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+Episode 3.01, Lunch
+-------------------
+
+This story begins with the last scene of Something Wicked this
+Way Comes (2.22).
+
+Joan watches Ryan leave. She remembers what God told her about evil,
+how it's a broad spectrum from darkness to light. Or was it shadows
+and light? Whatever. Ryan is everything she is not, a mirror of Joan.
+But what she hates most are the feelings he causes to boil up from
+within her. “Use the force, Luke.” But if she ventures into the dark
+side, he wins.
+
+Joan turns and walks back to her friends. She loves them like a rock,
+but her army, hah! Scooby and Friends is more like it.
+
+Joan – “Okay, let's scram.”
+
+Grace smirks – “So Girardi, are you sure you're not going to wander
+off with Marilyn again?”
+
+Joan – “Grace, isn't it you who's always saying that anarchy is about
+shedding false conceptions? So shed! Light is a broad spectrum,
+right? Let's do physics.”
+
+Grace decides to drop the subject. Even she can see that Joan is in a
+mood. She has learned sometimes it's best to just let her work it
+out.
+
+Joan spends the rest of the day barely talking. Oh, the meaningless
+conversations continue, but inside, she is trapped in an endless
+cycle of evaluation and reevaluation of her situation. Even God seems
+to have thrown her to the wolves. She could only be lonelier without
+the loneliness. Every potential move seems to end with the same
+result - Checkmate.
+
+That evening, Joan desperately tries to study. Luke and Grace are
+working like ding and dong, but all Joan can do is twang! Physics
+requires too much brainpower, and she just can't concentrate. Can a
+head actually explode? She excuses herself to go to bed. She will get
+up early and study in the morning.
+
+In the bathroom cleaning up, she sees her reflection in the mirror.
+‘Who am I?’ she wonders. ‘I'm just a kid, a seventeen-year-old girl.
+Am I really supposed to be Wonder Woman?’ Her eyes begin to tear up,
+‘God help me.’
+
+And from the aether comes the voice of God. This little prayer
+becomes a catalyst for events to come. Joan, his instrument, is in
+desolation. He answers silently, “I am here.”
+
+She leaves and enters her bedroom, “Jammies, polka dots, love ‘em.”
+Her head hits the pillow and the night begins.
+
+Joan – “Come on Judith, get in the mood! It's Saturday, we're free,
+and it's a beautiful day.”
+
+Judith – “You know I'm not the outdoorsy type.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, but can't you feel it? Look at me. You know how I hate to
+drive, but Mercer Creek is calling. Look at the colors painting the
+trees and the ground, the reds, the yellows, and orange. Fall is the
+best time of year.”
+
+Judith – “I brought something to read while you commune with nature.”
+
+Joan gets even more excited, “Oh, here it comes! Get ready to wave!
+Hello, Ole Paint!”
+
+Judith – “You know that's really lame.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, lighten up. It's fun. Besides, I told you how it all
+started. When Adam and I first saw this metal horse on top of the
+stable, it was so sad. He must have been so beautiful once, a
+majestic Northern Dancer. Now he is faded and has rust spots all
+over. We just had to give him a name. Ole Paint was my idea. Get it?”
+
+Judith – “That's even more lame.”
+
+Joan – “Okay, we're here. Grab your stuff, and I'll get the picnic
+basket and blanket. The trail starts just over there.”
+
+Judith – “It looks like it's going to rain.”
+
+Joan – “No, those are just puff clouds.” She remembers, ‘Hmm, that's
+another one for Grace.’ “There definitely won't be rain today.”
+
+They find a spot near the creek and have lunch. Joan had her father
+fix one of his masterpiece sandwiches, so they each could only eat
+half. Topped off with chips and cans of Mug Root Beer, they are both
+pleasantly full. Joan lies down on the blanket with her arms behind
+her head. She stretches out, and then relaxes.
+
+Joan – “Ah, I could stay here forever. Listen to the leaves rustling,
+the water rippling, it's just so perfect.”
+
+Judith – “You can have the whole blanket. I fit nicely into the wedge
+of this tree. How long will we be staying?”
+
+Joan – “Not long, just let me soak this in for awhile.”
+
+Judith watches her friend fall asleep. “Joanith? Earth to Joan.
+Anybody home?” What level of consciousness is achieved when one falls
+deeper into a meditative state while already sound asleep? “Okay,
+listen up Jo-Jo. It's time for me to read. Let's just skip to Chapter
+2. Motion in One Dimension...”
