EXT. HIGHWAY - DAWN
A modest SUV drives along an empty highway into the rising orange sun. It continues on, passing a green sign labeled: “EXIT 59; LEXINGTON UNIVERSITY; NEXT RIGHT”.
EXT. SUBURBAN COLLEGE TOWN - MORNING
The car passes along a road surrounded by mostly empty space, aside from a few lone drive-throughs and gas stations along a thick line of dark pine trees. The car makes a right turn, entering the forest. It passes through what seems like an endless line of trees for a moment, until the brush clears, revealing a small town and a chipped sign labeled: “Welcome to Old Pine, Massachusetts”. There are large colonial brick houses with well-maintained lawns and a few quaint cafes and bookstores, littered with students talking amongst each other in the early morning. Eventually, the car reaches a huge gothic university campus, like a bug timidly approaching a lion.
EXT. DORM - MORNING
The driver’s-side door to the car slams shut as ABBEY, 18, sleeps with her head resting on the backseat window. PAUL, 57, walks around the car and taps lightly on the window, waking Abbey with a start. She stares disoriented for a moment.
​
PAUL
We’re here, hon’.
​
Abbey steps outside of the car, pulling a backpack out with her. She is wearing baggy sweatpants and an even baggier hoodie, and her long brown hair is pulled into a messy ponytail. She looks up at the imposing exterior of the dorm building, eyebrows furrowed in nervous submissiveness. JILL, 54, opens the passenger side door, yawning and stretching her arms dramatically before hopping out of the car. She and Paul begin to pull stuffed boxes and suitcases out of the trunk of the car, while Abbey stares absentmindedly at her soon-to-be home.
​
JILL
Abbey, can you lend us a hand?
​
Abbey doesn’t respond. Jill stops, walking away from the truck and approaching Abbey. She places her hand on her shoulder, looking at her with a patient yet concerned look. Abbey breaks from her trance, looking at her mother.
JILL (CONT’D)
You’re ok. Come on, let’s get this stuff into your room before sunset.
​
Abbey nods, still a bit hazy, and follows Jill to the car.
INT. ABBEY’S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Paul carefully presses a push pin into the corner of a poster, nailing it to the wall.
​
PAUL
And...That...Is...It! Decorating completed!
​
Abbey watches him, seated on the bed, while Jill stands next to her and claps theatrically.
​
JILL
(to Abbey)
Ok, that took a lot longer than expected. We’ve got to hit the road. Now, remember what you promised me, yeah? If you’re having any problems, if that starts...being a problem again, you’ll call me or dad, ok?
​
ABBEY
Yeah, I’ve got it mom, don’t worry. I’ll be ok.
​
Jill sighs in relief, rushing over to give Abbey a squeezing hug. Paul follows suit.
​
JILL
I’m gonna miss you, my little monkey! You be good, don’t have too many parties! You know your scholarship depends on you keeping your grades up.
​
Abbey laughs half heartedly, watching them as they shut the bedroom door behind them.
INT. ABBEY’S ROOM - NIGHT - 5 DAYS LATER
From the adjoining bathroom, Abbey retches violently into the toilet. Her bedroom is covered with food packaging, from cookie wrappers to chip bags. Outside, a storm rages.
​
The room is bathed in darkness, the only light coming from the street lamp outside and the occasional lightning strike, let in through the cracks of the drawn window blind. Abbey raises herself away from the toilet, breathing heavily in a moment of relative stillness. The pain clears from her expression, melding eventually into a look of disgust and contempt. She sticks her fingers into the back of her throat.
INT. CAMPUS CAFETERIA - THE NEXT DAY
Abbey stands in front of a grab-and-go refrigerator, eyes darting between prepackaged sandwiches, salads, and other snacks. She is wearing the same clothes from when she moved in, now wrinkled and stained. Biting her thumb, she continues staring for an uncomfortable amount of time. Finally, sighing in frustration, she hastily grabs a single apple.
She sits in a secluded booth in the corner of the crowded cafeteria, pulling her legs up and crouching against the wall. She puts a pair of wired headphones into her ears, and starts taking small bites from the apple. She has barely taken 3 bites when LILITH, 18 and blonde, peppily emerges from behind the booth, holding a white bento box in her hand. Unlike Abbey, she is fabulously dressed; with a white silk blouse, plaid tennis skirt, and black blazer. She is adorned with pearl earrings and an expensive looking creme colored purse. She smiles, waving in front of Abbey to get her attention. Abbey pulls an earbud out.
​
LILITH
Sorry, can I sit here?
​
Abbey pauses, blinking. She nods, readjusting herself into a more normal seating position. Lilith sighs, dramatically, in relief, and plops down opposite of Abbey.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Thanks! It’s so hard to find a table in this cafeteria.
​
Abbey laughs softly and awkwardly. A pause.
​
ABBEY
I didn’t know. This is my first time eating here.
​
LILITH
Really?
(Abbey nods)
Well, it’s not like you’re missing much. The food here is terrible. I just come here to get out of my room.
​
Lilith opens her bento box, revealing a fillet of seared sea bass with an arugula and mandarin orange salad, topped with green sauce and decorative white flowers. Abbey stares at the dish, eyes widening in astonishment. Lilith looks up, noticing her staring. She chuckles.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Yeah, I make my own food. I know it’s a lot, but I really like cooking.
