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Between the Lines-Pilot 1

Between the Lines

1-hour dramaCreated by: Roman Janeiro

Season 1, Episode 1-“Pilot”

Written by: Roman Janeiro and Ben Samples

SCENE 1Series opens, aerial shot of small town of Middleton, Georgia, traveling from point to point as narration begins

NARRATION (JASON)Close your eyes. Think of that one place that makes you feel safe. The place where nothing gets to you. Do you see it? For

most people around here, it’s the baseball diamond. Most stories begin and end here. Most weekends are spent here. Memories are made 90 feet at a time, and “headed home” describes more than just the plate. It’s who we are, and what we do. The town motto

could be “God and Baseball”. It would make sense at least, because there are two types of salvation here: the church pew and the baseball diamond-they both have a healing power unlike any

other.

EXT. BASEBALL FIELD-DAY

JASON is laying on the field, near the pitcher’s mound tossing a ball in the air to himself.

After a minute, a girl’s voice, CAMERON, breaks the silence and startles him.

CAMERONHaving fun?

JASONUh....I.....well.....errr.....

CAMERONDon't get all chocked up about it--it's just a question.

JASONHow long have you been sitting there?

CAMERON


Why? You embarrassed?

JASONWandering around in an open field muttering to myself:

what's to be embarrassed about.

CAMERONWell it worked for Kevin Costner.

JASON chuckles and begins walking toward CAMERON

JASONYou new in town? I don't recognize you from the 50 other faces in

Middleton. I’m Jason.

JASON extends his hand to her.

CAMERON accepts JASON’S handshake.

CAMERONCameron. My family just moved here from Savannah. Apparently we just needed to "simplify" our life a little bit, and this is where my parents are from, so here we are. Fifty? Really?

JASONNo, not really, but it is hard to get much simpler than this. So

what brings you to the field? Or do you just enjoy spying on people? I won’t judge.

JASON tosses the baseball in his hand to CAMERON.

CAMERON catches it.

CAMERONI just needed some time alone—I’ve had a little too much family

bonding lately.

JASONWell there are a lot of places to be alone. Why sit on a rusty

bleacher?

CAMERONWell-my mom loved baseball. I thought I’d check it out.

JASONShe send you out here to experience it by yourself?


CAMERON breaks eye contact.

CAMERONActually…she passed away three months ago. Cancer.

JASONOh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t-

CAMERONThanks.

JASONIf you don’t mind me asking, why here?

CAMERONI don’t know…it just feels right…What about you?

JASON stares at the ground.

OPENING CREDITS

Scene 2EXT. BRAD’S HOUSE-DAY

Scene opens. BRAD is running down the street. He is running hard, gasping for breath. He reaches his driveway, where JASON is waiting. He is standing outside looking at a stopwatch.

JASON shows brad the stopwatch.

BRADAhh!

BRAD flops down on the grass.JASON

Still 15 seconds too slow. Try to keep a steady pace. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I could tell from that last stretch that you’re running way too hard. If you run as fast as you can, you get tired quicker and have to slow way down to recover. That’s

killing your time. Find a pace and stay there.

BRADYou speaking from experience?

BRAD takes a water bottle from JASON and the two stand and walk inside.


JASON walks in and goes to the kitchen counter, cuts half of a sandwich that is sitting on the counter already made and hands it to BRAD.

JASONMaybe I’ll run with you tomorrow.

BRAD gives JASON a skeptical look.

BRADHow are you today?

JASONFine. Same as every other day.

BRAD opens a kitchen cabinet and pulls out orange pill bottle.

BRADJust checking.

BRAD sets pill bottle on counter in front of JASON.

JASONI wish you’d stop checking.

BRAD gives a slight nod, trying not to frustrate JASON, so he changes the subject.

BRADSo I’m a step or two slow. I’ve got time.

JASON opens the pill bottle, takes a sip from BRAD’S water bottle and takes the pill.

JASONNot really. Fall scrimmages start in three weeks, and you need to make an impression on the coaches. But I don’t need to tell you

that. I didn’t see them at the field this morning, but they’ll be there soon.

BRADYou were down there again? When are you going to stop doing this

to yourself?

JASON


Doing what? It’s a good place to think. And I might not be the only one who thinks so. There was a girl there today.

BRADHmm. Anyone I know?

JASON walks into a nearby room but keeps talking.

JASONNo, she’s new to town. Moved here with her dad and sister. Her

name’s Cameron.

JASON comes back into the room wearing a different shirt.

BRADWhere are you going now?

JASONMeeting up with her again soon. Needed someone to show her around

town. She’s bringing her sister. You should come too.

BRADAlright, I guess I have time to play tour guide.

BRAD steals the other half of the sandwich that lays still untouched on the plate.

Scene 3INT. SPORTING GOODS STORE-DAY

CAMERON is returning from the field to the sporting goods store in town, that her father recently bought. Her sister ADDISON and father, WES, are there setting up the store. Cameron enters.

WESWhere have you been? I've been calling your phone for the past

hour. Try taking it with you next time.

WES hands CAMERON her phone.

CAMERONTook a walk. Needed some air. How’s the store coming along?

WESA work in progress, but it brought us here, so I’m thankful for the opportunity. I love this place, I just hope you girls will

too.


ADDISON walks in from stockroom.

ADDISONOur own little slice of Mayberry. (to Cameron) Can you give me a

hand with this box? ADDISON and CAMERON grab a box from the floor and take it back to the stockroom.

ADDISON (CONT.)Where have you been? He’s been going on about the good ole days.

I love him, but one more story and I might crack.

CAMERONSo leave. Get some air. It won’t do anyone any good if you go

stir crazy.

ADDISONAnd go where? I don’t know this place.

CAMERONIt’s not so bad, I took a lap. It’s cozy. In fact, I-

ADDISONI still don’t understand why we came here. We had friends and lives in Savannah. Then we get uprooted right before our junior

year of high school and move to this backwoods, podunk, hickville, because dad has a mid-life crisis and buys a run-down

store from a guy he knew once. That’s just messed up.

CAMERON (whispering)

Don’t you think he deserves a little crisis right now?! He lost his wife, Addison!