+
+Joan opens her eyes to see the clock. It reads 4:59. She reaches and
+turns off the alarm before it sounds. “That has never happened
+before!” She rolls out of bed and gets ready for school. For some
+reason she really feels great! This is certainly not what she
+expected after getting up an hour early. She sits down with her
+physics book and begins to study, while enjoying her bowl of Fruit
+Loops. “Wow! A good night’s sleep really can make a difference! I
+actually know this stuff!” She moves on to study trig. “Okay, not
+everything has changed.”
+
+Later at the Sheriff's Station
+
+Toni enters Will's office carrying a folder. “We got the initial
+forensics report on the Synagogue fire. Roebuck did this one
+personally.”
+
+Will – “So, what's it say?”
+
+Toni – “You mentioned that all of those explosions seemed to be a bit
+odd. Well, you were right. There was nothing in the Synagogue before
+the fire to account for them. He found traces of glass that didn't
+come from the windows. They were in patterns emanating from five
+different locations. He believes they were gasoline bombs. He has
+sent samples of the glass off to be analyzed. He is hoping there will
+be something unique about the glass that can help us.”
+
+Will – “How long will it take?”
+
+Toni – “He wasn't sure. The state crime lab in Bakerstown will
+provide the in-depth analysis. He has asked them to give it
+priority.”
+
+Will – “Waiting is always the hardest part. Tell him good work!”
+
+Carlisleknocks and pops his head in the door. “Hey Will, Helen's on
+line two.”
+
+Toni leaves and Will answers the phone. “Hi Hon, what's up?”
+
+Helen – “You have time for lunch today?”
+
+Will – “I thought you only got half an hour.”
+
+Helen – “Ah, but there are no art finals.”
+
+Will – “Come on over. Is Jerry's okay?”
+
+Helen – “See you in a bit.”
+
+At the Newspaper
+
+Rebecca – “Kevin, I'm going for coffee, would you like a cup?”
+
+Kevin – “No thanks, I'm all coffeed out. But a cup of water from the
+cooler would be nice.”
+
+Rebecca – “Back in a minute.”
+
+After their breakup last year, Kevin and Rebecca had a difficult time
+working together. However, as time went on, they were both able to
+make the adjustment, and they work well together again. Oh, and it
+has actually been three minutes, but Kevin isn't counting.
+
+Rebecca – “Here you are. So how is it going today?”
+
+Kevin – “Not bad at all! Actually, it's been going pretty quick. I
+just have two more articles to check.”
+
+Rebecca – “Well, I'll have more for you in a little while.” She
+returns to her desk.
+
+Kevin skims the article for facts, ‘Arcadia Citizen's Watchdog
+Committee Meets Sunday... starts at 7:00 PM... first time the meeting
+will be chaired by the new president, Ryan Hunter... former
+president, Michael McCauley, died at his Millersville home two months
+ago...’ Kevin thinks to himself, ‘Time for the fact checker to go to
+work.’
+
+At the High School
+
+Joan has turned in her physics exam and is waiting for the bell to
+ring. She is excited! She wants to tell the whole world, but wants to
+tell her brother first. He will understand.
+
+When the bell rings, she scurries over to him. “Wow, that was
+awesome! Luke, remember how you were at the Tri-math-a-thon thing?
+Well, that's how I felt doing the physics test. It was surreal!”
+
+Luke – “I wouldn't get your hopes up. You've never gotten better than
+a ‘B' in physics.”
+
+Joan – “I know, but I really think I did good on this one.”
+
+Luke – “You want me to calculate the odds?”
+
+Joan – “Spare me.”
+
+Luke was just being Luke, but this one hurt. She really thought he
+would understand. He is left baffled when Joan storms out of the room
+for her next class. Grace, who had observed the conversation, walks
+out with Luke. “Don't try to figure it out, brain boy. You'll blow a
+fuse.”
+
+Lunch at Jerry's
+
+Will – “So what looks good to you?”
+
+Helen – “Oh, how about the deli club.”
+
+Will places the order with the waitress. “Make that two with one Coke
+and one Diet-Coke.”
+
+Will – “So how is your day going?”
+
+Helen – “Pretty slow. I have all of the projects graded, and now I'm
+pretty much twiddling my thumbs.”
