggs and grits. Dart let’s out a loud burp.
DART
So that’s what a $30 breakfast tastes
like.
Amy answers Dart’s burp with one of her own.
DART (CONT’D)
Not bad.
James turns on his laptop.
DART (CONT’D)
What you doing?
JAMES
Seeing if I can get a signal from that
Radio Shack we passed on the way in.
DART
You and that World of Warcraft stuff.
JAMES
That ain’t why. I have a History paper I
need to e-mail.
(CONTINUED)

31. 30.
CONTINUED:
DART
You’re one of kind, you know that James
Roberts?
Dart messes James’ hair and stands.
DART (CONT’D)
Well me and Amy are going shopping.
Think you’ll have time to join us when
you’re finished with class?
JAMES
I’ll try.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER --
Amy and Dart walk past various chain stores.
AMY
How long we gonna stay up in Houston?
DART
I don’t know. Is there some place you
wanna go after?
AMY
This is my first time outta Transylvania
County, except for a field trip to
Raleigh in third grade. I wonder how
long it would take us to get to
California. Maybe a couple weeks?
DART
Not that long, but awhile.
AMY
Let’s go out there then, after Houston.
DART
We’re gonna have to make some cash first,
it might take a couple months.
(beat)
Where does James wanna go?
AMY
I don’t know.
Dart stops. He tries to decide how to say what’s on his
mind.
AMY (CONT’D)
What?
(CONTINUED)

32. 31.
CONTINUED: (2)
DART
Let’s leave James here and go to
California.
AMY
Huh?
A beat. Dart looks over his shoulder.
DART
Nothing. I was just kidding. Here he
comes.
James approaches.
DART (CONT’D)
You get your assignment in on time?
JAMES
Why ain’t ya’ll bought nothing yet?
AMY
Cause I wanted to wait for you. Let’s go
in here. They have girls and boys stuff.
Amy takes James by the hand and Dart follows.
INT. STORE - MOMENTS LATER
A trendy shop with clothing for teens and young adults. CUTE
SALESPEOPLE wear trendy outfits and headsets.
Amy, James and Dart are in side-by-side fitting rooms. Dart
emerges sporting the latest in urban wear.
DART
Check this out, ya’ll.
Amy steps out in a summer dress and James in an outfit
similar to Dart’s.
DART (CONT’D)
Like a pimp!
(to James)
You’re looking gangsta too, Jimmy boy.
That’s more like it.
(to Amy)
Why didn’t you put on the outfit I
picked?
AMY
(rolling her eyes)
Okay...
(CONTINUED)

33. 32.
CONTINUED:
Amy goes back into her fitting room. A SALESGIRL, 15, has
her eye on Dart.
SALESGIRL
Who do people tell you that you favor?
DART
Oh you know who. But they only tell me
if they flirting.
The Salesgirl blushes.
DART (CONT’D)
What’s your name?
SALESGIRL
Rochelle.
DART
My name’s Chad. I was named after Pimp C
from UGK. Rest in peace.
ROCHELLE
Ya’ll from Houston?
DART
Nope, but that’s where we going.
ROCHELLE
What happened to your face?
DART
Got into a fight with some gangbangers.
ROCHELLE
You alright?
DART
You think this is bad? You should see
their faces.
AMY (O.S.)
Dar...uh, Chad, try on what I picked out
for you.
DART
Gimme a second.
(to Rochelle)
How old are you?
ROCHELLE
15. You?
(CONTINUED)

34. 33.
CONTINUED: (2)
DART
Same.
ROCHELLE
You look younger.
DART
It’s cause of my height. But don’t let
that fool you into thinking I’m short all
over.
Rochelle giggles.
DART (CONT’D)
Wait here and tell me how I look when I
come out.
Dart goes back into the fitting room.
JAMES
I like what you picked out for me, Amy.
AMY
I knew you would. You got yours on yet,
Dart?
DART
Hold on.
Amy steps out wearing a trashy, hip-hop video inspired
outfit, while Dart and James are in pastel colored Polos and
slacks.
DART (CONT’D)
You look hot!
ROCHELLE
(to Amy)
That’s cute on you.
AMY
My daddy would kill me if he saw me in
this.
DART
Well we ain’t gotta worry bout that no
more, now do we?
(beat)
Let’s just buy everything and we can take
back what we don’t like. Ya’ll got these
stores in Texas?
(CONTINUED)

