LANDON
Is you're beautiful.

JAMIE is stunned by this. REVEREND SULLIVAN looks around like, "Okay... what's going on?" BELINDA is so upset. LANDON can't remember what he's supposed to say now.

MRS. GARBER
(whispering sharply)
The song! The song!

LANDON
(as Tommy; gently)
The dream...
(sadly)
Help me to remember.

JAMIE looks at him nervously.

LANDON
(as Tommy)
Will you sing for me?

(Aw. God, this scene is perfect.) LANDON holds her arm. She brushes him away as someone at the piano begins playing "Only Hope."

JAMIE
(singing)
There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold

JAMIE looks at LANDON.

JAMIE
(singing)
But you sing to me over and over and over again

MRS. CARTER watches the play, all emotional. JAMIE stands and strolls to the bar.

JAMIE
(singing)
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray

She puts her hands in prayer position.

JAMIE
(singing)
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours

LANDON looks at her pensively.

JAMIE
I know now

She looks at LANDON as she sings this part:

JAMIE
(singing)
You're my only hope

She walks back over to LANDON and sits down, singing to him:

JAMIE
(singing)
Sing to me the song of the stars

LANDON's eyes stay fixed on her.

JAMIE
(singing to the audience)
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
(to Landon)
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again

She rises and crosses in front of him.

JAMIE
(singing)
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

She circles around him.

JAMIE
(singing)
I give you my destiny
I'm givin' you all of me
I want your symphony singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs
I'm givin' it back

She walks towards the audience. LANDON looks like he's about to cry.

JAMIE
(singing)
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

She looks back at LANDON and rejoins him. Sitting down, she finishes the song. LANDON, more than anything else anxious, tentatively leans over to kiss her, and when they part, he gives her the most yumful-est look in all the friggin' land. Oh my Lord. The audience cheers. JAMIE looks at him, both disquieted and bemused. BELINDA is all, "No! Why?!" LANDON licks his lips and stares at JAMIE like, "Oh my God, I can't believe I actually kissed her!" The curtain closes. BELINDA is all unhappy. REVEREND SULLIVAN is agitated. The rest of the audience is pleased. Behind the curtain, LANDON and JAMIE continue to stare at each other.

CUT TO:

INT. BEAUFORT COMMUNITY CENTER. NIGHT.

People rise from their seats. The play has ended. MRS. CARTER approaches LANDON.

MRS. CARTER
Honey, I couldn't believe it. What a transformation.

LANDON smiles. She hugs him and he chuckles.

MRS. CARTER
Oh.

LANDON
(embarrassed)
Thank you, but please stop.

MRS. CARTER
Don't be home too late.

LANDON
Okay.

He turns and sees JAMIE and her father making their way out of the building. JAMIE is chatting with MRS. GARBER. Her hair (still curled) is pulled back in a sloppy ponytail. She's back in overalls. She wears no make-up. She's Jamie once again. REVEREND SULLIVAN gives LANDON a warning look as he follows her out. This doesn't phase LANDON, but before he can make his move towards her, EDDIE gets in his way.

EDDIE
Interesting rewrite you did out there tonight, Carter.

Blast. REVEREND SULLIVAN and JAMIE are getting away.

LANDON
(impatiently)
Look, I do my best.

EDDIE
And uh, your acting didn't suck too bad, either.

LANDON nods.

EDDIE
Gotta go. Take it easy, man.

LANDON
Okay.

LANDON takes one step forward. MRS. GARBER steps up to congratulate him.

MRS. GARBER
(smiling)
Landon, you were marvelous.

LANDON
Thank you.

He smiles, then leaves her. She looks very pleased with how everything turned out. Ah. Finally. His chance to catch up to JAMIE. He joins the crowd exiting the building, but she's nowhere in sight.

MR. CARTER
(off screen)
Landon?

LANDON turns.

MR. CARTER
Fine performance, son.

LANDON clearly isn't happy to see him.

LANDON
What are you doin' here?

MR. CARTER
Your mother told me about it. I thought we might get a bite after the show.

LANDON
I'm not hungry.

He starts to leave.

MR. CARTER
Landon, don't walk away.

LANDON doesn't stop, replying:

LANDON
You taught me how.

MR. CARTER sighs.

CUT TO:

EXT. BAY. MINUTES BEFORE SUNRISE.

FADE TO:

EXT. BOAT DOCK. SUNRISE.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY. DAY.

LANDON enters the library hoping to find JAMIE. BELINDA and TRACIE are sitting at one of tables studying. BELINDA gets distracted by LANDON. She watches him as he scans the library.

TRACIE
(whispering)
Look who's here.

She turns to look at LANDON as well. LANDON is still searching the library. TRACIE, still whispering, tells BELINDA sharply:

TRACIE
Don't look at him.

BELINDA turns to TRACIE.

TRACIE
(quietly)
You don't want to stare too much.

LANDON leaves.

TRACIE
I guess he doesn't want to sit with us.

CUT TO:

INT. CAFETERIA. DAY.

It's lunchtime, but JAMIE isn't eating the food on the tray in front of her. She sits alone, reading. LANDON enters the cafeteria and invites himself to her table. She glances at him before returning to her book.

JAMIE
(matter-of-fact)
People can see.

LANDON
And that would ruin your reputation how?
(referring to the book)
What's that?

JAMIE holds it up so he can read the title. It's 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. Without looking up, she tells him:

JAMIE
I'm reading all the books on Mr. Rothman's list of contemporary American authors.

LANDON
And how many books are there?

JAMIE
A hundred. But then there's his British list and his European list.

LANDON nods.

LANDON
So, is this all on your list? To read all these books?

She ignores him and picks up her orange juice box, slurping loudly.

LANDON
Jamie. I'm tryin' here, okay? Maybe...
(gently)
Maybe I miss spending time with you.

She doesn't say anything, continuing to read her book.

LANDON
Maybe you inspire me.

She finally looks up and snaps:

JAMIE
Sounds like bull.

She shuts her book.

LANDON
Which part?

JAMIE
All of it.

LANDON
Well, it's not.

JAMIE
(icily)
Prove it.

She stands up taking her book and backpack with her and hurries out of the cafeteria. LANDON sighs, waits a moment, then gets up to bound after her.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL STEPS. DAY. CONTINUOUS.

JAMIE rushes down the steps as fast as she can. LANDON's not far behind her.

LANDON
Jamie!

She keeps speedwalking.

LANDON
Jamie!

JAMIE
You don't know the first thing about being someone's friend.

LANDON
I don't wanna just be your friend.

JAMIE
You don't know what you want.

LANDON
Well, neither do you, okay? Maybe you're just too scared that someone might actually wanna be with you.

JAMIE
And why would that scare me?

She's finally stopped and has turned to face him.

LANDON
Because then you wouldn't be able to hide behind your books or your frickin' telecope or your faith.

She wheels around to resume walking.

LANDON
No. No.

