Template:Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn (Script) - "Ricky's Girl"/doc

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT.FRONT OF SCHOOL BUILDING. MONDAY MORNING.

The imposing school building comes into view, revealing its brick structure and greenery. Students are seen entering the edifice. In the background, a melody plays.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY. CONTINUOUS.

There are students gathered at tables reviewing their schoolwork, finishing homework, reading novels, and the like. Some students assemble around the chessboard in anticipation to see who will become the victor.

NICKY, RICKY, DICKY, and DAWN HARPER, 11, enter the media center. They walk together as a pack. The melody fades.

DICKY (inhales deeply) Ugh.

Dicky wrinkles his nose in disgust.

DICKY (CONT’D) Can you smell that? That’s the smell of old books and chess playing geeks.

RICKY (sighs) Dicky, be serious! The Science Fair is this Friday, and it’s a huge project! How you do on it could very well make or break your grade in science.

DICKY My grades are beyond repair. The only subject I’m passing is lunch.

The quadruplets sit down at a vacant table surrounded by four chairs; two chairs are on both of the opposing sides. Nicky and Dicky sit by one another on side of the table, and Ricky and Dawn are seated on the other. This leaves Nicky and Dawn across from each other with Ricky and Dicky face-to-face.

DAWN Lunch is not a subject. It’s the thirty minute block between boredom and more boredom.

Dawn reaches into her backpack and retrieves her science binder. She begins skimming through its contents.

Nicky flips through several pages of his science textbook in confusion.

NICKY I’m guessing there’s no easy way out. Science Fair will be the death of me! (hyperventilates) I’ll never be able to attend normal events because I’ll holed up in my bedroom loathing myself, and I’ll never be able to smile again at silly things like blowing bubbles in milk. Before I know it, I’ll be in clown college all because I failed this project!

Feeling despaired, Nicky buries his face in the textbook.

RICKY Hey, cheer up! If there’s one thing the Harper boys have in common, it’s that we each share an interest in girls, and a ton of females will be at the presentation Friday night.

Ricky looks between Nicky and Dicky as he speaks. Nicky sits up in his seat and raises his eyebrows in intrigue, and Dicky shifts forward in his seat with interest.

NICKY (norval voice) Now your talking, Ricky.

DICKY If it involves girls, I’m all ears.

Dicky slides Nicky’s textbook to his side of the table as Nicky furrows his eyebrows in confusion.

DICKY (CONT’D) Call me Mr. Smart Guy ‘cause I’m all aboard the Science Fair train.

Dawn rolls her eyes at her brothers’ shallow behavior.

DAWN Boys. They’re a peculiar species.

Something in Dawn’s peripheal vision grasps her attention. As she gazes to her right, she sees DIANA ANDERSON, a pert-faced, academic girl. She approaches the Quads’ table.

DAWN (CONT’D) Woah… isn’t that Diana Anderson?

The boys follow her gaze.

NICKY Yeah, what about her?

DAWN She’s coming this way. Don’t you think that’s a bit out of the ordinary? I mean, she’s a seventh grader. Since when did seventh graders acknowledge sixth graders, the most annoying kids in middle school?

Dawn uses air quotes as she says the word “annoying.”

DICKY One thing’s for sure, Diana Anderson is looking fine today, and I’m about to give her a little Dominic “Dicky” Harper. (tosses his hair) Lookin’ good, huh?

Unamused, Dawn regards Dicky as if to say “You’re an idiot!”

DAWN I’m not quite sure whether to barf or to keep quiet and see what happens… Maybe you’ll embarrass yourself. That would be an interesting turn of events.

Dicky scowls while Dawn smiles mockingly knowing that he does not have a comeback.

Diana has arrived at their table.

DIANA (CONT’D) (to Ricky) Hey, Ricky. I’m Diana-- y’know, from the Japanese Language club.

RICKY (nervous) Uh, uh… Hi.

DIANA (giggles) A couple of my best buds and I are going to the movies this Friday night to see “The Galactic Forces of the Universe.” The screening starts at 7:30. You’re invited.

Diana hands an awe-struck Ricky a movie ticket. She smiles and walks away. At the same time, Dicky is left in total perplexion at the fact that she had not said to him or even looked him in the eyes.

DAWN (to Ricky) That movie’s PG-13. Mom and Dad would never let you out the house if they find out that’s the type of movie their precious, innocent Ricky Harper wants to see.

DICKY (peeved) And I’d be the one to snitch since you stole my moment with my woman.

Ricky considers their words for a second.

RICKY What if Mom and Dad didn’t know? No harm, no foul.

