2. FADE IN
EXT. FAMILY BEACH HOUSE- DAY
POPPY, an 18 year old girl with a rather shy demeanor about
her gets out of the car in the driveway of a small beach
cottage with her father, TOM, a middle aged man with salt
and pepper hair, built fairly athletically but still somehow
has a beer gut giving him a jovial look.
TOM
(Closing the car door)
Well, here we are, 402 Village
Lane. I can officially say that
summer has begun.
Poppy stands leaning on the car looking at the house,
happily absorbing her surroundings.
Although not right on the beach, the little house is set on
a large plot of grassy land and crashing waves can be heard
off in the distance.
POPPY
Looks the same as it always does.
TOM
Always has, even when my parents
bought it when I was a kid, and
always will.
Father and daughter walk up to the house and open the front
door.
INT. BEACH HOUSE LIVING ROOM- DAY
The two enter the house into the living room, which is
sparsely decorated and furnished with items that have
clearly seen better days.
TOM
(Shouting)
Is that crab that I smell?
In comes running DONNA, a very tanned 10 year old, dressed
in the most brightly colored and loud patterned clothing,
who always punctuates her sentences with a sassy dance move.
DONNA
Uncle Tom!!
Donna leaps into Tom’s arms for a huge bear hug.
3. 2.
TOM
How is my very favorite niece?
DONNA
I’ll have you know, you’re talking
to the Bethany Beach hip hop dance
champion.
Tom looks up to see his sister, MARY, who looks slightly
younger than Tom and seems to always have a glass of white
wine with ice cubes in it attached to her hand, walking in.
MARY
(With an exasperated sigh,
sarcastically)
Oh yes, you are and she won’t let
you forget it either.
Mary gives her brother a loving hug.
MARY(CONT.)
(To Poppy)
Here she is, the high school
graduate and the newest freshman at
Delaware University! How does it
feel to join the fighting blue hen
family?
POPPY
Honestly, great! And I can’t wait
to be closer to you guys,
California is too far away. Father
here seems to think otherwise
though.
MARY
Oh, he will survive.
TOM
Whatever you two. My question is, I
wonder how rowdy the lifeguards
next door are going to be this
summer. I noticed their trash bin
wasn’t overflowing with beer cans
when I pulled up, so I will take
that as a fairly good sign.
MARY
Surprisingly, I haven’t heard much
out of them yet, but summer is
really just beginning. I hope it
stays this way so Poppy and I can
enjoy our outdoor reading spot. You
got any good books this summer?
4. 3.
POPPY
A few for school and a few for
pleasure, but yes, plenty to keep
me occupied. That is, when I’m not
working.
DONNA
I can’t wait to come visit you at
the snow cone stand!
TOM
(Patting his belly)
Neither can I.
DONNA
Let the rummy 500 tournament
commence! Poppy, lets go, I’ve
already got all the cards set up on
the porch. I’ve been practicing
with mom and I think I can actually
beat you this year.
POPPY
Not a chance kid, bring it!
EXT. BEACH HOUSE PORCH- DAY
The two cousins sit at a small table with cards in hand and
small piles in front of them.
Donna intensely stares at the cards in her hand and
hesitantly places one down on the pile between them.
Poppy quickly slaps her hand down on the card.
POPPY
RUMMY!!
DONNA
Oh come on!! You have to go easy on
me!
Poppy smugly picks up the card and places it on one of the
small piles in front of her.
POPPY
No way! It’s not my fault you put
down the card I needed to complete
my full house.
Mary walks out onto the porch, wine glass in hand.
5. 4.
MARY
You kicking her butt yet?
DONNA
It’s 60 to 140 Poppy right now, but
I’ve still got a shot!
Next door, an open air Jeep Wrangler full of tanned
shirtless men pull into the driveway, music blaring. They
all pile out, some carrying cardboard 30 packs of cheap
beer.
Poppy and her family look on.
MARY
Oh boy, Friday night at the
lifeguard house. Wonder how long it
will last until the cops show up
this year.
DONNA
As long as Uncle Tom can stand the
noise I guess.
MARY
I say let them have fun, Tom was
worse when he was their age anyway.
I remember, he locked me in my room
during his parties.
One of the boys, SHAWN, like the rest of the man herd, is a
very tanned young adult that looks almost too perfect, jogs
over to the porch of Poppy’s house and walks up the stairs.
SHAWN
Hello there, may I come in?
Shawn looks around and his gaze is caught by Poppy and he
stares at her.