ADDISON And I lost my mother! What we need right now is familiarity, not

change.

CAMERONYou just need fresh air. Why don’t you come with me and we will

go around town.

ADDISONWe don’t know where we are going. Although judging by the size of

this place, it won’t take long to find out.

CAMERON


I made a friend who's willing to show us around town.

ADDISONA friend?! Ooh, like a male friend? Interesting.

CAMERONSo, are you in or not?

WES(from the front room)

Hey, that inventory isn't going to check itself.

ADDISONWhat time?

Scene 4EXT. BASEBALL FIELD-DAY

JASON, BRAD, CAMERON and ADDISON are walking away from the bleachers beginning the tour of the town. JASON and CAMERON are walking side by side, ADDISON and BRAD are right behind them.

JASONIn the spring, this is the busiest place in town. Everyone comes

to the games.

ADDISONIt’s like one of those towns you see on TV in the 1960’s. It

might as well be black and white around here.

CAMERONExcuse her, she’s rude!

BRADI get it. It doesn’t seem too exciting around here at first, but

it grows on you. There’s Middleton High School, home of 200 Pirate faithful

CAMERON202-see you Monday.

ADDISON(less than enthused)

We’re Pirates now-great.

INT. SPORTING GOODS STORE-DAY


WES is organizing the newly unpacked merchandise in the store.

ORLANDO JACKSON, an old friend, enters.

ORLANDOWhere does a guy have to go to get a bucket of balls around

here?!

WESLando! How are you man?!

ORLANDOBig Wes! I heard you came back to town.

WESWord travels fast. Just got here yesterday.

ORLANDOThis is your place now?

WESCouldn’t pass it up. Gotta tell you man, I never expected you to

settle here.

ORLANDOWell you know, after I hung up the cleats, it just seemed like this was the place to go. It’s home man. Plus, it seemed to be about the only place where no one would make a big fuss over having an MLB All Star in town. I’m just little Lando Jackson

here.

WES How are Rosie and the boys?

ORLANDOThey’re good. (awkward pause) How are you doing?

WESThe girls are adjusting-as well as they can.

ORLANDO(pause) I’m sorry.

WESI think being back home might help.

ORLANDO


You think so?

WESHey! How’s the team looking this year?

ORLANDOGood, I hope. We’ll have to see how much ‘ol Wyatt Crowley’s got

in the tank. 40 years of coaching is bound to wear on you.

WESSo are you going to buy anything, or did you just come in here to

bother me? (laughs)

ORLANDO(laughs) Hmm…guess I really could use that bucket of balls.

ORLANDO hands him a wad of cash

WESMy first customer!

WES takes the wad of cash, deposits it in the register, takes one of the dollar bills and tapes it to the register.

EXT. AROUND TOWN-DAY

JASON, BRAD, CAMERON and ADDISON are still touring, now in the middle of town.

JASONOver there is the Baptist Church. If they’re not at the baseball field, you can pretty much find anyone in town there, especially

on Sundays.

CAMERONReally?

BRADThis is sort of like a two types of salvation town.

ADDISONI guess I just don’t understand what all the fuss is about-

BRADAbout baseball or church?

ADDISON


It just seems to me that half the town is full of baseball meatheads and the other half of Bible thumping pew warmers-

BRADI take pride in my meathead status

ADDISONIt suits you

JASONSo what do you think of the town so far?

CAMERONIt’s nice to get a fresh start. I don’t miss the look of pity in

everyone’s eyes.

JASONI know what you mean.

CAMERONWhat?

JASON(pause)

Nevermind.

The group has now reached the residential part of town and they stop walking.

JASONOkay, this is the residential part of town. Everyone pretty much

lives within a stone’s throw from here.

The group walks down one of the streets

BRADMy house is right over here. Two houses down are the Jacksons.

Curtis plays baseball for the high school and his father used to play professionally.

EXT. JACKSON FAMILY BACKYARD-DAY

CURTIS JACKSON is taking batting practice off of a tee with his father, ORLANDO, watching over him.

EXT. STREET-DAY


CAMERONWhat about your house Jason?

JASON looks to BRAD to change the subject

BRAD(pointing to another house)

Sam Brower is the meanest SOB in town. Pretty much everyone just calls him Bull. Unfortunately, he’s the best player on the

baseball team.

JASON…and he knows it.

ADDISON(whispers to herself)

Meathead…

CAMERONIs he the “steal your lunch money” type of bully, or the “beat

you to a pulp” type?

JASONHe’s the kind that beats you senseless-and then take your lunch

money.

INT. SAM BROWER’S BASEMENT-DAY

SAM BROWER is angrily hitting a punching bag while listening to metal music

EXT. STREET-DAYCAMERON

How charming…

BRADDo you guys want to come for dinner at my house? Invite your dad.

Scene 5INT. BRAD’S HOUSE-NIGHT

BRAD, JASON, BRAD’S PARENTS, CAMERON, ADDISON and WES are all sitting around the table finishing dinner.

WES


Sandy, that dinner was amazing! Thank you for having us strangers in your home.

SANDY (BRAD’S MOTHER)Any time! After Brad spoke so highly of your girls, it was hard

to say no.

MICHAEL (BRAD’S FATHER)That and the fact that they were already standing in our kitchen

when he did it.

SANDY playfully hits her husband and begins to clear the table.

CAMERONCan we help you with the dishes Mrs. Hammel?

SANDYOh, no I’ve got it taken care of. You’re the guests.

BRADSweet, let’s get out of here.

JASON, BRAD, CAMERON and ADDISON walk out the door.

MICHAELYou’re not a stranger Wes, you’re on of us. Georgia Baseball

State Champions 1996. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate.

WESWell, a Pirate’s got to lower the flag at some point.

SANDYWhat are you doing for work Wes?

WESI bought the sporting goods store down on Magnolia.

MICHAELOh, you’re the one that old Sid Roberts sold to?

WESThat’s me! I’ve known this place my whole life, so it only makes

sense to come full circle.

SANDYWell good for you!


MICHAELYou know who else is back in town? Orlando Jackson.

WESYeah, I know. He’s stopped by my store today.