​
ABBEY
No, it’s not that. That looks...really good.
​
LILITH
Do you want a bit?
​
ABBEY
(a little too quickly) No! That’s ok, no thank you.
​
LILITH
It’s no big deal! All you’ve had is that apple, no?
​
Lilith collects a small bed of the salad onto the fork, along with a square of fish, and meticulously tops it with a bit of sauce and an orange--the perfect bite. With grace, she holds out the fork to Abbey, holding her other hand underneath it. Abbey looks back at her warily, then down at the fork.
Finally, she takes the fork into her mouth. She closes her eyes, savoring the bite. Lilith watches her, clearly enjoying the sight. Abbey nods back at her, making a pleased hum. She swallows.
​
ABBEY
Ok, that was good. Like...really good.
​
LILITH
Thanks. I’ve been making this recipe since I was 10. I still haven’t gotten sick of it.
​
ABBEY
You’ve been cooking like this since you were 10?
​
LILITH
5, actually. My mom was a chef, so I cooked a lot with her.
Then, I did a few summer programs in France, and now I’m here in the culinary arts program.
​
ABBEY
Yeah, I believe that.
​
The conversation lulls. After another bite, Lilith perks up again.
​
LILITH
Why have I not seen you around campus yet? Did you move in late?
​
Abbey cringes slightly, then laughs nervously.
​
ABBEY
No, I actually moved in last week. (pause)
I’ve actually just been staying in my room. You know, it’s just been a little overwhelming.
​
Lilith hums sympathetically, looking at her intently.
​
LILITH
Is this your first time away from home?
​
ABBEY
Yeah. I’ve never even had a sleepover at a friend’s, so. My parents are a bit overprotective, so I never really did anything alone.
​
Abbey continues on, the words beginning to flow uncontrollably.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
I was really nervous about coming to college. I don’t know why. I guess I’m afraid that, if I’m all by myself, I won’t have anyone to tell me what to do. There’s so many choices now; what classes I take; what I wear; what I eat. And my parents could do that all for me.
But now...it’s just me.
​
She stops, breathless. Lilith keeps staring at her, but with a tender understanding, not pity. As if realizing what she just did, Abbey starts again.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
I’m so sorry. I have absolutely no idea where that came from.
​
LILITH
It’s alright. I can tell that felt good for you.
​
ABBEY
Yeah. I guess I just needed someone to talk to.
​
Lilith smiles and pulls out a sticky note and pen from her bag. She scribbles something down, then hands Abbey the note.
​
LILITH
Tell you what; if you want to talk more, text me. I have class now, but otherwise my schedule’s pretty light this semester, so I’m free most of the time.
​
Abbey gingerly takes the note from her hand, scanning over it quickly. She smiles bashfully at her, nodding. Lilith gathers her now empty lunch box and stands from the table, waving goodbye. A look of realization hits Abbey’s face.
​
ABBEY
Wait, sorry, I never caught your name. I’m Abbey.
​
Lilith grins.
​
LILITH
Lilith.
INT. ABBEY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Abbey sits at her desk, hunched over a math worksheet. She’s wearing the same clothes from earlier and a pair of beaten up headphones, from which faint music bleeds out. She taps her foot nervously, eyes drilling into the paper below. She groans frustratedly, throwing off her headphones and pushing herself, in a swivel chair, away from her desk. From a few feet away, she stares at her desk. Then, her gaze shifts to the other end of her room, where an opened box sits. She taps her foot nervously, still glaring at the object. She glides over in her chair, gazing into the box--containing a heap of scattered junk food. The tapping grows faster. She leaps to her feet, rushing away from the box as though it revolted her. She paces in front of her desk for a moment, then stops, noticing something on the desk. She comes closer, picking up Lilith’s sticky note.
​
Abbey types a text message, sitting curled up in her desk chair. She chews nervously on her lip, deleting and retyping the message 3 times with different tones.
​
ABBEY (TEXT)
Hi Lilith, this is Abbey (pause)
The apple girl from the cafeteria
​
Immediately after sending, she shuts off the phone and places it face-down in her lap. She slows down her, by now, rapid breathing. Right when she regains her composure, her phone buzzes. Her eyes widen, and she picks it up with intense speed, staring at the message.
​
LILITH (TEXT)
Hi hi!! What’s up?
​
Abbey taps her foot, chewing her lip again as she types out the next message.
​
ABBEY (TEXT)
Nothing. Do you wanna hang out?
She holds her breath, staring at the words written on screen for a long moment. Finally, she hits send. Immediately after, she sends another.
​
ABBEY (TEXT) (CONT’D)
If you’re free obvi
​
Instead of shutting her phone off like last time, she stares at the text conversation. Typing bubbles appear from Lilith’s side, and Abbey watches with bated breath.
​
LILITH (TEXT)
Sure!
(pause)
You live on campus, right? I’ll meet you outside the library in 30
​
Abbey smiles wide, covering her grin with the sleeve of her hoodie. She looks down at it, noticing the wrinkles and stains--some new ones, too.
EXT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
Abbey leans against the worn brick wall of the library, tapping her foot against it. She is now wearing an oversized t shirt and baggy black jeans. She constantly scans every new passerby, retreating in disappointment each time. She checks her phone, reading the last message Lilith sent.
