PROPERTY OF LILIKOI

Ext. HIGH SCHOOL - afternoon
1
1
A modern suburban high school in a lovely neighborhood. It’s late summer.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - continuous
2
2
A normal classroom full of bored students. The TEACHER is droning on about something.
GHOUL (16) is sitting in the very back of the classroom and sticks out like a sore thumb. They’re very tall, androgynous, dressed in black with long stringy hair, with a strange allure to them.
Their eyes dart around at the other students, almost paranoid.
The door slams open, and the class freezes.
SAM (18), AKA “WOMBO” on the streets, slides in. Sam is wearing flip flops, huge baggy cargo shorts, and a cute fuzzy pink beanie, sporting a JanSport backpack. He’s got a confidence and natural charisma.
SAM
Hey guys, Tommy in this class?
TEACHER
Excuse me, we’re in the middle of something.
SAM
Sure, but he owes me some money.
TEACHER
That sounds like something that can wait until after class.
SAM
Gimme twenty bucks and I’m gone.
Ghoul is the only one that snickers. Sam side eyes them with a cheeky smile.
TEACHER
Get out of my class.
Sam pulls the door open, and looks over his shoulder right at Ghoul. Their eyes meet, and Sam grins.
The door slams shut. Ghoul stares, curious.
2.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - SCHOOLYARD - LATE AFTERNOON
3
3
School is done for the day, the yard is peppered with teens. There’s a chain link fence surrounding the yard. Ghoul walks alone.
Ghoul overhears talking on the other side of the fence. They look up.
Sam is selling weed to some students, but Ghoul doesn't know that. Ghoul slows to a halt and watches. The guys leave Sam, who's getting ready to go.
Sam looks over in Ghoul’s direction and waves at someone.
Ghoul waves back, but someone next to them is waving too. It’s MR. KYLE, a large middle aged math teacher. Ghoul drops their hand, embarrassed, and sneers at the teacher.
Sam starts to walk away.
Ghoul panics. They hype themself up, working up the courage to say something.
GHOUL
Hey! You!
Sam pauses and looks Ghoul up and down.
Ghoul jogs over to him, trying to stay cool.
GHOUL
(breathless)
What are you doing?
SAM
What's it look like? I'm selling candy.
Up close, Sam looks sweet and childish.
GHOUL
Did you get your money back?
Sam
I sure did! No one messes with me!
Ghoul
(chuckling)
Do you even go here?
SAM
Yeah, I’m here all the time. It’s a good spot, for selling candy.
3.
GHOUL
You’re not a student?
SAM
(suspicious)
Sometimes I am. Did you want something? I’m kind of sold out for the day.
Ghouls face contorts as they begin to understand Sam's job.
GHOUL
Um... Wait a minute...
Ghoul starts to back away from the fence.
Ghoul
(loud whispering)
Are you a drug dealer?
SAM
(laugh)
Maybe. You scared?
Ghoul ponders something for a second.
Ghoul
I'm much scarier than you.
Sam
(chuckle)
You don't scare me.
Sam starts walking, and Ghoul can't help but follow. They approach the front gate of the school, they’re still separated by the chain link. Next to each other, they’re funny looking. Ghoul is around 6’4” upright, Sam is 5’8”.
SAM
I’m Sam... And you are...?
GHOUL
Ghoul. Ghoul Bat-Erdene.
SAM
Wow, that’s your name?
GHOUL
(shy laugh)
Basically.
SAM
(laugh)
What, you gonna drink my blood?
4.
GHOUL
(serious)
No, I don’t do that.
SAM
Okay, weirdo. So, wait, if you didn't want, y'know, candy, why'd you come over to me?
GHOUL
I dunno, you seem interesting.
Sam eyes Ghoul, he's a little weirded out and confused.
SAM
Shouldn't you be catching up to your friends?
GHOUL
(somber)
Oh, no, it's fine. No ones waiting for me.
SAM
Well, I'm gonna go home and smoke.
GHOUL
(shy)
That sounds fun.
SAM
(quiet)
Do you... like to get high?
GHOUL
I-I don't... know how...?
