EXT. DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
ANDREW CLEMENTS, nerdy, fifteen-years-old, youthful, wearing a white shirt, khakis, and black sandals, assists his sister ERIN CLEMENTS (13, thirteen-years-old, slim build, wearing pajamas, and converse) helping her mom STEPHANIE CLEMENTS, (44, dark hair and brown eyes, and a youthful glow, wearing a dress and sandals) unload groceries from their car when another car pulls up on the other side of the road in the driveway of a vacant house.
Behind the small truck, a giant truck pulls up. The driver jumps out and assists a man, DR BENJAMIN JEFFCOATE, looking to be in his early 40s, with his son, a young, mysterious teen, known as KIRK STEVENS JEFFCOATE, remove heavy equipment from the car into the vacated house. Andrew and his sister stare across the street at the odd group. The young boy with something big in his arms glances across the street at Andrew. Andrew can't look away. Erin taps Andrew on the shoulder, and Andrew, coming out of his trance, turns his attention to Erin.
ERIN
Those groceries don't move by themselves, idiot.
ANDREW
I'm not a idiot.
ERIN
Whatever.
Andrew rolls his eyes, makes his way into the house, carries a bag through the living room and into the kitchen, and sets the groceries on the counter. Stephanie puts canned goods away into the pantry. Erin emerges into the kitchen. All three lookout through the street-lit kitchen window; the trucker drives off, leaving the man and his son off to the side of the road. Andrew helps shove groceries into the fridge, still glancing ever so slightly at the man and his son. A small truck sits under a dimmed street light by the home. The father and son go back into the house, and the family unpacks the groceries.
ANDREW
(to his mother)
Did dad tell you we were getting new neighbors?
Stephanie huffs.
STEPHANIE
Your father doesn't tell me much about that stuff anymore.
Andrews's eyes drop, then he puts groceries away.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Andrew sits on his bed, staring out the window at his new neighbors. Outside, KIRK "STEVENS" JEFFCOATE, 15, deep brown eyes, kicks a soccer ball around in his front yard, dribbling the ball on his foot and managing trick shots across the street and into Andrew's yard. Andrew huffs, racing down the stairs and out the front door. Kirk crosses the road, and Andrew picks up the ball, weighing it in his hand and studying it.
KIRK
Hey?!
ANDREW
Nice ball?
Kirk walks up on Andrew's grass lawn. Andrew tossed Kirk the ball, and he snagged it under his foot.
ANDREW
Do you play soccer, by any chance?
Kirk scoffs.
KIRK
You're a comedian, right?
There's an awkward silence before Andrew speaks again.
ANDREW
When did you move in?
KIRK
If I didn't notice you spying on me last night, I would be happy to tell you, mate.
ANDREW
(Mumbling)
I wasn't spying.
KIRK
(Interrupting Andrew)
I'm joking. My dad and I got here around 10:30. You're welcome to come over and hang out once we're settled into the home.
KIRK
I don't make many friends.
ANDREW
(looking away awkwardly)
That's good to know.
Andrew turns around and walks off when Kirk kicks the ball at Andrew into his feet.
KIRK
How about this evening after dinner?
Andrew turns around, kicking the ball back softly. Kirk catches the ball with his foot again.
ANDREW
What?
KIRK
Come over this evening, mate.
Andrew's eyebrows raise, and he crosses his arms.
ANDREW
You're not going to murder me, right?
Kirk winks.
KIRK
Depends.
ANDREW
Pffft. Sure. I'll be there around six if that's okay.
Kirk's grin grows.
KIRK
Sure. I'm Kirk, by the way. Kirk Stevens Jeffcoat at your service.
Andrew grins.
ANDREW
I'm Andrew. Andrew Clements.
Kirk chuckles.
KIRK
That's a unique name. See you around, Clements.
Andrew's grin widens.
ANDREW
See you, Kirk.
Andrew salutes Kirk and walks off into the house. Kirk grabs his ball and walks back across the street, playing with his soccer ball.
