Noise

Long, but I think the overall story is worth it.

INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE- MORNING

The family is sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. Beatrice storms through, late for school.

DAD

Honey! Come eat some breakfast.

BEATRICE

I'm late, Dad. I don't have time!

DAD

You'll be hungry all day. At least grab something to bring with you.

BEATRICE

Fine. Oh, and mom? I won't be coming home today after school. I'm going out.

Her mother stands up and hands Beatrice a brown paper bag lunch and a bagel.

MOM

Where? With who? Why didn't you ask first? Just because you are seventeen now doesn't- BEATRICE

MOM! I'll be with Charlie and Alex! The only people I ever spend Friday night with? We are going over Alex's house and I'll be sleeping in Alice's room as I do every weekend!

MOM

Well... just be home early tomorrow. We have some housework to get done and-

BEATRICE

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I have to get going. Love you guys!

MOM and DAD

Love you too. Be safe!

BEATRICE

And see you later, Mucus!

BROTHER

See you, beeswax!

CUT TO

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL- MORNING

Beatrice, Alex, and Alice are sitting on a bench, eating breakfast. Alice is doing homework.

ALICE

Math is the worst.

ALEX

Chemistry is worse.

BEATRICE

School is the worst.

They all laugh.

ALEX

You ready for tonight, Bea?

BEATRICE

Of course! Are we going out?

Charlie appears from behind, having walked over from the parking lot.

CHARLIE

We aren't going anywhere. Everyone is coming to us! Alex's parents are out of town.

BEATRICE

We are throwing a party?

ALEX

Oh, yeah!

Alex and Charlie high-five.

BEATRICE

Are you staying for it, Alice?

ALICE

No, I'm going to Mark's dorm for the night.

BEATRICE

Is someone going to tell me who Mark is?

ALEX

That is Al's new boyfriend. He's in college. She's too good for high school boys, apparently.

ALICE

High School boys are hormone-driven, drooling savages who can only focus on one thing. And we all know what that one thing is.

CHARLIE

Oh, yeah, because this Mark guy is so mature.

ALICE

Mark is intelligent, sensitive, and caring.

ALEX

Mark is a freshman in college. He is only a year older than us.

ALICE

And a year wiser. I'm going to class. I have to talk to Mr. Kent. He gave me a B on an assignment I clearly deserve an A on.

CHARLIE

And just how are you going to change your grade?

ALICE

Oh, I'll convince him.

Alice winks and leaves the courtyard with everyone laughing behind her.

ALEX

What are we going to do with her?

BEATRICE

For twins, you guys are so different.

CUT TO

AFTER SCHOOL

INT. ALEX'S CAR- AFTERNOON

Alex is driving, Charlie is messing with the radio, and Beatrice is texting and calling people.

CHARLIE

Bea, did you invite Missy?

BEATRICE

Duh!

CHARLIE

What about Jamie?

BEATRICE

Charlie, I'm inviting everyone.

ALEX

This party is going to be EPIC!

Randomly, Charlie interjects.

CHARLIE

Did you guys take that weird survey? About dealing with clinically insane people?

BEATRICE

Yeah! That was weird.

ALEX

Who cares? We take weird surveys and tests all the time! Lets focus on this kick-a*s party!

CUT TO

INT. ALEX'S HOUSE- AFTERNOON

ALEX

My Mom and Dad already split. They are going to be gone until Sunday. You guys will help me clean up tomorrow, right?

BEATRICE

I will, but I have to leave by noon.

CHARLIE

I'm available all day.

ALEX

Good! Let's get everything set up.

Everyone runs around to set up cups and food. Alex calls for pizza, and Charlie calls an unnamed “friend” for alcohol.

BEATRICE

That is a lot of alcohol...

ALEX

There is going to be a lot of people, Bea, if you don't want to do this, you can leave. I know your last party wasn’t the best.

Beatrice cringes.

BEATRICE

It won’t be like that.

Doorbell rings, Charlie opens the door and a few people come in. At this point, it is already evening. The music starts, and everyone lightens up.

CHARLIE

This party has officially started!

CUT TO

INT. ALEX'S HOUSE- NIGHT

The music is loud and there are many drunk high school students. People are everywhere and the house is trashed. Beatrice is talking to a man that is dressed like a high school student, but the clothes are overcompensated. He appeared to be in his 30s, but she is too drunk to notice.

MAN

Beatrice, where are your friends. Alex and Charlie?

BEATRICE

They are... somewhere. This is a party! I can't keep track! Why do you need them?

Beatrice is slurring her words and the man is stiff and acting strangely. Like he was being rushed.

MAN

Well, I... uh... wanted to take a picture of you three together!

BEATRICE

Why?

MAN

To celebrate this awesome party!

BEATRICE

What did you say your name was?

MAN

I'm uh... Matt. From your math class.

BEATRICE

There is no Matt in my math class.

MAN

I'm new.

BEATRICE

Oh! Welcome, New Matt! How are you liking Artesia High School?

MAN

Never mind that! Let us find your friends and take this picture!

Beatrice looks skeptical. She looks at the man and furrows her brow.

BEATRICE

But you don't have a camera.

MAN

That is because it is in my car.

Beatrice, convinced, takes the man around the house until Alex is found playing beer pong, and Charlie is found strumming his guitar to a group of drunk girls. Beatrice explains what is going on and the two, even more drunk than her, go along without question without a bit of hesitation.

CUT TO

EXT. ALEX'S HOUSE; IN FRONT OF MAN'S CAR- NIGHT

MAN

Where is that darned camera?! Will you three check the back seat for me?

The car is black and looks like a government issue. The plate only has 3 characters on it. Beatrice, Charlie, and Alex climb in and start looking around. When they get in, the doors slam shut and the car starts. The three freak out and look for a way out, but there are no handles on the inside. There is a chain-link divider between the back seats and the front.

ALEX

What the hell is going on?!

MAN

Calm down. You three will be fine. We are just taking you out of that house. That party is getting dangerous! Just sit back. It isn't as if you really have a choice.

