The Darkness of Wicker Forest
Jeremy.Hacek.1922@gmail.com @pichael_myers
Written by Jeremy Hacek
EXT. CREEPY COTTAGE. NIGHT.
The sun sets over a small town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by
forest in the mountains. In the heart of the forest lies a rundown cottage.
Behind the cottage there are four different flowers laid on
four freshly filled graves. They are accompanied by the
sound of a shovel hitting dirt from a fifth grave. Dirt
flies from out of the plot followed by a shovel being tossed from inside.
It begins to storm as an old station wagon pulls out of the
dirt driveway of the unkept cottage. The weeds and plants
are overgrown and the screen door is falling off the hinges.
A silhouette of an old woman is left behind in the doorway.
INT. STATION WAGON. NIGHT.
A dirty hand turns on the radio.
RADIO VOICE OVER
What you are about to hear may
disturb and shock you. The
proceeding statements from the
Wicker Park Police Department are
extremely serious and are not to be
taken lightly.
MONTAGE - VARIOUS - BLACK AND WHITE
A) EXT. DOWNTOWN BAR. NIGHT
A blonde woman exits a bar. She stumbles down the steps but only for a second before she gains composure.
RADIO VOICE OVER
Women in the Wicker Park area are
advised to use extreme caution
while moving about the city alone, especially during the night.
B) EXT. DOWNTOWN MOVIE THEATER. NIGHT
A blonde woman exits the theater and turns down a dark
alleyway.
RADIO VOICE OVER
The people of Wicker Park are also
advised to use caution during their
Season's Tide celebrations and lock
their doors. You are encouraged to
report any suspicious activity as
it may save lives.
C) EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
A blonde woman walks her dog down the middle of the street.
RADIO VOICE OVER
Listen closely to the details
provided. Four women have been
reported missing in four weeks.
D) EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
A blonde woman walks barefoot through a neighborhood. She
holds her high heels as she walks alone through the night.
RADIO VOICE OVER
Evidence suggests these women have
been victims of a series of
abductions, presumably from their
homes.
E) EXT. HOUSE. NIGHT.
A blonde woman enters a dark house and flips the light on.
INT. HOUSE. NIGHT.
The blonde woman walks to her bedroom window to lower the
blinds when she notices the light is on in her shed, and the
door is open. The door behind her creeks, she moves to
investigate. The alarm clock reads eleven thirty PM.
RADIO VOICE OVER
Reports show that each of these
women were taken between the hours
of ten PM and three AM. We again,
urge you to lock your doors. The
media has dubbed this serial
abductor "The Midnight Caller".
MONTAGE OVER
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
An iPhone buzzes on a nightstand. It reads five am. The
phone plays an song, an upbeat alt-pop song.
HAYDEN BLUMES (mid 20's), gauged ears, freshly manicured
nails, beautiful smile. She happily lifts her pink sleep
mask over her blonde hair, yawns and dances to her alarm.
Her white cat jumps on the bed.
HAYDEN
Good morning, Jonathan.
She kisses him before getting up to throw her closet doors
open and dance as she tosses her running clothes on the bed.
EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
Hayden stretches outside of her brick home, puts in
headphones and starts to jog through her tightly packed
neighborhood.
Many homes are decorated with festive lanterns and string
lights. Some have witchy decorations hanging from their
porches, i.e pentagrams and stick men. Some houses have
scarecrows right outside their homes, other homes have
standing plastic ghosts, witches, and devils on their
lawns.
She stops to rest on a hill overlooking the town and watches
the sunrise.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY
Hayden stands in her kitchen and blends a smoothie still in
her running clothes. Jonathan the cat at her feet.
She bends down and pours cat food in a bowl.
EXT. PARK TRAIL. DAY
It's a beautiful day as Hayden walks the trail surround by
pine trees. Her best friend, AUTUMN is on her back for a
piggy back ride. They wear matching cut off jogging sweat
outfits. Hayden's in light pink, Autumn in charcoal gray.
Hayden takes a sip from Autumn's pink smoothie.
AUTUMN HILL (20's) Dark hair, dark makeup, dark nails. She
has face piercings and a choker.
AUTUMN
This is beautiful. You can't tell
me you won't miss our walks.
She gets off of Hayden.
HAYDEN
You know, I'll miss everything
about you, but school’s only a few
weeks. I'll be back before you know
it. I've worked so hard. I can see
it now. Hayden Blumes, flight
attendant. I can't wait!
AUTUMN
You have a job. You have Valarie
and me, and you've got Matthew.
What more could you want? What's so
special about being a flight
attendant? Why does everything have
to change?
HAYDEN
Yeah, I'm a manager at a gas
station in the middle of nowhere
Pennsylvania, that's why.
AUTUMN
Hey, your friend Matthew works
there and you think I should date
him.
HAYDEN
Okay, that's different. He has his
art studio and his music and all
that. He's really happy where he
is and I want that. I just can't
sit around waiting for something to
happen. It’s not really about
being a flight attendant. It's
about living life and seeing what's
out there for me. I want to be
adventurous and meet people. I want
more out of life than to sit in
Wicker Park where nothing ever
happens.
AUTUMN
Fiiine. I love and support you or
whatever, but I'm going to complain
the whole time. I'm gonna miss the
crap out of you when you're flying
all over the world. You'll never be
home. It's like the end of an era.
Someone flies right past them on a bike and knocks Hayden on
her butt.
AUTUMN
Hey, what's your fucking problem?
What? Say that to my face, baby
dick! Anyway...What? Why are you
staring at me?
HAYDEN
You're just so cute. You're just
like this little hundred and twenty
pound witch, full of rainbows and
skulls, shaking your fist like an
old lady. I love it, Autumn.
AUTUMN
I will confess to some of that.
HAYDEN
I mean it. You're always so happy
in your own little world, burning
sage and drinking tea.
AUTUMN
Until someone pisses me off.
HAYDEN
Until someone pisses you off and
then you're somehow even more
cute.
AUTUMN
Let's hope Matthew feels the same
way. He's kinda cute and this girl
has scared off many boys who were not ready
for it.
HAYDEN
Are you kidding? You, princess of
darkness? You're perfect for him.
All he does is watch scary movies,
paint, and play his guitar. You'll
fit right into his life and give
him someone to be his sweet self
for.
AUTUMN
Oh, he's gonna take care of me if
he wants. I'll allow it. He seems
to have a way about him.
INT. GAS STATION. DAY.
The gas station has a 90's convenience store charm. Snacks and
sunglasses. A couple rows of movies for rent. Witchy
decorations. A few missing persons posters covered up by
sale postings.
A few pre-teen boys lean in and listen intently to the clerk
behind the counter tell a story. MATTHEW DRUMMER,(20's),
short dark hair, long sleeves under his work shirt, metal
bracelets. Laid back, comforting demeanor, flashlight under
his chin.
MATTHEW
...And then her roommate finally
came home from Season's Tide. She
finds the lanterns had all been
blown out and a trail of blood
leading into the woods. She was
never heard from again!
The door rings as the boys take off frightened by the story
and they bump into Hayden on her way in. She takes one boy’s
face in her hands.
HAYDEN
They’re just stories, kid.
MATTHEW
Hang your horseshoes!
EXT. GAS STATION. DAY
Matthew leans against the back of the building and takes a
drag from his cigarette. Hayden exits the building to join
him dressed in her work shirt and accidentally kicks the
rock holding the door open.
HAYDEN
Matthew, I am so sorry.
MATTHEW
It's cool, key's lost though.
Someone probably put it under the
wrong rock. I've just been going
back in through the front.
Hayden politely takes Matthew’s cigarette from him and enjoys
the last drag before putting it out.
HAYDEN
You know, there are cooler ways to
end yourself.
MATTHEW
Well, if I die today, expect to see
my ghost in two to three business
days when my I return to haunt you
for the Tide.
HAYDEN
Sure, I'd wake up every night to
the sound of the same SMASHING
PUMPKINS album. You'd make a
terrible ghost.
MATTHEW
You don't know me. You don't know
my afterlife. I'll have you know I
left you the ladies’ room to mop and
at least half a dozen video tapes
to rewind.
HAYDEN
I take it all back, Matthew, you're
pure evil, baby. Who's car is
this?
Hayden gestures towards an old station wagon without license
plates parked right outside the door.
MATTHEW
No one's. It's been here a couple
days. Boss says if it's here next
week to call the sheriff. Don't
forget we close at midnight now. Do
you need a ride after?
HAYDEN
Shit. That's right. No, I can walk.
It's nice out. I like the view of
the trees running back into town.
Ugh. I'm going to be so bored
tonight, without you. You know it's
going to be dead.
MATTHEW
If you say so, just let me know.
And I thought you'd be excited. I'm
finally taking Autumn out.
HAYDEN
I am. I'm so excited. I think
you'll be good for her. Where are
you taking her?
MATTHEW
Just for a coffee and a walk in the
park. Maybe to my studio after if
She's interested. She mentioned it
would be fun to look at costumes
for Season's Tide. You find
something to wear?
HAYDEN
I'm not going this year. I have to
study. I can't mess this up.
Finals are the day after and I
don't want to be hungover.
MATTHEW
What? You have to go. This could be
your last one. This time next year
you'll be flying all over the
country. You'll have moved on from
dear old Wicker Park.
HAYDEN
I could never move on from you or
Autumn. This is my home, but
there's more to the world. I've
been sneaking out for Season's Tide
since I was fifteen. The worlds not
going to end if I skip it this
year.
INT. GAS STATION. NIGHT.
Hayden looks at the clock. It reads seven PM. She enters the
women's bathroom with the mop and bucket. She wipes each
sink and mirror. She opens each stall door and mops inside
each one. She refills the tampon holder. She sticks one in
her back pocket. She exits the bathroom and checks the clock
and sighs. It reads five past seven.
INT. GAS STATION. NIGHT.
Hayden finishing ringing up a customer.
HAYDEN
Good seeing you, sir.
CUSTOMER
You too Hayden, have a good night.
She yawns and glances at the clock. It’s eight fifteen. She
busts out the spray and wipes the counter.
INT. GAS STATION. NIGHT.
Hayden sits behind the counter staring at her flight
attendant schoolbook. She picks her split ends and pops her
gum as the clock reads nine thirty PM.
INT. GAS STATION. NIGHT.
The clock reads a quarter to midnight. Hayden rewinds videos
tapes in a VCR/TV combo. The entrance bell dings. She ejects
the last tape, slides it back into its case when the news
comes on the little television.
NEWS REPORTER AMBER
Witches, ghosts, and goblins,
folks! This weekend the cozy town
of Wicker Park won't be so cozy.
April 30th marks their 300th
Season's Tide celebration. It will
be all smiles and sunshine Saturday
morning, but after dark the town
will be celebrating in a way which
outsiders may perceive as sinister.
NEWS REPORTER TOM
And how's that, Amber?
NEWS REPORTER AMBER
By dressing as witches, Tom. This
Quaint, small town has witchcraft in
its roots.
NEWS REPORTER TOM
Sounds a lot like Halloween there,
Amber.
NEWS REPORTER AMBER
I can't say for sure what it's
like. The town has never let us
cover the festivities. Rumors
suggest that the townsfolk light
fires ten feet high and dance
around them naked.
NEWS REPORTER TOM
They're celebrating witchcraft? I
don't understand.
NEWS REPORTER AMBER
I believe the practices originated
from real superstition involving
witches and spirits coming back
from the dead. Fires to scare away
the spirits and dressing up like
them so they don't bother you. Now,
people may just enjoy dressing up
and dancing around bonfires.
NEWS REPORTER TOM
We may need to dig a little deeper,
Amber.
NEWS REPORTER TOM
Is Wicker Park scaring away demons
and devils, or inviting them in?
What do you think? Call two-two-
Three-five-five-five-four-three-
Zero-zero and tell us what you
think. This is Amber Sullivan
saying Goodnight.
HAYDEN
Something sinister? In Wicker Park?
She snorts and moves to lock the front door. She heads into
the back carrying a garbage bag.
EXT. GAS STATION. NIGHT
Hayden emerges through the back door with the bag, she holds
the door open and haphazardly pushes a rock over with her
foot just close enough to prop the door open.
Crickets chirp as she walks the bag to the dumpster and
tosses it in. She almost makes it back when the wind picks
up and she misses the door just as it swings closed.
HAYDEN
Shit, shit, shit.
Suddenly a dark dark figure sits up inside the station
wagon. The figure stares at her while she flips over rocks
for what feels like an eternity.
Finally, she stands up with a key and unlocks the door.
INT. GAS STATION. NIGHT.
Hayden returns to the front and starts turning out the
lights. she grabs the video tapes from the counter to put
back when she drops one and bends over. A dark figure stands
outside of the front door looking in.
When she stands up to continue the figure is gone.
EXT. GAS STATION. NIGHT
Hayden stands outside with her work shirt tied around her
waist. She stretches and flips a sign on the door to read:
CLOSED. She places her ear buds in and tosses her backpack
over her shoulders.
EXT. ROAD SIDE. NIGHT
Hayden jogs along through the grass on the side of the road
over a hill. The pine trees sway with the wind.
A car without headlights approaches behind her in the
distance. The car gets closer and closer until we can make
out that it is an old station wagon.
Hayden crosses the street and stops to tie her shoe. The
wagon is closing in on her when another car stops beside her
on the road. Hayden looks up, and shields her eyes from the
lights shining in her face. The car beeps, and the wagon
without lights turns off the main road.
AUTUMN
Hey sexy, need a lift?
INT. BEDROOM. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
Hayden stands at the foot of her bed in her robe with her
hair in a towel. She rubs moisturizer on her face and looks
at her phone which reads one a.m. She face plants, exhausted
onto her bed.
EXT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
A shadow figure stares at Hayden's house and begins to move
closer.
INT. BEDROOM. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
The alarm clock reads three a.m. Jonathan, the cat begins to
hiss and meow. There are sounds of tiny rocks hitting the
bedroom window. Jonathan jumps onto the bed.
Hayden's eyes slightly open but she doesn't move. Her eyes
search around until they meet the window. The silhouette
of a man behind her curtain stares at her.
Hayden's eyes express horror as she can't move. The shadow
goes away. The door slowly creaks open.
The floor creaks, sounding like footsteps getting closer. The cat
runs under the bed. Hayden sheds a tear as the shadow of a
man grows over her bed. The door slams shut and she closes
her eyes as tightly as she can.
INT. BEDROOM. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
The clock reads five a.m. Hayden shoots up in bed catching
her breath. The door creaks and her head snaps. Jonathan, the
cat jumps up on the bed and surprises her and she lets out a
sigh of relief.
Her phone buzzes on the nightstand and she picks it up. After reading the screen, she smiles. She hops out of bed with a happy glow.
INT. HAYDEN'S KITCHEN. DAY
Hayden pours cat food into bowls and Jonathan comes
running. She opens the refrigerator and stares.
She pulls out an onion and carrots and begins to chop.
INT. HAYDEN'S KITCHEN. DAY. LATER
Pots and pans steam on the stove. Hayden dances while she
stirs the contents of one of the pans. The doorbell rings. The oven beeps
and Hayden pulls out a dish.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY
Hayden answers the front door to reveal VALARIE FIELDS- mid-twenties with a warm smile. She's thin with wavy, dark hair, an olive complexion and wears scrubs.
VALARIE
Wow, something smells ama-
Hayden pulls Valarie in for a kiss.
HAYDEN
Shh. Don't say anything. Just go
shower. I miss you.
INT. HAYDEN'S DINING ROOM. DAY
The table is set for a romantic dinner. Valarie enters in
comfortable bedtime clothes. Hayden can't contain her smile
as she lights the candles.
VALARIE
This looks amazing. You're amazing.
The two sit down and Hayden pours the sangria.
HAYDEN
I thought we could celebrate your
interview. I know you're going to
get it.
VALARIE
It went great. I'm so excited to
finally work in a real hospital.
Working in a town of twenty-five
thousand people hasn't been exactly
great for my career.
Fuck, this is delicious. You're a
damn chef, Hayden. I could eat your
cooking every night.
HAYDEN
Why don't you?
VALARIE
Are you saying what I think you're
saying?
Hayden comes around to Valarie's side of the table and wraps
her arms around her.
HAYDEN
I'm saying that with your new job you'll
probably want to live in the city
and it would be convenient for me
to have a place in the city since
I'll be traveling all the time, and
cities have airports, so…
VALARIE
Mm. So, you're thinking of how
convenient it would be if I had a
place in the city. You could keep a
toothbrush there, maybe some
clothes.
HAYDEN
Yes, exactly, the convenience. So
convenient. So, what do you say?
VALARIE
I say I absolutely love you and if
you think we’re ready to get a place
in the city, so we can keep our
toothbrushes together, I love that
idea too.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY.
Hayden and Valarie lay in bed. Valarie runs her fingers
through Hayden's hair.
VALARIE
So, when should we start looking at
places? I'm thinking I can take off
this weekend and we can go. You're
almost finished with school, so the
sooner, the better.
HAYDEN
Yeah.
VALARIE
Yeah? This was your idea. I thought
you wanted to move.
HAYDEN
I do, I do. I'm just thinking about
Autumn. She's pretty down because
of how much I'll be traveling, and
me skipping Season's Tide to study.
When I tell her I'm moving she's
going to be crushed. I thought we
had more time, but us looking at
places means it's official. It
won't be just a fantasy about
living with you anymore.
VALARIE
It sounds like it's not as easy to
leave home as you thought. Maybe
you need more time.
HAYDEN
Maybe. There are things I'll miss.
Mostly Autumn. We'll visit each
Other, but I know it won't be the
same.
VALARIE
Listen, why don't you take the
weekend to spend time with your
friends. Let's go to the Tide.
HAYDEN
I need to study, there will always
be other Tides.
VALARIE
Will there be? If it's this easy to
skip the celebration now think
about how easy it will be when
we've moved on.
HAYDEN
I have to study or I might regret
it. I can't risk failing and being
stuck in this town until I die.
VALARIE
I think you'll regret not going. I
know you're over this little town
and it's weird traditions and you
want to move on, but I don't want
it to feel like you're moving on
from Autumn, and Matthew.
HAYDEN
You're right. This really could be
my last Season's Tide, my last
party in Wicker Park. Everything is
about to change and I owe it to
myself and Autumn to make the most
of the time we have left.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. DAY.
Hayden, Autumn, and Matthew decorate Autumn's living room
for Season's Tide with spooky, witchy decorations.
AUTUMN
I am still upset you're leaving us,
but I am also glad you decided not
to skip your last one before you
leave us.
HAYDEN
Me too. I don't know what I was
thinking. I'm so excited! This
feels like a new chapter. Valarie
and I are looking at places
together, my best friends are
getting together. This is what
Season's Tide is all about- new
beginnings.
MATTHEW
Is that what this holiday is all
about? I thought it was about
banishing the negative spirits.
Hence, all the protective
decorations. The lanterns, the
horseshoes above the door, the
sage.
AUTUMN
It's about all that stuff. This
holiday is what we make of it.
There's so much self reflection and
symbolism. Definitely my favorite
time of the year.
MATTHEW
Oh, you don't say?
AUTUMN
I just feel so seen. All year round
I'm the crazy witch girl in town
and for three days we're all
witches and I'm the cool one.
HAYDEN
It's great. The pine trees turn all
dead and brown. Wildflowers bloom.
AUTUMN
We dance around bonfires and drink
honey beer dressed like witches.
MATTHEW
Or whatever old halloween costume
you have laying around.
HAYDEN
And the decorations.
AUTUMN
Right? Who doesn't love woodsy,
witchy vibes mixed with cheap
specifically themed halloween
decorations.
MATTHEW
Isn't there something to do with
the woods though? Like a more
literal meaning?
AUTUMN
I dunno about all that. This
holiday was scaring off witches and
now it's about celebrating them.
HAYDEN
I'll bet people got the story wrong
though. Whatever those witches did
I'm sure it was for people's own
good.
AUTUMN
Oh, for damn sure.
MATTHEW
So, it's like a feminist holiday or
what?
HAYDEN
I guess you could say that since
were dressing like witches and
getting drunk instead of burning
them for keeping their houses
clean.
MATTHEW
Okay, so if we’re cool with witches
now, then why do we carve the
lanterns and burn sage still?
AUTUMN
To keep out the spirits that cross
over during the Tide.
MATTHEW
What spirits?
AUTUMN
I don't know. Dirty ones. The veil
between the land of the living and
that of the dead are thinnest
during the Tide. They're not all
friendly.
MATTHEW
So, mean ghosts and stuff, got it.
So, we dress up to scare them away
or blend in?
HAYDEN
You're asking too many questions,
Matthew. Don't overthink it. This
is an old German holiday brought
over by the Amish that settled
here. Only the brotherhood take it
seriously. Just drink Fireball like
the rest of us. I don't know what
they were so afraid of but we just
party like Nancy Downs for 3 days.
Only Autumn really believes this
stuff.
AUTUMN
Hey now.
MATTHEW
Just because these ideas are old
doesn't make them any less valid.
Our ideas will eventually be old,
and then we’ll be the crazy old
people.
Valarie enters the room on the phone.
VALARIE
Alright, alright. I'm on my way.
HAYDEN
Who's that?
VALARIE
The hospital. They need me to come
in. This happens every year. I'm so
ready to go back to the city. What are
we talking about?
HAYDEN
Matthew was asking what kind of
spirits we think the brotherhood
were afraid of when they
established Season's Tide.
VALARIE
Who knows what kind of
superstitions they bought over with
them. They're probably afraid of
spooky things that modern science
has debunked a long time
ago. Maybe ghosts. I thought it was
about witches?
MATTHEW
Oh, or vampires.
VALARIE
Maybe, I think they set up a whole
Tuberculosis society here.
Whatever, don't listen to me. We
didn't celebrate The Tide in in
Pittsburgh.
HAYDEN
I'm sorry you have to work. Do you
have time to take me home so I can
get ready for tonight?
VALARIE
Of course. I'm sorry I have to go
in. At least now you can spend
more time with Matthew and Autumn.
Are you going to be okay walking
back?
HAYDEN
I don't mind the walk. I can take
in the Season's Tide experience one
last time. The decorations, the
music, the witchy atmosphere.
VALARIE
Yes, all that. And then I get to
experience you all drunk on
fireball and full of Taco Bell when
I get off work.
HAYDEN
You think you know me so well.