+
+Will – “It's been kind of slow for me too. Oh, we got a forensic
+report back on the Synagogue fire. We're running down a lead.”
+
+Helen – “That was so terrible! Did I tell you I dreamed about it?”
+
+Will – “More clowns?”
+
+Helen – “No, but it was weird. First it was like being in a
+sprinkler, and then it turned into fire. Grace was there, too.”
+
+Will – “So what did it mean?”
+
+Helen – “I don't know. Maybe nothing, I'm still trying to figure it
+out. Lilly thinks it may be a charism.”
+
+Will – “Do I want to know what that is? Is she really good for you?”
+
+Helen – “Well you better get used to her being around. I think our
+son is in love with her.”
+
+Will – “I only met her that one time, and we just talked about you
+and religion. Well, she talked, I yelled. She sure can be
+frustrating. Looks like I need to get to know her better. I'll bring
+it up at dinner.”
+
+At the High School
+
+Adam – “Well that was fun. So how did you do?”
+
+Joan – “Don’t ask. I've never been good at math and trig is just out
+there!”
+
+Adam – “Ms. Barr said she'd have the results for us tomorrow.”
+
+Joan – “We get the results for everything tomorrow dunderhead. I
+wonder what kind of night I'll have tonight.”
+
+Dinner at the Girardi House
+
+Helen speaks to Joan. “Dinner's ready. Go call Kevin and your
+father.”
+
+Joan calls up the stairs. “Dad, Kevin, dinner.”
+
+Luke comes in with Grace and surprises Helen, “Oh Grace! Luke, you
+should have told me. I'm sorry, I don't remember. Is it Okay for you
+to eat pork?”
+
+Grace – “That's fine, don't worry about it Mrs. Girardi.”
+
+Helen to everyone, “Have a seat.”
+
+Helen directs her question to Grace. “We have recently resumed a
+tradition of saying a prayer before our meal. Would you do us the
+honor?”
+
+Initially, a smart-aleck prayer pops into her head, but Grace can see
+this is important to Mrs. Girardi. She responds. “Yeah, sure, ah...
+Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who brings
+forth bread from the earth. Amen.”
+
+Helen – “Thank you.” She pauses while they serve the food, “Joan.
+Tell us about your day.”
+
+Joan – “Well, I had finals all day, as you know. I think I did good
+on the physics exam, okay on the others, but probably not so good on
+trig.”
+
+Helen – “Luke?”
+
+Luke – “Not much to tell, pretty much the same as Joan, except I'm
+sure my grades will be to the 10th power.”
+
+Helen – “Grace?”
+
+Grace – “Oh, ah, well the same as Luke and Joan. I should do better
+than last year. I temporarily suspended the laws of anarchy and
+actually studied this time. My father has enough on his mind with the
+Synagogue being a pile of rubble and all.”
+
+Helen – “Kevin?”
+
+Kevin – “Pretty much same-o, same-o.”
+
+Helen – “The highlight of my day was having lunch with your father.
+We just had sandwiches at Jerry's, but it was nice to have lunch
+together. We don't get to do that often. Will?”
+
+Will – “Of course, the highlight of my day was lunch as well.” True
+or not, he knows if he says anything else, Helen may kill him in his
+sleep. “For the most part, it was a pretty slow day. Oh Grace, we got
+a forensic report back on the fire. Don't know anything for sure yet,
+but we are working on some leads.”
+
+Grace – “Thanks, Mr. Girardi.”
+
+Joan replies angrily, “I already told you who did it.”
+
+Will – “Ryan Hunter is an upstanding citizen! We got nothing.”
+
+Joan – “Have you even looked?”
+
+Kevin interrupts. “You know, I checked an article that mentioned him
+today. He replaced the former president who died two months ago -
+Michael McCauley. The article said he died at his home in
+Millersville, which didn't make sense. Why would he be president of
+the Arcadia Citizen's Watchdog Committee if he lived way over in
+Millersville? Turns out, he died at his daughter’s home, a Mrs. Anna
+Finnegan. His obituary said he died in a fire. Maybe you should call
+the Millersville police tomorrow?”
+
+Will – “Thanks Kevin, I'll do that. Hey, your mother tells me you
+really like her catechism teacher – Lilly?”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, she's really something. Not like anyone I've dated
+before.”
+
+Will – “Well, I have met her, but I really don't know her. Why don't
+you invite her to dinner this Saturday or Sunday?”