MICHAELIt’s a big deal. Someone who played Major League Baseball for 15 years coming back to a place like this…it’ll help put Middleton

on the map.

SANDYThat’s not what it’s about Mike. He came back to be with his

family. His kids are getting older. They need him now.

WESCurtis is playing now. He’s probably relieved to have his dad

back to coach him.

Scene 6EXT. JACKSON HOUSE-NIGHT

CURTIS and his dad ORLANDO are out in the yard, still practicing. It is getting dark, but ORLANDO has CURTIS running sprints in the yard.

ORLANDOLast one, pick it up! Let’s go, faster!

CURTIS pulls up to wear his dad is standing, out of breath.

CURTISYou said that last time.

ORLANDOStill too slow! How do you expect to maintain your title as the fastest high school player in the state if you can’t run faster?

CURTISThis isn’t basketball. Suicides won’t help. I just need to make it 90 feet at a time. There is such thing as over-conditioning.

ORLANDOAll I hear are excuses. Do you want to make it to the pros? I see

those photos of Rickey Henderson on your wall. Go again.


CURTIS’S mom and ORLANDO’S wife, ROSIE, is now standing at the back door. She has overheard most of the exchange.

ROSIEDinner’s almost ready. Orlando, can I speak to you inside for a

minute?

ORLANDOSure.

(to CURTIS) Keep running! To the fence and back twice. 45 seconds.

ORLANDO walks over to his wife.

ROSIE(whispering)

What are you doing to him? He’s 17 years old Lando, screaming at him isn’t doing any good.

ORLANDORosie, I need to push him. When I was 17, I was being recruited by colleges and the pros. I was good enough to be able to go pro out of high school, but this boy needs work if he’s even going to

get there. I can’t let him slack off because of this Baseball America thing.

ROSIEThis boy is your son! I want him to go to college, get an

education. If he plays professional after that, fine, but he won’t if you continue to ride him so hard.

ORLANDONo one gave me any breaks. I worked hard to get where I was,

where I am.

ROSIEHe’s not you. You’re retired.

ORLANDOI may have retired, but my legacy didn’t. He’s got work to do.

ROSIE(ignoring Orlando, yelling to Curtis)

Dinner’s ready…

Scene 7EXT. LAKE-NIGHT


Scene opens on wide shot of a lake, peaceful in the dwindling light of day. BRAD, CAMERON, JASON and ADDISON appear, and the scene shifts to them.

BRADYou still think we’re meatheads?

ADDISONMaybe not you, you’re alright.

BRADWell, I appreciate that-being the exception-

ADDISONIt’s a good thing. You’re exceptional-

BRAD(pause) You don’t like it here, do you?

ADDISONWow, you’re getting deep on me all of a sudden-

BRADSorry. It just seems like you’re not too happy to be in

Middleton.

ADDISONWell, given the circumstances, I think I have that right.

Brad: You do, you do, but I guess I’m just surprised because you and your sister seem so different.

BRAD gestures over to CAMERON who can be seen talking and laughing with JASON in the distance.

ADDISONWell, contrary to what seems to be popular opinion on the subject

of twins, we are different people.

BRADOh! I didn’t mean to imply that you aren’t .Of course-

ADDISONRelax, I’m just messing with you.

BRAD


Oh okay good! (pause) You may not be too sure about Middleton yet, but this is my favorite place in town. It’s a perfect place to think and just be. If you need it, let it be that for you.

ADDISON looks around; lets out a half smile as if this was the first moment of happiness she’s found in her new home.

ADDISONThat’s cool…

Scene 8INT. BRAD’S HOUSE -NIGHT

Dinner is over, the Miller’s have gone home and BRAD and JASON are hanging out in BRAD’S room.

BRADYou were right. That was a pretty good night.

JASONYeah it was fun. Cameron’s cool huh?

BRADYeah, didn’t get to talk to her much. Her sister’s a trip though.

JASONWhat do you mean?

BRADWhat words out of her mouth weren’t sarcastic? She also gives off

this emo, punk rocker vibe.

JASONWhat’s wrong with that? Punk’s alright.

BRADGreen Day…

JASONTouché

BRADHey listen, I think I’m going to walk down to Coach Crowley’s and see if I can talk to him about my spot on the team. I’ll be back.

Madden later?


JASONIf you feel like losing, sure.

BRAD leaves, JASON sits there a minute, grabs a copy of “East of Eden”, which is sitting on the desk nearby, starts to thumb through the pages. He sets it down, stands up and leaves the room, off screen.

Scene 9EXT. Sam Brower’s Car-NIGHT

SAM “BULL” BROWER and one of his teammates, TED, are driving through town in his Mustang. SAM is speeding and driving a bit recklessly. The radio is blaring metal music and they are both rocking out.

SAMGreat song!

TEDGreat song!

SAM(pounds steering wheel)

Yes!

TED(pause)

Did you hear that Jackson’s dad is back in town?

SAMSo?

TEDRumor is that the town is clamoring for him to be a coach on the

team.

SAMLike, take over for Crowley?

TEDEventually, I’m sure…probably as an assistant for now.

SAMOh, I don’t think so. This is my team. I have the old timer right

where I want him.


TEDThat’s just what I’ve heard, Sam. Coach might not even ask him.

SAMWe’ll see…

SAM steps on the gas and turns the radio up again.

As he does this, they pass the baseball field, where CURTIS is pulling his gear out of his ORLANDO’S car. The scene shifts to them. Orlando is standing next to the open door of his car.

ORLANDOOkay, the speed drills aren’t doing anything, but your batting average is crap. Speed doesn’t do you any good if you can’t get on base to use it. If you want any of the scouts to take you

seriously this year, you have to learn to spread the ball around and use the entire field. You pull everything, usually on the

ground. If they read you, you’re sunk.

CURTISI hit .271 last year.

ORLANDO(scoffs)

Not good enough. Off of high school pitching, if you want a shot at making the pros, hitting under .300 is unacceptable. If Sam Brower can out-hit you, we have a problem. He’s a free swinger.

CURTISI don’t have that kind of power.