The man and the driver laugh. Suddenly, robotic like arms reach out and pull the three teenagers back. They are strapped into their chairs and are restricted. They all struggle.

MAN

Don't struggle. It will only make the grip tighter. Just listen. We are going to be seeing you again. But, you'll be alone for a little while. I don't know why I'm saying this. You won't remember it in a few seconds.

BEATRICE

What?! Why would I forget it? Who the hell are you?

MAN

Shut up, little girl! Don't give me attitude.

Beatrice swears at the man and spits through the chain-link divider.

MAN

That's it!

The Man presses a button and a glass divider goes up between the three and their kidnappers. The three look at each other for help and suddenly a thick white cloud comes through the back seat.

BEATRICE

What is this stuff?! I can't breathe!

CHARLIE

Don't breathe it in!

It was impossible to avoid. Soon the entire back seat was filled with the white gas, and 3 passed out teenagers.

MAN

You three are destined for greatness. I hope your tests were accurate.

CUT TO

EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD- EARLY MORNING

Coughs explode from Charlie's lungs as he awakes from what feels like days of sleep. Charlie looks around and sees Beatrice and Alex across the road asleep, but they looked as if they were dead. Charlie runs over and checks their pulses.

CHARLIE

Oh, thank god, they are alive.

Charlie checks his surroundings and realizes they are about a mile outside of town. On the highway. The highway is completely empty.

CHARLIE

Where are all the cars? What the hell is going on?

Charlie wakes the other two up and points out the lack of cars.

ALEX

This is really freaking creepy guys. We should head back into town and check it out. Why would there be no traffic?

BEATRICE

I don't know.

Beatrice notices her headache and stomachache.

CHARLIE

Are you feeling alright, Bea?

BEATRICE

No. But I will when we get back to town and figure out what is wrong.

The three set off towards their hometown, Artesia.

CUT TO

EXT ENTERING TOWN- EARLY MORNING

The few houses the friends pass look deserted, but the three attribute this to the time of morning.

ALEX

We are almost there. How are you holding up, Beatrice?

BEATRICE

I'm alright. I'll be fine.

They come across the school. The closest thing to the highway. The school is empty. No custodians cleaning, no sport teams practicing, nobody in sight.

CHARLIE

Well it is Saturday. Or is it? Holy crap. What happened to us? How did we get to the edge of town? What happened last night?!

It hits them all at once.

ALEX

I don't remember!

BEATRICE

This is scary. Why can't we remember anything?!

CHARLIE

It is OK, Bea. We will go to your house and see if your parents are there. I'm sure they are. Neither of them work on Saturday. Except, maybe we should clean up a bit.

It was then that they all looked at themselves and realized they really did look like they slept on the side of the road.

BEATRICE

I can't take any more of this. I'll explain as much as I can to my parents when we get to my house. I'll call and say we are on our way. Wait. Where is my phone?! I must have left it at your house, Alex. Can I use one of yours?

Alex and Charlie both check their pockets. Neither have their own cell phone.

CHARLIE

Alright. This is officially too creepy for me to handle. The sooner we get to your house, the better.

CUT TO

INT. BEATRICE'S HOUSE- MORNING

The three get in the house and call out to Beatrice's parents. There is no response.

BEATRICE

Let's check upstairs. They have to be here. I didn't see a note saying they left.

After a thorough investigation of the house, they discover that they truly aren't there. Beatrice begins to cry.

CHARLIE

Bea, it is alright! We'll find them!

Charlie pulls Beatrice into a long hug. Alex comes downstairs with a purse and a wallet in his hands.

ALEX

Would your parents voluntarily leave the house without these?

CUT TO

EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE (NEXT DOOR)- MORNING

Charlie emerges from his house with a grim expression.

CHARLIE

They aren't there. And nothing is out of place. It looks like it did when I left yesterday morning.

ALEX

We will try my house. Maybe they are all there because they found out about the party.

CHARLIE

I hope so. I'd rather be in trouble for throwing a party then have my parents missing.

The other two grimly agreed.

CUT TO

INT. ALEX'S HOUSE- MORNING

ALEX

WHAT THE HELL!? They aren't here! All those houses we passed, and no one is home. The bank and the post office were both empty. The school and the grocery store, deserted! What is going on is this supposed to be a prank?! WELL IT ISN'T FUNNY.

Alex searches the entire house and starts to have a panic attack over his family’s disappearance. He throws things. The damage wouldn't be noticeable because of the mess from the party. Red cups liter the room, and the stereo looks destroyed. There are spills and food thrown throughout.

BEATRICE

Alex, stop. There is no need to freak out like this. Look, I'm worried too, but we have to pull together. Figure things out. But I think you need to lay down. Take a nap. Then we can pack up some stuff and look around town. Figure this out.

Suddenly, Beatrice remembered something.

BEATRICE

Hey! Do you guys remember that guy? He said we would be alone for a while. Why did he say that?

Both boys shake their head.

BEATRICE

Never mind. I’m hungry.

ALEX

Typical Beatrice.

Alex goes up to his room and sleeps. Beatrice and Charlie eat some left-overs out of the refrigerator.

CHARLIE

Why is the fridge off? Its plugged in.

BEATRICE

All the lights are off too. Maybe the power is off.

To calm their nerves, Beatrice and Charlie begin to clean up the house.

BEATRICE

So what do you think is going on?

CHARLIE

I have a few theories. But I can't tell if they are plausible or it is just my science fiction geek coming out.

BEATRICE

I think everyone is gone.

CHARLIE

Gone?

BEATRICE

As in missing. Gone. Disappeared.

The two let that set in.

CHARLIE

You're so detached from this.

BEATRICE

Because I can't change it. At this point, I just want to know what has happened. Let's check his neighbors' houses for signs of people.

CUT TO

INT. ALICE’S ROOM- MORNING

Alex sits on his sister’s bed and speaks to himself.

