Tempus: The Time Traveller

[Dark Phantom]

Tempus: the Time Traveler​

written by ​

James Cricchio​

Black screen. Ticking of a clock

Fade in. Cricket Productions logo. Fade out.

Cut To:

EXT./INT. BLACKNESS

We see various clocks gracefully passing the screen. All of them are ticking. The volume and intensity of the clocks’ ticking increase until they become overwhelming and then there is silence. A faint voice narrates.

VOICE
Time. The system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future. An infinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another. A simple expression to rationalize the existence of eternity. All that exists in this great realm of the cosmos is a prisoner by this system called time. Those who even have the capacity for higher intelligence cannot fully grasp the concept. In a simple statement: they have accepted their limited role in this world knowing full well the inevitable demise. I unfortunately couldn’t accept that. I needed to be fulfilled. I needed to find the answer to the endless question that has been inquired since the dawn of existence……why? ​

Opening Titles begin.

Fade to white. Fade out of white. Zoom out Main Title.

"Tempus​

The Time Traveler"​

Fade to Black

Cut To:

INT: A dimly lit bedroom- morning

TONY MAC sleeps comfortably in his bed when the phone suddenly rings.


TONY MAC is roughly a 15-year-old teenager with messy brown straight hair. An expressive face ranging in emotions (think Jim Carrey mixed with Christian Bale), brown eyes, a square jaw-line and a rugged chin. Average height, husky with generous upper body proportions.


TONY tiredly searches his hand for the phone on the desk. The voice of his friend RED is heard frantically.

RED
Tony!!!​

TONY
What?​

RED
Do you realize what time it is?​

TONY gradually looks at his alarm clock

TONY
It’s five o’ clock in the morning. I don’t have to get to school until nine.​

RED
Tony! It’s a quarter to ten right now!​

TONY jumps up from bed

TONY
What?!​

TONY looks at the floor and finds the alarm clock unplugged from the outlet.

RED
Your late again!!!​

Cut To:

EXT: Streets- morning

TONY MAC runs through the streets trying to get to school. Humorously he pauses for a few moments to catch his breath and begins running again desperately with his clothes and books falling over him.

VOICE
Yeah, that’s me. My usual luck to oversleep on a very important day, but as always time was never my friend.​

Cut To:

INT: High School- morning

TONY MAC frantically runs through the hallways as security guards tell him to slow down. He pays no attention but continues to run.

Cut To:
The room of MRS. MORGAN the English teacher. She is sitting at her desk browsing on the computer while students take a test quietly. The sound of running footsteps can be heard from outside the door and the slam of a body shortly follows. TONY MAC theatrically spreads his body against the door begging to come in. RED shakes his head in disappointment.


RED is a nickname that perfectly describes the character. Tall, thin awkward teenager with red crewcut hair. He wears glasses and has acne on the outside, but pure loyalty on the inside.


The class lightly giggles. MRS. MORGAN opens the door and TONY MAC collapses to the floor spilling all of his books. The class bursts out laughing.

TONY
I made it Mrs. Morgan ​

MRS. MORGAN
Alright. Just take a seat and here’s the test.​

TONY
Thanks.​

TONY passes his best friend RED as he gets to his seat. RED whispers to him.

RED
What happened to you?​

TONY
Stupid alarm clock. I accidentally unplugged it.​

RED
Accidentally? What the hell, are you dumb or something?​

MRS. MORGAN
Stop talking.​

TONY shrugs to RED and gets to his seat. TONY is ready to take the test, but notices he doesn’t have a pen. Hastily he whispers around to other students if they could lend him a pen.​

MRS. MORGAN
Is there something wrong Tony?​

TONY
I need a pen.​

MRS. MORGAN sighs searches for a pen in her draw and points TONY to come over. TONY gives MRS.MORGAN a cheesy smile, but MRS. MORGAN remains dry. TONY walks back to his seat determined to start the test now that he’s fully prepared. The bell rings.

MRS. MORGAN
Pens down. Pass your tests up front.​

TONY sits dumbfounded. RED glances behind at TONY as he gets up to leave the class. RED seems slightly sympathetic of TONY, but still in disappointment. TONY walks up to the front desk ashamed.

TONY
Could I possibly make this up?​

MRS. MORGAN
That depends. Maybe I won’t feel like showing up and give you your test.​

TONY
I didn’t come late on purpose you know that.​

MRS. MORGAN
I’m not sure anymore. You’ve been absent five times and this marks the fourth time you’ve been late to my class within the month. I said last week specifically to study for this test. Do you realize that this test is at least a fourth of your quarter grade?​

TONY
Yes. I realize that. I’m trying I really am, It’s just hard adjusting here. I’m so busy lately.​

MRS. MORGAN
My advice to you: get your priorities straight. You’re a good student, Tony, but lately you just seem disoriented.​

TONY
I know. I’ll try harder.​

MRS. MORGAN
Good. Now, I’m afraid I’m going to have to give you detention.​

TONY
Detention?​

MRS. MORGAN
Yes. You’ve gotten away with a lot of unexcused absences and latencies. It’s the policy of the school and I’m sorry but your just going to have to follow it. Plus, there you can take the test and some extra work I have in store to keep you up to date with the rest of the class. I’m doing this for your own good Tony.​

TONY
This is ridiculous. I can’t stay after school.​

Mrs. Morgan
Good. Then you can have detention before school starts tomorrow. ​

TONY can’t believe his bad luck.

MRS. MORGAN
You might want to get a move on. You don’t want to miss your next class.​

TONY looks at the clock, grunts and runs desperately out of the room. MRS. MORGAN calls after him.