Sam lets out a laugh, and lets his guard down.
SAM
What, are you a nerd?
GHOUL
No! I'm cool!
SAM
(laughing)
What are you doing later?
GHOUL
Uh, I just got a new game on my Xbox, probably gonna start that.
They reach the front gate and pause, kicking the dirt.
5.
GHOUL
Um, I guess I’d better go home now. My mom’s making dinner, so...
Sam looks Ghoul in the eye, with a welcoming smile.
SAM
Aw, really? I thought maybe we could hang out.
GHOUL
I don’t know...
SAM
You sure? ... Alright, well, I'll see you around.
Ghoul stands there while Sam slowly turns away from them. They’re fighting with themself, fists balled.
They stare at Sam's back. The warm afternoon sunlight makes him look warm, soft. Ghoul struggles for a beat.
GHOUL
Sam! Ah, actually…
Sam whips back around to face Ghoul, trying to hide his excitement.
SAM
Yes?
GHOUL
May I come with you?
SAM
(chuckling)
Yeah, sure, whatever.
Ghoul crosses to the other side of the fence.
The kids in the background are all walking to the right of the gate, while Sam and Ghoul walk to the left.
EXT. SAM’S HOUSE - LATER
4
4
The house Sam stays at is on the sketchy side of the tracks, overgrown weeds and dead cars at every house, with hoards of junk spilling out onto the porches, cracked pavement and garbage in the gutters. Sam's house, a bungalow, looks abandoned, covered in graffiti.
6.
A bunch of people are hanging out on the porch, taking hits from a bong and shooting the shit.
A few call out to Sam while he and Ghoul walk up the steps, whistling at Ghoul.
Delinquent #1
Yo, Wombo's back! You got the cash?
Delinquent #2
Who's your friend, Wombo?
Sam grabs onto the crooked roof of the porch and swings himself forward.
He tosses a wad of cash at his friends and continues inside the house. They cheer for him.
Ghoul peeks around at Sam's friends.
DELINQUENT #2
Careful around him, girl! He's a player!
Ghoul
Who, Sam?
The crew laughs.
Ghoul pauses at doorway, and peeks inside the dark house. They look like they've smelled something foul.
Ghoul
(loudly)
Sam?
Sam
(distant)
Come on in, don't be shy!
Ghoul steps over the threshold hesitantly.
INT. Sam's house - living room - continuous
5
5
The inside looks much like the outside. Graffiti decorates the walls, a few tattered pieces of furniture scatter the living room. A group of people are watching music videos on a TV that's sat on a milk crate. Garbage litters the floor. There’s a cloud of smoke drifting around the ceiling.
Sam falls into a big sofa chair, and lights up a joint. He turns his attention to the TV.
7.
Ghoul awkwardly stands in the hallway, watching him and his friends nervously. Ghoul sighs heavily.
They drop their book bag and lean on the arm of Sam's chair, looming over him.
Sam looks up at them and holds the joint out.
Sam
Here, try this.
Ghoul grabs it hesitantly. They look at the sparkle of the lit end. Then they take a hit. They start coughing.
SAM
(laughing)
Nice! You wanna beer or something?
GHOUL
(cough)
Um, sure, I like beer. My dad let me have some once.
Sam jumps up out of his seat and motions for Ghoul to come along. Ghoul follows after him closely.
The people on the couch look at each other and murmur.
Int. SAM'S HOUSE - kitchen - MOMENTS LATER
6
6
The kitchen is bare bones. No dishes in the sink, but a few bags of garbage are stacked in the corner, and empty pizza boxes and Chinese takeout containers on the counter. House music from the living room plays constantly.
Sam rummages in the fridge for a second. He tosses Ghoul a can of beer. They catch it mid-air.
Sam
Here ya go. If you don't like it, I'll finish it.
Ghoul
Thank you.
They take a sip, and choke it down. They take another, and it's not so bad. They sit at the kitchen island.
Sam watches them intently. They both continue smoking and drinking throughout their conversation.
8.