INT. KIRK'S GARAGE - DAY
BENJAMIN MARION JEFFCOATE, early 40s, is busy setting up his lab down in the garage. Kirk wanders in to meet his father. Benjamin glances at Kirk then peels off his glasses.
BENJAMIN
Was that the, uh, neighbor?
Kirk rearranges some experiments on a table from a box and nods.
KIRK
Yeah, I invited him over.
Benjamin's eyes widened.
BENJAMIN
Don't you think you should've asked first?
Kirk sighs, placing the styrofoam box on the floor.
KIRK
I assumed you would be okay with it?
Benjamin's shoulders tense, and he rolls them out.
BENJAMIN
Don't ever assume anything. But, I guess its a good thing you've already made a friend.
Benjamin breathes deep and lets it out.
BENJAMIN
Don't bring him in here. These experiment's are dangerous, and I barely trust you with it.
Kirk huffs.
KIRK
Whatever.
Kirk shrugs and walks off, back inside. Benjamin follows, shutting the door. In the distance, the laser hisses to life.
INT. ANDREW'S KITCHEN - DAY
Andrew sits at the counter, scarfing down a takeout box of chow-mein and orange chicken with a fork. His sister stares at him in total disgust and amusement. Andrew belches loud, and his sister's hate turns to horror.
ERIN
You're such a pig.
ANDREW
I don't think I asked for your opinion.
Andrew stuffs down another fork full of Chow-mein and takes a sip of off-brand Happy Pit-bull root beer. Erin leans back in his chair with her arms folded over her chest. Stephanie walks into the room with a briefcase and a purse.
STEPHANIE
(To Andrew)
Andrew, watch your sister. I'm going to be late for my meeting.
Andrew burps loud again, tightens the cap on his soda bottle, and finishes his food.
ANDREW
Bye, mom.
Erin rolls her eyes.
ERIN
Bye, mom.
Stephanie smiles at her kids and walks out. Andrew waits a moment, then jumps from his seat.
ANDREW
I'm going across the street. Kirk invited me over for a hangout.
ERIN
Who's Kirk?
ANDREW
He's the new kid.
Erin slurps down her chow-mein on chopsticks.
ERIN
Can I come?
ANDREW
(Interrupting Erin)
We're going to do guy stuff, and I doubt you want to be there for it.
Erin groans.
ERIN
Gross.
(beat)
Bye.
Erin flips her brother off. Andrew walks off towards the doorway.
INT. KIRK'S HOME - NOON
Andrew wanders next door, knocking twice and ringing the doorbell. No answer.
ANDREW
Kirk? Are you at home?
Still no answer. Andrew wanders off, walking around to the side of the house. He spots the garage's side door peeking open. A loud mechanical humming comes from inside, and he wanders into the garage.
ANDREW
(Calling into the opening
of the doorway)
Kirk? Mr. Jeffcoate?
He takes a few steps forward and a laser beam fixed with radiation buzzes to life, zapping Andrew. Andrew collapses to the ground; his eyes flutter shut, and everything...
INT. Bengamin's livingroom - night
Andrew sits up on a couch in a small living room, an ice pack climbed to his forehead. Benjamin and Kirk hover over him. He slaps the ice pack to his thighs, and Benjamin and Kirk back away.
BENJAMIN
Are you okay?
Andrew slaps the ice pack to his thighs, and Benjamin and Kirk back away.
ANDREW
I think so?
BENJAMIN
What were you doing in my garage? My machine could have killed you.
Andrew huffs.
ANDREW
I was looking for Kirk and heard a-
(beat)
noise?
Benjamin sighs.
BENJAMIN
Next time, just ask.
Kirk nods. Andrew tries to sit up. Benjamin and Kirk push him back.
KIRK
Stay down and relax. You'll be fine.
Andrew tries to stand again, but Kirk pushes him back down.
ANDREW
I want to go home.
KIRK
You can go in a little while, but trust me. You're going to want to lay down.
Andrew relaxes on the couch with a sigh.
ANDREW
Fine, but if something happens to me, my mom will kill you.
Benjamin moans.