+
+Kevin – “Okay, I'll see if she can make it.”
+
+After Dinner
+
+Joan – “Kevin, you busy?” He actually is, but he closes the lid on
+his computer and tells her to come in. “I have a favor to ask.” Kevin
+doesn't speak, but nods for her to continue. “I know Dad said he
+would call the Millersville police, but I'm not sure he will. I
+really don't like this Ryan Hunter guy, and I'll bet he is involved
+somehow.”
+
+Kevin – “Sounds to me like you're getting a little paranoid.”
+
+Joan – “I know what it sounds like, but would you please call them
+anyway?”
+
+Kevin – “Yeah, sure. Anything for my kid sister.”
+
+She gives him a kiss and leaves the room. Kevin opens the lid on his
+computer and the display lights up showing the website for the
+Millersville Police Department.
+
+The Next Morning
+
+Joan – “Mom, look.” She pulls up her pants to reveal her leg.
+
+Helen – “What?”
+
+Joan – “No disease! Remember last year? Last day of school, party in
+the quad?”
+
+Helen – “Oh, right. Well, I'm still Amish that way. At least you're
+wearing a long skirt.”
+
+Joan – “They're culottes Mom. Anyway, this time, I'm going to have
+fun. I'm going to tie myself to Price and we are going to win that
+egg-and-spoon race.”
+
+Helen – “Are you sure you're not sick? I thought you hated Price?”
+
+Joan – “I do, but I have him figured out. He's like a vampire. He
+sucks the life out of people. Now that I know that, he can't get to
+me.”
+
+At the High School
+
+All of the students' grades have been sent to their homeroom. Those
+who have questions can visit their teachers after the bell. The bell
+rings.
+
+Grace – “So how'd you do?”
+
+Joan – “It's like extra icing on a cupcake! I got an A+ on the
+physics final! Can you believe it? I got a C- on the trig final, but
+at least I passed. I was really sweating that one. The rest are all
+B's.”
+
+Grace – “I got all B's, some plus, and some minus. Makes a difference
+when you study. I'll have to work the whole summer to get my father's
+expectations back down again. So Luke, do I need to ask?”
+
+Luke – “Nope, A's across the board.”
+
+Joan – “Come on, let's head for the quad.”
+
+Grace – “What's with the perkiness, Girardi?”
+
+Joan – “I don't know. I'm not going to try to know. I just feel
+good.”
+
+At the Sheriff's Station
+
+Toni – “Good morning, Will. I picked up the dockets from last night.
+They are on your desk.”
+
+Will – “Anything interesting?”
+
+Toni – “The Liqueur Mart on 5th got robbed again and there was a
+mugging in Meadow Park. Oh, and yesterday afternoon, there was an
+attempted child abduction near Southside High School. Well, maybe. It
+really wasn't clear. The call came in just after you went home.
+Officer Garcia's report is there also.”
+
+Will – “Thanks Toni.”
+
+In the Quad
+
+Luke and Grace decide to watch, but the others go off to do different
+things. Joan finds Mr. Price is once again the victim of the water
+balloon toss. A devilish grin paints across her face.
+
+Mr. Price – “So Miss Girardi, do you have a good arm?”
+
+Joan – “Kinetic energy is my thing.” She throws and misses.
+
+Mr. Price – “You'll have to do better than that.” She throws again,
+but this time she hits her target.
+
+Mr. Price – “Well, you got lucky Joan.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, but I get one more!” She throws the last one and hits him
+again. “Gotcha! And when they do the race, you're mine.”
+
+Mr. Price – “You didn't fare too well last time... Hornsby has to go
+down this year!”
+
+Joan – “We'll get it done.”
+
+Laura Eason brought a Frisbee today and is playing catch with her
+friend Patty. Patty throws and it sails over her head. She runs to
+get it. As she is picking it up, she notices a white van driving
+slowly down the street. She turns, throws the Frisbee, and continues
+the game.
+
+Joan turns away from the booth and sees Ryan in the distance. She
+wonders what kind of slimy thing he is up to. She stops and thinks
+about what Kevin told her. “Am I really just being paranoid?” She
+remembers what God told her. “Whatever you do, don't play the other
+person's game. Play your own.” She decides she's not going there
+today. She walks over to Luke and Grace. “Why aren't you guys doing
+anything?”
