EPISODE EIGHT: "We All Go To Hell"

“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar.
This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, “I-- I hardly know, sir, just at the present - at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then.”
“What do you mean by that?” said the Caterpillar sternly. “Explain yourself!”
“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir,” said Alice, “because, you see, I’m not myself.”
FIRST CLIP: "Toxic"

Chapter 1: CLIP ONE: "Toxic"

Chapter Text

SATURDAY, MAY 15TH, 15:49

INT. STAGE, SALLIS BENNEY THEATRE

On the stage stand a large group of pre-teens, all sweaty and exhausted, in forced smiles and forced “big finish” poses. Standing in front of the front row of seats is ALISTAIR, who applauds them, just as tired but it isn't as obvious.

ALISTAIR
Okay, take five, everyone!

The JUNIOR STUDENTS sigh with relief and sit down, drinking water and chatting. ALISTAIR rubs the back of his neck and goes over to the left side of the audience, where ELEANOR is sitting, flipping through a notebook.

The second he sits down, she puts the book down and smiles at him, putting an arm around him.

ELEANOR
That looks really cool, babe.

ALISTAIR awkwardly shifts under her arm, laughing nervously.

ALISTAIR
Thanks.

ELEANOR
Seriously, Marilyn has nothing on you.

ALISTAIR
Well, I wouldn’t say that.

ELEANOR
You’re really amazing.

ALISTAIR looks down guiltily, as she looks at him with a smile. He quickly smiles back at her, just as charismatic as ever.

ELEANOR
Are you doing anything tonight?

He freezes, panicked, but pretending not to be.

ALISTAIR
I was planning on studying.

She leans in closer to him.

ELEANOR
We could study together.

ALISTAIR awkwardly shifts away from her.

ALISTAIR
It's for my sociology exam thing. You don't take that class.

ELEANOR
I could help. My mum’s not gonna be home, so…

ALISTAIR laughs, bright smile - he pretends he has no idea what she’s implying.

ALISTAIR
Ice cream time?

ELEANOR nods, awkwardly sighing - she buys it completely.

ELEANOR
Sure…

ALISTAIR
Great.

They sit in awkward silence for a moment, ALISTAIR quickly bouncing his leg, as ELEANOR gasps.

ELEANOR
Oh, by the way, she told me to give you this.

She pulls an envelope out from her bag, sitting at her feet, and hands it to a confused ALISTAIR.

ALISTAIR
Why?

ELEANOR shrugs as ALISTAIR opens it to find a large sum of money. His eyes widen - it’s more than he’s ever seen in person.

ELEANOR
I mentioned that Mum should consider giving you a raise. I guess it worked.

She touches his shoulder and he awkwardly laughs.

Suddenly, a spotlight on the stage. All JUNIOR STUDENTS are in the dark as we see THE GIRL standing centre stage, facing the audience with a grin, as "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes begins to play.

THE GIRL
The French are glad to die for love

ALISTAIR sighs, nervously stimming with the envelope as she laughs.

THE GIRL
They delight in fighting duels
But I prefer someone who lives
And gives expensive jewels

The lights come up on the stage - all the JUNIORS are in full costumes, with bright smiles - and THE GIRL holds a hand out to ALISTAIR.

He shakes his head from the seat, looking down at the money in the envelope, and then over to ELEANOR - he’s thinking. But THE GIRL just keeps dancing, with the JUNIORS backing her up.

THE GIRL
A kiss on the hand
May be quite continental

THE GIRL and SPOTLIGHT JUNIORS
But diamonds are a girl's best friend

ALISTAIR closes the envelope up, looking up at the stage - trying to be distracted.

THE GIRL
A kiss may be grand
But it won't pay the rental
On your humble flat
Or help you feed your pussycat

She does a little paw-like wave at ALISTAIR, who laughs despite his nerves.

THE GIRL and SPOTLIGHT JUNIORS
Men grow cold
As girls grow old

THE GIRL
And we all lose our charms in the end

She gives a disdainful look to the SPOTLIGHT JUNIORS, who all ignore her.

THE GIRL and SPOTLIGHT JUNIORS
But square-cut or pear-shaped
These rocks don't loose their shape
Diamonds are a girl's best friend

They go into a dance break - ALISTAIR nods along, quietly directing them with his hands from his seat.

THE GIRL and SPOTLIGHT JUNIORS
‘Cause we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl

THE GIRL blows a kiss to the audience, and sighs, as everything abruptly changes - the music, the lighting, the costumes all become much darker. ALISTAIR sits up, confused, as the SPOTLIGHT SENIORS appear, also in costume from the back of the audience.

THE GIRL and (SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS)
(Rah-rah, rah-ah-ah)
Tiffany's!

ALISTAIR looks to his side - ELEANOR is gone.

THE GIRL and (SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS)
(Roma, ro-ma-ma)
Cartier!

He slowly stands up, putting the envelope in his back pocket, trying not to interrupt the continuous dance around him.

THE GIRL and (SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS)
(Gaga, ooh la la)
Black, Starr, Ross Cole!
(Want your bad romance)

THE GIRL points at him with a grin.

THE GIRL
Talk to me, Mister Fletcher, tell me all about it!

ALISTAIR looks down at himself - he’s suddenly changed into a much less flashy costume than the rest of them. It’s very old timey romantic hero, all white ruffles. When he looks up, he’s on the stage, alone.

Out of the darkness, a pale hand snake across his chest - he freezes, terrified, as ELEANOR smiles from behind, as she begins to sing from "Backstage Romance" from Moulin Rouge.

ELEANOR
You know that I want you, and you know that I need you
I want it bad, your bad romance

ALISTAIR’s eyes widen in a mix of fear and surprise.

ALISTAIR
Oh

She turns and starts to dance a tango with him - and a tango doesn’t really look right when one of the dancers clearly doesn’t want to be there and is being dragged around.

ELEANOR
I want your lovin' and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
Oh

He tries to force himself to be more into it, trying to lean into the leading role - but ELEANOR's clearly the one in control.

ELEANOR
I want your love and all your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
Oh, caught in a bad romance

The lights come up on the rest of the STUDENTS, all staring at them and holding up their phones, filming them.

ALL
Oh, caught in a bad romance

ALISTAIR looks around with an anxious smile, as the song begins to change. He looks down into the envelope full of money - as ELEANOR pulls out a brand new iPhone and hands it to him. He takes a deep breath, smiling secretly as he slips it into his, stepping firmly towards ELEANOR - the music in the background changing to "Sugar Daddy" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

ALISTAIR
When honey bees go shopping
It's something to be seen

ELEANOR reaches up around his head, petting his hair as he puts the phone in his other pocket.

ALISTAIR
They swarm to wild flowers
And get nectar for the queen

She pushes him down onto his knees - as he keeps his hands behind his back, hovering over his back pockets as he crosses his fingers behind his back.

ALISTAIR
And every gift you bring me
Got me dripping like a honeycomb

She pulls his hair - so he looks up to face her.

ALISTAIR
And if you've got some sugar for me
Sugar mommy, bring it home

He jumps to his feet and walks away from her, down the aisle of the theatre seats - making it all a part of the act, but he keeps anxiously looking over his shoulder to make sure she's not following him.

ALISTAIE
Oh the thrill of control
Like a Blitzkrieg on the roll
It's the sweetest taste I've known

He goes still for a moment, thinking to himself with a humourless laugh.

ALISTAIR
Well, maybe not so sweet.

A force pushes him from behind as he stumbles on, trying to regain his faux-confident composure.

ALISTAIR
So if you've got some sugar
Bring it home
Oh yeah, come on, sugar mommy, bring it home!

He forces a laugh, nervously stimming with his hands as he looks around at the watching SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS.

ALISTAIR
Come on, bring me home!

He keeps dancing down the aisle - head high, smile on, selling himself perfectly.

ALISTAIR and SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Whiskey and French cigarettes
A motorbike with high- speed jets
A Waterpik, a Cuisinart
And a hypo-allergenic dog

He looks over to the stage, catching THE GIRL's eyes - she's the only person not smiling. He tries to ignore her, turning back around.

ALISTAIR and SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Oh, I want all the luxuries of the modern age
And every item on every page
In the Lillian Vernon catalogue

He falls down on a seat, taking a breather as the CROWD sings around him, seeming to get larger and larger, with more and more familiar faces.

ALL except ALISTAIR
I want your love
Love, love, love
I want your love
Love, love, love
I want your--

SHADOWY HANDS starts to surround his wrists, his neck, his ankles - but he quickly jumps up on the seat he's sitting on, with an easy smile, shaking it all off and pretending it isn't happening.

ALISTAIR
So you think only a woman
Can truly love a man
Then you buy me the tie
I'll be more man than a woman like you can stand

He turns around, and falls back into the arms of some SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS, getting carried back down the aisle.

ALISTAIR
I'll be your Venus on a chocolate clam shell
Rising on a sea of marshmallow foam
Sweet home uber alles
Lord, I'm coming home

He gets set back down on the ground, as the music in the background begins to shift back to "Backstage Romance" from Moulin Rouge.

ALISTAIR
Come on, sugar mommy, bring me home

ALISTAIR takes a deep breath as he opens his eyes - he’s still himself and the music doesn't stop.

ALL except ALISTAIR
I want your love
Love, love, love

ELEANOR jumps down from the stage, approaching. He starts to walk away - she follows.

ALL except ALISTAIR
I want your love
Love, love, love

The walk turns into a quick step, an almost dance, almost chase.

ALL and (ALISTAIR)
I want your love (tainted love)
Love, love, love (oh)
I want your love (oh, tainted love)
Love, love, love

ALISTAIR is suddenly stopped in his place by a row of SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS standing at the end of the aisle, stopping his exit. He awkwardly laughs, stepping out of his role, and turns bac around - ELEANOR’s still there. He sighs, and sticks it out, continuing to dance with her as the song rages on.

ALL
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!

As the song shifts, all of the SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS partner up, dancing together - ALISTAIR and ELEANOR pressed together as THE GIRL stands alone on the stage, watching them with a frown.

ALL
Too high, can't come down
Losin' my head, spinnin' round and round

Two hands around his neck - ALISTAIR holds his breath.

ELEANOR
Do you feel me now?

She leans in and kisses him - his eyes stay open. He pulls away as they slip into a quick waltz, as everyone else watches them, still dancing with their partners, phones covering their faces.

ALL
With the taste of your lips, I'm on a ride
You're toxic, I'm slipping under
With the taste of your poison paradise
I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic

ALISTAIR takes a deep breath, standing up straighter and taking the lead of the dance.

ALL except ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to be used by you

They spin around - and ELEANOR's back in control.

ALL except ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused

ALISTAIR tries to fight for control, but ELEANOR isn’t giving in - they battle for the lead with smiles still on their faces.

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR and (THE OTHERS)
I want your love and I want your revenge
(I want your lovin’ and I want your revenge)
I want your love
(You and me could write a bad romance)
I don't wanna be friends

The SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all stare at them, slowly closing in.

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR and (THE OTHERS)
Je veux ton amour et je veux ta revanche
(I want your love and all your lovers' revenge)
Je veux ton amour
(You and me could write a bad romance)
Want your bad romance

They spin out from each other, belting it out:

ALL and (THE GIRL)
Oh, caught in a bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)
Oh, caught in a bad ro--

They turn around, quick-stepping back towards the stage, ALISTAIR looking around at the STUDENTS watching them - their phones lowering as we see their sad faces.

ALL
Ra-ra ah-ah-ah
Roma roma-ma
Gaga oo-la-la
Want your bad romance
Ra-ra ah-ah-ah
Roma roma-ma
Gaga oo-la-la

ALISTAIR looks up at THE GIRL, who is still holding out a hand to him. He nods, giving in.

ALISTAIR
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

THE GIRL grins as ALISTAIR sits back down, ELEANOR next to them, the song ending and the world turning back to normal. He looks down at the money in the envelope again. He slowly smiles to himself, thumbing the empty space next to the money.

ALISTAIR
Thanks, El. I really have to study tonight, though. I'm working on this big project thing.

ELEANOR
Okay...

She looks down, pouting, as ALISTAIR panickedly blurts out:

ALISTAIR
But we can call or something while I study.

ELEANOR
Yay!

She smiles and gives him a hug as he looks up to THE GIRL - she shrugs, giving him a proud look as he smiles, letting out a sigh of relief.