MRS. MORGAN
You might need to think about getting a watch!​

CUT TO:

INT: High School- hallway – morning

TONY MAC rushes through the hallways trying to make it to his next class. He sees full on traffic in one hallway, which leads right to his next class. There’s a huge jam of students and there is no possible way for TONY to maneuver around them. TONY zooms around different hallways until he final reaches a clear path to his destination. TONY is only a few feet away from his class when he’s tripped. STUDENT is leaning against locker with legs crossed talking to a friend. He laughs.

STUDENT
Sorry man. You really need to watch your step. You fell harder than rock.​

Bell rings.

TONY
Great.​

TONY picks up his stuff.

STUDENT
Really, if there’s anything I can do.​

TONY
Trust me, you’ve done enough. Thanks a lot. ​

TONY enters into his class.

TEACHER
Mr. Mac. A pleasure to see you late again. ​

TONY says to himself

TONY
The pleasure’s all mine​

TEACHER
What was that?​

TONY
Nothing.​

TEACHER
That’s what I thought. Seriously Tony I don’t know about you. Your always late, you sleep in my class. God knows how you’ve even passed. Forget it, now you’ve made me interrupt the beginning of my lesson. You’ve taken away my time and the classes time. Take a seat.​

TONY
But I wasn’t trying to interrupt anything at all. You started it.​

TEACHER
Just take a seat Tony. I don’t want to get into a fight with you.​

The class laughs.Tony takes his seat furiously.

MR.SMITH continues on with his lesson, while TONY is buried in vengeful thoughts. From the back of his seat JOE and STEVE whisper to one another and point at TONY. They begin to flick balls of paper at the back of TONY’s neck. Agitated, Tony yells out.

TONY
Will you cut it out?​

MR.SMITH
Is there a problem Mr. Mac?​

TONY
Yeah. They keep flicking me with pieces of paper.​

MR.SMITH
Joe. Steve. Grow up.​

TONY gives an expression of skepticism. There is no way MR.SMITH’s comment will do any good for TONY.


A moment passes when MR.SMITH has his back turned and STEVE, who sits right behind TONY, begins to flick the back of his ear with his fingers.

TONY
That’s it! Mr. SMITH could I go to the bathroom?​

MR.SMITH
And miss out on my lesson again? Seriously, Tony. You know what? If you don’t care that you fail, I don’t care. Take a pass. ​

TONY storms out of the class and into the bathroom down the hall. TONY goes to the sink and splashes his face with cold water and stares at his reflection in the mirror.

VOICE
I just didn’t care. I was growing tired of it. Yet it was no use running away from my problems, no matter how petty they seemed. Any teenager who has been in high school must have experienced something similar to this. But why did I have to? ​

 

[Swordmaster]

Intriguing, to say the least. I caught some shades of Spider-Man 1 and 2 in there, which isn't a bad thing, and subtle enough to not take you out of the moment. I would suggest, though, that you put in some descriptions of the characters. Example: What does Red look like, and why is he called Red? (I know the answer, but the general populace doesn't, I bet.) Overall, and apart from a few spelling and grammatical errors, a good opening.

 

[Swordmaster]

Huh, that ending seems familiar

 

[Dark Phantom]

Time passes and the bell rings. TONY walks out of the bathroom, shoulders hanging low. A backpack flies into his face. It’s JOE and STEVE waiting for him.

JOE
You better work on your catch there, Tony.​

TONY
Get away from me Joe.​

TONY begins to walk down the hall as JOE and STEVE follow.

STEVE
C’mon Tony, he’s just joking.​

TONY
I’m not in the mood.​

JOE
Punk *****.​

They both laugh.

STEVE
Hey don’t call him that Joe. Remember the last time we joked around with him? He started swinging his backpack at us.​

JOE laughs.

JOE
Oh yeah. But I think that was after we punched him in the balls. Let’s see what he does to us this time.​

JOE flicks TONY’s ear repeatedly. TONY raises his arm to avoid JOE’s hand and even speeds down the hallway, but JOE and STEVE keep following. TONY abruptly stops walking turns around and punches JOE in the groin with fury. STEVE laughs as TONY punches JOE in the stomach and then a fast uppercut to the chin. A SECURITY GUARD comes running over during all the commotion

SECURITY GUARD
Hey! HEY!!!​

SECURITY GUARD pushes TONY from furthering any possible harm. JOE seems fine, but just a little stunned.

SECURITY GUARD
What’s going on here?​

TONY and JOE stay quiet.

SECURITY GUARD
Alright, I’m taking you both to the dean.​

TONY
But you don’t understand…​

SECURITY GUARD
Oh, I saw the whole thing. Come on. Lets go.​

TONY and JOE follow the SECURITY GUARD in a slump.

VOICE
A perfect example of me being at the wrong place at the wrong time.​

Cut To:

INT: Cafeteria – afternoon

TONY and RED sit a table eating their lunch.