Poppy blushes and keeps her eyes trained on the cards in her
hand.
Mary notices this and laughs softly.
MARY
Yes of course. Welcome to the
neighborhood, how can I help you?
SHAWN
I just wanted to formally introduce
myself. My name is Shawn, my
buddies and I will be living next
(MORE)
6. 5.
SHAWN (CONT’D)
door for the summer. We are all
lifeguards down at the Bethany
Beach boardwalk.
DONNA
Hey, that’s where Poppy is going to
be working too!
Poppy shoots invisible daggers with her eyes at Donna. Donna
lowers her head into her cards.
SHAWN
Oh cool, maybe I will see you
around then.
Poppy blushes even harder and nods her head in response,
eyes still focused on her hand of cards.
MARY
By the looks of the gallons of beer
you guys were toting in, you guys
are in for a fun night, huh?
SHAWN
Oh yeah, that’s what I came here to
tell you as well. We are going to
be having a small get together at
my place to kick off summer. Just
wanted to give you a heads up and
please let us know if the noise
level gets too loud. Some of my
buddies can get a little rowdy.
Shawn looks back to Poppy nervously.
SHAWN(CONT.)
Hey, your’e more than welcome to
stop by if you want. Since I guess
we will be seeing each other this
summer.
Mary looks at Poppy and raises her eyebrows in a suggestive
way and gestures her head toward Shawn.
POPPY
I... Uh... Maybe. I have some
reading I need to do. Thanks for
the invite though.
Tom walks out onto the porch, instantly making Poppy more
visibly nervous.
7. 6.
TOM
Invite to what?
MARY
Shawn here was just introducing
himself and told us that he is
having a party tonight and invited
Poppy.
Tom visibly stiffens and clears his throat.
TOM
Lets try to keep the noise level to
a minimum tonight, okay Shawn? I
really don’t want things getting
out of hand and we have children
here.
SHAWN
I can assure you that it will be
manageable. No one jumping off the
roof.
TOM
It’s happened before.
MARY
Hush, Tom. That is very nice of
you, thank you for telling us
Shawn. That is more than any of the
previous tenants have done.
SHAWN
Of course. (To Poppy) The offer
still stands if you want to come
over.
Shawn flashes a million dollar smile to Poppy and she, if it
was even humanly possible, blushes even harder.
Tom watches this transpire and does not look happy about it,
crossing his arms.
TOM
I’m going to go check on dinner.
Shawn walks off toward his house.
Mary waits until he is out of ear shot.
MARY
What is wrong with you? Reading??
8. 7.
POPPY
Like dad would let me go, are you
kidding?
MARY
You’re 18, you can make your own
decisions.
POPPY
I know, but even if I did go I
would just be thinking about him
the whole time and how he would be
poised on the porch trying to watch
my every move.
MARY
You know I would not let that
happen. You’re about to go to
college and he can’t stop you from
going to parties then.
POPPY
I’m sure he is trying to figure out
a way. Distance won’t stop him.
DONNA
He sure was dreamy, wasn’t he,
Poppy?
Poppy firmly puts down the cards in her hand, reveling a
trio of Aces.
POPPY
Shut it you.
INT. BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN- NIGHT
Poppy walks into the kitchen to see if she can help her
father with dinner.
A loud excited whoop comes from outside.
Tom rolls his eyes and stirs something on the stove.
TOM
So are you going to that party
tonight?
POPPY
I think I’ll stay in and start that
book for my philosophy class.
Tom kisses Poppy on top of the head.
9. 8.
TOM
That’s my smart girl.
LATER
Poppy sits at the kitchen table reading her book.
Loud music is coming from the house next door and there is a
drunken yell.
Tom moves the curtains to the side and looks through the
window angrily.
TOM (CONT’D)
Poppy, I don’t wan you seeing that
boy. I don’t trust him.
POPPY
Alright, dad.
EXT. BEACH HOUSE PORCH- NIGHT
Poppy walks outside with her book to sit on one of the
chairs and read. The music continues to play loudly next
door.
Through Shawn’s window, Poppy can see him standing in his
kitchen, beer in hand, laughing and talking to a girl.
Poppy rolls her eyes and buries her nose into the book.
INT. SHAWN’S KITCHEN- NIGHT
Shawn stands in his kitchen enjoying the party.
He looks out through his window and notices Poppy sitting on
her porch reading. He stares at her longingly as he takes a
sip of his beer. He only then notices the girl next to him,
GRACE, trying to talk to him.
GRACE
(Looking out the window)
Who’s that?