NICKY Ricky, you’re a good boy. You’re an honest,good boy. Honest, good boys don’t go behind their parents’ back if they know what they’re doing could potentially put them in trouble.

DAWN And you said it yourself: (imitating Ricky) “The Science Fair is this Friday!” Mom and Dad are expecting you to attend, kick butt, and get that first place ribbon like you always do. They’d be devastated when they find out that you have other plans.

RICKY If you’re trying to guilt me out of going to the movies with Diana Anderson, it’s not working because, believe me, I can be bad.

Ricky jumps up from his seat as he tries to prove his point.

RICKY (CONT’D) Watch me! I’m walking out the library without a pass.

Ricky picks up his backpack and begins to leave. Dawn watches, clearly entertained.

DAWN (laughs) You don’t need a pass. School doesn’t officially start for another fifteen minutes, but I guess you could be a good boy and be the first person in class.

Ricky halts and turns around. He returns to his seat.

RICKY (nervous laughter) What? You actually thought I was going to class? I was just testing you guys.

Ricky drops his backpack on the floor, resting against the table leg, and returns to his seat.

NICKY (sarcastically) Yeaaah, of course you were.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

OPENING TITLES.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT.FRONT OF SCHOOL BUILDING. A FEW HOURS LATER.

Background tune. The spot is clear of students and even parents.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MRS. HARVELL’S CLASSROOM. DAY.

Tune fades. The students are seated at their desks, conversing amongst one another in level voices.

MRS. HARVELL stands at the front of the classroom to address the students. There is a stack of papers clasped in her hands.

MRS. HARVELL (to class) Settle down and clear your desks, please. It’s time to see what you know.

NICKY (confused) So, you’re implying that what we’re about to do is for a grade?

DICKY If it is a grade, it’s not worth my energy. I already know I’ll fail just like I did with all the other tests... I guess I’m just not smart enough.

MRS. HARVELL Everything you do in this class is for a grade-- participation, homework, projects-- everything. You want to know why?

DICKY No, not really, but you’re probably going to tell us anyway.

Mrs. Harvell ignores Dicky’s rude comment.

MRS. HARVELL Because everything is a part of this giant building block called education, and as they say, with great knowledge comes great responsibility. As your teacher, I want to see each and every one of you leading a successful life, and it starts here. (particularly speaking to Dicky) No matter what anyone tells you, grades aren’t a representation of your intelligence. They are a representation of your attitude and endeavor.

Hearing Mrs. Harvell’s words, a smile hovers about Dicky’s lips.

DICKY (softly) Thank you... I needed to hear that.

Mrs. Harvell gives the appropriate number of test papers to the first person in each row. Now that the papers are being distributed, she makes her way to her desk at the front of the classroom.

Dawns glances at the paper on her desk with angst.

DAWN (whispers to MAE) Mae!

MAE VALENTIME, Dawn’s quirky and bubbly best friend, turns around.

DAWN I don’t remember any of this. I don’t even think we actually learned any of this!

MAE (in a low voice) Well, we did.

MRS. HARVELL Girls, please. Tests are out.

Mae turns back around.

DAWN (V.O.) If I don’t get a good grade on this test, I can kiss my spot on the soccer team goodbye... Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Dawn balantly eyes the test paper on the desk to the right of her. The girl sitting at the desk, Cara, senses this and looks at Dawn in annoyance.

CARA (with a lisp) Something in your eye?

Dawn looks at Cara and cringes. She is dressed in the resemblance of someone from the 80s with her blue eyeshadow, high side ponytail, and funky outfit.

DAWN Oh, me? I was just... looking for my pencil!

Dawn knocks the pencil off her desk, and her gaze wanders about the room as if she has no clue where the pencil is. She then looks back at the spot she dropped it.

DAWN Hey! I found it.

Dawn picks up the pencil.

During this, Cara returns to taking her test. Dawn counts three seconds before she glances at Cara’s test paper and starts copying off answers. Cara is completely unaware.

DAWN (V.O.) That was close... Maybe I shouldn’t be cheating. It only leads up to bigger and greater problems.

She places her pencil on her desk.

DAWN (V.O) But who am I kidding? If I fail this test, I will never be able to forgive myself.

She picks up the pencil and continues writing whatever Cara writes.

Mrs. Harvell looks up, and her eyes scan the room. Dawn catches her attention.

MRS. HARVELL Dawn, what you’re doing is unacceptable.

Mrs. Harvell gets up from her chair and approaches Dawn, pen in hand. Everyone looks to Dawn as she slumps in her seat. She is disappointed in herself.

