SYNOPSIS:

Casey is a teen living in central Alaska. Casey’s only difference from the people around him is his sexuality. As a gay teen in an already desolate place like Alaska it’s hard to find people like him. Casey won’t tell anyone except his best friend Callie. Casey meets a boy named Ethan at a summer camp and is immediately head over heels. Casey doesn’t expect this relationship to last long so he flirts around with Ethan during the camp and eventually the two go separate ways. When school comes back though, there is a new kid at the school, Ethan. Casey has to wrestle with the thought that Ethan likes him or not and even though the two had fun during the camp, Ethan acts as though nothing happened. After countless nights of questioning Casey can’t stand to be around Ethan anymore and while they’re hanging out Ethan mistakenly brings up their time at camp and Casey runs off crying. When Ethan catches up he confesses his love for Casey and embraces him.

CHARACTERS:

CASEY STANFORD

Casey is a 17 year old gay teen living in southern Utah. Not much support is offered for his sexuality where he lives and he finds it hard to come out to people. His best friend Callie is the only one who knows and the two have been friends since the 3rd grade. Casey has always desired someone to love but he's too shy to explore and doesn’t have many options in the first place. Casey is an incoming senior at Liston High and plans on attending college so grades are his priority. Casey is shy and kind but never reveals what he truly thinks. Casey enjoys skateboarding and being in nature.

CALLIE LACKEY

Casey’s best friend who is a major extrovert. The polar opposite of Casey and has always been a free thinker who doesn’t stay tied to anything she does. She’s a stylish teen and always pushes Casey to go harder. A true best friend, she is the one keeping Casey’s secret and protects him from anyone else. Callie and Casey are so close many think they date but it couldn’t be further. Callie spends most of her time listening to music or distracting Casey.

ETHAN JAMES

A rough and tumble kind of guy. He grew up with two older brothers so he’s always been pushed around by them and doesn’t let it happen anywhere else. He’s sweet but tries not to show it. He always speaks too fast without thinking of what he truly means to say. His grades are low but not without lack of trying on his part. School has always been a struggle for Ethan and wants to do better but everytime it ends the same. Ethan likes Casey but won’t show it to him because he’s too nervous that a boy like Casey would consider him more than just a fun time. Ethan is also afraid of telling his parents he feels this way about guys and knows he’ll be ostracized for it. He never felt this way until he met Casey but he can’t get over it. He’s a tennis player and will do any other sport in the book. Ethan quickly becomes popular in the school but doesn’t need the attention.

ACT ONE:

SETUP

EXT. CAMPGROUNDS. NOON. WIDE SHOT
(Car pulls up and Casey steps out)

(Zoom in to car)

CASEY’S MOM

Do you need me to help you carry your stuff?

CASEY

No mom it’s only one bag I can get it

(Grabbing his bag)

CASEY’S MOM

Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you to help you set up or something?

CASEY

It’s okay mom I'll be fine

CASEY’S MOM

Well at least give me a hug before you go, a week is a long time!

CASEY

It will be okay mom, seriously enjoy some time to yourself. I'll see you on Friday.

(Hugs his mother through the car window)

CASEY’S MOM

Okay, I love you boy, be careful.

CASEY

I will Mom, see you.

(Casey walks into his Cabin)

INT. CABIN. NOON.
CASEY

(sighs and sets his stuff down)

I hope whoever I’m bunking with is cool.

ETHAN

I think he is!

CASEY

(Gets scared and drops his stuff)

(zoom in on pride button)

Oh crap! Sorry I didn’t know you were in here! 

(Button is quickly snatched up by Casey)

ETHAN

No I shouldn’t have scared you like that, let me help you.

(Ethan jumps down from top bunk)

CASEY

Um.. it’s alright I can get it. 

ETHAN

I made the mess, let me help you clean it up. My name’s Ethan by the way.

CASEY

Oh I’m Casey, thank you Ethan.

ETHAN

Not a problem! You excited for this week?

Casey

Somewhat, I mean it’s cool, I just wasn’t planning on this.