SHAWN
I don’t really know, but I want to
find out.
10. 9.
EXT. SNOW CONE STAND- DAY
Poppy stands behind a movable snow cone stand on the board
walk. It has a ton of different flavor bottles with tubes
running out of each end making a colorful jungle of plastic
vines above her head. There is also a huge ice shaving
machine that looks intimidating.
MR. LISTINO, Poppy’s boss, stands next to her.
MR. LISTINO
... this one is blue raspberry and
over here is tiger’s blood. There
are 30 flavors in all.
Poppy looks at all the flavor tubes trying to differentiate
one from another.
MR. LISTINO(CONT.)
You’ll get the hang of it
eventually.
POPPY
If you say so...
MR. LISTINO
Okay so, I showed you how to work
the shaver and all the flavors.
That’s basically all you need to
know. I’ve got to run to the bank
so I’ll be back in an hour or so. I
believe in you kid!
POPPY
Wait, but, Mr. Listino...
Mr. Listino walks off down the boardwalk, ignoring Poppy and
waves goodbye.
Poppy stands there looking around very concerned and
overwhelmed as Grace, the girl from last night that Shawn
was talking to, walks up to the stand, bikini clad. Poppy
recognizes her.
GRACE
Hi can I get a large with cherry,
lime, and lemon?
POPPY
Sure. I think...
Poppy struggles to fit the big block of ice into the machine
to make the shaved ice. Grace watches on with trepidation.
11. 10.
Shawn walks up the boardwalk and sees Poppy at the shave ice
stand and smiles. He walks over to stand next to Grace.
GRACE
Hey Shawn, great party last night.
Poppy looks up and notices Shawn and instantly the machine
goes awry msking a loud noise.
SHAWN
Thanks Grace, it was fun wasn’t it?
Too bad you didn’t make it last
night, Poppy.
POPPY
Sorry, like I said, I had some
reading to get done. From what I
could hear, which wasn’t too hard
to do, it sounded like you had fun.
Poppy finally gets the ice shavings into a ball shape and
into a cup. She scans all the different flavor tubes hunting
for the right ones.
Shawn laughs at her lightly.
After picking the wrong tubes multiple times, Poppy finally
finds all the correct ones, pours on the flavors, and hands
it to Grace.
Grace places money on the counter, winks at Shawn and
saunters off toward the water.
SHAWN
You know how to work that thing?
POPPY
Yes.
The machine lets out a loud grinding noise.
POPPY(CONT.)
I’ll get there.
Shawn laughs again.
SHAWN
I’m about to finish my lunch break
so I gotta get going, but I’ll see
you around, neighbor.
Poppy nods her head in his direction and opens up a book
flippantly.
12. 11.
Shawn walks off down the boardwalk, looks back in Poppy’s
direction and laughs to himself as he slides on his
sunglasses.
EXT. BEACH HOUSE- NIGHT
Poppy rides up to her house on her bike to see Donna and
Shawn playing corn hole (two slanted wooden boards with
holes in them opposite each other, in which you try to throw
bean bags in).
Donna throws her bean bag toward the board across from her
and it goes straight through the hole.
DONNA
Yes! Three more points for me!
SHAWN
That’s four in a row, you’re
seriously kicking my butt, kid.
DONNA
I’ve had a lot of practice, my
family shows no mercy when it comes
to games.
(In a mocking voice)
"That’s how you’ll learn!" is what
they always tell me. Guess it paid
off.
(Noticing Poppy walking up)
Speaking of, hey Pop, come play
with us!
Poppy dismounts her bike and leans it on her porch.
POPPY
No thanks, I want to start this new
book I picked up today.
DONNA
Oh come on! I didn’t get to see you
all day and you promised you would
play with me.
SHAWN
Yeah, Poppy, you promised.
Donna sticks out her bottom lip and gives her best sad eyes
possible.
POPPY
Fine. You know I’m a sucker for
those puppy dog eyes.
13. 12.
DONNA
You can be on my team! Shawn, if
you think I’m good, you should see
Poppy.
POPPY
I have taught her everything I
know.
The two teams toss the beanbags back and forth, the girls
clearly beating Shawn.
INT. BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN- NIGHT
Mary is cooking away in the kitchen. The sound of excited
shouting outside catches her attention. She peeks through
the window to see Poppy, Shawn, and Donna playing.
A smile grows across her face as if she has an idea.
Mary opens the window.
MARY
(Shouting)
Donna! Come in and help me shuck
corn!