DAWN (V.O.) I should’ve listened to my instincts.

MRS. HARVELL You know better than to cheat off one of your fellow classmates.

DAWN I wish I could go back in time to when I had the chance to study. I wish I wouldn’t have cheated. I wish a lot of things right now, but no matter how many times I say “I wish,” I can’t help the fact that I was in the wrong. Whatever punishment you have for me, I deserve it.

MRS. HARVELL I’m glad you’re being honest with yourself, so I will be honest with you: cheating results in an automatic zero.

Using her pen, Mrs. Harvell writes an “F” on Dawn’s test.

MRS. HARVELL I expect this to have a parent signature by tomorrow or else you and I will be spending some time together in detention.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

'''ACT TWO '''

FADE IN:

EXT. FRONT OF THE HARPER HOME. A LITTLE LATER.

Music plays. From the outside, the house is nice and peaceful, but things are yet to unfold inside.

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM. AFTER SCHOOL.

Music grows faint. The Quads walk through the front door accompanied by their babysitter, JOSIE.

The kids’ father, TOM HARPER, is sitting on the couch fixated on his latest gadget: an electric circuit.

JOSIE Hey, Mr. Harper. I brought them back, and they’re all in one piece!

Tom gets up and drops his appliance on the table, giving the others his full attention.

TOM Well, that’s always important… So, tell me, kids. How was school today?

NICKY/RICKY/DICKY/DAWN Great! Interesting. Amazing. I don’t know... Etc.

TOM You’re all saying different things, so why don’t you all go one at a time?

JOSIE (raises hand) I wanna go first!

TOM You don’t even go to the same school as them.

JOSIE I know, but I just love sharing stuff.

TOM (exasperated) Okay, share your story.

JOSIE My band got a new gig, and we’re performing tonight!

TOM (with mock excitement) Great! Now, back to the kids.

NICKY Well, my day was phenomenal! I aced the math test and I got an extra brownie at lunch.

DICKY I got a ninety-five on that math test!

TOM Now there’s a shocker... Are you sure you didn’t cheat or something?

Hearing the word “cheat,” the boys glance at Dawn.

DICKY I didn’t cheat. I was just confident, and I guess it paid off.

RICKY You got an A? I got a B minus! (Unbelieving) Dicky, I don’t understand. You did better than me? DICKY Don’t talk to me. I’m still mad at you, and you know what for.

JOSIE I feel like something bad is bound to happen, so before it does happen-- KNOCK IT OFF!

RICKY AND DICKY (in unison) Stay out of it!

JOSIE (gasps) Wow. Some people-- whose names I won’t mention-- seem to be pretty cranky today.

TOM (to Ricky and Dicky) Boys, you know that was disrespectful. Let’s allow Dawn to talk so you two have time to calm down and settle whatever dispute you have.

Dawn attempts to walk away.

TOM Hey! Stop!

As Tom says this, Dawn comes to a standstill.

TOM Is something the matter with you, too?

DAWN (sighs) I need you to sign my test.

TOM (hopeful) Because you did so well?

Dawn takes the paper out of her pants pocket and unfolds it.

DAWN More like the opposite of well.

TOM (widens eyes) That’s impossible!

To the top left corner, the paper reads: Your child, Dawn Harper, has received a zero for the following offense-- cheating. Please sign and return.

TOM (CONT’D) Alright. Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn, stay here. We need to talk. Nicky, go upstairs and... I don’t know... help your mother.

NICKY (salutes) Yes, sir!

Nicky heads up the stairs.

JOSIE I have to go now. Hope everything works out.

Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn appear remorseful as Josie leaves.

TOM (gestures to the couch) Let’s sit.

The four of them take a seat on the couch.

TOM Let’s start with Ricky and Dicky. What’s your dilemma?

DICKY It has to do with a girl.

TOM G-g-girl?... ANNE! COME DOWN HERE!

ANNE HARPER, the quadruplets’ mother, races down the stairs as fast as she can with a large basket of clothing in her hands.

ANNE What? I was filling the hamper.

TOM It’s time.

ANNE It is?!

Panicked, she drops the hamper. It lands on her feet.

ANNE (CONT’D) Ow… I’ll pick that up later.

She joins the others on the couch.

DICKY You guys said it’s time?... By that, you mean hammer time?

ANNE (pause) No, it’s time for the talk.

RICKY It’s not that serious. A girl invited me to the movies with some of her friends, she gave a movie ticket, and now Dicky’s jealous.

TOM (scoffs) Oh, great. False alarm then. We don’t have to worry about a thing, Anne.