Chapter 2: CLIP TWO: "What I Always Wanted"

Chapter Text

SUNDAY, MAY 16TH, 13:39

INT. ALISTAIR’S BEDROOM, ALISTAIR’S HOUSE

ALISTAIR sits on his bed, nervously bouncing his knee as THE GIRL sits next to him. They’re both staring down at his phone, refreshing his email inbox. Again. And again. And again. And--

An email pops up from the official Spotlight Academy email: “Thief at Large in Our School!! - sent from my iPhone”. THE GIRL grins as ALISTAIR lets out a shaky breath, slowly nodding to himself.

ALISTAIR
Okay, she just send out the email.

He kneels down in front of his bed, looking under it to see dust and cardboard boxes - he pulls one out. In it is ELEANOR’S phone, LOUISE’s laptop and a flashdrive. THE GIRL jumps off of the bed.

THE GIRL
I say we got about a week to get this done and dusted. We should start writing it today.

THE GIRL takes the flash drive and puts it into ALISTAIR’s pocket.

ALISTAIR
I have a written exam on Monday. We still have to study for it.

THE GIRL
What’s more important? One exam or saving hundreds of kids?

ALISTAIR
We already have the whole outline for this thing written. I can do both. I'm a quick typer.

THE GIRL rolls her eyes.

THE GIRL
If you say so.

ALISTAIR pushes the box back under his bed and, as he kneels back up, he hits his bed on the wooden edge of his bed. He yells out in pain, clutching at his head as THE GIRL laughs at him.

ALISTAIR
Fuck!

BRIANNA [O.S.]
Is that you, Al?

ALISTAIR groans, and reluctantly yells back:

ALISTAIR
[sarcastic] No, it's a burglar.

BRIANNA [O.S.]
Can you come here for a sec?

THE GIRL lets out a breath, anxiously looking at ALISTAIR as he sighs.

ALISTAIR
What do you want?

BRIANNA [O.S.]
Just come here.

ALISTAIR sighs and stands up, brushing himself down..

ALISTAIR
Okay, Jesus…

He rubs where he hits his head as he walks out his bedroom door, followed by THE GIRL.

INT. FRONT HALL

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL walk down the stairs and turn to see the open door to the living room - the entire MAIN SQUAD is in there, sitting and standing, all looking serious and nervous. ALISTAIR and THE GIRL exchange a look.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Shit.

INT. LIVING ROOM

ALISTAIR walks in with an awkward smile - the silence in the room is heavy and nervous from all angles - as THE GIRL follows him in, hiding behind his back.

SANDY
Hi, Al.

ALISTAIR looks quickly around the room - just as scared as THE GIRL is. She holds his hand, giving it a squeeze as he stands up a little straighter, trying to look calm.

ALISTAIR
What-- What is this?

JAKE
We all wanted to talk to you.

BRIANNA
[joking] It took so long to organise.

No one laughs. There's an awkward pause as ALISTAIR looks down at his feet, slowly backing away towards the doorway.

THEO
You’ve literally been ignoring all of our texts.

ALISTAIR shrugs, looking over at THE GIRL.

ALISTAIR
I’ve been busy.

LIZ
You've been acting strangely lately. Like, at school. You're mean and you just stare at walls a lot of the time...

He forces out a laugh.

ALISTAIR
Yes. I-- I've been stressed. Because I’ve been busy.

JAMES
We’re all worried about you, mate.

ALISTAIR
Why? I’m fine.

A beat. He gets disbelieving looks from everyone in the room.

RORI
If you say that, you’re probably not fine.

THE GIRL rolls her eyes, pushing him forward. He awkwardly stands straighter, taking a deep breath.

ALISTAIR
Okay, that makes literally no sense. I said I’m fine. So I’m fine.

As he says that, SANDY takes her phone out.

SANDY
We’ve all been getting these weird texts from you?

ALISTAIR frowns, genuinely confused.

ALISTAIR
What are you talking about? I haven't sent any texts.

SANDY holds up her phone, where, in the MAIN SQUAD group chat, there are some messages from ALISTAIR: “the ones who tell the lies are the solemnest to swear”, “when the sun and moon and stars are gone all that’s left is only you”, and “why are you dancing why won’t you answer”. She keeps scrolling, more and more messages from him.

ALISTAIR
I… I didn’t send those.

ANNABELL
You clearly did, dude.

ALISTAIR
I mean, yeah, but… I-- I don’t remember doing that. Like, at all.

ANNABELL rolls their eyes, not believing him as he looks over to THE GIRL.

ALISTAIR
Was that you?

THE GIRL shrugs, her face the picture of innocence.

THE GIRL
I don’t know.

ALISTAIR lets out a breath, shaking his head at her, as:

ESTHER
Al.

He snaps back to reality, startled.

ALISTAIR
What?

SOPHIE
I just said I saw you kissing a girl. Do you remember that?

ALISTAIR laughs awkwardly, looking down at his feet, trying to hide his shame.

ALISTAIR
Yeah.

He looks over to THE GIRL, who just stares back at him. He pushes himself, his hands picking at the loose threads around the cuffs of his jumper.

ALISTAIR
So? She-- She wanted to, and… And I did too.

MILO frowns at him.

MILO
You’re gay . You don’t like girls.

ALISTAIR
How do you know? Huh?

He forces a laugh, standing straighter, on the defensive.

ALISTAIR
You know, you guys are always so chill whenever someone who thinks they’re straight questions their sexuality, or goes around kissing people of the same gender even when they identify as straight, but the second it’s a "gay" person doing it, God forbid!

A beat. BRIANNA gives him a look.

BRIANNA
Okay, fine, whatever. But it’s Ellie .

ALISTAIR
I love her.

He stops himself. He’s met with silence. He didn’t mean to say it, but he meant it.

ALISTAIR
It's complicated. It's messy and whatever and, frankly, it's none of your business what I do.

He turns to THE GIRL, who nods, both of them trying to convince the other.

ALISTAIR
I just… You guys are trying to make something out of nothing.

THEO
This isn't nothing. You're not acting like yourself.

THE GIRL scoffs as ALISTAIR squints at THEO.

ALISTAIR
Really? What’s my middle name?

He’s met with silence. He looks to BRIANNA, with raised eyebrows. And she does nothing.

ALISTAIR
Yeah. Thought so.

LIZ
What-- What does that matter?

ALISTAIR
You guys don’t know much about me. So stop acting like you do.

RORI
Al, there’s clearly something wrong.

THE GIRL takes his hand again, dragging him forward with her.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Yeah. I let you guys walk all over me for years just because I was so lonely I would take anything. I don’t do that anymore, so…

A beat. ALISTAIR looks over at THE GIRL, who keeps her head held high, and he copies her, not looking at any of the people in front of him.

THEO
We-- We don’t…

ESTHER
[hurt] Why didn’t you tell us how you felt?

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL scoff.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
You think I’d risk being alone?

THE GIRL steps forward, ALISTAIR shrinking away, almost hiding behind her.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
I used to think it was better to have friends that made you feel like shit than to have no friends at all, but… I don’t anymore. I want to be happy. So let me be happy.

BRIANNA
You’re not happy.

ALISTAIR shifts around, clearly uncomfortable.

ALISTAIR
How do you know?

BRIANNA
I found these in the bathroom bin.

They takes some bloody bandages out of their pockets and place them on the coffee table in front of them. ALISTAIR's eyes widen in panic, as the OTHERS around him look just as shocked.

NICK
Shit, Al.

THE GIRL looks at ALISTAIR, who quickly laughs, like something's really funny.

ALISTAIR
Oh you think...? No.

THE GIRL looks at him and joins in.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
Those are from dancing? I get a lot of blisters and cuts and bruises on my legs and feet and shit. I have to clean up when I get home so I don’t get more hurt?

They both keep smiling, as everyone around them still looks concerned.

ALISTAIR
Seriously. I’m fine.

JAKE
Al--

He and THE GIRL quickly step back towards the door.

ALISTAIR
I’m finally getting what I always wanted and you're not going to get in the way of that. So back off.

He leaves before anyone can say anything else - leaving them all to look at each other in stunned, disappointed silence.

INT. FRONT HALL

ALISTAIR closes the door tight behind him and lets out a breath. He looks up into the mirror - THE GIRL is in there grinning at him. He groans, sighing, and takes the flashdrive out of his pocket, beginning to stim with it as he walks out the front door.

EXT. FRONT GARDEN

ALISTAIR walks out into the front garden and takes a deep breath. He looks up and down the road in front of him, walking up to the gate as a guitar riff starts - "Good for You" from Dear Evan Hansen.

ESTHER [O.S.]
So you found a place where the grass is greener

ALISTAIR jumps around to see ESTHER on the front step - dressed in the exact same clothes as him. He frowns, confused, beginning to back away.

ESTHER
And you jumped the fence to the other side
Is it good?
Are they giving you a world we could never provide?

ALISTAIR awkwardly laughs, backing away into THEO - also in ALISTAIR's clothes. He jumps, surprised.

THEO
Well I hope you're proud of your big decision
Yeah, I hope it's all that you want and more
Now you're free
From the agonizing life you were living before

ALISTAIR quickly walks out of the gate, where he's met by JAKE - also in his clothes - and he very quickly keeps walking on, trying to ignore them.

JAKE
And you say what you need to say
So that you get to walk away
It would kill you to have to stay trapped
When you've got something new

MILO joins him on his other side - predictably, same clothes - sarcastically singing at ALISTAIR, who stims quicker with the flashdrive in his hand, turning it over and pressing it hard into his skin.

MILO
Well I'm sorry you had it rough
And I'm sorry we’re not enough
Thank God they rescued you

ALISTAIR quickly runs around a corner to see ESTHER, THEO, JAKE, BRIANNA, MILO and LIZ, all standing in an identical line.

ESTHER, THEO, JAKE, BRIANNA, MILO and LIZ
So you got what you always wanted
So you got your dream come true
Good for you
Good for you, you, you

ALISTAIR backs away from them, walking back up the street, but they follow him.

ESTHER, THEO, JAKE, BRIANNA, MILO and LIZ
Got a taste of a life so perfect
So you did what you had to do
Good for you
Good for you

ALISTAIR takes a deep breath, anxiously running a hand through his hair. From across the road comes RORI - same clothes.

RORI
Does it cross your mind to be slightly sorry?

ALISTAIR jumps away from her, walking faster, but she and the others follow at a calm pace.

RORI
Do you even care that you might be wrong?
Was it fun?
Well I hope you had a blast while you dragged us along

JAMES - same clothes - appears in front of him. ALISTAIR starts to back away, suffocated, breathing heavily as he spins the flashdrive around in his hands - it's the only thing keeping him calm.

JAMES
And you say what you need to say
And you play who you need to play
And if somebody's in your way
Crush them and leave them behind

ALISTAIR back into SANDY and NICK - same clothes.

SANDY and NICK
Well I guess if I'm not of use

ALISTAIR runs across the road, instinctively jumping over a pothole as everyone else following calmly - zombie-like.

SANDY and NICK
Go ahead, you can cut me loose
Go ahead now, I won't mind

ALISTAIR turns away from the crowd - to see BRIANNA, in the very same clothes, staring at him with a familiar calm anger.

BRIANNA
I'll shut my mouth and I'll let you go
Is that good for you?
Would that be good for you, you, you?

SOPHIE and ANNABELL appear by her side - ALISTAIR backs away to the middle of the road, dropping the flashdrive onto the concrete

BRIANNA, SOPHIE and ANNABELL
I'll just sit back while you run the show
Is that good for you?
Would that be good for you, you, you?

ALISTAIR looks around, surrounded, and crouches low to the ground, grabbing the flashdrive as he covers his ears as they continue to sing at him.

ALISTAIR
All I need is some time to think
But the boat is about to sink
Can't erase what I wrote in ink
I'm doing everything to change this story

He looks up at the top of the road, where THE GIRL is standing, the sun directly behind her.

ALISTAIR
All the words that I can't take back
Like a train coming off the track
'Cause the rails and the bolts all crack
I've got to find a way to
Stop it, stop it! Just let me out!

ALISTAIR slowly stands up, head low, looking at the ground, as he's surrounded at all sides - by hurt and angry faces, identical to his own.

THE MAIN SQUAD
So you got what you always wanted
So you got your dream come true

ALISTAIR looks up face to face with THE GIRL who's wearing a bright smile as she and he begin to sing along:

ALL
Good for you
Good for you, you, you
Got a taste of a life so perfect
Now you say that you're someone new
Good for you
Good for you

ALISTAIR looks down at himself, trying again and again to convince himself that it's true.