35. 34.
CONTINUED: (3)
ROCHELLE
I think so.
Amy and James hurry back into their fitting rooms.
DART
(to Rochelle)
Gimme your number. We might hang around
here for a few more hours.
ROCHELLE
All right.
Rochelle puts her information into Dart’s phone.
AT THE REGISTER --
Rochelle, Amy and James fold the last of the four bags of
clothes. Dart hands her the credit card.
ROCHELLE (CONT’D)
Says on this your name is Jake Hunter.
DART
It’s my daddy’s. He just lets me use it
whenever me and friends wanna go
shopping.
ROCHELLE
Cool.
Rochelle swipes the card. The kids go tense as they wait to
see what will happen. A beat.
DART
Everything all right?
The transaction goes through.
DART (CONT’D)
Never mind.
AMY
Is it okay if I use a dressing room to
change?
JAMES
You’re putting on your new clothes
already?
ROCHELLE
I’ll go get you some scissors to cut the
tags.
(CONTINUED)

36. 35.
CONTINUED: (4)
Amy hustles toward the fitting rooms.
DART
Let’s change too. I think it’s only
right.
JAMES
If ya’ll both are doing it.
They head back to the fitting rooms.
EXT. OUTLET MALL - LATER
Amy, James and Dart walk to the truck in new outfits. Amy
films them with her video camera.
AMY
I think we look good. We should have our
own show, don’t you think? I’m prettier
and smarter than all those girls on
“Jersey Shore”.
DART
Don’t point that thing at me, you know I
don’t like being recorded.
AMY
It could be about two good-looking lovers
and their real cool best friend.
Dart almost smiles and Amy kisses him on the cheek.
JAMES
Thanks for the clothes, Dart. I’ll pay
you back when we get jobs.
AMY
You better call that girl, she liked you.
Dart snatches the video camera and turns it off.
DART
I don’t trust her, she was being too
nice. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s
calling the police in Brevard right now.
AMY
What’re you talking about?
DART
Just get in the truck.
(CONTINUED)

37. 36.
CONTINUED:
Dart watches Amy and James climb into the back seat together
and his mood goes even more sour.
EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - MOMENTS LATER
The Grand Wagoneer approaches.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
Dart drives and watches James and Amy cuddling in back. He
grits his teeth and abruptly pulls off the road into an empty
field.
JAMES
What’s wrong?
DART
I gotta take a leak.
JAMES
Do you have to drive so fast? The shocks
on this thing are awful.
DART
I’ll slow down then.
Dart slams on the brakes. Amy and James almost slide out of
their seats.
EXT. EMPTY FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Dart puts the Grand Wagoneer in park and James and Amy
quickly get out. Dart opens his door and dangles his legs
from the vehicle. He lights a cigarette, unzips his pants
and pees out onto the ground.
Amy and James walk toward a shade tree. After a few moments,
they hear the Grand Wagoneer accelerating. When they turn
around, they see Dart driving straight toward them.
Dart laughs and plows ahead. James and Amy are confused and
can’t decide if they should run or stay put.
Dart comes within a few feet of them and turns the car away
just enough, narrowly missing Amy’s toes. He puts the
vehicle in reverse.
Dart pulls back past his friends and is again facing them.
He revs the engine then circles the couple.
DART
That was a close one back there at the
mall with that scheming bitch.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

38. 37.
CONTINUED:
DART (CONT'D)
I hope we can make it all the way to
Houston, but it ain’t gon’ be easy with
everybody trying to catch us.
Dart brings the car to a stop.
DART (CONT’D)
If we get caught, are ya’ll willing to
kill yourselves so we don’t have to go
back to that goddamn town?
James and Amy stare at Dart in quiet disbelief. A beat.
AMY
What?
DART
Don’t play dumb, you heard me.
(to James)
What’s up?
James looks at Amy and weighs the question.
DART (CONT’D)
If you think your daddy was mad when you
skipped school, think of what he would do
after this.
James touches his injured cheek. A beat.
JAMES
Yes. Yeah, I’ll do it.
AMY
Ya’ll serious?
DART
Dead.
Amy stares at James and Dart. After a long silence, she
slowly nods her head.
Pleased with their compliance, Dart jumps out of the car.
DART (CONT’D)
James, you shoot Amy first, since you two
are in love, then yourself. I’ll be the
last to die, since I’m the oldest.
Dart holds out his hand and James places his on top. Amy
puts her hand in as well.
(CONTINUED)