He grabs her arm to spin her back to face him again.

LANDON
You know the real reason why you're scared ... is 'cause you wanna be with me, too.

JAMIE gives him a look that suggests he's right. Without answering him, she turns and heads for her car. LANDON throws his hands in the air in defeat and watches her walk away, dejected.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDON'S GARAGE. DAY.

LANDON's fixin' up the Camaro. ERIC places a CD in the CD player and Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On" grooves on the soundtrack.

ERIC
Aw, yeah. We gonna get this party up in here jumpin' real right. Come on.

LANDON shoots ERIC a dirty look and goes back to working on his car. ERIC "dances" -- haha.

LANDON
Can we turn down Soul Train just a notch, all right? Some of us are actually trying to work.

ERIC
You really know how to bust a robot's groove up in here, man.

LANDON chuckles.

ERIC
It's all good 'cause you know what? We gonna get Club Landon and Club Eric really jumpin' up in here. What do we got here?

He changes the CD. Jars of Clay's "Flood" replaces Missy.

ERIC
Oh ye -- ohhh. Whoa. Okay, okay.

He grabs a Coke and sits down.

ERIC
You're not feelin' my hip hop here, but um, what the hell is this, man?

He takes a sip of Coke.

LANDON
(matter-of-fact)
Jamie lent it to me.

ERIC
Mm. Now she's got you listening to her people's music.

LANDON
Okay, "her people"?

ERIC
Yeah, uh, her --

He sets the Coke down and stands up.

ERIC
Bible huggin', Crucifix wearin', 'Honk if you love Jesus' people.

LANDON
She's not like that.

ERIC
Well, uh, you know you got uh, Belinda thinkin' that little lip action between you and Jamie was kinda real.

LANDON doesn't say anything. ERIC sighs.

ERIC
What's with you, man? It's like you don't even have time for your real friends anymore.

LANDON
I dunno, buddy. I'm just over it. I'm sick and tired of doing the same old shit all the time.

ERIC
This girl's changed you and you don't even know it, man.

LANDON laughs.

LANDON
All right, let me guess. Belinda say that, too?

ERIC
No.

LANDON looks at him.

ERIC
I did.

LANDON looks down.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S PORCH. NIGHT.

JAMIE sits on her porch swing reading. LANDON walks up her steps carrying a bag. She looks up at him.

JAMIE
You.

LANDON
Me.

He extends the bag for her to take. She looks at it curiously.

JAMIE
What is it?

LANDON
I got you somethin'.

He extends the bag once more. She accepts it this time.

JAMIE
Thank you.

LANDON
Well, I'll see you at school.

JAMIE nods.

JAMIE
'kay.

LANDON goes. JAMIE opens the bag. She smiles. REVEREND SULLIVAN steps onto the porch.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Mr. Carter.

JAMIE holds up a pink sweater.

LANDON
Later, Reverend.

He leaves the porch. JAMIE laughs quietly, pleased, admiring her present from LANDON. REVEREND SULLIVAN makes his way over to her. LANDON's car starts up and is heard driving off. REVEREND SULLIVAN eyes the gift disapprovingly.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie.

He sits down beside her.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Boys like that...

He hesitates. JAMIE looks at her father waiting for him to continue.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
...they have expectations. You know the rules around here are not gonna change.

JAMIE nods.

JAMIE
(sweetly)
Fine.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Now you might not care what I say or think, but you should care about God's opinion.

JAMIE smiles.

JAMIE
I think He wants me to be happy.
(slight pause)
Dad, it's just a sweater. I'm gonna go make us some dinner, okay?

She kisses his cheek then gets up. REVEREND SULLIVAN sighs.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDON'S KITCHEN. NIGHT.

LANDON lifts the lid off a boiling pot on the stove. MRS. CARTER is sitting behind a counter behind him, shredding lettuce for a salad.

MRS. CARTER
Well, I talked to your dad today. He says he saw you at the play. For about ten seconds.

LANDON adds some spice to whatever's on the stove.

LANDON
Yeah. Sending a check once a month doesn't exactly make him your father.

He replaces the lid and puts the spice back. MRS. CARTER looks down.

MRS. CARTER
Landon, there are a lot of reasons...

LANDON
He left us, mom.

MRS. CARTER
You need to forgive him, too.

LANDON considers this.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.

BELINDA and ERIC are walking along. She hands him a picture from the stack she's carrying. WALKER approaches them.

ERIC
Jamie Sullivan! Oh me, oh my. Look at Jamie Sullivan. She was lookin' hot in that play.

BELINDA hands WALKER a picture also since he's all curious.

ERIC
I don't know, man.

BELINDA
She does not look hot.

WALKER
She looked hot in -- Yeah, I would have to say, (he mumbles here) ... she looked hot.

BELINDA
Wait, wait.

ERIC
What?

BELINDA
Oh, I have the best idea.

FADE TO:

INT. COMPUTER LAB. DAY.

TRACIE, ERIC, and DEAN are jacking up a picture of JAMIE on the computer. ERIC erases JAMIE's hair.

DEAN
Can you do something like, move it?

ERIC chuckles.

FADE TO:

EXT. SCHOOL STEPS. DAY.

TRACIE passes out fliers to random students passing by.

TRACIE
Take one.

FADE TO:

INT. COMPUTER LAB. DAY.

More screwball computer "fun" with the trio.

ERIC
All right, let me stop it for a second. All right, check it out.

FADE TO:

EXT. SCHOOL STEPS. DAY.

TRACIE and WALKER both stand with fliers. DEAN approaches.

TRACIE
Oh, hey. Look at this.

She hands him a flier. He seems pleased.

TRACIE
Here.

She gives another flier to some random student. DEAN kisses her cheek and goes. TRACIE continues passing out fliers.

TRACIE
Take one. Look.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY. DAY.

JAMIE rounds a corner, walking alone. BELINDA makes her move.

BELINDA
Jamie.

JAMIE turns, somewhat surprised.

BELINDA
Hi.

JAMIE
Hi.

BELINDA
Listen, I just want you to know. No hard feelings. Landon and I are way over.

JAMIE
I really don't know what you're talking about.

She bites her bottom lip and looks the other way.

BELINDA
Jamie.

JAMIE once again looks at her.

BELINDA
You'd be so beautiful if you knew how to do your make-up.

She sighs.

BELINDA
Come on.

She grabs JAMIE's hands and leads her towards the cafeteria.

BELINDA
Eat lunch with me.

She flashes her a smile.

JAMIE
Okay.

They enter the cafeteria.

BELINDA
You want a tic tac?

JAMIE
No thanks.

BELINDA
Okay.

BELINDA casually strolls over to a table and picks up a flier. JAMIE is suddenly aware of all the people laughing over the fliers.

BELINDA
Wow.

JAMIE looks down at the flier BELINDA holds.

BELINDA
Is that you?

The picture is obviously fake. JAMIE's face is pasted on a girl's bikini-clad body with the caption: VIRGIN MARY?

