SCREENPLAY FOR STRANGE DREAMS

INT. JENNA'S ROOM - MORNING

Alarm goes off. It's 6:30 Am.

JENNA
(Sits up in bed sweating and screaming)
Mom! It happened again! I woke up with the same dream!

LISA
(Runs in room)
The same exact dream? The one where you're locked in your burning class room? 

JENNA
Yes, Mom! Why is this happening?

LISA
(Sits on the bed next to Jenna) 
I don't know, Jenna. Maybe go to the library after school and see if they have any research books on it. How long has this been going on?

JENNA
Okay, I guess I can do that and I don't know probably about 2 weeks now and it’s really starting to freak me out!
 
LISA
(Leaving room) 
Alright, well get ready for school. You have 20 minutes, breakfast is on the table.

EXT. WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Jenna walks out of class to her locker. Kids are talking loudly and shouting in the hallways. 



CAROLINE
Hey, Jenna! Are you going to be at cheer today? They pushed it back to 5:30. 

Jenna is putting books in her locker.

JENNA
Yeah, I'll be there. I might be late though. I have to stop at the library. Can you tell Coach that please!

CAROLINE
(Walking into class)
Yeah, sure. See ya then!

Jenna is sitting in her desk tapping her pencil watching the clock. When it hits 3:15 she quickly gets her books and leaves the building. 

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

Jenna walks into the deserted, ancient library. 

JENNA
Hello! Is anyone here?

Behind a curtain an old woman comes out.

LIBRARIAN
Hello. How may I help you?

JENNA
Um, well I was looking for a book on dreams. I’ve been having a weird reoccurring one lately and I looked up places that might have a book on what it means. It told me this library carried a book that might help me out...so here I am.

LIBRARIAN
Ah, yes we do have a book that may help you. Stay here, I’ll go check the back.

Jenna watches her go back behind the curtain and looks around the dusty library. She picks up a book on old voodoo myths and stories.

The librarian walks back out and Jenna quickly puts the book down.


LIBRARIAN
So, are you interested in voodoo also?

JENNA
Oh, no I was just looking. You sure do have a lot of books on these voodoo witches though.

LIBRARIAN
Well this is Louisiana, the home of voodoo.

JENNA
Ha, yeah I guess you’re right. So, do you have the book?

LIBRARIAN
Oh, right sorry. Yeah here it is! Will you be taking it with you?

Really loud thunder hits and it’s pouring down rain. Tree branches are banging on the window.

Jenna looks outside.

JENNA
Maybe I shouldn’t go out in this storm. I guess if it’s okay, I’ll stay here and read it.

LIBRARIAN
Yeah, sure stay as long as you want. I’ll be in the back.

Jenna sits down on a chair and opens the book. Suddenly lightning strikes and it thunders really loud. The power goes off and the room is lit up by the candles on the wall.

Jenna lays her head down and falls asleep.

INT. WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Jenna is walking down the halls. She watches as her friend Josh, who’s on the football team, throws some kids, she doesn’t recognize, books to the ground.

JENNA
Josh! What are you doing? Stop it!

Jenna tries to run up to Josh, but she cant move.

A lady appears in front of Jenna.

WITCH
You really haven’t seen this happen before Jenna? You’re so called friends treat this poor kid like dirt!

Jenna jumps. She is very confused.

JENNA
What is going on? Why can’t I move! Is this a dream?

WITCH
Yes, Jenna. Obviously it’s a dream. I would think you would know about those by now.

JENNA
Ha, funny. Well can you at least tell me why am I here watching my friends do this?

WITCH
You wanted to know about the dreams you were having, right?


JENNA
Right...? I still don’t understand though.

WITCH
This was this morning at school. You were right there at your locker talking to that girl.

Jenna looks over to her locker. She sees herself exactly how she was this morning talking to Caroline.

She looks back at her friend Josh who is pushing the nerdy kid up against the locker.

JOSH
You’re such a loser. Why do you even bother showing up to school, freak.

Josh and his football friends high five, laugh, and walk away getting one more shove to the kid in.