It's clear they're complete opposites. Ghoul, sitting in shadow, their movements precise and their eyes and smile sharp. Wombo, bathed in afternoon sunlight from the kitchen window, is gentle and bubbly and carefree.
GhoUL
Do you actually live here?
Sam
Yep, I got a room and a bed and everything.
GHOUL
(laugh)
What must your parents think?
SAM
I don't got any.
GHOUL
What, are you an orphan?
SAM
Yeah, it's how I got my powers.
GHOUL
What powers?
SAM
My powers of seduction.
GHOUL
Ew... Then what are you doing here? No foster parents?
SAM
I ran away a couple years ago, been living with my buddies ever since.
Ghoul
Why'd you run away?
Sam's smile wavers for a moment.
SAM
(grim)
They were bad people.
Ghoul
Oh...
 
9.
Sam
What about your parents? Are they cool?
Ghoul
Eh… My dad is cool, he’s in Europe right now for work. I don't really know what he does, but he's always gone.
Sam
And what about your mom?
Ghoul
My mom... She doesn't leave the house. We don’t really get along.
Sam nods knowingly.
SAM
You can come here whenever you want. In case, I dunno... something happens.
GHOUL
Really? But we just met.
SAM
This is my house of misfits. You're always welcome!
Ghoul
(nervous chuckle)
Thank you... Um, why did they call you "Wombo"?
Sam throws up a fake gang sign or strikes a cool pose.
SAM
That's my street name. Pretty cool, huh?
GHOUL
(sarcastically)
Yes, very cool.
SAM
We can't all have cool nicknames like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula," okay?
GHOUL
How do you get a name like "Wombo"?
10.
SAM
I'll tell you, but only if you tell me how you got stuck with "Ghoul".
Ghoul's expression darkens.
GHOUL
It’s a secret.
SAM
I can keep a secret.
Ghoul
Maybe another time.
Sam
Fair 'nuff. Okay, let me ask you something... Are you, like, a boy or a girl?
Ghoul
Hmm... Neither, I guess.
SAM
Oh. That's cool.
Ghoul hides a smile.
GHOUL
Does that matter to you?
SAM
Well, not really. I was just curious is all.
Sam takes off his fuzzy pink hat, and sets it on the kitchen counter. His light brown hair sticks out in all directions. He looks cuter without it on.
Ghoul looks back and forth between him and the hat.
Sam
Hey, there's a party around the corner tomorrow. You're invited.
He winks.
GHOUL
Oh, ah... I'll think about it.
By this point, they're both a bit intoxicated.
11.
Ghoul
Hey, Wombo... Am I... doing this right?
SAM
It's hard to drink beer wrong.
Ghoul
No, I mean...
Sam tilts his head.
Ghoul
Do I seem normal to you?
Sam
Not really.
Ghoul sets the beer on the table.
Sam reaches over the table, his face close to Ghoul's for a second, and grabs their beer. He takes a swig.
SAM
What are you worried for? I like weirdos.
GHOUL
(shy laugh)
Oh, thanks.
Sam admires Ghoul. It's hard to see their face behind their long hair, but what is there is tantalizing.
SAM
Anyone ever tell you how pretty you are?
GHOUL
(laugh)
No.
SAM
You've got a real cute face.
Ghoul
Oh... You too.
Sam leans in and tries to look Ghoul in the eye.
SAM
(quietly)
Do you wanna have some more fun?
12.
ghoul
What do you mean?
SAM
Come on.
Sam walks down the hall into the belly of the house.
Ghoul gets up slowly and watches him disappear.
They follow, beer in hand.
Int. SAM'S HOUSE - bedroom - moments later
7
7
A dirty mattress on the floor, clothes scattered everywhere, a window AC unit. There's an ash tray full of cigarettes next to the bed. Face up on the mattress is a gay porno magazine.
Ghoul and Sam both stand in the doorway.
Ghoul gulps, nervous, eyes wide.
Sam looks Ghoul up and down. He takes a long drag off his joint, then puts it out on the door frame and pockets it.
Sam
(laugh)
Sorry it’s a mess, I would’ve cleaned up if I knew I'd be bringing someone home.