BENJAMIN
You can leave, Andrew, but let me know if you have any weird symptoms.
Andrew looks confused.
ANDREW
Sure.
Andrew pushes off the couch, stumbles to the door, ignores Benjamin, and takes off the door to his home across the street.
INT. ANDREW'S HOME - DAY
Erin waits for his brother at the door, letting Andrew in. Andrew's head pulses and pounds and his vision fades in and out as he stumbles past his sister to the kitchen.
ERIN
That was a long time. We're they trying to murder you or something?
ANDREW
(Interrupting Erin)
Shut up, Erin. My head is killing me.
ERIN
Are you drunk... ooh? Mom is going to kill you.
Andrew wanders into the kitchen and tries to get a glass of water but can't seem to stay coordinated, so instead, he wanders off up the stairs to his bedroom. Andrews's door slams, and he slides into his bed, getting comfy under the covers, and falls asleep.
INT. ANDREW'S BEDROOM - DAY
Andrew's eyes flutter open. He hovers high above his bed, roughly five feet and halfway to the ceiling, feeling the airbrush on his bare chest and his boxers. He flips in the air, facing his bed below him. Andrew looks shocked.
ANDREW
How am I doing this?
Andrew flips to his back again and tries to steady himself. He counts out loud, taking deep breaths each time he recites a number. It's just like his therapist taught him. Outside his doorway, Erin pounds the door.
ERIN
Get up! Mom told me you would take me to the Mall today.
ANDREW
(Mumbling to himself)
Great.
Andrew looks to the door.
ANDREW
I'm kind of preoccupied at the moment. Besides, the Mall doesn't open until ten.
Andrew looks down at his alarm clock sitting at his bedside. He shifts in the air and holds out his arms, stabilizing himself again. The clock reads 10:05 am.
ERIN
It is ten, dumb-ass.
ANDREW
Hey, that's not very nice.
Erin huffs behind the door.
ERIN
I'm coming in.
ANDREW
I'm not feeling like myself... I- I'm, uh... naked?
There's a long pause of silence. Then-
ERIN
You're bluffing. I'm coming in.
The door handle curls, and Andrew closes his eyes and focuses. Without noticing, he drops to the bed. His room is a mess. Andrew hops under the covers, sliding them to his chest, and sighs. Erin pulls open the door and walks in.
ERIN
Jerk face.
Erin walks out, and Andrew sighs in relief.
ERIN
(Shouting down the
hallway)
I'm telling mom about last night.
Andrew huffs and flips over. Erin pouts and walks out.
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
Andrew was getting ready to take Erin to the Mall. Andrew rinses his toothbrush, puts it in the cabinet, and suddenly starts floating again.
Stephanie knocks outside the door, and Andrew scrambles to grab anything to hoist him down. He holds a can of hairspray and gives it a spritz. The can of hairspray shoots him up, and he smacks his head on the roof.
STEPHANIE
What was that thump, Andrew?
ANDREW
I-I tripped?
Andrew grimaces sheepishly, as if his mom can see him.
STEPHANIE
Thank you for taking your sister.
Andrew scoffs.
ANDREW
(Mumbles irritable)
Okay?
STEPHANIE
Andrew!
Andrew rolls his eyes.
ANDREW
Okay!
STEPHANIE
I want you ready in half an hour.
Stephanie walks away. Andrew shuts his eyes to calm himself down and falls from the sky to the bathroom floor, hitting his head on the toilet.
INT. MALL - DAY
In a cheap beauty store, Andrew, wearing an Ultraman 1966 t- shirt, jeans, and high-top sneakers waits for Erin (wearing a band shirt, dark jeans, and converse), who is inside the store. Erin walks out, and Andrew huffs, joining his sister's side as they walk.
ANDREW
Are we almost done?
ERIN
I may have a few more stores to hit before dark.
ANDREW
You're kidding, right?
Nearby, an alarm sounds, and a robber with a mask smashes glass at a jewelry store and points a gun between the two employees.
ROBBER
Nobody moves, or they get a bullet in their skull.