Still entrenched in her phone, Abbey completely misses Lilith coming up right beside her.
​
LILITH
Hey! Sorry I’m a bit late. I live downtown, so I have to drive here.
​
Abbey flinches in surprise when Lilith first speaks, but settles immediately as she continues.
​
ABBEY
It’s cool, don’t worry.
​
They walk off. As they go further, Lilith breaks the silence.
​
LILITH
So, what’s new? How was the first week of classes?
​
ABBEY
It was alright. This stats assignment is giving me shit.
​
Lilith laughs.
EXT. CAMPUS PARK - DAY
Abbey sits on a blanket laid out on the grass, attention fixed on reading as other students rush by. The trees are now a beautiful mixture of orange and red, and fallen leaves remain scattered on the grass. Abbey shivers, pulling the sleeves of her creme, slim-fitting sweater over her hands.
From the blanket, her phone buzzes. She pulls her attention away from the book to pick up her phone, reading the message.
​
JILL (TEXT) (as MOM)
Happy almost midterms! Cramming in some studying this weekend?
​
Abbey huffs, typing back.
​
ABBEY (TEXT)
Studying now. I’m hanging out with Lilith this weekend.
​
As abbey focuses on her phone, she doesn’t notice Lilith now standing right in front of her. She waves a leaf in her face, making Abbey jump in surprise. Lilith giggles.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
Jesus, you scared me!
​
LILITH
Sorry! It’s just too easy with you.
​
Lilith is wearing a long black wool coat, along with her white purse. She plops down on the blanket next to Abbey and pulls out a book of her own from her bag. She leans her weight on Abbey, resting her head on her shoulder comfortably as she begins reading. Abbey stiffens a little in shock and glances at her, but stays silent. They continue their separate reading, until a drop of rain hits Abbey’s forehead. She cringes, wiping her forehead as Lilith turns her attention towards the sky. More raindrops fall, and just like that the rain starts pouring. Lilith shrieks as the girls struggle to gather the books and blanket into their bags.
Abbey starts pulling Lilith’s arm.
​
ABBEY
(yelling over the rain)
Hurry up! We can go to the library or something.
​
LILITH
What, the library?! That’s all the way across campus!
​
She turns around, pointing to Abbey’s dorm building--just a sprint away.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Isn’t your dorm right there?
​
Lilith starts towards the building, but Abbey pulls her back, stammering for a response.
​
ABBEY
No. I think we should just go to the library. Please, Lil.
​
Lilith breaks from her grip, and for the first time seems genuinely irritated.
​
LILITH
Dude, come on. I’m fucking soaked! I don’t care how dirty your room is.
INT. ABBEY'S ROOM - DAY
Abbey reluctantly creaks open the door to her room. Stepping into it, Lilith scans the space with a quiet astonishment, face frozen with wide eyes.
The room is a complete mess, worse than ever before. The same trash lingers, with new additions topping it off. The box of junk food is now overflowing, spilling out onto the mess of floor. Blank or half-finished worksheets are scattered around, with several open textbooks accompanying them. Abbey stand awkwardly in the corner, head down and arms folded as though trying to disappear entirely. After a great long pause, Lilith turns, unfazed, and shrugs off her soaked coat and sweater, now wearing only a cropped tank top. She outstretches her hand to Abbey.
​
LILITH
Here, give me your sweater. I’ll hang our clothes up in the bathroom to dry.
​
Abbey blinks, dumbfounded. She eventually moves, turning away from Lilith and pulling off her sweater. She hands it to her from a distance, covering her torso with her other arm.
Lilith takes the shirt and walks into the bathroom. Alone for now, Abbey picks up a flannel shirt on the ground, throwing it on and buttoning it quickly. She pulls off her wet pants as well, pulling on a pair of grey sweatpants lying on the bed. She walks to her closet and pulls out a pair of black sweatpants. She knocks on the door of the bathroom, holding them out to Lilith in a silent gesture. Lilith grabs them and smiles lightly.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Thanks.
​
She closes the bathroom door. Abbey bites her thumb, walking over to sit on the edge of the bed. She blankly stares at the mess on the floor, tapping her foot. Lilith opens the door to the bathroom, now wearing the sweatpants and holding an empty garbage bag. She begins picking up the trash on the floor and shoving it into the bag. Abbey watches her with a soft expression of disbelief. Lilith looks up at her, locking eyes, and gives her a kind smile. Abbey stands and starts cleaning with her.
INT. ABBEY'S ROOM - NIGHT
​
Abbey lies lazily on the side of her bed, fondly eyeing Lilith as she cooks in the small kitchenette against the wall. Abbey’s room is now completely clean, with a broom and several full garbage bags lying against the doorframe. On the kitchen counter are two plastic grocery bags, from which Lilith pulls out a package of raw meat. The pan in front of her on the stove sizzles and pops.
​
ABBEY
Do I get to know what the “secret dish” is now?
​
LILITH
No! You promised you’d let me surprise you. Now, no peaking until I’m done.
​
Abbey huffs, flopping over onto her back and staring up at the ceiling.
​
ABBEY
How am I supposed to ignore you when we’re in the same room?
​
LILITH
Not my problem. Finish reading your book or something.