BELINDA
Nice bod.

She looks at JAMIE viciously. JAMIE takes the picture in and looks around at everyone, realizing they're all laughing at her. She breathes noisily, her eyes tearing up. After a moment, not able to take any more humiliation, she turns to bolt and crashes right into LANDON who catches her in his arms.

LANDON
(softly)
Whoa.

LANDON holds on to her as she shuts her eyes and buries her head into his shoulder. He exhales a shaky breath.

LANDON
Look. This is about me, okay?

She opens her eyes to look up at him.

LANDON
This is not you.

He sets his bag down.

LANDON
Stay here.

She watches him walk away from her, tears still in her eyes. LANDON angrily snatches the flier from BELINDA's hands as he makes his way over to DEAN.

DEAN
Hey, man.

He takes the flier from LANDON.

DEAN
God, no wonder you've been keepin' her locked up, man. This -- I had no idea that this was underneath all that.

He laughs. LANDON shoves him roughly, completely pissed off. DEAN shoves him back.

TRACIE
Dean, stop it.

DEAN wheels around to face her.

DEAN
You stay out of this.

He turns back to LANDON.

DEAN
This is --

LANDON doesn't let him finish, punching him in the face, looking at him loathingly. TRACIE comforts DEAN, but he's not finished fighting yet. Some RANDOM GUY tries to break the two of them up and DEAN pushes him away.

DEAN
(to Landon)
We're through.

LANDON
That's great.

DEAN
We are through.

LANDON turns away from him and walks back to JAMIE.

DEAN
We are through forever!

LANDON's expression changes to concern as he rejoins JAMIE. BELINDA looks at them unhappily. Jealous, jealous girl. LANDON cups JAMIE's face, asking her gently:

LANDON
Are you okay?

She nods.

DEAN
(off screen)
You made a mistake, Landon!

LANDON ignores him, his attention focused on JAMIE only.

LANDON
Are you sure? Let's get the hell outta here.

He picks up his bag and they leave.

DEAN
Hey! You're a little chickenshit!

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL STEPS. DAY. CONTINUOUS.

LANDON leads JAMIE down the steps, his arms around her. She's miserable, her face tear-stained. LANDON looks at her solicitiously.

LANDON
Baby, baby, I'm sorry, okay? They're animals, all right?

JAMIE shuts her eyes tightly.

LANDON
You want me to take you home?

She nods. He runs a hand through her hair.

LANDON
Okay. Let's get outta here.

He leads her off.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. SAME DAY -- LATER.

LANDON's Camaro is parked in front of JAMIE's house.

LANDON
(off screen)
Are you sure you're okay?

JAMIE
(off screen)
Mmhmm.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDON'S CAMARO. CONTINUOUS.

JAMIE
I'm fine. But thank you for everything.

LANDON
(softly)
Oh, you're welcome.

JAMIE turns to open the car door.

LANDON
Hey.

She turns back to him.

LANDON
Um. I wanna ask you somethin'.

JAMIE nods.

JAMIE
Okay.

She waits patiently.

LANDON
(hopeful)
Will you go out with me on Saturday night?

JAMIE looks down.

JAMIE
Um. I'm sorry. I... can't go.

LANDON
(crestfallen)
Oh. Um. You have somethin' else goin' on or --

JAMIE shakes her head.

JAMIE
No. No. It's not that.

LANDON
Then what is it?

JAMIE sighs.

JAMIE
(sadly)
I'm not allowed to date.

He frowns.

LANDON
Oh.

CUT TO:

EXT. CHURCH. DAY.

LANDON's Camaro is parked out front.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
(off screen)
Do not be decieved.

CUT TO:

INT. CHURCH. CONTINUOUS.

REVEREND SULLIVAN continues reading from a passage. He's standing at the podium.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
God is not mocked.

He clears his throat.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
(quietly)
Mocked.

He underlines something with his pencil. The church door opens.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
For whatever a man sows that he will also reap.

LANDON approaches the podium cautiously.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap --

His eyes suddenly fixate on LANDON as he goes to take a sip of water.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Can I help you?

LANDON
Uh, yes, sir.
(rather shakily)
I'd like to ask your daughter to dinner on Saturday night.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
(quickly)
That's not possible.

He takes a sip of water.

LANDON
Well, with all due respect sir, I ask you to reconsider.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
With all due respect, Mr. Carter, I've made my decision.

LANDON looks at him, unmoving.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
You can uh, exit the way you entered.

He returns to his passage.

LANDON waits a moment, then:

LANDON
Listen, I'm sorry I haven't treated Jamie the way I should've. She deserves more than that. I am just asking you for the same thing that you teach us every day in church.

REVEREND SULLIVAN finally looks up again.

LANDON
And that's faith.

REVEREND SULLIVAN begins tapping his pencil loudly on the podium.

CUT TO:

EXT. OUTDOOR RESTAURANT. OCEANSIDE. NIGHT.

LANDON and JAMIE walk hand in hand to a table, passing other couples and people on their way.

JAMIE
(smiling)
I can't believe you asked my father's permission.

LANDON
It was no big deal. He was cool about it anyway.

He chuckles. They reach their table. He pulls out a chair for JAMIE.

JAMIE
Thank you.

He circles over to his side. A WAITER is already there. He hands JAMIE a menu.

WAITER
This is for you.

JAMIE
Thank you very much.

LANDON takes his menu from the WAITER and mumbles:

LANDON
Thanks.

(Hee!)

WAITER
Would you like to start off with something to drink?

JAMIE scoots her chair closer to the table.

JAMIE
Sweet tea, please.

LANDON
Make that two.

(Aw.)

WAITER
Right away.

The WAITER leaves. LANDON looks up at JAMIE. She looks down. Then she looks up at the same exact moment he looks down. (Aaw!)

JAMIE
Um. This restaurant's really nice. Are you sure this is okay?

LANDON
Don't even worry about it. Okay?

JAMIE nods.

JAMIE
Okay.

LANDON
Choose whatever you want.

The two both smile. She looks down at her menu.

LANDON
So. What'll it be?

CUT TO:

JAMIE is just finishing off her peanut butter pie. LANDON's barely touched his cake. The WAITER is back.

WAITER
Is everything okay?

JAMIE
Mmm. Mmhmm. Thank you very much.

The WAITER picks up her plate. LANDON stops staring at JAMIE and turns to the WAITER.

LANDON
Yeah, me too. Thanks.

The WAITER picks up his plate and leaves. LANDON exhales slowly. JAMIE focuses on the dancing couples. LANDON follows her gaze, then looks back at her worriedly, knowing what's coming.

JAMIE
Would you like to dance?

LANDON
Uh, sorry. I don't dance.

JAMIE
Me neither. I mean, not usually in front of anybody.

LANDON
Well, no. I mean, I - I don't --

He shakes his head.

LANDON
At all. I c -- as in I can't.

