The Wavering Decision
Written by: Juana
Story Summary: Felicity has made her decision…maybe a little too hastily. Felicity and Ben spend Thanksgiving together in Palo Alto. After Zack gives Julie some bad news…Noel invites her to spend Thanksgiving with him in Kelvin. Noel’s insecurity rises to the surface and causes him to make a big mistake which will undoubtedly have future repercussions in his new found relationship with Felicity.
Disclaimer: All the characters belong to the writers, creators and producers of Felicity. With the exception of Lyssa.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) Sally, I have never in my life wanted so much to just run away from everything. People are changing right before my eyes. I feel trapped in this dream world I created. Ben likes me…Now Noel likes me too. I have everything I wanted and more and I’m just so miserable…Hard to understand? Let me try to explain….
FELICITY: (talking to Julie on phone) Is there any way you can get away from Zack?….Please just for a few minutes?….Thank you…Thank you so much. I’ll see you soon. (hangs up phone)
AS FELICITY IS SITTING IN HER ROOM THERE IS A KNOCK ON HER DOOR. GOES TO DOOR AND OPENS IT.
DELIVERY BOY: Are you Felicity Porter?
FELICITY: Yes… (looks at flowers) Are those for me?
DELIVERY BOY: Yes ma’am…(hands her clipboard) Just sign here.
FELICITY SIGNS SHEET FOR DELIVERY AND HANDS IT BACK TO THE DELIVERY BOY. DELIVERY BOY HANDS HER THE FLOWERS AND CONTINUES TO STAND THERE.
FELICITY: Was there something else?….(knocks herself upside the head) Oh wait the tip….sorry.
DELIVERY BOY: No problem ma’am.
FELICITY GETS PURSE AND COMES BACK TO THE DOOR. RUMMAGES AROUND IN IT.
FELICITY: (pulling out a dollar) Is a dollar okay?
DELIVERY BOY STANDS SILENT.
FELICITY: Two?
STILL NO RESPONSE
FELICITY: Three?
AGAIN NO RESPONSE.
FELICITY: Maybe you should just tell me what your looking for.
DELIVERY BOY: Whatever you feel is right ma’am.
FELICITY: (Irritated) Really….well then….flower boy…here’s your tip….don’t piss off Felicity Porter. (closes door in his face)
THERE IS A KNOCK AT FELICITY’S DOOR.
FELICITY: (opens door abruptly) Look…I’m not ti….(surprised) Noel…I wasn’t expecting you…please come in.
NOEL: Did I come at a bad time?
FELICITY: No your timing is perfect…I love the flowers…Thank you so much.
NOEL: Flowers?
FELICITY: (Embarrassed) I’m sorry…I just assumed that it was….well you.
NOEL SEES FLOWERS SITTING ON FELICITY’S BED. PICKS CARD OUT OF HOLDER IN MIDDLE OF FLOWERS.
NOEL: Probably should have read the card. (hands card to Felicity)
NOEL STARTS HEADING TOWARDS DOOR.
FELICITY: Noel…please wait. You came over here for something…what was it?
NOEL: I…um….I really don’t remember…I’m sure it wasn’t too important.
FELICITY: Noel…what’s going on? Talk to me.
NOEL: You really should get those flowers into some water…before the wilt.
NOEL WALKS OUT DOOR. FELICITY JUST STARES AT DOOR NOEL WALKED OUT.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) I really thought the flowers were from Noel…It just seemed like the kind of thing he would do…it was so sweet and thoughtful….After I read who they were from…I couldn’t help thinking…maybe Ben really was the great guy I had always imagined him to be.
JULIE WALKS INTO DOOR NOEL JUST EXITED.
JULIE: I just saw Noel leave….Wow beautiful flowers…Are they from Noel?
FELICITY: Why would you ask me that?
JULIE: Ask you what?
FELICITY: If they were from Noel?
JULIE: I don’t know…I guess because I know he likes you….and it just seems like the kind of thing he would do.
FELICITY: Exactly…not so far fetched to think that these could have been from Noel…right?
JULIE: Oh…but there not…are they?
FELICITY: No…no there not.
JULIE: Are they from Ben?
FELICITY: I don’t know….Noel thinks they are.
JULIE: What’s going on here Felicity? Why haven’t you read the card?
FELICITY: I was just about to…(turns to Julie) It would be great if they were from Ben.
JULIE: Who are you trying to convince Felicity?
FELICITY OPENS CARD AND READS IT.