Ghoul looks around the room. They take a swig of their beer.
Sam
Are you nervous?
Sam reaches to touch Ghoul's hand. Ghoul yanks their hand away from his touch.
SAM
What's wrong?
GHOUL
I- I can’t.
Ghoul bares their teeth.
SAM
Why?
Crowded in the doorway, Ghoul looms over the petite man. Sam looks small and weak in comparison to Ghoul.
13.
A trail of drool drips from the corner of Ghoul's mouth. They quickly wipe it off.
GHOUL
There’s something wrong with me. I’m sorry- I-
SAM
I'm really open minded--
Ghoul shoves the half empty beer into Sam, and he grabs it.
SAM
Ghoul, wait, did I mess up?
GHOUL
I gotta go. Thanks for having me.
They turn away and run out of the house.
Int. GHOUL'S HOUSE - living ROOM - later
8
8
The door slams shut behind Ghoul. They breathe heavily, and throw their bag to the side. They bap themself on the head a couple times. Their breathing calms after a moment.
They sniff their shirt, and turn up their nose in disgust.
They pull it over their head and walk deeper into the house.
Int. Ghoul's house - dining room - night
9
9
The house, another bungalow, is chock-full of trinkets from all over the world. It's dark in the house, the only light on is over the dining table. There's three chairs at the table, one is empty.
Ghoul's MOM (45 ish), an unhappy Chinese woman, sits across the table from Ghoul. She looks almost exactly like Ghoul. They eat a Chinese home cooked meal. They both look dreary.
Mom
How was school?
Ghoul
Fine. You?
MOM
Mm.
They keep eating for a beat.
14.
Int. Ghoul'S HOUSE - ghoul's bedroom - later
10
10
Ghoul's room is full of anime figurines, the walls covered in movie and game posters. The curtains are left open and the moonlight casts a soft glow on the bed.
Ghoul sits on the edge of the bed in their pajamas. They’re holding something in their hands and staring at it in a daze.
It’s Sam’s fuzzy pink hat.
Int. High SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - Next day
11
11
A loud bustling cafeteria, just like any modern public school has. Pairs of students, and big groups of students walk past and eat lunch together.
Ghoul is sitting completely alone, somewhere in the middle of the room, eating greasy pizza with a carton of chocolate milk.
As they eat, they watch the other students like the lion stalks the gazelle. Ghoul's eyes are drawn to their necks. They tear into their pizza grossly.
A pair of students, nerds, walk over to them with their lunch trays in hand.
Nerd
Hey, Ghoul, do you wanna come sit with us?
Ghoul gulps down their food.
Ghoul
Um, no thank you.
Ghoul smiles politely, a smudge of red sauce on their chin. Then back to pizza.
The nerds linger for a moment.
They look at each other and shrug. Then leave.
Ghoul watches them walk away with an intense stare, still wolfing down pizza.
Ext. HIGH SCHOOL - SCHOOLYARD - late afternoon
12
12
Everyone is running home. Ghoul's standing near the fence, they're fumbling with an iPod touch, wire earbuds lodged in their ears. Their jacket is zipped up tight.
15.
They look to the right, toward painted houses with picket fences and green trees. They look to the left, toward empty lots with dead grass.
They step to the left.
Ext. SAM’S HOUSE - later
13
13
Ghoul arrives at Sam’s front yard, and sees him outside smoking a joint.
He notices them, and motions for his friends to leave. His smile fades, and he gets up to greet Ghoul. He’s still not wearing a hat.
Ghoul
Hey, Wombo.
Sam
What’s up, Ghoul?
Ghoul kicks the dirt.
Ghoul
I’m sorry about yesterday.
Sam
So you're not mad?
GHOUL
At you? No. Are we, uh, cool?
He smiles up at them.
SAM
Yeah, we're cool.
Ghoul smiles back.
Ext. SAM’S HOUSE - porch - evening
14
14
The sun has just set, the sky is quickly darkening. Ghoul and Sam sit on the porch, both smoking cigarettes, and laughing.
In the distance, sounds of a house party begin booming through the neighborhood.