The robber grabs what jewelry he can and stuffs it in a bag. People scatter, and Andrew gets an idea. He pats Erin on the shoulder, giving strict instructions.
ANDREW
Go into a nearby store and hide.
Erin moans.
ERIN
What are you going to do?
Andrew flips his hood over his head and sighs.
ANDREW
(raising his voice)
Go Erin, Now!
Erin rolls her eyes and takes off into a nearby clothing store. Once the coast is clear, Andrew takes off into the sky while hiding his face and floats in front of the robbed jewelry store where the robber still grabs items. In the background, the two employees look mortified as they slide to the floor, and people wander out, taking video on their cellphones and staring.
ANDREW
You do not take those, are you, because that's stealing?
The robber turns his attention to Andrew, floating in the air, staring down at the robber. The thief points his gun at Andrew, and Andrew sucks in a sharp breath.
ROBBER
Nice party trick, kid. Who'd you learn that from?
ANDREW
I kind of woke up like this.
The robber nods, tapping the barrel of the gun against his palm.
ROBBER
Oh, nice.
The gun clicks, and the robber grins.
ROBBER
It's a shame I'm going to shoot you.
Andrew bows his head, and a burst of adrenaline kicks in.
ANDREW
Try me.
A bullet flies across the Mall, straight into Andrew's chest, bouncing off and hitting the ground two stories below. The robber pushes his finger against the trigger, and Andrew squeezes his eyes shut. Andrew's eyes peek open, and he sighs.
ANDREW
Whew. I panicked for a moment.
Andrew drops to ground level with the robber. The robber's grin drops, and he turns the barrel on the two store employees.
ROBBER
(Demanding)
Stand up!
The two employees stand cautiously with their hands in the air.
ANDREW
Leave them alone. If it's the Jewelry you want, you already have it.
ROBBER
What kind of cheesy hero bull is that, kid?
Andrew shrugs. The robber turns the gun on Andrew again. Andrew bites his tongue, and the robber turns the gun back to the employees. Store employee one, male and tall, eyes the counter. His hand slips under, and he presses a panic button. The alarm whistles again. The robber growls, and the gun clicks.
ROBBER
Do you want to die today?
The robber adjusts his hold on the gun and employee number two, a young female, slips her hand under the table, hitting the alarm. The robber points his gun at her, and a bullet flies from the weapon in slow motion as Andrew takes off in superhuman speed, swiftly rushing to both employees' aid. The remaining glass shatters, and Andrew knocks the employees to the ground on top of one another while the bullet pierces the wall. Andrew pulls off the floor and dusts himself off.
ROBBER
You are incredibly stupid, kid.
The robber raises the gun, pointing it at Andrew again. Andrew takes off also, full speed; the robber, frozen in time, as Andrew yanks the gun from his hands and places it on the ground. Andrew stops running, and the world comes back to life. The robber looks to his left, where the gun lies on the floor.
ROBBER
What the--
Andrew shrugs. CHASE CLEMENTS, and a group of F.B.I., police and swat barge through the mall, guns drawn on the robber.
CHASE
--Hands up, Gerard.
The robber throws his hands in the air and drops to his knees. A cop throws handcuffs on Gerard while a dozen officers turn their guns on Andrew. Andrew lifts his hands in the air to surrender, and employee number one, now on his feet with his co-worker, puts his hands out.
EMPLOYEE #1
Don't shoot. He saved us.
The police put their guns in their holders.
Andrew nods; the world around him freezes again, and he disappears into the parking lot with incredible speed. Andrew whips out his phone and texts his sister.
INTERCUT - TEXT MESSAGE
ANDREW
They have the guy in custody. I'm outside in the north part of the Mall.
ERIN
What happened?
Andrew chuckles.
ANDREW
Some loser-guy saved the day.
INT. MALL - - WOMAN'S RESTROOM - - DAY
Erin emerges from the women's bathroom stall in a retail store and walks out of the bathroom towards the exit.