He smiles. (So cute.)

JAMIE
Everybody can dance. Come on, you can't be that bad.

LANDON looks at her like, "Umm..."

JAMIE
Please? For me? Come on.

LANDON caves. JAMIE smiles. The two walk on up to the dance podium, holding hands. They awkwardly take a moment to get situated. LANDON places a hand on JAMIE's waist, she latches onto his arm, and then places her other hand in his.

JAMIE
Oof.

LANDON
Sorry. I told you I was bad at this.

He inhales and exhales loudly.

JAMIE
But in all fairness, you did warn me, right?

LANDON
That's right.

She laughs.

LANDON
So, um, what's number one on your list?

JAMIE shakes her head like, 'Uh-uh, not telling.' She smiles.

LANDON
Okay, um, number one on my list is getting out of Beaufort.

JAMIE
Mmm. I don't think getting out is gonna be a problem. It's more like figuring out what you're gonna do when you get somewhere.

LANDON
What do you mean?

JAMIE
I mean, you can do anything.

They both gaze at each other.

FADE TO:

LANDON and JAMIE, still in dance pose, barely moving now. The camera pans up to the star-sprinkled night sky.

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD. NIGHT.

LANDON's Camaro drives past.

JAMIE
(off screen)
Where are we going?

LANDON
(off screen)
Just hold on. You'll see.

Toploader's "Dancin' in the Moonlight" kicks up on the soundtrack.

CUT TO:

The car has stopped. LANDON goes around the front of the car to meet up with JAMIE who is emerging from the passenger side.

LANDON
Come on, come on, come on. Let's go.

He shuts her door, takes her hand, and starts running.

JAMIE
What are we doing?

LANDON
Running!

He stops.

LANDON
Okay, okay. Uh, stand there.

JAMIE
All right.

LANDON
Okay, one foot there.

He points to the left side of a chalky line on the road.

JAMIE
Okay.

LANDON
And one foot here.

JAMIE
Okay.

LANDON
There you go.

JAMIE sighs happily and shakes her head.

JAMIE
(smiling)
You're acting like a crazy person. What's going on?

LANDON
Okay, right now, you're straddling the state line.

JAMIE
Okay...?

LANDON motions to a sign behind him that says 'Welcome to Virginia'.

LANDON
You're in two places at once.

Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight

They're both grinning like idiots. Too cute. JAMIE laughs and hugs him. He picks her up and spins her around. (Awww.)

Dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm & bright...

FADE TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT. NIGHT.

LANDON's Camaro is parked (rather crookedly) in one of the spaces.

It's such a fine and natural sight

LANDON
(off screen)
Okay.

CUT TO:

INT. LANDON'S CAMARO. NIGHT. CONTINUOUS.

Toploader is playing on LANDON's radio. LANDON has three sheets of temporary tattoos. JAMIE looks over them.

LANDON
Butterfly, rosebud, or star?

JAMIE shakes her head and smiles at him.

JAMIE
You choose.

Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight

Toploader fades. Mandy Moore's "It's Gonna Be Love" begins playing. LANDON holds up his choice.

LANDON
Butterfly.

JAMIE
Mmkay.

The two laugh quietly.

LANDON
So... where do you want it?

JAMIE
Mm.

She looks around and settles on her shoulder.

JAMIE
Right here.

She pulls down her shirt slightly so that her shoulder is exposed, then pulls her hair back. LANDON watches her quietly, his eyes going back and forth from her shoulder to her eyes. She points at the spot on her shoulder where she wants LANDON to put the tattoo.

The sooner you let two hearts beat together

LANDON
Okay.

He peels the cellophane of the temporary tattoo off. JAMIE smiles.

The sooner you know this love is forever

LANDON begins applying the tattoo to JAMIE's shoulder. JAMIE observes him and his work quietly.

It's gonna be love
Love needs time
Now or never

LANDON looks up at her and smiles.

It's gonna be love
You gotta believe
It's gonna be strong enough

LANDON peels back the tattoo to reveal a tiny black butterfly now on JAMIE's shoulder. Both admire his work. The song kicks up.

It's gonna be love
It's gonna be great
It's gonna be more than I can take

LANDON and JAMIE smile at each other. LANDON leans in close to blow softly on her shoulder.

It's gonna be free
It's gonna be real
It's gonna change everything I feel
It's gonna be set
It's gonna be true

LANDON places his hand over her shoulder and slowly moves his fingers gently across her skin.

It's gonna be me, baby
It's gonna be you, baby
It's gonna be...

LANDON looks up at JAMIE again with what can only be described as thee most adorable 'Awww' look ever in the entire world. Yum.

It's gonna be love

JAMIE gazes back at him.

CUT TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT. NIGHT. CONTINUOUS.

LANDON's Camaro is parked (still rather crookedly) in one of the spaces.

CUT TO:

EXT. DOCKS. NIGHT.

LANDON and JAMIE stroll the docks silently holding hands.

JAMIE
How can you see places like this and have moments like this and not believe?

LANDON
You're lucky to be so sure.

She steps a few paces ahead of him and he drops her hand.

JAMIE
It's like the wind. I can't see it, but I feel it.

LANDON
What do you feel?

JAMIE
(smiles)
I feel wonder and beauty.

LANDON observes her contemplatively.

JAMIE
Joy. Love. I mean, it's --

She turns to face him.

JAMIE
It's the center of everything.

They pause.

LANDON
(softly)
I might kiss you.

JAMIE
(unsure)
I might be bad at it.

LANDON
That's not possible.

He leans in to kiss her softly, his hand on her cheek. When they part, JAMIE averts her eyes. LANDON looks down.

LANDON
(whispers)
Jamie?

She looks up. Gazing back at her, LANDON says gently:

LANDON
I love you.

She doesn't say anything, looking at him startled. He bites his bottom lip.

LANDON
Now would be the time to say something.

JAMIE
(softly)
I told you not to fall in love with me.

LANDON looks at her disappointed, but leans in to kiss her again anyway. They part and gaze at each other. He kisses her forehead. Switchfoot's "Learning to Breathe" begins playing on the soundtrack.

I'm learning to breathe

EXT. BEACH. SUNRISE.

I'm learning to crawl...

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL. DAY.

LANDON and JAMIE walk defiantly towards the school holding hands. Rock on. Switchfoot's still kicking on the soundtrack:

(I'm learning to breathe)
I'm finding that you & you alone can break my fall
(Learning to crawl)
I'm living again
Awake & alive
I'm dyin' to breathe in these abundant skies...

TRACIE is standing with DEAN and WALKER when she notices them. DEAN and WALKER direct their attention to LANDON and JAMIE. DEAN gives LANDON the freakin' most hilarious bitter pissed off look as the two lovebirds stroll past them. BELINDA and ERIC walk on over to the other three. BELINDA's like, "WTF is going on here?" DEAN shakes his head.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S KITCHEN. NIGHT.