ALL
Good for you
Good for you

A loud beep. ALISTAIR looks behind him - he's alone, and there's a car behind him. A pissed looking DRIVER makes an annoyed hand gesture at him, and he quickly scrambles up, running to one side of the road. The car drives on.

ALISTAIR looks to his left - there THE GIRL is, waiting dutifully for him. ALISTAIR sighs, rubbing his forehead, where a bruise is forming, and they both look down at the flashdrive in his hand.

THE GIRL
Let’s go.

ALISTAIR

Where?

THE GIRL
The library.

ALISTAIR raises his eyebrows at her with a humourless laugh.

ALISTAIR
And we're just gonna start doing this secret crime project in public?

THE GIRL
Hiding in plain sight. They won't suspect a thing.

ALISTAIR
Uh, they clearly did.

He nods at the house, as THE GIRL rolls her eyes.

THE GIRL
They'll forget about it soon enough. I mean, you did.

ALISTAIR clenches his fists, and nods.

ALISTAIR
Okay, fine. We've got work to do.

THE GIRL smiles, patting him on the back.

THE GIRL
That's the spirit. Besides, we don't need to study. We know everything anyway.

ALISTAIR flips the drive around in his fingers, careful not to drop it.

ALISTAIR
We know so much more than everyone in that fucking school.

She smiles and takes his hand as they begin to walk off down the street together, underneath the bright and shining sun.

Chapter 3: CLIP THREE: "Follow My Voice"

Chapter Text

TUESDAY, MAY 18TH, 11:07

“Wicked Little Town" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch plays over shots of BACA, getting a good view of the school in the sunlight.

INT. HALLWAY, BACA

As the first verse begins, we see ALISTAIR, in his headphones, on his own in the middle of the hallway. He walks down a step, then back. Then ahead. Then back.

ALISTAIR
You know, the sun is in your eyes
And hurricanes and rains
And black and cloudy skies

He walks towards the wall and tapes a poster onto it, advertising the “SPOTLIGHT PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SHOWCASE!!!! Friday June 11th @ 6pm”. It’s an extremely gauche poster and ALISTAIR winces upon having to look at it.

ALISTAIR
You're running up and down that hill
You turn it on and off at will
There's nothing here to thrill
Or bring you down

He walks on and on, down the endless hallway. He looks through the door to a classroom, looking it at the STUDENTS goofing off, talking and laughing, as papers sit in front of them.

ALISTAIR
And if you've got no other choice
You know you can follow my voice
Through the dark turns and noise
Of this wicked little town

He tilts his head, completely confused, as a TEACHER walks quickly down the hallway - ALISTAIR moves out of the way, walking on as the TEACHER enters the classroom.

ALISTAIR
Oh, Lady Luck has led you here
And they're so twisted up
They'll twist you up, I fear

ALISTAIR walks on, up to a wall and puts up another poster, looking this way and that to try and make it look nice - he just can’t.

ALISTAIR
The pious, hateful and devout
You're turning tricks 'til you're turned out
The wind so cold it burns
You're burning out and blowing round

He lets out a breath, beginning to walk on as THE GIRL appears next to him.

ALISTAIR
And if you've got no other choice
You know you can follow my voice
Through the dark turns and noise
Of this wicked little town

As they walk, the hallway around them changes, from no windows to window, from blue walls to white, from darkness to light. But they stay the same, posters and tape in bored hands.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Ah
Ah
Ooh

He lets out a deep breath and turns to a wall, his eyes unfocused as he sticks another poster up.

ALISTAIR
The Fates are vicious and they're cruel
You learn too late you've used
Two wishes like a fool

He leans back, looking out the nearby window to see a group of STUDENTS talking and laughing outside, as THE GIRL takes his hand and squeezes it - singing the melody as he takes the harmony.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
And then you're someone you are not
And Junction City ain't the spot
Remember Mrs. Lot
And when she turned around

ALISTAIR lets out a breath, shaking THE GIRL's hand off of his and puts the final touches of tape onto the poster in front of them.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
And if you've got no other choice
You know you can follow my voice
Through the dark turns and noise
Of this wicked little town

He takes a step back, folding his arms and tilting his head at it, as the song slowly fades out. He squints at the poster, quietly laughing to himself.

ALISTAIR
This colour scheme is just… Not it.

THE GIRL stands on her toes to see it better, and then nods.

THE GIRL
It is absolutely awful.

ALISTAIR
Like, if I had my say in this, just… Not the purple font with the black and red background…

He shakes his head as THE GIRL giggles.

THE GIRL
It looks like an ad for a very bad haunted house.

ALISTAIR
Or a vampire’s sex dungeon.

THE GIRL gasps and slaps him hard on the arm.

ALISTAIR
Jesus Christ! Don't do that.

He looks down at his arm, pulling up the sleeve of his shirt to see the blood seeping through his bandages. He sighs, quickly buttoning back up as someone bumps into him from behind. He turns to see a group of eleven year old GIRLS and he frowns, confused, blinking rapidly as one speaks up:

YOUNG GIRL
Move, psycho.

He awkwardly laughs, moving out of the way.

ALISTAIR
Sorry.

The GIRLS quickly walk past as ALISTAIR looks around the hallway - it’s different, with no windows lining the walls and a staircase behind him. He blinks rapidly, rubbing his eyes.

ALISTAIR
Wait, when… When did we get here?

THE GIRL shrugs, faux-innocent.

THE GIRL
I don’t know.

ALISTAIR looks around - sharp corners surround him as he frowns, breathing slowly to himself. Back to THE GIRL, still smiling sweetly.

ALISTAIR
This... This isn't what should be happening. This isn't good.

THE GIRL
What do you mean?

ALISTAIR
All this stuff. I... Should we talk to someone about this?

He looks to THE GIRL, who laughs.

THE GIRL
No! No, we have to do our project. If we say anything, then we'll be suspicious and we'll get arrested for theft and die.

ALISTAIR squints at her, confused for a moment, and then hesitates. He takes a small step away from her.

ALISTAIR
Who are you?

THE GIRL
You know who I am, Al.

She giggles, leaning in conspiratorially.

THE GIRL
Say it.

ALISTAIR blinks and steps back, laughing nervously - as some STUDENTS quickly walk past, in one door and out another.

ALISTAIR
What… are you?

THE GIRL
I’m your friend, Al.

She holds his hand, smiling up at him.

THE GIRL
I’m your best friend.

ALISTAIR slowly nods, looking a little more relieved as he starts to walk down the hallway again. "I'm Alive" from Next to Normal begins as THE GIRL shadows him.

THE GIRL
I am what you want me to be
And I'm your worst fear
You'll find it in me
Come closer

ALISTAIR turns away from her to put another poster up. She leans her head back and he steps back - he gives her a glare and shakes his head, and putting the poster up on the wall next to her.

THE GIRL
Come closer

She grins as they walk on, singing conversationally by his side as he walks faster to avoid her.

THE GIRL
I am more than memory
I am what might be
I am mystery
You know me
So show me

ALISTAIR turns to her as a group of STUDENTS walk past and directly through her. ALISTAIR’s eyes go wide, completely taken aback, as THE GIRL keeps smiling, undisturbed.

THE GIRL
When I appear
It's not so clear
If I'm a simple spirit
Or I'm flesh and blood

ALISTAIR reaches out to touch her, confused, but she grabs his hand before he can, with a wide smile.

THE GIRL
But I'm alive, I'm alive, I am so alive
And I feed on the fear that's behind your eyes
And I need you to need me, it's no surprise
I'm alive

ALISTAIR looks around, confused - there’s no one else around to see her.

THE GIRL
So alive
I'm alive

ALISTAIR starts to quickly walk on, but THE GIRL holds her hands up - he goes still. Tries to move his legs - nothing.

THE GIRL
I am flame and I am fire
I am destruction, decay, and desire
I'll hurt you

She touches his face lovingly, like a mother would.

THE GIRL
I'll heal you

ALISTAIR rolls his eyes, looking the other way and trying to walk again. THE GIRL holds her hands up - no. He groans as she pushes both of them in the opposite direction, walking back the way they came.

THE GIRL
I'm your wish, your dream come true
And I am your darkest nightmare too
I've shown you

ALISTAIR turns to her, exhausted.

ALISTAIR
Can you please stop?

THE GIRL
I own you

She pats his face condescendingly and steps back.

THE GIRL
And though you made me
You can't change me
I'm the perfect stranger
Who knows you too well

She pushes her hands forward, trying to get him to walk on. But he stays still, holding his head high. She laughs, accepting the challenge.

THE GIRL
But I'm alive, I'm alive, I am so alive
And I'll tell you the truth if you let me try
You're alive, I'm alive, and I'll show you why
I'm alive
So alive

She stares at him for a moment, and he quickly pushes her over, running quickly down the hallway away from her.

THE GIRL
I'm alive

He turns a corner and she suddenly appears in front of him.

THE GIRL
I'm right behind you
You say forget, but I'll remind you

ALISTAIR turns and tries to go back the way he came, but he slows down, looking confused as to why.

THE GIRL [O.S.]
You can try to hide but you know that I will find you

He pants, looking around - and THE GIRL appears right in front of him.

THE GIRL
'Cause if you won't grieve me
You won't leave me behind

ALISTAIR sighs, his whole body going limp as he looks down and she laughs, circling him.

THE GIRL
Oh-ho, oh
Whoa
Whoa

She spins around him, laughing, taking his hand and making him run with her down the hallway - and he begins to laugh with her, tripping over his own feet.

THE GIRL
No, no, no
I'm alive, I'm alive, I am so alive
If you climb on my back, then we both can fly
If you try to deny me, I'll never die
I'm alive
So alive

She takes both of his hands, spinning him around and leaning in close to sing at him.

THE GIRL
I'm alive
Yeah, yeah
I'm alive

She lets go of ALISTAIR's hands, sending him spinning as he stumbles towards a wall, holding onto it for balance.

THE GIRL
I'm alive
I'm alive

THE GIRL pulls back, making ALISTAIR step back from the wall and back towards her.

THE GIRL
I'm alive

She looks him hard in the eyes as they stand in perfect silence.

THE GIRL
Remember, Al, all of this will be worth it when no one wants to touch Spotlight ever again.

ALISTAIR blinks for a moment, and then nods.

ALISTAIR
Right. Right, I'm sorry, I was being ridiculous.

THE GIRL
Right answer. Now move it. We still have, like, a million posters to put up.

ALISTAIR lets out a sharp breath.

ALISTAIR
Right. Almost forgot.

They start to walk on - but he stops, turning to her with a smile.

ALISTAIR
They do look really bad.

THE GIRL nods with a laugh as they both walk on, down and down the same narrow hallway that looks identical to all the ones before it.

Chapter 4: CLIP FOUR: "Mama"

Chapter Text

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19TH, 20:44

INT. BALLROOM

"No Children" by The Mountain Goats plays brightly as we pan over a resplendent ballroom, with grand marble pillars, a painted ceiling and all the golden touches you would expect from a fairy tale castle. We see the band playing the music are more of a small orchestra, all dressed in old timey clothes - not quite Victorian, not quite Regency, just very fancy and ornate.

SINGER
I hope that our few remaining friends
Give up on trying to save us
I hope we come up with a fail-safe plot
To piss off the dumb few that forgave us

We begin to pan around the ballroom, at some older people - parents that we've met, teachers, doctors, and just complete strangers - dressed in finery sitting at beautiful table, drinking out of golden goblets and casually chatting to one another.

SINGER
I hope the fences we mended
Fall down beneath their own weight
And I hope we hang on past the last exit
I hope it's already too late

We reach the dance floor, where beautiful young people in beautiful clothes are ballroom dancing together, with the blank smiles of the bored.

SINGER
And I hope the junkyard a few blocks from here
Someday burns down
And I hope the rising black smoke carries me far away
And I never come back to this town again

We reach the middle of the dancefloor, where we see ALISTAIR and ELEANOR, both dressed in brilliant white in the middle, easily dancing with one another.

SINGER
In my life, I hope I lie
And tell everyone you were a good wife
And I hope you die
I hope we both die

ALISTAIR spins ELEANOR around, and we see his jacket swing open to reveal a knife hidden on the inside - but he quickly covers back up as ELEANOR comes back to face him, both of them continuing to dance.