39. 38.
CONTINUED: (2)
AMY (V.O.)
I knew Dart was just talking big, and he
didn’t really mean anything by it. He
just wanted to scare us into not going
back.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER - MOMENTS LATER
James is at the wheel, Amy up front and Dart in back.
DART
I ain’t saying we should kill ourselves,
cause I sure as hell don’t wanna die.
But like my granddaddy told me before he
passed: “Napoleon, sometimes it’s best
not to have an easy way out of something,
cause then you won’t stick to your first
decision.” So now we ain’t got no easy
way out.
James starts the car and they roll down the empty highway.
EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - DAY
A sign reads: Nashville I-24 North. The Grand Wagoneer
approaches.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
James drives, Dart is in the passenger seat and Amy in back.
AMY
We should all write something for our
families, just in case. When we get a
signal we can post them to my blog.
DART
Nobody reads your damn blog, girl.
AMY
Uh-huh, I had two page views last month.
DART
Yeah, from me and James.
Amy is disappointed by this realization.
DART (CONT’D)
Ah... but I guess it ain’t a half stupid
idea.
Amy takes out James’ laptop.
(CONTINUED)

40. 39.
CONTINUED:
AMY
Wanna do yours first?
Amy hands Dart the computer.
Insert Dart’s note as he composes: Dear Grandmama, I want to
make a new life for myself and had to leave Brevard. I hope
you won’t be too sad about this and miss me too much. Tell
Jake I’m sorry for raising my hand to him, and that I love
him. I love you too Grandmama. Your grandson, Dart.
Amy is bent over a note pad.
AMY (CONT’D)
You finished?
DART
Don’t it look like I’m finished?
AMY
Wanna hear the first draft of mine?
DART
Sure don’t.
Dart tosses the computer back to Amy.
EXT. WILSON HOME - NIGHT
Through the front window we see the Wilsons with MR. and MRS.
ROBERTS in the living room.
INT. WILSON HOME - CONTINUOUS
The television is turned to the local news.
MRS. WILSON
I can’t believe Amy would go and do
something like this. It’s not like her.
None of them had a reason to.
MR. ROBERTS
It was Dart who convinced them to go, I
know it. I never should of let James run
with him. But I felt sorry for the boy,
since he lost his mama and all.
MR. WILSON
I’m sure Amy only went because it was
what she wanted to do. Let’s not start
blaming folks.
(CONTINUED)

41. 40.
CONTINUED:
MRS. ROBERTS
Damn it, Rodney, we all know he’s the one
to blame. Shit, they even took his
daddy’s truck! And speaking of that
sonofabitch, why isn’t he here?
MR. WILSON
He said he couldn’t make it.
MRS. ROBERTS
Couldn’t make it? Couldn’t make it?!
MRS. WILSON
You hear his gun’s come up missing too?
MRS. ROBERTS
What?
MR. WILSON
I just think the best thing for us to do
is stay calm. The police will find them.
MRS. ROBERTS
Question is, will they find ‘em before
Dart does something stupid? My friend,
Ralphetta, who works down at the
Walgreens, said his Grandmama hasn’t
filled his prescription for the pills
he’s supposed to be on for three months
now.
(beat)
What’s my James gonna do if he decides to
flip out?
MR. ROBERTS
And why are ya’ll so calm?
MR. WILSON
Because we raised out daughter to make
good decisions.
MRS. ROBERTS
You ain’t done raising her yet, Rodney.
And I’m sure you didn’t plan for a
lunatic like that Hunter boy to come
along neither.
A report about Amy, James and Dart comes on.
MRS. WILSON
Turn this up.
(CONTINUED)

42. 41.
CONTINUED: (2)
NEWS ANCHOR
In local news, three Transylvania county
children are believed to have run away
from their homes in Brevard yesterday
afternoon.
(beat)
Their names are Amelia Wilson, Napoleon
Hunter and James Roberts. The father of
one of the boys reported his car stolen
in connection to the incident.
Jake and Grandmama Hunter appear on screen. They stand in
front of their apartment.
MRS. ROBERTS
I can’t believe it.
JAKE
I don’t know what come over them kids.
But it’s only been one night and I
already miss my son. I tried to provide
a loving home for Napoleon, but I guess
it won’t enough.
MRS. WILSON
Oh, come on!
REPORTER
Why do you think they would want to run
away from Brevard?
JAKE
I have no idea. It was good enough for
everyone else grow’d up here. I don’t
know bout his two little friends, you
can’t always account for how other people
raise their children, but this ain’t like
my son.
(beat)
But they’ll get caught. I just got a
call my credit card they stole was used
at a mall down in Chattanooga.
Mrs. Roberts turns the TV off.
MRS. WILSON
Tennessee? What are they doing in
Tennessee? Where are they going?
Mr. Roberts takes out his phone.
(CONTINUED)