​
Abbey reaches over the edge of her bed, still in her same position on her back, and fishes around blindly in her bag. After a bit of a struggle, she pulls out the same book from earlier, although now completely drenched. She flips open the pages, grimacing at the drops of water leaking from the paper. She throws it to the floor, wiping her wet hand on her shirt. She stares up at the ceiling until the plop of meat being dropped into a hot pan echos from the stovetop. She turns her head cautiously towards Lilith, whose back is still turned to her.
She gazes at her, in secret, until Lilith gathers two full plates in her hands. Abbey whips her head back towards the ceiling, only turning back innocently once Lilith walks towards her. She sits up on the bed as Lilith hands her a plate, then sits down next to her. The dish is beautiful: a petite seared pork chop and figs, topped elegantly with a sprig of rosemary. Abbey gawks, and her surprised open mouth melts into an excited grin.
​
ABBEY
Holy shit. You made this in 30 minutes?!
​
Lilith hums in affirmation, nonchalantly.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
And just with stuff from the local grocery?
​
Lilith nods.
​
LILITH
You have to eat it before it gets cold! I want you to have the first bite.
​
Abbey cuts into the tender meat. Juice pours out as the knife digs deeper--perfectly cooked. She lifts a piece of meat slightly off the plate, before pausing, and returning to the plate to collect a bite of fig as well. She eats the bite, savoring for a long time. Lilith watches her with reverence, only breaking her gaze when Abbey opens her eyes to look back at her.
​
ABBEY
(still chewing)
Oh my god. That’s so good.
​
Lilith grins, lifting a bite of her own towards her mouth.
​
LILITH
I know.
​
Abbey looks down at Lilith’s plate. Although Abbey’s pork was perfectly cooked, Lilith’s is red--barely touched. Lilith notices her confusion.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
I prefer rare.
​
ABBEY
Doesn’t that gross you out? It’s basically raw.
​
Lilith barks a laugh.
​
LILITH
Trust me, this isn’t raw. If I could eat it raw, I would. There’s a closeness about it; I can’t describe it.
​
Abbey stares at her in silence for a moment, before shrugging and returning to her meal. After a few bites in silence, Lilith starts.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
I was wondering, do you want to go out to dinner with me sometime? I mean, I love cooking and all, but-
​
ABBEY
(excitedly) Yeah, I’d love that.
​
LILITH
Ok, great! There’s this one French place not too far from here. It’s become one of my favorite restaurants since I’ve moved here. I think you’d really like it.
​
Abbey blushes and grins.
​
ABBEY
Yeah, that sounds good.
INT. ABBEY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Abbey stands in front of a full length mirror, holding up a red formal dress against her body. The bedroom is still remarkably clean, almost in the exact same condition since the two cleaned. Her eyes narrow, examining herself. She huffs, throwing the dress to the side and revealing a green one underneath. She stares again, striking different poses against the dress. From the bed, her phone chimes, and Abbey’s face lights up. She throws down the dress and rushes to her phone to read the message.
​
JILL (TEXT) (as MOM)
Hi honey bear! Just checking in. Haven’t heard from you in a bit (smile emoji)
​
Abbey’s face falls as she reads the text, groaning frustratedly and throwing her head back. She throws the phone back on the bed without responding. She quickly returns to the mirror, not seeing her phone light up with another message: “Reminder: MIDTERMS TOMORROW!!”.
She shuffles through her closet before pulling out a black sweater dress, eyeing it curiously. She tries the dress on, and it’s a perfect fit. Standing in front of the mirror, her hands brush the slim fitting fabric against her arms, and along her waist. She stares directly into her own eyes, with a look halfway between nausea and pity. Her phone chimes once more, breaking her out of her trance. She walks over, slowly this time, and reads the message.
​
LILITH (TEXT)
I’m outside! I’m the black car.
​
Abbey’s eyes widen, and her eyes flicker to the clock on her phone.
​
ABBEY
(under her breath) Shit shit shit.
​
She rushes to grab her coat and purse, fumbling putting on her heels at the same time. She takes on last look in the mirror, throws her hands up in defeat, and runs out of her room, slamming the door behind her.
INT. LILITH’S CAR - NIGHT
Lilith calmly scrolls on her phone in the driver’s seat of an expensive-looking car, parked in front of Abbey’s dorm building. She is wearing a black tight fitting dress, with her wool coat and white purse. Faint pop music plays from the car radio, and heavy raindrops patter against the outside of the car. Visible from the window, Abbey runs from the dorm towards the car, holding her coat over her head as a makeshift umbrella and stumbling in her heels. Lilith jumps in surprise as Abbey yanks open the door to the passenger seat, climbing in with little decorum and shrieking in mock agony. Lilith laughs incredulously as Abbey settles into her seat.
​
LILITH
Are you good?!
​
ABBEY
(sarcastically)
Just peachy. (Turning towards her) Is my makeup ruined?
​
Lilith grabs Abbey’s chin, gently pulling her face towards her’s to examine it. Abbey’s breath hitches.
​
LILITH
Nope!
​
Lilith unceremoniously drops Abbey’s chin, turning her attention back to the car and driving off.
INT. LILITH'S CAR - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER
They’ve made it out of campus, now driving down a quiet street. Lilith stares ahead in focus, while Abbey glances awkwardly out the window, fiddling with her hands and the hem of her dress.