SINGER
I hope I cut myself shaving tomorrow
I hope it bleeds all day long
Our friends say it's darkest before the sun rises
We're pretty sure they're all wrong

We watch them dance as every other guest on the dance floor watches them with great interest - ALISTAIR and ELEANOR continue unaware.

SINGER
I hope it stays dark forever
I hope the worst isn't over
And I hope you blink before I do
And I hope I never get sober

ALISTAIR glances left and right, his smile shaky as ELEANOR keeps looking at him - afraid to look anywhere else.

SINGER
And I hope when you think of me years down the line
You can't find one good thing to say
And I'd hope that if I found the strength to walk out
You'd stay the hell out of my way

We focus on ALISTAIR and ELEANOR's joint hands, both of them with engagement rings on their fingers.

SINGER
I am drowning, there is no sign of land
You are coming down with me, hand in unlovable hand

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR smile at one another, tight and restrained.

SINGER
And I hope you die
I hope we both die

They keep dancing, perfectly precise in every move, as we slowly pan away, the song fading out to nothing as we transition to:

INT. ALISTAIR'S BEDROOM, ALISTAIR'S HOUSE

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL sit on his bed, casual as anything, ALISTAIR with his headphones on. They're both wearing plastic gloves, as he plugs the flash drive into LOUISE’s laptop and opens it. He’s greeting by a password screen, and quickly types in “19041991”. The screen goes white and begins to load.

ALISTAIR
Her west end debut. Easy.

THE GIRL laughs as ALISTAIR opens her documents - a lot of registers and bill plans and files of lyrics.

ALISTAIR
Already got all of that done. Seriously, who avoid their taxes that much?

THE GIRL shrugs as he opens up her emails and his eyes go wide - there are three different accounts, one for Spotlight, one for her professionally, and one for her private life.

ALISTAIR
Shit… Where do we even start?

THE GIRL
At the very beginning.

ALISTAIR nods, clicking to sort them from oldest to newest.

ALISTAIR
It is a very good place to start…

He slowly begins to scroll, breathing a bit faster - it’s very overwhelming.

ALISTAIR
Just take it one minutes at a time. Like-- Like Bree said that one time, right?

THE GIRL
We can’t do that, Al.

ALISTAIR
Yes, we can.

THE GIRL rolls her eyes.

THE GIRL
We don't have time. We've literally stolen these things because of our future. Everything we do is for your future. If we don’t keep thinking about it, everyone else is going to get ahead, and then where will we be?

ALISTAIR
I didn’t mean…

He sighs, motioning to the flash drive.

ALISTAIR
I just meant where do we begin with this? Because there's a lot of it and we need to sort through it all.

THE GIRL
Just skim through them and take screenshots. Duh.

ALISTAIR sighs, beginning to scroll through and take some screenshots.

THE GIRL
Once we get to uni, everything will be fine. We’ll start over.

ALISTAIR nods, scrolling down. Screenshot. Screenshot. He looks at an email she sent in 2018 using some blatantly homophobic language to describe a casting director. Double screenshot.

ALISTAIR
This… This is good.

THE GIRL
Exactly. Hold onto that before it goes away.

ALISTAIR sharply inhales.

ALISTAIR
[genuine] God forbid.

THE GIRL
God’s a bitch, anyway.

ALISTAIR sharply turns to glare at her.

ALISTAIR
Don’t say that.

THE GIRL
Why?

ALISTAIR looks around quickly, and then whispers:

ALISTAIR
He’ll hear you.

THE GIRL blinks at him, quiet for a moment.

THE GIRL
Jesus Christ.

ALISTAIR
Yeah, him too.

ALISTAIR keeps scrolling down and screenshotting, when he reaches an email about LOUISE’s divorce. He hesitates for a moment.

ALISTAIR
Am I… Am I doing something wrong? I mean, this is really personal.

THE GIRL
Al. Look at the laptop.

She scrolls down to the email below it - an email to a “Emily Onyango” saying that LOUISE can’t afford to buy her daughter different coloured tights from the other students, and if she wants tights to match her skin tone, she should just buy them herself.

THE GIRL
Good people don't just sit by when they know stuff like this is happening.

ALISTAIR nods, taking a screenshot immediately, when his phone vibrates. He tenses, panicked, and looks down to see a phone call coming from "Mum". He sighs, and answers it:

ALISTAIR
Hello?

MONICA [V.O.]
Hi, honey.

ALISTAIR nervously glances over at THE GIRL.

ALISTAIR
Hi, Mum.

MONICA [V.O.]
What are you up to?

He looks at THE GIRL - she looks down at LOUISE's laptop and shrugs.

ALISTAIR
Just… homework and stuff.

MONICA [V.O.]
Good, good…

A beat. ALISTAIR stims with his free hand, very awkward.

ALISTAIR
How… are you?

MONICA [V.O.]
Good, good…

An awkward pause. ALISTAIR scrolls down - screenshots another email.

MONICA [V.O.]
Just wanted to check in.

ALISTAIR
Okay.

A moment of silence.

ALISTAIR
I finally got an appointment with the gender therapist I was on the waiting list for.

MONICA [V.O.]
Oh... That's... Great, honey.

A beat. ALISTAIR hunches over, rolling his eyes and letting out a deep sigh.

MONICA [V.O.]
I’m thinking of coming down some time soon.

ALISTAIR blinks, glancing over at THE GIRL.

ALISTAIR
Oh…?

MONICA [V.O.]
Your father said you had a little performance thing coming up. Since I’ve missed a lot of them, I thought I could come see this one.

ALISTAIR
I-- I mean, you don't have to. It's not a big deal.

Silence. ALISTAIR awkwardly coughs.

ALISTAIR
I mean, you can, but--

MONICA [V.O.]
I thought you’d be a little more excited.

He sarcastically laughs, making eye contact with THE GIRL.

ALISTAIR
Sorry for not jumping up and down in anticipation.

MONICA [V.O.]
Watch your tone, missy.

ALISTAIR sits up quickly.

MONICA [V.O.]
Sorry, honey, I--

ALISTAIR
I have to go, Mum. I have exams and stuff.

MONICA [V.O.]
Okay. Good luck.

ALISTAIR
Yeah, bye.

He quickly hangs up, putting his phone face down on his bed. He takes a deep breath and stares down at the laptop, THE GIRL takes it from him and begins to scroll and screenshot for him as he stares ahead - "Mama" by My Chemical Romance beginning to play.

ALISTAIR
Mama, we all go to hell
Mama, we all go to hell
I'm writing this letter and wishing you well
Mama, we all go to hell

The song stays quiet and acoustic as ALISTAIR looks up into the camera.

ALISTAIR
Oh well, now, Mama, we're all gonna die
Mama, we're all gonna die

He rolls his eyes, looking away and taking out ELEANOR's phone, beginning to read through her messages and screenshot them.

ALISTAIR
Stop asking me questions, I'd hate to see you cry
Mama, we're all gonna die

He and THE GIRL slowly look over to one another, beginning to smile.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
And when you go, don't return to me, my love

She pats his face as they swap electronics, ALISTAIR taking the laptop and THE GIRL taking the phone and both of them continuing to work.

ALISTAIR
Mama, we're all full of lies
Mama, we're meant for the flies
And right now, they're building a coffin your size
Mama, we're all full of lies

ALISTAIR slides the laptop back over to THE GIRL - she looks at him, confused, as he stands up properly, taking his camera from his desk and looking through it.

ALISTAIR
Well, mother, what the war did to my legs and to my tongue
You should've raised a baby girl, I should've been a better son

He holds the camera up high, delicately balanced on his hand - as much a part of him as his skin.

ALISTAIR
If you could coddle the infection, they can amputate at once
You should've been, I could have been a better son

He sits down on his desk chair opposite THE GIRL, both of them looking each other in the eyes, as we see the emails from LOUISE's laptop projected onto them, being scrolled down and screenshotted.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
And when we go, don't blame us, yeah
We'll let the fires just bathe us, yeah
You made us oh, so famous
We'll never let you go

ALISTAIR looks over at the wall, where the emails are being projected, analysing them, seeing the words for what they truly are - cruel and harmful.

ALISTAIR
She said, "You ain't no son of mine
For what you've done, they're gonna find
A place for you and just you mind your manners when you go
And when you go, don't return to me, my love," that's right!

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL stand up opposite each other, staring at each other with haunting smiles, the emails turning their faces deadly pale.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Mama, we all go to hell
Mama, we all go to hell
It's really quite pleasant, except for the smell
Mama, we all go to hell

He and THE GIRL aggressively rock back and forth, screaming and pulling at each other - almost murder, almost a hug.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Mama! Mama! Mama! Oh!
Mama! Mama! Mama!

ALISTAIR takes a gasp of a breath, the song suddenly stopping as THE GIRL frowns at an email, confused.

THE GIRL
She said here the idea of allowing a wheelchair user to attend Spotlight was chimerical. What does that even mean?

ALISTAIR breathes heavily, looking down at ELEANOR's phone, at the lock screen, which is a picture of ELEANOR as other music begins to play - "The I Love You Song" from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

ALISTAIR
Unreal. Magical. Visionary. Wildly fanciful or highly unrealistic…

He looks off into the distance, his eyes unfocusing as we transition to:

INT. LIVING ROOM, MONICA'S HOUSE

It's just as it looked the last time we saw it - only dreamier and a lot less real. ALISTAIR stands in the middle of the room, THE GIRL next to him.

THE GIRL
Ooh

ALISTAIR blinks, stimming with his hands as he looks around the empty room.

LOUISE
We always knew you were a winner

ALISTAIR jumps, surprised, turning around to see LOUISE standing behind him with a kind smile.

LOUISE
We saw it when you smiled
Start from the beginning
When you were a beginner
You were the perfect child

Her smiles turns sad as ALISTAIR nervously looks away, pulling at the cuffs of his sleeves, as MONICA walks in the other door behind him.

MONICA
We always knew
We always knew
You were a champion
Your sadness filled my room

She frowns at him, ALISTAIR looking shamefully down at his feet - THE GIRL watching, with a similar frown of confusion and sadness.

MONICA
Dear, if you should feel my gloom
Blame it on me
Blame it on your Dad-ily and Mam-ily
‘Cause depression runs in our family

ALISTAIR nods in begrudging agreement as MONICA moves to the middle of the room, standing behind ALISTAIR as he looks at her and LOUISE in the mirror.

LOUISE and MONICA
I love you
I love you
I love everything about you dear
And I swear it’s true
I love you

ELEANOR comes in the same door MONICA came through, meeting ALISTAIR's eyes in the mirror.

ELEANOR
I love you

ALISTAIR sighs, quietly rolling his eyes at himself.

ALISTAIR
And Ellie says

MONICA, LOUISE and ELEANOR
I love you
I love everything about you babe
And I swear it’s true
I love you

Their voices fade out as THE GIRL looks up at him, and ALISTAIR looks around the room, at the minimalistic decor and the lack of family pictures, and picks an envelope off of the table in front of him - written in messy, childish handwriting, addressed to MONICA.

ALISTAIR
I wrote you a letter
How I found Brighton such fun
Mama, Mama, Mama
But you didn’t react

He takes a deep, shaky breath, placing it back on the table in front of him - all eyes still on him.

ALISTAIR
And you never asked me
If I’d stay with you back in London
Mama, Mama, Mama
Half of my things went unpacked

He looks down behind the nearby sofa - at a child's shoe stuck underneath. He shakes himself, standing back up straight as THE GIRL looks up at him with wide eyes.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
When am I returning?
I know you agreed
Tell me what you’re learning
Ma, I have, Oh God, this need

THE GIRL takes his hand, holding it tightly as ALISTAIR breathes heavily, deeply afraid as he looks up into the mirror to look at MONICA, but she isn't looking back at him.

ALISTAIR
I think I am angry, Ma
And I do not know what to do
Mama, Mama, Mama
Take a deep breath, let go

He breathes in and out, looking at ELEANOR in the mirror as she looks at LOUISE - THE GIRL still holding his hand.

ALISTAIR
I think she takes out on me
What she wants to take out on you
Mama, Mama, Mama

He flinches, hunching over and looking down at his feet - all of a sudden, very much a child.

ALISTAIR
How I wish I was home
How I wish I was home
How I wish I was
Wish I was home

He looks around, beginning to frown in confusion, as we pan out from focusing on the five of them to see that:

INT. STAGE, THEATRE

The living room was actually a set on a stage. The audience is empty, but all five of them are looking out to it - right where the mirror should be.