INT. HAYDEN'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
Hayden sits in front of her vanity mirror and puts the
finishing touches on her eye makeup while listening to
spooky rock music on the radio.
INT. HAYDEN'S KITCHEN. NIGHT
Hayden stands at the counter and opens up a can of tuna.
HAYDEN
Jonathan, I have your favor-ow!
She cut her thumb on the can. She moves to grab a spoon and
licks her thumb stopping mid walk.
HAYDEN
Not bad.
Jonathan, the cat runs in to eat as she fills his bowl.
HAYDEN
There he is. Come and get it.
JONATHAN THE CAT
Meow.
HAYDEN
Happy Season's Tide, Jonathan.
JONATHAN THE CAT
Meow.
EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
Hayden steps outside onto her porch wearing a lacy, sleeved
black and pink overlay dress and witch’s hat.
The streets are crowded as she makes her way through the
masses. Large groups of people are dressed in spooky costumes or
in nothing at all. They dance near towering bonfires and
sing folk songs.
The moon is full. Fireworks can be seen above. Porches light
the night with turnip lanterns. Music can be heard.
Scarecrows stand proud in people’s front yards.
Teenagers party in the street. Chainsaws can be heard in the
distance. Sirens sound off. The whole town is involved. This
is Season's Tide.
She passes through downtown. Dozens of businesses are
Decorated. The owners stand out front dressed up and
inviting people in.
Cars honk and people wave. She walks through neighborhoods
until things get quieter.
She can hear indiscernible chanting in the distance.
She turns a corner onto a slightly less enthusiastic block.
Less decorations, less people, and more sinister.
The sound of chanting becomes more apparent as she makes her
way through town.
CHANTING
Light your porches or we'll bring
torches! Light your porches or we’ll
bring torches!
She walks past a very riled up mob of Amish men holding
signs. Each one in traditional Amish attire except for the
mask they bear. Each member has either a different skull
mask or they have their faces painted to look like a skull.
One of which stands on top of a car holding a hammer. He
wears a bright red horseshoe from a rope around his neck,
like a necklace.
MORDECAI
Every year this town grows more and
more careless. Every year more and
more forget why we uphold our
traditions! If we do not act now it
will be too late.
The crowd agrees.
MORDECAI
For too long we have shaken our
heads in silence as these people
have mocked the power of this
night, ignoring the dangers that it
invites into our homes.
MOB MEMBER
Be reasonable brother, for these
people do not know that of which
you speak. Isn't that a good thing?
Have we not kept the spirits away
long enough for this town to forget
what this night brings?
MORDECAI
I understand your compassion,
brother, I do. The fact still
remains- these folks do not listen
to reason. We have warned them
every year that ignoring the
traditions may bring darkness upon
our doors. The evil that has left
us will return as if it never left.
If these people will not protect
themselves, we will do what must be
done to keep the unclean spirits
away. We must do our duty to
protect our community from the
darkness and make sure these
revenants do not return.
Suddenly the leader shifts his head in Hayden's direction.
MORDECAI
Hello, young lady. Where is your
mask? You would do best to either
wear your mask or enjoy the
festivities under a protected roof.
He jumps down from the car and splits the crowd.
MORDECAI
Do we frighten you, girl? There are
much worse things out on this night
than us. Things I wish to protect
you from. Please, take my mask, as
I'm sure I am much more equipped to
deal with the darkness than
yourself.
He takes one step towards her, and she bolts down an ally.
He watches, mob behind him.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Autumn opens the front door wearing a dress similar to
Hayden's only in all a black. She screams before hugging
Hayden and inviting her into the party. The house is in full
party mode. Mummies, witches, and dead cheerleaders have the
house packed.
AUTUMN
Come in, girl! Oh damn, the wind
blew out all the lanterns. I
better re-light them before we
invite something nasty in.
Autumn steps out and relights the lanterns.
AUTUMN
There....Ugh, you look great, girl.
I am going to miss being your best
friend. Hey, what's wrong?
HAYDEN
Nothing. I ran into the brotherhood
on the way. They're extra creepy
tonight..and hey, where still best
friends, you'll just have to come
visit me in the city. Drag Matthew
with you. Where is he?
AUTUMN
We better be. Let’s get a drink. I
think Matthew is looking at my movie
collection with Samantha. Maybe
Suspiria for mood.
HAYDEN
So, how's it going with him?
Wait, Samantha who?
AUTUMN
He's sweet. I might keep him.
Samantha Greene, she's been asking
about you.
MATTHEW
Hayden!
Matthew rushes over and picks up Hayden for a hug. SAMANTHA
GREENE follows behind him. She's mid twenties, blonde hair pulled back,
shaved sides, leather jacket, nose ring. Cool feminine
rockstar intensity.
HAYDEN
What are you supposed to be?
MATTHEW
Death Eater.
SAMANTHA
AVADA-KEDAVRA!
MATTHEW
Hey, you remember Sam, right? She
just moved back to town.
HAYDEN
Samantha, how are you? I haven't
seen you-
SAMANTHA
-Since that party at Kyle’s. Yeah, we
broke up and I moved to the city
after that.
HAYDEN
I was going to say in years, but
yeah, that would have been the last
time.
SAMANTHA
Anyway, I have to run. Please come
by the Shack some time. We'll hook
you up. It was great seeing you,
Hayden. Autumn, thanks for having
me. Matthew, always a pleasure.
MATTHEW
Later Sam.
AUTUMN
The Shack?
MATTHEW
She moved back and bought the Pie
Shack.
HAYDEN
I didn't know she was so business
Savvy.
AUTUMN
Makes sense if you remember right.
She was so controlling back in the
day with Kyle.
HAYDEN
I would have let her control me a
little bit.
MATTHEW
Wow.
HAYDEN
Alas, for I am spoken for, and
this night is not about any of
that. It's about doing Season's
Tide right with my main girls.
MATTHEW
I resent that.
HAYDEN
You know I love you. I love you
both. Now, I wanna do it all. Let's
drink honey wine and sing fucking
folk songs, and leave bread out for
the hell house, and do some fucking
witchcraft.
AUTUMN
Yes, yes, and yes. What's first?
MATTHEW
Ooh. Do you read Tarot?
AUTUMN
Oh Matthew, you have no idea. I
have such sights to show you.
HAYDEN
I wanna be drunk and I wanna dance
by that fire all night.
AUTUMN
Matthew Honey, shots.
MATTHEW
On it.
The three raise their shot glasses.
MATTHEW
To Season's Tide.
AUTUMN
To us.
HAYDEN
To old friends and new beginnings.
SEASON'S TIDE PARTY MONTAGE:
...Hayden, Autumn, and Matthew dance around the bonfire with
the rest of the party.
...Autumn sits at her kitchen island, takes a shot, and
shuffles her tarot deck.
...Hayden and Autumn laugh as Matthew pours more honey wine.
...Autumn places the The Fool tarot card on her island. She
pulls Matthew by the shirt for a kiss. Hayden captures the
moment with a selfie.
...Autumn raises her glass as she toasts with Matthew,
Hayden, and people dancing at the bonfire.
...Autumn finishes her beer and places The Death card next
to The Fool on her island.
...Hayden takes a shot and jumps through the bonfire,
followed by Autumn and a shirtless Matthew.
...Hayden takes a shot and watches Autumn place The Devil
card on the island with the other two tarot cards.
...Hayden, and Autumn now hold hands with Matthew and dance
with a few others in a circle around the bonfire.
INT. AUTUMN'S BATHROOM. NIGHT.
Hayden sits on the toilet, using the restroom. Her hands are in her face, she's exhausted as
the night lulls and the liquor weighs her down. There's a
box of tampons on the sink.
Hayden stares into the mirror and wipes away the mascara
that ran while laughing to tears. Her phone buzzes.
VALARIE (TEXT MESSAGE)
I miss you, too <3
She texts back on her way out of the house.
EXT. AUTUMNS HOUSE.
Hayden steps out on the porch see see Autumn on Matthew's
Lap, kissing.
HAYDEN
I think I'm gonna go.
AUTUMN
Love you.
MATTHEW
Should we walk her?
AUTUMN
Isn't he sweet? Honey, I don't think
you could spell walk right now. She
called an uber.
The uber pulls up.
HAYDEN
Hey, before I go, what did my
reading mean?
AUTUMN
I've had a lot of Honey wine.
Remind me, what were you cards
again?
HAYDEN
The Fool, The Devil, and Death.
MATTHEW
Oh, fuck.
AUTUMN
Don't scare her Matthew. It's not
bad. Let's see. It's all about
diving into things head on. You've
got The Fool representing a
journey, or new beginning. Just
embrace it with optimism, girl.
You've got the Devil; he represents
temptation and things holding you
back. Things you need to shed on
this journey, in your case, guilt.
And-
HAYDEN
-What about Death?
AUTUMN
It's about transitioning- ending
one phase of life and entering
another. It's all about you moving
to the city, starting a new life,
not letting me make you feel too bad
about it either. I love you.
HAYDEN
That makes sense. I love you too.
Goodnight guys, call me tomorrow.
MATTHEW
You're not afraid of some spooky
Season's Tide meaning? Spirits back
from the dead, roaming the town and
all that? They're coming to get
you, Barbara.
AUTUMN
Don't do that to her.
MATTHEW
It's starting to rain. Your
lanterns could be out. That's
basically an invitation.
HAYDEN
You know I don't believe in all
that. Besides, I have Valarie to
protect me.
MATTHEW
If she makes it in time. She won't
be back until dawn.
HAYDEN
Good night, Matthew.
MATTHEW
Good night, Hayden.
Hayden gets into the back of the uber and rolls down the
window.
HAYDEN
If something gets me in the middle
of the night. I want you to know, I
blame you, Matthew.
INT. UBER. NIGHT
The radio plays BLACK NO. 1 EDIT. Hayden texts as they
slowly drive through town passing people still dancing near
bonfires. Homes fully decorated for the event.
EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
Something watches Hayden exit the uber outside of her home.
Every house on her street is lit up besides hers.
EXT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
She does a slight dance as she happily makes her way to the
front door. Several unlit turnip Jack-o-lanterns hang on the
porch. She drops the keys as she reaches for the doorknob.
She picks them up.
A shadow watches her enter the home from across the street.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
She enters and immediately unzips her gown in the back.
HAYDEN
Ugh. Finally.
She's greeted by Jonathan the cat rubbing against her
ankles. She tosses her keys in a bowl and sets her paper bag
from Taco Bell next to it. Festive witchy decorations occupy
the living room.
HAYDEN
Jonathan, I love you.
She picks up her cat and does a dance and a spin. she kisses
him repeatedly before putting him down. She whips off her
wet dress with a sigh of relief and leaves it on the floor
before she fills the cat dish with food.
She drunkenly dances her way up the stairs.
INT. HOUSE BATHROOM. NIGHT.
The mirror fogs up as Hayden showers. A box of tampons sits on the sink.
INT. HOUSE. NIGHT.
POV SHOT. Up the stairs.
INT. HOUSE BATHROOM. NIGHT.
There's a creaking noise loud enough for Hayden to stop the
shower and listen, only for a second before she shakes it
off and continues to shower.
INT. HOUSE. NIGHT.
POV SHOT. Up the stairs and into the bedroom. The sliding
closet door is wide open.
INT. HOUSE BEDROOM. NIGHT.
She enters in a comfortable T-shirt and shorts for bed. She
grabs the remote and flips on the television. It's the news.
She leaves the room.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Lock your doors, folks! Wicker
Park, usually known for being the
safest town in Pennsylvania, is
about to be known for something
else- disappearances.
She re-enters the room, brushing her teeth and stands in the doorway.
The closet door is all but closed.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
Reports say this small town,
heavily populated by the Amish and
Mennonites alike, have reported
four disappearances in four weeks.
She plugs her phone in on the nightstand and walks away.
The digital clock reads two am. The phone lights up.
VALARIE TEXT
I can't wait to see you.
She enters the room, climbs under the sheets, and turns off
the television.
Black screen.
INT. HOUSE BEDROOM. NIGHT.
The clock reads 3:15 AM. The sheets that once covered her
are missing. She is still sleeping.
Close shot of her face.
POV SHOT. Her chest moves as she breathes.
SHOT OVER HER BED. She lies peacefully until she slowly
starts to slide out of frame towards the foot of her bed, as
if she were being pulled off.
Black screen.
FIRST PERSON POV SHOT FROM HAYDEN’S PERSPECTIVE. Her eyes slowly
start to open and all she sees is the ceiling moving.
She looks down towards her legs and a look of pure horror
spreads across her face. She panics, screams and kicks as
She tries to break free.
Finally, she slides completely off the foot of her bed. Her
head hits the frame and then the hardwood floor with a bang.
She stops panicking and goes limp. Blood is left behind as
she slides out of view.
Her phone sits on her bed and it lights up.
VALARIE TEXT
Let's watch the sunrise.
INT. COTTAGE. NIGHT. DREAM/MEMORY
A large Gucci duffle bag is dragged through an old, dark
house covered with cobwebs and dust. Old dishes layered
with mold on the dining room table. Upkeep has been
abandoned. Dozens of cats growl, hiss, and rub against the
bag.
The only light comes from the other room. The television can
be heard. "When it comes to 3 year old Billy, you are NOT
the Father"
The bag stops in a door frame.
OLD LADY (OS)
Noah. That better not be another
whore. Come and watch our show with
momma.
Suddenly the figure stops dragging the bag to look up.
Reveal: NOAH SHEPPARD. A straggly young man with thick
glasses sliding down his nose, and wavy shoulder length
hair. He's dressed in a white shirt, buttoned all the way
up. He's covered by a one-piece purple rain suit, black
latex gloves, and a black felt hat.
He lets go of the bag and flashes his eyes in annoyance. The
bag slides through the doorway and down the basement steps
as the man steps away.
INT. COTTAGE CELLAR. NIGHT
The lights flicker on. The old brick walls have been
scrubbed clean. The walls are plastered with pictures of
blonde women, including Hayden. Every picture not of Hayden
has been written on with red marker. Words like "whore",
"slut", "Harlot", "Jezebel". The room is totally clean, void
of dust and cobwebs. Tile flooring with a drain. A white
refrigerator. A utility table with several tools and medical
equipment.
Noah Sheppard kneels over the Gucci duffle bag. He unzips
the bag revealing Hayden's face, mouth covered with duct
tape.
She's picked up, and put on a hook coming from a ceiling
beam. Hanging by her bound wrists above a water basin.
Another woman hangs beside her, but upside down, her throat
and wrists cut. She hangs over a blood-stained metal basin.
Noah takes off his hat and hangs it on the wall. He leans
his forehead onto Hayden's and stares into her eyes.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Please don't be afraid. Everyone
dies sometime. Welcome to the rest
of your death, Hayden.
INT. HAYDEN'S BEDROOM. DAY
ONE YEAR LATER.
Hayden lays in bed as her alarm continues to go off. It
reads two PM. Her eyes are glazed over and there are bags
under them. Her hair is cheaply dyed black.
She lays in her hoodie and sweatpants. Her phone starts to
buzz, and buzz, and buzz. She ignores it until it stops and
starts again. She answers it.
HAYDEN
I know. I know. I'm coming.
INT. HAYDEN'S KITCHEN. DAY
Hayden pours coffee into a coffee tumbler. She still wears
the same hoodie and sweatpants. She fills several cat bowls
up with food. Multiple cats rush the bowls as Hayden closes
the front door behind her.
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY
Hayden enters and takes a takes a seat in a circle of chairs
filled with people. Kent Thomas greets the the group, Mid
40's, thin, dark hair. White button up, black tie, and
slacks. A dorky genuine feeling about him.
KENT
Okay, folks. My heroes, my
survivors. You've all been through
things I can't imagine. We all know
how hard these things can be to
talk about, but we also know how
much better we feel when we do.
The group gives out their agreements.
KENT (CONT.)
Hayden, Next weekend marks one year
since your escape from Noah
Sheppard. Please, share with us all
how you're feeling, what you're
going through. These anniversaries
can take a toll on us.
Hayden reluctantly stands up. Her left forearm has four
women's names tattooed on it. She rolls her sleeves down.
HAYDEN
Do I have to?
KENT
You don't have to do anything
you're not ready for. Although, I
promise you'll feel better after
you open up to the idea of healing.
You're here every week. I hope
you're getting something out of it.
HAYDEN
I'm just here to listen and support
the others. I'm not here to relive
what I've been through. I do that
enough already. Every time I close
my eyes, or when I try to leave my
house after dark. Believe me, it
has not helped.
KENT
Let us support you, Hayden. We'd
like to. Why won't you let us? If
not us then Valarie.
HAYDEN
Valarie doesn't understand. And
those other girls, they're gone.
They're gone and I'm here. Why do I
deserve to move on when they can't?
I may be back in that basement
every night, but they never got to
leave.
KENT
Hayden, let us support you. Let's
confront these feelings together
before what happened consumes you
and changes you forever. You don't
want to pass that up. You have an
opportunity the other girls don't
have- to heal, to live. Please
embrace it. You are more. Say it
with me, folks.
GROUP
YOU ARE MORE. YOU ARE ENOUGH.
KENT
Tell us what happens when you
leave the house?
HAYDEN
Suddenly, I feel how small I am in
the universe. I become hyper aware
of my surroundings and I lose
myself. I feel alone in world in
which I have no control over. I can't
breath as I am overwhelmed by the
environment and reality hurts as it
bears down on me.
KENT
Hayden, what you're going through
sounds like anxiety. It's helpful
to ground yourself in these
situations. Remind yourself what's
real. If you're open to it, I would
like share some techniques for
overcoming these episodes. When you
feel comfortable, of course. And
remember-
GROUP
YOU ARE MORE. YOU ARE ENOUGH.
HAYDEN
I'm doing okay on my own. I think
it's getting better. I do fine by
being home before sundown when I
have to walk. Maybe another time.
KENT
We're here for you, Hayden.
Whenever you're ready. Thanks
again for sharing.
KENT (CONT.)
Now folks, we all know what this
weekend is. Season's Tide lasts for
three nights, guys, three nights.
Try not to let this town's strange
paranoia based traditions overwhelm
you. It's a party, try to enjoy
it...and light your lanterns.
Humoring Mordecai and the
Brotherhood makes for a smoother
night without interruptions.
EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
Hayden walks home, carrying her hoodie, past businesses and
alley ways. She stops and stares at engagement rings behind
the glass window at a jewelry shop. Something pushes her
from behind, startling her.
HAYDEN
Oh, hey, boy! It’s just you. How
have you been?
A stray German Shepherd wags his tail. He presents her with a
white and yellow flowers. She kneels down so he can lick her
face while she pets him. He gets carried away licking her neck
and she can't help but laugh.
HAYDEN
Is this for me? You're just the
sweetest. One of these days I'll
just have to take you home with me.
Just then a horse and buggy flies past scaring the dog away.
AMISH MAN IN BUGGY
Get out of the way, ya
filthy beast.
Hayden shakes her head and slides her flower behind her ear
before she turns a corner, taking the sidewalk through her
neighborhood passing dozens of brick houses. All tight in a row
with turnip Jack-o-lanterns or candle ghost jars on the
porch. Some have red horseshoes hanging above their doors.
It's nearly dusk. The crickets grow louder.
Suddenly the neighborhood quiets. Only wildlife can be
heard. The loons in the distance cry out. The owls in the
trees wail as they sway. The moon is pink and large. Howling
can be heard in indiscernible directions. She becomes aware
of how alone she is. She can't help but look over her
shoulder as if something is watching her.
It gets darker as she picks up the pace. The wind picks up.
She becomes more terrified with each step. Faster and
faster, the wildlife warnings grow louder and louder. She's
overwhelmed as all the sounds around her start to overlap.
She breaks into a run.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
She bursts through the front door and slams it closed. She
sinks to the floor. In walks her girlfriend, Valarie Fields,
26, wearing scrubs. She's thin, wavy dark hair, comforting
demeanor.
VALARIE
Hey you.
Hayden gets up and throws her arms around her.
VALARIE
Are you okay, what's going on?
HAYDEN
I'm okay, just got spooked on the
way home, sorry.
VALARIE
Don't ever apologize. Hey, I love
you.
HAYDEN
Can we go to Autumn's?
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
A warm, artsy, charming residence. Witchy spring decorations
fill the home. Phantom of the Opera plays on the television.
Matthew paints the Phantom on an easel. The radio plays
alternative rock music, volume very low, from another room. There's
a knock at the door. She opens the door to see Hayden,
and goes for the aggressive hug.
AUTUMN
You made it! I thought you weren't
coming. No Valarie again, I see.
MATTHEW
Finally, we thought you died. Did
you find a costume for this
weekend?
HAYDEN
I can't decide what I want to go
as, and Valarie got called in.
Things get extra weird in the ER so
close to the Tide.
AUTUMN
Good, because we're going to look
tomorrow. All that girl does
is work. I feel like she never
comes out anymore.
MATTHEW
Well, someone has to patch up all
those dirty degenerates and send
'em back out into the night, or
this holiday wouldn't be any fun.
AUTUMN
Well, maybe your other girlfriend
will stop by tonight.
HAYDEN
I have another girlfriend?
MATTHEW
She means Sam.
AUTUMN
You know she's been into you since
forever.
HAYDEN
Yeah, before. Now I'm a mess. Just
the weird girl from the news. Plus,
you know I'm getting married, even
if she spends more time at work
than with me.
AUTUMN
Window shopping for rings doesn't
make you engaged, love.
MATTHEW
Valarie is one smokin' hot doctor.
But I do hear Samantha has dimples
on her butt.
HAYDEN
And on that note, I need a drink.
What are we watching? What are we
doing?
AUTUMN
I wanna watch a Nightmare
Before Christmas, but Matthew says
it's not a scary movie.
MATTHEW
It's not a fuckin' scary movie, it's a Christmas movie. I watch it
every year. Right after Die Hard.
AUTUMN
I cannot with him.
HAYDEN
What happened to the classics?
Psycho, Halloween, Night of the
Living Dead. How about my favorite,
Pet Semetary? Nightmare before
Christmas though? I'm not sure if
that counts or not. He may have a
point.
AUTUMN
Hayden don't listen to him. I'll
pour the wine and you get the door.
I think Samantha's hot and ready
out there.
HAYDEN
Pizza puns? Oh Autumn, how far have
you fallen? I think Bob Ross over
here is rubbing off on you.