Sam jumps up onto his feet, and pulls his backpack on. He reaches a hand out to Ghoul.
16.
Sam
Come on, the party’s getting started.
Sam pulls Ghoul up to their feet and they stumble forward, closing the gap between the two. Ghoul leers over Sam.
Ghoul
Oh, sorry.
Ghoul takes a step back.
Sam
(laugh)
You’re good.
Ghoul pulls their hand out of his grasp.
Sam leads the way.
Ext. Party house - continuous
15
15
They walk side by side around the corner and find a house, another bungalow, bustling with partying 20 year olds. The house looks lived in and better managed than Sam’s. Flashing lights and booming music erupt from the front door.
Sam opens the door for Ghoul.
Sam
After you.
Ghoul ducks inside.
Int. Party - living room - continuous
16
16
The party is loud and crazy. Everyone is screaming and dancing. Couples grind on each other on the dance floor. They’re partying like it’s the end of the world.
People from all over town are here, even Mr. Kyle from Ghoul's high school.
Wait. Mr. Kyle? That's weird.
Ghoul is immediately overwhelmed, and grossed out.
Ghoul searches for Sam, bumping into several people in the process.
Sam taps their shoulder from behind, and Ghoul turns to find him.
17.
Sam
Don’t worry, I won’t leave ya!
Ghoul lightly grabs hold of his arm and hovers near him.
Sam pushes through the party, bobbing his head to the music all the way.
He pulls Ghoul toward an older MAN, and fist bumps him. Ghoul stands awkwardly behind Sam.
SAM
What's up dude?
man
Hey, my man. Good to see you, Wombo.
Sam
You got anything for my friend here?
Ghoul perks up and steps forward, lifting their chin up slightly.
Man
Yeah, for sure, brother.
The man unzips his own JanSport backpack and pulls out some tiny baggies of pills. He turns to Ghoul and hands them one.
Man
You ever done this before?
Ghoul shakes their head.
MAN
Okay, this shit is intense the first time. Don't forget to drink water.
Ghoul looks at the pills, and then pockets them discretely. The guy pats Ghoul on the shoulder.
He leans in to whisper something inaudible to Sam. They slip something between their hands. Then the man disappears into the crowd.
Sam grins wildly at Ghoul and tugs at their shirt.
Sam
Did you take it?
18.
Ghoul
No, not yet.
SAM
Aw, come on! Don't be scared!
Ghoul's eyes dart around the crowd. Everyone is having the time of their lives. Sam dances without a care in the world, he's already in bliss.
Ghoul looks nervous, scared, sweaty. Party goers keep bumping into them.
GHOUL
But I don't want to lose control around all these people.
SAM
Nothing bad's gonna happen! It's not make you lose your mind, you'll still be you!
Ghoul pulls the baggie back out.
Carefully, they study the appearance of the small round pill.
GHOUL
That's what I'm worried about...
Sam grabs a beer out of somebody's hand and gives it to Ghoul.
Sam
It's really cool, trust me!
Ghoul takes a deep breath, and puts the pill in their mouth. They down it with the beer.
They shut their eyes tight, expecting it to hit immediately.
SAM
(laugh)
It takes like an hour! Gotta metabolize.
Ghoul
Oh.
Ghoul looks around the party. It's calmed down, and they relax.
19.
Int. Party - living room - 1 hour later
17
17
Ghoul is standing against a wall with a glass beer bottle in hand. Their head is slightly bobbing to the beat.
They watch Wombo dancing with other people. Ghoul's smile grows bigger and bigger as the seconds pass.
They begin to take a step toward Sam, when a delirious looking LADY grabs their arm out of nowhere.
LADY
Everybody knows.
Ghoul
I'm sorry?
LADY
Yeah, everybody knows. What you are.
Ghoul looks around, paranoid, and then leans in close to whisper to her.
GHOUL
That's impossible. How would they know about that?
LADY
Everyone knows it, they're all talkin' about it.
GHOUL
But I never told anybody!
LADY
Secrets never stay that way for long.
Ghoul suddenly gets sick to their stomach, their face gets paler than usual. They run out of sight to a bathroom.
