Enchantment was written sometimes in the early 2000’s after I got the album “Enchantment” by Charlotte Church. The main theme, that would occur over the first two pages of this script is “Carrickfergus”. It is a reversal of “The Princess Diaries” where the princess is “kidnapped” back to her maternal grandmother, the queen. Years later, she secretly returns to her “family and friends” in America only to see that things went awry after she left as families were torn apart and friends went down the wrong paths.
It is not finished....may never be, at least not in script form.
I apologize for the formatting.
EXT. LAKESIDE—MORNING
Aylse Nicholysis—17, fair and beautiful stands on top of a rickety dock in front of a lake.
She wears a simple t-shirt and shorts.
She turns back to a decrepit two-story house in the middle of an overgrown field.
INT. HOUSE
The ancient looking interior lies destroyed and ransacked.
Akrista looks up the staircase and the open doorways.
She climbs the staircase.
INT. ROOM
A girl’s bedroom. She stares at peeling wallpaper and a destroyed bed.
INT. ROOM—NIGHT—FLASHBACK
An eight year-old AKRISTA lies in bed.
She jumps as light fills the room.
A young man in black sunglasses—RAPHEAL—stands next to the door.
He restrains PAULA Peterson, while two other men hold her husband, STEPHEN Peterson, and young daughter JENNA in place.
A WOMAN clad in black scoops the girl from her bed and carries her from the room.
The girl and Paula reach out for each other.
Paula cries as Stephen struggles with the two men.
INT. STAIRWELL
Police lights flash outside as the girl screams in silence.
END FLASHBACK
INT. BEDROOM
Akrista hits her hand against the wall in sorrow.
EXT. FIELD--DAY
The wind blows through her hair as she walks back to the dock.
She picks up three small stones and throws one out into the lake.
MICHAEL Law (17) appears in the reflection of the water. He places his hand on her shoulder and she drops the stones.
Michael vanishes from the water—and from her side.
She looks out over the lake once again.
The wooden dock has changed into smooth marble.
Akrista now wears an elegant peach dress.
A castle stands behind her and a tear streams down her cheek.
INT. BEDROOM-LATER
An ornate room filled with books and a large desk.
An easel sits on the side of the room.
Akrista sits in front of a computer and views a website showing the large letters of R.H.S. in the corner.
A picture of Michael Law in a football uniform—alongside several other football players—loads onto the center of the screen.
She smiles.
A knock at the door startles her.
RAPHEAL OS
It’s almost three, my princess. Time for practice.
Raphael stands at the door as Akrista terminates the connection and shuts down the computer.
She sits motionless.
RAPHEAL
What’s wrong?
AKRISTA
Don’t you know?
He walks into the room.
RAPHEAL
I’m sorry.
She turns to him.
AKRISTA Raphael, do you remember what they looked like?
RAPHEAL
Yes, I do.
She closes her laptop.
AKRISTA
I want to go back.
RAPHEAL
Not possible.
AKRISTA
Only for a few hours.
RAPHEAL
Cannot be permitted.
AKRISTA
On whose authority?
RAPHEAL
Your grandmother’s.
Raphael takes off his sunglasses.
RAPHEAL
Why?
AKRISTA
Because I miss my friends.
She walks out of the room.
INT. GRAND ROOM
Akrista walks down the corridor that overlooks a great ballroom.
RAPHAEL VO
They may not even know who you are anymore.
AKRISTA VO
But they might.
MIATHIA OS
Out of the question.
INT. COUNCIL ROOM
MIATHIA Nicholysis, 72; kindly, but with a stern face, sits at a large desk and overlooks a parchment.
Several black-clad men stand around her.
MIATHIA
There is to be no more discussion of it, Akrista.
She looks down at a stack of papers as Raphael enters from the side.
MIATHIA
(to Akrista)
Is it not time for your practice?
Akrista turns to Rapheal, who slides his glasses back on.
AKRISTA
Yes, grandmother.
INT. TRAINING ROOM
Akrista stands in shorts and a jumper.
Raphael positions himself a few feet from her. He wears all black.
AKRISTA
She doesn’t understand.