REVEREND SULLIVAN stirs the tea he's just made and checks his watch. He sets the spoon in the sink and turns to the door.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S BACKYARD. NIGHT. CONTINUOUS.

LANDON and JAMIE stroll up to the back door, holding hands, both very happy. LANDON is talking indistinctly and JAMIE laughs quietly. LANDON smiles at her. The two stop and kiss.

Learning to breathe
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant...

Switchfoot fades as they both smile at each other. Neither notices the door opening behind them. They lean in for more smoochies when --

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie.

Their attention goes to JAMIE's father.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Say goodnight to Mr. Carter.

He hurries down the steps and over to them. LANDON looks down and backs away from JAMIE, letting go of her hand.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon, go home. The night's over.

LANDON
(to Jamie)
Goodnight.

JAMIE
(sweetly)
Goodnight.

LANDON
Goodnight, sir.

He leaves. JAMIE watches him go.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie, your behavior's sinful.

She finally looks at him, taken aback.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
You're -- you're acting with that boy like you were --

JAMIE
In love?

Pause. Silence. LANDON's Camaro revs up off screen.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie, you are a child.

JAMIE
Dad. Look at me. I'm not a child.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Then stop acting childish.

Another pause.

JAMIE
I love him.

REVEREND SULLIVAN looks down at her, worried.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Then be fair to him, Jamie, before things get worse.

He heads back to the house. JAMIE looks the other way, where LANDON's car once was. She follows her father into the house and shuts the door.

CUT TO:

EXT. CEMETARY. NIGHT.

JAMIE takes her telescope out of a shed and sets it down as LANDON pulls up in his Camaro. He cuts the ignition and gets out of the car, carrying a bag'o'stuff with him.

LANDON
Hey.

JAMIE
Hey.

He shuts the car door and makes his way over to her. Smiling, he greets her with a kiss on the cheek.

JAMIE
Will you help me?

LANDON
Yeah.

They begin walking towards her telescope stuff.

LANDON
So, uh, what'd you tell your father?

She picks up her telescope.

JAMIE
The truth.

LANDON picks up the telescope stand.

JAMIE
I just left you out of it.

CUT TO:

LANDON sits on a bench, rifling through his bag for something. JAMIE stands beside her telescope.

JAMIE
So, what do you wanna see?

He looks up at her.

LANDON
Um...

He raises an eyebrow.

LANDON
Pluto.

JAMIE
Um. Pluto only rises a few minutes before the sun.

LANDON's back to searching through his bag.

LANDON
Right. And

He stands up.

LANDON
I have brought us a thermos

He takes the thermos out of the bag and holds it with his free hand.

LANDON
Of hot coffee.

He sets the thermos on the ground.

LANDON
And um,

He takes something else out of the bag.

LANDON
A blanket.

JAMIE
You planned this.

LANDON spreads the blanket out on the ground.

LANDON
Oh, I hoped for it.

He sits down on the blanket.

JAMIE
Are you trying to seduce me?

LANDON
(coy)
Why? Are you seduceable?

(::giddy:: I am! Me! Pick me! Adorable bastard.) JAMIE smiles and shakes her head 'no'.

LANDON
That's what I thought. Ergo,

He reaches into the bag again.

LANDON
A second blanket. One for me and one for you.

He spreads the other blanket out. She smiles.

JAMIE
Thank you.

(Pauseworthy moment. Right after she thanks him, LANDON gives her this great, great look. *Muah* I could kiss you, Shane.) LANDON stands up and smiling, goes over to her, kissing her shoulder. He takes something out of the front pocket of his shirt and unfolds it as she looks up at the night sky. She peers into her telescope as he asks:

LANDON
Can you find this star? Right here?

He points to something on the paper he's just unfolded. She rises from the telescope.

JAMIE
Sure.

She takes the paper. He goes back to his bag and takes out something else. She scans the night sky with her eyes, then goes to look through the telescope. LANDON holds a rolled-up piece of paper in his hands.

JAMIE
So, why am I looking for this star?

LANDON
Because I had it named for you.

He smiles. JAMIE looks up at him, surprised. He waves the paper in his hands.

LANDON
See?

He grins.

LANDON
It's official.

He unrolls the paper. JAMIE continues to look at him, so in awe and 'Awww'. She goes over to him, smiling.

LANDON
It's from the International Star Registry.

He hands her the paper. (God, he's so happy.) Cuuute.

JAMIE
This is wonderful.

She looks up from the paper to meet his eyes.

JAMIE
(softly)
I love you.

The two take a moment before leaning in to kiss. LANDON breaks away after a moment, saying:

LANDON
(softly)
Okay, okay, okay. I'm sorry.

He opens his eyes to look at her.

LANDON
I'm stopping.

They both go to sit down. JAMIE nestles comfortably into his arms. He wraps an arm around her waist, placing his hand over hers.

LANDON
So. What's your number one?

He waits patiently, raising his eyebrows at her curiously.

JAMIE
To marry in the church where my mother grew up. It's where my parents were married.

He smiles, closes his eyes, and kisses her cheek. Her eyes also closed, she leans her head against his. Then she opens her eyes, and smiles, all in bliss.

FADE TO:

EXT. THE MOON. NIGHT.

FADE TO:

EXT. CEMETARY. SUNRISE.

FADE TO:

EXT. DOCKS. SUNRISE.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. MORNING.

It's quite the cloudy, windy morning. LANDON sets his bag'o'stuff he brought to the cemetary down on a chair on the porch and approaches his mom who is working on something. He grabs her suddenly.

LANDON
Hey!

She gasps. He kisses her cheek.

MRS. CARTER
(still recovering)
Oh.
(slight beat)
Did you just get in?

LANDON
Yeah.

He goes to sit down.

MRS. CARTER
Well, thank heavens I didn't know. I would've been panicked.

LANDON chuckles.

LANDON
Sorry.

MRS. CARTER
Landon? Were you with Jamie?

He doesn't even have to say. She can tell just by looking at him.

MRS. CARTER
Landon, be careful. She's the Reverend's daughter. Please.

LANDON
Mom. It's different with her, okay?

MRS. CARTER
(skeptical)
It's different with her?

LANDON
(nods)
Yes.

MRS. CARTER
It better be different with her.

LANDON shakes his head and smiles.

MRS. CARTER
I was doing laundry the other day...

She reaches into a portfolio and takes out a folded-up piece of notebook paper.

MRS. CARTER
...and I found this.

She unfolds it. LANDON leans back in his seat and places a hand on his forehead.

MRS. CARTER
(reading)
'Examine a moon rock. Go to college. Get into medical school.'

LANDON looks up at her, somewhat upset.

MRS. CARTER
Honey, these are really beautiful ambitions. They're -- but you're gonna have to work really hard.

LANDON
I can do that.

MRS. CARTER
Yeah. You can.

LANDON smiles slightly.

LANDON
Momma, Jamie has faith in me, you know? She makes me wanna be different. Better.