ORLANDOTrue, but you do have better plate discipline. You’re lack of

power is exactly why you need to be a five tool player, especially hitting for average. Go out there and don’t come back until you get 100 hits to every part of the field. (points as he lists) Right, right center, center, left center and left. Stay

out here as long as it takes.

CURTISWait, you’re not staying?

ORLANDOApparently, I’m retired. There’s a pitching machine in the

equipment room.


ORLANDO gets back in the car and drives off.

INT. MILLER HOUSE-NIGHT

CAMERON is sitting in her room on the computer, listening to music, which is heard as main music until WES knocks on her open door frame.

WESHey monkey, what are you up to? You haven’t unpacked much yet.

CAMERONJust getting mentally prepared for a new school on Monday.

WESThose friends of yours are nice. Brad and Jason? Where did you

meet them?

CAMERONI met Jason at the baseball field this morning, and Brad is his

best friend. They showed us around town this afternoon.

WESYou were at the baseball field? Alright then.

WES starts to walk out, then turns back to the door frame.

WES (CONT.) You know, you remind me a lot of your mother.

WES leaves the room.

A few seconds later, there is a knock on CAMERON’S window, followed by another. CAMERON walks over and opens the window. JASON is in the front yard. He’s got drawstring bag on his shoulder and a baseball in his other hand.

JASONAren’t you glad I didn’t throw this one-

Scene 10EXT. Coach Crowley’s Driveway-NIGHT

BRAD walks up to the door of COACH CROWLEY’S house and knocks on the door. CROWLEY answers.

BRAD


Coach…

CROWLEYHammel-what are you doing here at this hour? What time is it

anyway?

BRAD Like 9 o’clock…

CROWLEYMan…I’m old! (pause) Well, come in.

BRADSorry to disturb you Coach.

CROWLEYCan I get you something to drink? Tea?

BRADSure. That’d be great.

BRAD takes a seat and looks around while he waits for his drink.

CROWLEY returns with the drinks, hands BRAD his, and sits down.

CROWLEYWhat can I do for you?

BRADWell, school starts on Monday, which means fall weights and

practices. I know we’re doing open tryouts this year, and I guess I was wondering about my position on varsity, if I’ll even have

one. I know I didn’t make varsity until the end of last year, and maybe I’m just being paranoid, but I’m just a little worried.

CROWLEYDo you have a heart for baseball?

BRADA heart for baseball? I don’t understand…

CROWLEYRight-well. I can’t make you any promises. I wouldn’t be a good coach if I did, but you are one of my hardest working players.

BRADYou think so?


Crowley: It’s a fact. Now I’m still going to have to put you through the tryouts, since you weren’t on varsity most of the

year, but you’ve been with me a long time and I’ve seen you work. Plus, you’re an upperclassman, you shouldn’t have much to worry

about.

Brad: It’s just, I know I’m not the best guy out there. I don’t have Curtis’s speed or Bull’s power…

Crowley: I’m not asking you to, son. Ball players come in all forms. What you lack on the field, you more than make up for in

heart. I’ve seen it. As long as you give everything you have when you step between those lines, I’ll have a uniform for you.

Brad: Thanks.

Crowley: Baseball is a team game, more so than any other sport in my opinion. Everyone brings something to the table, and it’s how those skill sets work together that determine the success of a

team.

Brad: Thanks for your time Coach. I appreciate it.

Scene 11EXT. BASEBALL FIELD-NIGHT

CURTIS is on the field, standing at home plate, hitting. His cap is on backwards and he is listening to music in his earphones. He has been here alone a while, and doesn’t notice JASON and CAMERON enter the bleachers. His music plays over the scene as the scene begins, then fades into his ears, still slightly audible. He hits a few pitches from the machine. Then the camera goes past him to JASON and CAMERON who are settling in the bleachers.

CAMERONSo, here we are again.

JASONHow was your first full day in Middleton?

CAMERONIt was nice, thanks for the tour. It’s pretty quiet around here,

isn’t it?


JASONYeah, for now, but things will really start to pick up next week when school starts. The town sort of comes to life. Hey, there’s Curtis, the guy I was telling you about. His dad was the Major

League player? (yells to Curtis) Hey Curtis! Curtis! (to Cameron) Guess he can’t hear me. We’ll try to catch him before he

leaves.

CAMERONWhy don’t you play on the team?

JASONAh, wish I could. Extenuating circumstances.

CAMERONOh. Are you going to go to the games?

JASONEveryone in town usually does, but me? I never miss one. It’s like a unifying force in this town, like football in Texas or basketball in North Carolina. It’s like, no matter what’s going on in everyone’s life, they can forget about it for three hours

and come together in these bleachers. It’s truly something special.

CAMERONMy mom used to talk about this place a lot. She loved the game

too. It’s how she met my dad, but funny thing, she always talked more passionately about it than he did. She used to say that it

was the one sport where no one person could win it, the one sport that truly took a whole team, and when that team was clicking, it

was like poetry.

JASONSounds like a smart woman.

CAMERONShe could recount stories and old anecdotes with such fervor that we would hang on every word. She loved many things: sewing, old movies, Friday night rainstorms…but nothing made her eyes light up like baseball. It wasn’t such a big deal in Savannah where we grew up, and I think it broke her heart a little. I liked it, but I never quite understood her passion. Then, when she died we came

here. I think she’d be glad that we did.

JASON


So if you never understood it, why did you come here? To this field?

CAMERONI believe that when a person dies, a part of them stays behind

and goes to the place where they find the most peace. When I got here, I just started walking and ended up here. Funny thing is,

when I did, it was peaceful. Like she was here with me.

JASONSounds kind of like that book, The Five People You Meet In

Heaven.

CAMERONExactly

JASON(pauses)

Do you believe in Heaven?

CAMERONYeah, I guess-or at least I used to. I believe in God, though we’re not really on speaking terms right now. I believe she’s somewhere out there, but that her heart is still right here in

this place, you know?

JASONI get it. I lost someone awhile back, and at times, I can feel them with me, talking to me. It’s faint, like a whisper, but I feel it, and I know everything will be okay. But I’d like to think they’re up there. (pause) You said you tried to like

baseball like your mother…have you ever been to an actual game?