+
+Grace – “Participating in this totalitarian regime's party games is
+not my thing, but I did see you clobber Price. That was priceless!”
+She laughs.
+
+Joan – “Wasn't it though! We're going to do the egg-and-spoon race in
+a few minutes.”
+
+Grace – “Are you sick again, Girardi?”
+
+Joan – “No, no, today I'm just going to have fun.”
+
+Joan and Mr. Price are tied together, in a line with the other
+contestants. The eggs are locked and loaded. The starter-gun fires.
+All of her friends are cheering and making a ruckus. She and Mr.
+Price hobble along inching ahead of the pack.
+
+Mr. Price – “We're doing good. Keep it up.”
+
+Joan doesn't respond, but continues to hobble and concentrate. Out of
+the corner of her eye she sees that Mr. Hornsby and Elizabeth
+Goetzmann are neck and neck. She tries to move faster. As they cross
+the finish line, Mr. Price trips slightly and drops his egg. Hornsby
+wins again.
+
+Mr. Price – “Sorry Joan, we almost had it.”
+
+Joan – “That's okay. We have one more chance.”
+
+Mr. Price is momentarily surprised, but then says, “It's a date.”
+
+At the Newspaper
+
+Kevin is talking on the phone. “So you can't tell me anything?”
+
+Officer – “The fire is still under investigation.”
+
+Kevin – “Do you suspect it was arson?”
+
+Officer – “We don't know.”
+
+Kevin – “Do you have any suspects?”
+
+Officer – “I said we don't yet know the cause of the fire. I do know
+Anna personally. She adored her father, and her husband was at work
+when the fire started.”
+
+Kevin – “Can I talk to her?”
+
+Officer – “If you want. She's living there in Arcadia. She's staying
+in her father's house while hers is being repaired.”
+
+Kevin – “Thank you. You have been very helpful.”
+
+At the High School
+
+Joan is leaving the Girls’ room. She felt she needed to freshen up
+the ole paint after the race. She sees Cute Boy God leaning against a
+pillar. “I haven't seen you in awhile. Have I done something wrong?”
+
+God – “No, you are doing just fine.”
+
+Joan – “So what's the occasion?”
+
+God – “Does there have to be an occasion?”
+
+Joan – “There has always been one before.”
+
+God – “Well this time it's different. I'm going to take you to
+lunch.”
+
+Joan – “You're going to what?”
+
+God – “We are going to have lunch. Today is about having fun,
+recreation, right?”
+
+Joan pauses. She now realizes why she has felt good today, or as
+Grace called it, perky. The emotional roller coaster ride she has
+been on has leveled out. She smiles and takes his arm. They leave the
+school for the bus stop.
+
+In the Quad
+
+Grace – “So where's you sister? She said she'd be back in a few
+minutes.”
+
+Luke – “I don't know. Why don't you go check?”
+
+Grace – “Come with me, dog boy.” They go into the school and Grace
+checks the Girls’ room. Helen is walking down the hall. “Mrs.
+Girardi, have you seen Joan?”
+
+Helen – “She was outside a little while ago.”
+
+Grace – “Okay, we'll check the quad.”
+
+Helen speaks to Luke. “You having fun today?”
+
+Luke – “Yeah, fine.”
+
+They go back outside. They look everywhere but don't see Joan. Grace
+is becoming a little concerned. She knows Joan is flighty, but her
+disappearance seems a little odd, even for her. Just minutes ago,
+Joan was excited about trying more of the events. Now she can't be
+found.
+
+On the Bus
+
+God – “So where would you like to have lunch?”
+
+Joan – “Wow! I wish I were more hungry.”
+
+God – “Why don't we ride the bus for a while? We can watch out the
+windows and chat.”
+
+Joan – “God chats?”
+
+God – “Actually, today is a special occasion. There are things I want
+to tell you.”
+
+At the High School
+
+Grace and Luke have collected the others. They have scoured the
+school, inside and out. Grace calls Joan's cell. It rings unanswered
+on her nightstand. She had forgotten it today. A feeling of panic
+begins to settle in. They seek out Helen. They all speak at once.
+
+Grace – “Mrs. Girardi, Joan is missing.”
+
+Luke – “Mom, we have looked everywhere.”
+
+Adam – “Mrs. G., something is wrong! She just disappeared!”
+
+Helen – “Hold it, calm down. Tell me what is going on.”