CUT TO:

EXT. SIDEWALKS. NIGHT.

LANDON and JAMIE stroll hand in hand as 311's "All Mixed Up" blares on the soundtrack.They aren't in the lovey-doviest of moods. JAMIE stares ahead blankly. LANDON's eyes are wandering. BELINDA and TRACIE emerge from one of the shops they pass. They're both giggling.

BELINDA
I was so drunk. I don't remember anything.

All four stop and glance at each other. Then TRACIE and BELINDA go on their way and LANDON and JAMIE resume walking. (If you pause, JAMIE kinda gives BELINDA this morose stare and LANDON is looking at DEAN who is still inside the shop.)

LANDON
That's great. From Citizen High to Citizen Low.

LANDON finally turns his attention to JAMIE. He gives her a look like, "Okay... what's up with my girlfriend tonight?" JAMIE keeps her eyes ahead, still emotionless, and doesn't say anything.

LANDON
Are you worried about your college applications?

JAMIE shakes her head.

JAMIE
No.

They head into the alley. They're no longer holding hands.

JAMIE
I'm not applying to college.

LANDON
I thought you said...

JAMIE
No. You assumed.

LANDON
Gonna take a year off? Try the peace corp thing?

JAMIE
(softly)
No.

LANDON
Okay.

They stop. JAMIE turns to face him.

LANDON
What are you gonna do?

She doesn't answer right away. He looks at her worried.

JAMIE
I'm sick.

LANDON
I'll take you home. You'll be better tomorrow --

JAMIE
(shaking her head)
No, no.

She sighs.

JAMIE
Landon.

She pauses slightly.

JAMIE
I'm sick.

He doesn't know what she means by that. He looks at her helplessly.

JAMIE
I have leukemia.

He smiles and kinda laughs thinking what she's just told him can't possibly be true. Then, serious:

LANDON
No. You're -- you're 18. You're perfect.

JAMIE
No. No. I found out two years ago. I've stopped responding to treatments.

She shrugs and looks at him sadly. LANDON bites his bottom lip.

LANDON
So why didn't you tell me?

JAMIE
The doctor said I should go on and live life normally as -- as best I could. I -- I didn't want anybody to be wierd around me.

LANDON
Including me?

JAMIE's eyes well up with tears.

JAMIE
Especially you!

LANDON doesn't say anything.

JAMIE
You know, I -- I was getting along with everything fine. I accepted it. And then you happened.

She stares down and sucks in a deep breath. She looks at him again.

JAMIE
I do not need a reason to be angry with God.

LANDON stares at her heavy-hearted still not saying a word. She turns and runs away from him. Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move" kicks up on the soundtrack. LANDON inhales sharply, trying not to cry watching her leave him.

Welcome to the planet...

FADE TO:

EXT. BEAUFORT. NIGHT.

Welcome to existence...

FADE TO:

EXT. HIGHWAY. NIGHT.

LANDON drives along the highway in his Camaro.

Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everybody's watching you now

CUT TO:

EXT. MR. CARTER'S HOUSE. NIGHT.

Everybody waits for you now

LANDON screeches his car to a stop in front of his dad's house.

What happens next?

LANDON exits the car.

What happens next?

He circles around the back of the car.

I dare you to move
I dare you to move

LANDON hurries up the lawn to his father's front door all upset.

I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor

He rings the doorbell.

I dare you to move

He knocks loudly after a second of waiting and stands back.

I dare you to move

He knocks again.

LANDON
Dad, open the door!

Like today never happened

LANDON gives up and turns around. The porch light goes on as he retreats, wondering what he's going to do now.

Today never happened before

MR. CARTER steps onto the porch and LANDON spins around to face him. Switchfoot fades.

MR. CARTER
Landon?

LANDON sighs.

LANDON
I need your help.

MR. CARTER
(concerned)
What's wrong? Are you okay?

LANDON
It's my girlfriend. Jamie. She's --

He pauses.

LANDON
She's got cancer, okay? And I need you to come and see her right now.

MR. CARTER
Okay, will you calm down?

LANDON
Can you help me or not?

MR. CARTER
I don't -- I don't know her case. I don't know her history. I'd have to talk to her physician. I'm a cardiologist, I can't --

LANDON
You know, just forget it. I knew it.

He turns around again to go.

MR. CARTER
Would you wait? Landon, wait!

A blonde appears on the porch in her nightgown. LANDON's car door slams shut. The Camaro revs up and screeches off. MR. CARTER sighs. Switchfoot's "You" strikes up on the soundtrack.

CUT TO:

EXT. HIGHWAY. NIGHT. CONTINUOUS.

LANDON is making the long trek back home, driving along unhappily.

There's always something in the way
There's always something getting through
But it's not me... it's you
It's you
It's all that I know
It's all that I know
I find peace when I'm confused
And I find hope when I'm let down

He stares at the empty road ahead on the verge of tears.

Not in me... me in you
It's in you
It's all that I know
It's all that I know

FADE TO:

EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. SUNSET.

In you

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDON'S BACKYARD. SUNSET. CONTINUOUS.

LANDON stands alone, staring at nothing in particular. He's pensive, standing beside the water.

It's all that I know
It's you...

Switchfoot fades as ERIC approaches.

ERIC
Hey.

He steps up beside LANDON.

ERIC
Your mom called me. Talk to me, man.

LANDON
About what?

ERIC
About you. About Jamie.

LANDON
What's there to talk about? She's the best person I've ever known.

He turns to look at ERIC sadly, then faces forward again.

ERIC
I didn't understand.

LANDON glances at him for a moment, then replies:

LANDON
It's okay, man. It's okay.

They do their handshake like before -- only now in a gentler way. LANDON rests a hand on ERIC's shoulder and turns away, hanging his head.

CUT TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. DAY.

LANDON strolls up to JAMIE's front porch. The porch is covered with bouquets of flowers. (Awww.) LANDON sets two more bouquets down. As he retreats, he sees REVEREND SULLIVAN coming up the sidewalk with some RANDOM LADY.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
It's so nice to see you again. You're welcome. Watch yourself.

The random woman goes. REVEREND SULLIVAN turns to LANDON. He eyes the porch display.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon.

LANDON
I'm not going anywhere. Please tell Jamie that.

He leaves. REVEREND SULLIVAN considers LANDON's words.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDON'S GARAGE. DAY.

LANDON fixes something in the hood of his Camaro and pulls down the hood to find JAMIE standing there. He stares at her, grim. The two approach each other slowly, awkwardly.

JAMIE
I'm -- I'm so sorry. I really should've told you sooner.

LANDON
No, I made you do too many things. I kept you out --

JAMIE
No, no, no. If anything, you kept me healthy longer.

She looks at him sadly. LANDON looks down for a second, then up at her, trying to work up the nerve to finally ask:

LANDON
(softly)
Are you scared?

Aw. His lower lip trembles. :(

JAMIE
To death.