INT. KIRK'S HOUSE - DAY
TIME-LAPSE - THREE HOURS
Kirk sits in a small living room watching old reruns of Underdog When Breaking news flashes across a tv screen. A news anchor reports the aftermath of the scene from the Mall. The headline announces a successful fight between a super and a robber.
NEWS ANCHOR #1
Breaking News: A super has saved two young jewelry store employees from what could have been a fatal robbery. Who is this mysterious super, and where did he come from? Stay tuned for more next...
The doorbell rings, and the television clicks off; Kirk walks over and pulls the door open. Andrew stands in the doorway, leaning against the side of the home, grinning.
ANDREW
Hey, Kirk? Where's your dad?
Kirk looks confused.
KIRK
Why?
ANDREW
Remember when your dad told me to tell him if I have any weird symptoms?
Kirk is still confused.
KIRK
Yeah? Why?
ANDREW
Take me inside for this one and sit down too.
KIRK
Spit it out, Andrew. What happened?
Kirk huffs, irritable.
ANDREW
I have, uh, I think I might have superpowers?
Kirk looks surprised, and he pulls Andrew inside.
KIRK
You what?
(beat)
You mean, that was you on the television?
Andrew looks confused.
ANDREW
Possibly? Why? What happened?
KIRK
(Excited)
You kicked ass. My father is going to kill both of us when he finds out you have superpowers.
ANDREW
I'll say.
Andrew lifts in the air. Kirk's eyes widen, and he grabs Andrew's foot, pulling him down.
KIRK
Get down before someone sees you.
Andrew lands on the ground.
INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Benjamin leans over Andrew with large bifocals flashing a bright light in Andrew's eyes; Andrew's pupils dilate when the light hits, and he covers his face with his arm. Benjamin pulls up his headset and sighs.
ANDREW
I'm bulletproof; I can fly and run fast, but so far, no super- strength...
BENJAMIN
(interrupting Andrew)
Good. I don't need you running around with such a destructive superpower. It's bad enough; I gave you any abilities, Andrew.
Kirk shrugs.
KIRK
He's right, you know.
Andrew chews on his cheeks and observes Benjamin typing statistics on his laptop.
ANDREW
I mean, shoot. Who can say they have superpowers like this?
Benjamin shakes his head.
BENJAMIN
Language. Don't take this the wrong way, Andrew, but you are no hero. These powers are dangerous, mainly if you use them the wrong way.
Andrew frowns.
ANDREW
What if I figure out how to control them?
BENJAMIN
You'll adapt to using your powers more often, and things can go very wrong.
Andrew huffs.
ANDREW
So, I'm useless.
BENJAMIN
You're not useless. I will have to run a few tests and figure out how your supergenes work.
ANDREW
So, I'm a lab-rat now?
Kirk slams his hand into Andrew's shoulder.
KIRK
Nope. You're like our personal guinea pig.
(Kirk grins)
You'll be alright, Clements. Trust me.
Andrew rolls his eyes.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Andrew digs under his bed and pulls out a box full of old collectible comic books he's stashed. He grins, staring at the first issue at the top of the pile, Superman.
ANDREW
Incredible.
He opens the protective sleeve and slides the comic book out. Andrew floats to the ceiling with the comic, settling into the corner of his room, and flips through the comic.
He hears a knock on the door, and he floats down to the bed, casually sprawled out on the sheets like Peter Pan, reading his comic before his mom walks in.
ANDREW
Hey, mom? What's up?
STEPHANIE
Nothing, just checking on you. I wanted to make sure you two were safe at the mall today? I heard about the robbery, and--
ANDREW
(Interrupting his mom)
--Yeah, mom. We were safe.
STEPHANIE
Hmmm. Did you hear about that mysterious superhero?
ANDREW
(Interrupting his mom
again)
Yep. He was sort of a loser.
Erin is walking by, snorts.
ERIN
Kind of like you.
ANDREW
Shut up, Erin.
Stephanie looks sternly. Andrew gestures to his sister. Stephanie takes one last look at Andrew and closes the door.