ALEX

Oh, Alice. I miss you so much. I’m not much without my other half. My twin. I’d give anything for you to be here with me.

He begins to sob.

CUT TO

INT. ALEX’S HOUSE

Charlie and Beatrice leave a note for Alex about what they are doing and set out to walk around town and discover what has happened. As they roam around, they find no sign of life. They return to Alex's house and sit on the couch.

CHARLIE

This feels like the apocalypse. Everyone gone and the power is all out. But what apocalypse happens in one night?

BEATRICE

I don't know. This is all so crazy. If it really was the apocalypse, there would be no one in the world. And I don't think we'll be able to check the whole world.

CHARLIE

Me either. I think we will only be able to check out this town. Traveling much further will be dangerous. We could get lost or stuck.

BEATRICE

We should focus on figuring out what happened. If there really is no help, we need to help ourselves.

CHARLIE

Bea, there is something I want to tell you.. it is impor-

Alex comes down stairs and cuts Charlie off.

ALEX

Bea, Charlie, what is going on? Are you guys like having a meeting without me or something?

Alex's eyes are red and puffy as if he was crying.

BEATRICE

Uh... no. Why would you assume that? We were just letting you sleep.

ALEX

And why is the house so clean?

CHARLIE

We cleaned it. We wanted to calm our nerves. Look, Alex. We want to talk to you about what we found and what we are thinking is going on.

ALEX

After I get food.

Alex leaves quickly and Charlie and Beatrice share confused glances.

BEATRICE

What is his problem?

CUT TO

INT. ALEX'S HOUSE- NIGHT

BEATRICE

Charlie and I looked around town a bit further and found absolutely no one. No sign of forced removal. No sign of anything. It is like everyone just disappeared.

CHARLIE

And we think that is because they did.

ALEX

So you are making decisions without me now?

CHARLIE

No, dude. We are just telling you what we think. We think if we stay here, eventually someone will come back. Or... or... I don't know. Something will happen. But I think it is best that we all stay here and live together in one of our houses.

ALEX

Well, I think I should have a say in this. What if I don't want to stay? What if I want to leave? Bea, will you go with me?

Beatrice and Charlie are shocked.

BEATRICE

No, Alex. I won't.

ALEX

Fine, I’ll go alone.

CUT TO

EXT TOWN- NIGHT

Alex is walking around by himself. Delusional, he begins to talk to himself.

ALEX

Stay here, my a*s! Why the hell would we stay here when we could find our family?! Alice is probably beside herself! Alice. Oh, Alice! ALICE!

Frantically, Alex calls for his long-lost twin. He yells until his voice is gone. When he can’t yell any longer, he goes quiet. Then, a noise sounds from the darkness.

ALEX

What was that? Who is there? ALICE?

With no response, he gets angry.

ALEX

Who do you think you are!?

The noise goes from distant and meaningless, to near and menacing.

ALEX

Holy s**t!

Alex turns and runs back as quickly as he can.

CUT TO

INT. ALEX’S HOUSE- NIGHT

Alex runs into the room and Bea and Charlie look up, surprised. Alex runs over to Charlie and grabs him by the neck.

ALEX

What is your problem, man?! Why did you send me out there? Are you trying to kill me?!

Charlie, clearly confused, can barely choke out a response.

CHARLIE

What are you talking about?!

ALEX

Like you don’t know! You sent me out there alone, without and protection. You didn’t even warn me!

CHARLIE

Warn you about what?!

Charlie’s surprise showed Alex that he meant no harm. Alex loosens his grip. The boys look at Beatrice. The whole time she had been silently crying.

ALEX

Bea!

Alex looks over at Beatrice, who is as pale as a ghost.

BEATRICE

WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?! We are your best friends! We would never try to hurt you.

ALEX

I’m sorry! I honestly thought… You don’t know what it was like out there.

BEATRICE

Well enlighten us!

Alex pauses.

ALEX

Maybe we should all sit down.

CHARLIE

Just tell us.

ALEX

You aren’t going to believe me…

Alex takes a deep breath and describes the Noise.

ALEX

Everything was fine until I got about a mile away. It was faint and I thought it was wind. Or an animal. But then I thought… all day we have been here and there hasn’t been a single animal. Which is weird. Don’t you think? Anyway…by the time I got to the old playground… you know. That one where you lost your first tooth? Well, I sat on that very same swing, and I leaned back. I thought about Alice. And I got really worried. So I thought to call for her. Nothing can hurt at this point, right? So I called her name and I got real messed up. I was screaming and yelling… I was afraid to go into one of my infamous fits. I got real scared. Anyway… eventually, after all that yelling, my voice couldn’t yell anymore! It was like there was a switch that was flicked, and I just stopped. As soon as I stopped, I could hear it again. But louder. Like I was getting closer to it. It sounded like a symphony of noises. Not one scary noise but a million. All blended together into a melody. It was beautifully terrifying! There were screeches on top of booms and yells mixed with howls. I’ve never been so afraid in my life. My stomach was churning and my mind was reeling! I'm lucky I found my way home!

The look on Beatrice and Charlie’s faces stop Alex dead. He inhales deeply. Then, everyone is silent for a while. Beatrice interrupts the quiet.

BEATRICE

This is real.

This realization hits home. Everyone is quiet again. After a few minutes, Charlie speaks up.

CHARLIE

Maybe we should all sleep on this. Talk about it tomorrow. We’ll stay here for the night.

CUT TO

INT. ALICE’S ROOM- MORNING

Beatrice wakes slowly with the faint memory of her dream about Alice.

BEATRICE

Good morning, Alice. Thank you for letting me sleep in your room. I guess I told my parents the truth about where I’d be sleeping. And only a day late.

CUT TO

INT. KITCHEN- MORNING

BEATRICE

I might as well clean this up. Especially if the fridge isn’t working.

Beatrice cleans out the fridge and salvages what they can to eat. Alex comes downstairs fully dressed wearing a knapsack.

BEATRICE

What is in the bag?

ALEX

Supplies.

BEATRICE

For?