FELICITY: Felicity….I just thought maybe these flowers would help to cheer you up. My mom always puts pink roses around the house when she is having a bad day…and they seem to work for her. Any way it’s the thought that counts…right? Hope the day ahead of you is filled with pink roses.
Your Friend, Ben.
JULIE: Oh my god Felicity…that is so sweet…I swear I’m going to cry.
FELICITY: (Smiling) Yeah it is pretty great…I should thank him.
JULIE: Felicity…can I say something here…you know add my two cents?
FELICITY: Please do….I’m a little overwhelmed with my own thoughts…a fresh perspective would really help.
JULIE: Okay here goes…You have to make a decision…you can’t keep pulling from both ends….You will lose them both…and in my opinion they are both really…really…great guys.
FELICITY: Don’t you think I know that? It’s that very reason that makes making a decision so hard…I don’t want to lose either one.
JULIE: You can’t be so selfish Felicity.
FELICITY: I’m not being selfish.
JULIE: Yes…you are. I’m sorry …but it’s true. No matter how much you want it….you can’t have them both.
FELICITY: God…I know you’re right…but tell me which one would you choose?
JULIE: I would choose….Be…no wait Noe…no wait…I guess I would have to say…I don’t know.
FELICITY: You're a big help.
JULIE: Come on Felicity…it’s not like you're asking me which dress looks better on you…or which shoes to wear with your new outfit.
THERE IS A KNOCK ON FELICITY’S DOOR. JULIE OPENS IT.
JULIE: Hey Noel…I was just leaving.
NOEL: (walks in and closes door) I wish that I had been the one….to send you the flowers. Are they from Ben?
FELICITY: Do you really want to know?
NOEL: No…what I really want to know is if you will consider going to dinner with me tonight?
FELICITY: Dinner?…um….sure. What time?
NOEL: I’ll pick you up at 7:00 p.m.…if that’s okay.
FELICITY: That’s fine….I’ll see you then.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) So you see Sally…I was more confused then ever. I knew if Ben found out I was going to dinner with Noel he would be crushed…just like Noel was when he knew the flowers were from Ben. I keep thinking about what you and Julie said…that if I wasn’t careful I could ending up losing them both…
FELICITY IS STANDING OUTSIDE BEN’S APARTMENT DOOR KNOCKING. A FEW SECONDS LATER BEN EXITS ELEVATOR WITH HIS ARM AROUND LYSSA WHO IS LAUGHING AND SNUGGLING UP NEXT TO HIM.
BEN: (Sees Felicity) Hey…what a surprise…Felicity you remember Lyssa.
FELICITY: Yes…yes I do…um maybe I should be going.
BEN: Is everything okay?
FELICITY: (Uncomfortable) Fine…just fine…I’ll just see you later.
FELICITY STARTS TO WALK AWAY. BEN TURNS AND OPENS HIS APARTMENT DOOR FOR HIM AND LYSSA.
FELICITY, CRYING EXITS THE ELEVATOR AT BOTTOM. BEN COMES RUSHING DOWN THE STAIRS.
BEN: (runs up to Felicity) Good…I’m glad I caught you.
FELICITY: (wiping tears away) Why?
BEN: I didn’t like seeing you so upset…are you okay?
FELICITY: I told you…I’m fine.
BEN: But you're crying…why are you crying?
FELICITY: It’s nothing really…I just have a lot on my mind.
BEN: We’ll okay then…I guess…I should get back upstairs. (turns to walk back upstairs)
FELICITY: Ben…
BEN: (turning around) Yeah?
FELICITY: Thanks for the flowers.
BEN: (Smiles) You're welcome…I hope they worked.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) I knew at that moment you were right Sally….if I wasn’t careful I was going to lose them both….but what if I had already lost the one…that I wanted to keep.
CUT TO LYSSA AND BEN MAKING OUT IN HIS APARTMENT. LYSSA IS UNBUTTONING BEN’S SHIRT.
LYSSA: (whispers into Ben’s ear) Maybe we should go somewhere more…comfortable.
BEN: Sure…we can go to my room.
BEN AND LYSSA GET UP OFF COUCH STILL MAKING OUT AND HEAD TOWARDS HIS ROOM.
CUT TO FELICITY GETTING READY FOR HER DATE WITH NOEL. CUT TO NOEL’S ROOM ELENA IS IN THERE TALKING TO HIM.
ELENA: Would you please relax?
NOEL: (shakes his hands at his sides, moves his neck back and forth) Relaxing….relaxing…this is not working.
ELENA: Just don’t do that when your with Felicity…and you’ll be fine….now go or you’ll be late picking up your date.