Andrew grins, flipping a page in his comic book, and floats in the air again. He swoops up, pushing fast into the air, and smacks his head on the roof. Andrew chuckles.
ANDREW
Superpowers... huh.
Andrew turns another page in the comic book and the screen...
INT. neighborhood - day
Andrew and Kirk walk to school. They stop at a red light. Beat.
ANDREW
I mean, I'm like a comic book Hero, but in real life.
Kirk huffs, and the light turns green. The two boys across the street together. They turn down a neighborhood street.
KIRK
These superpowers aren't a toy. Plus, you got lucky saving those mall employees the other day.
ANDREW
Do you honestly think that was luck?
Andrew looks around, and when the coast is clear, he lifts a foot into the air. Kirk weighs Andrew down by his shoulders. Andrew ground himself, and two cars drive by.
KIRK
Your accident was a mistake, mate.
ANDREW
You're kidding?
KIRK
But, it's pretty fascinating...
They stop at a stop sign, check their surroundings, and cross.
ANDREW
My superpowers?
KIRK
Yeah...
Andrew grins.
ANDREW
I-I have superpowers. Wow.
Andrew's grin grows. Kirk huffs.
KIRK
My father will probably try to fix you.
ANDREW
Fix me? Why would I need to be fixed?
Kirk shrugs.
KIRK
I don't know? Maybe it's the fact that you're running around with bloody superpowers? Whatever you do, don't tell anyone else about them.
ANDREW
Yeah, my mom would freak, and Erin would probably have a field day blackmailing me.
Andrew huffs at the thought. They continue walking with their backpacks, following a group of kids on the other side of the pathway, ignoring them.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Andrew stuffs his books into his locker with Kirk by his side. JAMIE SHELTON, broad and athletic, also another neighbor, looks their way and wanders over.
JAMIE
Sup, Andrew. Who's the newbie?
KIRK
It's Kirk, like Captain Kirk, but without the...
Jamie chuckles.
JAMIE
I didn't ask you, did I?
A group of Jocks forms a circle around the two boys.
ANDREW
Come on. Don't be a dick, Jamie.
Jamie's eyes drift to Andrew.
JAMIE
What did you say, Freak?
There's a brief silence. Kirk pleads silently with his eyes for Andrew not to do anything stupid. Jamie and Andrew are face to face.
Andrew sighs.
ANDREW
I said, leave him alone.
Jamie chuckles, licking his chapped lips. So do the jocks standing behind him.
JAMIE
Or what?
Andrew and Jamie glare at one another, challenging each other with locked eyes. The overhead bell rings, and Jamie shoves Andrew into the lockers behind him.
JAMIE
You're not even worth it. I can snap you like a toothpick. See you after school, neighbor.
INT. KIRK'S DINING TABLE - NIGHT
Kirk and Andrew sit at the dining table, snacking on sloppy Joe burgers and fries. A soda sits to the side.
KIRK
Thanks for not causing a scene at school with your, you know--
Kirk pauses. Andrew sighs.
ANDREW
--Superpowers?
Kirk smacks his lips together.
KIRK
Yeah.
Kirk pushes his glasses back into place on his nose.
KIRK
I mean, you still have a lot of work to do with your powers.
Kirk takes a French fry, dips it in ketchup, and eats it. Benjamin rounds the corner into the dining table.
BENJAMIN
I agree with Kirk. If you want to do anything with those powers you have to learn how to control them.
ANDREW
For what? Am I going to put these powers to good use, or what?
Benjamin sighs.
KIRK
I don't know about that one.
Kirk takes a bite of his burger. So does Andrew.
ANDREW
Really?
BENJAMIN
I'm thinking this was a bad idea.
ANDREW AND KIRK
(in unison)
What?
Benjamin laughs to himself.
BENJAMIN
Letting the two of you hang together or whatever you call it.
KIRK
Give it a few days, pops. We'll be the best of mates.
Benjamin sighs.
BENJAMIN
I'm more concerned about the trouble the two of you will get into with Andrews's superpowers.