EXT. BEACH HOUSE- NIGHT
Donna hears her mom’s voice coming through the kitchen
window.
DONNA
But mom! We are dominating!
MARY
(Through the window)
Donna Abigail, do as you’re told!
Donna throws her beanbags to the ground in frustration and
stomps toward the house.
Poppy instantly becomes more uncomfortable seeing that she
is now alone with Shawn. She throws another bean bag and
sinks it in the hole.
SHAWN
So... Do you live around here
normally?
POPPY
No, but I’ve been coming here every
summer for as long as I can
remember. I’m from California.
14. 13.
SHAWN
California, huh? Why do you come
all the way here to go to the
beach? Seems far.
POPPY
My dad grew up in the area, that’s
why we have this house. It’s my
grandparents. But, I live in
Northern California, so the water
is too cold to swim in. Surfers
have to wear wet suits if they want
to brave the ocean.
SHAWN
Wow. That’s gnarly.
POPPY
How about you? You a local?
SHAWN
I go to school at the University of
Delaware, so when I’m not there,
I’m here.
POPPY
Oh, I’m starting there this fall.
Every member of my family has gone
there forever basically.
SHAWN
Wow, what a coincidence. Almost as
if it was meant to be.
Poppy furiously blushes.
INSIDE
Tom walks in to Donna shucking corn and Mary cooking.
TOM
Where is Poppy? She should be home
by now.
DONNA
She got back awhile ago, her and
Shawn are playing corn hole
outside. He is alright, nothing I
couldn’t handle.
Tom’s eyebrows furrow and hurriedly walks over to the window
and looks outside to see Poppy and Shawn happily talking and
laughing. Tom throws the curtains closed.
15. 14.
MARY
Now, Tom, they are just playing a
game. Let the girl be.
TOM
Sure they are.
Tom storms toward the porch.
EXT. BEACH HOUSE PORCH- NIGHT
Tom walks out onto the porch and angrily shuts the door
behind him.
TOM
Pop! Why didn’t you tell me you
were home?
POPPY
Sorry, Donna and Shawn roped me
into a game of corn hole. You know
I can’t back down from a challenge.
TOM
Dinner is almost ready, come
inside.
POPPY
Okay I’ll come in a few. We are in
the middle of a game and Shawn
finally decided to up his game.
Tom paces the porch for a few seconds. He then picks up a
chair and loudly plants it on the edge of the porch,
blatantly in the direction of Poppy and Shawn.
He sits there and watches on, rocking slowly with his arms
crossed.
SHAWN
(Through gritted teeth keeping
his voice down)
Is he always like this?
Poppy tosses another bean bag.
POPPY
(Also quietly)
Oh yeah.
Poppy and Shawn toss the bean bags back and forth a few more
times.
INSIDE
16. 15.
The family sits together at the table and eat dinner, an
awkward silence hangs in the air.
TOM
How is whathisname at corn hole?
POPPY
He was alright, nothing compared to
you.
DONNA
He is so nice!
POPPY
He even said he goes to University
of Delaware, so I’ll probable see
him in the fall.
Tom chokes slightly on his food.
MARY
Isn’t that nice, Tom! He can show
her around and where all the cool
spots are now. I’m sure there are
some new ones since we went there.
POPPY
That would be so awesome!
TOM
No! I told you to stay away from
that boy Poppy. He is a no good
lifeguard that strings along girls
like you every summer. I’m sure he
has dozens of other girls lining up
for their turn with him.
Poppy visibly flinches at her father’s words.
MARY
Now, Tom...
TOM
What I said is final. Stay away.
POPPY
Yes, Dad.
Poppy looks outside through the window toward Shawn’s house
to see a few cars pulling up. People, mostly girls, pile
out, Grace included. Grace makes her way up the porch and
gives an awaiting Shawn a big hug.
17. 16.
Poppy looks down toward her food and sadly pushes it around
the plate.
EXT. SNOW CONE STAND- DAY
Poppy stands at an empty snow cone stand reading a large
textbook.
Shawn approaches the stand. Poppy looks up and immediately
looks back down at her book.
SHAWN
Well hello to you too.
POPPY
Sorry, kinda busy here.
Shawn looks around to acknowledge the emptiness of the
boardwalk.
SHAWN
Are you really reading a textbook?
Classes don’t start for another 2
and a half months.
POPPY
Nothing wrong with getting ahead.
SHAWN
You’re not wrong, I guess.
Poppy continues to read, basically ignoring Shawn’s
presence.
SHAWN(CONT.)