NOEL: Am I complete lunatic for wanting this to work so much?
ELENA: No…your just a rare breed…called a romantic…not too many of you left.
NOEL: (hugging Elena) Thanks…for all the moral support…most everyone else is so pro-Ben. It’s nice to have you in my corner.
ELENA: Go get her tiger.
CUT TO BEN’S APARTMENT. LYSSA IS SLEEPING IN BEN’S BED. BEN IS SITTING IN LIVING ROOM DIALING PHONE. CUT TO FELICITY’S ROOM THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. FELICITY OPENS IT.
NOEL: We’ll I must say…Wow! You look…stunning.
FELICITY: (blushing) Thank you…are you ready to go?
PHONE RINGS IN FELICITY’S ROOM. FELICITY TURNS AROUND AND LOOKS AT IT.
NOEL: Shouldn’t you get that?
FELICITY: (Walking out door) No…whoever it is will call back. (closes door)
CUT TO BEN’S APARTMENT. BEN LISTEN’S TO A FEW MORE RINGS THEN HANGS UP. CUT TO FELICITY’S ROOM THE PHONE HAS STOPPED RINGING.
NEXT SCENE: FELICITY AND NOEL AT THE RESTAURANT.
FELICITY: This place is beautiful…
NOEL: So are you.
FELICITY: (blushes) Thank you…I’m really glad you brought me here…I needed a good night out.
NOEL: You seem like something is bothering you…what is it?
FELICITY: Nothing…let’s just have a good time.
NOEL: It’s Ben…isn’t it?
FELICITY: Really Noel…I don’t want to talk about it.
NOEL: Maybe we should Felicity…I mean maybe it’s time…to clear the air.
FELICITY: What do you mean?
NOEL: I’ll start. Felicity I really like you….sometimes I think maybe you like me too.
FELICITY: Noel…I do. I’m just…well….I’m…confused.
NOEL: About Ben?
FELICITY: Partly…but about you too.
NOEL: Me?
FELICITY: Yes…I mean until just recently you had a girlfriend.
NOEL: I told you…that’s over.
FELICITY: Is it? How do you know?
NOEL: I just do…it just feels over.
FELICITY: You see…I think that’s what is missing for me…the feeling that it’s over with Ben.
NOEL: So you're telling me you still have feelings for Ben?
FELICITY: I know it’s stupid but Ben is this guy that I’ve fantasized about for years…It’s hard for me to let that go and even harder for me to believe that after spending all that time living the reality with Hannah that it’s so easy for you to let go.
NOEL: You talk like it was over in one fell swoop. Hannah and I have been letting go of each other for years…I believe it would have happened eventually. I just sped up the process….because of you.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) Sally…it was too much pressure…it was bound to explode.
FELICITY: Noel…remember what you said to me You didn’t want to be the guy who helped me get over Ben…
NOEL: I wanted to be the guy you wanted instead of Ben…Yeah I remember but what does this have to do with anything?
FELICITY: It works both ways Noel…I have to know that you are over Hannah…If I choose to be with you…it’s at a great cost for me…I need to be sure.
NOEL: (getting angry) Look Felicity…don’t do me any favors. If you want to be with Ben…then be with Ben…but stop this…yes I want to be with you…no I don’t want to be with you crap…I can’t take it anymore.
NOEL GETS UP FROM TABLE AND LEAVES FELICITY SITTING THERE.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) Strike two…Ben was with Lyssa and Noel was walking out of my line of vision. He would be back though…wouldn’t he?
NOEL WALKS BACK OVER TO TABLE.
NOEL: I can’t just leave you here…let’s go.
NEXT SCENE: FELICITY AND NOEL ARE IN FRONT OF HER DOOR.
FELICITY: Would you like to come in?
NOEL: I don’t think that such a good idea…why don’t we just sleep on it…We can talk tomorrow…after we’ve both calmed down.
FELICITY: I’m leaving for Palo Alto tomorrow…for Thanksgiving weekend.
NOEL: With Ben?
FELICITY: No…well not really…were flying down together….but I’m having Thanksgiving with my parents.
NOEL: So your going to spend 3 days in Palo Alto and not see Ben once?
FELICITY: Why are you doing this Noel?
NOEL: Doing what?
FELICITY: Creating imaginary catastrophe’s in your mind.
NOEL: I guess I had just hoped for a much more definitive decision from you tonight…regarding us.
FELICITY: Why don’t you come in?
NOEL WALKS INTO FELICITY’S ROOM AND SHE CLOSES THE DOOR.
NOEL: Why did you want me to come in?