+
+Grace explains how Joan had been enjoying participating in the
+events. She repeats what Joan had told her, that she was looking
+forward to trying more of the activities after her visit to the
+Girls’ room. And now she has disappeared. It just doesn't make sense.
+She also details their previous searches. Helen assembles some of the
+staff, and together they search the school again.
+
+At Lunch
+
+Joan – “Okay, I'm ready, but just someplace to get a sandwich.”
+
+God – “I know just the place.”
+
+They get off the bus and walk down the sidewalk.
+
+Joan – “Wow, the Unurban. I had a strange time here my last visit.”
+
+God – “I know.”
+
+Joan – “But you weren't here!”
+
+God – “Omniscient Joan. You still haven't looked it up.”
+
+Joan – “Right. So what are we having?”
+
+God – “It's your choice, Joan. It's always your choice.”
+
+Joan – “Oh, how about a burger and fries?” The waitress comes over.
+It is the same woman who took her tea order during her last visit.
+“Hi, do you remember me?”
+
+Waitress – “As a matter of fact, I do? Would you like tea today?”
+
+Joan – “No, no thank you.” Joan turns several shades of red.
+
+God – “We'll each have a burger and fries with your ultimate
+chocolate shake.”
+
+Joan – “Oh good, I hadn't thought of that.”
+
+God – “Of course you did.”
+
+She offers him a manufactured smile. She knows he is right, but she
+is really not sure what to make of God's sense of humor.
+
+At the High School
+
+Helen calls Will. “Will, Joan is missing.”
+
+Will – “What do you mean missing?”
+
+Helen – “She's gone. She was at school and she just disappeared! We
+have searched everywhere.”
+
+Will – “Did you call her cell?”
+
+Helen – “Yeah, twice, no answer.”
+
+Will – “Well, how long has she been gone?”
+
+Helen – “I don't know, a couple of hours.”
+
+Will – “Don't…” He stops and remembers Officer Garcia's report. “Just
+a minute, Helen.” He quickly reads it again. “Has anyone seen a white
+van near the school?”
+
+Helen moves the phone away from her face and yells the question.
+Laura responds. “Yeah, I saw one earlier. White, with 'Delivery
+Service' written on the side.” Helen relays the information back to
+Will and she adds, “Will, I have a feeling.”
+
+Will remembers how Helen somehow knew to go to the hospital when Joan
+was sick last year.
+
+Helen – “Will, you need to do something.”
+
+Will – “Okay Helen, I'll take care of it.”
+
+At the Sheriff's Station
+
+Will sits stunned, shaken by what he has just heard. Normally, he is
+as steady as a rock, but the policeman and the father in him are at
+war. The Garcia report stated the suspect drove a white van with
+‘Delivery Service’ stenciled on the side. Images of Steve Ramsey fill
+his head. He summons Toni to his office, “I'm issuing an Amber
+Alert.” He hands Toni a picture of Joan and tells her to get it to
+the TV station. “Tell them she may have been abducted from Arcadia
+High School. Have someone call the radio station. Put out an APB for
+the van in the Garcia report.” He hands her the folder, “Have a unit
+meet me at the school.”
+
+At the High School
+
+Elizabethis walking home, now about a block away from school. Like
+Joan, she has been having a good day. She won the egg-and-spoon race,
+and she did better than she had expected on her finals. In fact, she
+is singing. She will be playing the part of Mary Magdalene in the
+summer production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
+
+I don't know how to love him.
+What to do, how to move him.
+I've been changed, yes really changed.
+In these past few days, when I've seen myself,
+I seem like someone else.
+I don't know how to take this.
+I don't see why he moves me.
+He's a man. He's just a man.
+And I've had so many men before,
+In very many ways, He's just one more...
+
+A white van slows to a stop. Man – “Hey, can you tell me where
+
+Green Street
+is from here?”
+Elizabeth– “Sorry, I don't know.”
+
+Man – “I'm supposed to make a delivery. It's supposed to be near
+here.”
+
+He starts to get out of the van, but stops when he hears sirens
+approaching. He closes the door and speeds away. Elizabeth sees the
+event as a little odd, but dismisses it. She continues walking home,
+singing her song.
+
+At Lunch
+
+Joan – “That was good. I was hungrier than I thought. And the shake
+was sooo good!”
+
+God – “I'm glad you enjoyed it.”