43. 42.
CONTINUED: (3)
MR. ROBERTS
Who knows? I’m calling my cousin who
works for the Sheriff’s department
outside Chattanooga to have him tell his
people to be on the look out.
(beat)
You think anybody’s gonna give a damn
about what happens to three poor kids
from the mountains?
EXT. TENNESSEE HIGHWAY - DAY
The Grand Wagoneer approaches heading south. They have
somehow managed to get completely turned around.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
A sign reads: Alabama State Line 25 miles.
James drives, Dart is next to him and Amy is asleep in back.
Dart takes the GPS off the dashboard and sees it isn’t
working.
DART
Your daddy’s janky GPS is broke.
Dart tosses the gadget to James.
DART (CONT’D)
You know where we’re at?
JAMES
I think we’re going toward Nashville.
DART
That sign just said Alabama’s coming up.
James sees the car is on empty.
JAMES
(re: the gas meter)
Dart.
Amy wakes up.
AMY
I don’t feel good.
(beat)
My, tummy...stomach, hurts. I need to
use the bathroom.
(CONTINUED)

44. 43.
CONTINUED:
DART
Stop whining for a second.
(beat)
We gotta pull over at the next station or
we’re gonna run outta gas.
JAMES
I see something up there.
EXT. GAS STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS
James pulls to the pump at this independently owned shop.
The kids hop out and Dart tosses James his father’s wallet.
DART
Fill it up.
Amy holds her stomach as she heads toward the store.
JAMES
You alright, Amy?
James swipes the credit card but it doesn’t work. He tries
it again and gets the same result.
JAMES (CONT’D)
Something’s wrong.
DART
(to Amy)
Wait for me.
(to James)
Try debit. The PIN is my birthday.
James tries the debit card twice and it doesn’t work either.
DART (CONT’D)
Shit. Amy, come back here!
Amy stops and reluctantly turns around. Dart takes the
wallet from James.
JAMES
You think he reported it?
Amy reaches the boys, still holding her stomach.
DART
We been cut off. The cards ain’t good no
more.
(CONTINUED)

45. 44.
CONTINUED:
JAMES
What're we gonna do? We only have $20
left and we need to save that.
Dart takes out the $20, chucks the wallet and gets back in
the car.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
James sits down in the passenger seat.
JAMES
Dart?
Dart rummages through his bag and pulls out the .22 revolver.
DART
Guess we’ll just have to take what we
need.
(beat)
Get back in here, Amy.
JAMES
Dart thinks we should...
DART
Oh we’re gonna rob em, and we might as
well get food while we’re here.
(to Amy)
This old place’ll let you pay after you
fill up, so James is gonna handle that.
Me and you are going inside.
Amy drops her head.
DART (CONT’D)
We ain’t got no other choice.
(beat)
And since girls never go to jail, you’re
carrying.
AMY
Jaa-aames.
JAMES
He’s right, they won’t be watching you.
And I can’t go cause you never pumped gas
before.
Dart slides the revolver over the top of the seat to Amy.
(CONTINUED)

46. 45.
CONTINUED:
DART
We all gonna get out at the same time
like ain’t nothing going on. On three.
(beat)
Three.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS
A STORE CLERK, male, 60’s, is the only one working. He
watches sports highlights on a television mounted over the
elevated cashiers stand.
Amy and Dart enter. Amy stops dead in her tracks, but Dart
jerks her to continue walking. They continue toward the food
and snack section and Dart points Amy to where he wants her
to go.
Amy still feels sick and cannot wait any longer. She runs to
the restroom.
INT. RESTROOM - CONTINUOUS
Amy bursts into the filthy, windowless lavatory and pushes
open the door to the only stall. Unflushed excrement floats
amid the last available pieces of toilet paper.
Amy holds her breath, flushes with her foot, drops her pants
and the .22 then squats.
INTERCUT STORE AND RESTROOM --
Dart pretends to shop.
Amy strains to move her bowels as beads of sweat form on her
forehead.
The Store Clerk hasn’t looked away from the television. Dart
grows more impatient.
Amy cannot bring herself to use the bathroom. She gives up,
trudges to the sink, washes her hands and reaches for paper
towels that aren’t there.
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - CONTINUOUS
Amy reenters feeling worse than before. Dart nods to her and
they start down separate aisles.
Dart slips a few candy bars into his bag, along with a pack
of tobacco and looks up to check Amy’s progress.
Amy stands in the middle of the aisle nervously watching the
clerk. She picks up a pack of cookies and drops them.
(CONTINUED)