MATTHEW
Stop, I'm flattered but I'm no
Ross. I am rubbing off on her
actually, at least three times a
week. Pretty proud of that
actually.
HAYDEN
Nice.
AUTUMN
Real nice.
MATTHEW
Thank you.
Hayden gets the door to see Samantha Greene holding a
pizza box.
HAYDEN
Hey.
She takes the box.
SAMANTHA
Hey. I like your nails.
HAYDEN
Oh thanks. Don't look at them,
they're all chipped.
Sam hands her the change, but she holds onto the money for a
extra second to take in the moment, and the eye contact.
SAMANTHA
No, I like it. Your own personal
blend of grunge meets glam.
HAYDEN
Well, thanks.
SAMANTHA
See you around, Hayden.
HAYDEN
Yeah, see you around.
Back in the house.
AUTUMN
Damn, girl. Are you sure you don't
like Sam?
HAYDEN
Shut up. I was nice to feel like
someone else for a second. It was
nice to forget. Stop staring at me.
Fuck, I need another drink.
INT. HAYDEN'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
Hayden sleeps peacefully. The sounds of rocks hitting her
window sends her slightly tossing but doesn't wake her.
The sound continues but she's unphased. Finally, her bedroom
door slams closed.
Hayden wakes up with a cold sweat. Her bottoms, socks, and
blanket are on the floor several feet from the bed.
A look of horror spreads across her face as she notices a
little blood coming from her underwear.
INT. LOCAL DEPARTMENT STORE. DAY.
Hayden, Autumn, and Matthew grab a shopping cart. An old
police sketch of the Midnight Caller is tapped above the
carts.
AUTUMN
Hayden. Hayden, ignore
That. Hello, earth to Hayden. Is
Valarie coming over for the Tide?
HAYDEN
What? Oh, she says she'll look into
it, but I know that means no. I
don't know if I can go out without
her.
MATTHEW
Would you rather be home?
HAYDEN
Good point. Maybe I shouldn't be
home alone tonight.
AUTUMN
I'm sure Samantha will be out.
MATTHEW
Do you think I have to wear Prada
with my devil costume?
AUTUMN
Absolutely.
Hayden throws in a box of Sleep Aid and some tampons.
MATTHEW
Hayden, are you okay?
HAYDEN
What do you mean?
MATTHEW
I dunno, but that's the third box
I’ve seen you buy in like the span of 2 weeks.
AUTUMN
Matthew, honey, shut up.
MATTHEW
Yup. Good call. Shutting up.
HAYDEN
Alright, what about Twilight?
Does Twilight count?
MATTHEW
Nice-count. I see what you did
there.
AUTUMN
It has to, it's a vampire movie.
MATTHEW
Twilight's the greatest love story
of all time, but it's not a horror
movie. It barely counts as a
vampire movie.
AUTUMN
You suck.
MATTHEW
Like a vampire, ah ah ah, ehh. You
gonna pick out a costume or what?
Maybe Slutty Witch?
Matthews notices a display of books.
MATTHEW
Hayden, did you know about this?
AUTUMN
"Burying the Tooth, The Noah
Sheppard story". This town disgusts
me. Showing off its claim to fame.
I'm so sorry, Hayden, I wish they'd
let it go.
HAYDEN
It's like the town is proud of it. It
hasn't even been a year and people
are capitalizing on us. It's
surreal unless it happened to you.
I hate it, but at least the other
girl’s names might be remembered.
MATTHEW
Looks interesting enough. Can I
get one?
AUTUMN
Matthew, Hayden's trauma is not a
source of entertainment.
INT. DRESSING ROOM IN DEPARTMENT STORE
Autumn looks at her witch costume in the mirror while Hayden
sits on the bench in her street clothes.
AUTUMN
Is this a slutty witch costume or am
I just a slut IN a Witch costume?
seems kinda cheap compared to last
year. What do you think? Hey
girl, what's bothering you?
HAYDEN
He's right. It's been like two
weeks. Day twelve and instead of
cramps I'm having the most awful
nightmares. Just like before.
AUTUMN
What kinda nightmares?
HAYDEN
Usually about that night, but
lately they've been more intense.
Now, it's not just memories, it's
like he's in my room watching me
sleep.
AUTUMN
Stop. Noah Sheppard is dead.
HAYDEN
It's happening again. I can feel
it. I wake up every night at the
same time- 3:15.
AUTUMN
Hayden, The Midnight caller is
gone.
HAYDEN
Don't call him that. Something’s
lingering over me, but can't touch
me. I can feel it.
AUTUMN
You're probably just worked up
about the anniversary coming up and
Season's Tide and all that. Kent
said he could help you. You should
go see him. What's Valarie say
about all this?
HAYDEN
Ehh, I dunno. I hate talking about
this stuff. She's so logical,
she'll think I'm crazy. What,you
like Val again?
AUTUMN
I never said I didn't like her. I
love Valarie. I just think you
should stick up for yourself. You
need someone to be there for you
right now. I love you girl, but if
Val's not experiencing any of this
at night, it's probably in your
head.
HAYDEN
Autumn, I have the same sleep
paralysis and I've had my period
for twelve days.
AUTUMN
Babe, as disturbing as that is, it
doesn't prove anything.
HAYDEN
You know every girl he took, it
was their time of the month? He
kept tampons in jars in the
refrigerator. I couldn't tell if
they were trophies or snacks.
AUTUMN
(Shivering) Ugh. Ugggh. I did
not need to know that. Well,
Hayden, as fucked up as that sounds
and believe me, it's fucked up,
he's dead and buried.
A pounding at the door surprises them.
MATTHEW (OS)
Hey! You skanks done in there or
what? I'm hungry. Daddy needs a
motherfucking Chalupa!
AUTUMN
In a minute! Men. That's it, we're
carving lanterns tonight. You know
what they say.
HAYDEN
Yeah, yeah. They keep the nasty
spirits away. I've only been a part
of the same weird traditions as you
my whole life.
AUTUMN
So, you know you need a lantern.
HAYDEN
And you know I don't really believe
in all that. I've got Valarie to
protect me, she's really good at it
and she's actually home tonight.
AUTUMN
Well, I do. Without a lantern
during the tide you're basically
inviting the bad spirits in. With
all this weird stuff happening, I
think you need all the protection
you can get.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden and Valarie lay sleeping. The sound of scratching and
clawing can be heard growing louder. Hayden's eyes open. The
bedroom door rattles as if there were a dog crying and
pawing on the other side. She opens it up to find nothing.
VALARIE
Babe, can you get the window?
The window is open, and the wind is blowing the curtains. The
clock reads 3:15am. Hayden moves to shut the window and the
stray Sheppard is sitting outside on the sidewalk.
VALARIE
Come back to bed.
She crawls back into bed and closes her eyes, only to hear
more whining.
Hayden opens her eyes to reveal an empty bed next to her.
Puzzled, she rolls back over and looks up at the ceiling.
The door creaks and she begins a panic attack. She can't
move. More scratching at the door. A silhouette of a man on
the ceiling grows, getting larger until it stops. She's
forced to stare for several seconds. The sounds of
scratching fills the room.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT. LATER
Hayden's eyes shoot open from her nightmare. Relief washes
over her as Valarie is next to her sleeping.
She rips the blanket off of herself to reveal her underwear
covered in blood, and screams.
HAYDEN
There's something in the house.
Without question Valarie grabs the bat and runs out of the
room. Sounds of shuffling can be heard as she checks every
room in the house.
She comes back and closes the window and just holds Hayden
in her arms.
HAYDEN
What's wrong with me?
VALARIE
Absolutely nothing.
EXT. SUBURBIA. DAY.
Hayden walks the sidewalk through the neighborhood. She
makes in just outside of the community building when she
hears a growl. She turns around to a friendly bark.
HAYDEN
Hey boy, are you following me?
Another flower. You love me don't
you? I had the weirdest nightmare
last night. I think you were in
it...
KENT
Thanks for coming Hayden, are you
ready for this?
HAYDEN
I can't live like this. If I keep this
up, Valarie's going to make me
sleep outside.
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY
Hayden and Kent sit on folding chairs across from each
other.
HAYDEN
Alright, tell me what to do to make
this go away and I can feel like me
again.
KENT
This is going to be a marathon
Hayden, not a sprint. Recovery
takes time, baby steps. You've
expressed some anxiety at night.
Can you tell me more.
HAYDEN
After sundown it's hard to leave my
house. I open the door and my chest
gets tight, it already hurts to
exist in the first place, but this
is worse. It's like wearing a suit
of armor and going through that
door seems like an impossible task.
I shrink and the world around me
grows. I lose myself and I'm
paralyzed.
KENT
When this happens, I want you to
ground yourself.
HAYDEN
What do you mean?
KENT
Repeat after me. My name is Hayden
Blumes.
HAYDEN
My name is Hayden Blumes.
KENT
I am twenty-five years old.
HAYDEN
I am twenty-five years old.
KENT
And I am in control.
HAYDEN
And I am in control.
KENT
I didn't catch that. Say it louder.
All together. You have to really
mean it.
HAYDEN
My name is Hayden Blumes. I am
twenty-five years old, and I am in
control.
KENT
You're in what?
HAYDEN
Fucking control.
KENT
Yes, you are. You're in control
Hayden. How do you feel?
HAYDEN
I feel great. Thank you, Kent.
KENT
Thank you, Hayden. I'm so glad
you're opening up to feeling good
again. You deserve it. Now, it also
helps me to have an object as well.
I pull out my wallet.
HAYDEN
Your wallet?
KENT
It's my object. I'm the only one
that sees it or knows its
contents. It's something I look at
everyday. it's only a part of my
reality. It reminds me that I'm
real. That I am in control.
Focusing on what's tangible puts me
back in charge.
HAYDEN
I haven't felt in control since
that night.
INT. COTTAGE CELLAR. DREAM/MEMORY
Hayden starts to regain consciousness as her abductor
unbuttons her pants and pulls them off. He binds her ankles.
She struggles as he reaches beyond her underwear and pulls
out her tampon and puts It into a jar. He labels the jar
with her name using tape and red marker. He licks the blood
from his thumb on the way to the refrigerator.
The lights flicker as he stops for a moment, poor posture
and greasy hair. He turns around to look her straight into
her eyes.
She struggles as he moves towards her and takes her face
with one hand. He has a pair of pliers in the other.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Did you know that some members of my
community remove their teeth? My
father had his removed by the same
man who took his life.
There's noise. He quickly covers up her mouth and puts one
finger to his lips. He begs her with his eyes to be quiet.
NOAH SHEPPARD
My name is Noah. Noah Sheppard. We
have to be quiet or we'll get in
trouble.
Hayden's eyes flash toward the body hanging next to her.
NOAH SHEPPARD
You don't have to be jealous of
her. She's just a slut and she
means nothing to me. My wife was
the same. She hurt me so badly. I
should have listened to father,
he'd been with lots of women.
Lucky for me, I have you now.
Another noise from upstairs.
OLD LADY (OS)
Noah? Noah, is that you? Finish
playing with your whores and come
help your mother.
He waits for her to pass and continues. He finds a vein in
her wrist and inserts a needle connected to an IV bag. Her
blood slowly begins to fill the bag.
NOAH SHEPPARD
You have the blood of a good girl.
I can taste it. We should get along much better. Now, try and get
some rest. Unfortunately, I have to
deal with mother. I'm all she has.
When I get back, we will discuss
your sleeping arrangements.
He turns out the light and opens the door before letting out
a heavy sigh and heads upstairs.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden, Valarie, Matthew, and Autumn all sit at the dinner
table post meal. Hayden pours wine and serves dessert over
conversation.
VALARIE
That was delicious, thanks babe.
MATTHEW
It was great, Hayden.
HAYDEN
Well, I didn't burn the chicken
this time. So, I am practically a
chef.
AUTUMN
You were always a great cook.
You're just out of practice.
VALARIE
I'm really happy you're making
progress, babe.
HAYDEN
What does that mean?
VALARIE
Well, it has just been a long road
and I'm happy to see you feeling a
little more like yourself.
HAYDEN
I can't believe you're telling me to
just get over it. You know better
than anyone what I've been through.
43.
VALARIE
Yes, honey, we are all very well
aware of what you've been through.
HAYDEN
I'm sorry. I'm not as good at
burying my emotions as you.
VALARIE
Let's not do this, okay?
HAYDEN
You're right. You all must be so
tired of hearing about it. I should
feel lucky right? Is that it? The
girl who wasn't murdered in a
basement. The delicate girl who's
just lucky she survived. That's it,
I survived, I'm fine. I really need
to just get over it and move on
already.
VALARIE
That's not what I said. I never
said you were delicate. I never
said any of that.
HAYDEN
No, tell us all how it is. I'm sure
you're real tired of the girlfriend
who doesn't put out because she's
depressed. Or the girlfriend you
have to drive everywhere because
she has panic attacks while walking
alone at night. Tell us all the
truth about the girl you're only
with because you feel obligated.
VALARIE
None of that is true, Hayden.
You've had too much to drink. I
don't know where this is coming
from. I love you, but I think we
should end the evening so we can
talk.
HAYDEN
No, they can stay because they've
actually there for me.
VALARIE
Right, because I've never been
there for you. Do you just want to
fight?
Valarie's phone starts to vibrate on the table.
44.
HAYDEN
Go ahead, answer it. I'm sure it's
important. Works always more
important to you than I am. Run
back to work.
VALARIE
Hayden, you're not being very fair.
It is important, I am a doctor.. in
the ER. The only surgeon for like
50 miles, but it can wait. You seem
to want to do this right now, drunk
in our kitchen in front of company.
So, please tell me what's going on
because at this point I have idea
what you're going on about.
HAYDEN
I know you're a doctor. How can I
forget. It's all you care about.
VALARIE
That doesn't even make sense. Do
you even hear yourself? Where is
this coming from?
HAYDEN
You're always there. You never have
time for me.
VALARIE
It's my job Hayden, someone has to
pay the bills. You haven't worked
in a year. I'm sorry you have more
free time than I do, sounds like
such a fucking burden.
AUTUMN
Don't throw that in her face. You
know what she's been through. We
all know you work nights to avoid
her.
VALARIE
Wow okay, what the fuck, Autumn. Is
that what you think? Hayden, please
tell me that's not what you tell
people?
HAYDEN
I don't tell people anything. You
work nights and you're a social
ghost. People talk.
VALARIE
People talk? Are we in high school,
Hayden? Well, not that it's any of
your business, Autumn, but I don't
(MORE)
45.
VALARIE (cont'd)
work nights to avoid Hayden. I had
just taken a job that pays well
over twice as much, but that would
mean I would have to live in the
city, remember?
AUTUMN
So?
VALARIE
So? Do you think Hayden should have
spent the last year alone in this
house? Do you think she would still
even have a house? After what
happened I turned down the
opportunity in the city and kept
the only occupancy in Wicker Park.
Nights in the ER. Instead of moving
my life forward I stayed in the ER.
I fucking hate it.
AUTUMN
Wait, we always thought you wanted
to work nights?
VALARIE
Why would you think that? And
another thing, I don't think you
have any idea what you're talking
about with what Hayden's been
through. You're not here at three
AM when she can't sleep because
she's having night terrors. You
haven't used all of your vacation
days because she was on suicide
watch from home and I couldn't
leave her alone.
AUTUMN
You were going to kill yourself.
HAYDEN
Of course not. Maybe. I don't know,
okay. I just want things to go back
to normal. I want Valarie to be
happy to be with me again. I don't
want you to resent me. I don't want
me be the reason you gave up your
career.
VALARIE
I don't resent you Hayden. I resent
it a little that you let your
friends think I don't care about
you. I made all of these decisions
so we could have a life together.
This may all be a result of
(MORE)
46.
VALARIE (cont'd)
something that happened to you, but
this is our life. I know it's not
ideal but I'm doing my best to
help. I know it will get better.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT. LATER
Valarie and Hayden walk Autumn and Matthew to the front door
to say goodnight. Spirits are slightly higher.
AUTUMN
Thanks for having us over.
MATTHEW
Oh yeah, it was a real blast. Dry
chicken and a show.
AUTUMN
Silence, Matthew.
VALARIE
It's okay, it was kinda dry.
HAYDEN
Hey now. Alright, love you guys.
MATTHEW
Love you!
AUTUMN
Love you too, and Valarie I'm sorry
about tonight.
VALARIE
Don't mention it. I like to fight,
because we get to make up after.
Besides, you were probably just
upset we made you eat that chicken.
HAYDEN
That's it, Goodnight you guys. I'm
officially never cooking again.
INT. HAYDEN'S BATHROOM. NIGHT
Hayden soaks in the tub. A bottle and glass of wine on the
edge. The only light pours in from the hallway through the
door way. Valarie enters in work scrubs.
HAYDEN
Are you heading out?
VALARIE
Yeah, it shouldn't be too bad.
Hopefully back in a few hours. You
gonna be okay?
47.
HAYDEN
I'll be okay, love you.
VALARIE
Love you.
HAYDEN
Hey..I'm sorry.
VALARIE
Me too.
After a moment alone there's an ominous creak. Hayden
finishes her bottle of wine and shakes it off before leaning
back in the tub and closing her eyes.
INT. COTTAGE. NIGHT. DARK ROOM. DREAM/MEMORY
Cries and screams come from a dark dark room. The door cracks open
shedding light onto a large trunk. Someone's inside
desperately trying to get out.
In comes Noah Sheppard rolling in a wheelchair. A mason jar
of water rests on the seat, shackles lay over the back.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Hayden, ..my flower... You have to
calm down. You're going to hurt
yourself. Honey, I brought you some
water.
More screaming and banging.
NOAH SHEPPARD
I'm going to open the trunk so you
can drink. Remember, you're a good
girl. Be a good girl.
He opens unlocks the trunk which immediately bursts open to
reveal an exhausted sweaty tied up Hayden, struggling to
breath with the tape over her mouth. Noah moves to touch her
and she throws herself back and forth in fear and disgust.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Honey. Stop.
She continues to thrash until her grabs her and she stops.
He grabs her by the hair, pulls her into an embrace, and
strokes her hair and back.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Hayden, Hayden listen to me. We've
been over this. I'm going to remove
the tape so you can drink. Now, be
good so you don't have to go back
in.
She calms down.
48.
NOAH SHEPPARD
This is going to hurt.
He slowly pulls off the tape and hands her the water. She
almost falls over trying to reach the jar he hands her. She
chugs as much as she can before falling over with exhaustion
onto Noah.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Let's get you dressed. I want you
to make a good impression.
He sets her onto the wheel chair. He shackles her wrists
together.
NOAH SHEPPARD
There, can't have you getting away
from me.
He distinctly places the key in his left breast pocket.
NOAH
After tonight we can start planning
the rest of our lives without
mother, but first I have someone
I'd like you to meet.
INT. HAYDEN'S BATHROOM. NIGHT
A bathtub filled with a mixture of blood and water. Hayden
splashes everywhere as she violently wakes up, she had been
submerged in her tub.
She panics as she sees her wrist is bleeding, she scrambles
out of the tub stepping on the pieces of her wine class that
crashed to the floor when she woke up.
She holds pressure on her wrist as she rummages through the
medicine cabinet until she finds the gauze.
VALARIE (OS)
Hayden?
Valarie enters hysterically.
VALARIE
Oh my god, Hayden, what happened?
Hayden falls into her arms and proceeds to sob.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. DAY.
Jason X plays, Hayden and Autumn sit down in front of the
television holding tea cups. Autumn looks through a big
book. Matthew's painting Jason Voorhees.
MATTHEW
What's in the tea cup?
49.
AUTUMN
Sweet tea and bourbon.
MATTHEW
Oh, heeeeellll yeah.
HAYDEN
It's tea leaves, Autumn thinks she
can read our futures.
MATTHEW
Great, you really are a witch. May
I interest you in a lock of hair?
Well.. not my hair, someone's hair.
AUTUMN
were, communicating with spirits.
They're supposed to be a messages
from the other side.
HAYDEN
Mine just kinda looks like a lump.
MATTHEW
Hayden, that's a heart.
HAYDEN
Oh Yeah.. maybe.
AUTUMN
(Reading form book) The Heart, if
distinct it means marriage to
present lover. If it's indistinct
the lover is fickle.
HAYDEN
I can't really tell.
MATTHEW
Baby doll, can you ask the spirits
to be a little clearer next time?
AUTUMN
They are clear. Hayden has a lover,
and a not so secret admirer. The
message is for her. She knows in
her heart what it means.
HAYDEN
Right, what's yours say?
AUTUMN
Looks like a little man.
MATTHEW
(Reading from book)Arrival of a
visitor. Distinct means dark
complexion, indistinct means light.
(MORE)
50.
MATTHEW (cont'd)
Says if there's little spots by it
he's bringing gifts.
AUTUMN
What the hell does that mean?
HAYDEN
It means you better watch out.
AUTUMN
What?
MATTHEW
He sees you when you're sleeping.
AUTUMN
What?
HAYDEN
He knows when you're awake.
AUTUMN
Seriously, guys what the fuck are
you talking about?
MATTHEW
He knows if you've been bad or good
so be good for goodness sake.
AUTUMN
Stop, I can't believe I fell for
that. I thought I was gonna have a
stalker or something.
MATTHEW
Well, in a certain light, he is a
little creepy. Speaking of creepy,
What do you guys think?
AUTUMN
Looks great, people are going to
love it.
HAYDEN
Are you going to put them out this
weekend?
MATTHEW
Yeah, I'm hoping to sell a few of
them over the Tide.
AUTUMN
Look at this, just more naked girls
getting slaughtered. How am I
supposed to care, If the characters
are boring?
51.
MATTHEW
People don't buy these movies for
the characters, Babe. This is Jason
X. People come back for the killer.
They just wanna see...
HAYDEN
What he's going to do to his next
victims. The names and faces don't
matter, Right? Just how he does it.
He's the interesting one.
Ultimately the stories are about
the killer. The girls he takes and
the lives he destroys are
interchangeable.
MATTHEW
Hayden, I..
Both the girls scream at the movie at the same time, and
start giggling.
HAYDEN
Relax Matthew. I like these movies,
but I do have a new appreciation
for the characters. No matter how
poor their chances are, I'm
starting to root for them. This
stuff is something I can't come
back from. What's done is done.
It's affected me forever.
EXT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden stares through the front door. Everything seems so
loud. The neighbors, the cars...when Valarie puts her hand
on Hayden's shoulder and things quiet down.