Lady
(chuckle)
Fuckin' narc.
Int. Party - bathroom - moments later
18
18
Ghoul rushes into the bathroom and locks the door behind them. They run to the sink and stare at the mirror, hyperventilating. Their heart beats loud and fast.
20.
They shake their head erratically. Ghoul splashes water on their face.
They tug at their eyelids, open their mouth wide and check their teeth.
Ghoul slumps down on the bathroom floor.
Just breathing for a beat. Their heartbeat quiets.
They look around the bathroom, then down at the pink fuzzy rug in front of the shower and smile lazily at it.
They pet it affectionately and close their eyes. Their head slumps to the side.
Ghoul
(quietly)
Sam...
Still for a beat.
Ghoul stumbles to their feet and struggles to unlock the door. They pull it open, and return to the party.
Int. Party - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
19
19
Ghoul slowly searches around the room. Everyone turns and smiles at Ghoul as they pass. Hands drag across Ghoul's chest and arms as they walk through the crowd. The people and the lights blur together. Everything is more colorful, and distorted beautifully.
Ghoul speaks to random people as they walk past.
Ghoul
Hey, have you seen Wombo?
Party goer #1
Yeah, he's here!
GHOUL
Where's Wombo?
PARTY GOER #2
I saw him go with some guy, some old guy.
GHOUL
Where'd they go?
PARTY GOER #3
They're in the back.
21.
Ghoul wanders toward the back of the house.
Int. PARTY - back room - MOMENTS LATER
20
20
The music is quieter from here, there's far less people. It's much darker. The drug Ghoul took continues to deform the world around them.
Ghoul wanders deeper into the back of the house, their steps creaking the floorboards. They walk slowly and carefully, looking around in a daze.
Shuffling and giggling can be heard from nearby.
Ghoul treads lightly, and turns a corner.
Ghoul
(sing-song)
Sam?
They freeze.
Sam is there, pressed up against a wall, bathed in moonlight, making out with Mr. Kyle from their own high school.
Ghoul
(quiet)
Mr. Kyle?
The glass beer bottle slips out of Ghoul's hand and breaks on the floor.
Sam and Mr. Kyle look toward the sound. When he sees it's only Ghoul, Sam smiles at them adoringly.
Sam
Oh, hi, Ghoul. How's it going?
GHOUL
What...
The glaze on Ghoul's eyes disappears, their jaw drops.
Ghoul gawks at Sam, trying to understand what they're seeing.
Sam starts to pull away from his kissing partner.
SAM
Did it kick in?
Ghoul's brow furrows and they back away from the couple slowly.
22.
GHOUL
Wombo- What- What's going on?
Mr. Kyle has disappeared. Sam approaches Ghoul like a scared animal.
SAM
What's up? Are you okay?
Ghoul gains a smidge of clarity and notices hickeys on Sam's neck. Their face flushes and they ball their fists.
GHOUL
You're disgusting.
Ghoul kicks open the back door, a metal screen door, and exits the room. It slams against the outside wall loudly.
The door has a noticeable dent in it.
Ext. Party - backyard - MOMENTS LATER
21
21
Sam follows Ghoul outside.
Ghoul paces around in circles, avoiding looking at Sam for too long, rubbing their arms. Their vision is clouded with bright colors and distorted reality. They both slur their words drunkenly, Ghoul yells like a crying drunk girl.
Sam
(concerned)
What the hell, man?
Ghoul
What the fuck was that?
SAM
What do you mean?
Ghoul
This is so fucked up.
SAM
What is? Kissing?
GHOUL
You. With someone like him.
SAM
(laughing)
You're mad I kissed an old guy? It's not that big of a deal, bro.
23.
GHOUL
I don't know what I was thinking. So I guess anyone is good enough for you. It doesn't even matter who it is.
Sam crosses his arms.
SAM
Get over it. This shit happens all the time, it's not that weird.
Ghoul stops and sneers at him.
GHOUL
Do you do this all the time?
Sam
(scoff)
Yeah, I do. You're just jealous you can't get laid.