RED
Your what?!​

TONY
You heard me. I’m suspended from school. For two days! Tomorrow a bus will send me to a school where all the delinquents go...Saint Christopher's Parish.​

RED
That’s bull.​

TONY
Tell me about it.​

RED
Joe and Steve provoked you. You were just defending yourself.​

TONY
Now when someone says, "tell me about it", they don’t literally mean explain the whole thing back to them.​

RED
You know what I meant, but why did you have to punch him in the balls? ​

TONY
What would you do?​

RED
Well…​

TONY
Exactly. It was all I could think of at the moment. Man, those guys have punched me in the nuts so many times. One of them deserved it.​

RED
Didn’t you tell that to the dean?​

TONY
Yeah. But how do you think she responded? She said that if I had any problem with other students, I should tell an adult and prevent the problem from furthering.​

RED
God, they’ve been telling us that since we were in elementary school. No one in his right mind tells an adult. You’d be faced with even more ridicule if you can’t even defend your own battles.​

TONY
Yeah, well this school has a zero tolerance policy. Man I’m sick of their policies. ​

RED
What did Joe get?​

TONY
One day in-house suspension.​

RED
That’s it?​

TONY
Yeah and Steve got nothing. I reacted. If it was not for me this whole thing would have been avoided. Hell, if there was no security guard or teacher around I might have gotten away with it. But because of my dumb luck, I got caught. Do you realize how many fights I see in these halls every single day? They’re far worse than a stupid punch...​

RED
…in the balls… and then a punch to the stomach.​

TONY
Whatever.​

RED
Not to mention the uppercut to the chin.​

TONY
As I was saying... My point is this school thinks they got it so bad and I can bet you that the punishments in other schools aren’t as severe when it comes to a situation like this. The worse part of it all was that I was caught. Had no one seen me, I would have walked away and that would have been the end. Maybe they would have finally left me alone. I really hate this place. These four years can't go fast enough.​

RED sighs.

TONY
Something on your mind, RED?​

RED
Tony, don’t take this personally. I’m saying this as your friend, but I hate to see you following down this road.​

TONY
What are you talking about?​

RED
I’ve seen it happen too many times and I don’t want it to happen to you. Sure this whole incident might pass, but the way you’ve been acting lately, ever since school started, this anti-authority is consuming you. Believe me, I know the system is bogus, but there’s nothing we can do about it. You’re no different than anyone else in this school. So while you think that the rules shouldn’t apply to you, try to get a grip. We have to spend four years here and if your not willing to change things, then I’m not going to sit here and watch your whole life crumble down.​

TONY
What’s wrong with my attitude?​

RED
It just seems to effect everything you do now. I don’t know what it is, but it’s like you don’t want to put in any effort for anything. You sleep late in the morning, always late for classes. Sometimes you miss days entirely and when you are here you even sleep through class. But worst of all, you have no time for friends. When was the last time you came over my house on a Friday night?​

TONY
The week before school started.​

RED
See what I mean? Listen, the group misses you. They want to see you outside of school for a change. ​

TONY
I can’t.​

RED
I don’t get you. Why are you being like this?​

TONY
It’s just…It’s hard for me to adjust here, you know? Trying to find my footing. To tell you the truth, I just don’t like being here. In middle school I was the ideal student. Always prepared, always organized.


RED
Tony, those years were so easy, anyone could have made honor roll.


TONY​

Yeah well I didn’t know any better. So I celebrated. I was having so much fun over the summer relaxing without a care in the world and then it ended too fast. Now I’m in high school? I have to start fresh and actually work hard? To me, it’s not worth the effort.

RED
You’re lazy.​

TONY​

Yeah, I realized that. Just give me time, Red. That’s all I’m asking. Sooner or later things will shape up.

 

[Dark Phantom]

Cut To:
INT: classroom- afternoon

TONY MAC has his head down resting on his fists, seemingly studying hard at his desk. The MATH TEACHER asks the class for the answer to the math problem on the board.

MATH TEACHER
Anyone?​

TONY snores.

MATH TEACHER
How about you, Tony?​

TONY suddenly wakes up in a startle.

TONY
Whaza?​

MATH TEACHER
What’s the answer to the problem?​

From the back of TONY’s seat a whisper is heard, but we don’t see the face.

V.O
The answer’s two.​

TONY
Umm… two.​

MATH TEACHER
Thank you, Tony, but in the future I’d advise you to start looking like you’re paying attention.​

TONY turns around to discover the cute girl sitting behind him. Her name is EMMA.

TONY
Thanks.​

EMMA
No problem. Couldn’t let you make a fool out of yourself.​

TONY
Yeah, that’s been happening a lot lately today.​

EMMA
Maybe you should spend more time trying to stay awake.​

TONY
Well, we all can’t get our sleep during the night now can we?​

EMMA
It’s usually the best time.​

TONY laughs.

TONY
As you can tell, math isn’t and never was my best subject.​

EMMA
Ever thought about getting a tutor?​

TONY
Eh, I don’t have the time or money.​

EMMA
That’s too bad because I can really help guys like you.​

TONY
Really? You’re a tutor?​

EMMA
Yeah. Well, I work at the library on Davison Avenue after school and I usually can find some free time to help people with their homework and stuff.​

TONY
Actually, you know, I think that would be a good idea.​

EMMA
It wouldn’t cost you anything either. It’s my work hours, so it really wouldn’t take away any of my valuable time. ​

TONY
You’d do that?​

EMMA
Sure. You should come by sometime when you’re not too busy.​

TONY
You know what? I think I can stop by later today.​

EMMA
Great.​

The bell rings. People gather their things and start to leave the room.

TONY
By the way, I know this is a little embarrassing, but what’s your name?​

EMMA
It’s Emma.​

TONY repeats the name to himself in a whisper as EMMA leaves.

CUT TO:
EXT: sidewalk –afternoon

TONY and RED are walking down a street after school.