MONICA and LOUISE
We always knew you were a winner

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
How I wish I was home

MONICA
A bathing beauty, you

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
How I wish I was
How I wish I was home

ALISTAIR looks over at THE GIRL, who's closed her eyes, looking down at the ground, as LOUISE and MONICA smile towards their children - ALISTAIR and ELEANOR still looking deeply distressed.

LOUISE
God, we love the way you grew
Since you were born

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
How I wish I was
How I wish I was home

MONICA
Darling, we couldn’t be prouder

ALISTAIR and ELEANOR
Mama, Mama, Mama
How I wish you were home

MONICA and LOUISE
Please let me say it
One time louder

All four of them come together in beautiful harmony, ALISTAIR closing his eyes tightly as MONICA, LOUISE and ELEANOR step towards him.

MONICA, LOUISE, ELEANOR and ALISTAIR
I love you
I love you
I love everything about you dear
And I swear it ’s true
I love you

THE GIRL holds on tighter to ALISTAIR's hand, opening her eyes as she sing louder.

MONICA, LOUISE, ELEANOR, ALISTAIR and (THE GIRL)
(Mama)
I love you
(I love you, Mama)
I love you
I love everything about you dear
(Mama
Mama)

MONICA, LOUISE and ELEANOR
And maybe it’s true
I love

The three of them stand next to ALISTAIR and THE GIRL as they take a step away from them, towards the end of the stage.

THE GIRL
Chimerical. Highly unrealistic, wildly fanciful.

They all take a deep breath in.

MONICA, LOUISE, ELEANOR, THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
I love you

The lights come down on the stage, submerging it into completely darkness - and when the lights come back up, ALISTAIR and THE GIRL are alone, and there's no set behind them. They look out at the audience of depressed SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS.

THE GIRL
Look. Look at how unloved they are. Who do you think’s gonna fix it? Fucking Kevin?

ALISTAIR snorts, shaking his head. THE GIRL smiles, pleased with herself, placing her hand on his shoulder, both of them looking out into the depressing sea of people as "The Pitiful Children" from Be More Chill begins to play.

THE GIRL
You were always quite the loser, Alistair

ALISTAIR nods in agreement as THE GIRL laughs.

THE GIRL
Then I invaded
And you upgraded
Ba-da-ba-ba

She shimmies, both of them sharing a laugh, as they begin to move about the stage.

THE GIRL
Woah
Alistair, it's true that I found you
But look around you
Woah
All your peers are just so incomplete

ALISTAIR looks down at the sad faces of the LAD SQUAD, the GIRL SQUAD, the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD, hundreds of children. He frowns, completely empathetic.

THE GIRL
You can't see it, but they're all in pain
Their operating system's obsolete
So let's complete the chains
And get inside those brains

She jumps down onto the audience floor, the AUDIENCE standing up to match her.

THE GIRL and (AUDIENCE)
Let's save the pitiful children
(Woah)
Let's save the pitiful children
(Woah)
Let's teach the pitiful children, who just haven't a clue
Just what to do
Help them to help you

ALISTAIR nods, jumping down to join her.

ALISTAIR
Ah, yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah!

They share a laugh and a high five, beginning to walk .

THE GIRL
Can you see the vision clearly, Alistair?
Users embracing and interfacing

ALISTAIR
Beep boop beep boop

THE GIRL
Shiny, happy people singing sweetly

The audience all begin to sway in perfect unison, looking up at the stage with identical smiles - as LOUISE's emails are, once again, projected onto the back of the stage.

AUDIENCE
Yeah

THE GIRL
Gone is human error and fear

AUDIENCE
Beep bop boo beep bop boo beep bop boo beep

THE GIRL
Every issue tucked away so neatly
If you feel a sob or tear
Just turn that knob, and switch that gear

ALISTAIR smiles, looking around in wonder and amazement at the smiling faces.

THE GIRL and (ALISTAIR)
Let's save the pitiful children
(Yeah)
Let's save the pitiful children
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!)

THE GIRL holds her arms out in pride as they look around at the audience.

THE GIRL
Let's teach the pitiful children
Who just haven't a clue
Just what to do
Help them and soon this will be you

The surrounding audience begin to dance together, quick and mechanical as THE GIRL and ALISTAIR looks around, delightedly directing them.

ALL
Let's save the pitiful children

THE GIRL
Rap beep beep bop

ALL
Let's save the pitiful children

ALISTAIR slings his arm around THE GIRL's shoulder, hugging her tightly as they laugh, looking up at the emails projected onto the stage.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
Re bop bo beep bop bo beep bop bo

ALL
Let's teach the pitiful children, who haven't a clue

THE GIRL
If that's what we do
If that's what we do
Then

ALISTAIR is surrounded by people, all smiling, completely adoring him. He grins, overwhelmed in the best way as THE GIRL is lifted up by various AUDIENCE MEMBERS, shining over them.

THE GIRL and (AUDIENCE)
Everything about us is going to be wonderful
(We love everything about you)
Everything about us is going to be so alive
(We could never live without you)

THE GIRL
You won't feel left out or unsure

THE GIRL and AUDIENCE
Not pitiful children anymore

THE GIRL reaches out and holds ALISTAIR's hand as they are both lifted up onto the stage and look out over their empire.

THE GIRL and AUDIENCE
'Cause
Everything about you is going to be cool
When... we... rule!

She holds his hand above their heads, like he’s the winner of a wrestling match. He grins, as a desk is rolled out in front of them from off-stage - and ALISTAIR sits down at it, beginning to type quickly, and we see the document being titled "EXPOSING SPOTLIGHT ACADEMY".

Chapter 5: CLIP FIVE: "Burn"

Chapter Text

THURSDAY, MAY 20TH, 22:00

INT. ALISTAIR’S BEDROOM, ALISTAIR’S HOUSE

THE GIRL lies asleep in his bed, all tucked up, as ALISTAIR sits on his desk chair, spinning from side to side as he types quickly on LOUISE’s laptop, gloves on.

“As seen in this series of emails, Ms Early has repeatedly refused services and assistance to parents and children of colour, based purely on skin tone and non-European names. She has also demonstrated racism in her casting choices, as shown in her attempting to perform Miss Saigon with an all white cast, and her previous mostly white productions of Legally Blonde, Hairspray and Bring It On (production images shown below).”

He inserts such production images and emails, and we see that he’s on his 30th page of this essay. As he scrolls through his files, he passes a screenshot clearly from ELEANOR's phone - a candid picture of ALISTAIR taken from behind, posted on her public story, with the caption "always giving my baby attention <3". ALISTAIR, looking down at the photograph, is disgusted.

He takes a deep breath, and keeps on typing - as "All That's Known" from Spring Awakening begins to play.

VOICES [V.O.]
Litora, multum ille et terris iactatus et alto
Vi superum, saevae memorem Iunonis ob iram
Multa quoque et bello passus, dum conderet urbem
Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris
Italiam fato profugus Laviniaque venit…

ALISTAIR keeps typing at a rapid pace, his eyes wide, his face pure white in the laptop screen light.

ALISTAIR
All that's known in History, in Science
Overthrown at school, at home, by blind men
You doubt them, and soon they bark and hound you
'Til everything you say is just another bad about you
All they say is "trust in what is written."

He rolls his eyes as he pastes in emails showing LOUISE dodging her taxes.

ALISTAIR
Wars are made, and somehow that is wisdom
Thought is suspect, and money is their idol
And nothing is okay unless it's scripted in their Bible

He sighs, taking a break and stretching out his hands and wrists, taking a sip of dusty water.

ALISTAIR
But I know there's so much more to find
Just in looking through myself, and not at them
Still, I know to trust my own true mind
And to say, "There's a way through this"

He takes a moment to himself, breathing in, and then goes back to pasting, more and more cropped screenshots of emails.

ALISTAIR
On I go, to wonder and to learning
Name the stars and know their dark returning
I'm calling, to know the world's true yearning
The hunger that a child feels for everything they're shown

ALISTAIR takes a breath, looking into the taped up webcam, as we pan around the back of his head and back to his face.

ALISTAIR
You watch me
Just watch me
I'm calling, and one day all will know
You watch me
Just watch me
I'm calling
I'm calling, and one day all will know

The song fades out to silence as he stares ahead at the laptop, nervously stimming with his hands, when suddenly:

THE GIRL [O.S.]
Okay, you need help.

ALISTAIR jumps, turning around to see her standing behind him.

THE GIRL
Here, let me.

She takes the laptop from him, he blinks, surprised, and she begins to type quickly as a SHADOW PERSON materialises in the dark - "Sincerely Me" from Dear Evan Hansen beginning to play.

SHADOW
Dear Spotlight PAA
We've been way too out of touch
Shit has been crazy
And it sucks that we don't talk that much
But I should tell you that I think of you each night
I stab my wrists and start laughing with delight

ALISTAIR quickly tilts the laptop screen down to look at THE GIRL in upset bewilderment.

ALISTAIR
Why would you write that?

THE GIRL
I'm just trying to tell the truth.

ALISTAIR
If you’re not gonna take this seriously--

THE GIRL rolls her eyes, scoffing.

THE GIRL
You need to calm yourself.

ALISTAIR sighs and sits next to her, beginning to type with her.

ALISTAIR
Let’s go back.

SHADOW
I've gotta tell you, finding this stuff has been hard

THE GIRL
Hard?

SHADOW
Has been bad

THE GIRL
Bad?

SHADOW and ALISTAIR
Has been rough

THE GIRL gives him an extremely disgusted look - ALISTAIR sighs, nodding at the SHADOW to go on.

SHADOW
And someone needs to call out the racism and other stuff

THE GIRL
[sarcastic] Very specific.

ALISTAIR
Shut up!

SHADOW
I don’t like racism

THE GIRL looks at ALISTAIR in bewilderment.

THE GIRL
Who says that?

SHADOW
I despise racism
But this shit’s just out of whack
If you keep this up
The police will be on your back

THE GIRL
The police?

ALISTAIR
I couldn’t think of anyone else!

SHADOW
God will be on your back

ALISTAIR
God?!

He turns to THE GIRL with wide eyes, but she just casually shrugs as they continue:

SHADOW
People will be on your back
And things won’t be alright
So take my advice
Try to be more nice
You can turn it around
Wait and see

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR type quickly, very serious, as the SHADOW does a little dance to itself, very amused.

SHADOW
'Cause all that it takes is a little reinvention
It’s easy to change if you give it your attention
All you gotta do is just believe you can be who you want to be
Sincerely, Me

THE GIRL yawns loudly, stretching.

THE GIRL
Are we done yet?

ALISTAIR
No. We have so much more we need to do.

THE GIRL
Please stop hyperventilating.

ALISTAIR
I’m not hyperventilating.

He clearly is.

THE GIRL
Do you need a paper bag?

ALISTAIR
[yells] I’m not hyperventilating!

ALISTAIR stands up, smiling pleasantly at the SHADOW.

ALISTAIR
Dear Louise Early,
I know you love to ignore children
But they’re doing drugs
And there are all sorts of messes they are in
I'm sending pictures of the most strangest things
I didn’t know you could smoke weed at the same time as drinking

THE GIRL cackles in the background as ALISTAIR inserts photographs of the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD and various SPOTLIGHT SENIORS doing drugs and drinking at parties - all taken from his camera.

ALISTAIR
I’m sure you’re so proud
Of how these kids turned out
Can’t turn this around
I can see

SHADOW
Just wait and see!

ALISTAIR and the SHADOW start to do a little dance together, THE GIRL rolling her eyes and ignoring them.

ALISTAIR and SHADOW
'Cause all that it takes is a little reinvention
It’s easy to change if you give it your attention
All you gotta do is just believe you can be who you want to be
Sincerely, Me

SHADOW
Your daughter's hot

ALISTAIR turns to THE GIRL, dead pan.

ALISTAIR
What the fuck?

THE GIRL
[cackling] My bad.

SHADOW
Dear Spotlight Academy,
Here’s every racist email that you’ve sent

ALISTAIR
Dear Spotlight Academy,
Here’s what your microaggression meant

Paragraph after paragraph pour onto the laptop.

ALISTAIR and SHADOW
This bullshit goes beyond
Your average kind of con

ALISTAIR
But not because you’re special

SHADOW
No, not because you’re special

ALISTAIR and SHADOW
Your bigotry is surprisingly average
And that is seriously terrifying

A long beat of silence.