So I was thinking we could get
lunch together. I’m on my break and
it’s not like you have customers
anyway.
POPPY
I really shouldn’t...
SHAWN
Come on! I want to get to know you
more. You know, since we will most
likely be seeing each other on
campus.
POPPY
I really can’t leave.
18. 17.
SHAWN
Fine.
Shawn walks off down the boardwalk. He returns a few moments
later with a folding beach chair and a drawstring backpack.
He sets it down next to Poppy’s stand, takes a seat, and
pulls out an apple from the bag and takes a large bite with
a smile on his face.
SHAWN (CONT’D)
If you won’t leave, I’ll come to
you.
Poppy looks at him with wide eyes, knowing that she is
stuck.
POPPY
Someone’s persistent.
SHAWN
I know what I want.
POPPY
You sure you want to have lunch
with me and not Grace?
Shawn looks at her with a confused gaze.
SHAWN
No? Why would you think that?
POPPY
I just see her around you a lot,
that’s all. I figured you guys were
a thing.
SHAWN
God no. We grew up down the street
from each other. She’s practically
my sister.
Poppy couldn’t help but smile at that.
SHAWN(CONT.)
So what are you planning on
majoring in?
POPPY
Dad wants me to do business because
it’s practical. Can’t really argue
with practicality.
19. 18.
SHAWN
Is that what you want to do though?
Poppy pauses to think about this.
POPPY
I mean, I guess. I always wanted to
take some English classes since I
love reading and literature so
much.
SHAWN
Yeah, I can tell.
POPPY
But dad doesn’t think that will get
me a job out of college. So here I
am.
SHAWN
Do you always do everything he
tells you to do?
POPPY
Pretty much. It’s his way or the
high way with him. Not that I
really have much of a problem with
that. Most of the time.
SHAWN
Most of the time...
POPPY
What about you? What’s your major?
SHAWN
I’m on the premed track.
POPPY
You like saving lives, huh? First
life guarding, next the ER.
Shawn laughs at this.
SHAWN
What are you doing later tonight?
POPPY
I go straight home after work, why?
SHAWN
Come out with me, we can go to the
arcade down the boardwalk.
20. 19.
POPPY
Now I really can’t do that. Dad
wants me home right away to help
with dinner.
SHAWN
Just tell him you’ll be a little
late. Come on, I play a mean game
of air hockey.
Poppy really contemplates this. She then pulls out her phone
and sends out a quick text. She looks up to Shawn with a
devilish grin.
POPPY
You’re on. Air hockey is my
favorite game, I’m gonna make you
wish you didn’t challenge me.
INT. ARCADE- NIGHT
Poppy and Shawn play air hockey, the score on the overhead
screen is tied 4-4.
Shawn takes a quick shot at the goal with his puck. Poppy
just as quickly blocks it and it goes flying across the
table.
She gets the puck back, looks up at Shawn and grins widely.
She hits the puck and it glides right into the goal.
The game shuts off and Poppy throws up her hands in victory.
SHAWN
Dammit! Well, I guess you warned
me, you really are good.
EXT. BOARDWALK- NIGHT
Poppy and Shawn walk out of the arcade onto the boardwalk.
They pass many carnival rides with blinking neon lights and
games with old, slightly greasy looking carnies calling out
to them trying to get them to play.
They continue to walk taking in the scenes, every once in a
while pointing out a silly child or a cool prize.
The CARNIE at the ring toss calls them over.
CARNIE
(Talking quickly)
Come on over you cute couple! All
you have to do is land a ring on a
(MORE)
21. 20.
CARNIE (CONT’D)
bottle. Do that and you win a
prize. Easy as that. I’ll even give
you a free practice throw.
Poppy and Shawn look at each other, shrug their shoulders,
and walk over.
CARNIE(CONT.)
There you go! Land a ring on the
bottle, get a prize of your
choosing. Win something for the
pretty lady here. She your pretty
lady?
Poppy and Shawn look at each other awkwardly. Poppy blushes,
as usual.
CARNIE(CONT.)
Well she should be your pretty
lady. Maybe a prize will help.
The carnie hands Shawn a small plastic ring and points
toward a bunch of glass coke bottles on a spinning plates.
Shawn winds up and tosses the ring easily toward one of the
closer bottles, landing it around the neck.
CARNIE(CONT.) (CONT’D)
See, easy! 3 rings for 2 dollars.
Do just that again and you get a
prize. 3 rings, 2 dollars.