RED
Emma, huh?​

TONY
Yeah, supposed to meet her right after I’m done walking with you. Then I’m off to the library.​

RED
What’s her last name?​

TONY
Well, I don’t know, but that’s beside the point. She seems smart, friendly personality and not too hard on the eyes either.​

RED
So go after her man.​

TONY
I’m planning on.​

RED
Then find out her last name.​

TONY
I get the point. I admit I’ve had problems with girls before.​

RED
Like the time you thought an upperclassman liked you just because she touched your face.​

TONY
Don’t remind me.​

RED
Then you were so disappointed afterward when you found out it she was just wiping off what she thought was dirt, when it was really your birthmark.​

RED laughs.

RED
I never laughed so hard in my life.​

TONY
Okay, I get it. I always think they like me, but then it never turns out the way I want it to. It happens to every guy.​

RED
Yeah, but sometimes your expectations are a little high.​

TONY
Well, I have a good feeling about Emma. Maybe this is a sign. Maybe I've just been waiting around for her to come along and get me out of this slump. After all, who knows what could happen after today?​

RED
Speaking of today, did you ever think about what you’re going to tell your dad?​

TONY
About what?​

RED
The fight? Two day suspension? Ring any bells?​

TONY
Oh God, I forgot all about that.​

RED
If I were you, I’d tell him as soon as possible before he finds out the ugly way. Or you could just try to avoid him. Either way you’re screwed.​

TONY
Thanks for the inspirational advice, Red.​

RED
I’m just saying because if you’re expecting to have a good time with this Emma girl, expect your evening to be ruined by certain events of today resurfacing.​

TONY
Wait a minute I just remembered something. What day is today?​

RED
The fourteenth.​

TONY
Oh no!!! How could I have been so stupid?​

RED
What?​

TONY
It’s my dad’s birthday today.​

RED
Oh no.​

TONY
Oh yes.​

RED
I can see it now, "Surprise! I’m suspended! Happy Birthday, Dad!"​

TONY
Plus, Mrs. Morgan gave me detention for tomorrow morning.​

RED
What? You didn’t tell me that!​

TONY
I have to tell you everything that goes on in my life?​

RED
Yeah!​

TONY
I would have just given him a card, but now I really have buy a gift that will really butter him up. Ugh, but I don’t have any money.​

RED
I could lend you, Tony.​

TONY
Don’t even think about it. I’m not taking money from you.​

RED
It’s lending. You’ll pay me back.​

TONY
I don’t have a job, Red, and do you expect my dad to do me any favors?​

RED
Listen, I have twenty dollars right here.​

RED searches through his wallet and extends his hand to TONY carrying a twenty-dollar bill.

RED
Take it. Go to some clothes store and get your dad something. You’ll pay me back sometime in the future.​

TONY stands dumbfounded.

TONY
Why are you doing this for me?​

RED
Because I’m your friend, Tony.​

TONY hesitantly takes the money from RED, then runs off back along the path they came. TONY calls after RED as he runs.

TONY
I owe you one, Red!​

RED
You owe me one big time!!!​

CUT TO:
INT/EXT: clothing store, department store, street, library – evening

TONY MAC is seen running across streets entering into countless stores trying to find his father a gift.

VOICE
I must have walked ten miles around town trying to find the perfect present for my father. I knew that I needed something so overwhelming that he would simply disregard the trouble I was in. However, it felt wrong trying to bribe my father. In the end I bought what I originally intended…​

TONY is seen buying a card.

VOICE
…A card.​

TONY speed walks down the street desperately.

VOICE
But by the time I reached the library to see Emma however…​

TONY enters the library in exhaustion.

LIBRARIAN
Excuse me, sir, but we’re closing in three minutes.​

TONY
I’m sorry, I just came here to see someone.​

TONY looks over on the left wing of the library. EMMA is at a table gathering together her stuff together before she leaves. TONY smiles at the sight of EMMA and is about to approach her, but then he notices the math books piled together that were probably intended for TONY and EMMA studying. EMMA fails to see TONY at the corner of her eye, but looks at her books in a sighed disappointment. From EMMA’s right a voice is heard.

V.O
Need a hand?​

EMMA turns and smiles. A young man, probably older than TONY, approaches EMMA. His name is MATTHEW. EMMA insistently hugs MATT and they kiss. TONY’s expression of curiousity has now changed into a sad frown.

VOICE
…It was too late.​

Yet, TONY still stares in hopeless wonder. MATT looks at EMMA’s math books and notices there’s more than one copy of each book.

MATTEW
Were you expecting anybody?​

EMMA
Just someone in my class who needed tutoring, but he never showed.​

MATTEW
Well, there was someone over there just now.​

EMMA turns around. TONY is gone.

 

[Dark Phantom]

CUT TO:

EXT: street – evening

TONY MAC runs down the street in a frantic pace. TONY talks to himself

TONY
How could I have been so stupid?​

TONY keeps running although he doesn’t know what for. Maybe deep inside he wants to get home as early as possible. Maybe he wants the confrontation with his father over with as fast as possible. Or maybe TONY runs like he does to run away from the pain. Not just from the sight of Emma, but of everything wrong that has happened that day.

From down the street he can see his house, but he sees a man standing there with arms folded. TONY gulps nervously and continues to run to the figure that he can’t distinguish. It’s his father, ROBERT MAC. TONY begins to slow down and sees his father’s stern angry face. TONY tries to say something, but his father interrupts.

ROBERT MAC
Inside. Now, young man!!!​

CUT TO:

INT: house/bedroom - evening

TONY again slumps into his house. TONY again tries to say something.