ALEX

An adventure. Want to go? I promise we’ll come back.

He asks with the most inviting smile, and Beatrice can’t resist.

BEATRICE

Actually, yes.

CUT TO

EXT. THE PLAYGROUND- MIDDAY

Beatrice and Alex are standing on a sidewalk with bags full of supplies. They look around, and then back at each other.

BEATRICE

It is so quiet. Silent, actually. I’ve have never heard so little in this park. No animals. Just the wind. This is so surreal.

ALEX

The noise is gone. Why can’t I hear it? I was sitting right here. On this swing. Screaming to Alice.

BEATRICE

Maybe you hurt your ears with all the yelling. Maybe your head was just spinning.

ALEX

I’m NOT crazy! I heard it and I know it was real. There is no way you can fake that!

BEATRICE

It is OK! Maybe we are wrong about there being no animals. Maybe that is what it is! Either way, we will figure it out.

ALEX

It isn’t a noise that suits the day.

BEATRICE

What do you mean?

ALEX

I don’t know. I just can’t imagine that happening when the sun is out and shining. It would be unnatural.

BEATRICE

So you’re saying- that whatever you heard- was natural?

ALEX

I don’t know. Maybe yes.

BEATRICE

Maybe we should go back.

Alex turns and pulls something out of his bag. A basket.

ALEX

But after our picnic!

BEATRICE

Picnic?

ALEX

Yeah, just for us.

BEATRICE

Well, there aren’t many other people to invite.

ALEX

Except for Charlie.

BEATRICE

Why do you say it like that?

ALEX

Like what?

BEATRICE

Like you’re completely disgusted that he is stranded here with us.

ALEX

I don’t know.

The confusion in his voice makes them stop talking. They eat quietly and enjoy the sunset at the edge of a small pond. After, they walk back to the swing set.

CUT TO

EXT. THE SWING SET- EVENING

They sit on the swings and think about their childhood.

BEATRICE

Oh, do you remember when you pushed Jane off of the merry-go-round? Because you-

BOTH

“Had to have it all to myself so I can launch into inner-space because outer-space is overrated!”

ALEX

Yes! I’m pretty sure I knocked her tooth out.

BEATRICE

Her mom was going to kill you! And then she moved to… Minnesota! Oh, my… who moves to Minnesota?! That has to be a big change from California!

ALEX

I know! I saw her last year. She came to visit her… er… better friends. She looks… well, some people develop well. Others don’t.

BEATRICE

She was so mean! She deserves it!

They laugh hysterically.

ALEX

Remember when Joe told Alice he loved her? And she told him: “Talk to me when you stop using pull-ups...”

BEATRICE

YES! The poor kid was in middle school! He is only 4 years younger than us, too.

ALEX

Joey has been rejected by Alice like ten times!

BEATRICE

Oh, I miss them.

The sadness silences them momentarily. Then, they hear it.

ALEX

There it is.

Beatrice is silent with her eyes closed. She listens intently. Then her eyes fly open in shock.

ALEX

Do you hear it?

Beatrice stays silent. She begins to shake.

ALEX

Bea…? Beatrice…?

Suddenly a scream rips itself from Beatrice’s throat.

ALEX

Are you alright?

She doesn’t stop screaming. Her face begins to turn red. And then purple. Alex picks her up like a child and runs for his life.

CUT TO

INT. ALEX’S HOUSE

Alex bursts through the door, still carrying Beatrice who is still screaming. Charlie looks up from the couch with surprise. He makes room for her on the couch and Alex sets her down. The two boys sit with her. Charlie rubs her back and Alex pulls a blanket over her shuddering body.

CHARLIE

What is going on?!

ALEX

I don’t know! We were outside…

He stops short and allows her to let it all out. After about 5 minutes, the screams subside, and the tears roll slowly and silently. Then, she falls unconscious.

CUT TO

INT. ALICE'S BEDROOM

The boys sit on either side of Beatrice as she sleeps. They speak softly about what happened when Alex and Beatrice were outside.

CHARLIE

Noise?

ALEX

Yes.

CHARLIE

I don’t see how this noise could have scared her that badly.

ALEX

You don't understand. You haven't heard the noise. It is a combination of every creepy or scary noise that could possibly be made.

CHARLIE

Then why can’t I hear it right now?

ALEX

Hmmm… I don’t know. But the closer I got here, the quieter it became. Maybe it is just in the park. I can’t hear it anymore.

CHARLIE

That sounds ridiculous. You know that, right?

ALEX

Yes. You are just going to have to believe me.

Charlie gives Alex a steady look.

CHARLIE

I do.

Just then, Beatrice stirs.

ALEX

I think she is waking up!

CHARLIE

Bea, honey. Are you alright?

Charlie rubs Beatrice's head. She sits up and opens her eyes wide.

BEATRICE

No. My head. It hurts. Like a migraine.

CHARLIE

Lay back down. You don't need to get up quite yet.

ALEX

I'll go get ibuprofen.

BEATRICE

Please.

Alex leaves and Beatrice takes a deep breath.

BEATRICE

Charlie... I... er... need to talk to you. About a lot of things.

CHARLIE

I need to talk to you too, Bea. But you need to rest...

BEATRICE

Wait. How long have I been asleep?

CHARLIE

Well, about twelve hours.

BEATRICE

Oh. That is a long time. Did you guys ever go to sleep?

CHARLIE

Of course not! We watched you all night! And... well half of the day too. It seems to be around noon.

BEATRICE

You guys need sleep!

CHARLIE

We'll be fine!

Alex walks back into the room with two pills and a juice box.

ALEX

There are no water bottles.

BEATRICE

I don't like apple juice.

Despite everything, the three couldn't help but laugh. They all knew apple juice was Beatrice's favorite, so the sarcasm was hilarious. After a few minutes, the laughter dies off. The comic relief helps stave off fear.

ALEX

I think we should all talk now.

CHARLIE

I second the notion.

BEATRICE

Ok. I'll go first. I want to say everything I remember since the night of the party.