VALARIE
You've got this.
Hayden steps outside onto her porch into the night air. She
takes in a deep calming breath and start to move when a car
drives by and honks their horn.
The crickets and cicadas get louder. The wind picks up.
Hayden becomes hyper aware of her surroundings. The music
from the neighbors becomes more apparent. She slowly sits
down and closes her eyes tightly. She whispers to herself.
HAYDEN
My name is Hayden Blumes, I'm
twenty five, and...and
Then Valarie's arms start wrapping around Hayden in a
calming wave.
52.
VALARIE
Hey now, you're okay. You're okay.
I'm right here. You're safe at
home.
HAYDEN
I wish you didn't have to go. Not
tonight.
VALARIE
I'll be out of there as soon as I
can. Close your eyes. I got you
something. I hope it makes you feel
a little better.
Hayden covers her eyes as Valarie digs in her purse and
pulls out a switchblade with "Lady Killer" embossed on the
handle. She holds up and "pop" the blade shoots out.
VALARIE
It's not much, but..
HAYDEN
It's perfect. This is just what I
needed. Thank you. your for always
taking care of me.
VALARIE
I'm going to do my best to be
around more. Something has to
change. I love you Hayden.
HAYDEN
I love you too, Val.
INT. HAYDEN'S BATHROOM. NIGHT. LATER
Hayden turns on the shower, tests it for temperature and get
inside. While she showers a dark figure enters the room
casting a shadow over the curtain.
She turns around as if she hears a noise, opens the
curtains, no one is there.
HAYDEN
Valarie?
INT. HAYDEN'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
She enters the bedroom, hair and body wrapped in towels. She
looks at her two outfits on the bed, her costume and her
pajamas. She looks at her phone. Nothing.
She leaves and come back to lean on her door frame and brush
her teeth. Still staring at her clothes. Her phone buzzes.
AUTUMN(TEXT MESSAGE)
Are you coming or what, girl?
53.
She continues to brush until the doorbell rings. She
returns with flowers and a card the reads "Until tonight"
and sets them on her vanity. That's when she notices a ring
box.
She sits down, opens it, and gasps. Her phone buzzes,
she stumbles and drops it.
HAYDEN
oh shit. Fuck.
AUTUMN (TEXT MESSAGE)
Let's gooo, bitch.
She looks back at the clothes on her bed.
INT. COTTAGE. NIGHT. DREAM/MEMORY
Noah wheels a broken Hayden out of a room. She's now dressed
in an long, oversized, black dress with a white apron. A
black bonnet covers her head. The sounds of an air pump
fills the hallway getting closer as the move. He stops in
font of what appears to be a closet in the end hallway.
He opens it up to reveal a blonde woman in a nightgown
strapped to a wall. Tangled IVs and tubes cover her body.
Air tubes go into her nose and mouth. An air pump seemed to
be moving light fluids into her and dark fluids out of her.
NOAH SHEPPARD
This was my Elizabeth. She hurt
me so badly. She broke our vows
before our wedding. She has served
her purpose, but I can't love her
anymore.
He grabs one of the bags of dark fluid and slowly begins to
squeeze it. Suddenly Elizabeth jolts towards them surprising
Hayden, only held back by her restraints.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Say goodbye Elizabeth.
She begins to writhe in pain and gasp for air. Her eyes
turning red.
NOAH SHEPPARD
..It's time for us to begin a new
life.
Elizabeth stops cold. Blood dripped from her eyes.
INT. UBER. NIGHT
Hayden rides through suburbia. She lays her head on the
window watching the lights and festivities. She takes a
moment to stare at the new ring on her finger.
54.
She steps out of the car into the night dressed in a
sparkly, red gown and witches hat. Her hair once again
blonde.
HAYDEN
Wait..this isn't..
The uber takes off.
EXT. AUTUMNS HOUSE. NIGHT.
A puff of white vape pen vapes wisps in her direction. She
looks over to see bright eyed Samantha Greene, dressed as
pirate, smoking a vape pen, sitting on the front steps a
house.
SAMANTHA
Shiver me Timbers, what are you
supposed to be.
HAYDEN
Wendy, you know, like Casper meets
Wendy. Cute right?
Hayden sits down next to Sam and takes her vape pen.
HAYDEN
What's in this?
SAMANTHA
Only the finest. It's a THC and
cotton candy moon mist.
HAYDEN
Good. The Brotherhood are out
tonight.
SAMANTHA
They just wanna ruin peoples fun.
Hounding people to put on masks and
light their lanterns. It's the
weirdest shit I've ever seen. This
town is fucking intense sometimes.
They take this holiday too
seriously.
HAYDEN
But not you though right? As chill
as they come.
SAMANTHA
Me? I'm the girl dressed as the
first female pirate in America,
born right here in Pennsylvania,
drinking rum and smoking cotton
candy weed vapors. I'd say I'm
pretty chill. I think if I got any
more chill I may literally die.
55.
HAYDEN
I have to say, I do like your
costume, wait, what are you doing
out here?
SAMANTHA
Just enjoying the night air before
I head out for the evening. What
are you doing out here all by your
self?
HAYDEN
Getting the night started on my own
while Valarie tries to get out of
work.
SAMANTHA
I was hoping to see you for a bit
in the Autumn before you were busy.
HAYDEN
Well, I'm here now and I almost had
a panic attack out here all alone
until I saw you. Will you escort me
to Autumn?
SAMANTHA
I'd love to.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Autumn runs to the door to greet them in her Morticia Addams
costume.
AUTUMN
Sam, good to see you, hot costume.
SAMANTHA
I'm just here for the booty.
AUTUMN
Arlight, now it's a fucking party.
I wanna hear all about that ring,
but first. Shots.
Autumn walks the pair over to kitchen island where there's
is a bottle of Fireball waiting and turns to them.
HAYDEN
Autumn, where are the glasses?
Just then Autumn lets out a pleasant giggle as Matthew
emerges behind her kissing her neck. He's dressed as Gomez.
MATTHEW
And for my next trick I shall need
an assistant. Cara Mia, give me
your arm.
56.
He takes her arm and kisses I all the way up to her face and
then reveals a stool leading up to the island. He takes her
hand and helps her up onto the island and lays her down.
A crowd starts to build around them now.
MATTHEW
Do you trust me?
AUTUMN
With my life.
MATTHEW
Open your mouth.
She opens wide and he bits the cork out of the fireball
whisky and pours some into her mouth and after she swallows
He places a slice of lime in her mouth.
MATTHEW
Are you ready, my love?
AUTUMN
Mmmhmm
He sprinkles salt from a shaker onto her stomach and pours a
shot of tequila into her belly button and proceeds to
seductively kiss her navel and drink the shot. The small
crowd cheers as he quickly pulls her up and embraces her in
a kiss transferring the lime into his house mouth.
AUTUMN.
Now, if you'll excuse us, were
going to play our favorite game.
MATTHEW
Aha! Wake the dead!
And the two walk off together.
HAYDEN
Those two are crazy.
SAMANTHA
Should we take a shot of our own?
HAYDEN
I don't know, tonight's supposed to
be special. I don't want to
encourage this thing between us. I
haven't even seen Val, since I
found the ring. She should be here
soon.
SAMANTHA
We'll, if she ever shows up I think
she'll live. It's Season's Tide,
Let's get a little crazy. It'll be
fun. Hayden, I'm not chasing you
(MORE)
57.
SAMANTHA (cont'd)
anymore, you're getting married who
knows when you'll get to party like
this again.
Okay.
Okay?
HAYDEN
SAMANTHA
HAYDEN
Yes, okay, just one and it's back
to your rum okay?
SAMANTHA
Yes, pirates honor. I'll look for
booty elsewhere.
Hayden lays down with the lime in her mouth while Samantha
sprinkles her salt and pours her shot.
Samantha takes her time with her lips on Hayden's navel. When
Hayden playfully objects.
HAYDEN
Hey now, I think you've had enough
fun down there.
Samantha comes up, to look Hayden in the eyes.
SAMANTHA
You know Hayden, I'm glad you're
getting married. It suits you. I
have not been able to break you.
Valarie must be the real deal. That
unless I'm just not your type.
Hayden strokes Samantha's hair while her heads still on her
belly.
HAYDEN
She is the real deal, she's
gorgeous and thoughtful, and
Amazing. She always knows just what
I need it. It can be hard for people
to see sometimes but she's my best
friend. Sometimes I even forget
that. She still makes me blush. And
since last year I've totally
checked out, but she'll never give
up on me.
Hayden slides off the island.
HAYDEN
Sam, I can't do this. One day
you'll find your Valarie, but I
(MORE)
58.
HAYDEN (cont'd)
can't lose mine over a school yard
crush. Even if your are crushing
that pirate costume.
SAMANTHA
I might be getting turned down, but
At least I look good doing it.
HAYDEN
Very true. Hottest pirate I've ever
scene.
SAMANTHA
I'll take it. Let's drink to that.
I'm gonna die alone.
HAYDEN
What?
Nothing.
SAMANTHA
Sam drink from her rum bottle while Hayden drink the
fireball.
HAYDEN
Ugh, I hate -
Before Hayden had a chance to finish Samantha ties to pull
her in for a kiss.
HAYDEN
Sam, what the fuck? What did I just
say?
SAMANTHA
I had to try.
HAYDEN
I don't think you did.
Hayden turns to see Valarie standing there, in her Buffy the
Vampire Slayer costume.
HAYDEN
Val, I'm sorry,
Hayden takes off.
EXT. AUTUMNS HOUSE.
Hayden steps out into the backyard alone and stares up at
the pink full moon. It begins to rain, a wolf howls in the
distance. She tries to go back inside but the door locked
behind her. A noise sends her spinning around.
HAYDEN
Hello, who's out there?
59.
The crickets start to chirp, the owls start to hoot and the
cicada cries are loud.
As things begin to get more intense Hayden starts to back up
slowly, but she scares herself when she runs into Valarie.
HAYDEN
Don't close the..
The door closed behind her and locked.
HAYDEN
Great. Now we're stuck out her in
this creepy ass rain, and I'm sure
you're pissed.
Valarie stares at a wet, upset, and a little frighten,
Hayden.
VALERIE
I was at first, but I thought about
what you said.
She starts moving towards Hayden.
HAYDEN
What did I say?
VALERIE
You said I was gorgeous, and
thoughtful, and amazing. And you
were right about something else
too.
HAYDEN
I was?
The two are now both out in the rain.
VALERIE
I'll never give up on you.
She pulls Hayden in for an intense kiss. The wolf howls again
in the distance.
VALERIE
You know, seeing you wearing that
The ring gives me an idea. I've got
something special for us tomorrow,
something we should have definitely
done already, something. that
you're going to love.
Suddenly the back door flies open.
MATTHEW
Hey, come on, Autumns busting out
the tarot deck. You're up Hayden.
Hey, is someone out there?
60.
They all look behind them to see a shadow figure standing
out in the rain.
MATTHEW
That means you too, come on, it
looks like it's gonna storm.
The neighbors dog behind that chain link fence starts
barking wildly toward the figure, who doesn't move.
MATTHEW
Alright, that's about enough of
whatever in the Crystal Lake Hell
is going on out here, let's go.
The door closes the shadow figure be seen directly through
the window staring at the house.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden and Valarie enter with towels around their necks
drying off. The party has thinned a little but there's still
a group.
MATTHEW
It's raining pretty hard out there.
I think it's going to storm. I
guess a little ambiance never hurt
anyone.
AUTUMN.
Good. We're just getting ready.
MATTHEW
What's all this, I thought we were
doing some tarot for our spooky
guest? It's a tradition.
AUTUMN.
Well, the last time I read tarot
for Season's Tide it said Hayden
was going on a journey, and then we
lost her for three days. So, it
felt like a bad idea. What's the
matter, you don't like ouija
boards? The other side coming back
is what Season's Tides is all about.
MATTHEW
No, I haven't used the ouija board
since I saw The Exorcist in the
fifth grade. So no, hell no, I
don't fuck with the ouija board.
How about something more personal
and less "your mother sucks cocks
in Hell"?
61.
AUTUMN.
I guess, well unpack all that
later. No tarot, no ouija. What
What else should we do?
MATTHEW
How about doors
HAYDEN
What's Doors?
AUTUMN.
Someone turned out the lights.
Matthew turns out the lights, and lights a few candles.
Autumn sits on the floor with her legs crossed with a pillow
between her knees. She pats the pillow and Hayden lays he
head on it. The crowd sits in a circle around them.
AUTUMN.
Hayden darling, close your eyes for
me and just relax. Let me guide
you.
Autumn massages Hayden's temples in a circular motion.
AUTUMN.
Before we get started I need you to
know that you are about to explore
your own mind. We don't often
realize it but there are always
forces trying to invade our minds.
Sometimes, they are internal things
like bad memories, or self doubt.
Other times they are external
forces trying to influence us.
Things we don't fully understand.
You must do as I say when I say it.
This is supposed to be therapeutic,
but if I say do not speak you do
not speak. If I say leave the room
you leave the room. Got it, babe?
HAYDEN
Yes, ma'am.
AUTUMN.
To make sure you're ready I'm going
to ask you a few questions. What's
your full name.
HAYDEN
Hayden Christine Blumes.
AUTUMN.
Good, and how old are you?
HAYDEN
I'm 25.
62.
INT. HAYDEN'S MIND.
Yes.
HAYDEN
AUTUMN.
What's your favorite scary movie?
HAYDEN
Pet Sematary.
AUTUMN.
Now, picture your childhood home.
Right outside the front door.
Breathe. Try to remember every
detail. This place will represent
your mind. Past, present, future.
Are you there?
AUTUMN (OS)
Now go inside. How does it feel?
What are you wearing? Do you have
anything in your pockets?
HAYDEN
I'm wearing a sweatshirt, I'm
barefoot, and I have the
switchblade from Val on my pocket.
I feel Different. Off. The house is
empty and clean, but I feel like
Someone is watching me.
AUTUMN (OS)
That means your safe at home but
you're on guard. what you're
feeling watching you is us. Let's
keep moving. Go up the stairs and
Tell me what you see.
HAYDEN
This should be where my bedroom is
but instead there are so many rooms.
The hallway goes as far as I can
see. Doors of all colors and
styles.
AUTUMN (OS)
Good. Now I want you look around
you and pick any door you like,
don't go in until I say ok. First I
I want you to describe it to me.
HAYDEN
I found the door to my old room.
It's purple and it says no boys
aloud. It feels familiar and cold.
63.
AUTUMN (OS)
That's okay, you haven't been there
for a while. Go ahead and go
inside.
HAYDEN
The door won't open.
AUTUMN (OS)
Give it a nudge.
HAYDEN
All my stuff is in here. Stuff I
I haven't thought about it forever.
There's only one thing missing. My
bed.
AUTUMN (OS)
That's okay. It's fine to visit
this room but we can't stay. Lets
go back to the hallway, and tell me
what you see.
HAYDEN
I'm in the hallway again, but the
doors are less colorful, mostly
graysv and whites, and dark blues.
There's one gray one. It seems
familiar.
AUTUMN (OS)
Let's check it out.
HAYDEN
It's a staircase. But it's dark.
AUTUMN (OS)
Flip on the light.
HAYDEN
I know this staircase now. I'm at
the bottom of it. In a duffel bag.
I can't go down there.
AUTUMN (OS)
Let's not go there. Keep exploring.
HAYDEN
Alright. I'm back in the hallway,
but I don't know where to go. All
These doors look the same.
AUTUMN (OS)
If none of these doors speak to you
then keep moving down the hall
until something strikes you.
64.
HAYDEN
Well I do see one door. It's not
very inviting though. A large metal
door with a push bar. Seems out of
place.
AUTUMN (OS)
It's it caught your eye and you're
comfortable check it out.
HAYDEN
It's not scary it just feel like a
chore. This door is heavy.
AUTUMN (OS)
Maybe it's worth it. Go through.
HAYDEN
It brought me to the community
building.
AUTUMN (OS)
Like for a group? Are you alone?
HAYDEN
Yeah, well. No, Kent's sleeping at
his desk. Everything else looks the
same.
AUTUMN (OS)
Are you sure?
HAYDEN
Yeah...wait. There a neon sign
shaped like an arrow that says
exit.
AUTUMN (OS)
Is there a door?
HAYDEN
Yeah, it seems like someone is
trying to open it.
AUTUMN (OS)
Someone is trying to open the door
from the other side?
HAYDEN
Yes. They need my help.
AUTUMN (OS)
Turn around, Hayden. Move away from
the door.
HAYDEN
No. It's calling me.
65.
AUTUMN (OS)
Hayden, don't listen to it.
Something is trying to penetrate
your mind. Do not let it. Leave the
room now.
HAYDEN
I'm sorry, I have to, they need my
help.
AUTUMN (OS)
Hayden, stop. Who needs you?
The lights in Autumn's house start to flicker on and off.
AUTUMN (OS)
Hayden what is going on? It's
time to leave.
Hayden can hear Autumn shouting at her to turn around, but
she moves towards the door anyway.
The door knocks as if someone is knocking from the other
side. Hayden is mesmerized by the door.
It continues to knock as she moves closer almost touching
it.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
AUTUMN
Do not open that door, Hayden.
Please, come home.
The pounding sounds like it's coming from inside the house
now. The lights continue to flicker.
VALERIE
I don't know what is going on but
you bring her back to me. Right
now.
The pounding continues.
AUTUMN
Okay, okay. Matthew go see who the
fuck is at our door. Hayden, honey,
you leave me a choice. You have to
wake up.
INT. HAYDEN'S MIND.
Hayden moves closer to the door. She's about to touch the
handle. When someone grabs her arm.
VALERIE
Hayden you have to wake up!
66.
Another bang on the door. She turns back to realize blood is
oozing from underneath the door.
VALERIE
Hayden, open your eyes!
She stands in a pool of blood. The door starts to open on
it's on when suddenly she wakes up.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden jolts up. The lights pop as they blow out. She's
soaked from the water Valarie just poured on her head.
The pounding gets louder as Matthew makes his way to the
front door. He rips it open to find himself face to face
with Mordecai, surrounded by his followers. They're soaked
from the storm. He stares at him with his skull face paint
and a red horseshoe necklace.
EXT. AUTUMNS HOUSE. NIGHT.
The entire party stands behind Matthew. Another member of
the mob uses a hammer to beat nails into a red horseshoe
above the front door. The storm was as loud as ever. Dozens of
houses across the street also have members of the
Brotherhood on their porches. Sounds of confusion,
hysteria, and hammering fill the streets.
MATTHEW
Can I fucking help you?
MORDECAI
My names is Mordecai and we are the
Brotherhood. We are here to ensure
darkness does not come to our town.
Have you done a proper cleansing?
The storm has put out your
protection from those who may have
returned. We intend to put the
proper protections on every home in
Wicker Park.
MATTHEW
Protections? You mean our lanterns?
The only darkness in my doorway
Are you assholes?
MORDECAI
I'm sorry you feel that way, son. I
really am, but the Brotherhood will
take no chances. Not tonight. You
do not wish to know the unclean
spirits the Season's Tide brings.
MATTHEW
You're harassing the whole
neighborhood. If I see any unclean
(MORE)
67.
MATTHEW (cont'd)
spirits I'll be sure to call the
Ghostbusters, okay.
Mordecai gets right into Matthew's face.
MORDECAI
Do not mock things which you know
nothing about. Tonight, any house
without the proper protections will
be inviting death into their home.
It puts us all at risk. If even one
dirty sprite makes its way into
our community it will be a plague
of death, disease, and darkness for
us all. If you have not done a
cleanse you will take this sage and
do it now before it is too late. I
suggest you go back inside and open
your doors for no one and pray the
unclean has not made their way into
you home.
MATTHEW
Alright, fine. If we promise to do
your stupid cleansing, will you get
off of my porch and stop nailing
things to my house?
MORDECAI
As you wish.
Mordecai reaches into his jacket and pulls out a roll of sage.
Matthew snatches it up and continues to watch the group of
the men on his porch leave. Only Mordecai is left.
He pulls out what looks like a piece of chalk and lines the
door way with it.
MORDECAI
Now, I will go. Make sure it gets
done.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
MATTHEW
No place does this holiday like
Wicker Park. So, let's do it. Out
with the old spirits, in with thew
new. Let's burn some mother fucking
sage.
The few remaining parties agree.
AUTUMN
Babe, the powers out.
68.
MATTHEW
God damn, I love Season's Tide.
Let's light some candles, it's
about to get spooky.
AUTUMN
This is good sage...
HAYDEN
Has anyone seen Sam?
AUTUMN
She's probably somewhere pining for
you. Tonight must have been an eye
opener for her. She's probably
fine, but we should still go check.
MATTHEW
New plan. We smoke the ghosts out
while we look for Sam. Let's split
up. You two check up stairs, Tish
and I will check the basement.
Everyone else, have a drink and
enjoy the spooky atmosphere.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Autumn and Matthew search the basement. Matthew holds a
candle and Autumn burns the sage.
MATTHEW
Did you see the way I took charge
back there? Should we solve
mysteries together? Can we get a
dog?
AUTUMN
I'll admit to being moderately
tuned in and turned on. Can I be
your Daphne?
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Valarie and Hayden search room to room holding candles and
burning sage.
VALERIE
You look great by the way, if I
haven't said it yet.
HAYDEN
Thanks. who knew all I had to do to
get your attention was put on a
sparkly blood red dress?
VALERIE
I am a doctor, I wonder what all
This is about me.
69.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Autumn and Matthew turn a corner in the basement.
MATTHEW
Honestly, your more of a Velma,
super hot, smart, sweaters that
accent your boobs.
She moves really close to Matthew in a playfully seductive
way.
AUTUMN
Hmm, interesting. Maybe we can try
some role play. Do you think I
would look good in glasses?
MATTHEW
Hell yes.
AUTUMN
Wow, really? I didn't know you were
so into Velma. I can get an orange
lingerie and some knee highs if you
want.
MATTHEW
Not that. I mean, yes. Hell to the
yes about that. But, I meant the
the breaker for the power just popped.
I can fix that, and then I'm gonna
fix you.
AUTUMN
Fucking jinkies.
INT. AUTUMN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden and Valarie continue to search. Making their way to
the door at the end of the hall.
HAYDEN
I can't believe you're actually
here and not at work. I think You
might actually like me.
VALERIE
See, and you were convinced
something horrible was going to
happened at night.