FELICITY: For this.( Felicity reaches up and kisses Noel.)
NOEL: What was that for…was that a pity kiss?
FELICITY: Is that what you think it was?
NOEL: I’m not sure.
FELICITY: Then let me reassure you. (reaches up and kisses him again…more passionately this time.)
NOEL: Does this mean what I think it does?
FELICITY: I’m willing to believe that you're over Hannah, if you're willing to believe that I’m over Ben…deal?
NOEL: Deal.
FELICITY AND NOEL KISS GOODNIGHT AND THEN NOEL LEAVES.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) Me over Ben?…just who was I trying to kid?
NEXT DAY: FELICITY’S ROOM. FELICITY IS FINISHING UP PACKING HER SUITCASE. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
FELICITY: Come in.
BEN WALKS IN.
BEN: Are you almost ready? I have a cab waiting downstairs.
FELICITY: (closes suitcase) Done…I just need to get my coat and we can go.
BEN: Do you want me to carry your suitcase?
NOEL WALKS IN BEHIND NOEL.
NOEL: That’s okay….I’ve got it.
NOEL PICKS UP SUITCASE AND NOEL, FELICITY AND BEN GO TO THE ELEVATOR. THERE IS AN AWKWARD SILENCE AS THE RIDE DOWN TOGETHER IN THE ELEVATOR.
FELICITY: So…Noel…what are your Thanksgiving plans?
NOEL: Nothing special….just me and my TV dinner.
ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN AND BEN, FELICITY AND NOEL WALK OUT TO THE CAB WAITING FOR THEM ON THE STREET. BEN TAKES FELICITY’S LUGGAGE FROM NOEL AND HELPS THE CABDRIVER PUT IT INTO THE TRUNK. AS BEN STARTS TO COME AROUND THE SIDE OF THE CAB TO GET IN NOEL GRABS FELICITY AND PLANTS ONE ON HER RIGHT IN FRONT OF BEN. BEN DISGUSTED GETS INTO CAB.
FELICITY: Subtle Noel…real subtle.
NOEL: (acting innocent) What?
FELICITY: You're horrible….Go back inside.
NOEL: I just wanted to say goodbye to Ben first. (leans over and waves) Bye Ben….have a good time.
FELICITY: Just go back inside….I’ll call you when I get there.
CUT TO JULIE’S ROOM. ZACK IS THERE WITH HER AND SHE IS CRYING.
ZACK: I’m really sorry Julie…I never meant to hurt you.
JULIE: Who is she?
ZACK: Her name Alicia….she’s in my film class.
JULIE: The girl you were working with on that film project?
ZACK: Yes….that’s her.
JULIE: Are you dating her?
ZACK: I didn’t cheat on you if that’s what you're implying. I do want to date her though.
JULIE: It’s because you have more in common….isn’t it?
ZACK: Partly…I guess. Look Julie I have to go or I’ll miss my plane. We’ll talk about this more when I get back from the holiday weekend…Okay?
JULIE: Why didn’t you just wait until after the holiday weekend to tell me?
ZACK: I would have…it’s just that I…well…I invited Alicia to Thanksgiving at my parent’s house.
JULIE: What?
ZACK: It’s just that she was going to be all alone for the holiday…her parent’s are out of town.
JULIE: Well so are mine…but I didn’t see you extending any family dinner invitations to me.
ZACK: I’m sorry Julie.
JULIE: You know what…forget it…I don’t think we need to discuss this any further…You got what you came for…we’re history….so just leave.
ZACK LEAVES.
NEXT SCENE: JULIE IS SITTING IN THE MAIN MEETING ROOM. NOEL WALKS OFF THE ELEVATOR.
NOEL: Wow another human being…here I was thinking I was going to have to spend this holiday all alone.
JULIE: Hey…have a seat.
NOEL: Okay…so what’s bothering you…besides the fact that you have to spend your holiday with me.
JULIE: It’s nothing.
NOEL: Come on…spill.
JULIE: Zack broke up with me.
NOEL: Wow…really…right before the holiday.
JULIE: ( starts to cry) He met a girl…Alicia…he took her home for Thanksgiving.
NOEL: Well that…sucks.
JULIE: Whatever…I’m so over him.
NOEL: Really?…what did that take…all of 2 minutes?
JULIE: Okay…maybe I’m not over…over him…but I’m so headed in that direction.
NOEL: Good for you….Hey, I have an idea…why don’t we do Thanksgiving dinner together….it will be nice to have the company.
JULIE: Are you sure?
NOEL: Absolutely….me and my TV dinner welcome you.