ETHAN

Oh really? Well I’ve been to this camp three years now and obviously I love it, I bet you will too. So what kinda stuff are you into?

CASEY

I don’t know. Just basic teen stuff I guess. I skate, I draw, I like to help my friend with her makeup and nails? I don’t know just some stupid stuff really. 

ETHAN

That’s not stupid at all! I don’t know much about makeup but my  ex-girlfriend used to like it a lot. Do you collect buttons? I saw one fall out of your bag. Oh, well sorry I like to snoop.

CASEY

(Flustered)

Uh, well um… I don’t collect them but I guess this is a lucky one? My friend got it for me a while back and I like to carry it around with me.

ETHAN

That’s really cool! You seem like a really friendly guy! I’m excited to be cabin mates with you! 

CASEY

Yeah same! 

FF. INT. CALLIE’S HOUSE. NIGHT
CALLIE

Well Mr.Woodsman, how was your trip?

CASEY

Shut up man, you know I’m not like that.

CALLIE

Ha, I know. Sooooo you meet any hot guys?

CASEY

Oh my god why did I even come over here, it’s always the same conversation with you dude.

CALLIE

Okay! Okay! Jeez man I didn't know you switched bodies while you were there. Who am I talking to now?

CASEY

The person who needs to get ready for school tomorrow is who.

CALLIE

School schmool who cares about that it’s our senior year. Why don’t we have a little fun tonight to celebrate being seniors?

CASEY

Ugh, don’t remind me. But I guess you’re right…

CALLIE

I’m always right

CASEY

As I was saying, let's have a fun night. Movies and makeup?

CALLIE

When have I ever said no to that? I’ll get my stuff!

(Shots of progression through the night with the two watching movies and hanging out)

INT. CALLIE’S HOUSE. MIDNIGHT
CASEY

Did you already fall asleep? Ugh, and you didn’t even wipe off the makeup dude you’re gonna break out. I'll get the wipes.

(Casey wipes off Callie’s makeup and continues talking to her)

Well Mrs Sleepy I did meet a guy. A guy better than any other I’ve met before, and it was fun, but it’s time to move on. You need to find one yourself, girl. Too worried about my business.

INT. SCHOOL. MORNING.
(Casey is standing at his locker when Callie rushes in)

CASEY

Are you ever going to get to school on time for once?

CALLIE

Dude, you show up like twenty minutes early, that’s not my fault.

CASEY

Ugh, whatever. Anyway, did you hear about the new guy?

CALLIE

I did! What have you heard?

CASEY

Well that’s why I’m asking you. I just heard he's in two of my classes.

CALLIE

This is why you need snapchat dude. His name is Ethan and he’s coming from some school super far away.

CASEY

You said Ethan? Hm.

CALLIE

Yeah it was all over the class group chat you caveman. 

CASEY

Whatever dude we need to get to class.

INT. FIRST HOUR. MORNING.
(Fast shots of class going by while Casey and Callie mess around)

INT. SECOND HOUR. MORNING.
(Callie with Casey behind her)

CALLIE

I’m so excited! Ethan is in this hour!

CASEY

Oh cool! I wonder where he is? He must not be here yet.

CALLIE

No, not yet, but he should be getting here soon.

(Clock ticking sound effect while the two wait)

(Bell rings)

CASEY

Maybe we were wrong?

(Class goes by quickly)

(Bell rings)

CASEY

Well I’ll see you later I guess? What other class do we have together?

CALLIE

(Sadly)

I don’t think we have any? That sucks dude. Well I’ll see you at lunch.

CASEY

Yeah, catch you later.

INT. SIXTH PERIOD. NOON.
(Casey sits bored in class)

(Door flings open and unknown student enters)

CASEY

Oh my god. No.

(Student sits next to Casey without seeing their face)

ACT II

The Build-up

FB. EXT. CAMPGROUND. NIGHT.
(Ethan sits next to Casey around a campfire with other campers)

(Other campers are talking in the background)

ETHAN

So roomie, it’s the second night of camp, have you changed your opinion of your bunkmate?