ANNE But we still have a kid who’s copying off people’s papers!

DAWN It was one time, and I promise it won’t happen again!

ANNE It shouldn’t happen again because I think I have a solution for all for all of you!

Discerning a trap, Dawn glowers.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM. THE NEXT DAY AFTER SCHOOL.

Music plays throughout. The All Smiles club (which includes Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn) is gathered in Mr.Williams’classroom. They kids are seated in two rows of four.

Mae, the leader of the club, stands at a podium.

Still having the self-same angry expression on her face, Dawn groans. Music vanishes.

MAE Welcome everyone to another fantastic All Smiles club meeting! This is the place where everyone always has something to smile about! I’m your club leader, Mae Valentime. I want to give a very special welcome to our newcomers, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn Harper!

The All Smiles club applauses for the Harper quadruplets.

MAE It’s time for roll call!

Starting with the front row, Cara is the first to stand up.

CARA (with a lisp) I’m Cara, and I’m smiling because I get to take my braces off soon!

The All Smiles club claps as Cara takes her seat.

Sitting beside Cara is Paris, an eighth grader. She hops to her feet.

PARIS You know who I am! Captain of the eighth grade cheerleading squad: Paris! I’m smiling because my daddy’s renting out a country club to throw my birthday party next week! (pause) None of you are invited. You’re all lame.

With the exception of Dicky, no one claps for Paris as she sits down.

Following Paris is Nico, a brainy boy in the sixth grade. He jumps up, animated.

NICO I’m Nico, and I’m smiling because no one’s stolen my lunch so far this school year. That’s a record!

The club members applaud as Nico plops down in his seat. Rising from his chair, a boy stands up. This is Jordan, a seventh grader.

JORDAN I’m Jordan, and I’m smiling because I’m doing pretty well in school!

The All Smiles club cheer. Jordan sits down, and the roll call transitions to the back row.

Nicky stands up to introduce himself.

NICKY I’m Nicky. I’m smiling because, no matter what happens, my siblings are always there for me. Through thick and thin, we come out of rocky obstacles and learn from our mistakes.

The club members clap, and Nicky takes a seat. Ricky stands up after him.

RICKY I’m Ricky, and I’m smiling because-- and I don’t mean to be cocky-- but I’m the smartest kid in my grade. (to Dicky) I think you can agree, right?

Dicky rolls his eyes in contempt. Ricky receives applause from the All Smiles club.

At the same time, Dicky gets onto his feet.

DICKY I’m Dicky, and I’m gonna be honest… I don’t want to be here, but my brother, Ricky, has given a reason to smile. (to Ricky) I’m smiling because I’m gonna enter the Science Fair and I’m gonna win.

RICKY (chuckles) Please. Since when did a student who never placed on honor roll win the Science Fair? Never!

DICKY Anything you can do, I can do it better. Exhibit A: flirting-- which, might I add, you have zero experience in. (to Paris) Hey there. You and me. Me and you. How about it?

PARIS You’re kinda cute, but you’re not my type. You’re too short for me.

Dicky flexes his non-existant muscles.

DICKY Maybe now, but give me a couple if years. I’ll grow.

Dicky is seated, and all eyes look to Dawn

NICO (whispering) I heard she cheated on a math test.

CARA (to Nico) Yeah! I saw her do it.

Dawn overhears the murmurs and stands up.

DAWN I know some of you may see me in a negative light, but I can assure you that one mistake doesn’t define who I am. I’m Dawn, the oldest Quad and the leader of the pack--

RICKY I think you meant to say that you’re “the runner up as leader of the pack.”

DAWN Anyway, as the leader, I’m supposed to make good choice that will reflect positively on my siblings and I. I failed to do that, but it doesn’t mean I can’t start over… I’m smiling because everyday is a chance to start over.

Out of all the speakers, Dawn receives the loudest applause. She sits back down.

Mae smiles at her best friend, Dawn.

MAE Wow, Dawn. That took guts… I hear Mrs. Harvell is having a retest session right now in her classroom. Maybe you can redeem yourself and improve your grade.

Dawn grins.

DAWN I hope so.

Background music follows. FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. FRONT OF THE HARPER HOME. THE EVENING OF THE SCIENCE FAIR.

Tune plays. From the outside of the residence, all is quiet and still. Tune fades.

INT. THE KITCHEN. CONTINUOUS.

The Harper family is gathered at the dining table as they consume their dinner which consists of pizza and side dishes of corn or peas. Three Science Fair projects are positioned on the kitchen counter: a model volacano (Dawn’s), a daisy in a flower pot (Nicky’s), and bottle of orange soda (Dicky’s).