CAMERONNo, just watched a couple on TV years ago. I thought they were a

little slow and boring.

JASONAh! (smiles) Nothing compares to being here in person. Now I

never knew your mother, but I’m willing to bet that’s the thing she loved about it. I’ll tell you what, first game of the season,

I want you right here with me. Deal?

CAMERONYeah sure, why not.


JASON glances at the field, then at CAMERON and smirks.

JASONCome on. I want to show you something.

JASON grabs the drawstring bag he brought with him, they both stand up and walk off screen.

On the field, CURTIS is still hitting. He hits the ball off of the tee, but pulls it to the right side, which he doesn’t like.

CURTIS(whispers to himself)Still pulling it-

Unaware of JASON and CAMERON’S presence there at all, he is startled when they approach him. CURTIS swings at a ball, makes contact, and JASON speaks up pretending to be a play-by-play announcer.

JASON(in his best announcer voice)

Curtis Jackson sends a screaming line drive toward the seats! That’ll get over the wall and this one is over! The Pirates are

going to state!

CURTIS pulls his earbuds out, stops the machine, and laughs.

CURTISYo, what’s up Jay! You almost gave me a heart attack dawg!

JASONYou would be having one if that had really sent us to state.

CURTISI wish! I thought I was alone out here.

JASONYou were, now you’re not. (jokingly) You got a problem with that?

CURTISNah man, we’re cool. The more, the merrier. (acknowledges

CAMERON) And who is this beautiful lady?

JASON


Curtis, this is Cameron Miller. Cameron, Curtis. She just moved here with her family.

CURTIS and CAMERON shake hands.

CURTISNice to meet you Cam. Do you mind if I call you Cam?

CAMERONSure.

CURTISNow tell me Cam: How you gonna let your boy walk up and scare me

like that?

CAMERONI did it to him. All’s fair…

JASON walks out towards the mound with the drawstring bag.

CURTISWhere did you move from?

CAMERONSavannah.

CURTISWhat brings you here from the big city?

CAMERONWell, I don’t know if I’d call Savannah the “big city”, but it was just time for a change. So me, my dad and my twin sister

packed up and, well-changed.

CURTISHold up, there’s two of y’all? Oh, I could get used to this!

JASON interrupts the conversation from the mound. He has taken a baseball glove and ball out of his bag.

JASONBatter up!

CURTIS grabs his bat off the ground, CAMERON steps out of the way, JASON winds up and delivers a pitch.


CURTIS, who swings, makes contact, and drives the pitch over JASON’S head, which lands in the outfield.

JASONWhere’s my outfielder?!

CAMERONMe?! I can’t! I don’t know how.

JASONWe’ll teach you.

CAMERONI don’t have a glove!

JASON reaches into the bag and pulls out a second glove. He tosses it to CAMERON.

JASONNow you do. Get out there!

CAMERON hurries out to shallow center field, unsure what to do.

JASON(yelling) Ready?!

CAMERON(yelling back) I’m scared!

CURTISDon’t worry, I give you an easy one!

JASON delivers another pitch to CURTIS, who pops it perfectly out to CAMERON, who stands under it but ultimately cowers and lets it drop. The boys laugh and walk out to her to teach her.

A montage ensues where CURTIS and JASON are teaching her how to catch a pop fly, hit, pitch, field a grounder and run the bases. Music plays over it, until it fades to the next scene.

Scene 12INT. MILLER’S HOUSE-NIGHT

Wes is sitting on the couch watching an old episode of the Andy Griffith show. Addison walks in and sits in a chair near her father.


WESDidn’t think I’d see you back down here tonight.

ADDISONWhat’s this? Moving us to Map Dot, USA isn’t enough? You have to

watch it on TV too? Doing a comparison? One 1960s town to another?

WESAh, the 1960s aren’t so bad.

ADDISON-I’m waiting for the punchline.

WES(getting more serious)

Okay…do we have a problem?

ADDISONYou moved us away from our home, our school, our friends, and brought us to this place? Right before our junior year of high

school? This is a crucial year, how’s that fair?

WESI thought it was the best thing for all of us.

ADDISONPlease! How is this place the best thing for all of us?

WES(irritated)

This PLACE is my home, this PLACE was your mother’s home. I don’t appreciate you coming in here tearing it down like I just ruined

your life.

ADDISONWell maybe you did! Did you ever think about that? I had friends,

I had plans and I had a life!

WESWell, then I’m sorry! Losing your mother was hard on us all, but

somehow, you’ve managed to make it all about you.

ADDISONWhat am I supposed to do? She was my mother-

WES


Yes-and before that she was my wife, and my best friend. (pause) Can I tell you a story?

ADDISONWhat would you do if I said no?

WESI’d tell it anyway. (pats the couch cushion next to him and

Addison comes and sits) When your mother and I were teenagers….

WES’ voice fades out and there is a jump to the end of the story

WES(CONT.)Not long after you were born, your mother made me promise that one day, we would move back to Middleton. Even if it was after you girls went to college, she wanted you to know what it was like for her growing up here, and when, she died, well I wanted

to keep my promise, even if she couldn’t come with me, so here we are. I’m sorry if I threw a wrench into things for you, but I

hope that now, at least you can begin to understand why.

There is a pause, then ADDISON stands up and walks away, as the camera stays with WES.

EXT. BASEBALL FIELD-LATER

CURTIS, CAMERON and JASON are now sitting in the bleachers talking.

CAMERON(to Curtis) So, what are you doing out here so late?

CURTISI could ask you the same question…

CAMERON opens her mouth to answer, then stops and looks at JASON.

CAMERONWhy are we here?

JASONTo have fun-and I was kind of bored.

CURTISI wish that’s why I was out here-

CAMERON


What do you mean?

CURTISMy dad’s back in town, freshly retired. I love the guy, but he’s taken upon himself to be my personal coach, and he’s been riding me extra hard. He left me out here and said I couldn’t come back until I hit 100 balls to each part of the field. (Divides the

outfield into five sections with his hand as he speaks)

CAMERON500 hits?!

JASONAt least…

CURTISYeah, 500 IF I hit them all perfectly where they need to go the

first time, which, let’s be honest, it’s not that easy.