Andrew shrugs, taking a sip of his drink and a bite of French fries. Kirk slips from his seat and pats Andrews's shoulder as he passes.
ANDREW
I'll be fine, Dr. Jeffcoat. Trust me. I have it all under control.
KIRK
(mumbles)
Sure, right.
Andrew and Kirk chuckle. Kirk opens the fridge, grabbing the bottle of orange juice and chugging the rest of the carton. He slams the carton on the granite countertop, taking a sigh of relief.
Kirk: Andrew's got this superpower thing down. Give it a few weeks, and he'll be a natural talent.
ANDREW
Yeah. At least nobody got hurt by the theft.
Benjamin shrugs.
BENJAMIN
Fair point, but that doesn't mean you can use these abilities whenever you want or tell anyone about them. Not even your mom or sister can know.
ANDREW
It's not like I was going to tell them.
Andrew shrugs, looking at Kirk. Kirk shrugs back.
BENJAMIN
(Scolding)
ANDREW.
ANDREW
Alright! I promise my secrets are safe with the three of us. Can I eat my sloppy-Joe in peace now?
BENJAMIN
Be my guest. I have more meat if you want another one? Maybe I'll make tacos tomorrow instead?
Andrew grins.
ANDREW
Sure. Can I come over again for tacos?
Benjamin sighs. Long beat.
KIRK
I don't see why you can't come over.
Kirk glances at his dad.
BENJAMIN
(To Andrew)
ALRIGHT! Alright. You're welcomed to come over whenever.
BENJAMIN
(CONT'D)
I have to run some tests on you tomorrow, anyway.
ANDREW
Yes!
He pumps his fist and rises in the air a few feet.
BENJAMIN
But...
(beat)
Try not to do that.
Andrew swims in the air and levels with the floor.
ANDREW
Agreed.
Andrew scoots his chair in and Kirk returns to the table. They continue eating. The camera pulls out from the house.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Andrew sleeps in bed, cuddled up in his sheets. The light in the corner flickers on, and we pan over to see CHASE CLEMENTS (45, Andrew's father, bright blue eyes, tall, athletic build) standing in the doorway of the room.
CHASE
Get up, bud.
Chase walks over to Andrew and sits at his bedside.
Andrew's eyes snap open, and he panics, looking around, adjusting to the light in his room while rubbing his eyes. Suddenly he stares at his father, wide-eyed.
ANDREW
Hey, uh, Dad.
CHASE
Get up, make your bed and get ready for the day. I'm taking you somewhere fun.
Andrew moans in annoyance and pulls the covers down.
ANDREW
(Mumbles under his breath)
Your definition of fun, or mine?
Chase groans and pushes from the mattress.
CHASE
I want you downstairs no later than ten minutes.
Chase leaves the room.
EXT. OCEAN - CHASE'S YACHT - DAY
Andrew stands next to his father, standing on a boating dock in front of his father's small yacht with a sour look as a whiff of salty ocean water hits his nostrils.
ANDREW
(Sarcastic)
This is going to be great.
Andrew pushes his lips together in dissatisfaction, staring at the rickety boat in front of him.
CHASE
Ta-da.
Chase shakes jazz hands by his sides.
ANDREW
It's Grandpa's old boat. Does this thing come with a life insurance policy?
Chase pats Andrew's back and takes a deep breath.
CHASE
(Hesitantly)
I'll say.
Chase slaps Andrew one last time in the shoulder blades and boards the boat, waving Andrew on. Andrew steps onto the yacht, and Chase starts the engine.
TIME-LAPSE - ONE HOUR
Andrew sits by the front of the boat eating Fritos and a PB&J sandwich with a coke. Chase shuts off the boat, letting the waves push the boat.
CHASE
You okay, Andy?
ANDREW
Yeah.
Andrew gets up from his spot, dumping the rest of his Fritos in his mouth, and walks to the boat's edge. His dad follows him, standing next to him as they look over at the low tide and nearby islands.
CHASE
You see that island?
ANDREW
I'm not fucking blind.
Chase huffs.
CHASE
Does Steph let you talk like that?