Shawn reaches into his pocket and pulls out two dollar
bills, puts them on the counter, and slides them toward the
carnie. The carnie hands Shawn three more plastic rings and
stands back to watch.
Shawn takes the first ring and tosses it toward the bottles
and misses. And again with the second. Shawn takes a deep
breath and bends his legs and tosses with a great follow
through. The ring lands on one of the bottles with a
satisfying clang.
CARNIE(CONT.) (CONT’D)
Winner! Pick put a small prize,
unless you keep playing and you can
upgrade to a medium.
SHAWN
Small is fine. Poppy which do you
want?
22. 21.
Poppy looks at all the different brightly colored stuffed
animals and points toward a pink dolphin. The carnie takes
it down from the prize wall and hands it to Poppy.
Poppy takes the toy and looks at it with admiration and
gives it a little squeeze.
POPPY
Thanks Shawn, I love it.
SHAWN
Of course.
Poppy and Shawn take off down the boardwalk, toward the
beach. Shawn reaches for Poppy’s hand and she takes it. The
two look at each other and shyly smile. They continue onto
the beach hand in hand.
EXT. BEACH- NIGHT
They end up at the beach and take a seat on the dark sand
next to each other facing the ocean. Shawn puts his arm
around Poppy’s waist and pulls her in closer.
SHAWN
I love the beach at night. All the
people are gone, there is no sound
to disrupt the crashing waves. It’s
just so peaceful.
Poppy nods in agreement and rests her head on his shoulder.
The two watch the water roll in and out. Shawn pulls back to
look at Poppy.
SHAWN(CONT.)
I had a lot of fun tonight. I like
that competitive side of you.
Poppy throws her head back in laughter.
POPPY
You saw the most of it, corn hole
and air hockey are really the only
things that get me fired up.
Shawn looks at Poppy and starts to lean in. Poppy is
hesitant at first, but leans in as well and the two share a
kiss. The both pull back and blink in amazement.
SHAWN
Whoa.
23. 22.
POPPY
Yeah, whoa.
Poppypulls her phone out of her pocket to look at the time.
POPPY(CONT.)
Shit. I need to get home right now.
My dad is going to kill me!
EXT. BEACH HOUSE- NIGHT
Poppy and Shawn walk up the road, still hand in hand, to
their two houses. Poppy frantically walks up to her house.
SHAWN
So can we actually have lunch
tomorrow?
Poppy looks back from the porch and smiles.
POPPY
I like PB&J.
INT. BEACH HOUSE LIVING ROOM- NIGHT
Poppy walks into the house and shuts the door behind her
quietly. She looks up at the clock on the wall, which reads
10pm.
She makes her way toward the kitchen and opens the fridge,
looking for food. When she closes the door, Tom is standing
behind it waiting.
POPPY
Holy crap, dad, you scared me!
TOM
You scared me when you didn’t show
up for dinner. I didn’t think you
would stay out this late. Where in
the heck were you?
POPPY
Uh... Book store. I was looking at
some new releases and got caught
up.
Tom looks down and notices the brightly colored dolphin in
her hand.
TOM
(Gesturing toward the stuffed
animal)
(MORE)
24. 23.
TOM (CONT’D)
I suppose you got that at the
bookstore?
Poppy hesitates and falls silent.
TOM(CONT.)
You were with that boy weren’t you?
Even after I explicitly told you to
stay away from him.
POPPY
He’s nice dad, really nice! He
isn’t what you think!
TOM
You lied to me Poppy and he kept
you out when you were supposed to
be home. That is not nice in my
book.
POPPY
It’s not his fault, dad.
TOM
I am going to say this one final
time and I mean final. You are not
allowed to see that boy. You are to
come straight home after work and
be with the family and that is it.
Understood?
Poppy lowers her head in defeat.
POPPY
Understood.
EXT. SNOW CONE STAND- DAY
Poppy stands at the snow cone stand, slumped over reading a
book.
Shawn approaches happily with two sandwiches in plastic bags
in hand.
SHAWN
One PB&J for you, one turkey and
cheese for me. Can you take your
lunch soon?
POPPY
I can’t have lunch, Shawn.
25. 24.
SHAWN
Oh, okay. Well I’m sure the
sandwiches will keep until tomorrow
if I keep them in the breakroom
fridge.
POPPY
I mean, I can’t have lunch ever.
SHAWN
Huh? What are you talking about? Do
you not get lunch breaks anymore? I
can talk to Mr. Listino for you.
Poppy lets out a large sigh.
POPPY
We can’t see each other anymore.
SHAWN
Okay, now you’ve really lost me.
