(Night and it’s lighting out. In lobby: The vampires are all sitting around on couch’s working on papers. It is dark)

Merrill – The lights are out.

Marty – Spooky!

Karl – Guess that means we don’t have to do our homework! Ha, ha!

Marty – No, it means it’s time for a ghost story. (Drops books on coffee table) Who’s got one?

Karl – I know this one about this guy, he escapes from this mental institute and then he kills this couple.

Essie – Right, and he had a hook, didn’t he?

Karl – Yeah!

Marty – Karl, we’re vampires, ‘takes a lot more then that to scare us.

Merrill – I’ve got one. It’s very scary.

Marty – Shoot.

Merrill – Is everyone listening? (They all get more comfortable) Once there was a beautiful noble woman, Lady Dianna Valmont. She had fiery red hair and a passion for hunting. Her arrows never missed the mark.

Marty – (sighs) Boring.

Merrill – One day, a vampire prince fell madly in love with her.

Drew – She was human, right?

Merrill – But she never feared him for he vowed his love was pure. One night while on a hunt, the vampire prince, aroused by the sight of blood, fell into a frenzy and slew her.

Marty – That’s not scary. That’s my life.

Merrill – Every year, on the anniversary of her death, Lady Dianna Valmont comes back in human form, to slay, with her silver arrow any vampire who dares to love a mortal.

Karl – Ouch! Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Drew – This ghost story is just another vehicle for your pat vampire morality, Merrill.

Merrill – No, it’s true. And guess what else?

Karl – What?

Merrill – Tomorrow night is the anniversary of her death.

Everyone – Ooooohh! (Noise in other room)

Marty – What was that?

Karl – Someone’s coming. (They all speed away and in walks Dillan with fiery read hair.)

(In lobby: Murdoch comes out of office and goes to mirror. While fixing his shirt)

Dr. Murdoch – Ghost stories are not simply child’s play, they speak to us about our deepest desires and fear. (Looks in Mirror and see’s Dillan in chair. And goes to her) Every person has their own ghost story, which they carry with them, hidden from view. (He stands in front of chair) Hello? Hello, miss… (Looks around) Miss! (She stirs and looks up at him)

Dillan – I’m not “Miss.” I’m Dillan. And I’m beat. (Goes back to sleep)

(In Cellar: Karl sitting in chair)

Karl – Hey, Drew… throw me the polish. (Gets up and goes over to Drew) Hellooo? Hey man, (Sits) anybody home? (Sighs)

Drew – I sent Sherry the sketch and poem like you said but I haven’t heard back.

Karl – Alright, some guy talk. I’m in. So you wanna know, is she playing hard to get or does she just hate my guts, right?

Drew – Haven’t you been stuck on some one?

Karl – Yeah, Kathy Dristol. Sophomore. Looks, brains, the whole enchilada. She turned me down cold 5 times.

Drew – So what should I do?

Karl – Drew, make contact.

Drew – I could write her a letter.

Karl – Goood, I’ll get you a quill and some ink.

Drew – What?

Karl – Oh, come on, Drew. You’re courting Sherry like it’s the 18^th century. Get with the program!

Drew – So how should I get in contact with her?

Karl – Mmmm, let me think. (Pulls out cell phone) Uh, how about the phone?

Drew – Give her a call?

Karl – Why not? I mean what’s the worst thing that can happen? She has call display, doesn’t recognize the number, and lets the phone ring.

Drew – Yeah, but what if she answers?

Karl – Oh… then the fun begins. (Drew takes phone)

(In Murdoch’s office: Murdoch at desk looking through papers and Dillan sitting in chair)

Dr. Murdoch – Sorry, there’s no record of your acceptance.

Dillan – Use the mail. Take your chances.

Dr. Murdoch – Well, I guess I’ll just have to take your word that your parents sent the papers.

Dillan – I guess you will. (Murdoch closes folder and puts it aside)

Dr. Murdoch – You’ll share a room with Sherry Woods while her roommate is away, on tour with her father.

Dillan – I don’t share well.

Dr. Murdoch – You’ll learn. Take the stairs to the (Stands up) mezzanine; it’s the 2^nd door on the left.

Dillan – That’s it? You’re done with me?

Dr. Murdoch – Oh no. We’re just beginning. (Dillan grabs her stuff and walks out of office)

(In Sherry’s room: Sherry sitting on windowsill. Reading Drew's love poem)

Sherry – (reads) I’ve memorized your face, the curve of your nose, the colour of your eyes, the fullness of your lips, each night before I sleep I repeat it to myself.