A noise from behind the door.
HAYDEN
Shh. Wait. What was that?
Another noise. Hayden tries to open the door but it's stuck.
70.
VALERIE
The floors were wet.
Sam?
Hello!
HAYDEN
VALERIE
HAYDEN
Sam opened up, it's me!
More struggling and pounding on the door until Valerie
pushes it open with her shoulder.
Hayden enters and slips onto her butt. Hayden screams as The
lights turn back on. She's in a pool of blood, it's all over
her hands. Sam lays in the bathtub unconscious with her
wrists cut. One arm over the side of the tub bleeding onto
the floor. Window wide and rain falls on Sam's body.
EXT. AUTUMNS HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden, Autumn, Matthew, and Valarie stand on Autumn's
porch. The rain has died down, the fog hasn't.
VALERIE
Hayden..Hayden. Hayden listen to
me. It's going to be okay. I'm
going to follow the ambulance to
the hospital. I'm going to save
her. I promise. She's lost a lot of
blood but as sad as it is to say we
see too often, especially during
the holidays.
HAYDEN
Did I do this? Did I lead her on?
AUTUMN
Stop, we don't even know what
happened. They're going to take
care for her. Matthew's going to
take you home. I think you should
get some rest and let Valarie do
her thing. It's going to be okay.
POLICE OFFICER
The house is clear what happened in
there isn't. We won't know until
she wakes up, but it doesn't look
like anyone was in there with her.
Hayden throws herself onto Valerie.
71.
INT. MATTHEW'S CAR. NIGHT. MOVING.
Hayden sit with her head on the window watching the rain
drops hit. She stars until she sees a pair of yellow eyes in
between the houses in the darkness. They pull up to Hayden's
house. The storm has knocked her decorations around and put
out her lanterns.
MATTHEW
You gonna be okay? I could stay a
a bit? We can watch Harry Potter and
eat all the candy I took from Me.
Johnson's porch?
HAYDEN
I'll be okay, Go be with Autumn
MATTHEW
I've got Kit-Kats.
HAYDEN
I'm fine. Really. I'm just going to
try to get some rest.
MATTHEW
Just call us if you need anything,
okay? I mean it. And hey, Sam's
going to be okay. Valarie knows
what she's doing.
INT. HAYDEN'S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
Hayden finishes brushing her teeth before bed. She moves to
stare out of the window. She sees the yellow eyes again and
quickly closes the curtains. She hears howling and jumps
into bed and covers her head with the blanket.
HAYDEN
My name is Hayden Christine Blumes,
I am twenty five, and I am in
control. My name is Hayden
Christine Blumes, I am twenty five
and I am in control.
The wind slows down and she calms down.
INT. HAYDEN'S BEDROOM. NIGHT. LATER
The clock reads 3:15. Hayden rolls over onto her back in her
sleep. The window slowly starts to open. Hayden, still
sleeping, starts to breathe heavily. In and out.
A pale, dirty, hand with long pointed nails starts to reach
from the window. Hayden's cold breath fills the room. A
silhouette forms behind the curtains. A man with his long
pointed fingernails.
Hayden's nose begins to twitch and her eyes flicker open as
if there's an awful stench. She screams as lightning
72.
strikes outside and for a split second she can see a
silhouette of a the figure standing over the bed, lighting
strikes and it's gone.
She reaches for her knew switchblade and holds it outward
toward the shadow.
HAYDEN
My name is Hayden, and I'm in
control. My name is Hayden, I'm and
I am...
He moves toward her to reveal himself, a pale, dead man in a
black robe. His wavy hair is very thin and slicked back. His
eyes are sunken, his face thin. A yellow and white flower
held behind his two sharp front teeth.
Her blade trembles in her hands as she stares in horror. He
slowly walks towards her and begins the struggle to take the
blade from her hand. He leans forward backing her onto the
bed. The sheets slowly start to twist themselves into rope
and wraps around her wrists and ankles. She can't escape.
NOAH SHEPPARD
It's better this way, my flower.
He slithers into the bed and extends a long, thin, black
tongue and licks all over her face. He breathes heavier,
almost hyperventilating.
He cuts a slit in her neck with his nail, before rolling
over on top of her and stares at her with his bright yellow
eyes. He aggressively burrows his face into her neck. She
breaks one arm free and she tries to pull him off.
He grabs her arm and holds it down to while he continues
violently sucking on her neck until he stops. Both bodies
limp together.
He shivers and shakes a few times before he dismissively
tosses her arm from his side, and rolls over to sit up from
the side of the bed.
He turns to her and closes her lifeless eyes. He takes her
blade and slits his hand open letting the blood drip into
her mouth. He kisses her forehead. The restraints let loose,
and he begins to slowly slide her from the bed. The moon
shines in revealing the face of the monster in full. Noah
Sheppard, back from the grave.
Her phone lights up.
VALERIE
on my way.
INT. COTTAGE. NIGHT. DREAM/MEMORY
Noah wheels Hayden into a dimly lit kitchen, and places her
at the dining table. She has duct tape over her mouth.
73.
OLD LADY (OS)
Don't forget to set the table,
Noah.
Yes, mother.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Noah, rolls his eyes and begins to set the table. Coming in
and out of frame. He starts with moldy plates and glasses.
Hayden watches uncomfortably
OLD LADY (OS)
So, this is the girl you've chosen
to abandon your mother? She
doesn't look so special.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Mother, I would never abandon you.
You never listen to me. We're to be
married. I want Father to meet her.
Noah continues to set the table with dirty silverware and
napkins. Hayden's eyes lock on tho the jagged knife he sets
beside her plate.
OLDS LADY (OS)
Marriage? What did he know about
marriage? What did he know about
making a commitment? Nothing.
Because it was always about him. He
only takes. He's not coming soon. I
don't know how many times I've told
you that.
NOAH
Mother don't say that.
OLD LADY (OS)
Even if he could come back he
doesn't love you enough to show up
here.
NOAH
Just stop. Don't ruin this for me.
OLD LADY (OS)
Only mother loves you and you think
I'm stupid. You think I don't know
anything. You can't pull the wool
over my eye, son. I know more than
you think I do. You think you can
abandon me for her. Well, not on
my watch.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Shut up, shut up, up! You never let
I do anything. You don't
understand.
74.
Noah clumsily places a bowl of steaming red liquid in front
of Hayden onto her plate, spilling a little in the process.
Hayden looks away avoiding the disgusting dish. She notices
the calendar on the refrigerator with the date circled, May
first. It say "Father comes home"
OLD LADY (OS)
Look what you did. You're incapable
of doing anything just like that
father of yours.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Mother, what did I just say?!
OLD LADY (OS)
You want to leave me and be like
him so badly. What's he ever done
for you?
NOAH SHEPPARD
Mother..
OLD LADY (OS)
You're nothing. You're my son and
That's all you're going to be. I
would have drowned you like a puppy
if I knew you we're going to leave.
You'll die without me. Who's going
to take care of you? Her?!
Noah quickly and suddenly breaks towards his mother taking a
knife him.
OLD LADY (OS)
Don't be stupid, No-
She barely gets his name out before he slits her throat
sending blood squirting across the table towards Hayden. He
stabs her multiple times and behaves as though he's done
nothing.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Come on, Hayden, let's go for a
walk. I seem to have lost my
appetite.
Hayden just stares and the old lady as Noah removes a
shackle from her wrist and place it on his own.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Hayden, my flower lets go.
Hayden jolts as far back as her shackles will allow her and
shakily raises her jagged knife to his throat.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Is this how you feel? Go ahead, if
you have it in you. Bone of my
(MORE)
75.
NOAH SHEPPARD (cont'd)
bones; flesh of my flesh. She shall
be called a woman. For she was taken
out of man. If you do not love me
in this form, you will love me in
the next.
He breathes in deeply, and kisses her forehead. He takes both
hands around her knife.
NOAH SHEPPARD
It's better this way.
He raises her hand and blade to his throat and slits it.
Spraying blood all over her. He drops the knife and embraces
her in a hug as he begins to lose consciousness.
INT. COFFIN. NIGHT
Hayden jolts awake gasping for air. She's inside a coffin
wearing a black wedding dress. Crows can be heard outside.
Suddenly she begins to hear voices in her head. Unsettling
whispering voices all speaking over each other. Several
voices hissing, some of which are not english and most of
which are indiscernible mumbling that only slow down when
the English voices yell at her.
THE VOICES
Get out.
Afraid and confused she screams and beats on the wood inches
from her face.
THE VOICES
Wake up/You don't have long/blood
moon/Get moving/buried
alive/underground/Break the
wood/worms are coming/you need to
feed/Hurry up.
EXT. WOODS. NIGHT.
A clearing in the trees. A shallow grave surrounded by a
circles of rocks, and trees with dozens of upside down
crosses hanging from them. The soft muddy ground begins to
move.
Bloody hands start clawing up through the dirt. Hayden
begins to pull herself up from her grave. Mascara running
down her veil covered face.
Out of the grave and covered in mud she falls flat trying to
escape. She's chained at the ankle. She screams with
frustration as she pulls the shackle.
She pulls her chains revealing she's chained to her coffin.
She pulls the chains until the coffin is out of the mud.
Words are etched onto the lid. "Blood of my Blood".
76.
VOICES
Take it/hurry up/he'll be back/your
hungry/go home/move!
EXT. SUBURBIA. NIGHT.
Hayden drags her chain over her shoulder as he trudged
barefoot down the middle of the road through the blood red
rain storm, her coffin dragging behind her.
Houses, now barren of decoration. The street and porch
lights cut off as she passes. She arrives outside of her
house.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
A distraught Valarie eats ice cream in her sweatpants. The
The house is a mess. She looks exhausted.
EXT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden's coffin thuds up the stairs one by one.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Valarie watches Pet Sematary and cries.
EXT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden collapses at the door. She screams as she painfully
begins to force the shackle over her bloody and rain soaked
ankle.
She stands up and proceeds to try the door but it's locked.
She beats and screams at the door, but the storm covers all
attempts to be heard.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Valarie continues to watch the movie.
MOVIE VOICE.
They don't come back the same.
A rock smashes its way through the window on the front
door. Hayden's dirty hand makes it through and unlocks the
dead bolt.
Valarie's jumps up and runs towards the front door with her
bat as it swings open. Hayden stands in the doorway, rain
coming in behind her.
Hayden hobbles inside and Valarie runs to her. Hayden can't
supports her weight and falls over onto Valerie. The two on
the floor staring at each other as the storm pours in.
77.
VALERIE
These have been the longest three
days of my life. I promise to never
let you out of my sight again.
HAYDEN
I love you.
VALERIE
I love you too, what the fuck are
you are wearing.
HAYDEN
I ..
She vomits blood all over Valerie. In her face, on her
clothes, everywhere.
Hayden hobbles to the sink only to turn it on and find blood
pouring out from it. She continues to vomit more blood into
the sink until she heals.
VALERIE
Let's get you into the shower.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden hobbles into the bathroom and begins to strip off her
muddy, blood soaked dress.
She looks into the mirror to see her own piercing eyes
looking back at her. She looks exhausted and malnourished.
Disgusted with her appearance she throws the shower curtain
open. Turn on the water and more blood red spouts out.
She climbs into the shower, gagging as she does it. She
watches the blood wash down her legs and feet and run down
the drain.
Valarie steps into the shower from behind and holds her in
silence.
THE VOICES
Delicious/so pretty/taste her/kill
kill kill.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT. DREAM.
Hayden wakes up in bed alone as the door creaks open. She
investigates, following white and yellow flower pedals to
the bathroom. Blood fills the tub from the spout. She hears
a voice whispers and turns her head.
SAMANTHA
Hey you.
Suddenly she wakes up again in the bath. Steam rises from
the water. White and yellow flower petals float in the bath.
78.
Samantha is standing next to the bathtub. She steps into the
tub in only a long t-shirt and leans in real close to
Hayden's face and whispers.
SAMANTHA
This is going to feel delicious.
Samantha smacks Hayden across the face and move under the
water towards Hayden. Hayden face tells the story of where
Samantha's hand is.
Samantha kisses her neck all the way to her lips. Hayden's
nail accidentally nips Samantha's neck in passion, a little
blood starts to drip, and she pulls back apologetically.
Samantha takes Hayden's bloody finger.
SAMANTHA
It's better this way.
She licks and sucks the blood from Hayden's finger. She
grabs Hayden by the hair and pulls, bringing Hayden to bite
her lip.
The bathwater is blood red. She pulls Hayden's face into
her neck.
SAMANTHA
Please.
Hayden face reads ecstasy as she begins to suck the blood
from Samantha's cut.
THE VOICES
Wake up.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden wakes up, sweat on her face. She tosses the banket
from her legs and sits up. She notices how good Valarie
looks in her underwear and bites her lip.
She starts to kiss her hips. Valarie turns over on her back
I'm still half asleep. Hayden proceeds to kiss her belly.
VALERIE
Babe, I'm trying to sleep.
Hayden keeps going all the way up to Valarie's lips. The two
begin to kiss and breath heavily.
VALERIE
For real though, I'm too tired for
all this.
Hayden keeps kissing her neck. She pins her arms down and
Valarie starts to pat her back.
79.
Hayden grows even more aggressive when finally Valerie
pushes her off, now completely awake.
VALERIE
Hayden, you can't be serious, I
said stop it.
Hayden continues to breathe heavily and her pupils dilate.
VALERIE
What is going on with you? You're
sweating.
The lights flicker for a moment.
HAYDEN
I..I don't know what came over me.
I just feel so..so drawn to you.. I
was having this weird sexual fever
dream when I woke up and now my
heads killing me. But, you look so
good laying there. I couldn't help
myself. It's like I have to have
you. I still do.
VALERIE
Babe, this isn't like you. I think
we should call Kent...wait. Why are
Are you still wearing that ring?
HAYDEN
Because you gave it to me.
VALERIE
No, I didn't.
HAYDEN
Yes, you did. That night with the
flowers. You left it on my vanity.
VALERIE
Those flowers weren't from me and I
was going to take you shopping
After the Tide.. Listen to me, I
did not buy you that ring.
HAYDEN
Oh my god.
Hayden covers her mouth in horror. She rips the ring off and
throws it as quickly as she can.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden stands in the shower. The water is blood red. She
scrubs herself almost violently with the loofa. She catches
a glimpse of herself in the mirror through the curtain and
Her reflection has lost some hair and has sunken eyes.
She scrubs harder.
80.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden lays in bed, miserable. The door is cracked open just
enough that she can see Kent Thomas just outside reacting to
all the information coming from Valerie.
VALERIE (OS)
She doesn't eat, she sleeps all day
and she doesn't say much unless
It's about messing around. I'm
worried about her. She hasn't moved
since she got home. She only gets
up to shower about three times a
night. Sometimes she just lays in
the tub and cries.
KENT
How is she feeling?
VALERIE (OS)
Like she was kidnapped and buried
in the woods. She woke up in a
coffin, wearing a wedding dress.
How do you think she feels?
KENT
I meant physically.
VALERIE (OS)
Oh, well not great in that regard
neither. Fever, chills, body aches.
It's not her body I'm worried about
though. It's her mind. She looks
great though. I don't get it.
KENT
What do you mean?
VALERIE (OS)
Some of this isn't adding up. she
feels like death, but she looks
amazing. She has no marks for
someone that was assaulted the way
she was. No marks where she was
cut, and she can't look herself in
the mirror.
KENT
You don't believe her?
VALERIE (OS)
Of course I believe her. Something
definitely happened. The police
found her hole in the woods. I just
I don't know exactly what happened.
She said he came through the
bedroom window. Kent, have you
noticed our room is on the second
floor? She needs our help.
81.
KENT
She's strong, we're going to get
through this.
Kent enters the room and walks over towards the bed.
KENT
Hayden, glad you're home safe.
Valarie thought it would be a good
idea if I checked in with you. How
Are you holding up?
HAYDEN
My head's pounding, I'm seeing
things, and having nightmares. The
way I look in the mirror is worse
Then I felt, and I heard Valerie.
She thinks I'm crazy.
KENT
No one thinks you're crazy. We're
just trying to understand. She says
you look amazing, but you won't
look in the mirror and all you want
To do this is to sleep. Valarie also
mentioned you've been a little
aggressive with her, and that
That's unusual.
HAYDEN
Ever since it happened I feel
dirty. I can't get clean. I scrub
and scrub, but the feeling won't go
away. I don't know what's wrong
with me. I don't look in the mirror
because I look like I'm falling
apart. Maybe it's the stress. I
have this pent up aggression that
comes out at random times. The rest
of the time I'm paralyzed. I don't
know what's wrong with me.
KENT
You have been violated. It can
distort your self image. You're
going to feel dirty. You're going
to see yourself differently. You've
barely started to processes what
happened, it's going to take time.
You know that better than anyone.
Don't blame yourself, this isn't
It's your fault. There is nothing wrong
with you.
HAYDEN
I don't blame myself. I blame him.
82.
KENT
Blame who? Who do you blame? If you
know who did this you have to tell
the police.
HAYDEN
The same person that tried to took
me before. The same person who hurt
Sam because he was looking for me.
Noah Sheppard. He's obsessed and he
won't stop until I'm dead.
KENT
Hayden, Nobody hurt your friend.
She did that to herself, and she's
going to be okay when she wakes up.
you gotta see that. Noah Sheppard
is dead. Someone else did this too
you and it's a lot to process.
HAYDEN
You said that already
KENT
What you're experiencing are
classic signs of Depression and
PTSD. You're mind is trying to make
sense what happened and piece
together a story. In time these
events will become more clear to
you. You also seem to be
experiencing withdrawal. Did your
Does the abductor give you anything?
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden answers a knock at the front door. It's Autumn, and
Matthew holding bags of Taco Bell. Autumn pounces on Hayden
with a hug.
AUTUMN
Ahh! We've missed you, girl. Don't
ever scare us like that again.
What's wrong?
HAYDEN
Just another headache.
MATTHEW
This should help. I hope you're
hungry. Val, says she hasn't seen
you eat anything in like a week.
AUTUMN
I'm gonna grab some forks. Wow, You
look great. Maybe, I should try a
a few mud wraps.
83.
MATTHEW
Listen, if this is too much we
I don't have to stay long. We don't
have to talk either. We're here for
you. Whatever you need.
Matthew embraces Hayden in a hug, she stares into the
decorative mirror at her deteriorating reflection
MATTHEW
I know Autumn is your best friend
here, but look at me Hayden, you
are mine. So, come here.
MATTHEW
So, tell me for real. Are you okay?
You can say no. I won't let go. Get
it all out.
Hayden squeezes tighter and tears start to roll down her
cheeks, as she stares into the mirror.
HAYDEN
I feel like I'm losing my mind.
Autumn returns and wraps her arms around Hayden as well.
AUTUMN
We're gonna figure this out, girl.
MATTHEW
Of course.
INT. MATTHEW'S CAR. MOVING. CEMETERY. NIGHT.
They slowly ride through the cemetery surrounded by pine
trees. Matthew and Autumn upfront and Hayden in middle in
back. They ride in silence beyond the moody radio music.
Hayden sees her reflection in the rearview mirror, she's look
worse than before. Her hair is thinner and teeth marks on
Her neck is large, brown and rotting. The image makes her
I'm very nervous. Finally, Autumn breaks the silence.
AUTUMN
Are we sure about this? The energy
It is not welcoming here.
MATTHEW
What's wrong, did you expect the
cemetery for murderers, kidnappers,
and rapists to have a Starbucks?
AUTUMN
No, maybe I'm just looking for any
reason for us not to drive through
this creepy ass graveyard.
Especially with weird, Amish,
stalker boys, out there...wait. Why
Are you stopping?
84.
HAYDEN
She's right. I've changed my mind.
I don't know if I can do cemetery
night.
MATTHEW
Listen, were just going to check
out the grave plot. I know how it
sounds but I think you'll feel
better when you see it. Isn't that
What does Kent always tell you? To
confront and recognize your
feelings?
AUTUMN
Okay, I get why you think it would
help, but why do we have to do
during the witching hour?
MATTHEW
It's a private cemetery, no way we
we're getting in in the middle of
the day. . Plus, you know. No time
like the present, or whatever. The
sooner we prove he's dead and
buried the quicker Hayden can
process or whatever. I don't know
if you've noticed the sooner the
better.
AUTUMN
That's easy for you to say you
expect this to be a stroll through
the park but this shits a little
much for me at three AM.
MATTHEW
Well, if there's a monster out
there I'll fight it so you can get
a way. Besides, it's just a park
filled with corpses. No big deal.
We're here.
AUTUMN
Like here? Where is it?
MATTHEW
No, we'll have to walk. The website
said it was in the back.
EXT. CEMETERY PARKING. NIGHT.
They come to a dead end next to an old shack and park.
Matthew pops the trunk, pulls out a Shovel and bolt cutters.
85.
MATTHEW
Looks like the gates are already open.
That can't be good. Don't need
these then.
AUTUMN
What's that for?
MATTHEW
What do you mean, where at a
cemetery in the middle of the
night.
AUTUMN
I mean what's the shovel for? What
Do you mean, what do I mean? That
doesn't explain anything.
MATTHEW
Well, I don't play baseball and I'm
not stumbling around in the dark at
three A.M, in a cemetery no less,
without at least a melee weapon.
Plus, you know, if fits the
graveyard aesthetic.
AUTUMN
Oh, right, of course, the graveyard
aesthetic. How did I get so lucky?
MATTHEW
Okay, ouch. Ignoring that. Alright
ladies, I only have the one flash
light. Who wants it?
AUTUMN
Hayden?
HAYDEN
You take it. I can see fine.
AUTUMN
Good, because I can't see my hand
in front of my face.
MATTHEW
Hold up, don't just gloss over
that, like it's some causal
statement. Like it's not advanced
darkness out here. How in the Hell
Can you see?
HAYDEN
I don't know. Maybe my eyes
adjusted to the darkness.
AUTUMN
Fuck this place, can we get going
already?
86.
MATTHEW
Okay Elvira, you can lead the way.
Map says we go this way. It's
supposed to be way in the back.
Hayden takes the lead into the darkness with purpose.
EXT. CEMETERY. NIGHT. LATER.
They walk through a path surrounded by pine trees.
AUTUMN
This is taking forever, is that map
right? I feel like we're lost.
MATTHEW
You really are afraid aren't you?