JENNA
How did I not see this happening? I was standing right there! What’s this kids name? He looks familiar.

WITCH
Yeah, that’s exactly what I was wondering. His name is Sam and you have been in the same grade at the same school for 9 years. That should probably explain why he looks so familiar.

JENNA
I just can’t believe I didn’t see this happening. How long have Josh and his friends been doing this too Sam?

Jenna and the witch go back in time a week.



INT. SAM’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Jenna and the witch sit outside of Sam’s house. Jenna sees him in the window. He is pacing around his room with a notebook in his hand. Suddenly right in front of them Josh and his friends pull up in their truck. They jump out of the truck and start egging Sam’s window. Sam looks out the window and shuts his curtain.

JOSH

Come out here freak!

FRIEND #1
Yeah, come out here you wimp!

When Sam's parents come outside Josh and his friends run to the truck.

JOSH
Come on boys! Lets go over to Jenna's.

Jenna looks over to the witch frightened.

JENNA
This was the night after the football game? The night all the guys came over to my house to hangout?

WITCH
I guess so...lets go up to Sam's room.

Jenna takes the witches hand and they fly up to Sam’s room. Sam is sitting on his bed crying. Jenna looks over at his desk and sees an open journal. She goes to pick it up, but her hand goes straight through it.

JENNA
Why can’t I pick this up?

WITCH
Jenna, we aren’t actually here remember? If you want to find out what is in that journal, which I highly recommend you do, you make an effort to see it when you get out of this dream.


JENNA
And how exactly do you want me to get a hold of his journal?

WITCH
Well if you really wanted to figure out what your dreams mean you’re going to have to do something about it and fast!

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

Jenna picks her head up fast. The power has come back on. She checks her watch and realizes she has been sleeping for a hour. She puts the book in her purse and runs out the building.

INT. JENNA’S CAR - DAY

Jenna takes out her phone and dials Caroline’s number.

JENNA
Caroline?

CAROLINE
Jenna! Hey where are you?

JENNA
I don't think I’m going to make it to practice tell Coach I’m sorry, it’s an emergency!

CAROLINE
Okay Jenna. You’re being weird about this. What’s up? You know you can tell me. I can help you.

JENNA
No, really. Thanks though Caroline. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. I’m fine. I have to go though, so I’ll talk to you later.

CAROLINE
Umm, okay. Bye Jenna.



EXT. SAM’S HOUSE - DAY
The rain stops. Jenna gets out of her car and walks up the porch steps to the door. She knocks on the door.

Sam’s dad answers the door.

JENNA
Hi, is Sam here?

SAM’S DAD
Yes, he is. May I ask who you are?

JENNA
I’m, I’m, Sam’s lab partner. I need to pick up the notes from today.

SAM’S DAD
SAAMMM! You’ve got company!

Sam’s dad lets Jenna in.

SAM’S DAD
You can go on up. He should be up there. He probably has his head phones in or something.

Jenna runs up the stairs to Sam’s room. She hears the shower running. She looks around his room and spots the journal on his bed.

She runs over to the journal reading the pages out loud to herself quietly.

JENNA
On October 14 the school will regret what they’ve done to me. When they are all in flames they will know why.
October 14?! That’s in two days!
I will stand back watching them feel the pain I’ve felt everyday of my life.
Burning in flames? Is he planning on burning the school down?

Jenna drops the journal. Her hands are shaking.

Sam walks into the room in a towel.

SAM
What are you doing?!

Sam runs over and grabs his journal off the ground.

JENNA
Sorry, I know this is weird. But, I can explain!

SAM
I,I,I don't even know you! Why are you in my room, going through my stuff?! Get out!

JENNA
Please, Sam. Let me explain! I know what's going on and you need a friend. Let me help you please!

SAM
You don't even know me!

JENNA
I would like to get to know you!

SAM
No, you wouldn't.

JENNA
You don't know that. We might have something in common. Obviously you're going through a rough time and need someone to talk to!

SAM
Yeah, well I don't want to talk about it too a stranger.