47. 46.
CONTINUED:
Dart curses her under his breath and walks to another aisle.
He speeds up his pace and soon his bag is full. Dart points
Amy to the soft drink section.
Dart peeks outside and sees James motioning the tank is full
as the sun goes down behind him. Dart and Amy casually walk
toward the door.
The Store Clerk finally takes a look at his young customers,
but before he can speak, Amy pulls out the revolver and
begins to cry as she half-heartily waves the weapon around.
AMY
Sorry sir, but we don’t have money.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER
James guns it out of the parking lot. Dart celebrates their
heist while Amy sobs in the back.
DART
Now that was the shit! Wheew-hoo! You
see the way that girl waved that gat
around in there?
They pass a sign that reads: Alabama State Line 1 mile.
DART (CONT’D)
I didn’t know she had it in her.
(beat)
I’m proud of you, chica! Hey, we’re
about to cross the border into Alabama.
They approach then pass the Welcome to Alabama sign as
darkness sets in.
DART (CONT’D)
I was getting tired of Tennessee anyway!
They ride a bit further and Dart comes down from his
adrenaline high.
DART (CONT’D)
Let’s pull over and hide. The police
will expect us to try and outrun ‘em, and
drive right past us.
EXT. POND - CONTINUOUS
The Grand Wagoneer approaches the secluded body of water that
is illuminated only by moonlight. James parks the vehicle in
a spot where it can’t be seen from the road.

48. 47.
INT./EXT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
Dart gets out. A police cruiser with its SIREN on drives
this way. Dart crouches beside the vehicle, and the cop
continues past them.
DART
Turn on the headlights.
James hits the lights and they shine out over the water.
JAMES
(to Amy)
You wanna eat now?
Amy doesn’t respond and continues crying.
INTERCUT INT. CAR AND DART --
Dart surveys his surroundings and stuffs a huge wad of
tobacco in his mouth. He sniffs his armpits and slaps at a
mosquito on his neck. The sounds of the various insects
combine to create an early evening symphony.
DART
I’ma take a bath!
Dart removes his shoes and waits to see if James and Amy
heard him. There is no answer, so he continues to undress
down to his underwear and wades into the water.
James is in the back with Amy. He wipes the tears from her
cheeks and eyes.
JAMES
Want a piece of this?
James offers Amy a candy bar.
AMY
No, thank you.
JAMES
Don’t cry, everything’s gonna be fine.
(beat)
I’m happy we decided to run away.
AMY
Kiss me, James.
Amy grabs James by the back of his neck and kisses him
deeply. They lie down.
(CONTINUED)

49. 48.
CONTINUED:
Dart frolics in the moonlit water.
Amy takes off James’ shirt and then her own.
Dart bathes.
James is on top of Amy and their pants are around their
ankles.
JAMES
I love so much you.
Amy squeezes her eyes shut in response to the unfamiliar
pain.
JAMES (CONT’D)
I’m gonna stop.
AMY
No, it’s okay.
JAMES
You sure?
Amy nods.
AMY (V.O.)
I hadn’t planned on losing it, but since
James and me were gonna be together
forever, I didn’t think it was that big a
deal.
Dart gets out of the water and lets himself air dry.
Amy still has her eyes closed as the pain begins to subside.
After a few moments, she finally looks up and is startled
when she sees Dart standing outside the window staring at
them.
Amy squirms and pushes James away. He turns and Dart
continues to casually peer in. They both quickly begin
dressing.
Dart saunters around to the other side of the truck and leans
back against the driver’s side door. He lights a cigarette
and chuckles to himself.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER
The kids leave the pond and get back onto the interstate.
Dart drives while Amy and James sit in the back, too
embarrassed to speak.