POPPY
My dad doesn’t want us seeing each
other. We shouldn’t have even hang
out last night. My dad found out
and flipped.
SHAWN
I don’t understand, you’re an 18
year old woman who is about to go
to college. He should give you a
little freedom.
POPPY
He is all about control. He is just
like this, always has been. You saw
how he acted the other night when
we were playing corn hole.
SHAWN
So that’s it. This is just done now
because daddy said so? Even after
last night?
POPPY
I wish it wasn’t like this, trust
me I don’t like it either.
SHAWN
That’s bullshit, Poppy, and you
know it.
26. 25.
POPPY
I’m sorry.
SHAWN
Save it. I don’t want to hear your
excuses.
Shawn storms off down the boardwalk toward the water. Poppy
is left, alone.
INT. BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN- DAY
Poppy and Donna sit at the kitchen table playing rummy 500
again. Poppy plays quiet lacklucster-ly barely paying
attention to the cards she is putting down.
Donna slaps the top card that Poppy placed down.
DONNA
Rummy on the pile! Come on Pop,
it’s like you’re not even trying.
Donna picks up the card and adds it to one of the piles in
front of her.
DONNA (CONT.)
Okay, what is wrong with you. I’m
winning but not in a satisfying
way.
POPPY
Can you keep a secret?
DONNA
Sure, a super secret cousin pact.
POPPY
I went behind my dad’s back and
hung out with Shawn after work the
other day.
DONNA
Is that what all that yelling was
about? I just tend to tune it out
since he yells at the soccer games
on TV all the time.
POPPY
Yup. He was pretty pissed, as you
can imagine. But, I really like
him. He’s charming, sweet, funny,
and we are going to the same school
next year.
27. 26.
DONNA
It’s practically meant to be.
POPPY
He even kissed me at the end of the
night.
DONNA
It IS meant to be!
POPPY
Then what do I do? You know how my
dad is. He has made up his mind and
that is that.
Donna puts her cards down on the table and intertwines her
fingers together in thought.
DONNA
You like him, right?
POPPY
Duh.
DONNA
Seems pretty simple to me then. Who
is Uncle Tom to stand in the way of
your happiness?
Poppy sits back in her chair to ponder this thought.
POPPY
You know, for 10 years old, you’re
wise for your years.
DONNA
(With a hair flip)
So I’ve been told.
POPPY
I just don’t know how to say this
to him. I haven’t had much practice
saying what I want to him.
DONNA
I’m sure you’ll think of something.
If you like him enough, you’ll make
it happen.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Poppy sits at the kitchen table reading yet another new book
while Mary is chopping vegetables on the counter. Tom walks
into the kitchen happily.
28. 27.
TOM
Game is on! Ireland versus Italy in
the semifinals, come watch with me.
POPPY
(Irritated)
No thanks.
TOM
What? Why not?
POPPY
(Even more rudely)
Don’t feel like it.
TOM
I don’t like this new attitude
you’re picking up. If this is
because of that lifeguard, I swear.
MARY
Beach day! Poppy you have the day
off work tomorrow right? Let’s have
a family beach day tomorrow. All
right it’s set.
She turns around to continue chopping.
EXT. BEACH- DAY
The family hauls their chairs and cooler onto the beach and
start to set up camp. Poppy snatches up a chair and takes
down closer to the water to read privately and be away from
her father.
When alone, she looks around taking in the scenes of the
beach. Her gaze stops when she sees who is sitting on the
lifeguard chair- Shawn. She quickly puts on her sunglasses
and puts the book in front of her face, as if to hide
herself.
Shawn sits on his lifeguard chair topless scanning the beach
for any potential danger. He notices Poppy sitting by
herself and takes a deep breath, as if to calm himself.
Donna comes running up to Poppy in her bathing suit and
pulls her arm repeatedly.
DONNA
Come in the water with me! The
waves look awesome today.
29. 28.
POPPY
Not now, maybe later.
DONNA
You stink.
Donna makes her way toward the water and quickly goes
straight in, diving under the oncoming wave. She continues
to swim happily.
Tom and Mary continue to set up their spot, digging the
umbrella into the sand.
MARY
Did you notice who was on duty?
Tom looks over to the life guard stand.
TOM
Oh for Christ’s sake, I can’t get
rid of this kid.
MARY
Let her live a little Tom, you
can’t make decisions for her
forever.
TOM
I can try.
Tom looks between Poppy and Shawn, eyeing them suspiciously.
Over in the water, Donna still swims, diving under wave
after wave.