​
ABBEY
Is this place like...super fancy?
​
LILITH
I mean, it’s part of the country club, but no one in this town is that fancy.
​
Abbey hums quietly, biting her thumb.
​
ABBEY
I’ve just never been to a really fancy restaurant before. I’ve been having a freak out about my outfit all day.
​
LILITH
(turning to her) You look great. Really.
​
Abbey blushes, and they smile at each other. They sit in comfortable silence for a moment.
​
ABBEY
Have you taken any of your other friends here?
​
LILITH
(deadpan)
No. I don’t have any other friends.
​
Abbey doesn’t reply.
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The restaurant interior is stark white--from the tablecloth to the chandelier--and bathed in a dim warm candle light.
Abbey and Lilith sit across from each other, staring at one another. A WAITER comes by, placing two identical dishes in front of each of them: scallops and a buttery steak, flayed in the shape of a heart. Lilith cuts into hers with a sharp knife. Blood oozes out. Abbey begins to cut into her own, when her phone buzzes with a call from Jill. Abbey rolls her eyes and declines the call as Lilith cocks an eyebrow at her.
​
LILITH
Something wrong?
​
ABBEY
No, it’s just my mom. She calls constantly and freaks out when I don’t answer. It’s really annoying.
​
LILITH
Can’t you just tell her to leave you alone?
​
ABBEY
I’ve tried. But with my food issues and a...”situation” I got into this summer, she just wants to always check up on me.
​
Lilith narrows her eyes at this, but doesn’t press further.
​
LILITH
We have opposite problems. My parents don’t call at all.
​
ABBEY
Really?
​
Lilith shakes her head.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
Do you guys not have a good relationship.
​
LILITH
I think my parents think of parenthood as something more like a business venture. They throw money at me, send me off to different schools in different cities and countries and just pray that I’m a good investment.
​
ABBEY
They weren’t around a lot?
​
LILITH
Nope. Mom gave me enough cooking skills to send me off to France when I was 7. I stayed with an older cat lady named Celine the first few trips. She was my first crush.
​
They both laugh.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
When I was 10, I went to stay with her the 4th time. She had a heart attack, and I was the one who found her. They said she’d been lying there dead for 2 days.
​
Abbey’s smile fades, and Lilith stabs her knife into the steak.
​
EXT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Lilith charges out of the restaurant, laughing and pulling Abbey behind her. They run towards the parking lot, messily spinning and dancing in the pouring rain. Abbey falters in her high heels, slipping and falling into a puddle with a wet plop. Laughing hysterically, Lilith extends a hand to help her back on her feet. The laughter fades as they stand face to face, Lilith’s hand still holding Abbey’s arm gently. They stare at each other in silence before Lilith leans in to kiss her.
INT. LILITH’S BEDROOM - MORNING
Abbey wakes, naked, to bright morning light and the sound of birds chirping. She yawns, glancing around her surroundings. The room is much larger than Abbey’s dorm, with floor to ceiling windows and a huge bed. The walls are sparsely decorated, only with a few polaroid photos--all of Lilith.
Abbey turns, seeing Lilith asleep beside her. She smiles, then climbs out of the blanket to sit on the edge of the bed.
INT. LILITH’S KITCHEN - MORNING
Sitting cross legged at the kitchen table, Abbey sips a mug of coffee. She is now wearing an oversized black t-shirt-- practically dress length. Lilith walks into the room, yawning and wearing satin pajamas.
​
LILITH
Is that my shirt?
​
Mid sip, Abbey hums in affirmation. Lilith grins and walks over to her, tilting Abbey’s head up to kiss her.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Want me to make pancakes?
INT. LILITH'S KITCHEN - LATER
Lilith and Abbey sit next to each other at the table, finishing up breakfast. As Abbey eats a last bite, Lilith watches her smiling.
​
LILITH
Can I show you something?
​
ABBEY
(hesitant) What is it?
​
Instead of answering, Lilith smiles coquettishly and gets up, walking towards her bedroom in silence. Abbey follows her shortly after.
INT. LILITH'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Abbey walks into the bedroom, where Lilith is on her knees in the closet, shuffling around for something on the floor.
Abbey peers into the doorway, craning her neck to see what she’s doing. Lilith springs up, emerging with a black wooden box with a locket on its opening. She rushes passed Abbey and plops down on the bed, looking at Abbey excitedly with the mysterious box in her hands.
​
ABBEY
What is that?
​
Lilith pats the spot next to her on the bed, motioning her to sit down. Abbey reluctantly obliges. Lilith hands her a tarnished key. Abbey looks at her, wildly confused. After a moment, she exhales and unlocks the box. She opens it slowly, then stares, dumbfounded. The box is filled with teeth.
Stunned, she flicks her eyes towards Lilith.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
Lilith...
​
Lilith’s grin fades as she notices Abbey’s unwavering unease. She picks up a tooth, the rest rattling as she moves.
​
LILITH
It’s just a collection I have. I’ve been keeping it since 6th grade.
Don’t worry, I clean them. You can touch them. (holding up tooth) This one’s a deer molar.
​
She shuffles deeper into the box, pulling out a larger, sharper tooth.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
And this is a coyote canine.