RAPHEAL
Begin.
She moves her hands in a concentration form and takes a breath.
They bow to each other and take their positions
Akrista closes her eyes and moves toward Raphael.
She jumps onto his back and flips into the air.
He jumps back as she lands on the mat below and rolls out.
AKRISTA
How do I get her to hear me?
RAPHEAL
Continue.
She runs, somersaults over his head and then sweeps him to the ground.
Akrista leans back into a low ready stance as he jumps back into ready position.
RAPHAEL
Again, why do you want to go back? When one tries to return to the past, they find that it has changed to the present…you can never go back to how it once was.
She stands straight
AKRISTA
I want to see for myself.
RAPHAEL
Do you not have a human relations and as well as a geography final coming up?
He smiles.
She grins back.
DORRIN VO
An expedition?
EXT. GARDEN
DORRIN walks through the garden with Akrista.
AKRISTA
Yes.
DORRIN Whatever for, Akrista?
AKRISTA
There is only so much I can learn here within Tyrain.
DORRIN
This have anything to do with what William said when he visited?
AKRISTA Maybe from Henry...
A MESSENGER steps up to Dorrin.
MESSENGER
(to Akrista)
My apologies, my pricness.
(to Dorrin)
Prime Minister, there appears to be an issue with the Grand Duke of Achoim.
DORRIN
I see.
AKRISTA
Can it be arranged?
DORRIN
I trust that this has been cleared through your grandmother?
AKIRSTA
Dorrin, please?
DORRIN
That would be no then. Akrista, we’ll talk about this later, I--
AKRISTA
You have not answered my question—
DORRIN
It is not my place to answer…
AKRISTA
Then I’m commanding you.
He shakes his head in defeat.
DORRIN
I’ll try.
Akrista nods to him as he accompanies the messenger.
She stares ahead at the multi-colored flags of her country blowing in the breeze.
EXT. PALACE-EVENING
Subtle light illuminates the palace.
INT. GRAND ROOM
Several guests walk into the already crowded room.
An ensemble plays a light guitar melody.
Dorrin escorts Miathia to the front of the room as the guests continue to talk and drink.
INT. HALLWAY
Raphael—still in black but with gloves and a sash--follows behind Akrista; she wears a short red dress.
The lights in the room grow dim.
Akrista breathes deep.
DORRIN OS
Honorable delegates, our prestigious guests--
She closes her eyes.
DORRIN OS
May I introduce to you the jewel of the Tyrain. Princess Akrista Aylae Nicholysis.
INT. GRAND ROOM
The staircase illuminates in a faint light as the band plays “Habanera”.
Amidst the entranced crowd, Akrista walks down the stairs.
BACKGROUND SINGER
L'Amour est un oiseau rebelle Que nul ne peut apprivoiser Et c'est bien en vain qu'on l'appelle,
She smiles at the people around her as she follows through carefully choreographed steps.
BACKGROUND SINGER
S'il lui convient de refuser.
Rien n'y fait, menace ou prière, L'un parle bien, l'autre se tait; Et c'est l'autre que je préfère Il n'a rien dit; mais il me tient.
As she moves, Michael Law steps through the crowd and hold his hand out to her.
BACKGROUND SINGER
L'Amour est un oiseau rebelled/L'Amour Que nul ne peut apprivoiser/L'Amour/Et c'est bien en vain qu'on l'appelle L'Amour/S'il lui convient de refuser/L'Amour
Their eyes lock as they move around each other.
No one else in the room can see Michael as they chase each other through the dance.
BACKGROUND SINGER
L'Amour est enfant de Bohême/Il n'a jamais, jamais connu de loi/Si tu ne m'aime pas, je t'aime/Si je t'aime, prend garde à toi!
(Prends garde à toi) Si tu ne m'aime pas si tu ne m'aimes pas je t'aime (Prends garde à toi) Mais si je t'aime si je t'aime prends garde à toi!
AKRISTA VO
Will I ever see you again?
MICHEAL VO
One day, I promise you.
AKRISTA VO I left without even saying goodbye.
MICHAEL VO
I know. Promise me that you won’t leave me ever again.
Raphael watches her from above.