CAMERONThat seems a little harsh.

CURTISTell me about it…and that’s after we did speed drills all

evening.

JASONHere’s an idea-and let me preface this by saying that I don’t condone deceitful means-but, lie. He didn’t have the decency to stick around, and I’m sorry, but 500 minimum this late at night is ridiculous. Just tell him you did it, go home and sleep!

CURTIS pauses and looks puzzled at why he hadn’t thought of this plan before.

CURTISI never thought of that!

CAMERONWell, there you go!

CURTISYou know, I love this game, and I love my pops, but when he’s

around, I lose sight of my motivation pretty quickly. When he was away playing, it was easy, because I could just go out there and have fun, but now that he’s retired, I’m his next project. He’s pushing me to be the next big thing, the next Orlando Jackson.


CAMERONIs it so bad if you end up like him? Wasn’t he like a big deal

Major League guy and stuff?

CURTISThat part is nice, but I don’t want to end up like him. Even as a kid, I saw his love of the game turn to greed and an obsession to be the best. There was no loyalty, no joy. It was all about money and statistics. I want to make it to the Show, but I want to make

it, this version me, not a shell of someone I don’t recognize anymore. If that’s the price, I ain’t buying.

JASONSounds like it’s a conscious decision to me. Now go home!

CURTIS stands up and starts to walk down the bleachers.

CURTISAlright. See you guys later.

JASONYou got it boss.

CURTIS waves and leaves. JASON and CAMERON are now alone on the bleachers.

JASON (CONT.)Alright. We should probably head out too, it’s getting pretty

late.

They both stand up, JASON grabs his bags, the leave the bleachers and begin the walk home.

EXT. STREET-NIGHT

JASON and CAMERON are walking home.

CAMERONI hate that Curtis’s dad is like that. That’s too much pressure

to put on a kid.

JASONCurtis is really talented, and his dad’s not a bad guy. He just wants the best for him and I think Curtis knows that. His dad

usually coached him over the phone from the road. It’ll just take time for both of them to get used to being around each other.


CAMERONDo your parents ever struggle with seeing you as a kid?

JASONThey only ever saw me as a kid. (changes subject) You know what

the problem is?! He doesn’t know the difference.

CAMERON shoots a quick glance at JASON when he changes the subject again. She stifles frustration.

CAMERONSure-

JASONHey, you said something earlier about your mother telling stories about Middleton and that you and your sister both used to hang on

every word?

CAMERON Yeah-

JASONIf you don’t mind me asking, what happened? (pause) What I mean

is, you and your sister seemed so different. She sounded like she hated being here. What changed?

CAMERONThat’s a good question. We didn’t used to be so different. She

used to be the spitting image of my mom: happy, hopeful, optimistic, all that. Then the cancer diagnosis came, and she

changed. She didn’t smile as much, she almost shut down. I don’t know if she blamed my mom for getting sick, or blamed my dad for not being her, or what. She took it all harder than the rest of

us.

JASONDo you think she hates being here because she knows this is your mother’s favorite place and she feels guilty be here without her?

CAMERONHmm-that’s as good a theory as any. I just wish she’d let me in.

Or anyone in really.

JASONI hope so too.


JASON and CAMERON have arrived at the Miller house. The stop out front.

CAMERONThis is me. Thanks for tonight. It was fun. Let’s do it again.

JASONYou got it.

CAMERON hugs JASON. Camera stays on JASON’S face and he smiles

CAMERONGoodnight!

CAMERON walks up the sidewalk and into her house.

JASON stands on the sidewalk until she’s inside, then walk away down the street. The camera goes to a wide aerial shot of JASON’S back as he walks, lit only by the streetlight in front of CAMERON’S house.

Scene 13INT. JASON’S ROOM-LATER That Night

JASON is sitting on the floor in his room, flipping through the channels on his television, showing no interest in any of it, when BRAD walks in.

BRADWhere have you been? I was ready to become the Madden champ.

JASON switches input on the TV, turns on console and holds controller out to BRAD.

JASONI went for a walk down to the school.

BRAD(suspicious)

Alone?

JASONI ran into Curtis at the field. (pause) You know, I’m worried about him. Did you know his dad left him out there until he got

500 hundred hits?

BRAD


500?!

JASONDon’t ask.

BRAD(pauses, changing subject back) So, it was just you and Curtis?

JASONWhat are you getting at?

BRADWas anyone else there? (teasing) A certain blonde neighbor girl

perhaps?

JASON(stifles a faint smile) It’s a definite possibility.

BRADSo, you like her?

JASONNo, nothing like that. She’s cool.

BRAD lets him dodge the question, looks down at him and smirks.

BRAD Yeah, she is.

JASONDid you go see Crowley?

BRADYeah, I did-

JASON And…

BRAD(unconfidently) We’ll see.

There is a pause, as the guys play the game in silence for a minute, then BRAD speaks up, addressing an elephant in the room for him.

BRADDoes she know?


JASON(pause)

Know what?

BRAD(irked by the question)

Jay-

JASONNo-no she doesn’t.

BRAD disapproves of JASON’S decision, but backs off anyway.

BRADAlright-

Scene 14EXT. MIDDLETON BAPTIST CHURCH-MORNING

It is Sunday morning and Sunday service is letting out. The doors to the church open, and the congregation spills out onto the front lawn, where most of the people stand around talking. BRAD and JASON are standing alone among the crowd, when BRAD’S dad walks up behind them.

MICHAELAlright! What are we doing for lunch? I’m starved!

BRADI’m up for anything. Where’s mom?

MICHAEL looks around as if this is the first time he’s noticed she’s not there.

MICHAELAh man! Every time. I’m so hungry! (laughs)

Right about then, the pastor of the church, Pastor MARK JAMISON, walks up to the boys.

PASTORHey fellas! How is everyone today?

JASONWe’re great Pastor Mark. How are you?

PASTOR


Another beautiful Sunday, can’t complain!

MICHAELAnother great sermon today, but if I didn’t know any better

Jamison, I’d think you were trying to starve us. (laughs, and pats his shoulder)

PASTORHa! Trust me, even I fall victim to my own long winded-ness

sometimes. We’re all suffering here. Speaking of, can we count on the Hammel clan for the Sunday supper tonight?