50. 49.
EXT. ALABAMA - VARIOUS
Night time images from the eastern part of the state.
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The Grand Wagoneer cruises down the dark highway.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
Dart drives while Amy and James sleep in back. Dart sees a
digital sign ahead that reads: To Avoid Traffic Stoppage Due
to Vehicle Drug Search Take Exit 19 Detour.
Dart notices they just passed Exit 18. The next exit is 1/4
mile ahead.
DART
Police are so stupid. Why would they
warn people ‘bout something like that?
Dart takes Exit 19 and scrolls through music on Amy’s iPod as
he steers down the winding exit ramp.
EXT. EXIT 19 - SAME TIME
Traffic is backed up forty yards from the merge lane. POLICE
OFFICERS have pulled over ten cars and are searching each
one. To the side of the road, several MOTORISTS are in
handcuffs.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
Dart finally checks the road and is shocked to see the
officers and motorists. He takes his foot off the gas.
DART
It was a goddamn trap!
(to James and Amy)
Hey, wake up!
They don’t respond.
DART (CONT’D)
Wake the fuck up!
JAMES
What? What’s going on?
DART
Look!
James sees what’s happening.
(CONTINUED)

51. 50.
CONTINUED:
JAMES
Amy, wake up!
Dart brings the car to a complete stop in the middle of the
exit ramp.
AMY
What’s wrong?
DART
Get the gun.
James scrambles over the seat and pulls Dart’s backpack from
the floor in front. He unzips the bag and carefully takes
out the revolver.
AMY
Oh, my God.
James stares at the weapon a moment then looks to his best
friend. Dart keeps his eyes on the road and lets his foot
off the brake.
James and Amy exchange frightened glances.
DART
James, you got that pistol ready?
James doesn’t respond.
DART (CONT’D)
James!
JAMES
Yeah!
James looks back at Amy and then turns to Dart.
JAMES (CONT’D)
I got an idea.
Dart snatches the gun from James.
DART
Are you gonna chicken out on me?
JAMES
I ain’t chickening out, just listen!

52. 51.
EXT. TRAFFIC STOP - MOMENTS LATER
OFFICER FELICIA POTTER, black, 37, spots the Grand Wagoneer
parked in the breakdown lane. She shines her flashlight on
the vehicle and approaches.
Potter looks into the driver’s side window. Dart is in the
passenger seat and James and Amy in the back.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
Dart holds the revolver between his legs.
POTTER
You kids all right?
DART
Hello, ma’am. Our car ran outta gas and
our daddy went to find the nearest
station.
Potter shines her flashlight on the gas meter. It’s been
smashed and is on E.
POTTER
We’re starting to see a lot more of these
with gas prices how they are. Which way
did he go?
DART
Back there.
Potter shines the light on Dart’s face. She holds it there a
moment and then moves the light over to James. After a short
pause, she shines the light on Amy.
POTTER
You three are brother and sister?
JAMES, DART & AMY
Yes ma’am.
POTTER
Blood relatives?
DART
No, ma’am. We’re with our stepdaddy.
AMY
But we all live together. We’re from
Brevard in North Carolina. Where you
from?
(CONTINUED)

53. 52.
CONTINUED:
POTTER
I’m from a place called Hueytown, outside
Birmingham. Where’s your daddy taking
you?
A beat. The kids aren’t sure what to say.
JAMES
To see his family in New Orleans.
POTTER
Did your daddy not see there’s a service
station right up there?
Potter points to the SERVICE STATION next to a nearby
overpass.
DART
No, ma’am. I don’t think he did.
Potter opens the door and sits in the driver’s seat.
POTTER
How old are you kids?
DART
Me and my brother are 12 and 13, we was
born ten months apart, and my sister’s
12.
POTTER
What’s your names?
A beat.
DART
Chad, but everybody calls me Pimp C.
Potter holds in her laugh.
AMY
Mine’s Rihanna.
POTTER
Like the singer?
AMY
Yes ma’am.
POTTER
My daughter loves her.
(to James)
And you?
(CONTINUED)

54. 53.
CONTINUED: (2)
JAMES
Uh, James, er, Jimmy.
POTTER
Nice to meet ya’ll. I’m Officer Potter.
(beat)
Well...Pimp C, why don’t you and Jimmy
step out of the car?
Dart looks back at James and Amy.
POTTER (CONT’D)
Go on.
Dart shields the gun and he and James do as they’re told.
EXT./INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
The boys stand on the passenger side. Dart slides the
revolver into his front pocket.
Potter turns to Amy.
POTTER
Rihanna, have you ever driven before?
Amy isn’t sure how to answer.
POTTER (CONT’D)
C’mon now, you can tell me the truth.
You won’t get in any trouble.
AMY
Yes ma’am, I have. But only in the empty
Costco parking lot with my daddy.
POTTER
Good, come up here then.
Potter steps out of the car and opens Amy’s door. As she
stands beside the vehicle, Amy looks through the windows at
Dart and James and they exchange confused glances.
Dart coughs to cover the sound of him cocking the gun and
James’ body stiffens.
POTTER (CONT’D)
What are you waiting for? Most 12-year-
old girls would jump at a chance to
drive.
AMY
Ma’am?
(CONTINUED)