LANDON averts his eyes. He can't believe that she'd be joking about something like this. JAMIE takes a step forward, smiling weakly.

JAMIE
Lighten up.

LANDON looks at her miserably.

LANDON
It's not funny.

The two stare at each other. JAMIE shuts her eyes and places her forehead against his. She tugs gently at his necklace. Both stay that way for a moment -- foreheads touching, eyes closed. She finally breaks away to look up at him. Still holding onto his necklace, she replies:

JAMIE
I'm scared of not being with you.

Tears fill her eyes. LANDON's gaze falls on hers compassionately.

LANDON
Oh, baby, that'll never happen, okay?

He cups her face. She nods. He hugs her tightly. As the two embrace, LANDON promises:

LANDON
I'll be here.

Saddest. Scene. Ever. Jonathan Foreman's version of "Someday We'll Know" begins.

90 miles outside Chicago...

CUT TO:

INT. LANDON'S LIVING ROOM. SAME DAY -- LATER.

MRS. CARTER is sitting on the couch reading. LANDON approaches her.

LANDON
Mom?

MRS. CARTER looks up.

MRS. CARTER
Hm?

LANDON
Um... can you do me a favor?

CUT TO:

MRS. CARTER is teaching LANDON how to dance. He falters occasionally, stepping on her foot and stuff. Jonathan Foreman is still singing:

Can't stop drivin' I don't know why
Too many questions I need an answer
Two years later you're still on my mind
Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?
Who holds the stars up in the sky?
Is true love just once in a lifetime?
Did the captain of the Titanic cry?...

LANDON spins his mother and the scene FADES TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S BALCONY. NIGHT.

LANDON is spinning JAMIE now. The two dance together. It's the sweetest thing in the world. So much love. The song continues:

Oh, someday we'll know
If love can move a mountain
Someday we'll know
Why the sky is blue
Someday we'll know
That I was the one for you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Someday we'll know why Samson loved Delilah
One day I'll go dancin' on the moon...

The camera pans up to the trees.

FADE TO:

EXT. DOCKS. AFTERNOON.

The sun is setting. JAMIE is asleep, resting on LANDON's shoulder. They're sitting on a bench by the water. JAMIE's sweater is hanging slightly off her shoulder. LANDON gently strokes her arm and notices the sweater. He places it back and kisses her forehead. (Awww.)

Someday you'll know that I was the one for you...

FADE TO:

EXT. CEMETARY. DAY.

The song fades. LANDON is getting JAMIE's telescope to put in his Camaro's trunk. DEAN pulls into the cemetary in his truck. LANDON looks up as DEAN cuts the ignition and gets out of his auto. He stands up and narrows his eyes, crossing his arms across his chest. DEAN approaches him timidly. He's still a good distance away. LANDON unfolds his arms and places them on his hips.

DEAN
So, um... I talked to Eric.

LANDON nods. Awkward pause.

DEAN
Need some help with this stuff?

LANDON
Sure.

He grabs the telescope stand and hands it to DEAN. He picks up JAMIE'S telescope.

FADE TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. DAY.

LANDON measures JAMIE's telescope and marks something down on a clipboard.

FADE TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S HOUSE. DAY.

LANDON hauls a large cardboard-y telescope looking thing to JAMIE's house.

FADE TO:

INT. JAMIE'S BEDROOM. DAY.

JAMIE sleeps peacefully. How cute, there's a giant stuffed animal panda bear in the background. In real life, Mrs. Moore's nickname for Mandy is "Panda Bear" -- coincidence or a purposefully well thought out plan by the prop guys? Anyway, JAMIE's Bible sits on her nightstand next to her bed. She also has a pink phone. Wow, even JAMIE likes talking on the phone. Well, with a boyfriend as adorable as LANDON, who wouldn't? ;) Speaking of LANDON, he's outside electric sawing. JAMIE opens her eyes and sits up. She looks very tired. LANDON's outside hammering loudly now. Did LANDON even know she was sleeping? He's disturbing her quiet time. Mean boy. :p JAMIE goes over to her window and pulls back the curtain. LANDON's down below making measurements and writing down stuff. Telescope stuff surrounds him. REVEREND SULLIVAN enters JAMIE's room.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie, what's that boy doin' in the yard?

JAMIE turns to her father, suddenly looking very, very sick.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
(worried)
Jamie, what's the matter?

JAMIE doesn't answer him. She faints, collapsing into REVEREND SULLIVAN's arms.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
(panicked)
Jamie, honey?!

CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD. DAY.

An ambulance speeds along, siren wailing.

CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL. NIGHT.

LANDON sits by JAMIE's side, sad, holding her hand. She's fast asleep. He glances at REVEREND SULLIVAN in the hallway, talking to a doctor. A nurse enters the room, marks something down on her clipboard, picks up a pitcher on a table next to JAMIE's bed, and leaves. LANDON watches JAMIE resting peacefully, tubes tied up to her. He glances at the beeping monitor, then sighs softly.

FADE TO BLACK. FADE TO:

LANDON and JAMIE are both asleep now. LANDON still holds on to her hand. JAMIE moves slightly. LANDON stirs and settles down to observe her quietly.

FADE TO BLACK. FADE TO:

LANDON sleeps beside JAMIE now, on her bed, his arm over her, subtly stroking her arm. He opens his eyes to look up at her. (Aaw.)

FADE TO BLACK. FADE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL. MORNING.

REVEREND SULLIVAN peers into his daughter's hospital room to find LANDON sitting by JAMIE's side. LANDON settles back into his chair, his eyes closing. REVEREND SULLIVAN enters the room. LANDON struggles to stay awake, but his eyes keep closing on him. REVEREND SULLIVAN rests a hand on LANDON's shoulder.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Landon.

He takes his hand away.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Go on home, son.

LANDON
I'm not tired.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
I need just a minute with her.

LANDON takes a moment before he leans forward to kiss JAMIE's hand. She awakes and turns to him. Taking her hand, he tells her:

LANDON
(gently)
I'll be back, okay?

JAMIE nods.

JAMIE
Okay.

LANDON gets up and goes. JAMIE shuts her eyes. REVEREND SULLIVAN settles into the chair LANDON was in. He rubs his forehead. JAMIE looks over at him and frowns.

JAMIE
(softly)
Daddy... so serious.

REVEREND SULLIVAN shakes his head 'no' and takes her hand. He chuckles.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Do you remember when you were about um, five or six, and you said you hated gravity and you wanted to jump off the roof and fly?

JAMIE smiles and laughs.

JAMIE
I was so angry at you for making me come down.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Honey, if I kept you too close, it's because I wanted to keep you longer.

JAMIE frowns again.

JAMIE
Dad.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
You know, when I lost your mother... I was afraid that my heart would never open again.

He pauses.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Jamie, I couldn't look at you for days... But then...

JAMIE
I love you so much.

REVEREND SULLIVAN bows his head down, crying quietly. She places a hand on his head and he places his hand over hers.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDON'S HOUSE. (CLOUDY) DAY.