ROBERT MAC
Upstairs!​

TONY walks upstairs to what he feels is his death sentence. He enters his room and waits for the oncoming doom. TONY sits at the edge of his bed, head down in darkness, with only the light of hallway showing through the crack of his door. He hears the thunder of footsteps and the fast movement of his door being swung open. ROBERT MAC tightens his mouth into a soured pucker and furrows his brow.

ROBERT
You’re in big trouble young man.​

ROBERT paces around TONY’s room.

ROBERT
Do you realize what time it is right now? Look at the clock!​

TONY
Six o’ clock.​

ROBERT
What time are you expected to be back home after school, unless I know beforehand?​

TONY
Four-thirty.​

ROBERT
Good. Now what have you been doing for the past few hours? Mind telling me where you’ve been?​

TONY
I was out doing stuff.​

ROBERT
What stuff?​

TONY
I was at the library.​

ROBERT
You’re lying. I went to the library at five looking for you and you weren’t there.​

TONY gulps. ROBERT waits for an explanation and then continues on with his furious rant.

ROBERT
I got a call from the dean of your school this afternoon, saying you got into a fight with someone? And that you are now suspended for two days? Sound familiar?​

TONY nods.

ROBERT
Then I am also reminded that your English teacher had set you up with a morning detention for tomorrow because you were late again due to oversleeping?​

TONY nods, but is too ashamed to explain himself.

ROBERT
Listen Tony, I’ve had it. I thought that this transition from middle school to high school would be just a small phase that would pass soon. But it’s been three months already. Three months and you’re the same way you’ve been since day one. You better think about getting your act together, boy. This is not the candy land it was in middle school. I can’t bail you out every time you get in a fight with someone.​

TONY
I only got into one fight in middle school and it happened the same as today.​

ROBERT
Yes, but one fight is all you need to get a suspension. Whether you started it or you reacted from it. You need to control your anger.​

TONY
But those guys torture me every day. They deserved it.​

ROBERT
I don’t care. You can’t go around punching out people every time you’ve reached your limit. You need to learn to think before you act. ​

TONY
I don’t see you doing that…​

ROBERT
Hey! Watch your attitude, mister.​

TONY
I am sick and tired of people complaining about my attitude. You think this is bad? I hold back so much, you have no idea. I have to go day in and day out just repressing how truly feel about the people around me. Do you realize I have to hide it? I have to hide the fact that I’m frustrated with my teachers and exhausted with the work they pile on me. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of having to struggle through school. I just want the freedom to do what I want to do without anyone telling me.​

ROBERT
It doesn’t work like that, Tony. You and I both know that, we all have a code of conduct to follow.​

TONY
But it’s not fair. Why do we have to? Who says? Who ever created the notion we have to live this way? ​

ROBERT
Tony, This is what I’m talking about. You need help. This is the stuff you need to talk to a psychiatrist about.​

TONY
I’m not talking to anybody.​

ROBERT
Fine then. You know what? I tried helping you, but if your going to be like this, fine. Because if you want screw up your life, with no ambition and being constantly lazy, be my guest. But when the day comes for you to put the blame on someone, you can only put the blame on yourself.​

ROBERT leaves TONY’s room and shuts the door leaving TONY in darkness. ROBERT enters into his bedroom across the hall where he finds a card resting on his sheets.

CUT TO:

INT: bedroom

ROBERT re-enters TONY’s bedroom more gently this time. TONY is lying on his bed in a depressed state.

ROBERT
What is this?​

TONY
Your birthday card.​

ROBERT
You remembered this year.​

TONY
I was trying to find a better gift to make up for me forgetting all these years, but all I could think of was a card.​

ROBERT
No. This… This is fine.​

ROBERT sits beside TONY on the bed.

ROBERT
Look, I know things might be tough, but you don’t have to feel like you’re so alone. You don’t have to feel like the world is out to get you. You have to know that there are people in your life that care about you. There are people to help you, but if you try closing doors around those trying help, I’m afraid you’ll make life even harder on yourself.​

TONY
I understand that, but why does it have to be hard? Why do I have to work hard at what I want? Why can’t life be easy for me?​

ROBERT
Because you have to make it easy. ​

ROBERT searches through his back pocket and reaches his hand back out to show a small case.

ROBERT
I was going to save this for Christmas, but I thought I should finally give it to you today.​

TONY
What is it?​

ROBERT opens up the case to reveal a wristwatch.

TONY
This is a joke right because I’m always late?​

ROBERT
This is no joke. Do you realize that this watch is an extension down our family tree? Sure it’s an updated model, but all the compartments inside are the same as when your great grandfather wore it. To this day it never needed a fix.​

TONY
Wow. How is that possible?​

ROBERT
Call it luck, I guess. I’ve worn this watch for as long as I can remember. It’s never failed me, but I’m long since passed my prime and I need to pass on the legacy. Here…​

ROBERT hands TONY the watch with great care.

TONY
No. I can’t take it if it means that much to you.​

ROBERT
You have to take it. It’s been a tradition passed on from generation to generation. You’ll have to learn as I learned when I was your age, but I’m sure this will be big help to you.​

TONY
Thanks, but what happens if by some chance I…​

ROBERT
…Break it? It might still work on the inside with no repairs, but it has yet to be found if it can indeed be broken. There in lies the responsibility and discipline you need, Tony. Treat this watch with great care.​

TONY
Don’t worry, I will.​

ROBERT slowly makes his way to door as to confirming that this conversation is done.

ROBERT
I forgot to mention and this is really important. Never lose sight of that watch. Never take it off. Make sure you wear at all times and I mean at all times.​

TONY
I have to wear it at night?​

ROBERT
I cannot stress that enough.​

TONY
But why, what’s so significant about it?​

ROBERT
You’ll find out in time.​

 

[Dark Phantom]

ROBERT leaves TONY’s room for the finally to leave TONY in peace.