CASEY

What do you mean? I like you!

ETHAN

Are you sureeee?

(Ethan leans into Casey)

CASEY

(Laughing)

Oh my god get off of me dude.

ETHAN

(Laughing)

I thought you were hoping your bunkmate was cool? Well? Is he?

CASEY

Yes, yes he is Ethan.

(The two look at each other as they are snapped away by someone talking to them)

UNKNOWN SPEAKER

Are you paying attention? 

(As camera flips toward the speaker ff to current time)

FF. INT. CLASSROOM.
TEACHER

Are you paying attention Casey?

CASEY

(Freshly snapped out of his daydream)

Yes sir!

TEACHER

Okay, you looked absent. Now back to what I was saying…

CALLIE

Ohhh he got you. He is right though, what's up with you? You've been reading the ceiling all morning.

CASEY

Nothing, just thinking about stuff.

CALLIE

(Scoffs hiding a smile)

Dudes probably.

CASEY

Anyways, what were we doing?

CALLIE

Like I know? Anyways, did you see Ethan yesterday? I never did. Dude probably didn’t even show up. I bet he saw this lame broke school and turned around.

CASEY

I saw him.

CALLIE

You did!? So he’ll be in next hour with us! Oh wow I’m so excited! Was he cool? Was he nice? Was he hot?

CASEY

I’m not gonna answer any of those. Focus I think we have a test on Monday.

CALLIE

Already? I knew this guy sucked.

INT. SECOND PERIOD. MORNING.
Casey and Callie walk into class to discover that Ethan is sitting next to where they were yesterday on Casey’s side.

CASEY

Oh! Uh, hi Ethan! I didn’t know you were in here too?

ETHAN

Yeah I was busy yesterday meeting with the principal. Transferring stuff and whatnot. I’m here now though, was there…

CALLIE

(Cutting off Ethan)

I’m Callie it’s nice to meet you Ethan!

ETHAN

Oh hey. I don’t think we’ve met? How do you know my name?

CALLIE

(Nervously)

Uh… Casey told me!

ETHAN

(Talking to Casey)

(Chuckling)

So you’re telling your friends about me now?

CASEY

(Glares at Callie)

Yeah… sure back to what we were talking about, we didn’t do much here yesterday just meet and greet stuff. First day of school formalities and whatnot. Not like math.

ETHAN

Don’t even tell me about math. They threw me into that advanced class for no reason. I tried telling the principal about it but he just said to go with it. 

CALLIE

Yeah he’s head loser here. I can’t say I haven’t had run-ins with him that didn’t land me in detention.

ETHAN

I could tell. Hey where do you guys sit at lunch? I need a place to sit. Yesterday I just sat in the hallway.

CALLIE

Yeah come sit with us! We’re in the corner by the windows!

ETHAN

Alright cool I’ll head over there after fourth.

(Bell rings)

CASEY

Alright, come on class is starting. 

(Camera pans down from the view of the three towards the floor)

(Transition up from the floor to the lunchroom table where the three are sitting)

INT. LUNCHROOM. NOON.
(Callie and Ethan are mid conversation)

ETHAN 

No dude. Science is way better.

CALLIE

But how can you say that when you don’t even know the history behind science?!

ETHAN

Does it matter? Science is science!

CALLIE

Whatever, what about you Casey?

ETHAN

Math right? You liked the equations and finding variables?

CASEY

Yeah I like the numbers.

CALLIE

How’d you know that?

ETHAN

Oh he didn’t tell you? Me and Case have met before. We went to a summer camp a month or so ago. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you?

CALLIE

(Looks shocked and realizes the boy Casey Met over the Summer was Ethan)

Oh my god. I’ll be right back.

(Callie runs off)

ETHAN

What was that about?

CASEY

Who knows.

ETHAN

Hey do you remember the third night of camp? When we were in the bunk?

FB. INT. CABIN. NIGHT.
ETHAN

Could it be any colder?