THE GIRL
Well anyway!

ALISTAIR
You're getting worse every day

SHADOW
You’re getting worse every day

ALISTAIR and SHADOW
But this gets better every day

THE GIRL puts the laptop down and begins to dance with the two of them, having a grand old time.

ALISTAIR, THE GIRL and SHADOW
Hey hey hey hey!
'Cause all that it takes is a little reinvention
It’s easy to change if you give it your attention
All you gotta do is just believe you can be who you want to be
Sincerely

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Fuck you dearly

They high five precisely on beat with the song.

ALISTAIR, THE GIRL and SHADOW
Sincerely, Me

ALISTAIR
Sincerely, Me

ALISTAIR, THE GIRL and SHADOW
Sincerely, Me
Sincerely, Me

The SHADOW and THE GIRL evaporate as ALISTAIR sits back down at his desk and finishes off with typing: “What I want from you is simple. For you learn from your mistakes and become better people, because if you don't, I don't think your company will continue to be so successful. Also, it would also be nice if you stopped lying about being a “safe space” when here is obvious proof of you creating an environment of bigotry, dangerous activity and mistreatment of students and teachers in your academy. Have a nice day. Sincerely, Me.”.

He begins to scroll up, back to the top, and slowly scrolls down through videos from his camera, photos and screenshots from ELEANOR’s phone and screenshots from LOUISE’s laptop, with text by him scattered throughout. He slowly smiles, and hits save.

"World Burn" from Mean Girls begins to play as he smiles to himself, rubbing his eyes and taking a big drink of water.

ALISTAIR
My name's Alistair Fletcher
And I am a massive deal
I will grind you to sand
Beneath your own damn heel

He laughs to himself, opening Spotlight PAA’s website on LOUISE’s laptop.

ALISTAIR
This is what you get for helping
Helping someone lame fit in
Spotlight Academy
Enjoy your temporary win

He laughs, and goes into the site’s settings, selecting the “edit” option.

ALISTAIR
My name's Alistair Fletcher
“Alistair's an attention whore.”
Hey everybody
Are ya ready for more?

He edits the front page to be nothing but his essay, with the pictures and videos fully functional.

ALISTAIR
I wanna watch the world burn
I got the gasoline
I wanna watch the world burn
And everyone say what they mean

He laughs, opening LOUISE’s email contacts and selecting them all. He drafts an email that’s just a link to the site and sends it.

ALISTAIR
I wanna watch the world burn
I got the gasoline
I wanna watch the world burn
And everyone say what they mean

He takes out ELEANOR’s phone and sends a message to all of her contacts - just the link to the website. He smiles, going onto her Instagram, Twitter and TikTok and sending the link out there as well.

ALISTAIR
Ellie, time to watch your back
Louise, time to turn and cough
Because you took me down
But you didn’t finish me off

He stands up, setting the electronics down and brushing himself off. When he turns around, he’s changed from dirty pyjamas into a clean and beautiful recreation of the iconic “World Burn” outfit, a bright red 'A' necklace hanging over his heart. As he steps back from the camera, he’s gone from his bedroom to:

INT. HALLWAY, BACA

ALISTAIR keeps stepping backwards, a large stack of papers bearing his essay in his hands.

ALISTAIR
My name's Alistair Fletcher
And in case you’re keeping score
Spotlight may have won the battle
But I will win the war, for

He throws the papers up in the air, laughing.

ALISTAIR
I wanna watch the world burn

VOICES [V.O.]
Brooks Davis is a nasty biotch!

He pulls some matches out of his pocket, looking around in amusement.

ALISTAIR
I brought the gasoline

VOICES [V.O]
Kevin Early's a drug pusher!

ALISTAIR
I wanna make the world burn

VOICES [V.O.]
Kayla Hart is so fake woke!
Alistair's an attention whore
Alistair's an attention whore

ALISTAIR rolls his eyes and lights up a match - and throws it onto the papers on the floor, igniting the entire hallway in flames that rain down over him.

ALISTAIR
And you can quote this
Woah-oh-oh!

ALISTAIR walks down the hallway slowly, as if in slow motion, but he keeps singing.

ALISTAIR
I wanna watch the world burn
I got the gasoline!
I wanna watch the world burn
And everyone say what they
Mean

He looks around as the flames start to lick at his feet.

ALISTAIR
Mean

He laughs, crouching down and holding his arms closely over the fire, almost burning his skin.

ALISTAIR
Mean!

He shoots back up, walking back down the hallway, a spring in his step as the windows fill up with smoke.

ALISTAIR
I wanna watch the world burn
I wanna make the world turn
So mean!

His arms fan out in a circle, the fire sparking up behind him as he looks into the camera.

ALISTAIR
I wanna watch the world burn!

He laughs and sits back down:

INT. ALISTAIR’S BEDROOM

He lands in his desk chair, back in his old pyjamas, but the smile stays on his face as he stares at the laptop, his leg aggressively bouncing as he refreshes the website displaying his essay. And again. And again. And again. His smile never drops.

Chapter 6: CLIP SIX: "Best Laid Plans Astray"

Notes:

as stated in the tags, trigger warning for discussion of suicide and self harm in this clip - to skip that part, you can stop reading from when eleanor enters to when she goes away.
and a trigger warning for panic attacks/dissociation from when eleanor goes away to the end of the clip.
if any of these things trigger you and you would like to know what happens, you can send me an ask/message on tumblr @yououghtaknowmp3 and i can tell you

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

FRIDAY, MAY 21ST, 08:45

"The Smartphone Hour (Rich Set A Fire)" from Be More Chill begins to play as we pan around the city, coming alive in the morning, before settling on ALISTAIR's house.

INT. ALISTAIR'S BEDROOM, ALISTAIR'S HOUSE

ALISTAIR is in the middle of tying his shoes, THE GIRL sitting next to him with a big smile, as we see his phone vibrate - and KAYLA appears in the room.

KAYLA
OMG, Al, answer me
Ah, wait until I tell you what I heard!
It's too fucked to type, this shit is ripe
Call back, I'll yell you every word

ALISTAIR sighs and picks up his phone, looking down at it and groaning.

ALISTAIR
Kayla Hart calling
Ugh, Kayla Hart calling…
Kayla Hart calling…

THE GIRL gives him a look and he answers the call.

ALISTAIR
Hey!

KAYLA
Oh my God, oh my God
Okay, so!
Sometime in the middle of the night
Like, last night, middle of the night
Were you online?

ALISTAIR
I was on my bed?

KAYLA ignores that, talking into her own phone as the hallucination of her paces around the room.

KAYLA
So I’m feeling hazy, looking at Insta
Then I see something that I shouldn’t have

ALISTAIR
You’ve gotta learn to handle your high
Shouldn't drink so much for a small guy

KAYLA nods in complete agreement.

KAYLA
Right, but, I wasn't drunk

ALISTAIR
The hell are you saying, Kayla?

KAYLA
Yo, I wasn't drunk!

ALISTAIR looks over at THE GIRL, smiling with excitement.

ALISTAIR
The hell are you saying, Kayla?

KAYLA
No! Because I heard from Hayley Grange
That Spotlight posted something strange
Which means that you can't blame the things I saw on alcohol
It's just so terrible, I don't want to relive it all

She sniffs, wiping away fake tears, as she then turns to ALISTAIR with a smile.

KAYLA
But do you want me to show you?

ALISTAIR
Spit it out! Spit it out!

KAYLA
You really want me to tell you?

THE GIRL grabs ALISTAIR's arm, shaking with excitement as he rolls his eyes at KAYLA.

ALISTAIR
Spit it out! Spit it out!

KAYLA
I'll show you 'cause you are my closest friend!

ALISTAIR frowns in confusion.

ALISTAIR
No I'm not?

KAYLA
Yeah, I know
But here’s all the screenshot I took and send

KAYLA sends a screenshot the Spotlight website, where ALISTAIR's essay is up in full view - ALISTAIR and THE GIRL are overjoyed.

KAYLA
Someone hacked the website and they know all our shit!
Woah
Someone broke the firewall and exposed all our shit!
Woah
I thought I was dreaming
I swear that I screaming!
When someone set a fire and they fucked up our shit
When someone set a fire and they fucked up our shit

KAYLA hangs up and disappears from view as ALISTAIR and THE GIRL share a laugh - and BROOKS appears, also on his phone.

BROOKS
Hey Al, it’s Brooks, answer me
Look, wait until I tell you what I saw!

ALISTAIR looks down at his phone, where BROOKS is calling him.

ALISTAIR
Ignore

THE GIRL nods in agreement.

BROOKS
And also space and frowny face
I had no idea about you and Ellie and I don’t want to come between you
Let’s not let this stupid drama get between our friendship, okay?
Smiley face, lipstick, kitty paw

ALISTAIR looks down at the text in confusion, and then answers BROOKS's next call.

ALISTAIR
Hey

BROOKS
We cool?

ALISTAIR looks at THE GIRL, completely baffled.

ALISTAIR
We are?

BROOKS
Okay, so!
Seeing as you just got up
Have you checked the group chat?

ALISTAIR
No, I was sleeping

THE GIRL snorts.

BROOKS
So they’re all acting weird and I was frightened
'Cause I feared their states was heightened

ALISTAIR frowns, confused, but keeps nodding - just going along with it.

ALISTAIR
They’ve gotta learn to not really smoke a lot
You shouldn't get so high on a Friday

ALISTAIR and BROOKS
They’ve gotta learn to not really smoke a lot
You shouldn't get so high on a Friday

BROOKS
Right, but, no one was high!
So you can't blame the things they sent on pot
It's just so awful, so I'll talk about it a lot

BROOKS holds up his phone, where the Spotlight website is on it, the essay in full view.

BROOKS
Someone broke the firewall and exposed all our shit!
Woah
I thought I was dreaming
I swear that I screaming!
When someone set a fire and they fucked up our shit
When someone set a fire and they fucked up our shit

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL exchange a look, as they stand up - and we transition to:

INT. STAGE, SALLIS BENNEY THEATRE

The SPOTLIGHT SQUAD and various SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS are on the stage, dancing, as ALISTAIR and THE GIRL stand at the front, having the time of their lives.

ALISTAIR
Hey, everybody! Have you heard?
Someone set a fire, now go send the word!

Every SPOTLIGHT STUDENT holds up their shining phones, as ALISTAIR smiles, very proud of himself.

KEVIN and (SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS)
Sending a text (Text!)
Sending a tweet (Tweet!)
Sending a text (Text!)
Tweet (Tweet!)

SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Release the information, step, and repeat!

ELEANOR and (SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS)
I'll spread the word! (Word!)
That we are flecked (Flecked?)

The SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all give her a confused look.

ELEANOR and (SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS)
No, I meant fucked
Did I say 'flecked'?
Sorry guys, that's just my auto-correct
(Always be aware of auto-correct!)

ALISTAIR rolls his eyes, stepping back with THE GIRL to watch the SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all holding on tightly to their phones.

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Text, post, text, tweet
Can't you see?
Just how much I care about this tragedy
Change my profile pic to you
Now I full understand what you're going through

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL exchange a look as the SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all continue on, completely genuine in their words:

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Text, post, text, tweet
It's a shame
I added your trending hashtag to my Twitter name
Text, post, text, tweet
Can't you see?
Just how much I love your tragedy

The SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all burst into an overenthusiastic dance, and ALISTAIR and THE GIRL jump up and join in - a lot more genuinely happy than the SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Ready? Okay
Here we go!

The SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all look deeply distressed as ALISTAIR and THE GIRL grin widely.

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Someone set a fire and they fucked up our shit!
Woah
Someone set a fire and they fucked up our shit!
It was so terribly gory
I got the whole bloody story
Yeah, I wasn't quite there
But I know what happened I swear!

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL look at each other, sharing a secretively smile.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
When I set a fire and I burned their house down
When I set a fire and I levelled the town

The SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all quickly begin to type on their phones, glancing around at one another.

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Someone set a fire, but it’s all just made up
Someone set a fire, and we’re totally fucked
Someone set a fire, they must be fucked in the head
Someone set a fire, so we’re totally dead
Someone set a fire and they burned down the house!

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL laugh together, joyously dancing as the SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS stressfully look around.

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS, ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Burned it down! (Woah)
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Did ya hear? Did ya hear?
Burned it down! (Woah)
Did ya hear? Did ya hear?
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Burned it down! (Woah)
Did ya hear? Did ya hear?