TONY takes in a deep breath to reflect on this miserable day. He looks at the watch in the palm of is hand. He doesn’t understand why this watch is so sacred in his family and is willing to disregard his father’s advice. Yet, TONY is fascinated by the attractive pull the watch has, like a magnet. He can’t put it down. He feels a sense of powerful energy flowing through the watch. In haste, TONY puts on the watch and anticipates for something to happen although he doesn’t know what. Waiting for what seems like an eternity, TONY waits for this climatic moment. But soon discovers that it was all in his mind.

TONY
This is ridiculous.​

TONY yawns a bit and collapses onto his bed in exhaustion.

TONY closes his eyes there and again and then finally succumbs to sleep.

TONY sleeps uncomfortably in his bed with thoughts of events from earlier that day echoing in his mind.

CUT TO:

V.O
You’re late again!​

CUT TO:

MRS. MORGAN
Good. Now, I’m afraid I’m going to have to give you detention.​

TONY
Detention?​

MRS. MORGAN​

Yes. You’ve gotten away with a lot of unexcused absences and tardiness. It’s the policy of the school and I’m sorry but your just going to have to follow it.

CUT TO:

MR.SMITH
Just take a seat Tony. I don’t want to get into a fight with you.​

CUT TO:

JOE
Punk *****.​

They both laugh.

STEVE
Hey don’t call him that Joe. Remember the last time we joked around with him? He started swinging his backpack at us.​

CUT TO:

RED
We have to spend four years here and if your not willing to change things, then I’m not going to sit here and watch your life crumble down.​

CUT TO:

TONY
By the way, I know this is a little embarrassing, but what’s your name?​

EMMA
It’s Emma.​

CUT TO:

TONY
Oh no!!! How could I have been so stupid?​

RED
What?​

TONY
It’s my dad’s birthday today.​

CUT TO:

MATTEW
Were you expecting anybody?​

EMMA
Just someone in my class who needed tutoring, but he never showed.​

CUT TO:

ROBERT MAC
Inside. Now, young man!!!​

CUT TO:

TONY
Why do I have to work hard at what I want? Why can’t life be easy for me?​

ROBERT
Because you have to make it easy. ​

CUT TO:

TONY has been tossing and turning to this nightmare. Flashes of memory in his mind. With the rise of this climax of thoughts the camera pans TONY’s body and to the alarm clock that rests on his shelf. The clock reads 6:23. Suddenly, the clock changes to 6:22……… 6:21…… 6:20… 6:19. 6:18. 6:17. Etc…

CUT TO BLACK

 

[Dark Phantom]

FADE INTO WHITE

The camera is blurred and trying to focus. There seems to be a white surface with bright lights. We are looking from TONY’s point of view.

INT: English classroom


TONY focuses his eyes to reveal that he is staring at a ceiling, but it is not the ceiling of his room. This is a different room. This looks like a classroom from his school. TONY looks down to see he is sitting in a desk with his English test. He is deeply confused. As TONY tries to grasp the fact he’s not in bed, he finds his English teacher MRS.
MORGAN sitting at her desk. He shakes his head.

The camera pans around from TONY’s perspective back to the third person perspective concentrating on TONY’s face. He is about to begin taking the test, but then he jerks his head and looks around the room. His first period English class is all here. TONY is extremely confused. TONY raises his hand.

MRS.MORGAN
Yes. Tony?​

TONY
Mrs. Morgan, this might seems like a really stupid question, but why are you making everyone else take this test again? I was the only one who got detention.​

The class starts to mumble to each other about what he’s talking about. RED turns around suddenly, bothered by what TONY said.

MRS.MORGAN
Detention? What are you talking about Tony?​

TONY
I was late yesterday, remember? You told me to come in before school for detention where I can take and some extra work you had for me.​

MRS.MORGAN
Does anyone have any idea what he’s talking about?​

The class shrugs. RED gives TONY a troubled look.

TONY
I swear, I’m not lieing. You told said I was in trouble for being late all the time.​

MRS.MORGAN
You were late yesterday and I gave you another chance for the test today. Do you want detention?​

The class laughs.

TONY
I’m not saying that, but why is everyone here before school even starts?​

MRS.MORGAN
Tony…It’s a quarter to ten right now.​

TONY gulps for a second then looks at the clock on the wall. Quarter to ten. MRS.MORGAN was right.

TONY
It doesn’t make sense.​

MRS.MORGAN
Maybe you should go see the nurse.​

TONY
No. That’s all right. I’m fine. I think I just zoned out for a minute there.​

TONY’s right hand shakes as he tries to concentrate on the test again. As he looks down at his right hand holding a pencil he jumps. It’s the wristwatch his father gave him the night before. In some sense of fear TONY’s left hand tries to remove the watch, but due to his body shaking in shock, his left hand presses a button on the watch’s side. TONY removes the watch hoping it will calm his nerves.
TONY continues on answering the questions on his test and then pauses for a second. TONY raises his hand again.

TONY
Excuse me again, Mrs. Morgan, but I don’t understand question number six.​

MRS.MORGAN does not respond, but remains staring at her computer screen.

TONY
Mrs. Morgan? ​

Still no answer. TONY looks around the classroom to see if anyone else heard him. From TONY’s right he sees a classmate peering over the shoulder of the person in front of him for quite a long time. Hoping MRS.MORGAN sees this, TONY turns to see she is still staring at the computer.