The boys give her a nod of encouragement.

BEATRICE

So. I remember talking to this guy. And he wanted to take a picture of us. “To celebrate the best party ever.” Or something like that. So, stupid, drunk me went along with it. We found you too and went out to his car. Because his camera was in the car? Yeah. That makes sense. So we went out there and somehow ended up in the car.

CHARLIE

This is more than you said last time.

BEATRICE

Yeah, I couldn’t remember this much last time. When I woke up, my head was clear. Like I had an enlightenment or something. Well... we were in the car for whatever reason... and they drove off.

ALEX

We got in to help find the camera.

This comment makes the other two stop dead.

ALEX

And they said something to us, something that pissed Bea off, and she spit in their faces. Oh, Bea.

Charlie laughs.

ALEX

Then, when she did that, they put the glass up between us, like in a cab or a limo. And then I blacked out.

BEATRICE

He called me "little girl." So I spit on him. Oh, guys. Everything is like this because I can't handle being insulted. All because I have a bad temper!

CHARLIE

Don't say that! You can't say that this is your fault! It isn't. There is no possible way you could have cleared out the entire town because you spit on that guy.

BEATRICE

Maybe not, but maybe I did! How could we possibly know? We don't know anything right now! And here we are, going on adventures and picnics, and we don't even know what is going on!

ALEX

Well then let's figure it out.

Everyone looked at one another. Beatrice lays back on her pillow and rests her eyes. A silence falls upon them for a few moments.

CHARLIE

Well, I don't know about you, but I have gone over every possible scenario in my head. I want to know why this is like this.

ALEX

We all do.

The boys look down at Beatrice, asleep and snoring.

CHARLIE

We can talk later. We should all go to bed. I'll stay here for now; watch her.

ALEX

Well... I could do that...

CHARLIE

No! Go sleep! I got to sleep the entire time you were out exploring. Just go ahead.

Alex reluctantly goes off to his room. Charlie lays down next to Beatrice. He pulls the blanket over her shoulders and runs his fingers through her hair.

CUT TO

INT. LIVING ROOM- MORNING

The three sit on the couch eating dry cereal and other things they can find throughout the house.

ALEX

Here we go. And you guys can't make fun of me for my ideas. No matter how ridiculous they sound.

CHARLIE

We won't. Go ahead, dude.

ALEX

Ok. So we can all agree it has something to do with this guy, correct?

Charlie and Beatrice nod.

ALEX

So next step, we have to figure out what one man is really capable of. How can this one person get the entire town to leave? Even the animals! And cut the electricity to what we assume is everyone's houses. Which we really have to look into. And, we can grab all the perishables from the other houses! Anyway... what do you guys think?

CHARLIE

I think you brought up a good point. How could this one guy, or two if we count the driver of the car, do this to a town?

BEATRICE

The car looked Government Issue.

ALEX

So you are saying that you think the government did this?!

BEATRICE

I don't know! Maybe!

CHARLIE

Well, there has to be a lot of people in on it. How else could they have removed everyone like that?!

ALEX

So, maybe the government did do something. Maybe they evacuated everyone for some reason! Maybe there is going to be a bomb or a meteor, and they evacuated not only our town, but the entire state of California? Or… the entire country?

BEATRICE

Then don't you think they would be looking for others?

ALEX

Hell, I don't know, Bea! Maybe! But who knows? Honestly. We can't figure this out if we keep throwing out ideas because of a minor hitch!

Alex's voice had risen to a level of near screaming.

CHARLIE

You don't have to yell at her! She didn't do anything to you!

ALEX

I'm not yelling. I'm sorry, Bea.

BEATRICE

Let me get one thing straight here. Alex, stop treating me like I'm nothing. You don't have any right to speak to me like that. And you, Charlie. You can stop defending me like I'm a little kid who can't help themself. I'm a girl, but I'm perfectly capable of handling this situation. Stop treating me like I'm unstable! And definitely stop trying to run my life!

The boys were shocked.

CHARLIE

Well nothing is going to be handled if we are all bickering like this. I'm sorry, Bea. I don't know what came over me. I was just trying to help, I guess.

BEATRICE

Well, it isn't helping. And Alex, care to comment on why you are being such a jerk?

ALEX

I'm not!

BEATRICE

Yes, you are.

Alex stands up, grabs his jacket and walks out the front door.

CHARLIE

You really shouldn't piss him off, Bea. If anyone is unstable, it is him.

BEATRICE

I know. Let’s change the subject, though. Do you want to tell me what you think this whole thing is about?

CHARLIE

I think this isn't real.

BEATRICE

What?

CHARLIE

Don't look at me like I'm crazy! I'm serious right now. I think that this whole thing is fake. Like a figment of our own imaginations. Or someone else’s. How else could this entire town be empty of all life except for us? Like this is a simulation.

BEATRICE

Why? Why would they put us in a simulation? Why would they isolate us?

CHARLIE

I don't know.

Beatrice's blood runs cold. It was then that she realizes that this, isn’t going to be an easy fix.

CHARLIE

You'd have to be crazy to not be scared right now, Bea.

BEATRICE

How could you tell that I was scared?

CHARLIE

You're easier to read than you think you are.

CUT TO

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD- MIDDAY

Alex walks around the empty streets and checks each house for people and food. He notices that every door is left unlocked. He walks to the house of an old friend.

ALEX

James. Oh, James. I'll check out your house too.

Alex walks in and looks around. Everything seems to be in the same place as always. He goes up to James' room. He is hit with a wave of nostalgia.

ALEX

I remember when Charlie and I used to come up here all the time. Oh, look! A picture of Lauren! Wait... didn't they break up like a month ago? Why would this picture still be hung up? She cheated on him! He would have definitely taken this down!

Alex leaves James' room and goes back downstairs. He grabs a bag, and like a criminal, starts to take all the food he could find that wouldn't go bad. Then, he finds water bottles.

ALEX

PERFECT!