JENNA
Okay, Sam. Well if you change your mind you can call me.

Jenna leaves a piece of paper with her number on it on the desk and walks to the door. She turns around and looks at Sam.

JENNA
Please, just give me a chance.

Jenna runs down the stairs and out the front door to her car.

INT. JENNAS CAR - NIGHT

JENNA
(Crying)
I don't know what I'm supposed to do! How am I supposed to help him?! Why is this my problem?!

INT. - JENNAS HOUSE - NIGHT

Jenna pulls the book out of her bag. She sits down on her bed and starts reading. Soon enough she falls asleep.

INT. - SAMS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - DAY

Jenna looks around, confused.

JENNA
(Rolls eyes)
Great.

WITCH
What's great?

JENNA
(Jumps)
Oh my God, you scared me. I was being sarcastic. So, what are you showing me now? Where exactly are we?
WITCH
(Points over to the swing)
We are at the park in Sam's neighborhood.

Sam is sitting on the swing with his journal in his hand.


JENNA
Okay, well what's the date?

WITCH
It's October 13, 6:00 AM.

JENNA
Wait, so are we in the future right now?

WITCH
Yes, we do appear to be a couple hours into the future.

JENNA
(Jenna walks to the swings)
So, why are we in the park?

WITCH
Well, let's just say you should probably go to the park at this time when you wake up.

INT. - JENNAS HOUSE - MORNING

Jenna sits up in her bed. She looks out the window and checks her watch, lays back down, and falls asleep.

LISA
(Opens the door)
Time to get up Jenna!

Jenna is standing dressed and ready, looking in the mirror.

LISA
Well, you're up early. I'm leaving for work. Have a great day! Love you!

JENNA
Okay, bye mom. Love you too.

Lisa leaves and closes the door. Jenna looks at the clock and it says 5:50.



JENNA
(Grabs her books)
I can make it there in 5 minutes. Don't be nervous Jenna. I'm doing the right thing.

EXT. SAM'S NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - MORNING

Jenna walks up to the swings where Sam is sitting.

JENNA
Hey Sam.

Sam gets up and starts walking away.

JENNA
Please, just let me say something.

Sam stops walking and looks at the ground.

JENNA
You shouldn't listen to Josh and his friends. They should not treat you like they do.

Sam turns around and looks at Jenna.

SAM
I don't need your pity. Why do you suddenly care anyway?

JENNA
Who said I was pitying you?

Sam turns and starts walking away again.

JENNA
Okay, Sam wait!! I'm sorry! If I could explain to you what is going on I would, but it's so much more complicated. I just really was hoping we could be friends.



SAM
What is so complicated that it's forcing you to try and be friends with me? Trust me, you don't want to be friends with me! Just leave me alone!

JENNA
I'm not leaving you alone, so you might as well stay.

Sam rolls his eyes and walks away. Jenna follows him.

JENNA
Ya know Sam, I didn't want to have too bring this up, but I did see in your little journal you always carry around.

SAM
Good for you.

JENNA
I actually don't think your plan is bad. I do think you could make it better though.

Sam looks at Jenna confused.

SAM
What plan? What are you talking about?

JENNA
Well when I said I read your journal, I wasn't lying. Might as well not play dumb, Sam. I'm not here to judge you...I'm here to help you.

SAM
And how am I supposed to believe you? I don't even know you.




JENNA
Okay, well I'm Jenna Thompson. I'm 17 years old, I'm varsity co-captain on the cheer team. We have been going to the same school for nine years...just living in different worlds.

SAM
Ha, yeah, different worlds. My world is full of nothing good and yours? Yours is perfect...everything goes your way.

JENNA
Really? That's how you see it? Wow you don't even know the half of it. Maybe, Sam, if you got to know people instead of pushing them away, thinking everyone hates you, you wouldn't be in this situation.

SAM
Ya know what, if you leave me alone I promise I will call you in 2 days, and we can be friends.

Sam turns and starts walking away.