Sam just looks at Ghoul with disdain.
Ghoul goes blind with rage. They bare their gnarly teeth, and lift Sam by his shirt collar, his feet dangling freely. Sam gags.
Ghoul growls, and drool drips from their mouth, and they bring his body closer to their jagged teeth.
Before they can attack-- Ghoul looks around to see a small crowd of onlookers, their judgmental eyes boring into Ghoul.
Ghoul drops Sam onto the grass, and he coughs. They look at him one last time, eyes crazy.
Then they run off into the night.
Int. Ghoul'S HOUSE - kitchen - LATER
22
22
Ghoul's Mom is smacking Ghoul, screaming at them. Ghoul doesn't move an inch, they are much bigger than she is. They're standing in front of the stove, the house is dark except for the gentle glow of the dining room lamp.
Mom
What is wrong with you, Mei? You're on drugs! Why are you like this? Why can't you just be a good daughter? I didn't raise you to be a monster!
24.
Ghoul
Oh, shut up! Leave me alone!
Ghoul's Mom hits Ghoul upside the head.
MOM
You move out next year!
She walks away. The slam of her bedroom door echos through the house.
Ghoul sets something on fire with the flame from the stove.
It's Sam's hat. The edge of it frays and turns to ash.
They throw it in the stainless steel sink and watch it burn. The small flame lights up Ghoul's depressed face.
From behind, we see their head drop and their shoulders tremble, they hug themself.
They slam their fists on the kitchen counter. Bang! Bang, bang, bang! Dishes on the counter rattle.
Ghoul turns on the faucet, and the flame sizzles out.
Ghoul pulls the wet hat out of the sink and blinks away tears.
Ghoul turns to go to bed, with Sam's wet, partially scorched hat in hand.
Ext. SAM’S neighborhood - day
23
23
Ghoul is walking across the street from Sam's house. They pass empty lots with high yellow tall grass.
They're wearing a hoodie with the hood pulled up, as if it would make them inconspicuous. The bright midday sun beats down on them.
They pause, and lean against a tall chain link fence. They stare at the house, holding their breath.
They sigh, and gaze up at the sky. They hit the chain link with their palm, and it rattles loudly.
Ghoul
Stupid... Stupid, stupid...
That's what I get for trying to make friends...
They kick a rock very far.
25.
GHOUL
You can't trust anybody, nobody. I'm better off alone, anyway. Nothing wrong with me. They're all wrong.
They look back over their shoulder at the house.
GHOUL
He wasn't anybody special. He was a weirdo. I don't need more weirdos in my life.
Ghoul picks up the pace and walks away from the house.
Ext. SAM’S NEIGHBORHOOD - Dusk
24
24
Ghoul's still walking around the same block, a tense look on their face. The sun has just set, and the sky is dark and glowing. There's a breeze blowing through the foliage.
In the distance, voices grow louder. Ghoul pauses.
Under a streetlight are two people beginning to argue. It's Sam, and a man Ghoul doesn't recognize.
Ghoul hides themself behind a streetlamp and watches from afar. The voices faintly echo through the empty streets.
Guy
Gimme everything you got.
Sam
Listen, man, you got the stuff already so just fuck off.
GUY
I want all of it!
Ghoul's eyes narrow. The man does not look well, he isn't in his right mind.
Ghoul bites their nails and cowers behind the streetlamp, scared to make a move.
The sound of a fist cracking against bone.
SAM
Stop! Just take it!
26.
Ext. SAM’S NEIGHBORHOOD - moments later
25
25
Sam is down on the ground, his nose bleeding. The man is kicking him repeatedly. He stomps down hard. Sam groans and yelps. The man's face is obscured by shadow.
In a flash, a dark mass latches onto the man's back. He stumbles backwards.
Guy
What the fuck?!
The attacker opens their jaws and sinks their teeth into the man's neck. Blood sprays everywhere. The man screams.
The assailant rips out a chunk of the man's flesh, and he stumbles into a light post before sinking to the pavement, eyes wide open. A pool of blood forms around the body.