ANDREW
No.
Chase sighs.
CHASE
Remind me to talk to you about your attitude later.
(Long beat)
That island is Catalina. I went camping there with my school when I was a kid.
Andrew looks impressed, gazing at the island.
ANDREW
Oh, really?
CHASE
Really. There was a fox that came right up to Billie and Gunner one night. No fear whatsoever.
Andrew scoffs.
ANDREW
Cool.
CHASE
If you think that's cool, look to your left.
Chase points to the left at a whale coming closer to the boat. Water lifts from its blowhole, and it flips in the air, slamming back into the water, sending the boat rocking.
ANDREW
Nice.
Suddenly the whale changes course and swims off.
CHASE
We should get back to shore before your mom panics.
ANDREW
Agreed.
Chase pats Andrew's shoulder.
CHASE
Keep watch while I start the motor.
Chase wanders back into the cabin, where he starts the boat.
EXT. BOATING DOCK - NOON
Andrew and Chase ride into the dock on the boat. As soon as the boat docks, Andrew hops off the boat. Chase walks out and gets off too.
CHASE
You couldn't wait until I turned off the engine?
ANDREW
Nope.
Chase huff's.
CHASE
Did you at least have fun?
ANDREW
Yep. Thanks, dad.
Suddenly, two men, Gabriel and Samuel stand to the side, on the dock. They spot Chase and wave him over.
GABRIEL
Hey, Chase. Are you busy right now?
Chase looks at Andrew. Andrew looks disappointed at his father.
CHASE
I'll be right over.
Chase quickly checks his boat, pointing out things he needed to do, and looks at Andrew.
CHASE
Stay put, Andrew.
Andrew groans.
ANDREW
Seriously? I'm not five.
CHASE
I said stay put.
Chase gives Andrew a bitter look and starts to wander off. Andrew silently follows. Chase shoves Andrew in the water, laughing.
CHASE
(laughing and gazing at
Andrew in the water)
That's what you get for not staying put.
Andrew spits water out like a fountain.
ANDREW
What the heck, dad.
CHASE
Give me a moment, and I'll be back.
ANDREW
Do I have a choice at this moment?
Andrew rolls his eyes and spits out more water. Then, he starts swimming towards the beach on the other side, and stops as his dad joins the two men on a nearby boat.
Chase shakes two more men's hands. Both men wear an FBI jacket and a bulletproof jacket with a gun holstered by his waist.
Andrew
(whispers)
What the heck are you doing?
CHASE
I figure this is about the transport of stolen goods.
SAMUEL
Good, we're on the same page. Peter wants to talk to you regarding the mission.
Samuel pats Chase's back and leads him into the Cabin.
ANDREW
Shit!
Samuel sweeps outside the boat as Andrew ducks into the water, breathing effortlessly in the sea, closing the Cabin door. Then, Andrew comes up to the surface.
ANDREW
(Whispers)
You're in big trouble, Dad. Mom is going to kill you.
(realizing)
She's going to kill me!
Suddenly, the boat rumbles to life, swiftly leaving the dock as Andrew swims out of the way, and he watches the FBI agents go with his father.
Andrew checks his surroundings until the coast is clear and lifts from the ocean a few feet into the sky and silently follows the boat.
Andrew lands safely on the back of the boat. Peter, the lead FBI agent, leads the meeting.
PETER
Gerard's at large again.
Garrett, another F.B.I. Agent in the meeting clears his throat.
GARRETT
And what about that super. Who's kid is that?
Samuel scoffs.
SAMUEL
The kid has no idea how much danger he's in. The mafia--
Andrew moves closer to hear better when he knocks over a barrel. Andrew struggles to pick up the barrel, and heavy machinery and sand pours out of the barrel.
ANDREW
(whispers loud)
--Shoot.
Samuel walks to the doorway and peers out.
SAMUEL
F.B.I. Who's there?!
Andrew hides behind another barrel, breathing heavy but silent. Samuel scans the boat and his eyes land on the barrel Andrew hides behind.
...TO BE CONTINUED.