55. 54.
CONTINUED:
POTTER
That’s right, you’re driving and your
brothers and me are gonna push. C’mon
boys.
James and Dart are relieved. Dart quietly takes the gun off
cock and both boys run around back to help Potter.
Amy grips the wheel tightly then finally exhales and takes
the car out of park.
POTTER (CONT’D)
(laughing)
Pimp C, huh? Why do you white kids
always copy the wrong black folks?
EXT. SERVICE STATION - MOMENTS LATER
James, Dart, and Potter push the Grand Wagoneer into the
parking lot and up to a pump.
POTTER
Now I’m gonna go back and wait for your
father. I can’t believe he left ya’ll on
the side of the road like that. What’s
his name?
DART
Joey Roberts. He looks a lot like Jimmy
here.
POTTER
Ya'll don’t go anywhere. I'll come back
when I find him.
DART
Yes ma’am, we'll wait right here for ya.
POTTER
Here's something to hold you over. Get
yourselves some sodas or candy bars.
Officer Potter hands Amy a $20 bill.
POTTER (CONT’D)
You look like three tired puppies.
DART
Thank you, ma’am, we will.
AMY
Mrs. Officer, ma’am? Mind if I take a
video of you?
(CONTINUED)

56. 55.
CONTINUED:
POTTER
You gotta make it quick, sweety.
Amy hurries out of the car. Dart and James stand on either
side of Potter. Amy hits record and gives her camera to the
officer.
AMY
Just turn it around and point it at us.
Potter extends her arm and stares uncomfortably into the
camera.
POTTER
What do you want me to say?
AMY
Your name is fine.
POTTER
I’m Felicia Potter of the Troy, Alabama
police department.
AMY
Thank you!
Potter hands the camera back to Amy. She tips her hat and
walks off down the highway.
Amy and James run toward the store.
JAMES
We should only spend five and save the
rest.
AMY
Can we spend ten?
JAMES
Okay.
AMY
You want anything, Dart?
Dart ignores the question. He has spotted an old junker
parked in the service area with New Hampshire license plates
and goes to have a closer look.
15 MINUTES LATER --
Amy sits in the passenger seat of the Grand Wagoneer and
James in the back while they wait for Dart.
(CONTINUED)

57. 56.
CONTINUED:
Dart closes the rear door of the truck and gets into the
passenger seat. They all smile at how well that went as Amy
starts the car.
EXT. CENTRAL ALABAMA - DAY
Sunrise the following morning.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - DAY
Dart drives. James reads and Amy fights off sleep in back.
Empty junk food wrappers and soda bottles are strewn about.
Dart watches Amy in the rearview mirror.
DART
I’m so sleepy. Mind if we change
drivers?
AMY
I’m tired of riding in this car, when are
we gonna get to Houston?
DART
I’m pulling over, I gotta take a nap.
James spots an empty church parking lot next to the highway.
JAMES
How about there?
DART
You would pick a church.
EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
Dart pulls the car onto the gravel and drives around behind
the building.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
Dart turns the car off and reclines his seat. Amy and James
are still in the back.
AMY
I’m gonna take a nap too.
Amy lays her head in James’ lap and is quickly asleep. James
gently places her head on the seat and gets out.
EXT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS
James wanders away from the vehicle and spots a playground
area.
(CONTINUED)

58. 57.
CONTINUED:
INTERCUT JAMES AND GRAND WAGONEER --
Amy and Dart sleep.
James walks to the swing set and hops on.
Dart and Amy continue sleeping. After a few seconds, Dart’s
eyes pop open.
DART
Amy, you wake?
AMY
No.
DART
I can’t sleep up here, it ain’t
comfortable.
AMY
I’m sorry.
Dart turns around and closes his eyes again. A few more
seconds pass and his eyes open.
DART
Amy, you sleep?
AMY
Yeah.
DART
You think there’s enough room back there
for both of us?
(beat)
Mind if I come back there?
AMY
No.
James continues swinging and debates jumping off at the peak
before changing his mind.
Dart tries to get comfortable in the back seat. He
eventually situates himself and gently shakes Amy.
DART
Amy. Amy, wake up.
Amy mumbles and turns away.
(CONTINUED)