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL step to the front of the stage.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
That I set a fire and I burned down the...
I set a fire and I burned down the...
I set a fire and I burned down the house

ALISTAIR looks around at the SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS behind him.

ALISTAIR
If you all care so much, why don’t you make some donations?

The SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS all quickly shake their heads, making various excuses.

ALL SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
Someone set a fire and they burned down the house!
Send!
End!

They end in a big dramatic pose, as ALISTAIR and THE GIRL laugh, and we transition to:

EXT. STREETS, BRIGHTON

"DONTTRUSTME" by 3OH!3 begins to play as we see ALISTAIR walking in slow motion down the street, his headphones on with a quiet, confident smile.

It's a perfectly normal, sunny day - and he's just another person walking to school, THE GIRL next to him. He keeps looking over at her, unable to stop himself from smiling as THE GIRL brushes him down, helping him look as presentable as possible.

EXT. ENTRANCE, BACA

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL take deep breaths as they prepare - both putting on their bright, innocent smiles as they walk up towards the entrance of the school in slow motion as the chorus hits. KAYLA, BROOKS, DESTINY and KEVIN sit at a bench together, all quietly chattering, clearly troubled. ALISTAIR walks up to them, everything returning to normal speed as the song fades away to silence.

ALISTAIR
Hey guys.

DESTINY
Have you seen this?

She holds her phone up, showing Spotlight’s website - ALISTAIR pretends to look shocked and surprised.

ALISTAIR
Oh my God, yeah.

DESTINY
They posted all of this mean stuff about us. All of us. There's shots of underage kids drinking at my dad's club... He's already got a phone call from the police.

ALISTAIR's fake shock turns to real shock as he glances over at THE GIRL, who shrugs. KAYLA scrolls down, playing a silent video of a group of students in Spotlight jackets drinking and smoking.

KEVIN
My dad’s gonna fucking kill me.

ALISTAIR frowns, confused, pointing at KAYLA's phone.

ALISTAIR
That's-- That's from my camera.

He looks around, perfectly heartbroken - because a part of him is.

ALISTAIR
Who would do that?

KEVIN
I don't know.

KAYLA keeps scrolling down, ALISTAIR pretending to pay close attention.

KAYLA
I mean, there’s so much here. So many fucking emails. They must be fake, all back-dated and shit. There's just too many of them to be real.

DESTINY
That's what Louise said. She's still trying to take it down.

BROOKS
They even posted shit from our private text messages and conversations. I've had five different people DM'ing me about "being racist". Someone must’ve hacked into our Instagrams or something, because they found the Ellie group chat.

KAYLA
Yeah, it was from my cosplay account. I don’t know how they would’ve guessed the password, it’s really complicated.

THE GIRL squints at her.

THE GIRL
It’s your girlfriend’s name, it's not the Da Vinci code.

ALISTAIR gives her a glare, as if to say “shut up”, as he turns back to them, nervously stimming with his hands.

ALISTAIR
Shit. But how would they even get that?

They all ignore him, going on:

KEVIN
Even the screenshots were from last year and random recordings of conversations. Like, who does that?

ALISTAIR
That's so weird...

DESTINY looks up at him, looking just as nervous as he is.

DESTINY
Al, could I have a word?

ALISTAIR
Yeah, totally.

She gets up and they walk off together, to a more secluded area, as DESTINY quickly scrolls through her phone.

ALISTAIR
What's wrong?

DESTINY
Just... I was reading the essay thing on the website and I noticed this.

She holds her phone up, showing a quote credited to her. ALISTAIR frowns, confused.

ALISTAIR
It's... something you said?

DESTINY
I didn't say it. I wrote it. Like, two years ago. For an essay project that you started.

ALISTAIR blinks rapidly, beginning to panic, as THE GIRL's eyes go wide.

THE GIRL
Oh shit.

DESTINY
Only one other person in the world has access to the document I wrote this on.

ALISTAIR
I don't know what you're implying--

DESTINY
I won't tell anyone, Al.

ALISTAIR quickly laughs, shaking his head.

ALISTAIR
It wasn't me.

DESTINY
Fine. But the next time you try to pull shit like this - tell me. Because I want Spotlight to own up to their mistakes as much as the next person, but I would do it without putting the people you're trying to help at risk.

ALISTAIR steps back as he backtracks:

ALISTAIR
Why would I do anything like that? Why would I pretend to steal my own camera? I mean, that's...

DESTINY
You're a terrible liar under pressure, you know that, right?

ALISTAIR awkwardly laughs, ignoring her gaze - as he looks to the school gate to see ELEANOR walking onto the school grounds in an oversized hoodie, her eyes red. ALISTAIR’s face falls as he immediately clears his throat, beginning to move away.

ALISTAIR
I gotta go.

He begins to walk over to her, and the second she sees him, she turns and quickly runs away - ALISTAIR follows quickly, avoiding bumping into other STUDENTS.

EXT. BIKE SHED

ALISTAIR comes around a corner to see no one around - only to hear sobbing from inside a bike shed. He frowns, at first confused, and then deeply sad.

ALISTAIR
Hey. It’s me. Are… What’s going on, El?

Music begins to play - "Legally Blonde" from Legally Blonde - as ALISTAIR steps up to the door of the shed.

ELEANOR [O.S.]
Thanks for your help and for all you've done
Thank you for treating me decently

ALISTAIR
What's wrong?

ELEANOR [O.S.]
Maybe some day you can visit me
Give me a call, say "hello"

ALISTAIR looks to the side of the shed - there's no other door.

ALISTAIR
Wait, where are you going?

ELEANOR [O.S.]
Sorry I'm letting down everyone

ALISTAIR
What brought on this?

ELEANOR [O.S.]
You did your best with a hopeless case

ALISTAIR
That's ludicrous

ELEANOR [O.S.] and ALISTAIR
You are the best thing about this place

ALISTAIR takes a nervous breath, looking around fearfully.

ALISTAIR
El, you should know--

ELEANOR [O.S.]
I almost killed myself last night.

ALISTAIR's face drops. He shakily breathes, holding on tightly to the door - he tries to open it, but it's locked.

ALISTAIR
What?

ELEANOR [O.S.]
Someone posted all this stuff on the Spotlight website… All my friends hate me. And my mum…

She trails off, quietly sniffling.

ELEANOR [O.S.]
There’s no reason for me to stay.

ALISTAIR looks down at the ground, letting the words hang in the air for a moment. He swallows, and quietly begins to sing:

ALISTAIR
What about love?
I never mentioned love
The timing's bad, I know

He quietly laughs to himself - so deeply distraught and ashamed, on the verge of tears.

ALISTAIR
But perhaps if I'd made it more clear
That you belong right here
You wouldn't have to go
'Cause you'd know that I'm so much in love

He closes his eyes tightly, holding onto the door as we pan around to the side, looking through the wall of the bike shed to see ELEANOR on the other side, also leaning against the door, mirrored with ALISTAIR.

ELEANOR
Back to the sun
Back to the shore
Back to what I was before

ALISTAIR
Please will you open the door?

ELEANOR
Lie on the beach
Dream within reach
Don't stray beyond

ALISTAIR
We both know you're worth so much more

ELEANOR shakes her head, wiping the tears from her face.

ELEANOR
Some girls fight hard
Some face the trial
Some girls were just meant to smile

Her voice breaks as ALISTAIR delicately knocks on the door.

ALISTAIR
If you can hear
Can I just say how much I want you to stay

ELEANOR
It's not up to me
Just let me be
Legally blonde

ALISTAIR takes a breath - trying not to beg, but he has no other option.

ALISTAIR
I need you to stay

ELEANOR
It's not up to me
Just let me be
Legally blonde

A long moment of silence. ALISTAIR takes a step back, taking a deep shaky breath as the shed door opens - and the second ELEANOR sees him, she runs into his arms. He instantly hugs her back, holding her tightly as she cries into his shoulder.

ELEANOR
Al.

ALISTAIR
Hey, it's okay.

She quietly sobs as he strokes her hair - unable to look at her, guilt-stricken.

ELEANOR
My mum is so pissed.

ALISTAIR glances over to THE GIRL, worried.

ALISTAIR
It's okay.

ELEANOR
She's never letting me leave the house again.

ALISTAIR
She will, she's just shocked.

She pulls away from him, wiping her eyes.

ELEANOR
I don't know what to do, I... Why would someone do this?

ALISTAIR
Breathe.

He takes in a deep breath, and lets it out. She copies him as he looks over to THE GIRL, suddenly beginning to regret anything, but she just stares back at him with a blank smile, singing acapella - "Witches in the Wood" from Blood Brothers.

THE GIRL
There's witches in the wood
And they've been watching you
They're gonna take happiness away

ELEANOR
My heart feels like it's gonna beat out of my chest.

ALISTAIR nods, completely understanding - but he isn't even looking at her, he's paying full attention to THE GIRL.

THE GIRL
There's witches in the wood
And they've been calling you:
“Can Kelly please come out and play?
Please can she come with us and play?”

ALISTAIR stiffens, going completely still as THE GIRL tilts her head at him.

ALISTAIR
Everything's gonna be fine. I promise.

ELEANOR nods, but she clearly doesn't believe him - and he can't even believe himself.

THE GIRL
Now you know the devil's got your number
You know he's gonna find you
You know he's right behind you
He's staring through your windows
He's creeping down the hall

THE GIRL trails off as ALISTAIR shakes himself, smiling down at ELEANOR.

ALISTAIR
Once we figure out who did it, they'll get caught and then everything will be okay. Louise will take care of it and you will be okay. I promise.

ELEANOR
Okay. I just don't know why someone would lie like that. Mum has never done anything bad like that - I know her.

He pats her shoulder, moving his hand down her arm, until he reaches the red scrunchie on her wrist, beginning to stim with it

ELEANOR
Ow!

ALISTAIR goes still, and slowly takes the scrunchie off - we don't see what he sees on her wrist, but we can guess. He’s breathless and terrified.

ALISTAIR
El.

He looks her in the eyes - she looks away, down at the weeds growing up the side of the shed.

ALISTAIR
You should see a doctor.

ELEANOR
I tried to message you, but you weren't answering.

ALISTAIR sharply inhales, genuinely regretful.

ALISTAIR
I… I'm so sorry. My phone's been so fucked up lately.

ELEANOR
It's not your fault.

ALISTAIR looks away, over to THE GIRL as she walks up to him, still grinning.

THE GIRL
It isn't. She did it to herself. She deserves it.

ALISTAIR looks at her, disgusted as she giggles.

THE GIRL
She's a bad person. She should get worse.

ALISTAIR blinks at her, before turning back to ELEANOR, forcing a supportive smile.

ALISTAIR
It'll be okay.

She looks past him and instantly frowns - he follows her gaze to see the rest of the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD walking towards them.

ELEANOR
What are they doing here?

ALISTAIR
Well, they go to school here.

She pushes past him, marching over to them, furious.

ELEANOR
Hey! Dickheads!

ALISTAIR looks over to THE GIRL, panicked, and they both follow her, meeting the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD in the middle.

ELEANOR
What the fuck is wrong with you guys?

KAYLA
Ellie--

ELEANOR
Don't "Ellie" me.

KAYLA looks around, clearly panicking.

KAYLA
We don't actually hate you. We were just being dramatic. Sometimes you just… need to vent.

ELEANOR rolls her eyes, laughing with rage, hot tears springing from her eyes.

ELEANOR
Fuck you guys. Seriously.

She runs into the school, covering her face with her hands as ALISTAIR stays still, starting to hyperventilate. He looks at the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD, and nervously laughs.

ALISTAIR
Forgot my bag. One sec.

He quickly runs back towards the bike shed, past it, around a corner to sit down on the ground, his back leaning against as a wall as he breathes heavily, trying to slow it down.

ALISTAIR
Shit.

THE GIRL comes around the corner, frowning at him, confused.

THE GIRL
What’s the matter? Everything went perfectly!

ALISTAIR
According to who?

He humourlessly laughs to himself, shaking his head.

ALISTAIR
All of my friends are in trouble - Destiny's dad is in trouble with the police - and everyone somehow believes it’s a big lie to attack Louise.

THE GIRL
Not everyone.

ALISTAIR
Destiny said she wouldn't tell anyone. And Ellie...

He trails off, trying to pull himself together - but his voice is shaky.

ALISTAIR
If any of them knew it was me, they would hate me.

THE GIRL
So? We don't like them.

ALISTAIR gives her a disbelieving look as she looks away.

