Screenplay - Marie

Marie Meisner introduces her original screenplay, set at Ashburn University. The story follows twins Charlotte and Eddie as they navigate college life, their close bond, and the uncertainties of the future. The opening scene sets the stage with a description of the university campus. The twins interact with friends, attend classes, and celebrate their birthday together. They discuss their plans for the future and the possibility of being apart after graduation. The montage showcases their daily activities and their strong relationship. The dialogue in the dining hall highlights Charlotte's busy schedule and Eddie's support for her. They reaffirm their commitment to each other and their family. Hi, my name is Marie Meisner, and you're listening to the first 10 pages of my original screenplay. Exterior, Ashburn University, late afternoon. The opening credits appear over the landscape of a New England college campus. The campus is old-fashioned and rustic with brick buildings. It fits right in with the air of an early fall afternoon, timelessly, in a way. The heart of Ashburn University is Harding Hall, an age-old building situated in the middle of campus with a quad in front and courtyard in the back. Dorothea by Taylor Swift plays as groups of students rush inside, outside, and along the Harding Hall grounds. Twins Charlotte and Eddie Thompson walk down the stairs and past the Harding Hall quad. They are engaged in conversation with one another. Charlotte is wearing a clean corduroy dress over a white top and a burgundy backpack. Eddie is wearing an old track t-shirt and athletic shorts with a sports backpack slung over one shoulder. His curls are untamed and his shoes are untied, presenting a stark contrast to his sister's slick ponytail. Though the two appear to be polar opposites, they share the same energy and drive in their eyes that got them to where they are today. Charlotte and Eddie pass a group of girls sitting on blankets arranged in a circle on the lawn of the quad. They are each holding a book in their hand. When they notice Charlotte walking by, they wave hello. Charlotte smiles and waves back. What book is it this week? The Secret History. Oh, that's a good one. I'm sorry I couldn't make it this week. Oh, no worries. Don't stress out about it. Thanks. Save a good one for me. As the books help girls laugh, Eddie and Charlotte keep walking. They are soon stopped by Connor, one of Eddie's cross-country teammates. Eddie and Connor participate in an elaborate bro handshake. Eddie. Hey. Ready for the race this weekend? You bet, man. Listen, I realize I forgot my water bottle and I'm running down to grab it, but if I end up being late, can you cover for me? Of course. Thanks, man. You're the best. Connor runs off. Charlotte suddenly gets a call on her phone. Hello? Oh, my gosh, yes. I'll be there in five minutes. Charlotte exhales and turns to Eddie. I'm so sorry. I've got to run. Something came up with student council. It's okay. I've got practice in a minute anyway. Still on for tonight? Of course I am. I've got it saved in my calendar since our last birthday. Eddie smiles. Just text me when you get there. Sounds good. See you tonight, Ed. See you tonight, Charlotte. Students' paths diverge and they walk their separate ways. Dorothea cuts out. Display. Petal card. Interior. Eddie's apartment. Night. Eddie's apartment, consisting of a small kitchen area, kitchen island, and social space, is decorated with streamers, balloons, and a happy birthday banner. Charlotte admires these decorations as she walks in. This is nice. Did you do this? No. The roommate did. That's sweet of them. I got the goods, though. As promised. He opens the fridge and pulls out two cupcakes in individual plastic containers. One chocolate and one red velvet? Charlotte smiles as she takes the red velvet cupcake. You are the only person on the planet who will willingly eat a chocolate cupcake. Hey, at least they sell chocolate cupcakes at the shop and shop. They wouldn't have them if they weren't good. They have to sell them. It's a classic flavor. Exactly. It's a classic. Did you get the candles, too? Oh, yeah. Should be on the counter. Charlotte moves to the counter for a plastic bag set. She pulls out two two-shaped candles. She pauses and turns to Eddie with a raised eyebrow. You do know how old we are, don't you? They didn't have 22-shaped candles, so this was the next best thing they had. They'll probably fit better on the cupcake anyway. All right. Charlotte opens one of the candles and passes the other to Eddie. Sitting at the kitchen island, they light their candles together. Charlotte stops abruptly and turns to Eddie. She watches him light his own candle. Do you think we'll be able to do this next year? Eddie turns around. What? I don't know. I've just been thinking. I know we apply to the same jobs in the same area, but we'll really have no clue where we'll end up after graduation. What? Charlotte Thompson doesn't have her 50-year plan all mapped out? Shut up. You know I don't. Sorry. I see what you mean. We've never spent a birthday apart. But I think the best we can do is not worry about it right now. When the spring rolls around, whatever happens, happens. FaceTime and public transportation exist for a reason, right? Yeah. Thanks, Eddie. And I'm sorry. It's just weird to think about. I don't know what I would do without you. You don't have to apologize. I get it. I don't know what I'd do without you, too. Truly. Eddie pauses, letting the weight of the words sink in. You know what? Why don't we make our wish together this year, just in case? Let's wish for new opportunities, unforgettable memories, and great friends. Charlotte nods, smiling wide. Let's do that. She extends the arm holding her cupcake, candle-lit, as if making a toast. Eddie does the same. Happy birthday, Eddie. Happy birthday, Charlotte. To 22 and beyond, wherever that may take us. Charlotte and Eddie close their eyes and blow out their candles in unison. Begin montage. Exterior, Eddie's apartment, day. Charlotte, bright-eyed, knocks on the door of Eddie's apartment. She's wearing a plain t-shirt and plaid skirt with a stack of books in her arms. Eddie, dressed in a variation of what he wore the day before, opens the door with a tired smile. Charlotte smiles back. Interior, coffee shop, day. Charlotte and Eddie wait in a busy line for coffee. They both order large coffees. With a smile, they pick up their coffees. Thank you. Have a nice day. Interior, McFadden Hall, day. Charlotte and Eddie walk to class. Along the way, Charlotte says hi to professors, and Eddie is greeted with handshakes from more of his friends. They stop at classrooms next to each other and wave goodbye to each other. See ya, Ed. Have fun. Later, Charlotte. Exterior, Ashburn University, day. Charlotte and Eddie walk through the campus grounds after class. It is a warm and blustery day. They are laughing together. End montage. Interior, dining hall, day. Charlotte and Eddie are seated at a small table in the back of Ashburn's only dining hall. Eddie has a stack of pancakes on his plate, while Charlotte has an omelet and fruit bowl. Then, I'm going to have to sprint from Keelan to Parker for my student government meeting at 9. Elections are on Monday, and I've got to have everything in order before then. And this is just on Thursday? Yes. My application to be editor-in-chief is due the next day, though, so I'm a little worried about getting that done in time. A little? Charlotte, you know you're not supposed to fill all 24 hours in a day, right? This is bananas. There's a banana on Charlotte's plate. Her eyes dart over to it briefly with a raised eyebrow. I know, I know. I just didn't expect everything to pick up so quickly this year. It's not too late to cut down on some things. My resume might think otherwise. Oh, come on. No offense, but do you really need to be a part of the Alumni Association Board or whatever? It's all about the connections. Eddie sighs heavily and starts over. Okay, at least tell me you can make dinner this Saturday with Mom and Dad. There's no way you have something then. After your cross-country meet at noon? Of course, I'll be there. I wouldn't miss either of those for the world. You know that, right? I'm sorry. It's okay. No, I know I can kind of be all over the place with everything, but I want you to know that I'm here for you first. And Mom and Dad. A resume can't bring me a brother, or game nights, or messy Thanksgiving dinners, or trips to Maine, or... Eddie's bright smile stops Charlotte in her tracks. She exhales, content. I understand. And thank you. The twins share another heartfelt smile.