JULIE: Okay…should I bring anything?
NOEL: Sure…whatever you want. I have to go now to get some errands done before it gets too late…but I think we have a plan.
JULIE: Thanks Noel.
NEXT DAY: FELICITY’S PARENT’S HOUSE. FELICITY IS SETTING THE TABLE. THE PHONE RINGS. MR.PORTER ANSWERS IT.
MR. PORTER: Hello?…just one moment. (puts phone down and walks into dining room) Felicity the phone is for you.
FELICITY WALKS INTO HALL AND PICKS UP PHONE.
FELICITY: (into phone) Hello….Ben? How did you get this number?
BEN: Phone book…is it okay that I called?
FELICITY: Sure…I guess I’m just surprised…you didn’t say more than two sentences to me on the plane ride.
BEN: I know. I’m sorry. I was just kind of upset. But that’s not why I called. I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
FELICITY: Thanks…Happy Thanksgiving to you too…so have you already had your dinner?
BEN: No…I’ll probably just fix myself something a little later.
FELICITY: I don’t understand….don’t you do dinner with your parents?
BEN: Thanksgiving in the Covington household is a lot different then yours. My dad has been either been passed out or pissed off since I got here and my mom has spent 95% of the time either crying or sleeping because she’s so exhausted from all the crying.
FELICITY: So you don’t have a traditional Thanksgiving?
BEN: Hardly….I’ll just heat up some of the turkey that survived the oven and make myself a sandwich….and call it a night.
FELICITY: That’s awful…Ben I want you to come here for Thanksgiving.
BEN: To your house?
FELICITY: Yes…my mom is a fabulous cook and there’s plenty of food. Please say you’ll come.
BEN: Are you sure?….Your parents won’t mind you inviting a last minute guest?
FELICITY: Not at all…what can I do to convince you?
BEN: Give me the directions to your house….I’ll be there.
CUT TO JULIE AND NOEL IN HIS ROOM. NOEL HAS SET UP A TABLE AND IT IS SET WITH A SMALL THANKSGIVING FEAST.
NOEL: Wow…it looks great….where did you get all this?
JULIE: I know the cafeteria lady….she felt sorry for us…and the tequila is mine.
NOEL POURS A SHOT OF TEQUILA FOR JULIE AND ONE FOR HIMSELF.
NOEL: A toast to the cafeteria lady.
NOEL AND JULIE BOTH DOWN THEIR SHOTS AND MAKE FACES.
JULIE: Ugh…that’s tequila all right.
NEXT SCENE: FELICITY, BEN AND HER FAMILY ARE JUST SETTING DOWN TO DINNER. PHONE RINGS.
MR. PORTER: Someone has lousy timing.
FELICITY: I’ll get it.
FELICITY WALKS INTO HALL AND PICKS UP PHONE.
FELICITY: Hello?
NOEL: Felicity, it’s Noel…(You can hear Julie in background) and Julie…we just called to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
FELICITY: Julie is with you?
NOEL: Yes…were celebrating together.
FELICITY: Good I’m glad neither one of you is alone.
NOEL: So how is your Thanksgiving going?
FELICITY: Good….we just sat down to eat.
NOEL: Is there a lot of people there?
FELICITY: Um…no. Just me, my mom and dad and…..Ben.
NOEL: Ben?…Ben’s there?…Why is Ben there?
FELICITY’S FATHER YELLS FOR HER TO HANG UP THE PHONE AND COME TO DINNER.
FELICITY: I have to go Noel….everyone is waiting for me…we’ll talk about this later.
NOEL: Talk about what later?…Felicity what’s going on?
FELICITY: Nothing…I really have to go…Bye.
CUT TO NOEL’S ROOM.
NOEL: Felicity…wait…don’t hang….up….she hung up.
JULIE: So what’s going on? I heard you mention Ben.
NOEL: Ben is having Thanksgiving dinner at Felicity’s house.
JULIE: Oh…well I’m sure it’s no big deal.
NOEL: No big deal? Ben is having dinner….Thanksgiving dinner…a family dinner at her house and it’s no big deal?
JULIE: I see what you mean…do you need another shot?
NOEL: I would prefer a plane ticket to Palo Alto…but I guess a shot will have to do.
CUT TO FELICITY’S PARENT’S HOUSE. BEN IS GETTING READY TO LEAVE.
BEN: Thank you so much for dinner Mrs. Porter…it was fabulous.
MRS. PORTER: (blushing) Thank you Ben….We enjoyed having you here for Thanksgiving.