​
She holds out the tooth to Abbey, who side-eyes it for a moment, unmoving. Eventually, she takes it, pressing her finger along the sharp point.
​
ABBEY
So these are all animal teeth?
​
Lilith doesn’t acknowledge the question. She digs out another tooth, holding it against the light and admiring it. Abbey stares at her with wide eyes.
Lilith notices the staring and her face falls, embarrassed. She throws the tooth back into the box and slams the cover down, grabbing the key from Abbey’s hand and shoving it into the lock. She rushes to hide it away again, lips tight in a scowl. Abbey sighs and walks up to her, hugging her from the back. Lilith doesn’t respond.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
Sorry.
​
As they embrace, Lilith’s face softens. She brings her hand up to rest on top of Abbey’s.
​
LILITH
I’ve never shown anyone that before.
INT. LILITH’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Abbey is sitting upright on the bed, watching TV as Lilith sleeps with her head in her lap. Abbey’s phone buzzes, and she reaches to find it within the sheets. She looks at the screen, seeing an email, reading;
​
“Hello Abbey. As I’m sure you’re aware, you’ve missed every single midterm exam for this semester. Your professors have also each reported that you have missed 10 class meetings, well over the acceptable 5 absences. You will need to schedule a meeting with me and Financial Services, in order to discuss disciplinary action. Thanks. Patrick Brown, Lexington Academic Advising”.
​
After reading, Abbey apathetically tosses the phone aside, returning her attention to the TV and running her hand through Lilith’s hair. She gently lifts her still-sleeping head off her lap, and slides out from under her to climb out of the bed. She tip toes to the door.
INT. LILITH'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Abbey creeps into the room, fumbling around in the darkness. Finding the pantry, she blindly grabs at the few items, before returning them to the shelves with growing disappointment. Growing more frantic, she opens the refrigerator. It is full of only a few vegetables, and several packages of raw meat. Slowly, Abbey pulls out a pack of beef tenderloins. She tears off a small opening in the plastic covering, then looks behind her. Turning back to the package in her hands, she pinches off a string of meat, and puts it in her mouth. She cringes while chewing robotically, and swallows with effort.
After opening her eyes again, she crouches down to the floor with the meat, and picks off another piece. Small pieces turn into handfuls as she eats the entire package.
INT. LILITH’S KITCHEN - MORNING
Lilith groggily wanders into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. She opens them, seeing Abbey sprawled on the floor, looking back up at her like a wounded dog. There are empty meat packages and red vomit strewn around her, and a blood red stain running down from her mouth to the collar of her shirt. Lilith walks up to her, crouching to the floor and pulling Abbey’s head to rest on her chest.
EXT. CAMPUS OFFICE - DAY
Abbey stands outside a brick building, shivering as snowflakes begin to fall. She is wearing a big black wool coat and a short black skirt. She taps her foot along the wall nervously, checking her watch every few seconds. After the time on her watch turns to say “3:30 pm”, she takes a deep breath and opens the door to the building.
INT. CAMPUS OFFICE - DAY
Abbey sits uncomfortably in a small chair, facing PATRICK, 49 with square glasses and slicked back dark hair, sitting at a wooden desk. He looks genuinely concerned.
​
PATRICK
You understand the university has to do something about this, yes? You’re going to have to fully retake these classes, and your scholarship for this semester will be revoked. Now, we’re not talking suspension yet, but you need to understand that Lexington takes itself very seriously, and we need to hold our students to a very high standard. My best advice would be to talk to your parents about getting a loan, and just push through the rest of the semester.
​
Abbey doesn’t reply, just sits uncaring. Patrick sighs, taking off his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose.
​
PATRICK (CONT’D)
Abigail, you’re a very bright girl. You got into this school on a full ride; what happened? You can’t just throw this all away.
​
Abbey doesn’t respond.
INT. ABBEY’S ROOM - DUSK
Abbey slams the door of her room, falling against it in exhaustion. She digs her phone out of her pocket, and starts to text Lilith. Before she can get more than a word out, her phone buzzes with an incoming call from Jill (as MOM). Abbey declines the call, and seconds later gets a text.
​
JILL (as MOM)
We need to talk. Now.
​
Abbey grimaces. Another call comes in from Jill. Abbey throws her head back with a groan before answering, slowly drawing the phone up to her ear.
​
ABBEY (INTO PHONE)
Hi, mom.
​
JILL (OVER PHONE)
(frantic)
Abbey, what the hell is going on?
​
ABBEY
I...What?
​
JILL
You’ve been declining our calls for weeks. You’ve been ignoring our texts for months. You didn’t come home for Thanksgiving. Are you ok? We’re really worried about you.
​
ABBEY
I don’t know. I’m fine. I’ve just...been busy.
​
JILL
Don’t lie to me. We just heard from the school that your scholarship got revoked. What happened?!
​
ABBEY
I just missed some classes.
​
JILL
(deadpan)
“Missed some classes”. Are you binging again?
​
ABBEY
...No.
JILL
Is it that girl?
​
Abbey’s face contorts from helplessness into irritation.
​
ABBEY
No!
​
Silence on both ends. Over the phone, Jill takes a deep breath.