MICHAELFor sure! (looks around for his wife again) If I can’t find Sandy

soon, we may be leaving her here until then.

PASTOR(laughs) Jason?

JASON nods.

During this conversation, ORLANDO and CURTIS have approached and joined the group.

PASTOROrlando! Good to see you! Will we be seeing y’all this evening?

ORLANDOWhat’s on the menu for tonight?

PASTORRibs, I believe. Should be a good one.

ORLANDOYessir! You know we’re there. (to MICHAEL) Did your wife

disappear too?

MICHAELYou know her. Can’t leave before the goodbye tour is complete.

CURTISI think they’re both still inside.

ORLANDO pats CURTIS on the shoulder and goes off to find them. He accidently bumps into Coach CROWLEY in front of the doors.

CROWLEY


Orlando Jackson! I heard you were back in town.

ORLANDOCoach! I am indeed. How are you? You look good!

CROWLEYDon’t lie, I’m old and I look it. Don’t you think you’ve known me

long enough to call me Wyatt?

ORLANDOYou’ll always be Coach to me, Coach.

CROWLEYHow are you adjusting back? By the way, I’m still waiting on my

cut of that big league money! (smiles, jokingly)

ORLANDO(laughs)

It’s going well. It helps that Curtis is playing. I miss the game.

CROWLEYI was actually hoping to run into you. (puts his arm around Orlando) I think I can help with that. (They both walk off

camera as the scene ends)

Scene 15INT. CAMERON’S ROOM-DAY

CAMERON is in her room, unpacking. She is still wearing pajama pants, an old t-shirt with a tear in the collar, and her hair is up. She is listening to music and singing along softly to herself. She mills around for a minute, putting stuff away. In a minute, the is a faint knock at the front door downstairs, but camera stays with CAMERON upstairs.

WES(from downstairs) Hey! What are you guys doing here? (yelling

upstairs) Girls! We have company!

ADDISON(heard, but not seen) Who is it?

WESYour friends from yesterday.


It takes CAMERON a second to realize that he means JASON, but when she does, she panics when she realizes she’s in her pajamas.

CAMERONBe down in a minute!

CAMERON rushes to change clothes.

Downstairs where WES is still standing at the front door. JASON, BRAD, CURTIS, ORLANDO and MICHAEL are all standing on the other side the door.

WESIt was nice of you guys to come by. Come on in.

ORLANDOThought you guys might could use some help unpacking…what are friends for? Wes, this is my son Curtis. Curtis this is my

friend, Wes. (Wes and Curtis shake hands) Sorry...Mr. Miller.

WES(chuckles)

Wes is fine. Nice to meet you Curtis.

CAMERON and ADDISON enter the room from upstairs. CAMERON has changed and gotten herself together.

CAMERONHey!

JASONHey. (pause) We came to help you guys unpack.

WESWell that’s nice, but I think we men can take care of that for a while. Wouldn’t you rather be enjoying your last day of summer

somewhere else?

BRAD exchanges a look with JASON and CURTIS.

BRADI have an idea…

Scene 16EXT. EAGLE POINT LAKE-DAY


Scene opens on Eagle Point, which is quite for a moment. Suddenly, music plays over the shot and CURTIS, JASON, BRAD, ADDISON and CAMERON appear, running for the lake, and they all jump in. There is a brief montage with the music while the group in horsing around, doing cannonballs, playing chicken, etc. When the music fades, we hear the sounds of the group laughing momentarily.

Just then, a car pulls up and SAM and his friend TED get out and walk up to the water.

SAMJackson! Word has it that your pops will be the new assistant

coach.

CURTIS(standing up in water) That’s news to me-

SAMI’m sure it is.

CURTISIs that why you came out here Brower? To tell me about my own

dad?

SAMCame to issue a warning.

Upon hearing that, CURTIS takes a step toward SAM. BRAD steps in front of CURTIS and JASON steps in behind him. BRAD speaks up.

BRADAbout what?

SAM(to CURTIS) This team is mine. Nothing’s going to change that. Your dad can come in and play favorites all he wants, but he

doesn’t run the show, neither does Crowley. This “team” is going to get me a Division 1 offer, and it’ll be mine name on the draft

boards. None of you better get in my way.

BRADA threat? That’s how you’re going to play this?

SAM smirks, walks back to his car, and drives away.

Scene 17


INT. MILLER’S HOUSE-DAYMICHAEL, WES, and ORLANDO are sitting down in the living room to have a glass of tea, taking a break between jobs.

ORLANDOThe three amigos back together! How long has it been?

MICHAELI’d say since the night of the graduation barbecue. You

disappeared halfway through the night…and the next time we saw you was your MLB debut.

WESYou were a no-show at the 10-year-

ORLANDOWhat did you expect? The team was in Philadelphia that weekend.

MICHAELYou had 8 hits in that series, didn’t you?

ORLANDO(catching his mistake, with a grin)

Nine…and two homers.

MICHAEL(gesturing to Orlando)

The legend (nod a head to the other room, where Curtis is) A second coming perhaps?

ORLANDONot at this rate. He needs to be pushed harder.

WESCut him some slack, huh? He’s only 17.

ORLANDOI was 18 when I was drafted-

MICHAELIn the second round.

ORLANDOCurt’s nowhere close, not now.

WESSame coach though. Crowley got you there. Give it time.


ORLANDO I got me there. Crowley got the credit.

MICHAELLet’s face it, the old dog’s lost a step or two.

WESI don’t know about that-

ORLANDOAll I know is that Curtis needs more, and he’s gonna get it.

WES(feeling awkward)

Should we get back to work?

The three men stand up and head into the other room. CURTIS is standing nearby, having just walked in from the lake, and stops ORLANDO.

CURTISWhen were you going to tell me that Crowley asked you to be an

assistant coach?

Upstairs in CAMERON’S room, she is unpacking again. She has changed into shorts and a t-shirt and her hair is still damp from the lake. JASON enters.

JASONDon’t look now, there’s a boy in your room.

CAMERON(smiles, jokingly)

Shhhh! Don’t tell my dad-

JASONCan I help with anything?