MUSIC ENDS
INT. GRAND ROOM—AN HOUR LATER
The gala continues around Akrista as people bow to her and others hold their hands out.
She laughs along with them.
A woman introduces her TALL son to her.
From the back, Raphael shakes his head.
Miathia walks up to him.
MIATHIA
She is miserable, isn’t she?
RAPHAEL
Miserable? I do not think so, my queen…if you are requesting my opinion.
MIATHIA
I am.
RAPHAEL
She’s a teenager.
MIATHIA Twice taken away from the only things she has known…I only wanted to protect her.
They watch as Akrista walks sullen through the crowd and to the fountain on the side of the room.
MIATHIA OS
How are her studies?
RAPHEAL OS
She needs to hone up on her geography a bit.
MIATHIA OS
And how much is…a bit?
RAPHEAL OS
Not a tutor in the world could teach her what she wants to know.
Miatha closes her eyes and then opens them to see Akrista standing next to a fountain.
MIATHIA
Co-ordinate with her tutors and prepare a security detail
Raphael bows and walks away.
INT. BEDROOM
Late at night, Akrista lies asleep in her room.
EXT. PALACE--NIGHT
The lights lie dim.
Radio static crackles.
RAPHEAL OS
Renaissance to hanger.
VOICE OVER RADIO
Renaissance, over.
A car drives away from the palace.
RAPHEAL OS
Ready Elysium for flight, early morning.
VOICE OVER RADIO
Destination?
RAPHEAL OS
That’s van Gogh at this time.
INT. CAR
Raphael sits in the driver’s seat.
VOICE OVER RADIO
Elysium will be ready for pre-flight check by five am.
RAPHEAL
Renaissance out.
INT. ROOM
The small interior of Raphael’s quarters.
He places his jacket on a hanger and lays a gun and knife on a desk.
He walks to the side of the room and picks up a katana.
He then sits on the floor and holds the sword firmly in his hand.
He sits with his eyes closed in silence for a moment until he snores.
INT. LIMO
Akrista sits with her laptop next to her.
Raphael sits on the opposite side of her.
AKRISTA Where are we going…at six in the morning?
RAPHEAL
The virtues of patience…
AKRISTA Are wasted on the young and restless.
He nods.
AKRISTA
My grandmother’s leaving on another tour, isn’t she?
VOICE OVER RADIO
Hanger to Renaissance.
AKRISTA
What’s going on?
RAPHEAL
Renaissance here, over.
VOICE OVER RADIO
Runway two.
He taps a button next to the door.
RAPHEAL
Don, runway two.
EXT. CAR
The car turns down a road to a small hanger.
EXT. HANGER
The Elysium--a twin-engine jet plane--sits on the runway, her turbines whine.
Several security officials stand by Dorren and Miathia.
They walk to Akrista.
DORREN
Have a good trip, Krista.
Akrista looks back at Raphael who slightly nods.
MIATHIA
Your tutors expect a full report on everything that you see…as do I.
AKRISTA
Thank you, I…
She hugs her grandmother.
RAPHEAL
Time passes, my princess.
Several security members look around and hold their hands near their chests—in anticipation.
Raphael turns to a female member of security—VENUS (24, black hair)
RAPHEAL
Secure channels. I’ll encrypt all responses.
VENUS
ETA till your return?
RAPHEAL
Van Gogh.
She nods as he follows Akrista to the plane.
VENUS
(into radio)
I want clear airspace to the Wysatchie border!
EXT. RUNWAY-MORNING
The plane taxis out.
INT. PLANE
Akrista sits next to her laptop bag and a small music player.
AKRISTA
How did you arrange this?
The plane accelerates.
RAPHEAL
I didn’t—your grandmother did.
EXT. RUNWAY-MORNING
The wheels retract as the plane takes to the air.
EXT. SKIES-MIDDAY
The plane flies over water as it ascends into the clouds.
INT. PLANE
Akrista lies asleep with a maroon letter jacket next to her. She picks it up and hugs it.
EXT. PLANE EVENING
Becon lights flash from the underside of the plane.