​
JILL
Ok. I need time to talk to your father about this. I really think the best thing for you right now is to take a break from school. It was way too soon for you to be on your own like this. You’ll take a leave, move back to Ohio, and then we can decide from there. But you are not well enough to be this far away from us.
​
As she speaks, Abbey’s eyes go wide, and her breathing quickens.
​
JILL (CONT’D)
We’ll be there to move you out next week. I’m sorry, honey. But this is what’s best for you.
​
Jill hangs up. Abbey’s eyes begin to water as her breathing becomes more frantic. She fumbles with her phone, bringing it up to her ear again as the sound of faint ringing plays.
​
ABBEY (INTO PHONE)
Hi. I need to see you, now.
INT. ABBEY'S ROOM - NIGHT
Abbey sits motionless on the edge of her bed, eyes red and puffy. Lilith quietly walks over to her with a cup of tea, tapping Abbey on the shoulder to get her attention.
After she takes the cup, Lilith brings over the desk chair to sit facing Abbey, resting her arms on the back of the chair. She takes a few sips before Lilith breaks the silence.
​
LILITH
When do you leave?
​
ABBEY
I don’t know. Sometime next week.
​
Lilith hums in reply. Abbey stares into the cup.
​
LILITH
It’s gonna be ok.
​
Abbey grins sardonically, and breaths out a pitiful laugh.
​
ABBEY
No it won’t. (pause) You know, you were the first friend I ever made? I mean it. For as long as I can remember, it was as if everyone was constantly walking on eggshells around me. Like if they got too close, whatever was wrong with me would infect them. I never understood anyone, and they never understood me. But you...I can’t remember the last time someone saw me, and chose to sit by me. I can’t remember the last time someone chose me.
​
Lilith says nothing, just stares deep in thought.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
The month before I came here, I just thought I couldn’t take it anymore. So, I locked myself in the bathroom, choked down every pill in our medicine cabinet, and waited.
But, naturally, I failed at that, too. I’ve never succeeded at anything, in my entire life. Not really. I eat, and vomit it back up. I get into a good school, and I can’t keep up. I meet you, and I’m pulled away. Everything hangs on a shiny lure, before I’m ripped away from it and gutted from within.
Once I’m back home, I’m going to do it. I will do everything I can to succeed, just once in my life.
​
Lilith’s head rises and she takes Abbey’s face gently in her hands. Her face is devoid of any emotion.
​
LILITH
I knew I would love you since the moment I saw you. You are the only human whom I have ever cared for. Everyone else is less than an insect below my heel. If you are to die, I will die with you.
​
Abbey’s brow furrows as she speaks, initially appearing fearful. Eventually the fear melts into understanding.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
If I ask you to do something with me, will you do it?
​
Abbey nods.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
No matter how much it hurts?
​
ABBEY
Anything.
INT. SUBURBAN HOME - DAWN
Jill is seated at a small kitchen island, drinking a cup of coffee in striped pajamas and a blue bathrobe. The sound of a slamming door sounds from the other room, and Paul enters the kitchen shortly after. He is wearing a black puffer jacket, dusted with snow.
​
PAUL
Alright, driveway is shoveled. Car is ready to go.
​
JILL
Thanks hon’. I’ll go get dressed soon and we can get on the road.
​
Paul nods, and Jill takes a few more sips of coffee.
​
PAUL
Have you called Abbey and told her we’re coming?
​
Jill sighs and shrugs.
​
JILL
I just told her we’d come this week.
​
Paul nods.
JILL (CONT’D)
I didn’t want her to worry about it too much. She’s such a sensitive girl.
PAUL
I’ll go bring your bag down.
​
Jill hums a “thanks” through a sip of coffee, before jumping at the sound of her phone ringing.
​
JILL
(under her breath) Abbey...
​
She picks up the phone, but furrows her brow when she sees the call from a random number.
INT. LILITH'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Lilith and Abbey are standing at the kitchen counter. Lilith is chopping herbs on a cutting board, while Abbey watches.
Then, Lilith plops a huge cut of meat on the board, still oozing out red.
​
LILITH
You can watch me make my meal. Once it’s in the oven, I’ll show you how to make yours.
​
Abbey nods, looking faint. Lilith begins sawing through the meat.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
First, you’re gonna slice it in half and trim off the fat.
(examining it)
There’s not too much on this piece.
​
She grabs a piece of twine and begins tying it.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Then, you’re gonna tie it. Think of it like you’re wrapping a present.
​
Abbey’s head bops back and forth, eyes closing and opening like she’s falling asleep. Lilith wipes her sweaty brow and pinches some seasoning from a dish.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Then let it cook in the pan for a few minutes.
​
She plops the meat onto a cast iron skillet on the stove, splashing oil over the sides and creating a loud sizzling hiss.
INTERCUT JILL AND LILITH/ABBEY
​
JILL (INTO PHONE)
Hello? Who is this?
​
PATRICK (OVER PHONE)
Hello. Is this Ms. Jill Harper?
​
JILL
(after pause)
Yes, it is. Who is this?
​
PATRICK
This is Patrick Brown. I’m an academic advisor at Lexington University. We spoke earlier about your daughter Abigail.
​
JILL
Ah, that’s right. Is something wrong? Has something else come up?
​
PATRICK
Well... to be honest, ma’am, we don’t usually do this, but I’m calling as a human being to tell you that I’m very concerned for the well being of your daughter.