Before she knows it, she is out too far and can’t seem to
reach the bottom. She swims frantically trying to tread
water, but just can’t seem to get it right. She is caught in
a rip current and the sea is dragging her out further and
further.
Poppy looks up from her book to check on Donna and doesn’t
see her. She frantically stands up and rips off her
sunglasses.
POPPY
(Calling out to Mary)
Auntie, do you see Donna?
Mary comes running up to Poppy’s seat.
30. 29.
MARY
What, no, I didn’t even know she
went in. Oh my gosh I see her! She
is way too far out she probably
can’t get back in!
Mary runs over to the life guard stand.
MARY(CONT.)
Shawn! Donna was swimming and I
think she got dragged out! She
might be caught in a rip current!
Shawn immediately springs into action and blows his whistle
as he grabs the flotation device and runs toward the water.
Shawn expertly swims through the waves and makes his way
toward Donna.
At this point, Donna looks like she is growing tired and is
taking on mouthfuls of water. Her swimming slows as she
starts to go under.
Shawn makes it just in time and scoops Donna up and places
her over the flotation device. He slowly and carefully makes
his way toward the shore, dragging the flotation device
behind him. When he is able to stand, he picks up Donna and
slings her over his shoulder and brings her back to her
eagerly awaiting family.
Mary is waiting with a towel ready and scoops up her child
ad wraps her up like a burrito.
Donna shivers and sits down under the umbrella.
DONNA
Thank you Shawn, I don’t know how I
even got out that far. I just got
pulled in and could barely keep
myself up.
SHAWN
I got there just in time, huh? Rip
currents happen, they are crazy
around here. You just have to be
more aware now.
DONNA
You savedmy life.
SHAWN
(Looking at Tom)
I would do anything for you guys, I
really care for you.
31. 30.
Tom stands back and blinks rapidly in amazement.
Poppy walks up to her father looking determined.
POPPY
Dad, I have to tell you something.
Now.
TOM
Save it, Poppy.
POPPY
No! I’m done saving it!
TOM
(To Shawn)
You want to come to dinner tonight?
As a thank you?
Shawn and the rest of the family look completely shocked.
Poppy’s jaw even drops.
SHAWN
I would love to.
INT. BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN- NIGHT
Poppy and Donna set the table for the upcoming dinner. Tom
walks in and heads to the fridge for a beer.
Poppy walks over to the fridge to gather more supplies.
TOM
I’m sorry.
POPPY
Me too, I shouldn’t have lied to
you.
TOM
You wouldn’t have had to if I
wasn’t such an ass. I forget that
you aren’t a little girl anymore.
Poppy gives her dad a hug. Tom kisses the top of Poppy’s
head.
There is a knock at the door. Poppy smiles and excitedly
makes her way toward the door.
She opens the door to a freshly showered and nicely dressed
Shawn, smiling wide. She walks out onto the porch with him
and closes the door behind her.
32. 31.
POPPY
Thanks again for today.
SHAWN
It’s my job. Plus, I think I
changed your dad’s mind about me.
POPPY
Yeah, about that. I shouldn’t have
treated you like that. I should
have just grown a pair and stood up
to him sooner.
Shawn makes his way closer to Poppy and gently pushes her
hair behind her ear.
SHAWN
I get it, it’s hard to go agaisnt
your parents. It’s in the past now.
Poppy smiles and looks up at Shawn. She leans in and gices
him a short, soft kiss.
The two smile and head inside.
INT. BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN- NIGHT
The family plus Shawn sit around the kitchen table eating
dinner, happily.
MARY
(Laughing)
Hey, I’m not that bad at cornhole!
Donna and Poopy look at her with knowing eyes.
MARY(CONT.)
After dinner, it’s so on you two.
Remember who taught you guys how to
play.
TOM
Game is on after dinner, I’ll take
a rain check on the game.
SHAWN
Are you talking about the UEFA
soccer finals?
TOM
Final game, Germany versus Italy.
You watch?
33. 32.
SHAWN
Watch? I play for the Delaware
team. Soccer is pretty much my
life. Well, when I’m not studying
to get into med school.
Tom sits back in his seat looking impressed and crosses his
arms.
TOM
(To Poppy)
Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?
Poppy rolls her eyes, smiles, and continues to eat.
Tom and Shawn launch into soccer talk, discussing different
teams and players.
Shawn looks next to him at Poppy, smiles, and reaches under
the table to hold her hand.
Poppy sits, content and happily listens to the boys talk.
FADE OUT
