Script (1/3)
The titles fade in on a black, empty screen before dissolving into the darkness, leaving nothing but a silent void. The silence is broken by the sudden sound of a school bell ringing.
Cut to:
Int. Detention Room - Day
Three students sit together in an empty classroom. JASMINE and TESSA, two fashionably dressed students, are gossiping about their fellow peers as they sit side by side together. In front of Jasmine is FINN, a brawny student who has twisted his seat around to face Jasmine, playing tic tac toe against her despite her lack of interest in the game.
She’ll be engaged in conversation only for Finn to interrupt her so she can take her turn. Jasmine will begrudgingly pick up a pen, mark her turn on the paper they’re sharing before returning to speak with Tessa, putting minimal effort into entertaining Finn.
The door to the classroom opens, catching the attention of all three students. ELENA, a timid student wearing glasses, enters the classroom. She gives the trio an awkward smile before keeping her head down and taking a seat several chairs away from the small group.
Both Tessa and Jasmine are surprised to see her.
Jasmine
I think you’re in the wrong place Elena, this is the detention room.
Elena glances over at the three, smiling nervously.
Elena
I know, I… well, um, MR JONES gave me detention.
Tessa gives Elena a pitiful look.
Finn (Teasing)
Because somebody didn’t do their homework.
Jasmine
Finn shut up.
Finn
Oh come on, it was just a joke.
Tessa (Sympathetic)
Wait what? Jesus, I knew he was mad but I didn’t think he’d give you detention. Elena, I’m so sorry.
Jasmine
I was about to say, I rarely do any homework but I’ve never been sent to detention for it. Mr Jones is such a dick.
Elena
It’s okay, I’ve just never really been to detention before is all. I don’t know what to expect.
Jasmine
Don’t sweat it, we just-
Finn (To Jasmine)
Your turn.
Jasmine gives Finn a frustrated look before picking up her pen, marking her turn and throwing the pen at Finn.
Finn
Ouch.
Jasmine (To Elena)
Anyway, don’t sweat it. We just copy out of a textbook for an hour and then we go home, that’s it.
Tessa
Who’s the teacher tonight?
Finn
MISS KILMER.
Jasmine
Well there we go, we’re all gonna have an easy time.
Finn (To Elena)
You’re lucky, she’s easily the best teacher for detention.
Jasmine glares at Finn with a doubtful look.
Jasmine (To Finn)
Oh really? Why’s that then Finn?
Finn
Because she’s, erm, she really chilled back and… what’s wrong?
Jasmine shakes her head, scoffing at Finn’s explanation.
Jasmine
Shut up. The only reason you like her is so you can gawk at her body.
Finn
Babe, we’ve talked about this, you’re the only girl I think about.
Jasmine
Oh is that so? Then why don’t you explain-
As Finn tries to calm down Jasmine’s tirade, Tessa gets Elena’s attention.
Tessa
Psss, I’ll call you later about ‘you know what’ okay?
All four students end their conversation as Miss Kilmer rushes into the room with a stack of books and papers.
Miss Kilmer
Sorry I’m late guys.
Pacing to her desk and frantically organising her pile of books, she turns around and gives the class a warm smile.
Miss Kilmer
I see we have a few regulars here today so I’ll try not to waste our time, okay?
She approaches each student, handing them a textbook and some paper. Giving the last textbook and sheet to Elena, Miss Kilmer lowers herself to Elena’s eye level and talks to her directly.
Miss Kilmer (Whisper)
I was surprised when I heard you’d be here, what happened?
Elena (Whisper)
Nothing serious, I was just a little preoccupied is all..
Miss Kilmer looks over at Tess, catching her quickly glancing over at Elena rather suspiciously.
Miss Kilmer (Whisper)
Did you do Tessa’s homework instead of your own?
Elena (Whisper)
No, I… did it for a few other students too.
The teacher sighs in disappointment.
Miss Kilmer (Whisper)
Listen, I don’t know if you’re trying to make friends or some money on the side or whatever, but whatever you’re doing, this isn’t the way to go about it.
Elena looks ashamed of herself.
Miss Kilmer (Whisper)
I tell you what, We’ll breeze through this detention today and then tomorrow, come and see me so we can have a chat, okay?
Elena smiles as Miss Kilmer gives her a wink before standing up and returning to the front of the class.
Miss Kilmer (To everyone)
Okay, as I said I won’t waste too much time because in all honesty… I rrrrreally need to use the bathroom. They want you to write out the text on pages ninety five and ninety six. Do that before times up and we can all go home before it gets too dark.
As the students open their textbooks, Miss Kilmer heads out of the class.
Miss Kilmer
I promise I won’t be long.
Miss Kilmer leaves, closing the door behind her. A very short montage plays of the students writing down their notes to highlight the amount of time Miss Kilmer has been absent. The montage ends with each of the students putting down their pens, glancing at one another.
Jasmine (To Tessa)
Are you finished?
Tessa
Yeah. We’ve still got twenty minutes.
Elena
Is she usually gone this long?
Jasmine
Nobody’s gone this long. Something’s not right.
Finn
Maybe she’s made a mess or something.
Tessa
Should one of us check on her?
Finn
Fuck that, the teachers explode when people try to leave the class in detention.
Tessa (Stands up)
Which way do you think she went?
Finn
Did you not just hear what I said?!
Tessa (Worried)
She might need some help.
Finn
But-
Jasmine
Finn! It’s Miss Kilmer, when has she ever gotten angry at a student, huh? She’ll probably give Tessa a hug for being so considerate. Are you just mad you won’t be getting that attention?
The classroom door opens and Miss Kilmer enters the room. The students immediately fall silent, Tessa sitting straight back down in her seat.
Tessa
I’m sorry Miss, you were gone a long time and I was going to check up on you but…
Miss Kilmer walks past Tessa without showing any kind of reaction.
Finn (Whispering to Jasmine)
Told you they get angry.
The students all watch as Miss Kilmer slowly walks to her desk with her head hanging down and her back slightly hunched. Her hair appears messy, as do her clothes. Walking past Elena, the student notices some kind of slimy liquid dripping from her hand onto the floor. Making it behind her desk, Miss Kilmer leans over the wooden surface. Her head is still hanging lowly. As she breathes heavily, releasing a shivering breath, the students all look at one another with concern.
Finn (Stands up)
Um, Miss Kilmer? Are you feeling alright?
Miss Kilmer slowly raises her head. Her eyes have constricted to a sharp, predatory gaze. A thick, bulging vein is present on her forehead. Slime drools from her lips. Miss Kilmer pulls a sinister grin as she stares at her students.
Cut to black.