CAMERONI’m almost done in here-but sure. (hands him an armful of books)

These go on that shelf.

JASON puts the books on the shelf, then looks them over, and picks one up.

JASONCatcher in the Rye, nice!


CAMERON(quoting the book)

“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live

humbly for one.”

JASON(nods in approval gives his own quote)

‘I’m always saying ‘Glad to’ve met you’ to somebody I’m not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that

stuff, though”

CAMERON“It’s funny. All you have to do is say something nobody

understands, and they’ll do practically anything you want them to.”

JASONTouché! Salinger fan?

CAMERONHe’s pretty good. My mom studied literature at Wake Forest. You?

JASONOne of my favorite writers. My parents actually named me Jason

Daniel, so that my initials would be J.D. Not an exact match, but why nitpick.

CAMERONYeah? What are your parents like?

JASON(changing subject again)

I’m thinking about studying literature myself. Who were your mom’s favorite writers?

Finally, CAMERON’S had enough of JASON changing the subject and decides to call him on it.

CAMERONOkay-what’s going on here?

JASONWhat do you mean?

CAMERON


Don’t think I haven’t noticed. Every time, I ask you a question about you or your family, or just where your house is, you not-so-subtlety change the subject. EVERY time. What’s up with you?

JASONWhat are you asking me?

CAMERONWhat are you not telling me?

JASONWith all due respect, I know we struck up a quick friendship, and

I like you, but we did just meet yesterday.

CAMERONI’m just trying to get to know you a little bit. Why is that so

wrong?

JASONJust trust me.

CAMERONSo that’s it? You shut me down and ask me to trust you-which by

the way is hard to do when you won’t tell me anything about you-, and I’m supposed to be okay with that?!

Just then, BRAD appears in CAMERON’S doorway

BRADEverything okay here?

Without a word, JASON turns and walks out of CAMERON’S room, reluctant to say anything else.

Scene 18EXT. CHURCH-NIGHT

Most of the town is at the church for the Sunday night supper. The meal is over, and most of the congregation has spilled out onto the front lawn. JASON is noticeably absent. BRAD and CURTIS who are walking across the church lawn.

BRAD(patting his stomach)

One of the best Sunday dinners I can remember.


CURTISAgreed, my friend.

BRADI’m stuffed.

CURTIS(pause) I could go for some ice cream.

BRAD shoots him a puzzled look.

BRADWhat was all that at the lake about?

CURTISYou know Bull Brower just tries to stir up trouble wherever he

goes-

BRADYeah, but your dad being coach? That changes everything.

CURTISAssistant Coach. It’s still Crowley’s team. And he said he may

not even take it.

BRADAccording to Sam, it’s his team.

CURTISAh, screw that guy. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

BRADWell, how do you feel about it? Your dad?

CURTISI don’t know. Don’t we already have enough egos on the team

already?

CAMERON walks up.CAMERONHey guys!

BRADHey! Glad you could make it!

CAMERON


Have you seen Jason around?

BRADHe’s not here.

CAMERONWhere is he?

BRADI’m not sure, but he seemed pretty upset earlier, so I think I

have a pretty good idea.

CAMERONWhat’s going on with him?

CURTIS(feeling awkward) Yeah-I’m gonna-

CURTIS exits without finishing his sentence.

BRADI don’t know what to tell you-

CAMERONIt just seems like he doesn’t want to talk to me-like, at all.

BRADI KNOW that’s not it. He’s my best friend, but I don’t want to

overstep my bounds. You should try to talk to him again.

CAMERONSo, you do know what’s bothering him-

Brad: Yeah but not much else. Jason’s a pretty private guy, even to me. I can’t give you the answers you’re looking for.

BRAD walks away, leaving CAMERON standing there alone.

Scene 19EXT. BASEBALL FIELD-NIGHT

JASON is sitting in the bleachers, by himself. The camera zooms in closer to show that he appears to be deep in thought.


After a few seconds, CAMERON walks up the steps and stops a few feet from him. She doesn’t say anything, but he knows she’s there.

JASONHow’d you know I’d be here?

CAMERONLucky guess. We met yesterday and this the third time I’ve been

here.

JASON nods.

CAMERON sits down next to him.

CAMERON So, are we going to talk about this?

JASONI guess we should.

CAMERON(pause)

I’ve said my peace. You go.

JASONThis town, there’s something special about it. This is a baseball

town. What’s great about baseball is that-

CAMERON(interrupting)

I don’t want to hear about baseball. I want YOU to talk to ME.

JASONWait-just listen. What’s great about baseball is that it teaches

us to love without reason or condition. If you win, you come back, if you lose you come back. The Red Sox don’t win every game, the Yankees don’t win the championship every year. The Chicago Cubs waited over 100 years, but win or lose, the fans

were there. Before there are spouses or children, or responsibility in life, there’s baseball. A child’s first

experience with loss, or rejection, or triumph or teamwork, that’s baseball.

CAMERONOkay-

JASON


Everyone here has that. The magic, the wonder, the memories. The idea that no matter what is going on in their lives, this, what

happens between these lines can wipe that away, even temporarily, make it better.

NARRATION (JASON)As the saying goes, “The truth will set you free.” What if the truth, the particular truth you’re too afraid to tell, is the

thing that enslaves you? Can we find freedom in a lie?

CAMERONJason, I still don’t understand what that has to do with what

happened, or with us, or anything.

NARRATION (CONT.)A lie is like a flame. A single match seems harmless, but when the match falls, the flame begins to burn beyond our control, growing larger and larger until it engulfs us and everything around us. An honest man cannot breathe when surrounded by the

suffocating presence of a lie.

JASON(continuing as if Cameron wasn’t there)

You’re right. If I’m being completely honest, there is something I haven’t told you.

NARRATION (CONT.)St. Augustine once said, “The truth is like a lion. You don’t

have to defend it…”

CAMERON takes a deep breathe, preparing for what she’s about to hear.

CAMERONOkay-

NARRATION (CONT.)“…Let it loose. It will defend itself.”

JASONI’m sick.

FADE OUT

Executive Producer Roman Janeiro


END CREDITS

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