FELICITY AND BEN WALK TO FRONT DOOR.
FELICITY: I can’t believe you made my mother blush.
BEN: It’s a gift. So what are you doing later?
FELICITY: You mean tonight?
BEN: Yes tonight….Steve Riley is having a party over at his house and I would like you to come with me.
FELICITY: To Steve Riley’s?
BEN: Yes…is there a problem?
FELICITY: It’s just that Steve Riley has no idea who I am.
BEN: It’s a party Felicity….You don’t have to know everyone…Come on it will be fun.
FELICITY: Okay…what time?
BEN: I’ll pick you up around 9:00 p.m.
CUT TO NOEL AND JULIE IN HIS ROOM. THEY ARE BOTH TIPSY.
NOEL: (Slurring speech) She has to decide….she can’t have it both ways….so what’s it gonna be…me or Ben?
JULIE: (slurring) She likes you Noel….she just likes Ben too.
NOEL: I’m not gonna be single forever you know. I’m a handsome guy.
JULIE: Yes…yes…you are…you’re practically a Mel Gibson.
NOEL: Really…you think I’m handsome like Mel?
JULIE: Well no…I was trying to cheer you up…is it working?
NOEL: It was.
JULIE: Oh I’ve hurt your feelings….I’m so sorry. You're handsome Noel….if Felicity’s not careful some girl is gonna snap you up just like that (attempts to snap fingers but fails) just like that. (fails in finger snap again) Well really fast…is what I’m getting at.
NOEL: You think so.
JULIE’S FAVORITE SONG COMES ON THE RADIO.
JULIE: Ooh…this is my favorite song…dance with me?
NOEL GETS UP OFF BED AND STARTS DANCING WITH JULIE. SONG ENDS AND A SLOW SONG COMES ON. JULIE STARTS TO SIT DOWN AND NOEL PULLS HER BACK UP.
NOEL: Now you dance with me.
JULIE: You're a good dancer.
NOEL: So…you think someone else is going to want me?
JULIE: Sure…how could they resist…with this face (runs hands over sides of his face) and those eyes. (Noel and Julie stare into each others eyes.) and those….those….
NOEL: What?….those what?
JULIE: Those lips…(Julie reaches up and pulls Noel’s head down towards her. Their lips meet in a soft kiss, which quickly grows more passionate.)
CUT TO BEN AND FELICITY ENTERING STEVE RILEY’S PARTY.
FELICITY: Oh my god…this is my dream.
BEN: Your dream?
FELICITY: Yes….all through high school….I dreamed of being at a party with the popular people…and here they are.
STEVE RILEY WALKS OVER TO BEN AND FELICITY.
STEVE: Covington…glad you could make it….and who might this stunning young woman be?
BEN: Steve this is Felicity Porter…we went to high school with her.
STEVE: Yes, I remember….Felicity….good to see you again. I hope you’ll remember to save me a dance?
FELICITY: (excited) Sure.
STEVE RILEY WALKS AWAY.
FELICITY: Did you see that? Steve Riley talked to me.
BEN: I was standing right here…I saw the whole thing. (smiling) I’m going to go find something to drink. Do you want anything?
FELICITY: Sure…whatever you're having is fine.
BEN WALKS AWAY. A GUY WALKS OVER TO FELICITY.
JASON: Hello.
FELICITY: Hi.
JASON: I just thought I would come over and introduce myself….I’m…
FELICITY: Jason Walker…I know….we went to the same high school.
JASON: I thought you looked familiar….It’s Felicity…right?
FELICITY: Right….very impressive.
JASON: I never forget a pretty face….would you like to dance?
FELICITY LOOKS AROUND FOR BEN, BUT DOESN’T SEE HIM.
FELICITY: Sure.
CUT TO BEN TALKING TO SOME GUYS. A BLOND GIRL WALKS UP TO HIM.
TIFFANY: Well if it isn’t Ben Covington.
BEN: Tiff…how are you?
TIFFANY: I’m heartbroken…I can’t believe you left for New York without so much as a goodbye…I thought we were closer than that.
BEN: I would have…but saying goodbye to you properly…takes a while. I didn’t want to miss my plane.
TIFFANY: We’ll I’ll allow you to make it up to me…starting now. Let’s dance.
BEN: Raincheck? I have to get this drink to someone and then I’ll look for you…okay?
TIFFANY: All right…Just remember though Ben…When there’s an empty spot beside me…it usually fills up fast.
BEN WALKS OVER TO WHERE FELICITY WAS STANDING. HE SEES HER DANCING WITH JASON AND SITS DRINKS DOWN. WALKS OVER TO THEM.