CASEY

I don’t think so, they must have built these cabins out of plastic!

ETHAN

Can I come down to your bunk?

CASEY

Sure

ETHAN

Okay thanks. I’m gonna ask something weird, but you've heard about huddling for warmth right?

CASEY

We could do that I guess. It wouldn’t be weird if we just need to warm up?

ETHAN

Exactly!

(Ethan and Casey huddle up under the blanket)

CASEY

That’s a lot better.

ETHAN

Yeah. You never showed me that button by the way?

CASEY

Oh well I’ll show it to you some other time, it’s too cold right now. These Alaskan summers don’t ever feel like summer.

ETHAN

(Scoffs)

Yeah imagine moving from Washington to here.

CASEY

Yeah I bet that’s a shock. You know what, while were here…

(Casey pulls button out of his pocket)

This is the button.

(Camera zoom in on the blue white and green pin)

ETHAN

It’s just colors?

CASEY

It has a deeper meaning

ETHAN

Oh? What is that? 

CASEY

Why don’t you hold onto it until you figure it out. I’m sure you will. Once you learn it then you can give it back to me.

ETHAN

(Confused)

Uh. Okay? Thanks Casey. Do you think I’ll learn it by the end of the week?

CASEY

(Shrugs)

Maybe, maybe not. I’m sure we’ll stay connected somehow.

ETHAN

Yeah, I think so too.

FF. INT. MATH CLASS. AFTERNOON.
ETHAN

(Working on worksheet frustrated)

Ugh, Casey can you help me with this?

CASEY

Sure, what are you stuck on?

ETHAN

Number 5 is killing me.

CASEY

(Leans in closer to look at the problem)

Oh I see what you missed, you need to…

(Casey looks back at Ethan and Ethan gets flustered)

Are you listening?

ETHAN

Oh yes what were you saying?

(Bell Rings)

Crap. Are you busy tonight? I really need to get this done.

CASEY

No I’m free what were you thinking?

ETHAN

You want to come over to my house? I could get mom to order us some pizza and we could do homework?

CASEY

Sure

ETHAN

(Scribbling)

Here's my address

(Gives casey the note)

5:30?

CASEY

Sounds good!

EXT. SCHOOL. AFTERNOON.
(Casey and Callie are walking out together talking)

CALLIE

He asked you to come to his house?

CASEY

Yeah? I don’t know if I want to go though.

CALLIE

How come? I thought this was Mr. Loverboy from camp?

CASEY

Look, just because we were close at camp doesn’t mean he likes me too. I dreamt about it too much and lost my head, we're just friends.

CALLIE

But you don’t want to at least give it a try? You were just telling me how much you liked him. You can’t give up before you even try!

CASEY

I told you about that stuff to give you an idea of who he was. It’s not something that relates to me though. He’s a nice guy but he's not interested.

CALLIE

Well you still owe me.

CASEY

What are you talking about?

CALLIE

For using my nail polish. You owe me a favor.

CASEY

Okay and?

CALLIE

Well I’m cashing it in! You go to his house tonight for me. If it doesn’t work out then it doesn’t matter. At least you’ll get your homework done.

CASEY

You’re joking. You can’t make me do that.

CALLIE

You owe me. Period. Now get out of here, you've got a date to get ready for. Then we’ll be even.

CASEY

You don’t know how much I hate you.

CALLIE

Love you too.

INT. CASEY’S ROOM. AFTERNOON.
CASEY

(Picking clothes and getting dressed while monologuing)

I can’t believe I’m doing this. Come on Case. It’s just a homework session like the 50 other ones you've had with Callie. He’s just a friend. That’s it. We’ll work on our homework then I’ll skate home. He’s the best thing to happen to me but he can’t be good enough for that. I was just fine before him and I need to be fine again with him. I’d better go.

(Casey grabs his skateboard and bag and leaves the room)

Act III

Ending

EXT. ETHAN’S HOUSE. NIGHT.
(Casey rides up on his skateboard and knocks on the door)

(Door opens)

(Camera from Ethan’s perspective only viewing Casey)

ETHAN

Come in!