How about some fun trivia. Did you
know they filmed Night of the
living dead out here.
AUTUMN
Really? Interesting you say that,
because here's another fun fact. If
you'd like to get laid anytime this
century you would stop with the
murder tour. I can feel something
in these woods and I'd like to find
this thing so we can go.
MATTHEW
Fine, and for the ..wait..Shhh.
What was that?
AUTUMN
Matthew stopped it. I'm about to lose
it. I hate those movies, they give
me fucking nightmares.
MATTHEW
No, seriously. What was that? Is
that wolf out there?
Autumn gets closer and leans in.
MATTHEW
Ooooh, there coming to get you,
Barbara.
AUTUMN
Ahhh, Fuck you! I hope that thing
eats you.
MATTHEW
Relax, it's more afraid of us than
we are of it.
Hayden yells from down the path.
87.
HAYDEN
We're here.
EXT. NOAH SHEPPARD'S GRAVE. NIGHT.
The three stand over the empty grave plot. The surrounding
wildlife in the trees begin to hoot and coo. Ominous sounds
of crickets and owls screeching become apparent.
AUTUMN
This isn't real.
MATTHEW
Oh, hell no. What in the night of
the living fuck? Drive to the
cemetery they said. Just for some
Hayden's peace of mind they said.
And now we're here. I did not sign
up for this level George Romero
shit.
AUTUMN
This was your fucking idea, button
the fuck up. If you freak out, I'm
going to freak out.
Hayden slides herself down into the empty plot.
AUTUMN
What do you think you're doing? Get
out of there. We gotta go, girl.
Like now.
Hayden ignores Autumn. Hyper focused on the voices in her
head all whispering and hissing at the same time, over
lapping, and in various languages.
VOICES
Get closer/feel the earth/take
it/you need it/take it/please your
master/take it/take the dirt/you
need it/take It home.
AUTUMN
Hello, Earth to Hayden.
Hayden kneels down feeling the dirt between her fingers.
Transfixed. Matthew slides down with her and takes her arm.
MATTHEW
Hayden, what are you doing?
HAYDEN
They say to take the dirt.
MATTHEW
What is going on right now? Who
said?
88.
AUTUMN
Hayden, you know I love you, but
this shits starting to freak me
out.
MATTHEW
Hayden, listen to me. Who says?
HAYDEN
The voices.
MATTHEW
Umm. The fucking what?
HAYDEN
The voices.
MATTHEW
Hayden, we are standing in the
grave of a deranged serial killer.
Who you say visited you in the
middle of the night. Not to
mention we are in the single most
likely place in cinematic history
for the dead to rise from their
graves. I'm officially worried. So,
I'm going to need to know, like
right the fuck now, what fucking
voices?
AUTUMN
Guys, can we fucking go? Whatever's
in these woods is getting louder.
HAYDEN
I don't know, okay! The voices! They
Tell me things. I have to listen. I
I think it's for my own good.
MATTHEW
Hayden, what the fuck does that
mean?
Matthew, looks up at Autumn to see how large and pink the
the moon is. Suddenly aware of his surroundings he climbs out of
the grave. The winds have picked up. The crickets have
got louder. The looms cry out. The owls hoot in hysteria.
The cicada's scream.
MATTHEW
Alright, I'm pulling the fucking
plug here. Let's go.
Something close by lets out a loud, ominous howl.
AUTUMN.
Now, Hayden, We need to go now. I
told you something in these woods
does not want us here.
89.
EXT. CEMETERY. NIGHT. LATER.
The trio walks briskly back through the path surrounded by
pine trees. Matthew takes the lead, shovel ready, followed
closely by Autumn while Hayden hangs back.
MATTHEW
I hope we went the right way. We
I need to get back to the car.
AUTUMN
You don't know if this is the right
why? We've been walking back for
like ten minutes.
HAYDEN
This is right, but we need to
hurry. He's mad about something. I
I can feel him.
They near the end of the trees and the path begins to open
exposing the open cemetery.
MATTHEW
Can you feel him? This weird
the connection you have is...
The sound of a twig breaking sends Matthew's head spinning
backwards back past Hayden and Autumn towards the long
narrow path of trees.
What?
Shhhhhhh.
AUTUMN
MATTHEW
AUTUMN
Babe, you already did this one. I
wanna...
Matthew puts one index finger to his lips and points the
other one down the path to reveal a very large dog standing
less than three yards ahead.
MATTHEW
Whatever happens, I need you two to
promise you'll run back to the car.
AUTUMN
We're not leaving you.
MATTHEW
Stop messing around, Autumn.
Promise me.
Matthew.
AUTUMN
90.
MATTHEW
Hayden, please make sure Autumn
gets her ass..
The dog starts to growl and walk towards them.
Matthew?!
Go!
AUTUMN
MATTHEW
The dog shoots past Hayden and Autumn right towards Matthew
chasing him towards the tombstones. Autumn quickly runs
after him and Hayden after her.
HAYDEN
Autumn!
Matthew walks backwards through the tombstones swinging his
shovel to defend himself. Hayden catches up with Autumn who
stands frozen watching Matthew fight for his life. The car
can be seen way across the cemetery by the shack.
HAYDEN
We have to go!
AUTUMN
We can't leave him. That things is
going to kill him!
Hayden pulls on Autumn's arm.
HAYDEN
We have to go or that thing is
going to kill all three of us!
We'll come back for him, let's get
the car.
Matthew runs as fast as he can through the cemetery,
stumbling, the dog sniping at his heels and growling.
EXT. CEMETERY PARKING. NIGHT.
Hayden and Autumn run up to the car and begin pulling on the
handles.
The keys!
What!?
AUTUMN
HAYDEN
AUTUMN
The keys! Matthew has the fucking
keys!
91.
EXT. CEMETERY. NIGHT.
Matthew lays on his back in the middle of the cemetery. The
only thing between him and the snarling dog beast is the
shovel in his hand.
The dog bites down on the shovel shaft trying to rip it away
or bit it in half. He drools all over it and Matthew.
Finally, the dog rips away the shovel and begins to snarl
and growl as it backs Matthew into a tombstone.
The dog is an inch from Matthew's face when a large rock
hits him in the back of the head. It turn his attention
towards the perpetrator.
It's Autumn, whose regret spreads across her face
immediately as she backs away from a growling dog. She falls
backwards onto her butt and the dog darts towards her.
Hayden jumps in the way and the beast stops in its tracks.
HAYDEN
Matthew keys!
MATTHEW
What?
AUTUMN
The goddamn car keys!
Matthew jumps up and searches frantically throw his pockets
finally finding his keys. Just as the keys leave his fingers
the dog jumps and bites down on Matthew's forearm.
Matthew and the dog begin to wrestle. The keys land at
Autumn's feet.
The dog is on top of Matthew, it's teeth inches from his
face. Matthew holds him at bay with his bare hands.
The dog barks and growls as his teeth get closer to
Matthew's face. Suddenly a shovel smacks the dog away from
Matthew who looks up to reveal Hayden, who drops the shovel
in the process.
Hayden pulls Matthew up and the two begin to run back
through the cemetery. Matthew holds his injured forearm.
The beast barks and chomps at Matthew's heels as they run. A
the horn repeatedly sounds off in the distance.
Finally the dog catches up and takes him down. The horn
still sounding off.
Hayden tries to make a move toward her friend when the dog
turns his attention toward her, growling and snarling in
warning to back away.
92.
Matthew grabs his arm in pain as the dog forces Hayden to
walk backwards further and further away.
MATTHEW (OS)
Hey Scrappy Doo, why don't you be a
good doggy, and play dead?
The dog violently turns his attention to Matthew, who's now
standing, snarls, and dashes toward him in anger. Matthew
stands his ground and stares as the beast charges toward
him.
He winces as the beast gets within a few feet of him.
Suddenly the car crashes right into the dog only feet in
in front of him. Matthew stares in awe.
AUTUMN
Get in the fucking car!
Hayden and Matthew jump inside the car as it backs up and
takes off.
MATTHEW
Holy fuck, Hayden.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden, Matthew, and Autumn run down the stairs to the
basement. Hayden grabs a first aid kit.
MATTHEW
Yes, I fucking believe you, now.
Cujo was seriously pissed about
something.
AUTUMN
Hold on, are we really saying that
that dog, that thing, was Hayden's
Stalker boy?
MATTHEW
The Midnight caller himself.
AUTUMN
That's fucking crazy. Do you hear
yourself right now? It was a dog.
MATTHEW
Autumn, you were there. There is no
explanation for that, that isn't
crazy. Even if you don't believe
what Hayden's been trying to tell
us, you know that's the same dog
that's been following her around
for weeks.
AUTUMN
You don't know that. You can't know
that.
93.
MATTHEW
That was him during the tide. He
spent the whole night howling out
there.
AUTUMN
Alright, let's say that dog was
somehow the deranged serial killer
that usually has a taste for
blondes. What's his problem with
you because really didn't like you,
did he.
MATTHEW
No.. no he didn't.
Hayden rips Matthew shirt at the forearm the rest of the way
to begin dressing his wounds.
HAYDEN
Why, though? What was his problem
with you?
MATTHEW
I don't know, that's what I can't
figure it out. It's like he had no
interest in either one of you.
HAYDEN
I wouldn't say that.
AUTUMN
Well, obviously he's obsessed with
you. We knew that already. But he
didn't give me a second thought out
there.
MATTHEW
Maybe because you're not a threat.
AUTUMN
And you are? Nooffense.
MATTHEW
Hey, I think I just did just fine
out there, but not that kind of
threat.
HAYDEN
What then?
MATTHEW
He's in love with you or whatever
right? You just said it, he's
obsessed. He wants to make you into
some fucked up bride of
Frankenstein, right?
94.
HAYDEN
He did bury me in a wedding dress.
AUTUMN
This is messed up. Every sentence
is more fucked up than the last. I
didn't know what's real any more.
MATTHEW
The pieces are coming together a
a little bit. He stalks you and
thinks you belong to him. The
dress. The ring. What if he's on
some Universal Mummy shit?
AUTUMN
Matthew, this isn't some scary
movie. You almost died.
MATTHEW
I'm just following the breadcrumbs
here. So, far the only thing that
makes sense is shit that doesn't
make sense.
HAYDEN
You think he wants to turn me into
his dead wife?
MATTHEW
All I know is his wife is dead and
for some reason he's not. He
stalked and rounded up a handful of
girls who just so happened to be
blonde. Much like his late wife.
AUTUMN
Seriously? All that stalking and he
hasn't noticed..
MATTHEW
What?
HAYDEN
That I like women?
AUTUMN
Yeah, I mean. Why does he think
Matthew's a threat?
MATTHEW
How many openly gay Amish people do
you know? The thought probably
never crossed his mind.
HAYDEN
I don't think he's really Amish,
his dad maybe.
95.
MATTHEW
Whatever, Ammish wannabe. My point
is still I don't know if he knows.
Wasn't he tossing out bible verses?
HAYDEN
Wait..so, if he killed all of those
girls looking for a new wife? So,
Why me? Why did he choose me?
MATTHEW
Not quite blonde are you, Hayden?
More dirty blonde.
HAYDEN
What?
MATTHEW
Hell Hayden, I don't know..you know
more about this than I do. You're
going to have to figure that part
out on your own. Think back about
the night he took you and anything
he might have said. Just think what
makes Hayden wife material.
AUTUMN
Maybe you should ask Val, or Sam. I
I hope she's okay.
MATTHEW
Well, thanks for a fun night of
mystery and graveyard chases. I
feel like we're in scooby doo. Now,
if you'll excuse us I think I'm
going to have a heart attack.
HAYDEN
Matthew, I'm sorry.
MATTHEW
It's fine. It comes with the
territory when your friend's dead
stalker comes back to life as
zombie, ghost, german shepherd,
vampire thing. Pretty standard
stuff here.
AUTUMN
What are we going to do? What the
fuck is going on?
MATTHEW
Now, that we on board with whatever
kind of "he stalks me from the
grave" fuck is going on here. Run
I thought about everything again. Maybe
we missed something before we
(MORE)
96.
MATTHEW (cont'd)
realized were in a universal
monster movie.
HAYDEN
You know everything.
MATTHEW
Come on, there must be something.
He drags you from your bed and
kidnapped you last year. He takes
you to his creepy ass cottage with
his mom and wife who he's got on
life support. Then he kills himself
in front of you after saying he'll
be back like the terminator. But
what happened before that. You said
He wanted you to meet someone.
HAYDEN
Yeah, I thought it was his mother,
who was a real peach, but it might
have been his dad, I don't know.
Does it matter, he's a creep?
AUTUMN
Didn't you say his dad was dead?
HAYDEN
Well, he said he was killed by his
dentist or something. It didn't
really makes sense but there was a
a lot going on. Then he also said he
wanted him to meet me. The old lady
said he wouldn't come back even if
he could, he didn't like that very
much and that's honestly probably
what saved me.
AUTUMN
Short tempered, obsessive, abusive,
spoiled mama's boy, creep? Sounds
like you would have been very happy
together.
MATTHEW
So, he said his dead dad might come
to dinner and then he kills
himself. He vows to come back. Then
he does come back and abducts you.
You don't think There's a
connection?
HAYDEN
No, the delusional psycho, that
kidnapped me and licks tampons said
a lot of crazy shit. How would I
know any of this meant anything at
(MORE)
97.
HAYDEN (cont'd)
the time. I didn't really expect to
see him again.
AUTUMN
How did he know?
HAYDEN
How did he know what?
MATTHEW
What made him think his dead dad
would just casually stop by for
dinner?
HAYDEN
I don't know, he didn't have time
to tell me between kidnapping me
and killing himself.
AUTUMN
You said the date was circled on
the calendar, right? It had to be
that day. It had to be Season's
Tide.
MATTHEW
Son of a bitch. Are you telling me
those Brotherhood assholes were
right? Mother fuckers are coming
back from the dead?
HAYDEN
I don't know, I don't know the
rules of this insane holiday. I
just put on a costume and drink
fireball like everyone else. Maybe
Kent knows more, it came up the
the other day. I have group tomorrow,
I'll ask him. Ugghhh. I hate this!
AUTUMN
Girl, we're going to get through
this.
HAYDEN
I don't know if I can handle all
this, again. I didn't fair very
well before and this is worse.
AUTUMN
Fair very well? What are you
saying? You're Hayden Christine
fucking Blumes. There's gonna be
books and movies about you.
98.
MATTHEW
She's right. you're tougher than
you think, Hayden. Now, get some
rest. If you need me I'll be at the
slaughtered lamb hoping I don't
turn into a fucking werewolf..
AUTUMN
what the fuck is that?
Autumn points to a coffin sitting across the room.
HAYDEN
The voices said to bring it home.
It just felt right at the time.
MATTHEW
And Jesus wept. What the Hell is
going on? Alright, that's enough of
this. We have to figure this out
before it's too late.
HAYDEN
What do you think I'm trying to do?
You saw what happened back there. I
I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
How do I get away from all this?
AUTUMN
Honey, I don't think you can run
from this.
MATTHEW
She's right. You're going to have
to face him. I say we make a plan
on how to kill it and head for that
cottage.
HAYDEN
You can't be serious. I don't think
I can set foot in those woods again
and definitely not in that fucking
house. I'm not comfortable in my
own home because of him. You want
me to go back to where I was held
prisoner, in a trunk only let out
to breathe and see death?
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER. NIGHT
Kent addresses a group of women in a circle of chairs.
KENT
Thank you Kristy. You've done a
hell of a job fighting your demons.
You're an inspiration to us all.
That's it everyone, have a good
week.
99.
The crowd starts to disperse revealing Hayden slumped in her
chair. She stared into a mirror on the ceiling. She can see
herself rotting. Kent starts folding up chairs.
KENT
Hayden, how are you? It's nice to
see you've rejoined the land of the
living.
HAYDEN
You really care about the group
don't you?
KENT
I really do. I've spent the better
part of ten years either in or
hosting groups like these. We've
all been through something, pushed
over the edge. I'm here to remind
us we can push back, and here we're
never alone.
HAYDEN
Sometimes, I feel very alone. I
never thought I had the strength to
push back. That doesn't seem to be
an option anymore.
KENT
Well, If I can help in any way.
HAYDEN
What can you tell me about Season's
Tide?
KENT
That's..not what I thought you were
going to say. Everything you're
going through and you want to know
more about a local holiday?
HAYDEN
Please, I know how it sounds. Most
of us just use it as an excuse to
dress up and party. There has to be
more. Like, the entire town shuts
down. Just so we can dress up,
What's that about? For three days?
Don't you find that a little weird?
KENT
Yeah, it is a little weird. This
The whole conversation is weird.
HAYDEN
Kent, I'm being serious.
100.
KENT
Alright, alright. I don't know, uh,
I guess the town takes three days
to cover its bases. People used to
take it pretty seriously.
HAYDEN
Take what seriously? What are they
so afraid of?
KENT
Spirits I guess.
HAYDEN
What kind of spirits exactly?
HAYDEN
It's not real, Hayden. I can't
express that enough. It's
folktales. How do you not know this
stuff?
HAYDEN
Kent just told me. If it's not real
you should be able to tell me.
KENT
They called them Dirt Suckers.
HAYDEN
What the hell is a Dirt Sucker?
KENT
Unclean spirits. People would
disappear for days and wake up
buried in the woods. When they came
back to town they'd be pale and
sickly. Probably town drunks
passing out in the woods. In
reality it was a few town drunk who
just happened to have the plague.
HAYDEN
The Plague?
KENT
The White Plague. Tuberculosis
killed one in every seven people
who had it. A nasty disease that
had people very week and coughing
up blood.
HAYDEN
This whole thing caused by TB?
KENT
People were very superstitious
before modern science. Religion
(MORE)
101.
KENT (cont'd)
and radical groups like the
brotherhood had a lot of influence
back then. They even blamed the
woods dying on them. Said the sick
slept underground during the day
sucking the nutrients from the
earth. Hence Dirt Suckers.
Kent notices Hayden's look and continues.
KENT (CONT.)
Tuberculosis was already a
nightmare on it's one, combined
that with the hysteria on the times
and people go from drunks dying in
the woods to vampires ruining
vegetation. It's nonsense, Hayden.
HAYDEN
He's a vampire. Of course he is.
KENT
Who's a vampire?
HAYDEN
No one. So, if this is about
vampires then why do we dress like
witches?
KENT
Every spooky folktale needs a
spooky folklore ending. Witches
drove the unclean spirits away.
HAYDEN
Not the Brotherhood?
KENT
A real group taking credit for
fictional accomplishments. They
we're certainly around back then.
Story says they chose the lesser of
two evils and let the coven stay in
exchange for ending the plague.
HAYDEN
Matthew was right. Season's Tide is
a feminist holiday.
KENT
Do you think so?
HAYDEN
A group of women taking credit for
supposedly fictional
accomplishments in exchanged for
not being burned at the stake?
(MORE)
102.
HAYDEN (cont'd)
Normally telling people to keep
their houses clean would get them
hung, and in this case they were
saviors. Sound like a reason to
celebrate.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY
A tired Valarie returns home from work still in her scrubs.
VALERIE
Hayden, Hayden why are the
decorations back up on the
por....what the fuck?
She opens the door to banging sounds coming from upstairs.
She trips and almost falls over a large bag of rice. She's
immediately taken aback by the dark room filled entirely
with crosses and turnip lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Jonathan the cat rubs against her legs. Running water can
also be heard.
VALERIE
Hayden, where are you?
She enters the kitchen and turns off the running water in
the sink. She spots the bag of garlic on the counter and the
cast iron skillet now hanging from the wall.
VALERIE
Jesus, Hayden.
She follows the banging sound up the stairs into the bedroom
where she finds Hayden with a hammer. The floor creaks and a
startled Hayden whips out her switchblade. She's frantic
and continues to hammer.
HAYDEN
Valarie, you scared me. Don't sneak
up like that.
VALERIE
I'm scaring you? What the hell are
Are you doing it?
HAYDEN
What does it look like? I'm nailing
the window shut.
VALERIE
Okay, it's seven o'clock in the
morning. Why, are you nailing the
window shut.
HAYDEN
I have to keep him out until I can
figure out what to do.
103.
VALERIE
Hayden stopped it. Keep who out?
HAYDEN
You know who, and I can't stop I'm
almost done.
Valarie grabs her.
VALERIE
Hayden, look at me. I know
something happened to you. I know
this and I love you. I support you,
but this is not healthy. There is
no way whoever was here came
through that window.
HAYDEN
I don't have time for this right
now. I need to finish.
VALERIE
You need to slow down and talk to
me.
HAYDEN
You don't believe me and you don't
listen. I love you, Val, but if
you're not going to help just give
me some space until I'm done. I
I need to finish.
VALERIE
Fine fine. If this is what you need
right now I'm here for you. Hand me
a box of nails, but after this you
I have got to get some rest.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY
Hayden passed out in bed. She lays on top of Valarie who
stares at the nailed shut window with concern in her eyes.
She slips out of bed and quietly gets dressed. She takes one
last look at Hayden, kisses her hand and places it on her
head.
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY
Valarie walks into the room as Kent pulls out folding chairs
and sets up.
KENT
Valerie, always a pleasure. What's
up?
VALERIE
What the hell did you tell Hayden?
104.
KENT
You're going to have to be more
specific.
VALERIE
Don't mess with me Kent. What's
going on with her?
KENT
Listen, she hung around after group
yesterday and asked some weird
questions about Season's Tide. Why?
VALERIE
Because I get home this morning
just to find our whole house full
of crosses and garlic.
KENT
Jesus.
VALERIE
You don't say. Oh. And our bedroom
window is nailed shut to keep Noah
Sheppard out, who is now
apparently, according to you, a
vampire.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY
Hayden opens one eye in irritation has a beam of sunlight
from the window hits her face.
Hayden makes her way down the basement stairs and grabs a
water from the refrigerator. She turns to go back up when
Suddenly that coffin catches her eye.
She whips the dust from the top and sees the words "Blood of
my Blood" still carved into the wood. She turns to go back
upstairs when the voices stop her in her tracks.
VOICES
Get in/wait/don't/get in/stop/go
back/get in it/open it
She heads back to the coffin and slightly opens the top.
VOICES
Getin/now/feel better/yes/get in
it/ sleep/do it/rest/
She lets out a large sigh and steps into the coffin.
VOICES
Dirt/earth/soil/now/grave
dirt/fetch it.