(Puts down note and picks up picture that Drew sketch. The door opens and in flies Dillan.)

Dillan – Which bed is mine?

Sherry – Pardon me.

Dillan – Fine, I’ll take this one. (Puts stuff on Sherry’s bed.)

Sherry – (stands up) That’s my bed!

Dillan – (Takes stuff off bed and goes to other one) Ok then, I’ll take the other one. Same difference.

Sherry – (walks over to her a little bit) Excuse me, who are you?

Dillan – They put me here ‘till your roommate gets back.

Sherry – Nobody told me.

Dillan – Surpri-ise.

Sherry – Maybe I should call Dr. Murdoch and check on this.

Dillan – This was his idea okay, so let’s just get over it. (Phone rings and sherry is not quick enough. Dillan answers) Hello!

Drew – Sherry?

Dillan – (on phone) Sherry? You want to speak to Sherry?

Drew – Uh, yes.

Sherry – Give me the phone.

Dillan – Whose calling please?

Drew – Um, it-it-it’s Drew. (Walks way from Karl.)

Dillan – (on phone) One moment, please. (Hands Sherry phone) It’s Drew.

Sherry – Hello? (Walks to window)

Drew – (on phone) Sherry?

Sherry – Yes.

Drew – Listen, it’s Drew. I need to see you.

Sherry – Really? (Leans up against wall)

Drew – (on phone) Look, I know you’re probably upset and I can’t blame you.

Sherry – Uh-huh.

Drew – But we need to meet.

Sherry – I don’t know, Drew…

Drew – (on phone) Sherry please. You have to let me explain.

Sherry – There’s nothing to explain. We met. We talked. It’s over.

Drew – No, just give me another chance. Look, if you feel anything for me at all, you’ll meet me tonight. Name the place. Any place. I will be there. (Stops walking)

Sherry – (sighs)

Drew – (on phone) Sherry?

Sherry – Okay. How about tonight at the Roadhouse. Around midnight. Just before closing.

Drew – Yes. (She puts phone down and Dillan is all smiles)

(Night still lighting. Down in Cellar: Karl asleep, Marty asleep with arms cross to his chest and Drew sleeping. Stuck to his coffin is an arrow)

Drew – (pokes finger on arrow) Ow! (Looks over at Merrill, who is sitting at table) You’re messing with me, right?

Merrill – Oh, my God! You’re seeing Sherry again, (stand) aren’t you?

Drew – What are you talking about?

Merrill – (she walks over to him) The Lady Valmont, remember? Her silver arrow never misses the mark.

Drew – Aahh, ha, ha, ha. Clever. Very clever.

Merrill – (takes arrow from Drew) She’s warning you Drew. If this thing with Sherry continues, it could be fatal.

Drew – Mm-mm. Is everyone in on this, or just you?

Merrill – This isn’t a joke, Drew. See. (Shows arrowhead) The arrows engraved. D.V. Dianna Valmont.

Drew – Image that!

Merrill – Do you really think I’d go to all this trouble just to scare you?

Drew – Yes.

Merrill – And why would I do that?

Drew – Because I’m in love with Sherry and not you.

Merrill – (her face goes mad) If you weren’t dead already I’d kill you myself. (Leaves)

(In the library: Nick at a table doing work and eating a donut. Dillan is standing a little ways away from him. He sees her there)

Nick – Who are you?

Dillan – You gonna finish that donut?

Nick – Yeah, I was thinking about it. (She goes up to him and takes the last of his donut)

Dillan – I’m Dillan. Who are you?

Nick – Nick. You just ate my donut.

Dillan – (Goes to take glass) Yeah, and now I’m gonna have your milk. (Drinks some and puts it back down. She walks over to other side of him and stands in front of him)

Nick – Haven’t seen you around. Who’re dorming with?

Dillan – The princess in the tower.

Nick – Sherry.

Dillan – What’s her story?

Nick – Wealthy parents. Dropped her off here like it’s daycare.

Dillan – (laughs) Poor little rich girl. My heart bleeds. What about this Drew guy?

Nick – Drew? Who’s Drew?

Dillan – Prince charming. Her boyfriend.

Nick – Sherry doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Dillan – (chuckles. Goes over to him) Ooops! Did I just let the cat out of the bag? Sorry, Nick. You know, that donut didn’t quite cut it. Is there a place around here where I could grab a bite?