JENNA
(Tears coming down her cheek)
What have I done to you Sam? I told you I read your journal! I know you aren't going to call me in two days because I won't be alive if you go through with your plan! This is high school Sam! You only have a year left with these jerks, if you let your emotions take power over you and you go through with your plan, these people will stay with you, and haunt you forever. What's the point?

Sam stops walking and looks down. He turns to Jenna like he's going to say something, but he turns around and keeps walking out of the park.

INT. - WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL GYM - DAY

The cheer team is practicing in the gym.

JENNA
Sorry I couldn't make it to practice the other day coach. I've been...I've been sick.

COACH
Well, it's okay this time Jenna, but this is the second time this month you've missed. State is coming up. Next time I'm not going to just let it slide.

Jenna goes to her stunt group.

CAROLINE
Glad you're back. Where exactly have you been anyway?

JENNA
I've just been sick. I'm fine now though. Do you know a guy named Sam Charles?

CAROLINE
Umm, does he go to school here?

JENNA
Yeah...for the last 9 years.

CAROLINE
OH WAIT. Is he the freak that Josh and his friends make fun of?



JENNA
He's not a freak. You shouldn't say that..you don't even know him Caroline.


CAROLINE
Hahahahaha goodone! Why are you asking if I know him?

JENNA
I wasn't joking. You shouldn't be so judgmental. You don't know what else he has going on in his life.

CAROLINE
Ha, okay Jenna. Since when did you become the freaks best friend?

The rest of the cheerleaders in the group laugh.

JENNA
(Mumbles)
Sam was right, I don't even know why I was friends with them.

Jenna runs out the gym.

EXT. SAMS HOUSE - DAY

Jenna is pacing back and forth on Sam's porch. She has a letter in her hand. She knocks on the front door and Sam's dad answers.

JENNA
Hi, Mr. Charles. I was here the other day, I'm Sam's lab partner. Do you think you could give this to him please?

SAMS DAD
Yeah, sure I remember you. I'll give it to him when he gets home.

JENNA
Alright, Thank you!

Jenna walks to her car, gets in, and drives away.



INT. - SAMS ROOM - NIGHT

Sam looks on his bed and there is a letter with his name on it. He opens it and reads it.

JENNA
(Reading a letter)
Sam, I think I finally might've figured you out. My obsession, as it probably seemed like, with trying to know you and help you ended up benefiting myself for the better. You've taught me to be myself and to not take life for granted when honestly, you were probably trying to do the opposite. You've probably been wondering why I even bothered trying to help you, and I might as well tell you now. As crazy as it seems, about two weeks ago I started having these reoccurring nightmares. It would start off with me in a classroom and then suddenly I was being burned by hot flames of fire surrounding me. I would try to get to the door, but it was always locked. When I looked through the little window I would see a tall dark figure just standing there and suddenly I would wake up screaming. I had this dream for the last two weeks, every night, until one morning, I decided something had to be done. I went to the old voodoo library after school and picked up a book on strange dreams. This is where it gets a little bit crazy. I was just reading the book when the lights went out from the storm and I fell asleep. Of course since I fell asleep I would have a dream, but this wasn't my reoccurring nightmare. This was a flashback. A flashback of you. You were being pushed around by Josh and his friends. The reason I was brought to this certain time, I soon realized, was because when I looked to the left of you, it was me. I was just standing there like nothing was happening. I was talking to my friends and living my normal life. Then suddenly I was standing outside your house. I saw you writing in your journal, but still didn't understand why I was here watching you. Shortly after, Josh and his friends pull up right in front of me. They start yelling and throwing stuff at your house, and I could do nothing. After this happened I was told by the witch in my dream to go see you, so that's what I did. When I first showed up at your house I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I had to do it. I went up to your room and recognized your journal so I started going through it and I found your little plan. Of course I realize after, this is why I was brought to your house. You were the answer to my dreams, or nightmares actually. So yeah, pretty much from then on it involved me trying to find a way to convince you not to go through with your plan. The good news though is that you still have about 13-14 hours to figure out what you really want to do with that plan of yours. Love, Jenna.

Sam throws the letter down, sits on the ground, and cries.