+
+Joan – “And it was really nice to just talk. You have given me a lot
+to think about. But I knew you would get around to an assignment
+eventually. All of this reading? And yoga?”
+
+God – “Take a closer look at the list Joan. Every one of those books
+is one your mother had you buy for her. And for the yoga, check your
+cable listing. You will find you receive the Yoga Channel.”
+
+Joan – “But this is going to take a lot of time. It's summer!”
+
+God – “Trust me, you will have the time, but don't worry about it
+now. Today was about having fun. We better get you back to school.”
+
+Joan – “Oh no! I forgot about Grace! She is going to kill me. I'll
+call her.” She checks her purse and sees her phone isn't there. She
+tries, but she can't remember Grace's number. It has been on speed
+dial for too long. “I have to get back. Can you just beam me there?”
+
+God – “We have talked about this before. You know it sets a bad
+example if I break the rules.”
+
+Joan – “Rules? God, you have been talking to me for almost two years
+now. Isn't that breaking some kind of rule?”
+
+She stands up and in one motion, her purse is secure with the strap
+across her chest. “I have to go. God, thanks for lunch.” She darts
+out of the cafe.
+
+At the Newspaper
+
+Rebecca – “Kevin, you have to go home.”
+
+Kevin – “I'll be going to lunch soon. I just have a few more articles
+to check.”
+
+Rebecca – “Kevin, your sister is missing. She may have been
+kidnapped.”
+
+Kevin looks at her in disbelief. Is this a cruel joke? This is almost
+word for word!
+
+Rebecca – “The police have issued an Amber Alert.”
+
+He now realizes this nightmare is real. “I have to go.”
+
+At the High School
+
+Will and the first police unit arrive. Two more also respond. Will
+has been talking to Grace, since she was the last one to see Joan.
+She tells him the same information she gave to Helen earlier. Will
+also questions Laura, hoping to get more details about the van and
+its driver. Brian Beaumont has organized students to conduct a
+door-to-door search.
+
+Brian – “No smaller than groups of three.”
+
+More police units arrive to search the streets surrounding the
+school. Helen is a basket case.
+
+The party is canceled. Those students who are not participating in
+the search are sent home. The faculty closes down the school. Many
+join in the search.
+
+On the Bus
+
+Joan is watching out of the window. The trip back to school is taking
+a lot longer than it normally would have. The traffic is backed up
+everywhere. The police are stopping everyone, looking for something.
+At least they wave the bus on through.
+
+As they approach the school, Joan sees flashing lights and wonders
+what is going on. The bus reaches the school, and she steps off. The
+school seems deserted. A girl is getting on the bus. “Hey, what's
+going on?”
+
+Girl – “I heard someone got kidnapped.”
+
+Joan – “Who?”
+
+Girl – “Don’t know.”
+
+Joan goes into the quad to look for Grace. No one is there. She goes
+inside to look for her mother. The art classroom and office are
+locked and empty. She cleans out her locker and prepares to go home.
+She'll have to apologize to Grace later.
+
+The search pattern has been progressing in ever-wider circles from
+the school. The students are now knocking on doors blocks away. When
+Joan comes out of the school, the flashing lights are gone. She
+catches the bus for home.
+
+At Home
+
+Kevin arrives home from work. He tries to call Helen but keeps
+getting a busy signal. He knows not to bother his father now. He
+turns on the television. Joan's picture is on the news. A helicopter
+is showing images of the ground search in progress. He reads the text
+scrolling across the bottom of the screen, ‘The police are looking
+for a white van seen near Arcadia High School earlier today. It has
+Delivery Service stenciled on the side.’ Kevin begins to cry.
+
+On the Bus
+
+Joan is thinking how glad she is the school year is over, but what a
+wonderful last day it has been. Her parents won't believe she got an
+A on the physics exam. And her mother will love that she hit Price
+not once, but twice with a water balloon. She really doesn't like him
+either.
+
+The bus arrives and she goes inside. “Anybody home?”
+
+Kevin can't believe what he hears, “Joan? Where have you been? The
+whole world is looking for you!”
+
+That Evening
+
+Joan is lying in bed thinking about the events of the day. Her
+friends, family, and everyone in Arcadia is mad at her. She is
+grounded for life. But she remembers that some of the most beautiful
+flowers grow out of the ashes of forest fires. That must be it. That
+must be why she cannot remove the smile from her face. Okay, so it
+was only lunch, but the fact remains, she had a date with God.
+