ALISTAIR
This was a bad idea. This was… We shouldn’t have done this.

THE GIRL
But it’s what’s right.

ALISTAIR
I know, but…

He trails off, shrugging, hugging his knees to his chest.

THE GIRL
Did you do this because it’s right or because you wanted someone to pay attention to you?

ALISTAIR doesn't answer. THE GIRL laughs bitterly, shaking her head.

THE GIRL
I mean, that’s all any of them want. They complain and post and tweet whatever to look good - but they just want people to pay attention to them. If they wanted to help people, they could - but they don’t. If they wanted to call shit out, they could, with no consequences - but they don't. And you're hiding here because you're afraid of what? Hurting people? You're helping people.

ALISTAIR shakes his head, his head pressed against his knees as THE GIRL rolls her eyes.

THE GIRL
Are you really going to give up now? After everything we've done? 'Cause, if you do, I don't know what you're planning on doing. Telling everyone what we've done? Get arrested for theft, get kicked out of Spotlight and kiss uni goodbye? Or never tell anyone and keep on living this lie. Because we both know all of this isn't real.

She briefly glances into the camera, and then clears her throat, going on:

THE GIRL
I gave up everything for you, and this is how you repay me? Crying and hiding and wasting all of our hard work? I would trade places with you in a fucking heartbeat.

ALISTAIR
[quietly] I never wanted to hurt anyone.

He looks up, taking a deep breath.

ALISTAIR
I just wanted to write a happy ending for everyone, but... I'm just one person. Well, I mean...

He turns to look at THE GIRL - but there's no one there.

ALISTAIR
Oh.

He blinks and looks around - and he is, once again, completely alone. He breathes in, his body shaking, and joins his hands together.

ALISTAIR
I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned...

He hesitates for a moment, not quite remembering what comes next.

ALISTAIR
I have sinned...

He trails off to silence, letting the sentence stay for a moment. And then he realises that that's all that needs to be said - as, quietly, "Once Upon A Time" from Bare A Pop Opera begins to play.

ALISTAIR
Once upon a time
I first held your hand
And love was not a crime

He takes a breath, holding his knees tighter to his chest as he rocks back and forth, trying to calm himself.

ALISTAIR
In a private world where
You said ‘don't look down’
But then I did and now you’re lost above me

He lets out a deep breath, sitting up properly.

ALISTAIR
So much left to say
Trapped alone here
With my best laid plans astray

He looks down at his still joint hands and shakes his head, clenching them into fists.

ALISTAIR
Standing scared outside a cold church
Soul search, seeking some lost answer
From a God who loves me

He lets out a sarcastic laugh, as he slowly stands back up, looking at the sun shining through the clouds.

ALISTAIR
Can I turn to You in my need?
Would You take me back or watch me bleed?
Are You there? There at all?

He shrugs, barely able to let himself consider it as he looks at the small flowers springing up from the cracks in the concrete.

ALISTAIR
And as I fall from the person that I tried to be
Could You really love someone like me?

ALISTAIR takes a moment, breathing in deeply as he begins to pull himself back together - wiping the dirt off of himself, swallowing back the lump in his throat.

ALISTAIR
Once upon a time
All I needed was a song and rhyme
And I knew it all but
Now I know not what I do
I bow my head and turn to You

He tries to smile to himself, but the tears spring back to his eyes.

ALISTAIR
It's so hard

He quickly wipes his eyes again, as he begins to walk back the way he came, his movements mechanical - almost like he's being controlled by someone else.

EXT. ENTRANCE, BACA

ALISTAIR walks back up to the entrance of the school, where the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD are anxiously standing together. DESTINY looks at ALISTAIR, concerned, but ALISTAIR keeps his bright smile on - THE GIRL appearing next to him.

KAYLA
What… What do we do now?

ALISTAIR looks around at their devastated faces, nodding awkwardly - identical to THE GIRL next to him.

ALISTAIR
Time heals all, right?

THE GIRL quietly laughs, looking him up and down.

THE GIRL
Obviously not.

ALISTAIR ignores her.

BROOKS
Yeah. She forgave you.

ALISTAIR quickly looks over, panicked, on the defensive.

ALISTAIR
What are you talking about? I didn't do anything.

BROOKS rolls his eyes.

BROOKS
Shut up, Al. It was just a joke.

ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
No, Brooks. You shut up!

ALISTAIR looks over to her, confused.

ALISTAIR
What are you doing?

THE GIRL
I'm sticking to our plan, Alistair. Stop acting like you don’t want it.

ALISTAIR’s face goes blank.

ELEANOR [V.O.]
Stop acting like you don’t want it.

Her voice echoes throughout his mind as ALISTAIR goes perfectly still, staring blankly ahead. "Never Shut Up Again" from Heathers begins as THE GIRL smiles and mimes sliding something onto her wrist - ALISTAIR copies her every movement, putting the scrunchie on over the cuff of his shirt

DESTINY
Hey, isn’t that Ellie’s scrunchie?

THE GIRL laughs - ALISTAIR copies, but his eyes are empty, not entirely there.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
Not anymore.

The SPOTLIGHT SQUAD exchange confused looks as ALISTAIR and THE GIRL start to walk towards the entrance of the school.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
Ellie choked
Bought the farm
She could not hack it
Now we need a strong arm
To run this racket

The SPOTLIGHT SQUAD start to follow them, just going along with it, but ALISTAIR and THE GIRL keep grinning - ALISTAIR glancing around, confused.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
Ellie’s out
Who will rise?
Gotta fill that vacuum
It's my turn
It’s my prize
I spit lightning
Crack, boom!

INT. HALLWAY, BACA

They throw the doors to the school open, walking down the hallway with the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD following them dutifully.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
I bit my tongue so long
I learned to count to ten
My silence made me strong
I did my time and then
A house dropped on her head
The witch is dead! Ding dong!

THE GIRL laughs celebratorily as ALISTAIR keeps staring blankly ahead. A STUDENT passes in front of them, and THE GIRL pushes them away - ALISTAIR frowns at her, deeply concerned.

THE GIRL
Move bitch, this is my song!

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
I will never shut up again
I will never shut up again
Brand new day watching dreams come true

THE GIRL turns back to the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD with a sickly sweet smile.

THE GIRL
Well for us, not you
‘Cause I'll never shut up again

She laughs, as she begins to direct the STUDENTS in the hallway, the SPOTLIGHT SQUAD and ALISTAIR into a dance, all of them smiling. ALISTAIR glances around, worried and concerned, but he can’t make himself run away.

THE GIRL
Girls like me don't climb high
Can't crack that ceiling
But now I scrape the sky
It's you who's kneeling

She stands in front of ALISTAIR, stroking his face with a laugh.

THE GIRL
Ellie's pet, that’s old news
Look at her, she’s busted

She looks back at the swarm of STUDENTS, keeping ALISTAIR at the front of them all.

THE GIRL
You think you’ll fill her shoes?

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
Too late, I just did
Now I don't mean to brag
Once I was one of you

The STUDENTS begin to surround ALISTAIR, all moving their mouths silently - he isn’t listening. They reach out to touch him - he can’t move away.

THE GIRL and ALISTAIR
But now I am the flag
You pledge allegiance to
I am the dream you chase
I’m your amazing grace

KEVIN
Hey, party's at my place?

They break out into a dance again, triumphant and robotic, as ALISTAIR shakes his head, looking wildly around as he’s trapped in by the bodies.

ALL
I will never shut up again
I will never shut up again
Brand new day
Now we're finally free

THE GIRL laughs, lifted up onto some STUDENTS’ shoulders.

THE GIRL
Free to worship me
'Cause I’ll never shut up--

ALISTAIR snaps out of it, stepping out of his own BODY, which freezes in a pose, as ALISTAIR yells at her:

ALISTAIR
Shut up!

THE GIRL scoffs, looking down at him disdainfully.

THE GIRL
Don't judge me
When you're acting all innocent
Your hands ain't clean
I've seen your fingerprints

ALISTAIR nervously looks around, stimming with the scrunchie on his wrist as his BODY stays perfectly still, smiling dementedly ahead.

THE GIRL
You act so uptight
So virgin white
But I heard from the boys
What you were up to that night

Some GUYS jump out of seemingly nowhere as surround ALISTAIR’S BODY as THE GIRL hands ALISTAIR a phone - on which is the Spotlight website, showing LOUISE's finances, and showing how much she pays ALISTAIR.

GUY #1
Dude, Eleanor’s my wet dream.

GUY #2
I heard she likes to scream.

GUY #3 holds a phone up to ALISTAIR'S BODY, showing the Instagram story that ELEANOR posted of ALISTAIR.

GUY #3
You really took one for the team.

GUY #1
She took one for the team.

They share a bro laugh, ALISTAIR’S BODY awkwardly laughing along as ALISTAIR looks around wildly.

ALISTAIR
What the fuck?

THEATRE GUYS
That girl was on her back
That girl was big fun, big fun
You smoked her crack
That crack was big fun
And that's when things went South
She had a slip n slide in your mouth

ALISTAIR touches his own mouth, completely disgusted.

ALISTAIR
What?!

THE GIRL shrugs, laughing.

THE GIRL
Don’t be so dramatic, Ali.

ALL except ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Dang diggity dang-a-dang

ALISTAIR self-consciously looks down, stimming harder and harder, beginning to chew on the collar of his shirt.

ALL except ALISTAIR and THE GIRL
Dang diggity dang-a-dang

THE GIRL is set down and looks him in the eyes.

THE GIRL
You needed an alibi, genius.

ALL except ALISTAIR
Dang diggity dang-a-dang
Slip n slide in his mouth!

ALISTAIR covers his ears with his hands, overwhelmed as THE GIRL laughs, triumphantly in control of ALISTAIR'S BODY.

THE GIRL
Ha!

ALL
I will never shut up again!
I will never shut up again!

THE GIRL
I'm on fire and you're my fuel

THE GIRL steps forward, ALISTAIR’S BODY moving with her as ALISTAIR watches in horror.

THE GIRL
I'm doing what we're supposed to

She runs up a staircase, ALISTAIR’S BODY following after her to great heights.

THE GIRL and (THE REST except ALISTAIR)
And I'll never shut up again! (Never shut up again)
No-No-No-No!
No-No-No-No-No-No-No-No! (Never shut up again)

ALISTAIR tries to push through the crowd to make his way up to them, but he keeps getting pushed back, lost in the noise, as ALISTAIR'S BODY moves his lips to THE GIRL's voice.

THE GIRL and (THE REST)
All hail the king
We wear the red (Never shut up again)
The scrunchie's on our hand
You can't run
You can't hide
We are a crimson tide (Never shut up again)
You better mind what you do
Big brother's watching you (Never shut up again)
Can I get an amen? (Hey)
'Cause I will never shut up again (Never shut up again)

ALISTAIR looks around, and realises that no one’s looking at him. No one can see him. His BODY and THE GIRL hold hands on the top of the stairs, as the crowd begins to applaud.

THE GIRL
Ha!

She winks down at ALISTAIR, who stands completely still, his face blank, completely invisible in the mass of people. And THE GIRL smiles widely - not so invisible anymore.

CUT TO CREDITS AS SILENCE PLAYS

CUT TO BLACK

Notes:

thank you for reading!!!!! i just want to do a quick promo here at the end of this episode.
a really kind reader has made a tumblr blog dedicated to skam brighton and they've made some really awesome moodboards that i highly recommend checking out!!!! their username is @custard-the-cat and they're very talented <3
also, in reference to "once upon a time" from bare as used in this clip - the jonah platt version from the 2013 la revival is the specific version i am imagining, which is why the "it's so hard" is included (because it isn't on the album).
hope you have a good day/night wherever you are!!!!!

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lifeisraw, devilstongueknot, parallelfifths, and abrightervoid_mydear as well as 2 guests left kudos on this work!

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lifeisraw on Chapter 2 Tue 18 May 2021 02:47AM UTC

I knew there was an intervention coming! Come on squad, I know you can help Al.
I really liked this clip's musical sequence!! All of them in Al's clothes was a nice touch

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lifeisraw on Chapter 4 Thu 20 May 2021 02:04AM UTC

I KNEW that the title of this episode was from Mama! Definitely one of my favourite MCR songs. I really liked the first scene as I also like No Children a lot hah.
Go get em Al!

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lifeisraw on Chapter 5 Sat 22 May 2021 05:04AM UTC

Oh shit he did it!!

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