LANDON sits in a chair on his porch lost in thought. BELINDA approaches. He springs up from his seat.

BELINDA
Hi.

LANDON
Hey.

She hands him a packet of pictures.

BELINDA
I wanted to give you these.

LANDON takes them.

BELINDA
They're pictures from the play.

They both pause.

BELINDA
(apologetic)
I'm sorry about the fliers.

LANDON
Hey, it doesn't matter.

BELINDA
(quietly)
Yeah.
(sadly)
I guess you're with who you should be.

LANDON looks confused.

BELINDA
It's like she chose you.

LANDON
Yeah.

He smiles.

LANDON
I don't even know why.

BELINDA, near tears, replies:

BELINDA
I do.

She smiles weakly.

BELINDA
Well --

She grabs his shoulders and kisses his cheek then hurriedly walks off. LANDON waits a moment before he opens the packet. Then he turns and walks the other way.

CUT TO:

INT. JAMIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM. DAY.

JAMIE opens her eyes slowly and spots LANDON sitting by the window. He's drumming his fingers against his forehead and reading a magazine. Balloons and flowers decorate the room. JAMIE smiles and sighs contentedly. LANDON looks up. He smiles back.

LANDON
Hey.

He shuts the magazine and walks over to her.

LANDON
How you feelin'?

He leans down to kiss her cheek.

JAMIE
I'm okay. How are you?

LANDON sits down on her bed, careful not to sit on her.

LANDON
Pretty good.

JAMIE
I have something for you.

LANDON
You do?

JAMIE nods.

JAMIE
Mmhmm.

She reaches behind her to grab a book. She hands it to him. He looks over it dubiously.

JAMIE
(smiling)
Don't worry. It's not a Bible. It was my mother's. It's got quotes from our favorite books, quotes by famous people. Her thoughts.

LANDON leans forward to kiss her fingers. They're holding hands. (Aaaw.)

JAMIE
(softly)
C'mon.

LANDON smiles.

LANDON
Okay. Let's check it out.

He flips to a page.

LANDON
(gently)
Okay.
(reading)
'What is a friend? It's a single soul dwelling in two bodies.' Aristotle.

JAMIE
Mmm. Mm mm.

She points to another passage in the book.

LANDON
(gently)
Okay.
(reading)
'Find out who you are and do it on purpose.'

JAMIE looks up at him thoughtfully.

LANDON
That's Dolly Parton.

JAMIE
(smiling)
I always thought she was smart.

LANDON smiles and turns the pages.

LANDON
(reading)
'Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous.'

JAMIE shuts her eyes.

LANDON
(reading)
'Love is never boastful or conceited.'

JAMIE begins reciting with him:

BOTH
'It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and it is not resentful.'

LANDON sighs. JAMIE opens her eyes. He shuts the book.

JAMIE
You know what I figured out today?

LANDON
What?

JAMIE
Maybe God has a bigger plan for me then I had for myself. Like, this journey never ends. Like, you were sent to me because I'm sick... to help me through all this.

LANDON begins running his fingers over her cheek. She shuts her eyes and responds to his gentle caress. Then she looks up at him.

JAMIE
You're my angel.

(So sweet.) She smiles. He stares down at her lovingly, about to cry. The two kiss. When they part, they gaze affectionally at each other.

FADE TO:

EXT. HOSPITAL PARKING LOT. DAY.

LANDON's Camaro pulls into one of the empty spaces of the parking lot.

CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY. DAY. CONTINUOUS.

JAMIE's in a wheelchair. She's being wheeled out of her room by a MALE NURSE (Mr. Adam Shankman, ;)) when LANDON approaches.

LANDON
Hey. What's goin' on?

JAMIE
Landon, I get to go home. Please thank your father for me.

REVEREND SULLIVAN is exiting her hospital room as the MALE NURSE wheels JAMIE away. LANDON turns to him.

LANDON
What does she mean?

REVEREND SULLIVAN Your father's been trying to reach you. He's gonna pay for private home care.

REVEREND SULLIVAN walks off. LANDON stands for a moment deep in thought.

CUT TO:

EXT. MR. CARTER'S HOUSE. NIGHT.

LANDON knocks gently on his dad's door. He circles the porch, his hands in his jean pockets. The door opens. MR. CARTER looks at him sadly. LANDON exhales a shaky breath, his eyes already starting to tear up.

LANDON
Thank you.

MR. CARTER nods and puts his hand on LANDON's shoulder firmly. LANDON pulls him closer and embraces him beginning to sob. (Awww.)

LANDON
Sorry.

MR. CARTER
(quietly)
That's all right, Landon.

FADE TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S BACKYARD. NIGHT.

LANDON is hard at work with the telescope he's building for JAMIE. REVEREND SULLIVAN gazes at him from the window. Shortly after, he exits the house and approaches LANDON with a mug in one hand and a lantern in the other.

LANDON
(firm)
Listen. I gotta finish this tonight.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Here. Something hot.

He sets the mug down on the table LANDON's working on. LANDON looks up.

LANDON
Okay. Well, I'm almost finished with the rocker. Did she order the mirrors?

REVEREND SULLIVAN
Yeah.

He points to something.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
They're in here.

LANDON
Great.

The two head for the garage.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
What are you gonna use for the side bearings?

LANDON
I'm using an old phonographic turntable.

REVEREND SULLIVAN
So you think you can get all this done by tomorrow, Landon?

FADE TO:

EXT. STAR-SPRINKLED NIGHT SKY.

FADE TO:

EXT. JAMIE'S BALCONY. NIGHT.

LANDON and JAMIE stand holding each other.

JAMIE
Thank you.

LANDON
You're welcome.

She glances behind her to admire the telescope LANDON has built for her.

JAMIE
It's beautiful.

LANDON
Okay, it's time. Go check it out.

She turns back to him.

JAMIE
(softly)
Okay.

LANDON
Okay.

They part. He places his hands in his coat pockets. The medley of Switchfoot's "Only Hope" begins playing on the soundtrack. JAMIE looks through the telescope. LANDON watches her silently. She breaks away to look at the night sky. He follows her gaze. After a moment, LANDON's eyes fall back to JAMIE. He tilts his head. She adjusts the telescope knob as she looks through it once more. A comet shoots across the sky.

JAMIE
(whispering)
Wow.

She smiles.

JAMIE
There it is.

LANDON smiles.

JAMIE
Come here. Come... look.

He walks over to her.

JAMIE
Come here. Come look. Quick.

He gently moves her aside and still holding onto her hand peers into the telescope. She looks up at the night sky again.

LANDON
Wow. That is cool.

He grins.

JAMIE
Mmhmm.

She's now sitting in a chair. He kneels beside her.

LANDON
Do you love me?

(::shivers:: Yes. ::pause:: Oh, he's not asking me, is he?) Her eyes fall on him.

JAMIE
Mmm