DAWN So, I retook the test, and I got an A the second time around.

TOM That’s fantastic! What’d you think about that, Anne?

ANNE (emotional) They’re all growing up so fast! Nicky, Dicky, and Dawn are attending their first middle school Science Fair. Ricky’s… Ricky’s going to the mvoies. With a girl.

RICKY And her friends, Mom. It’s totally innocent.

TOM (to Ricky) Your mother’s just tearing up because Science Fair is a big deal to you, and you won’t be there to win.

NICKY You can still count on the rest of us.

TOM Nicky... it’s not that the rest of you aren’t as smart as Ricky. It’s just that the rest of you aren’t as capable of winning like Ricky is.

Dicky is evidently outraged.

DICKY What’s that supposed to mean?

Tom attempts to change the subject.

TOM (CONT'D) Oh, pizza!

Tom takes another slice for himself.

ANNE Is everyone done eating?

NICKY/RICKY/DICKY/DAWN (all together) Yes.

ANNE Nicky, Dicky, and Dawn, go get your projects. You’re dad’s driving. I’ll be here waiting for Ricky’s date to arrive.

RICKY (sighs) It’s not a date.

Nicky, Dicky, and Dawn grab their projects. They, along with Tom, begin to depart the house.

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM. CONTINUOUS.

Nicky, Dicky, Dawn, and Tom are making their way to the front door.

DICKY Now that Ricky’s not going this year, I have a great shot at winning.

NICKY Yeah? What’s your project about?

DICKY My scientific question is “How long does it take a can of frozen orange soda to return to room temperature?”

DAWN Considering how low your IQ is, I’m even amazed you did your project at all. However, it just doesn’t scream “winner.”

Dicky sticks out his tongue. Tom open the front door, and the foursome begin to out.

At the doorway, Dawn shoves Dicky.

DICKY (O.C.) Very mature!

CUT TO:

INT. THE KITCHEN. CONTINUOUS

Anne and Ricky stand at the doorway to the living room.

ANNE Feel any butterflies?

RICKY (embarrassed) Yeah.

ANNE Are you nervous?

RICKY Very.

ANNE Don’t be.

Anne and Ricky enter the living room. They find themselves a seat on the couch.

ANNE So, what’s this girl’s name? You never told me.

RICKY Diana.

ANNE When did Diana say she’d be coming?

RICKY The movie starts at 7:30, so she should be here around 7.

ANNE Great.

MONTAGE

The camera angles on the clock. It is 6:30 p.m. The clock ticks in fast forward. Anne and Ricky are seen falling asleep on the couch. The time reaches 7 p.m., and there is still no sound produced by the doorbell to indicate Diana’s arrival. Ricky finally wakes up, and the clock reads 7:45 p.m.

END MONTAGE

Realizing that it is past the screening time, Ricky is discouraged. He nudges his mother who then awakens.

RICKY I don’t think she’s coming.

ANNE I’m sorry thing didn’t go as expected.

RICKY Let’s just go to the Science Fair.

ANNE You never finished your project. You were so sure you going to the movies today.

RICKY It’s not about me right now. I want to support the other Quads.

Anne smiles at this.

ANNE That’s sweet.

CUT TO:

FADE IN:

EXT. FRONT OF SCHOOL BUILDING. A LITTLE WHILE LATER.

Music plays. The sun is setting, nearing the day to a close. There is not a single person in sight as each individual is inside the location, observing projects.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. GYM. CONTINUOUS.

Music fades. Ricky joins Nicky, Dicky, and Dawn. The three are huddled together.

RICKY Hey.

DICKY (breaks huddle) What are you doing here? What about your “date?”

RICKY I guess it wasn’t meant to be.

NICKY Sorry that happened.

RICKY No, I’m sorry. I got in over my head, and I put my infatuation before my best friends.

DICKY And who would that be?

Ricky smiles.

RICKY (cont’d) You guys.

The quadruplets embrace in a group hug.

DAWN Think of it this way: we’re all gonna fall in love at once in our lives, and chances are, we’ll end up heartbroken. It won’t be the end of the world. Sometimes you encounter all the wrong people only to be set up with that special someone.

NICKY (to Dawn) And how do you know that?

DAWN Mom and Dad.

ANGLE ON ANNE AND TOM.

The two dip strawberries in the chocolate fountain with the enthusiasm of five-year-olds.

DAWN They’re both quirky, but they compliment eachother well.

END OF ACT THREE