BEN: Can I cut in?
JASON: Ben…is this lovely lady yours?
BEN: Let’s just say I’m watching out for her.
JASON: Enough said…Felicity thanks so much for the dance.
JASON WALKS AWAY AND BEN STEPS IN.
FELICITY: What was that all about?
BEN: How much have you had to drink?
FELICITY: Just a few sips….from Jason’s flask thing.
BEN: Do you want to go outside?
FELICITY: Sure…fresh air sounds good.
CUT TO NOELS ROOM. HE AND JULIE ARE MAKING OUT ON HIS BED AND CLOTHES ARE STARTING TO COME OFF.
JULIE: (stops kissing) We shouldn’t be doing this…this is bad.
NOEL: (sitting up) You're right…this is wrong…really…really…wrong.
NOEL AND JULIE LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND START GOING AT IT AGAIN. CUT BACK TO FELICITY AND BEN ON THE BALCONEY.
BEN: What are you thinking?
FELICITY: That this has been one of the best Thanksgivings of my life.
BEN: Really? Just because of this party?
FELICITY: This party and you…I’m really glad you invited me. It was neat to be popular…even if it is only for one night.
BEN: I have a confession to make…It’s probably out of line considering your relationship situation and your present inebriated conditon…but I didn’t invite you to this party for you….I did it for me.
FELICITY: I don’t understand.
BEN: I wanted just one more night…being close to you. Before we went back to New York and you went back to Noel.
FELICITY: Ben my being with Noel isn’t going to change us…we’ll still be friends. I still want to hang out with you.
BEN: I wish that was true…but it’s not Felicity….it’s not just you…I’ve kind of started dating Lyssa too.
FELICITY: I knew you went out with Lyssa…I didn’t realize you were that serious about her.
BEN: That’s not the point. The point is I think I messed up. I thought being here with you tonight, laughing, talking and partying was going to be enough. But I was wrong because all I really want to do is to hold you close to me and just keep…kissing you.
FELICITY: Ben…
BEN: I know we’re just good friends.
FELICITY: Actually…what I was going to say was that’s what I really want too.
FELICITY WALKS UP TO BEN AND THEY START TO KISS.
FELICITY: (Voice over to Sally) So there I was Sal…kissing Ben with every fiber of my being. I never wanted to let go…and where was Noel? Home…lonely and pining away for me.
NEXT DAY: NOEL’S ROOM. NOEL AND JULIE ARE SLEEPING IN HIS BED AFTER HAVING HAD SEX. PHONE RINGS. NOEL GROPES FOR IT STILL HALF ASLEEP.
NOEL: (whispers into phone) Hello….(surprised) Mom….hi….Yeah Happy belated Thanksgiving to you too….What did I do?….Um….you know…stuff.
JULIE STARTS TO STIR NEXT TO NOEL.
NOEL: I’ve got to go Mom…I’ll talk to you later…I love you too…bye.
JULIE: Oh….my head is killing me. (opens eyes) Where am I?
NOEL: You’re in my room….you stayed the night.
JULIE: What?
NOEL: We need to talk.
JULIE: What happened? (looks under covers) Where are my clothes?
NOEL: Could you turn around….I want to get some clothes on.
JULIE: (turns her head away) Noel…did we….last night…together?
NOEL: Yes…yes we did…you can turn around now.
JULIE: (turns back around) How did this happen?
NOEL: Very little food….and a lot of alcohol.
JULIE: Felicity is going to be so crushed.
NOEL: Whoa…wait a minute there…we can’t tell Felicity about this…mistake.
JULIE: Noel…this is huge. I can’t keep something like this from her and still look at her with a non-guilty face.
NOEL: Julie…you have to. If you tell Felicity the only thing that is going to happen is that she will end up hating us both.
JULIE: But if she finds out on her own….wouldn’t that be worse?
NOEL: There’s no way she’ll find out…our floor is completely deserted.
JULIE: I don’t know…these things have a way of coming out.
CUT TO PALO ALTO. FELICITY’S PARENTS HOUSE. BEN AND FELICITY ARE GETTING READY TO GET INTO A CAB. FELICITY’S PARENTS ARE STANDING OUTSIDE.
MRS. PORTER: Are you sure you need to leave early?
FELICITY: It’s only one day Mom…and I’ll be home for Christmas…I promise.
MRS. PORTER: All right dear…have a nice flight…and Ben…I hope you’ll join us for dinner one day during Christmas week.
BEN: Thanks…I look forward to it.