59. 58.
CONTINUED: (2)
DART (CONT’D)
Amy, I wanna talk.
(beat)
Amy, can we talk? I wanna tell you
something.
(beat)
Amy?
Amy still doesn’t respond.
DART (CONT’D)
Amy, wake up for a second.
Amy slowly rolls back over. She can barely lift her eyelids.
AMY
Hey, Dart. Do you need help with your
Geography homework?
DART
What?
Dart realizes Amy is dreaming.
DART (CONT’D)
I couldn’t get comfortable up there.
(beat)
You tired?
AMY
Um-huh.
DART
I have something I wanna tell you.
AMY
Okay.
A beat.
DART
Amy, I love you.
Amy begins snoring quietly.
DART (CONT’D)
You hear me?
Frustrated, Dart sits up and looks out the windows.
DART (CONT’D)
Where’s your boyfriend?
(CONTINUED)

60. 59.
CONTINUED: (3)
Dart watches Amy a moment longer then begins to KISS and
GROPE her. Amy awakens from this rough handling and tries to
push Dart off, but can’t move him.
DART (CONT’D)
What's wrong? Why didn't you act this
way with James?
Dart grabs both of Amy's wrists with one hand and starts
trying to unbutton her jeans.
DART (CONT’D)
You little slut.
AMY
James!
Dart covers Amy’s mouth and starts sliding her pants off with
his free hand. After he finishes removing the pants, he
begins tearing at her underwear. Amy fights back with all
her strength.
Dart releases Amy’s arms and tightens his hand over her
mouth. He checks for James and then returns his attention to
Amy, but she manages to break free.
AMY (CONT’D)
James!
(beat)
James!
JAMES (O.S.)
I'm right here.
James has the .22 pointed at the back of Dart's head. Amy
pulls up her pants and scrambles over to the front seat, as
James keeps the gun pointed at his best friend. Dart slowly
turns around and James PISTOL WHIPS him.
EXT. GRAND WAGONEER - CONTINUOUS
Amy crawls out of the truck as James backs away from the
vehicle. Dart dresses then slowly gets out.
James cocks the weapon as Amy comes around to the passenger
side to join him.
Dart stands and spits out a mouthful of blood. He leans back
against the truck.
DART
What the hell you doing?
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

61. 60.
CONTINUED:
DART (CONT'D)
You think she ran away just to be with
you? Why would she come all this way with
the two of us if she didn't love us both?
James looks at Amy suspiciously.
DART (CONT’D)
She wanted it just as much as I did.
Ain’t that the truth, Amy?
(beat)
She just started to scream cause she saw
you.
Amy gathers herself and lunges toward Dart, slapping and
kicking him, as he stands pat with his eyes on James.
James pulls Amy off, not convinced by her show of emotion.
JAMES
You two get in the car. Dart, you're
driving.
INT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - MOMENTS LATER
They pull back onto the highway. James is alone in the back,
still holding the gun on Dart.
JAMES
Is what he said true?
AMY
No! But what're you gonna do? I don't
want you to hurt him.
JAMES
Just tell me the truth, Amy.
AMY
I am.
(to Dart)
Tell him!
Dart keeps his eyes on the road, refusing to look at his
accuser. A beat.
DART
She ain't lying.
(beat)
I'm sorry.
A tear runs down Dart’s face.
(CONTINUED)

62. 61.
CONTINUED:
DART (CONT’D)
I just get so jealous. You got each other
and I feel lonely.
AMY
But Dart, you have us.
DART
It ain’t the same.
JAMES
That still don’t make what you did okay.
(beat)
I don’t think we wanna ride with you
anymore. Amy and me will find our own
way to Houston.
AMY
Can’t we just ride with him there at
least? He didn’t mean nothing by what he
did.
JAMES
He just tried to...rape you.
AMY
If he was really trying to, he wouldn’t
have apologized like he just did.
James is unsure what to do. A beat. He lowers the gun.
DART
I'll be okay. We just need to get some
place and everything’ll be fine.
(beat)
Will ya’ll ever be able to forgive me?
AMY
Yes.
Dart looks at James in the rearview mirror but he isn’t moved
by the apology.
Amy smiles hopefully at the two boys. She is still a bit
shaken, but tries to be cheerful.
AMY (CONT’D)
So where we gonna stop next?
EXT. GRAND WAGONEER (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS
The kids drive west toward the mid-morning sun.
(CONTINUED)