TONY
Mrs. Morgan!​

Something isn’t right here. TONY yelled loud enough so that someone in the hallway could hear. What’s wrong? TONY looks to his left to see someone in the back reaching his hand out to pass a note up front. However, the student remains still and so does everyone else in the row. Actually, from TONY looking around the classroom, everyone seems to be frozen in time. In order to test this observation, TONY looks at his watch. It’s still working. Time is still moving for his watch although TONY can’t tell what the digits represent because they are moving too fast. TONY then looks at the clock on the wall to discover that the second hand is absolutely still.

It’s so surreal. TONY can’t believe it. He runs out of the classroom in shock, fear and excitement. Tony covers his face with his hands trying to soak all of this in. Yet, with this profound moment to himself, TONY notices there is not a sound. Only the echo of himself as if the school building was an empty apartment. From looking around everywhere, TONY is witnessing a time freeze. Students, security guards, cars on the street seen outside the window are all frozen in their specific action with TONY being the only one able to walk among the tics of a second.

TONY
I must be dreaming.​

The camera looks down upon TONY’s profile. He turns his head to a blurred figure hovering above him. The camera focuses on a fly in still motion. TONY is mesmerized by the beauty of a small piece of life frozen in it’s surrounding. He touches the fly and is able to push it through the air without it falling. It still remains in its hovered state. TONY turns back to his classroom.

TONY
Okay.​

TONY walks back into the class very cautiously. He doesn’t know what to expect or what to do at this point with the knowledge he’s received. TONY sits down at his desk and studies the watch. He searches for the button or knob on the side of his watch to pull him out of this frozen prison. TONY sees a knob with an arrow painted onto its center indicating how far the knob has turned. He turns the knob clockwise slightly and suddenly everything around TONY is whisked away. Blurry figures of people zoom in and out of the classroom in an instant as the light in the room changes from day to night with every minute. TONY desperately wants it all to stop and quickly jerks the knob to its previous position and everything around him slows down to a normal motion with the ticking of the clock on the wall. The room is dark, there’s no one in the classroom, and there’s a bracing chill in the air. It doesn’t make sense. He looks at his watch and it reads, 12/28/2007. The watch screen then flashes to read 10:30 PM. TONY returns back to his state of shock and fear. He has to return back.

Quickly, TONY turns the knob counter-clockwise. It’s almost instinct to him. It feels like a huge wave is pulling TONY back. Night turns to day and so forth. Everything that TONY experienced in his last warp is now reversed. Gaining a sense of experience, TONY looks at the watch screen and sees the calendar of the year return back to his reality. 12/20/2007..12/15/2007..12/05/2007..etc. As the date rapidly speeds back to November, TONY gradually turns the knob slowly clockwise, reducing momentum of the warp speed until TONY reaches his desired date and the exact time he left. The ticking of the room’s clock becomes less inaudible. Altering from what sounds like a cricket’s chirp to a more familiar sound, TONY reaches his destination.

TONY gives a sigh of relief and looks around the room to observe if anyone acknowledged his strange disappearance. Luckily, no one seems to have known that TONY went anywhere at all. For what TONY feels like déjà vu, he try’s yet again to continue on with his test. Wait, why does TONY have to do this test under a time limit? His watch has the power to move freely through the constraints of time. He doesn’t have to rush. TONY smirks at this revelation and looks at the clock on the wall again. TONY looks at his watch again with confidence and determination. With every instinct in his body, TONY presses a button he hopes will freeze time around him. The ticking stops. TONY was right. TONY raises his arms in a fit of joy with hands clenched and cheers.

TONY
YES!​

 

[Dark Phantom]

​

CUT TO:

TONY slams his paper on MRS.MORGAN’s desk. MRS.MORGAN looks up in great surprise.

TONY
I’m done.​

MRS.MORGAN looks skeptical.

MRS.MORGAN
You’re can’t be done, not after less than 10 minutes.
​

TONY smirks.

MRS.MORGAN
Tony, this test had a writing composition part. If you’re sincerely too lazy to finish this test, then I guess you want to…
​

TONY turns the page to the writing composition thoroughly complete. MRS.MORGAN is dumfounded.

MRS.MORGAN
…Fail.


TONY
I can also assure you that all the answers are accurate.


MRS.MORGAN
Are you sure you studied?
​

TONY eyes off into space.

FLASHBACK TO:

TONY walks around the classroom as time is frozen. He peeks over on other students’ tests mockingly and judges which student has the right answer and who is flat out wrong. The more he looks at similar test answers, the better he can determine for himself what is correct and what is false.

FADE INTO:

TONY smirking.

TONY
I’m sure.


MRS.MORGAN
I don’t know what to say, Tony.


TONY
Think of it as a way to make up for my declining grades.
​

MRS.MORGAN is speechless.

MRS.MORGAN
You can return to your seat.
​

TONY returns to his seat as the entire class locks’ their eyes on TONY. They begin to murmur with jealousy and curiosity. RED also seems a little perturbed by the situation, but wants TONY to do good.

MRS.MORGAN
Settle down everyone. Tony might have finished early, but that doesn’t mean you are.
​

TONY has the biggest smile on his face. Arms crossed and laid back. Not a care in the world.

The camera focuses on the clock on the wall.

FADE TO:

The clocks new hand position, indicating the passage of time in reality, not a time warp. The bell rings. The class begins to leave. RED hands in his test and sees TONY pass right by him out the door.

RED
Hey, Tony! Wait up!
​

TONY and RED walk down the hallway.