MRS. PORTER REACHES IN TO GIVE FELICITY A HUG AND WHISPERS IN HER EAR.
MRS. PORTER: (to Felicity) Hold on to him…I really like him.
CUT TO JULIE AND NOEL IN HIS ROOM.
NOEL: Look Julie…I’m going to leave so you can get dressed….but then we really need to talk.
JULIE: Okay.
NOEL EXITS HIS ROOM AND ALMOST RUNS RIGHT INTO ELENA.
NOEL: Elena….Hi…what are you doing back so early.
ELENA: Things didn’t go to well…so I decided to come back and study.
JULIE PICKS THIS MOMENT TO COME OUT OF NOEL’S ROOM.
JULIE: (head down, tucking in shirt) Noel…have you seen my other sh…(looks up and sees Elena) Elena…hi.
ELENA: (to Noel) What’s going on?…Why is Julie walking out of your room…looking like she just rolled out of bed?
NOEL: I can explain…it’s not what your thinking.
ELENA: Oh my god….you slept with Julie?
NOEL AND JULIE BOTH LOOK DOWN AT THE FLOOR.
ELENA: Nevermind…this is none of my business.
ELENA STARTS TO WALK AWAY. NOEL GOES AFTER HER.
NOEL: Elena…wait.
ELENA: (turns on Noel) I can’t believe you….I thought you liked Felicity….God I even thought you were a romantic.
NOEL: I do…I do like Felicity….this was just one big alchol induce….mistake.
ELENA: Julie is her best friend Noel…this is worse than a mistake.
NOEL: Okay…believe me when I say the guilt trip is completely uneccessary. I am experiencing more than a small amount of guilt here.
ELENA: Good.
NOEL: Please just promise me that you won’t tell Felicity.
ELENA: I hate secrets Noel.
NOEL: I’ll tell her…I swear….just not now. I need some time to cement our relationship.
ELENA: My brother is a construction worker Noel….and you know the one thing he has always said?
NOEL: What?
ELENA: You should never build something on a flawed foundation. It will just give you huge problems later on…It’s good advice.
NOEL: God I wish you didn’t know.
ELENA: If you choose to keep this secret….you don’t have to worry about me telling her…but I will be on your butt…you can count on it.
NOEL: Thanks I’m feeling so much better.
CUT TO BEN AND FELICITY GETTING READY TO ENTER THE DORM ELEVATOR.
BEN: Wait. (pulls Felicity close to him and gives her a passionate kiss) Okay…now we can go.
FELICITY AND BEN ENTER ELEVATOR AND THE DOORS.
FELICITY: Ben…I just wanted to tell you thanks…I had a really great 2 days in Palo Alto with you.
BEN: Yeah…me too.
FELICITY: I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
BEN: Good…This is going to be hard you know.
FELICITY: I know….
BEN REACHES OVER AND KISSES FELICITY ONE LAST TIME BEFORE THE ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN.
BEN: This is your floor….I’ll get your luggage.
BEN AND FELICITY STEP OFF THE ELEVATOR. JULIE AND NOEL ARE STANDING TALKING IN THE MAIN ROOM. JULIE LOOKS OVER AND SEES FELICITY.
JULIE: Felicity…you're back early.
FELICITY AND BEN WALK UP.
FELICITY: Yeah, I figured I’d be back for Christmas….so how was your weekend?
JULIE: It was….
FELICITY: Is everything okay?
NOEL: Yeah she’s fine…she didn’t sleep well.
FELICITY: Yeah….you don’t look so good….maybe you should take a nap.
JULIE: You know what I think that’s a great idea…I’m going to go now.
JULIE HURRYS OFF.
BEN: Okay…so anyway Felicity here’s your luggage and Noel here’s Felicity….she’s all….well she’s yours.
FELICITY: Thanks for everything Ben.
BEN: You're welcome….I guess I’ll see you in class on Monday.
BEN WALKS AWAY. NOEL AND FELICITY ARE LEFT STANDING THERE. NOEL HUGS FELICITY AND SHE HUGS HIM BACK WATCHING BEN ENTER THE ELEVATOR OVER HIS SHOULDER.
SALLY: (Voice over ) Felicity….so you’ve made your decision and it’s Noel. Now comes the hard part…that’s right the hard part. Sticking to it….and from what you tell me you’ve got your work cut out for you. Making a decision involves making a choice….hopefully the choice of Noel was one you put a lot of thought into…..and not just the less complex decision. I hope you keep your eyes open…it helps to keep seeing what’s going on around you…because face it Felicity…the heart is blind….