Under the light, it becomes clear that the attacker is Ghoul. They sit on top of the spasming body, eating it.
Sam struggles to sit up and holds his stomach. A splatter of blood decorates his face.
Sam
(weakly)
G... Ghoul? What are you doing here?
 
Ghoul looks up at Sam with blood covering their face, and dripping from their mouth.
They spit out the piece of meat they were working on, and crawl on all fours toward him, their gaze intense and frenzied.
Sam
You killed that guy.
Sam is frozen in place, and his shoulders tremble.
Ghoul
No, I didn't.
Ghoul reaches out to wipe some blood off of Sam's face and he shivers under their touch. He doesn't look Ghoul in the eye. His voice shakes.
Sam
Please don’t kill me.
27.
Ghoul
(dejected)
I wouldn't.
Sam gazes, terrified, at the massacre.
SAM
You eat people.
GHOUL
No, I don't.
Sam
(breathless)
What are you?
Ghoul takes a seat on the sidewalk in front of Sam. They begin clawing at their own skin, their movements only becoming more violent as they speak, and their eyes wild like an untamed beast.
GhoUL
Please don’t tell anyone. It’s not my fault, I was born like this. I hate it, I hate myself. And I hate my mom. It’s her fault I’m like this. She wishes I was never born, well so do I. But it’s fine, tomorrow everything can go back to normal. We can just put this all behind us, and keep going to parties together. Can you please just forget about tonight? My family has money, I’ll make it go away, I promise.
They pause, and look at the blood all around them.
GHOUL
I’m just making it worse.
Sam lights a cigarette while Ghoul talks, and takes deep, anxious drags.
GHoul
You were so funny, and you were nice to me. Everyone at school thinks I'm pathetic. You made me feel alive. I wanted to be special, and I thought I could protect you, but… you’re okay now, so it’s over. I’ll just call my mom. Just go, I won’t chase after you, you’ll never have to see me again.
(MORE)
28.
GHOUL  (CONT'D)
I’m sorry you met me.
 
Quiet for a moment, while Ghoul trembles and Sam finishes his cigarette. Both of their voices shake, they’re both tattered and breathing heavy, still reeling from the massacre.
SAM
This is probably the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me.
GHOUL
What?
SAM
I know it’s insane, I just can’t help but feel happy. No one’s ever cared about me before.
Ghoul relaxes a bit, and the fire in the eyes calms. Sam lights another cigarette.
GHOUL
You don’t hate me?
SAM
No, I… I don’t.
Sam holds out the cigarette for Ghoul to take. Ghoul looks at him like a wounded puppy, nervous to accept the gesture. Ghoul grabs it carefully, and takes a drag.
GHOUL
Thank you...
When Ghoul hands the cigarette back, Sam notes the red ring on the filter. He smiles down at it, then places it on his lips and takes another puff.
SAM
Do you have to eat people? Like, if I come over for dinner, do you guys only serve human?
GHOUL
N- No, we eat normal food. But you might not like it, my mom only makes bland Chinese food.
SAM
I love Chinese food.
29.
GHOUL
Then I guess we can have dinner at my house.
They both chuckle dryly.
Ghoul
I’m so relieved. I can’t believe you don't hate me. You’re the only one…
SAM
I’m used to crazy stuff happening to me. This is just the first time anyone protected me.
The two stare out into the suburban night, lit by streetlight and bathed in blood. A cool breeze rustles the trees.
GHOUL
I guess I should call my mom, before someone sees. But after…
They pull out their phone, and start to dial their mom.
GHOUL
You’re gonna have to tell me how you got the name “Wombo”.
Int. Ghoul's mom's car - later
26
26
Ghoul, Sam, and Ghoul's mom sit in silence her sedan. Ghoul's mom looks angry, and she white knuckles the steering wheel, focusing on the darkly lit road. The teens sit in the back, and look clean of any blood. Ghoul and Sam sway back and forth with every bump in the road, while they stare out the windows, their hands touching in the center seat.
Ext. Ghoul's mom's car - continuous
27
27
A stream of blood drips down the back of the car from the trunk.
The car drives off into the warm night.
END