Nick – There’s the Thunder Roadhouse. Sort of a local hideout. I-I could take you. (Stands)

Dillan – That’s okay. (Starts to walk off) I’ll check it out myself! It’s open late, right? (Walks through open doorway) Midnight or so.

(Sherry’s room: Sherry trying on outfits. Each time she goes to mirror and then back to her clothes that are on the bed. She picks up picture on bed and looks at it. Finally she has an outfit and looks at it in mirror. In cellar: Drew is getting ready and Essie is sitting on table. Merrill walks in with arrow in hand and book in the other.)

Merrill – (reads) The Lady Valmont, of noble blood, betrothed to his highness prince Montpass, her lover, and also, her murderer. See, the crest in the book matches the one on the arrow.

Drew – (puts on jacket) Uncanny.

Merrill – Drew, you got to believe me. If you meet Sherry tonight, you could be in real danger.

Drew – Okay, (grabs book and arrow) Merrill, okay! Let’s say this is for real, and Lady Valmont comes back for revenge. What do I care? Her vendetta doesn’t apply to me. My love is pure.

Essie – Mm-mm, I bet the vampire prince said the same thing before he killed her.

Drew – I’m not going to stand Sherry up tonight. (Throws down book and arrow and leaves)

Essie – I don’t know why (gets off table) you bother with him, Merrill. I mean a moment ago you told me you’d kill him yourself if he wasn’t already dead.

Merrill – We’re trying to be human, remember? (Goes on other side of table and sits)

Essie – Alright, what are we dealing with here? A ghost, what?

Merrill – Well, the legend says she comes back in human form so…

(Essie stops in front of Merrill at table. Behind Merrill is the TV)

Essie – So she could be anybody around here. (Looks at TV and see’s Dillan going down steps) Hey, who’s the new girl?

Merrill – Who? (Turns around)

Essie – The redhead.

(Dillan goes over to Murdoch. Murdoch is shooting darts)

Dillan – I’m here, so what do you want?

Dr. Murdoch – Dillan Vanderson. Your application didn’t arrive.

Dillan – So does that mean you’re kicking me out? (Throws dart)

Dr. Murdoch – Nope. Just keeping you posted. Do you play?

Dillan – Only for money. (Goes into pocket and holds out some cents) You can’t even buy a chocolate bar for 35 cents.

Dr. Murdoch – It’s all I have. Care to wager? (Goes a little ahead of him and holds out hand)

Dillan – How about the shirt off my back? (He hands her the darts and she gets all three in the centre)

Essie – Did you see that?

Merrill – Red hair. Excellent marksman.

Both – (all excited) D.V! Dianna Valmont!!

(Night still. Drew walks out of office looks at self in mirror and goes past staircase and then Dillan comes down steps and goes out door. In Sherry’s Room: She is all dressed up and looks at self in mirror. Goes to desk and looks at clock and grabs her stuff and leaves. At the Roadhouse: Drew is sitting at counter waiting for Sherry. Dillan walks in and looks for Drew and goes over to him)

Dillan – Drew?

Drew – How do you know my name? (She just looks at him) I asked you a question.

Dillan – (Sits down) I like your style. Dark hair, white skin. It’s like you’ve been living under a rock. (Eats a nut) Have you?

Drew – Who are you?

Dillan – You have beautiful eyes. I think a little silver stud would look stunning (goes to touch ear lobe but he pushes her hand away) ,right here.

Drew – Okay look, whoever you are, please leave. I’m waiting for someone.

Dillan – Aren’t we all?

Drew – I have a date.

Dillan – With Sherry?

Drew – Who are you and what do you want?

(In Sherry’s room: Essie and Merrill snooping around. Essie is looking in Dillan’s bag.)

Essie – Uh, street map, bus ticket, meal voucher. Not really what you’d expect… (Merrill walks over to clothes chest) from nobility.

Merrill – Lady Valmont has been here. I can sense her energy… her anger.

Essie – Look, I just say we bust her, we ask questions later.

(Roadhouse: Drew and Dillan still talking)

Dillan – You’re not drinking your soda.

Drew – How do you know about Sherry? (Grabs drink and drinks. In comes Sherry and she see’s her with him)

Dillan – I like it here. (Puts glass down)

Sherry – Excuse me but I believe you’re on my seat.

Drew – Sherry!

Sherry – Why do I get the feeling this isn’t a coincidence? Look, we may have to share a room, but that doesn’t mean we’re gonna be sharing anything else.

Dillan – Not into threesomes? Ah. Too bad. (Leaves and sits across room)

Drew – Did you tell her about us?

