It is just before dusk on a day toward the end of summer. It is warm and humid. A car is parked in the parking lot of MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK. The sun is going down as two teen girls climb out of the car.
AVA
(hesitating, standing with passenger door open, looking around)
Are you sure this is a good idea, SKY? The park’s closed, there’s no one here.
SKYlAR
(putting on backpack)
Of course I’m sure.
(looks at AVA across roof of car)
That’s what makes this the best time to come.
SKYLAR closes the driver’s side door and walks around to Ava’s side of the car.
AVA
And why is this the best time to come?
(frowns at SKYLAR)
SKYLAR
Because there is no one here, now let’s go. The trail is this way.
AVA grabs her own backpack before shutting the passenger side door and following Skylar.
Both girls walk toward a CHAIN-LINK FENCE that is blocking off the entrance to the park. Beyond are multiple trails leading off into the distance.
SKYLAR
Here, hold this.
(tosses her back pack to AVA)
Keep a look out and toss both bags over when I get to the other side.
AVA
(fumbling with bag)
A look out? I thought you said there was no one here?!?!
SKYLAR begins to climb the fence, it rattles
SKYLAR
There isn’t. But I’m sure the police keep an eye out for people trying to break into the park.
AVA
Police?!?! You said we wouldn’t get caught, SKY!
SKYLAR
Relax, no one is going to find out about this.
(SKYLAR jumps down to the ground on the other side of the fence. She stairs AVA in the eyes, a daring look on her face.)
Are you coming or am I going to be the only one with a great story to tell?
AVA hesitates for a moment, visibly thinking about the situation.
AVA takes a step backward and swings SKYLAR’S BACKPACK up and over the fence. She then takes off her own bag and swings that one over as well.
AVA
(beginning to climb, fence rattling)
Alright but if we get caught, I’m deaf and you don’t speak English.
After AVA gets to the other side of the fence, both girls put on their backpacks. They take a moment to adjust them before turning toward the trails in front of them.
AVA
Do you remember which trail it is?
SKYLAR
Oh, I don’t know, maybe the one that says “To water” on it?
(Motions to the trail sign)
AVA
(smacking SKYLAR on the shoulder with her hand)
Smartass.
Both girls head toward the trail, SKYLAR slightly ahead.
Just before stepping on to the trail, SKYLAR stops walking but AVA keeps going for a few feet before turning back to look at her friend.
AVA
What? Did you see something?
SKYLAR
(shaking her head)
No. I was just thinking about how if this where a movie, all of the possibilities for our future would be represented by each of the different paths.
SKYLAR continues walking down the path. As she walks by, AVA smiles and follows her.
AVA
I never took you for the sentimental type.
SKYLAR
Yeah well I am, but if you tell anyone I just might have to kill you.
The girls walk in silence down the trail for a few minutes before starting a new conversation.
As they walk down the trail, they begin KICKING A ROCK down the path.
AVA
Do you think we are ready for college?
SKYLAR
(kicking rock)
AVA, if anyone is ready for college its you. The question you should be asking is whether or not college is ready for us.
AVA smiles at the ground before kicking the ROCK again.
AVA
You’re sweet. But what if my roommates and I don’t get along?
SKYLAR shrugs and continues kicking the rock down the road.
SKYLAR
Well that’s their loss. You’re a great person and there is no way they won’t like you. Do you have your classes yet?
AVA
(Shaking her head)
No, not yet. I don’t register until I get up there.
SKYLAR
Oh, you’ll be fine AVES. Once you get your schedule all your stress will go away.
AVA
Yeah that’s what everyone keeps telling me.
AVA accidentally kicks the rock into the bushes. The two girls continue walking in silence.
AVA
Did you ever finish FRIENDS?
SKYLAR
No, just couldn’t get into it. I feel like that makes me a bad person or something because everyone else is like in love with the show.
AVA
Eh, that’s okay its not for everyone. But you know who PHOEBE is right?
SKYLAR
Yeah, she’s pretty funny. I did like her. I think she was my favorite part of the whole show.
AVA
(smiling)
Yeah, she’s always a bright point. You remind me a lot of her. What am I going to do when I don’t get to see my “PHOEBE” everyday?
SKYLAR
(smiling back)
I don’t know, we will have to figure it out.
The girls keep walking until they reach an open clearing at the top of a CLIFF. The CLIFF is about 40 feet above the water below.
The sun is about ten minutes away from setting completely.
Both girls stop and admire the view. Both of them drink from WATER BOTTLES they take from their BACKPACKS.
AVA
This is beautiful. I’m glad we made it before the sunset.
SKYLAR
Yeah, me too. Oh! I almost forgot!
SKYLAR reaches into her BACKPACK and pulls out a POLAROID CAMERA.
SKYLAR
I want proof of our last adventure before college.
AVA
You’re a genius! Will you take one for me too?
SKYLAR
Of course!
The girls pose and quickly snap two pictures. They wait patiently for them to develop, drinking from their WATER BOTTLES before looking.
SKYLAR
(looking at the pictures)
Oh My God! Your face!
AVA
(smiling)
I told you I’m not very photogenic.
(pauses)
We should make this a tradition.
Skylar begins tucking the photos and CAMERA into her BACKPACK.
SKYLAR
What do you mean? Like every year before we go back to school?
AVA
Yeah, and maybe even after that. We could come before all the major events in our life.
SKYLAR
That would be so cute! Maybe one day we could bring our kids here!
AVA
I’m going to hold you to that. You ready to do this?
SKYLAR
(taking a deep breath)
yeah.
Both girls set down their BACKPACKS. They begin removing their shoes and clothes, revealing SWIMSUITS underneath.
SKYLAR takes a moment to tie her hair up in a bun while AVA braids her hair.
When they finish getting ready, both girls move their backpacks over to a rock away from the edge of the cliff.
They stand next to each other looking out over the water.
SKYLAR
You sure you want to do this?
AVA
Really? After all the crap you gave me you’re going to back out now
SKYLAR
(smiling)
Of course not, I’m just making sure you’re serious about doing this.
AVA
(offering her hand to SKYLAR)
We’ll go together
SKYLAR takes AVA’s hand. AVA swings her hand back and forth, silently counting to three. When she reaches three, both girls sprint toward the edge of the cliff and jump, plummeting into the water.
SPLASH.
Ripples can be seen where they entered the water.