Alex grabs everything he has found, and runs back to the house. Half way back, he realizes that he left angry. He slows to a stop and decides something.

ALEX

I'm not going to be mad anymore. I'm going to be as nice as possible. I can't have my best friends turn on me. Because then I’ll be alone. Alone. Alone?

And then, Alex remembers everything. He runs back as quickly as possible.

CUT TO

INT. ALEX'S KITCHEN- MIDDAY

Beatrice and Charlie are alone.

BEATRICE

Oh! I still want to talk to you. It is about yesterday. Uh, or the day before. I can't keep track.

CHARLIE

Well... maybe I should go first.

BEATRICE

Why? You don't know what I'm about to say. You weren't there.

CHARLIE

Beatrice, I need to say it. At some point.

BEATRICE

Well then say it.

Charlie takes a deep breath and looks into Beatrice's eyes. And suddenly, Alex comes storming in.

CHARLIE

Damn.

Beatrice runs over to Alex and apologizes whole-heartedly. He picks her up in a hug and she clings to him.

CHARLIE

A-hem... so, where did you go, Alex?

ALEX

I'm so sorry, Bea! Can you ever forgive me?!

BEATRICE

Of course! We can't be divided when we are all we have!

ALEX

That reminds me! I remember the rest of that car ride!

Beatrice lets go and they all take a seat on the couch. Charlie is hesitant and sits on the chair across from the two.

ALEX

So, I was thinking about how we are really all alone, and then I remembered everything. It all came back in an explosion. Bea, you remember him saying we'd be alone for a while, right?

BEATRICE

Yeah.

ALEX

Well anyway, the man told us that the party was getting dangerous, and that we had no choice but to leave. And then we were restrained in our seats. He told us not to struggle. Then he told us we would be seeing him again soon, but we would be on our own for the time being. And that he didn't know why he was saying it, because we weren't going to remember. Then, the entire back seat was filled with smoke and I passed out. Well, after Bea showed him who was boss!

BEATRICE

Now I can remember!

CHARLIE

Me too…

ALEX

So we can agree. This guy was insane. He took us in a car, and then we woke up the next morning on the side of the road. Just inside of town. So we haven't left Artesia since this happened. Maybe we should try. Maybe we should get out of here.

CHARLIE

But what about that noise that you two heard.

BEATRICE

Oh. I forgot.

CHARLIE

What do you think it is?

Beatrice and Alex look at each other and have a silent agreement.

ALEX

You need to hear it for yourself.

CUT TO

EXT. ALEX'S FRONT YARD- EVENING

CHARLIE

So, where do we need to go?

ALEX

Away from this house.

CHARLIE

Why away from the house?

BEATRICE

Because we would be able to hear it all ready. And we can't. For some reason, you can only hear it away from here. Like we were at the park when I heard it.

ALEX

So let's go somewhere else. But not to the park. I want to see if it is just there, or everywhere.

BEATRICE

How about we go to mine and Charlie's neighborhood? We haven't been there since this started, and I'd really like to change my clothes and grab some of my stuff. I feel lost without my iPod.

CHARLIE

That is fine by me.

CUT TO

EXT. BEATRICE'S YARD- EVENING

BEATRICE

Alright. I'll be back out in a minute.

Beatrice walks into her house and shuts the door behind her. She goes up to her room and lights a candle to see. Then she grabs a bag, throws clothes into it, and changes into some new clothes. She packs a few other things, including her iPod and goes to leave. She turns to blow out the candle and notices a picture of her brother and her as kids. She picks up the picture, stuffs it into her bag and blows out the candle.

CUT TO

INT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE- EVENING

The boys both go into Charlie's house next door and grab all the supplies they can.

CHARLIE

Well, I have yet to hear the "noise."

ALEX

Oh! Be quiet. And listen. I can hear it. Very faintly. It sounds like the wind.

CHARLIE

Maybe I can hear it. A little. But we'll have to go outside to be sure.

The boys walk outside and stand on the lawn. The sky above them captivates them.

CHARLIE

Look at those stars. Damn. The sky looks so… fake.

ALEX

Yeah, I guess. Well… do you hear it?

CHARLIE

There is a faint buzzing in my ear. Like when you get that piercing shriek for no reason like in the middle of class? Like one of those dog whistles?

ALEX

That is not what I hear.

CHARLIE

What do you hear?

ALEX

Like howls. Definitely lower pitched than a dog whistle.

CHARLIE

How could we hear different things?

ALEX

I have no clue.

Beatrice walks out of her house next door and walks across the yards. She has a big bag on her back.

ALEX

Bea! Can you tell me what you hear? The noise?

She hesitates.

BEATRICE

Uh… I hear like howls. Like you said.

ALEX

Charlie hears like a dog whistle. High pitched shrieks.

BEATRICE

Oh, well… different strokes I guess.

The boys seem confused. They are able to tell she is avoiding the question.

BEATRICE

Well…? Are we going to do some more exploring?

ALEX

Yeah. Let’s go.

CUT TO

EXT. HIGHSCHOOL- LATE NIGHT

They walk from Charlie and Beatrice’s neighborhood to the school. The entire walk, their respective “noise” gets louder and louder. They have to yell to speak to each other.

ALEX

I THINK THE FARTHER AWAY WE GET FROM THE CENTER OF TOWN, THE LOUDER THIS NOISE GETS.

CHARLIE

ME TOO. IT IS HURTING MY EARS.

BEATRICE

SHOULD WE GO INTO THE SCHOOL?

ALEX

DO YOU THINK IT IS UNLOCKED?

CHARLIE

EVERYWHERE ELSE HAS BEEN UNLOCKED!

CUT TO

INT. SCHOOL- LATENIGHT

The noise is much quieter once the three get inside the school. It seems like a distant humming through the cement walls.

BEATRICE

Much better!

ALEX

It really is.

The three are shaking. And though none of them want to admit it, they are more afraid of the noise than bothered by how loud it is.

ALEX

Well, I’m going to survey the area. And probably use the bathroom.