Sherry – No, she answered the phone when you called about tonight.

Drew – Right. (Looks at Dillan and then looks back to Sherry) I wasn’t sure you were going to make it.

Sherry – I showed.

Drew – Yeah. (Sherry takes off coat) Oh, you look beautiful. (She sits)

Sherry – Thanks.

Drew – Um, did you get here okay? I hope you didn’t get too wet in the rain.

Sherry – Umbrella. A great invention.

Drew – Right. What can I get you? A soda. Something?

Sherry – Nothing right now. (He smiles at her)

Drew – I’m so glad you’re here.

(Back in Sherry’s room: they are still snooping around)

Essie – Ugh! Ghost busting tires me out.

Merrill – A supernatural entity usually leaves mystic traces. Sometimes I can see them just beneath the (grabs book. Essie lays on bed with clothes) surface of things.

Essie – Really? What colour of underwear am I wearing? (Picks up dress and stands) Hey! Can I get away with fuscia? (Holds up dress and Merrill looks at it)) The 80’s are back, you know?

Merrill – (she laughs because the dress is changed) As in 1480?

Essie – What are you talking about?

Merrill – That’s a medieval riding habit.

Essie – Um… (Looks at dress) It’s a halter dress, Merrill.

(Merrill hears a arrow wiz by. And the dress has gone back to normal. She holds her head and looks at flowers. Essie looks too. Merrill sees arrows instead of flowers. The flowers go back to normal. Essie looks at Merrill and puts dress down. Merrill looks at Sherry’s dairy cover it turns from S.W to D.V.)

Essie – Are you okay? (Slowly walks to Merrill)

Merrill – We’re in serious trouble.

Essie – (Merrill turns to her) Yeah, we already know that.

Merrill – Lady Valmont has taken human form.

Essie – That’s why I say let’s take the red head.

(Dillan looking at Drew and Sherry together and finally she leaves)

Sherry – You know… I’ve grown up a lot since we first met. I want something solid, something real.

Drew – This is real. I’m real.

Sherry – Are you?

Drew – I won’t hurt you, if that’s what you mean.

Sherry – How can you be so sure?

Drew – Look, the first time we met I knew there was a connection. I have to follow that instinct. (Lighting hits and Sherry gets all funny)

Sherry – (voice echoes) Instinct? Is that what you call it?

Drew – Some emotions are-are so deep and strong… y-y-you just don’t question them.

Sherry – If it’s so strong, why d’you walk out on me?

Drew – I was trying to protect y –

Sherry – From what?

Drew – It’s complicated. But it will never happen again. I promise. (She disappears when lighting hits and is beside Drew)

Sherry – People have made promises to me before.

Drew – You’re just going to have to trust me.

Sherry – Why should I? You’re all alike. (She moves in front of him) You take love and you twist it, you mangle it to suit your own purposes.

Drew – What are you talking about? (She disappears to a far off spot in the restaurant and Drew turns. Sherry is all dressed in the riding habit) You!!

Sherry – Ha-ha-ha-ha… (Everyone in the room flees)

Drew – You’re her! You’re Lady Valmont! (She moves to another spot and has an arrow and bow pointing at Drew. Drew stands up)

Sherry – You’re a vampire. You wanna kill Sherry just as my prince killed me. (She shoots and drew catches it and drops it to the ground. She grabs another arrow. He speeds to her and grabs the bow and arrow away from her and throws them to the side) You are murderous incarnations. You can’t love, only devour. You deserve to die.

Drew – My love for Sherry is pure. And I will prove it. (Goes close to her)

Sherry – No. (gets closer) No! (They kiss and things go back to normal)

(In Cellar: Drew getting into coffin and closes the lid. He mind travels to Sherry. She is putting up the sketch of her on her wall. She sits down and looks at it and thinks about Drew)

Dr. Murdoch – Some ghost stories are there to challenge us, inspiring us to slay the dragon, win the princess. (Dillan on couch listening to music.) Others are there to reveal who we are and where we come from. (Murdoch with her papers goes to her. She looks up at him and takes off Earphones) Your application arrived today. Just like you said it would.

Dillan – Surprised?

Dr. Murdoch – Cover letter says you’re due next week.

Dillan – Want me to go, come back in a week?

Dr. Murdoch – No. I’ll see you in class tomorrow, Dillan Vanderson. (Starts to leave)

Dillan – (she sits up) Dr. Murdoch? (He stops) I came early because I was hungry and needed a place to sleep.

Dr. Murdoch – Well now you have one. (Continues to leave)