​
Lilith coughs into her elbow violently, leaving drops of blood on the skin. She exhales shakily, then grabs a dish of butter and slathers it on the meat cooking in the pan.
​
LILITH
Now, you let it cook in the oven for about 20 minutes. See, really easy.
​
PATRICK
I’d been told by her professors that she still hadn’t been to class, and she wasn’t responding to my emails or calls.
So I went to her dorm to see if I could catch her there. I’m sorry. I know this is out of line for my job, but something about the whole situation seemed so wrong to me. I had a little sister who went through a hard time when she was Abigail’s age, so she just...worried me. I knocked, and she never answered. But the door was unlocked. I shouldn’t have gone in... I’m sorry but-
​
JILL
(cutting him off)
Oh god. Don’t tell me she-
​
PATRICK
She wasn’t there.
​
Jill sighs in relief.
​
PATRICK (CONT’D)
But her laptop was open. And her searches were...disturbing. “How to make a tourniquet”; “How to stop blood flow”; “Nephrectomy”.
​
Jill’s eyes widen as he talks. She shakes her head back and forth.
​
JILL
(frantic)
This has to be a misunderstanding. She’s probably studying for an anatomy test.
​
Lilith opens the oven door and grabs the pan off the stove, crouching down to place it in the oven. As she does this, she winces in pain, barely managing to get the pan in the oven and close the door before falling to the ground. She holds her side tightly as blood pours out.
​
PATRICK
Maybe, but I don’t-
​
JILL
(snapping)
Look, Mr. Brown, thank you for your concern. Abbey’s father and I are about to drive up there right now, so we will deal with her when we get there, alright?!
Patrick pauses on the other end for a moment, then sighs loudly.
​
PATRICK
Alright, ma’am. I’m sorry to have upset you. You folks have a pleasant drive, and I really hope everything is ok with Abigail. I mean it.
​
Jill hangs up, slamming down the phone. Her breathing quickens as she sits motionless at the table. She then rushes out of the room.
​
JILL
(calling)
Paul! Paul! We have to go, now!
​
The color drains from Lilith’s face as she removes her hand, revealing a long open gash on her side. She looks up at Abbey, who stares down at her from a barstool next to the stove--her right leg gone.
​
LILITH
I think I’m gonna have to teach you the recipe from the floor. You’ll have to forgive me if I misguide you. I’ve never cooked kidney before.
​
Abbey turns to face the counter, bringing her hands to the small slimy kidney that lies in front of her. She takes a knife, struggling to cut off the fat.
​
ABBEY
I don’t think this is gonna be enough meat.
​
LILITH
It won’t be. We’ll cook more later.
​
Abbey’s face is white as she sweats and breaths like she just ran a marathon.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
I’ve heard that, with kidneys, you can soak them in cold water or blanche them to get rid of the awful taste. But we don’t need that. You can taste me as I am.
​
She gestures to the dish of seasonings.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
(out of breath)
Now, you’re just going to rub some seasoning onto it, so it’s evenly coated. Then, toss it in flour. The flour makes the sauce thicker.
​
Abbey reaches over to the other side of the counter, stretching to grip the dish. She struggles to pull it towards her but eventually succeeds. She methodically coats the meat.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Then, you’re gonna sauté with olive oil on the stove, til the meat is cooked through.
​
Lilith continues to bleed out. By this point, she’s lying on the floor in her own blood, voice low and delirious. After she places the meat in the pan, Abbey slowly lowers herself to the floor. She grabs a couple towels from the oven door handle and crawls over to Lilith, tapping her lightly on the face to wake her.
​
ABBEY
Try to sit up. I’m gonna try to bandage you up. You can’t die yet, we still have more cooking to do.
​
Lilith sighs in reply as Abbey helps her sit up, haphazardly tying the towels together and using them as a makeshift bandage wrap. Abbey crawls back to the chair and pulls herself up with effort. She pokes around at the meat.
​
ABBEY (CONT’D)
I think it’s done.
​
LILITH
Ok, now you just add the butter and garlic and let it cook a little longer.
​
She crawls towards the oven, looking through the glass.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
I think your legs are almost done, too.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Abbey crawls towards an elegant dining table, with two places set on opposite ends. She makes her way to the farthest end, climbing up into the red velvet chair.
There are wine glasses at their places, each filled with a dark red liquid. Lilith stumbles in shortly after, carrying both dishes in her hand. She places the kidney in front of Abbey, and the leg in front of her own place at the table. Her makeshift bandage is missing.
​
ABBEY
(gesturing to her) What happened to-
​
LILITH
Oh, it’s nothing. I had to get
something for us to drink.
​
Abbey hums. The dish is beautiful, decorated with white flowers. She looks at her plate, and then at the spot where her leg used to be. Abbey’s face morphs into nausea as she picks up her fork and knife. She flicks her eyes up to watch Lilith, as she ravenously cuts and bites into the leg, sauce and blood running down her chin.
Her face neutralizes, and she smiles faintly. She cuts into the meat, and takes a bite. Her smile grows as she closes her eyes and chews. When she opens them again, Lilith is staring back at her.
​
LILITH (CONT’D)
Well? How am I?
​
ABBEY
Perfect.
END