RED
How did you finish that test so fast?


TONY
I studied hard last night. I knew the answers like the back of my hand.


RED
I’m just saying I’ve never seen anyone finish a three-page test with multiple choice and writing composition so quickly.


TONY
Well, there’s a first time for everything.


RED
Your hiding something, I can tell.


TONY
What?


RED
I don’t know. Your just not "you" this morning.


TONY
Considering how I usually am, that’s probably a good thing.


RED
Uh huh… ​

RED notices TONY’s wristwatch.

RED
Hey nice watch. Where’d you get that?


TONY
Oh, my dad gave to me…or will give to me.


RED
What?


TONY
Nothing, it’s just a really important heirloom in my family.


RED
It looks relatively new.


TONY
Well, some pieces are old.


RED
Whatever. Oh wait, now I know what’s going on here.
​

TONY gulps.

RED
That’s why you’re so hyper this morning. You’re finally here on time because of the new watch.


TONY
Yeah…


RED
If it’s going that well for you, then stick with it. That watch is doing wonders for you so far.


TONY​

You have no idea.​

 

[Dark Phantom]

CUT TO:

TONY waving goodbye to RED as they depart into different hallways. As Tony turns a sharp corner he finds the same traffic jam of students leading to his next class. TONY smiles again and presses a button on his watch that has become a friend to him now. In a single instant, everything in the hallway freezes. Feet hover off the ground in mid-walk, facial expressions stilled in action and not a sound can be heard, but the echo of TONY himself. In the most casual manner, TONY takes an alternative route that took TONY longer to travel previously that day. Yet because TONY can walk among the frozen, he has all the time in the world.

Strolling along the hallways, TONY is as calm as anything and mocks those paused in rushed motion. Finally TONY reaches his destination and unfreezes time by pushing the button again on his watch.

INT: MR.SMITH’s classroom

TONY is the first to walk in the room. MR.SMITH does a double take when he sees TONY.

MR.SMITH
Mr. MAC, this is quite a surprise.
​

TONY cannot restrain from the smile on his face. He sits and waits for the lesson to begin. More students enter the classroom and the bell rings. Something isn’t right here. Where’s JOE and STEVE? MR.SMITH peeks out into the hall and yells out.

MR.SMITH
Joe! Steve! Get in here!
​

Speak of the devils. JOE and STEVE enter laughing insanely about something probably idiotic. They sit behind TONY. Déjà vu.

MR.SMITH
Okay, can anyone tell me where we left off yesterday?
​

MR.SMITH continues on with his lecture in the background as we see JOE and STEVE whispering behind TONY’s back. TONY turns his head slightly knowing full well what to expect. JOE and STEVE begin rolling pieces of paper. Discreetly, TONY extends his watch hand waiting the perfect moment to strike. Just as JOE and STEVE flick their first balls of paper, TONY turns the knob on his watch. The paper balls slightly pause in mid-air, but slowly motions like a football replay. TONY flicks back at the paper balls in mid-air causing it to fly back at JOE and STEVE. TONY turns around and rotates the knob back to its normal position in real time. The paper balls change in motion from slow to a blur hitting JOE and STEVE in the face. They don’t know what hit them. TONY chuckles.

JOE and STEVE continue to try and repeat their process of flicking paper balls at TONY. However, no matter how many times they try, the balls hit them back in the face. TONY could do this all day. After TONY has had his fun, he makes his next move to further humiliate JOE and STEVE. They decide to try one last time to flick paper at TONY, however TONY disappears from his seat and the paper ball hits the girl who sat in front of TONY by mistake. She turns around.

GIRL
Ow! What the hell?
​

JOE and STEVE look at each other in confusion. Where did TONY go? They both turn to their left to see TONY sitting across from them. He waves.

CUT TO:

INT: Hallway after class.

TONY walks down the hall confidently. JOE and STEVE follow him. JOE pushes TONY’s back and he proceeds to fall forward.

JOE
Think you’re pretty funny don’t you a-hole? I don’t what you did back there, but I’m onto you.


TONY
I didn’t do anything Joe. I don’t know what you’re talking about.


JOE
Like hell you do, punk *****.
​

They both laugh.

STEVE
Hey don’t call him that Joe. Remember the last time we joked around with him? He started swinging his backpack at us.
​

JOE laughs.

JOE
Oh yeah. But I think that was after we punched him in the balls. Let’s see what he does to us this time.
​

TONY presses a button on his watch. Time freezes. Casually, TONY pulls JOE and STEVE’s legs back away from the ground vertically so that they are now suspended in mid-air. TONY unfreezes time. They both fall to the ground face first painfully. Amused by their pain, TONY begins to rewind the moment and plays it back continuously to his heart’s content. TONY let’s time flow freely.

STEVE
I’ve got a headache.


JOE

Wait, where the hell did he go?
​

CUT TO:

INT: Cafeteria – afternoon

TONY and RED sit a table eating their lunch.

RED
You what?!


TONY
You heard me. I humiliated Joe and Steve.


RED
You? How?


TONY
It was in science. All I can say is I think they’re going to leave me alone now.


RED
For your sake I hope your right.
​

TONY concentrates back to his food and smirks to himself at RED’s comment. Red notices this.

RED
You look different.


TONY
Huh?


RED
Today. There’s something different about you.


TONY
I look just the same as I do every day.


RED
No. It’s something else. Since this morning you seem calm. To tell you the truth, I don’t think I’ve never seen you calm. Your usually stressed out, late or complaining about your life.


TONY​

What can I say? I’m having a good day.​