INT. ETHAN’S HOUSE. NIGHT
(The two are working on homework together)

ETHAN

Ahhh okay okay okay I think I get it. Thanks for coming tonight Casey, it means a lot.

CASEY

No problem! You’re not as bad at math as you think.

ETHAN

I don’t know about that but I appreciate it anyway. This class sucks a test on the second week is criminal. 

CASEY

(Laughs)

Yeah Mr. Fox is normally like that I’ve heard. 

ETHAN

Really ugh. Anyways Casey, I didn’t just call you over for homework help though.

CASEY

(Puzzled)

Oh?

ETHAN

When we left camp I couldn’t move on. That month in-between was cruel. But when I came here and saw you in class I almost cried. I haven’t felt so happy to see someone in my life and I don’t understand it. This whole thing sounds really stupid but I have to tell you it. Nobody has made me feel like this before and I think I finally understand it.

(Pulling something out of his pocket)

I finally understand this.

CASEY

(Becoming nervous)

What are you saying?

ETHAN

I’m giving you this back.

(Hands Casey the button)

I know we haven’t known each other for that long but Casey you're… my…

(Ethan is visibly nervous and stuttering)

You… uh… you’re a really good friend. Better than everyone else.

CASEY

That’s it?

ETHAN

Uh, yeah I guess. 

CASEY

(Tearing up)

I can’t do this. I can’t lie to myself with you. I’m sorry I have to go.

(Grabs his stuff and runs out of the room)

ETHAN

No! Casey, wait!

FB. EXT. CAMPGROUNDS. NIGHT.
(Casey is sitting alone in the middle of the woods)

(Ethan approaches from behind him)

ETHAN

Hey, what are you doing out here?

CASEY

Nothing really, just thinking.

ETHAN

Oh! Would you like me to leave you?

CASEY

No actually, would you mind hanging out with me?

ETHAN

I’d never mind hanging out with you.

CASEY

Thanks Ethan.

ETHAN

Anything you wanna talk about?

CASEY

You ever feel different? Like people won’t like you because of the way you are?

ETHAN

I can’t say I have. But if it helps for the amount of time I’ve known you I think that there’s very little I wouldn’t like about you.

CASEY

That’s the issue. You like me but what if we don’t like each other the same?

ETHAN

Well you’ll never like someone the same amount it’s just how people work. I don’t like nail polish but you do! 

(Casey looks saddened)

But that's okay, I like you more than I don’t like anything else. I know that doesn’t really make much sense but you gotta believe that most people don’t really mind. I definitely don’t. Even if I might never match what you feel but at the end of the day you make me smile. I’m gonna hate the end of this camp.

CASEY

Do you think it’s wrong to like someone?

ETHAN

Oh no, especially when that person likes being with you.

CASEY

(Looks up at Ethan)

Can I hug you?

(Ethan leans in and hugs Casey the two hug for a minute and as Ethan pulls away he kisses Casey on the forehead)

ETHAN

It's okay to like someone. No matter what they think of you.

EXT. PARK. NIGHT
(Casey sits alone on a park bench crying to himself)

(Camera cuts to Ethan’s shoulder viewing Casey from far away)

ETHAN

Casey! Stop running from me!

(Casey attempts to stand up and leave but Ethan grabs him)

What did I say wrong Casey?

CASEY

It’s not you it’s me. I can’t be around you without obsessing over you. It’s gonna kill me.

ETHAN

But I obsess over you Casey! Ever since camp I prayed that I would see you again and when I finally laid eyes on you in school I knew I couldn’t miss my chance again. Casey… I love you.

CASEY

You do? Why didn’t you say so?

ETHAN

Because I’m nervous for other people to know. It’s not the easiest thing liking a guy. 

CASEY

Yeah, tell me about it. I love you too Ethan.

(The two embrace on the bench and the camera zooms into the pin in Ethan’s hand)

End Scene