She gets out and goes back up the stairs. She returns with a dirt
coated pair of jeans. She tries not to breath in the dirt
105.
cloud as she pull soils from the stiff jeans and drops it
into the coffin.
INT. COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY
KENT
She never mentioned Noah Sheppard
and I told her vampires aren't
real. I was very clear about that.
VALERIE
Then tell me why she's so
convinced, Kent. Please help me.
I've never seen her this way. I
know it sounds ridiculous but if
there's any truth to this you have
to tell me.
KENT
Valarie, you can't be serious. Get
her out of here, take her to the
city. She needs a break. Not holy
water and a cross.
VALERIE
You checked her out, you said it.
She's having withdrawal symptoms.
Fever, sweats, chills. She's been
dealing with headaches. ALL she
wants to do is obsesses over this
and sleep with me.
KENT
I've already told you. These things
are normal. This is trauma that
strikes hard and runs deep. She's
going to get worse before she gets
better. We need to be there for
and not support these ideas.
You sound like Mordecai.
VALERIE
Who?
KENT
No one. Forget I said it.
VALERIE
God damn it, Kent. Someone took her
during the Tide. That's a fact.
Someone, monster, human or other
wise, took Hayden, assaulted her
and buried her in the woods. Who
knows what else happened to her
that night or the last time. If
your holding back information that
can point me in the right
direction, so help me. Don't forget
(MORE)
106.
VALERIE (cont'd)
I'm the only surgeon in this town.
Give me a name. Time is of the
Essentially, she's getting worse.
Whatever's after her seems pretty
damn real and pretty damn close.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. COFFIN. DAY
Hayden lays inside the coffin in the darkness.
HAYDEN
Okay voices. I'm in the coffin. Now
what?
After a moment of silence Hayden lets out a deep breath we
can see as if she's surrounded by the cold. The coffin lid
won't budge as she tries to escape. She takes a few more icy
panicked breaths. She hears an ugly familiar voice whisper
from outside the coffin.
NOAH SHEPPARD (OS)
Shhh hush my flower, I'm here for
you.
She begins to thrash and push the stuck coffin lid.
NOAH SHEPPARD (OS)
Hayden, Hayden listen to me. We've
been over this. I'm going to remove
the cover so we can talk and you're
going to be good so I don't have to
lock you back in.
She stops moving and sits in her ice cold breath for a
moment before the lid is slowly removed from the coffin
revealing a dark room.
She tries to get up but can't.
NOAH SHEPPARD (OS)
Not yet my flower. Are you ready?
His head appears upside down as he stands looking down at
her. He's slightly more recognizable than before. His
features are more apparent coming through his rotted skin
and sunken eyes. His ears and fingers pointed. His wavy hair
thin and slicked back. He's back in his buttoned shirt and
jacked. His beard started to grow in.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Sweet Hayden, have you missed me?
Do you accept me now? I have been
to the echoes side and back for
you. I am here to help you ascend.
It's time for you to come back to
me. Back to Wicker Forest.
107.
HAYDEN
I'm not going anywhere with you.
You're a monster. What you did to
those women. What you've done to
me.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Don't be ridiculous now, Hayden. Of
of course you're coming with me. I am
the alpha, you're the omega. I am
the earth and you are my flower.
HAYDEN
Just leave me alone. Please! I am
not yours. I don't want anything to
do with you.
NOAH SHEPPARD
You belong to me. You are my Eve. I
will show you the wonderful gift I
have given you. We will have a life
all of us. Without naysayers, or
distractions. A life where we can
be ourselves. Hayden, I love you
and it's time to begin our perfect
life.
HAYDEN
No, Noah. You disgust me. Your
mother was right. No one will ever
I love you.
Out of frustration Noah slams against the coffin and sticks
his head inside the coffin near her face.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Mother never said that, and you are
only here because I've helped you
grow. Because of your beauty. With
out me you are frail. Without me
you are nothing. You don't even
know what you are.
He licks her face.
HAYDEN
I know what you are. You're a
predator. A murderer, with Daddy
issues. All those girls you took.
You're..a filthy disgusting Dirt
Sucker. If you want me you're going
to have to kill me.
NOAH SHEPPARD
A dirt sucker? What do you think
What makes you? I would never hurt
you, Hayden. On the contrary, I'd
like very much to protect you..from
(MORE)
108.
NOAH SHEPPARD (cont'd)
yourself. Your friends however are
in grave danger I'm afraid. It's
only a matter of time before they
end up hanging upside down over
buckets of their own.
EXT. AMISH SETTLEMENT. DAY.
Valarie pulls up to a gate in front of a large agricultural
property. She's greeted by goats blocking the rock road and
gate. She's forced to leave her car at the gate and walk the
long path.
She walks the path through the cornfield. She begins to pass
members of this Amish settlement but they don't look at her.
All the buildings are white. They all look away. Women
hanging clothes on laundry lines. Boys playing. She passes a
group putting up a barn, refusing to acknowledge her.
Suddenly a loud bells goes off and the entire community is
walking past her. Still ignoring her as the walk with
purpose.
She reaches the bottom of a long, rocky, uphill driveway. It
leads to an old white Victorian house. She uses the knocker
on the door to no response. She waits a moment and knocks
some more. The door creaks open.
VALERIE
Hello?
INT. COFFIN ROOM. DAY
HAYDEN
Leave my friends out of this.
NOAH SHEPPARD
It's only going to get worse. The
pain. The arousal. The aggression.
It's not me they have to worry
about. You won't be able to help
yourself.
EXT. AMISH SETTLEMENT. DAY.
Out of desperation Valarie begins to look through the
windows. She bangs on the door even louder. Another bell
sounds.
She turns to see the sun setting on the community as they
head into the church. The door opens behind her.
INT. COFFIN ROOM. NIGHT
NOAH SHEPPARD
You're closer to breaking than you
know. Soon you will be begging for
my help. I only hope I can get to
(MORE)
109.
NOAH SHEPPARD (cont'd)
you before you're precious friends
do.
HAYDEN
Fuck you. Get out of my life.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Make no mistake Hayden you will
always belong to me, but I can
wait. What about you?
He licks her face and she shudders. The doorbell rings.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Oh good,it's delivery. Do you think
you can control yourself?
INT. WHITE HOUSE. NIGHT.
Valarie stares curiously through the empty doorway before
entering the dark and inviting home. The sound of a piano
playing a dark slow "Ring around the Rosie". Her nose
twitches at an odd smell.
A tall woman in a dark dress passes her from seemingly no
where and enters the next room.
VALERIE
Hello?
She starts to follow the woman through a series on hallways
and rooms.
VALERIE
Excuse me, is this where I can find
Mordecai?
She enters a room with filled with shelves covering all four
walls. In the middle of the room there's a chair with
shackles on the arm rests. Suddenly, she notices what's on
the shelves. Hundreds of jars filled with teeth.
She follows her into a large dining room. A man plays the
piano. He's hidden behind the woman who stands in front of
him while he plays.
WOMAN
Dinner will be served shortly.
VALERIE
Excuse me.
The woman exits the room leaving Valerie alone with the man
playing the piano.
She reaches for his shoulder.
110.
VALERIE
Excuse me, sir.
He abruptly stops playing and turns his head towards Valerie
to reveal himself as Mordecai.
MORDECAI
What can I do for you, young miss.
Will you be staying for dinner?
VALERIE
Uh no, no thank you. I'm here
because Kent Thomas said you could
help my friend.
MORDECAI
I doubt that. If you're here then
it is too late, stage one by the
look at you. I'm not interested in
helping your kind.
VALERIE
What kind would that be? and I told
you it's not me it's my friend.
MORDECAI
And I told you, that if you're here
it's too late and you might as well
stay for dinner.
VALERIE
I'm sorry I'm not interested in
what..what is that smell. Wait,
Where are you going?
He stands up and she follows him confused into the dinning
room to sit at the table.
She sits.
MORDECAI
It's soup. Now, if you stay for
dinner maybe I'll be able to help
you. Right now I'm too hungry for
this conversation. Take a seat or
don't.
VALERIE
Listen, my friend is in serious
danger. There's a lot of weird shit
going on and someone is trying to
kill her. She's already been
assaulted twice. I won't let it
happen again.
MORDECAI
What makes you think I can help
you?
111.
VALERIE
Kent Thomas sent me here. Now, I've
been here 5 minutes and this place
has weird shit written all over it,
so, I know you can help her.
MORDECAI
Whoever is trying to kill your
My friend is already dead. They have
powers beyond your strong will, my
dear. I don't know your friend, but
I can tell you they are already
doomed. They have contracted the
disease of darkness and can not
possibly last much longer. She is
going to rip and kill and pass her
darkness onto the next if she
hasn't already done so. Soup?
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden opens the door and Samantha stands outside in the
rain. Tight shorts and burgundy top clinging to her wet
body. Leather jacket over her head. Bottle of wine and
glasses in hand.
HAYDEN
Sam, it's you. Are you okay? What
What happened?
SAMANTHA
The last thing I remember are those
eyes. Those yellow eyes staring at
me. I couldn't stop looking at them
through the window.
HAYDEN
I can't believe you're okay. I
I can't believe you're here.
SAMANTHA
Can I come in or do you just like
watching me freeze to death?
Hayden steps aside as Samantha enters, closing the door
behind her.
SAMANTHA
I thought you would be happier to
see me.
Hayden rubs her eyes and forehead in a little pain as she
leans on the door frame.
HAYDEN
I'm not. I mean I am. I mean, I'm
Sorry, Sam. Of course I'm happy to
see you. I'm glad you're okay. It's
just not a great time.
112.
SAMANTHA
Do you want me to go? At least let
i borrowed a top. Mines all wet.
HAYDEN
I think if you stay something bad
will...happen.
SAMANTHA
Don't you want to celebrate my
recovery?
Mid sentence Samantha bites her lip and slips her top off.
HAYDEN
You're not listening to me Sam. If
this goes on any longer someones
going to get hurt. And I don't want
that. Do you?
SAMANTHA
We'll be fine. I think we can survive
a little girl time and some wine. I
I really do need a top.
Samantha starts heading up the stairs. She stops at the top.
SAMANTHA
What's one drink?
INT. WHITE HOUSE. NIGHT.
Valarie and mordecai sit across from each other at the
dining room table.
VALERIE
My friends never hurt anyone.
MORDECAI
You will. I mean..she will. Does
your friend have problems looking
at themselves in the mirror. Do
they seem more aggressive or in
pain? You're probably to hypnotized
to see any of this.
VALERIE
Excuse me?
Mordecai stands up from his chair. He's in her face. His
disdain shows as he spits while he talks at her.
MORDECAI
I'll say this more directly. Does
your friend seem more sensitive to
sunlight? Does she scare you when
their hugs are too long and too
tight? They can't help it. Every
fiber in their body screams for
violence..and lust.
113.
VALERIE
What?
Mordecai is now leaning over Valerie.
MORDECAI
Are you listening, little girl ?
Does your friend sleep in a wooden
coffin? Am I getting through to you
yet? The second your friend can't
control themselves.. the moment
they rip flesh and taste the blood
of the innocence is the moment they
are doomed to hell, forever. There
is not coming back after that. She
must be burned at the stake. Is
that clear enough for you or should
I write it down?
The women harshly sets a bowl of soup in front of both
Valarie and Mordecai's places at the table. Valarie lets out
a desperate, frightened, exhausted scream. Tears run down
her face.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Hayden sits on the bed while Samantha pours wine. She rubs
her eyes and forehead soothing her headache. She doesn't
notice how cloudy the wine is in her glass, compared to
Samantha's.
She continues to be restless and unengaged as Samantha looks
through her closet talking to herself. Hayden drinks the
entire glass in one shot and sets in on the bedside table.
SAMANTHA
I really thought I was going to
die. It's really made me think
about how much time I have left and
what I really want.
She sits in a daze and watches Samantha. Her eyes glazed over
as she transfixes on Sam's navel. Samantha's talking but
She's not listening.
SAMANTHA
Do you ever think about death
Hayden? What am I saying? Of course
you do. We can die at any moment.
We only have so much time to seize
the day.
Samantha approaches Hayden. Hayden's glazed eyes watch the
raindrops on her abdomen fall. She slowly reaches for her
and pulls her in resting her face on Samantha's belly.
Samantha runs her fingers through her hair.
114.
SAMANTHA
Do you ever think about what you
Want Hayden? While I was bleeding
to death on the floor I knew in
That moment was what I wanted. Do you
know it was? You. Just once...ooh
look, you still have it. That's
Really sweet Hayden. I knew you'd
I love it.
She bends over to pick up the lost engagement ring Hayden
threw on the floor.
SAMANTHA
You do love me.
She slides the ring on a dazed Hayden's finger. She
continues to speak but her voice is so muffled so far away
discernible.
SAMANTHA (OS)
Mrs. Samantha Blumes..no Mrs.
Hayden Green... wait Why is the
window nailed shut?
A tear falls from Hayden's eye before she slowly starts to
kiss Sam's body. She begins smooth and sensual and grows
more aggressive. She tosses Samantha onto her bed and almost
forcibly unbuttons her skin tight shorts while shes kisses
her.
SAMANTHA
Fuck, did you bit me?
They rip off each other's clothes. Hayden has Samantha pinned
down with her hand around her throat, her eyes grow wild and
begin to turn black and the lights flicker again and the
The room glows red.
INT. WHITE HOUSE. NIGHT.
VALERIE
Ughaagh! Stop. Stop. STOP IT! Tell
me how to stop it! There has to be
a way. Tell me, so I can just go.
And what is that awful fucking
smell. I can't take it anymore?
Mordecai now in her face.
MORDECAI
It's garlic soup and you're not
going anywhere until you've had
some.
115.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
SAMANTHA
Hayden? Don't ruin this for me.
This isn't hot anymore. Hayden god
damn it.
Samantha struggled to pull Hayden's hand from her throat but
it doesn't budge.
Hayden says nothing, but shoots her spring loaded switch
blade open in Samantha's face.
SAMANTHA
Stop. What the fuck is going on?
Let me go.
The lights continue to flicker. Red and black. Hayden brings
the knife to Samantha's throat.
SAMANTHA
Hayden, I'm sorry. Hayden.. please.
Hayden leans in full weight still on Samantha's throat and
licks her from her neck to her cheek bones. Eyes still black
and staring right into Samantha's.
Hayden's phone start going off and her head jerks toward it
for a split second long enough for Samantha to push her hand
away. The two are now in a struggle as Hayden tries force
the blade down to pierce Sam's throat.
INT. VALARIE'S CAR. NIGHT. MOVING.
Valarie's driving as quickly as she can. Her phone up to her
ear.
VALERIE
Hayden, answer. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Hayden picked up! Shit. I'm coming!
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
The room gets darker as Hayden brings the knife closer and
closer to Sam's throat. Her eyes pitch black. She begins to
yell as she puts all of her effort into an attempt a plunge
into Samantha's neck.
HAYDEN
Ahhhhhhhhhh.
Lightning strikes outside the window as Valarie kicks in
the door. The knife slips and plunges right into Samantha's
shoulder.
Valarie tackles Hayden off of Samantha. Samantha rolls of
the way. She tugs the knife in her shoulder.
116.
VALERIE
Don't pull that..
Samantha rips the knife from her shoulder and drops in on
the ground.
SAMANTHA
What the fuck Hayden?
Valarie stands up and glances around room at wine glasses
and clothes on the floor.
VALERIE
Get the fuck out of my house.
Samantha stares.
Valarie squeezes Samantha's bleeding shoulder.
VALERIE
I said fuck off.
Samantha winces in pain and quickly grabs some clothes from
the floor and runs out of the room.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
Valarie's surrounded by crosses and lanterns hanging from
the ceiling of the dark room. She stands over the coffin,
Nail between her teeth as she bangs nails into the coffin
lid. Hayden screams and scratches and pounds from the
inside. Suddenly, before she could finish the door bells
rings. She answers it.
VALERIE
Hey, thanks for coming.
Yeah.
Of course.
MATTHEW
AUTUMN
The couple follow Valarie back the coffin where she sit
down.
VALERIE
This whole thing has gone on way
too far. I have to fix this before
it's too late and I lose Hayden
forever. Will you help me?
AUTUMN
Wait, what do you mean? Where's
Hayden?
Just then the blade of Hayden's knife stabs through the lid
of the coffin inches from where Valarie sits on the coffin
lid.
117.
AUTUMN
Don't tell me Hayden is in there?
MATTHEW
Why do I feel like we missed
something. Why is she locked up?
And why does your house look like
the set of Blair witch if it were
inside?
VALERIE
I went to see Mordecai.
AUTUMN
The guy demanding we burn incense?
MATTHEW
As if you didn't already.
VALERIE
Let me start over. Hayden went to
see Kent. She was asking all these
questions about Seasons Tide and
apparently the whole time it was
about keeping out Dirt Suckers.
AUTUMN
Excuse me?
MATTHEW
Vampires...What? Were we not on the
same page about that? I called
vampires like last year.
Wait..Wait. If I get bit by a
vampire I turn into a vampire
right? And if I get bit by a
werewolf I turn into a werewolf.
Now, what happens if I get bit by a
vampire that's transformed into a
wolf dog thing..is that how
werewolves made? Am I a
werewolf now? Is Noah the Alpha or
am I because he's not a full
werewolf?
AUTUMN
Matthew, you're an alpha idiot. He
was a dog. I doubt your going to
turn into a were- Did you just say
Noah Sheppard turned into a
vampire?
VALERIE
I'm saying he was already a vampire
but he wasn't able to transcend
until he died and came back.
AUTUMN
Transcend into what?
118.
VALERIE
Something worse.
MATTHEW
What the fuck could be worse than a
vampire?
VALERIE
Stage three. When you sacrifice
yourself to the darkness in
exchange to be something else.
Something supernatural. The final
stage of vampirism.
MATTHEW
So, before he was David Bowie from
The Hunger and now he's like what
Salem's lot?
VALERIE
I've never seen those fucking
movies, Matthew. All I know is
she's getting worse and if we don't
help her before it's too late she's
not coming back.
MATTHEW
Okay so, what stage is Hayden in?
VALERIE
Decay, I guess. Stage one. She's
fighting the temptation while
feeling like she's going though
extreme withdrawal symptoms.
AUTUMN
That explains a lot. The
aggression. The headaches. To think
you didn't believe her.
VALERIE
Don't put words in my mouth, how
was I supposed to know she was
taken by a story book monster? That
doesn't matter now. What does
matter is we get to her before she
gives into the voices.
MATTHEW
That's right those fucking voices.
So, what's next?
VALERIE
We stop this before it's too late
and she enters stage two.
AUTUMN
What does that mean?
119.
MATTHEW
That means if we can't save her by
midnight Hayden's soul is damned to
hell..
VALERIE
If we wait too long and the impulse
takes her over and she really kills
someone to drink their blood then
Yes, essentially. Stage two and
there's no going back.
AUTUMN
Hayden, girl, were not going to let
That happened. We love you and we're
going to bring you back.
MATTHEW
So, let's give this fucker his last
meal and get our girl back.
AUTUMN
How do we do that? Did Mordecai
happen to mention how we're
supposed to kill a nosferatu?
VALERIE
Remove the head, stab the heart or
sunlight, but they always come
back. Unless you get the teeth.
AUTUMN
Sunlight doesn't hurt Hayden,
though.
VALERIE
She still has her innocence.
AUTUMN
Of course she does. She's stronger
than any blood curse or diseased,
or whatever. Right?
VALERIE
She's strong enough, but she needs
our help. If we don't succeed she
may have to face this monster on
her own.
MATTHEW
Okay, so it's settled. We gotta get
close enough to cut off his head.
AUTUMN
Or we have to get really close to
stab him in the heart.
120.
MATTHEW
Can't we just invite him to brunch?
The sun thing sounds much easier.
VALERIE
You have a point. No matter what we
We should do it in the morning.
MATTHEW
Whatever we do..we better do it
fast.
EXT. FOREST. NIGHT
Valarie, Autumn, and Matthew are hiding in the few living
pine trees just before a clearing. Valarie looks through a
pair of binoculars.
She sees the back of the creepy cottage, it's surrounded by
police tape. There are large rectangular holes in the ground
where graves used to be.
A pack of wolves in the yard, some lounge about and some
play tug of war with what looks like flesh. A German
Sheppard lies in the middle.
AUTUMN
What are you gonna do with that?
Matthew air fights with a large wooden bat with the handle
shaved down into a point.
MATTHEW
I'm gonna kill a vampire. What does
What does it look like? Before I stab him
through the heart I'm gonna be all
"Who ordered the stake" no no "Uber
Eats. IT'S STAKE"..No I got it
"Iiiiit's stake time".
AUTUMN
You're an idiot. You're going to
get yourself killed.
MATTHEW
This is the perfect weapon for this
scenario. The ultimate evolution of
the stake. It's half bat half
stake. I gotta beat him down before
I stake his heart. Trust me, it's
going to be a stake through the
heat that gets him. So you know..
"Eat stake mother fucker".
Whatever..What's in your pack,
since you're so smart?
121.
AUTUMN
This thing is an ungodly, unclean
spirit. Mortal deterrents won't
work on him. Naturally I will be
burning Rosemary, Dill, Garlic, and
Angelica.
MATTHEW
Naturally.
VALERIE
Will you two keep it down?
AUTUMN
Did you bring a weapon?
VALERIE
I've got it right here.
Valarie lifts her jacket to reveal an old black revolver
tucked into her waist band.
AUTUMN
You own a gun?
VALERIE
It was my grandfather's. It's old
and it only has three rounds in it.
I couldn't dig up the box of ammo
that should have been with it, but
it's all I have. It will have to
do.
AUTUMN
You think you can kill a vampire
with a gun?
VALERIE
I've seen enough bodies on the
operating table to know flesh is
flesh and blood is blood.
MATTHEW
So, basically, if it bleeds we can
kill it?
VALERIE
What else can I do? I don't know
how long that coffin is going to
hold Hayden, she seemed pretty
pissed I put her in there. If she
gets out she's going to kill me.
AUTUMN
I don't think..
VALERIE
Shh..I think I see him.
122.
Matthew takes the binoculars offered to him and watches the
pack. Suddenly a naked Noah Sheppard stands among them where
the German Shepherd once was. Noah rips something in half
and tosses it to the wolves to fight over. He turns and
opens up the cellar doors and heads inside. The wolves howl
behind him.