EXT. FIELD--DAY (DREAM)
JENNA-16 raven-haired, tall; Michael and Akrista stand together at the side of the same lake as in the beginning.
Michael picks Akrista up and attempts to throw her into the water but falls with her.
They splash in the water and come up together.
Time slows down as they stare at each other.
He smiles at her.
She kisses his cheek and holds onto him as he fades away.
INT. PLANE
Akrista lies asleep.
EXT. CITY--NIGHT
A car drives slowly up the street.
Four people sit inside.
INT. CAR
JAMES Addison (19)—at the wheel along with TREVOR Malokowski (21) as WILL Petty (17) and Michael Law (16) scan the sides of the street from the backseat.
JAMES
Sure about this guy?
TREVOR
Kyle’s never did me wrong before.
JAMES Never really done things right though neither.
Will glares down at a small handgun in his lap.
Michael looks straight ahead, in a daze.
TREVOR
Law. Wake up!
MICHEAL
Sorry.
JAMES You watching, Mike?
Michael nods and looks out his side window.
EXT. STREET-NIGHT
A shadow walks into the glare of the headlights.
INT. CAR
TREVOR
There he is.
JAMES Does he want to die?
KYLE NAUMBERG (19) struts up to the side of the car as Trevor rolls down the window.
KYLE
Didn’t think you guys show.
JAMES
I’m from Browne’s Addition—I’m used to a gun to my neck at all hours of the day.
KYLE
You looking for Rei, right?
TREVOR
You find her?
KYLE
Yeah, but she’s with some high group from the college.
Will’s eyes look back and forth.
KYLE
You’ll find your freaky princess over at Rene’s.
TREVOR
I told her to stay away from there.
Michael looks out the window as other shadows appear from the darkness.
James revs the engine.
KYLE
You got a Cobain, man?
Trevor lifts up a large gun in silence.
Kyle whistles.
KYLE
That’ll do.
The tires squeal as James pops the clutch.
EXT. CLUB--NIGHT
The car drives downtown and pulls into a parking lot.
The four step out of the car as five COLLEGE GUYS and REI (17) walk out of the club.
Other TEENS and club-goers look at the scene and bolt for cover.
Will draws first and fires.
James follows.
The four guys scatter and become like shadows.
Trevor stares at Rei and yells out to her.
The shadows move around—one fires a bolt of light.
Michael stands in shock as a bullet flies over his head.
He raises a pistol and fires.
A shadow falls to the ground, into a red mess.
James runs by and smashes into another shadow.
Will staggers from the ground and moves over to Michael.
Trevor grabs Rei and throws her into the backseat of the car.
He motions to the others to get into the car.
The car speeds away from the scene.
EXT. COUNTY ROAD—MINTUES LATER
Trevor slams the door shut.
Michael stares out the window of the car as Rei lies on the ground in a crumpled heap.
INT. BEDROOM--LATER
A sparsely furnished room with only a small stereo lying on a dresser.
Michael lies awake in a fetal position on the floor.
EXT. SCHOOL—MORNING
Michael walks onto campus and looks around as Will runs up to him.
WILL
Look at you.
MICHEAL
Seen yourself?
They stop.
WILL
You holding up?
Michael nods.
WILL
Didn’t think he’d do that.
MICHEAL
I don’t want to think about it, I—
Will grabs him and pulls him along.
WILL
Then don’t. C’mon, we got first period.
INT. HALL
The hall lies quiet as they enter into the school.
A girl holds her head.
A group of girls stand crying.
MICEHAL
What’s going on?
Jenna runs up to them.
JENNA
Someone killed Rei!
WILL
Rei Compton?
Jenna nods.
Will slumps against the lockers and looks to the floor.
Michael looks around the silent hallway again.
INTERCOM VOICE Attention students…a tragedy has befallen us…
INT. CLASSROOM
Michael sits in the back of the classroom.
Other members of the class show a rainbow of emotions.
MRS. HUMPHERY—the teacher—stares at the intercom.
INTERCOM VOICE There will be a memorial tomorrow afternoon. At this time, classes have been suspended…buses will depart at noon today. Repeat, due to the tragedy of the Compton family, at this time classes are suspended.