The three laugh.

CHARLIE

Alright, go ahead. Maybe duck into the cafeteria and see what there is for food?

ALEX

You got it!

Alex walks down the hall with an out-of-place light step.

BEATRICE

Alright. He is gone! We need to talk!

CHARLIE

I want to go first.

BEATRICE

Ok. Go ahead.

Her inviting smile and open stance makes Charlie hesitate.

CHARLIE

Bea, what can I say? We have known each other forever and you’ve been my best friend for so long. I have just grown so close to you. And, in light of everything that has happened, I’m more afraid to lose you than ever.

He looks at her intently, with a steady, even look.

BEATRICE

You aren’t going to lose me, silly! We will always be best friends!

CHARLIE

That isn’t what I-

Beatrice wraps her arms around his waist before he can finish. He hesitates, then wraps his arms around her. Then, in one quick move, he grabs her waist and pulls her up to his height. She wraps her legs around his waist for support and he is kissing her. And she is kissing him back. They stop, and look at each other. In the exact same position.

CHARLIE

That took me seventeen years to do.

BEATRICE

I don’t know what to say.

CHARLIE

Then don’t say anything. I don’t expect you to reevaluate our relationship in a matter of moments. I just want you to know how I feel.

BEATRICE

Well. I can see how you feel, then! Come on, let’s go explore.

The two laugh, and again, it is like old times. Except this time, they hold hands as they walk.

CUT TO

INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA- MIDNIGHT

Alex stands alone in the middle of the cafeteria. The windows are open just enough for Alex to hear the noise. The noise annoys him. Eventually, he can’t take it anymore. He runs and closes the windows tightly and yells. The entire cafeteria echoes his voice.

ALEX

WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?! STOP THE NOISE! JUST STOP!

Alex crumples to the floor and promptly falls asleep because of the day’s exhausting adventures.

CUT TO

INT. CLASSROOM- MIDNIGHT

Beatrice and Charlie sit together on desks.

BEATRICE

I wonder where Alex is…

CHARLIE

I don’t know. We are only ten feet from where we left him. He’ll find us when he comes back.

BEATRICE

I don’t want him to come back.

Charlie gapes at her.

CHARLIE

What?

BEATRICE

Alex. I don’t want him to come back.

CHARLIE

Why?!

BEATRICE

It is kind of a long story.

CHARLIE

We have all night.

Beatrice pauses. Their silence allows them to hear the faint noise in the background.

BEATRICE

The noise. That is why.

Charlie looks at her. She clears her throat and continues.

BEATRICE

When I explained what I heard… I kind of lied. I said I heard what Alex heard. I didn’t. What I heard wasn’t a noise at all. It was more like a voice.

CUT TO

INT. CAFETERIA- EARLY MORNING

Alex lies on the floor, slowly awakening from what must have been another panic attack. He looks out the windows and sees something he hasn’t seen the entire time they’d been alone- rain. He stands up and runs over to the window and throws it open. The noise is drowned out by the natural rain.

ALEX

Rain! I love warm rain in-

He stops dead. In June, the rain is warm and inviting. This rain is as cold as ice.

ALEX

How is the rain so cold?!

He retracts his hand and closes the window.

ALEX

This isn’t right. This isn’t real!

CUT TO

INT. CLASSROOM- EARLY MORNING

CHARLIE

A voice?

BEATRICE

Not a voice like yours or mine, but a low, gravelly whisper. A warning.

CHARLIE

What are they warning you about?

BEATRICE

Alex.

CHARLIE

What?!

BEATRICE

The voice says he is crazy. He is going to kill one of us. So I’ve done what it has told me to do.

CHARLIE

And what is that?

BEATRICE

Pretend nothing is wrong. Then run.

CHARLIE

Run where?

BEATRICE

Out of town. And this is where we run. And I’m asking you to go with me.

He holds a steady gaze with her.

CHARLIE

Always.

As if summoned, Alex walks in.

ALEX

Where the hell where you guys? I’ve been looking all over.

CHARLIE

We’ve been waiting here for hours. Where have you been?

ALEX

I uh… got sidetracked in the cafeteria. DO you guys hear that? The rain?

They all stop to listen. The rain was soft in the roof.

CHARLIE

Yeah, what about it?

ALEX

It is cold. Cold rain. In June. That doesn’t happen in Artesia. Cold rain in southern California?
CHARLIE

It isn’t that big of a deal. It is just cold rain. It could be because it is nighttime.

Thunder growls above their heads.

CHARLIE

Damn. Where are we going to sleep? I don’t know if we can walk all the way back to any of our houses in this storm.

BEATRICE

The Nurse’s office has cots.

CHARLIE

Perfect! We can go there.

Charlie picks up Beatrice’s bag.

CHARLIE

Jeeze, Bea! Why is this so heavy?!

BEATRICE

Oh, I don’t know.

She reaches down to zip the bag up and conceal the picture of her and her brother.

CUT TO

INT. NURSE’S OFFICE- EARLY MORNING

There are four cots set up in the small room. They pull out the top from its upright position.

ALEX

Does anyone need anything? I’m going to run and get my bag. I left it at the entrance to the school.

Charlie and Beatrice exchange glances. They knew what this meant. Time to go.

CHARLIE

Yeah… actually do you think you could find me something to eat? From the cafeteria, I mean.

ALEX

Uh... sure. But dude, I was just there. Why couldn’t you have told me before?

CHARLIE

I didn’t think of it before.

ALEX

Alright. I’ll be right back.

Alex turns and runs.

CHARLIE

Are you ready?

BEATRICE

No it’s our turn to run.

The two took off in the opposite direction of Alex. They followed the square of the building and ended up at the entrance. They go out the door and run through the courtyard.

BEATRICE

Oh no! We are right next to the cafeteria!

CHARLIE

Just keep moving!

They ran through the campus of the school, and out on to the main road. They slowed to a walk.

BEATRICE

Do you think he saw us?