VALERIE
The sun's coming up. We'd better
find a way past those wolves.
AUTUMN
I can feel rain coming, maybe that
will send them off.
MATTHEW
..Or he'll just let them inside.
VALERIE
Either way, we have to go in.
VALERIE
Look, they're going.
MATTHEW
Seriously, this doesn't feel right.
Where are they going?
AUTUMN
Who cares? Let's go.
MATTHEW
Does this not scream trap to you? I
love Hayden, and we're going to
figure this out. But there's no way
we're going in there, right?. A
Vampire's house and literal wolves
den.
AUTUMN
Well..she's gone.
MATTHEW
God dammit. Valarie came back!
EXT. COTTAGE. DAY.
Suddenly there's howling directly behind them. Storm clouds
cover the pink and purple colored skies. Matthew and Autumn
race towards the cottage, away from the pack of wolves. The
The wind picks up, and rain starts to fall heavily. Thunder cracks
as they reach Valarie and the cottage.
Autumn tries to pull away a rain soaked Valarie who pulls on
the cellar doors that won't budge.
Matthew reaches the front door and starts beating his
shoulder into it as the thunder cracks.
123.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY.
Hayden beats on the coffin lid from the inside. The nails
are gradually coming loose.
EXT. COTTAGE. DAY.
Autumn finally pulls Valarie away; the wolves follow at
their heels. The pair come around the corning to find
Matthew desperately throws his weight into the door.
Just as the wolves are closing in the door breaks free and
the three fall into the dark cottage and slam the door,
wolves are still barking and howling.
INT. COTTAGE. PITCH BLACK LIVING ROOM. DAY.
Autumn, Matthew, and Valarie stand just inside this old
cottage in just enough light from the windows to see there
faces.
VALERIE
What was that?
MATTHEW
I didn't hear anything.
AUTUMN
What is that smell?
MATTHEW
It's like something died here.
VALERIE
Whatever it is we have to keep
moving.
AUTUMN
What was that? Something just
rubbed against my leg.
MATTHEW
Shit, mine too.
VALERIE
Light a match, see what it is,
start cleansing this place.
AUTUMN
fuck, the matches are wet.
A cat meows.
VALERIE
It's a damn cat.
Cats.
MATTHEW
124.
Suddenly in the darkness the sound of dozens of cats meowing
overwhelm the room, overlapping and growing louder. Autumn
keeps attempting to light the match.
MATTHEW
Let's go babe.
AUTUMN
I'm trying.
Autumn continues to strike wet matches. The cats are hissing
and meowing right at their feet. Something slams in another
room.
AUTUMN
Come on, come on.
Autumn's attempts fail again. Suddenly its sounds as if
every cabinet and drawer in the kitchen are all slamming
repeatedly.
MATTHEW
Light the fucking match!
Finally, the match ignites.. Dozens of cats cover the floor
like landmines. Matthew exhales a long breath of relief and
the other two look at him. Autumn raises her burning herbs
to see his face.
MATTHEW
It's just cats. I can live with
cats.
Hello.
NOAH SHEPPARD (OS)
MATTHEW
What the fuck!
AUTUMN
Shit!
In a matter of seconds Noah pops over Matthew's shoulder
with a twisted smile. He stands naked. He blows out the
herbs. Three gunshots flash as a struggle ensues. Noah's
mouth opens wide between flashes and he bites Matthew on the
neck. The revolver clicks repeatedly as the hammer hits the
empty cylinder in the darkness.
Autumn lights a match to see Matthew unconscious on the
floor. She frantically looks for a missing Noah.
Valarie drops the gun and throws her hands over her mouth,
before she quickly drags Matthew into a closet.
INT. COTTAGE. DAY. CLOSET
The sounds of cats screaming, wolves barking and cabinets
slamming outside of the door give the closet a feeling of
sanctuary in a chaotic and dangerous setting.
125.
VALERIE
Wake up! We've got to wake him up.
Get him off the floor.
AUTUMN
No...no..no! Don't fucking do this
to me, Matthew. Only posers die.
Wake the fuck up!
Valarie pulls duct tape out of Autumn's backpack and covers
bite mark Matthews was holding on his neck.
She rips his shirt off and looks over the wound in his
shoulder. She places the ripped shirt over his wound
followed by more duck tape.
VALERIE
Keep pressure on this.
She proceeds to frantically wrap layers of shirt around his
shoulder to dress a bullet wound. He begins to wake up and
starts hyperventilating.
MATTHEW
Ahhhhh! What the fuck!
VALERIE
Matthew..Matthew. Calm down.
AUTUMN
You fucking shot him!
MATTHEW
You calm down, I'm gonna fucking
die!
VALERIE
You're loosing blood and you need
to calm down. Matthew, you need to
slow your breathing or you're going
to pass out.
AUTUMN
Is he going to die?
VALERIE
He needs medical attention. More
then I can give him in this closet.
It went straight through. If you
can keep him quiet and we can make
it out of here, I think I can patch
him up.
VALERIE
You think?!
MATTHEW
I'm fucking dead!
126.
VALERIE
You're not dead. None of us are.
Not yet, but you have to calm down.
If Hayden gets out of that coffin
before we get back guess where
she's headed. She'll be herself by
then but if she sees all this...if
she sees you like this she's going
to go back into a frenzy and I
I don't know if we'll get her back.
AUTUMN
What are you saying, if she sees
Matthew she's going to wanna suck
his fucking blood out?!
VALERIE
I'm saying call a ambulance and
hope they can find us way out here
before Hayden does. I'm going after
that thing, hopefully he's wounded.
If not..let's hope Hayden's strong
enough.
AUTUMN
What are we supposed to do?
VALERIE
Stay in this closet. Keep him
elevated, and if you hear Hayden
coming don't make a fucking sound.
Autumn, do not under any
circumstances let her know you're
in here or you are going to see a
side of her you can't unsee. I'll
be back after I end this.
Val..
Yeah?
MATTHEW
VALERIE
MATTHEW
Thanks for the garlic soup. It may
have actually helped. I think it
stopped him from finishing me off.
AUTUMN
I don't blame him. That soup was
awful.
VALERIE
Don't mention it. If that worked
maybe Mordecai isn't as crazy as he
looks.
127.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY.
Hayden beats on the coffin lid from the inside. The
an overwhelming swirl of insane voices speaks to her once again.
THE VOICES
Dig/Push/Scratch/Feed/Close/Hurry
The nails are begging to loosen up. Her coffin won't hold
her much longer.
INT. COTTAGE. DAY.
Valarie stands in the living room of the dark cottage. Cats
still hiss and meow. The cabinets continue to slam as she
tries to break free some of the boards covering the windows.
She struggles for a moment until she slips she falls flat on
her behind. She lets out a cry of frustration as her
The situation overwhelms her.
VALERIE
Ahhhhhhh! Fuuuuuuuuuck!
A scream came from somewhere inside the house.
The cats stop hissing. The cabinets stop slamming. Total
silence.
VALERIE
Hayden?
There's pounding coming from inside somewhere. She stands up
and heads deeper into the cottage, toward the noise. She
burns more sage to keep her path visible. The pounding sound
growls louder as she moves further into the darkness.
HAYDEN'S VOICE (OS)
Valarie, please, help me before he
Come back!
Valarie walks past the kitchen and then doubles back. She
opens a drawer and pulls out a knife before she continues
down the dark hallway. The pounding continues to grow
louder. Almost vibrating the hallway. More screams.
HAYDEN'S VOICE (OS)
Valerie, please. I'm down here.
Valarie stops and stares at the door where the screaming is
coming from. The pounding on the door is ominous and it
beats like a heart from the other side. The door vibrates
with each bang. Thump thump..thump thump.
She moves to open the door but it's stuck. Hayden continues
to scream. The door continues to pound. Finally she forces
It is open. The pounding and screaming stop.
128.
She stands in the doorway knife in one hand, herbs burning
in the other. The silence is deafening. The doorway leads to
the cellar. She stares into the darkness at the top of the
stairs. Candles line the way down.
Suddenly Noah appears over her shoulder.
NOAH SHEPPARD (IN HAYDEN'S VOICE)
Boo.
She whips around and he grabs her wrist. He pauses and looks
her in the eye before he blows out her herbs and pushes her
down the stairs.
INT. HAYDEN'S HOUSE. DAY.
Hayden continues to beat on the coffin lid. Pushing closer
and closer to escaping. The voices continue to whisper,
urging her to escape.
Close/Push/Kill/Feed/Escape/Blood/Hunger/Bite/Hurry
INT. COTTAGE. DAY. CLOSET
Matthew lays in Autumn. She holds pressure on his shoulder.
MATTHEW
Quick question, if we get out of
here alive, do you think we would
ever get married?
AUTUMN
Stop, we're getting out of here.
Don't even joke and you already
I know it's very strong.
MATTHEW
Okay, here's a serious question. Do
you think I'll ever play the piano
again?
AUTUMN
No, because after we get married
you'll be working three jobs to
support our ten kids.
MATTHEW
Ten kids? TEN kids?
A long loud creak sound comes from the other room. Autumn
puts her hand over Matthew's face and gives him the "hush"
gesture.
Matthew nods and points to the bullet hole in the door.
Autumn puts her eye to it.
She mouths to Matthew.
129.
AUTUMN
It's Hayden.
She reiterates her "hush" motion
INT. COTTAGE. DAY.
Hayden leaves the door open, it sheds light into the room.
The wolves are gone. She spots Valarie's revolver on the
floor.
HAYDEN
Hello? Guys? Valerie?
She picks up the revolver and pulls a box of rounds from her
pocket and loads it. She notices the blood on her hand
coming from the handle.. She closes her eyes and takes in a
deep breath.
THE VOICES
Taste it/ do it/
Devour//Blood/Follow/Drink/Kill/Go/
Satisfy/Drink/Yes/Indulge.
A noise comes from the closet and distracts her for a
second. She drops the revolver and scans the room again and
dashed for the closet.
INT. COTTAGE. DAY. CLOSET
HAYDEN (OS)
Hey, guys? If you're in there you
can come out now.
Autumn grabs door knobs and holds on. Hayden attempts to open
the closet.
HAYDEN (OS)
Come on guys, it's just me.
Hayden puts more force into her attempts.
HAYDEN(OS)
Seriously, Autumn, if that's you,
come out here.
Hayden begins to violently shake the door, breathing
heavily.
HAYDEN (OS)
Matthew, stop playing games. I'm
not going to hurt you. I just
I really need to see if you're okay.
I saw the blood. Is it yours? Or
Autumn? I don't think it's Val's.
Hayden goes berserk. She violently slams her should against
the door as she speaks calmly.
130.
HAYDEN(OS)
She didn't shoot you did she? I
just want to make sure you're okay
and you haven't lost too
much...blood.
Autumn looks through the whole when Hayden's wild black eye
shoots against the whole from the other side. The sight of
Hayden's dilated black pupils startle her.
THE VOICES
Kill/Kill/Now/Kill/Drink/Drink/
Drink/Break/Now/Indulge/Hunger/
Satisfy/
HAYDEN(OS)
Come on now you two. I'm not going
to be very happy if I have to break
down this door.
The light inside the closet starts flashing on and off. The
the room turns red and black, red and black. She beats and kicks
and screams at the door.
HAYDEN(OS)
Little pigs, little pigs. Let me
Come in!
Hayden's fist burst through the eye whole and grab Autumn by
the hair. She headbutts through the door exposing her head.
THE VOICES
Fuck/fuck/fuck/kill/kill/kill
Matthew panics as Autumn struggles to keep the door shut.
Hayden pauses as if she hears something. It's Valarie
screaming.
VALARIE'S VOICE(OS)
Hayden! Hayden help me, I'm
bleeding.
He kicks jumps to his feet and smashes his bat across
Hayden's head and she falls down.
MATTHEW
Let's go.
AUTUMN
What the fuck, Matthew?
MATTHEW
I said let's go.
AUTUMN
We can't leave her here. She's not
safe.
131.
MATTHEW
I know, but if we stay any longer
were dead. She's too far gone.
AUTUMN
No.
MATTHEW
Autumn, she's not going to stop. She
was going to kill you.
AUTUMN
And Valarie?
MATTHEW
We don't even know where she is and
I'm hanging on by a thread here. I
have zero bars. There is no help
coming. I wanna save Hayden too.
AUTUMN
But?
MATTHEW
This thing has a grip on her. She's
going to come head to head with a
decision. She can either confront
him on her own or live with what
she's going to do it if she can't. All
we can do know is hope she strong
enough.
INT. COTTAGE. DAY. LATER
Valarie's screams fill the dark cottage. Hayden snaps to
with a deep breath to find herself alone. Another scream and
She's heading further into the cottage.
She grabs the revolver as she moves into the darkness. We
hear the vibration of the basement door beating like a
heart.
She stares down the stairs into the darkness. She's
reluctant to go back into the basement she was held captive
in. She takes the first steps and jumps as the door slams
behind her. She pulls and bangs on the door. Another
scream has convinced her she has no choice, she must face
her fears. The candles blow out as she continues past them
down the stairs..
INT. COTTAGE CELLAR. DAY.
Hayden drops her gun and runs to Valarie. She's tied up and
hangs by a hook and rope. Tape covers her mouth.
HAYDEN
Valarie, I'm so sorry. I'm going to
get you out of here.
132.
She pulls the tape off. Her mouth is bleeding.
VALERIE
Thank god. Are you okay? Cut me
loose so we can...Hayden...Hayden,
Are you listening? We need to go.
Hayden isn't listening, Valarie's words are muffled. The
room goes quiet as she hyper fixated on the blood from
Valarie's mouth. The lights flicker, her pupils grow and
becomes wild and black. The voices return.
THE VOICES
DRINK/KILL/DOIT/NOW/KILL/SPILL/NOW
Hayden's switch blade goes off and she points it directly at
Valarie's neck. Shadows grow behind her as Valarie pleads.
VALERIE
Hayden controls it, this isn't you!
You don't want to hurt me, listen
to my voice.
THE VOICES
LISTEN/KILL/SATISFY/DRINK/STAB/FEEL
GOOD/INDULGE/KILL/GIVEN/ORSUFFER
Hayden slowly makes a small cut on Valarie's neck. She
stares as the blood rolls down.
VALERIE
Hayden, you can fight it. You're
stronger than this. I know you can
do it. Just prove it to yourself.
Please, don't give up on you. I
never will.
THE VOICES
DRINK HER/YES/NOW/DRINK/SATISFY
Hayden leans in as Valarie continues to struggle. She grabs
her by the hair and pulls her head back. She slowly kisses
her neck and begins to lick toward the blood.
NOAH SHEPPARD (OS)
That's a good girl. This is why
you're here. Submit to it. Submit
to me. My flower, you've come so
much further than those whores
outside.
Hayden stops. Her eyes flicker back to normal, the lights
come back on and she lowers the knife.
NOAH SHEPPARD
What are you doing? Hayden, do as I
say. You're nothing without me.
Remember that. Hayden, are you
(MORE)
133.
NOAH SHEPPARD (cont'd)
listening. Please Hayden, don't
make me kill her.
He flies past Hayden knocking her down as he dives head
first and sinks his teeth into Valarie's neck.
She screams and struggles during the intense exchange. His
eyes roll into the back of his head. At the height of his
indulgence he pushes himself off of her and spits blood
everywhere.
NOAH SHEPPARD
Garlic, your whore!
He slaps Valarie in the face.
NOAH SHEPPARD
What a disgusting trick.
He pulls her head back by the hair.
NOAH SHEPPARD
It's her or you Hayden. Come with
me or I'll take her in your place.
Make your choice.
VALERIE
Don't you dare go with him, Hayden.
You've been through enough. We're
going to figure this out.
NOAH SHEPPARD
I'm not going to ask you twice. He
rubs blood all over her face.
HAYDEN
Stop! Just stop. I'll go with you.
Leave her out of this.
VALERIE
Hayden, no. You can't. He's going
to kill us both.
Hayden doesn't struggle as Noah pulls her away.
HAYDEN
It's better this way.
INT. COTTAGE. DAY. DARK ROOM.
NOAH SHEPPARD
I am very pleased with your
decision my bride. Tonight we will
drain her together. One bride is
just as good as another, but I
happier than you, Hayden.
Tomorrow we will be married.
(MORE)
134.
NOAH SHEPPARD (cont'd)
Tonight we must sleep apart. I hope
you understand.
Noah holds Hayden by the head with both hands forces her
into the trunk.
INT. COTTAGE. DAY. DARK ROOM. LATER.
From inside the trunk we hear the sound of something
repeatedly smashing against the turn.
AUTUMN (OS)
Don't worry Hayden, we're gonna get
you out of there!
MATTHEW (OS)
Come on, one more time and..uhhhh.
Matthew smashes the lock on the trunk a more time with a
shovel. He and Autumn quickly open the lid and Hayden pops
out gasping for fresh air.
MATTHEW
Alright. Let's blow this popsicle
stand.
What?
AUTUMN
MATTHEW
Let's get the fuck out of here.
HAYDEN
I can't leave. I have to save
Valerie. I have to end this. I
I can't do it anymore. I'm done.
MATTHEW
You wanna stay? I'm pretty messed
up here. I don't know if I an do
another dog fight. I'm pretty sure
I'm going to die if we don't go
like right now.
AUTUMN
He's right, we can't go down into
that basement.
INT. COTTAGE CELLAR. DAY.
Hayden sneaks down into the basement to find Valerie alone.
She unties her and the two embrace in a tearful hug. Valerie
attempts to lead Hayden by the hand but she doesn't move.
VALERIE
Hayden, what are you doing here?
You have to go. Before sunset.
135.
Hayden grabs the rope used to hang Valarie and pulls as if
to check for integrity.
HAYDEN
I'm not running anymore. I'm going
to face this and then were going to
watch the sunset together. I think
we deserve it. Are you with me?
VALERIE
Always.
INT. COTTAGE HALLWAY. DAY
HAYDEN
I have to do this. It's the only
way to keep everyone safe. From me.
From him.
MATTHEW
We can't can't chance you becoming
like him.
VALERIE
Don't do this. Not alone.
HAYDEN
This is what I have to do.
Valarie hugs Hayden with tears in her eyes. Matthew and
Autumn piles on.
Hayden stares at a door. She reaches for the handle but is
hesitant to go in. Another deep breath and she powers
through.
INT. COTTAGE. DARK BEDROOM. DAY
A coffin sits on a bed. The shades are drawn. The room is
pitch black. The door slowly creeps open letting light in.
Hayden sneaks over to the coffin holding something hidden
behind her back. She reaches for the coffin she's startled
by a voice behind her.
NOAH SHEPPARD (OS)
Hayden, my flower. What are you
doing?
HAYDEN
Just thought I could join you. My
friends let me out and I told them
to go. I'm you now. I know that.
INT. COTTAGE. DARK BEDROOM. DAY. LATER
The coffin slowly starts to slide off the bed with a thump
and Noah and Hayden wake violently. suddenly there's
pounding on the lid of the coffin.
136.
INT. COTTAGE. DARK HALLWAY.
Valarie straddles the coffin as she bangs nails into it with
a hammer. The coffin still slides.
INT. COFFIN. DAY.
Noah and Hayden beat on the coffin lid from the inside.
EXT. COTTAGE. DAY.
Autumn and Matthew emerge from the cottage pulling the rope
over their shoulders. The coffin drags them. Banging
and screaming from inside. The rope is tied to the coffin
handle at the base.
They pull the coffin around to the line-up of empty graves
dug in the backyard. Valarie helps with the final push into
the smokey grave plot.
Matthew jumps down into the pit with his shovel and starts
prying it back open. Autumn throws more burning herbs into
the pit.
Valarie stands at the foot of the grave with her revolver.
Noah pushes the coffin lid open and chokes on the smoke.
Matthew extends a hand towards Hayden who tries to take it.
Noah starts to strangle Hayden with a wild look in his eyes.
Her sun is starting to burn Noah's skin. She struggles to get
the words out.
HAYDEN
Just go.
NOAH SHEPPARD
This is the end for us, my flower.
Without me you are nothing and it's
time for you to die.
The group jump into the pit to pull Noah's grip from her
throat. Suddenly Noah is aware of how much pain the sunlight
causes and strangles harder.
HAYDEN
! My name is Hayden Christine
Blumes
He continues to choke her.
HAYDEN
And I...am...enough.
Suddenly he stops. A look of awe in his face as he looks
down to see her knife in his heart. The groups rushes out of
the pit and he falls back into his coffin and the lid shut.
137.
They all stare down into the grave and catch their breaths
for a moment.
MATTHEW
Now what?
Pow! The revolver goes off. The three watch as Hayden
unloads the gun filling the coffin with holes. She pulls out
more rounds and continues.
Noah headbutts through the coffin. His arm reaching out
through a whole.
Hayden's last round goes through his head. She proceeds the
pull the trigger with an empty gun until Valarie grabs her
arms softly and lowers the gun.
Noah's outstretched arm begins to smoke and burns. The
The entire coffin slowly engulfs. There's a moment of
catharsis as the sun sets and the three stand over the grave
and watch.
Valarie holds out a pair of pliers towards Hayden. She takes
the pliers and hops into the grave plot.
Hayden.
Yeah?
VALERIE
HAYDEN
Hayden snaps her neck and raises her arm over her face as
the sun burns her eyes.
THE VOICES
HAYDEN/WAKE UP!
INT. COTTAGE CELLAR. DAY.
Hayden wakes up. The blood fever dream is over. Hayden sits
on the ground, as smoke emits from her face. The sun beams
through onto her. She scoots back in pain. She backs into
something and pushes herself out of the way. A look of
confusion spreads on her face. She realizes she has not
escaped. She stares at the dead corps of Noah Shepard,
Matthew's bat stake in his heart.
AUTUMN AND MATTHEW
Hayden!
She looks up to see Autumn and Matthew visibly horrified.
She snaps her neck to see what they see. Valarie is hanging.
She's complexity drained of life. Hayden's covered in blood.
The look on her face tells us she knows. The her escape was
nothing more than her imagination in ecstasy while she drank
every drop of blood out of Valerie.
AUTUMN
Hayden, what did you do?!
138.
Hayden's horrified. She quickly grabs the revolver and puts
it under her chin.
AUTUMN AND MATTHEW
No!
HAYDEN
It's better this way.
Cut black. The gun sounds off.
THE END.
139.