Michael stares at his desk.
WILL OS
You look like you’re guilty.
MICHEAL
What?
INT. GYM
Will dribbles a basketball as Michael guards.
WILL
Don’t worry about it…besides, you didn’t know her too well.
MICHAEL
Don’t worry about it? I—
He stops as Jenna comes up to him and gives him a hug.
She kisses his cheek.
JENNA
I miss her.
He puts an arm around her as Will throws a questionable look toward him.
Will shoots and swish!
INT. HALL
Students walk out of the school en masse; some cry.
JENNA
Do you know what I was thinking about last night?
MICHAEL
Hmm?
JENNA
I was thinking…this is the third time that I lost someone I thought was important to me…Rei was my best friend and..and Krista, I--
Michael wraps an arm around her as she cries.
MICHAEL
Jenna…I’m never going to leave you.
He stares into her eyes.
JENNA
I know. You’re a good kitty.
He playfully growls at her.
JENNA
I miss them.
She lays her head on his shoulders as Michael closes his eyes.
EXT. AIRPORT—LATE AFTERNOON
The Elysium touches down on the runway.
VOICE
Tower to N6574E; welcome to Spokane, Washington
EXT. TERMINAL--EVENING
Raphael walks behind Akrista; they carry very little with them.
RAPHAEL
They’ve made arrangements for us in town.
AKRISTA
Is there an itinerary?
RAPHAEL
Only if you want one.
She nods as they walk outside.
EXT. SUITE-EVENING
Akrista looks over the city and spreads her arms wide.
AKRISTA
(whisper)
I’m back home…I’m home again.
She closes her eyes and breathes in deeply.
The wind blows again.
She walks back into the room and closes the sliding glass door.
EXT. WOODS—NIGHT
An old car drivers down a lone road in the country.
The car turns down a gravel road.
EXT. HOUSE-NIGHT
The house lies ramshackle, in need of paint and a new front yard.
An older PAULA Peterson steps from the car and slams the front door shut.
She shuffles to the front door and unlocks it.
INT. HOUSE
The interior looks as bad as the outside: everything lies in disarray.
Jenna sits at the table with her sister JESSICA (9); textbooks lie in front of them.
They stare up at their mother.
PAULA
Why is this house still a mess?
The girls go back to their textbooks.
PAULA
Hello?
JENNA
Fine.
She slams a book closed walks past her mother and abruptly places dishes into the sink from all over the kitchen.
EXT.
EXT. HALL
Raphael stands at the door—he wears the same style of clothes from earlier.
He moves to knock on the door.
Akrista opens the door ahead of him.
She wears a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
RAPHAEL
You’re ready?
AKRISTA
Yes.
RAPHAEL
I told you to stay in your room.
AKRISTA
But, I—
RAPHEAL
Let’s go.
Tyler stares at Akrista as Raphael leads her away.
EXT. BUTTE
MICHEAL
Times change, Krista.
She nods.
AKRISTA
Have I changed, Micheal, is it all me?
He shakes his head.
MICHEAL
I think everything changed around you—and some people want that for themselves…like Jenna.
AKRISTA
We used to be friends, Micheal…
MICHEAL
I know—but Jenna’s different now.
AKRISTA
Why aren’t you?
MICHEAL
Me?
She walks over to him.
AKRISTA You said everyone changes but you’re the same now as you were then.
He shakes his head.
MICHEAL
No, I’m not.
AKRISTA
You are though. You’re still kind, you’re still always there to help and you’ve never let anything happen to me.
MICHAEL
Wish I could have been there to help you when…
She takes his hand.
AKRISTA It’s okay.
MICHEAL
Still going back?
She stares at him and smiles.
AKRISTA Not yet. It’s time to live as a normal teenager once again.
MICHEAL
Normal?
AKRISTA
Yeah, what do normal kids do anyway?
INT. CLUB
Country music blasts through extremely large speakers.
Akrista stares at everyone on the floor as Michael leads her down.
MICHEAL
You dance?
AKIRSTA
Not like this. I can’t do this.
MICHAEL
Sure you can, just follow me.
AKRISTA
Follow you?