CUT TO

INT. CAFETERIA- EARLY MORNING

Alex walks through the cafeteria and hears a snap, like someone stepping on a twig from outside. He whips his head towards the noise and sees two dark shadows run past the window. He grabs what he can find for food and runs back to the nurse’s office as quickly as he can.

ALEX

Charlie! Dude! I have your food! And I grabbed some water for all of us! Charlie…? Bea…? Alright, this isn’t funny! Seriously guys?! Holy crap. They left me. That was them outside! They freaking left me!

Alex turns and runs out of the nurse’s office for the second time that day, but this time, he is running in pursuit.

CUT TO

EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD- EARLY MORNING

The rain continues to fall. Charlie and Beatrice continue to walk. Always hand in hand.

CHARLIE

That noise. It is so loud. It is piercing my ears. I’m not sure if it is getting worse or I’m getting more sensitive to it.

BEATRICE

The little voice in my ear is getting louder. Definitely louder.

CHARLIE

What is it saying?

BEATRICE

“Further.” Like it is coaxing me out of Artesia at any costs.

CHARLIE

How can you take it?

BEATRICE

Take what?

CHARLIE

Your noise?

BEATRICE

How can you take yours?

CHARLIE

I have no idea. That really isn’t saying much based on the past few days though.

BEATRICE

Well, maybe this will be the end. Maybe leaving town is all we need. Maybe there is rescue beyond the border.

CHARLIE

Maybe we are just crazy.

Beatrice gives him a grim smile. They walk in silence for a few moments.

BEATRICE

I feel the same way. Not about being crazy, though.

CHARLIE

About what, then?

BEATRICE

You… Oh, I’m messing everything up. Let me just…

Beatrice stops, leans up and pulls Charlie’s head down and kisses him squarely on the mouth.

CHARLIE

Oh. That.

Looking into each other’s eyes, they hear a noise. Footsteps. Someone running. They don’t even hesitate. They begin to sprint.

ALEX

I’M GOING TO CATCH UP EVENTUALLY. YOU MIGHT AS WELL STOP RUNNING!

This makes Beatrice and Charlie run faster. They can see the sign to exit town, but it was too late. Alex catches up and slams all of his weight into Charlie.

ALEX

I trusted you two! I thought you were my best friends. How could you leave me for nothing?!

Alex begins to punch and kick mercilessly.

BEATRICE

STOP! DON’T HURT HIM!

ALEX

What are you going to do about it?

BEATRICE

We had to leave you! You are crazy!

With that comment, Alex lets go of Charlie, turns on Beatrice, but Charlie jumps up, and takes Alex back down. The two fight a little longer, with no clear winner. Then, Alex stops wrestling and pulls out a chef’s knife.

BEATRICE

OH MY GOD, ALEX!

Beatrice is in hysterics, and Charlie is silent with a look of calculation on his face.

CHARLIE

What are you going to do, Alex? Kill me?

ALEX

Yes.

Alex turns his back to Beatrice and advances towards Charlie.

ALEX

Bea, I’m sorry.

BEATRICE

For what?! For killing my boyfriend? Or for doing it in front of me?

CHARLIE

Boyfriend?

Three things happen simultaneously: Charlie smiles, Alex charges forward, and Beatrice jumps on Alex’s back. She reaches over his shoulder and grabs the knife by the blade. When he doesn’t release it, she grabs his hands. They struggle for a moment, but with one last surge of effort, the knife plunges directly into Alex’s stomach.

BEATRICE

Oh my god!

Beatrice screams and lets go of the knife. Alex lets go of the knife, but it doesn’t fall. It stays lodged in his stomach. They crumple to the ground and Beatrice rolls over before Alex’s entire body covers her own.

CHARLIE

What have you done?

BEATRICE

I don’t… I didn’t… I didn’t push that way. I couldn’t get a good enough grip to make him drop it, let alone push the entire thing into his stomach!

Beatrice cries silently and Charlie grabs her and cleans her hands off with his shirt. They both look down at Alex. He has labored, but definite breath.

ALEX

You… killed me.

BEATRICE

I didn’t push the knife that way!

ALEX

Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t. You’ll never know. And now you’ll live your whole life with the guilt of my death.

BEATRICE

You’re psychotic!

ALEX

No, you have it all wrong. I’m not crazy, Bea. You are.

Alex dies. Without any dramatics. His eyes roll back and he is dead. And Beatrice and Charlie begin to cry.

BEATRICE

What do we do now?

MAN

You come with us.

Charlie and Beatrice turn around and see a man and a door.

CHARLIE

That door. Shouldn’t exist. Not in the middle of the highway, for Christ sake!

MAN

So you wake up on the side of the road and find your entire town completely empty- no people, no animals, and you all hear a different “noise” every night; and you think that this door is weird.

CHARLIE

How could you be so calm?! Our friend is lying here dead, and you are talking about the past few days like nothing ever happened?

MAN

Because nothing did happen.

BEATRICE

You’re insane!

MAN

As soon as you walk through that door, you’ll find out what I mean.

CHARLIE

What will happen?!

MAN

You’ll see. But whatever happens, you will never be the same. Come with me, and my team and I will explain everything.

CHARLIE

Team of what?

MAN

Psychologists. But that is all I can say here. Now come with me.

Charlie takes Bea’s hand and they silently nod. Tears still fall down their faces. They walk toward the door and pass through into the blackness.

CUT TO

INT. THERAPIST OFFICE- MIDDAY

BEATRICE

He said it would never be the same, and it hasn’t been. Since the Test, I haven’t spoken to Alex, and he won’t speak to me. Losing one of your best friends is the worst, especially seeing them spiral out of control. He is into some very bad stuff now. And I blame the psychologists and their experiment for all of it. I can’t sleep through the night, and every time I see blood I lose it. I’m afraid now that I’m crazy. He told me I was.

Beatrice squeezes Charlie’s hand and looks down at her scar. The blade of the knife slashed her entire palm- her daily reminder of the Test.

CHARLIE

It wasn’t real.

BEATRICE

What is real?