He takes her hand and attempts to twirl her, but she slams into him.
AKRISTA
Perhaps, we can start with something slower?
MICHAEL
Sure thing.
MICHAEL
I can’t tell the police what happened…they’ll...I, I gave th—
AKRISTA
Your word is nothing to them.
EXT. MEMORIAL PARK—MORNING
Akrista stands in front of a grave with a white rose in her hand.
The grave reads STEPHEN PETERSON and the date of his birth and death.
AKRISTA
Hello, dad…I mean, Stephen…No, no you were my father—you always had been—even though I wasn’t really yours.
She kneels down to the marker.
AKRISTA
I wanted to come back and see you and mom, so many times…and I sent letters and I tried to send e-mails and I—and I wanted to have you come with me…but—
The wind blows.
AKRISTA
I need to ask you a question, dad: What do I do with my life?
She stands up and looks at the stone.
AKRISTA
Am I really, truly a member of the Nicholysis family or Peterson? I’m saying…I feel like an outsider and unwanted by the people I used to love. The one I once ran to when I was hurt and the one who usually hurt me and—
Jenna Peterson stands near the side walls.
AKRISTA OS
(whisper)
Who am I, father…who am I?
MICHAEL
I don’t suppose you ever did anything you were ashamed of?
RAPHEAL
Yes, I have.
MICHEAL
What did you do?
RAPHEAL
I killed the dreams of a young girl.
MICHEAL
Krista?
He nods.
MICHEAL
What good can come of what I did?
RAPHEAL
That’s for you to decide.
MICHEAL
They’ll kill me.
RAPHEAL
If they have not already killed your spirit already…
Michael turns around and holds his head in his hands.
Raphael walks to him and turns him around.
MICHAEL
Krista!
Raphael staggers toward Trevor, sword in hand.
Trevor fires his gun again, knocking Raphael down.
The sword clatters to the ground.
Michael picks her up as Trevor kicks him in the back.
They tumble to the ground.
MICHEAL
I didn’t tell anyone, Trev…I didm’t—
TREVOR
You told her?
MICHEAL
She doesn’t even know you, she doesn’t—
Trevor shakes his head.
TREVOR
We had a deal. We swore an oath, we—
MICHEAL
We didn’t do anything like that, we—
TREVOR
It’s all over the news now…obviously someone told the police cars that are outside!
MICHEAL
It wasn’t us.
Kyle and James run downstairs.
KYLE Five county cars…sheriff and a crap load more.
TREVOR
(to Micheal)
See what you did?
MICHAEL
I didn’t do anything, I—
Trevor hits him across the face as he walks to the window and looks outside.
AKRISTA Mike?
MICHEAL
You’re okay, we’re going to be alright.
AKRISTA Where’s Raphael?
Michael looks to him.
MICHEAL
He’s, he’s—
James looks at Akrista and then to Raphael.
He eyes widen.
JAMES Trevor…we got a problem.
TREVOR
What?
JAMES Do you know who she is?
TREVOR
No.
JAMES I do…and—
TREVOR
(to Micheal)
Who the hell is she?
Michael doesn’t respond as he wipes the blood from her forehead.
TREVOR
Who is she?
MICHEAL
A friend I used to know.
James picks up a magazine and flips through it.
JAMES
I should have seen it when I saw her the first time, but she wasn’t—
Trevor and Kyle come over and look at a picture with the caption: Pretty as a princess: “Akrista Anne Nicholysis”
KYLE
Dammit!
MICHEAL
Please…Krista…Help me out of this.
AKRISTA
I can’t do that, Michael.
MICHAEL
Why? Come on, do something…please…grant me diplomatic immunity or something.
She looks away from him.
AKRISTA
I’m sorry.
The agents pull him away.
MICHAEL
Akrista…please!
She runs to Raphael and Venus
EXT. LAKE
Akrista stands on the dock with Raphael
RAPHEAL
Are you alright?
AKRISTA
I thought you were going to ask me if I learned anything.
RAPHEAL
Did you?
AKRISTA
I wish I didn’t have to.
She turns to him.
RAPHEAL
Me too.
FADE OUT
