A Walk to Remember

BELINDA: Pictures from the play. Jamie looks pretty --

LANDON: I'm sorry about how we --

BELINDA: No. You're with who you should be. It's like she chose you.

LANDON: And I have no idea why.

BELINDA: I do.

BELINDA: She asleep?

LANDON: I'll tell her you were here.

BELINDA: That's one girl who can't take a hint.

LANDON: Because she doesn't know what a hint is.

BELINDA: She's coming over here...

LANDON: Heart be still.

LANDON: So go dance.

BELINDA: With you.

LANDON: I. Don't. Dance.

LANDON: Everything's being done but it's not enough. I have to find something -- more.

CYNTHIA: Landon, honey. There's nothing more.

LANDON: What are you doing here?

CYNTHIA: He wants to talk to you.

LANDON: Now it's okay?

CYNTHIA: Landon. You have two parents. We're both here for you even --

LANDON: I have no idea what to say. How to act. What if I do the wrong thing?

CYNTHIA: Be yourself and I don't think there is a wrong thing. Let Jamie take the lead. She'll let you know what she needs.

LANDON: I told him to leave me alone.

CYNTHIA: Landon --

LANDON: It was the only thing I've ever asked him!

CYNTHIA: I'm sorry. I didn't know.

LANDON: I didn't know either.

CYNTHIA: Have I told you how proud I am of you -- ?

LANDON: Mom, great. But what I want is for me to be proud of me.

CYNTHIA: But if it doesn't happen, grab for something within reach. Life's tough enough without causing yourself disappointment --

LANDON: Whatever my life is, I'm going to be friggin' sure I'm never disappointed --

CYNTHIA: Honey, some of this is... farfetched. You take after me. People skills and common sense. Good dependable qualities.

LANDON: I could take after Dad, too.

CYNTHIA: You do. You're handsome and charming.

LANDON: I meant he's a doctor.

CYNTHIA: That's eight years of school and training -- after college. And all that doesn't necessarily make you a better human being.

LANDON: I could do it if I tried. Even Kelly thinks so.

CYNTHIA: That'd be something.

CYNTHIA: A late night or an early morning?

LANDON: Late night. You?

CYNTHIA: Were you with Jamie?

LANDON: Yeah.

CYNTHIA: You sleeping with her?

CYNTHIA: To see your father?

LANDON: No. I won't be long.

CYNTHIA: You look nice. I should have dressed.

LANDON: You're fine like that, Mom.

CYNTHIA: There's hot cider in the kitchen.

LANDON: Thanks.

CYNTHIA: I haven't seen Clay or Eric lately.

LANDON: Me neither.

CYNTHIA: You saw him?

LANDON: We talked. He wanted to get a bite -- after. I said no.

CYNTHIA: After he moved out, I invited him to every practice, every game, every parent-teacher conference you ever had. He didn't show, not once.

LANDON: He wants to show now.

CYNTHIA: You going to let him? You going to reward him by being the son he was never man enough to be a father to?

CYNTHIA: Out with Belinda?

LANDON: That's over. Way over.

CYNTHIA: I can't know things if you don't tell me.

CYNTHIA: Your father dropped off an extra check.

LANDON: I don't want his money.

CYNTHIA: It could help with a new car --

LANDON: -- I like the car I have.

LANDON: I'm not hanging. I'm fixing my car --

CYNTHIA: You don't need a car you can't drive for a month. Go see Marvin.

LANDON: 'Bout what?

CYNTHIA: About a job.

CYNTHIA: What if they expel you?

LANDON: Kelly wouldn't do that.

CYNTHIA: Why not?

LANDON: Cuz nothing happened at school.

LANDON: Say nothing. Nothing 'bout her.

ERIC: No. Hey. We're sorry, man!

ERIC: Landon!

LANDON: Later.

ERIC: And that you're scamming on Jamie Sullivan.

LANDON: Scamming's a strong word.

ERIC: Belinda's telling everyone that kiss was real.

LANDON: It was.

ERIC: She's like some Puritan.

LANDON: She's not. She's got her own ideas.

ERIC: Deranged.

LANDON: Demented.

LANDON: The address?!

ERIC: York Ave.

LANDON: Don't call him a dipshit.

ERIC: You do --

LANDON: And you don't. What's she doing in there?

LANDON: Hypotheticals --

ERIC: I'm just wondering --

LANDON: I'm thinking.

ERIC: No thinking. The doctor only gives you three seconds to decide --

LANDON: Where is he? He's supposed to be here.

ERIC: I need to whizz.

HAROLD: Get yourself a glass.

LANDON: No. Thanks. Gotta keep my wits for the drive home.

LANDON: I'm very sorry --

HAROLD: What kind of a man are you, son?

HAROLD: Who are you?

LANDON: Landon Carter. I was driving the car that --

HAROLD: You.

LANDON: Me.

LANDON: Will you do something for me?

JAMIE: Landon. I can't even do for myself.

LANDON: But if you could, you would?

JAMIE: Yes.

JAMIE: Can I -- go out?

LANDON: You'll be fine for a few minutes.

LANDON: I'll talk to your father.

JAMIE: It's not that simple. It costs money to do this at home.

JAMIE: It's gone now.

LANDON: Because you have hope that you'll get better?

JAMIE: No. Maybe I believe God has a bigger dream for me than I had for myself. Maybe I believe the journey, the big adventure, never ends...

LANDON: How're you doing?

JAMIE: Better. I was really angry.

LANDON: 'Love is always patient and kind. It is never boastful or conceited -- '

JAMIE: That was read at my parents' wedding.

LANDON: 'What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.' Aristotle.

JAMIE: Lower. Same page.

LANDON: 'Find out who you are and do it on purpose.' Dolly Parton.

LANDON: How you doing?

JAMIE: Tired.

JAMIE: You know how to waltz??

LANDON: I was going to fake it.

LANDON: Whatever you need. Whatever Jamie needs. I'm here. I could start by driving her to school --

JAMIE: I'm not going back to school.

LANDON: I've talked to your father.

JAMIE: That's what I mean.

LANDON: What are you thinking?

JAMIE: That I want you to take me home.

LANDON: Now? We just --

JAMIE: I don't want to come here anymore.

LANDON: Slim Jim? Apple? Yogurt? You like yogurt.

JAMIE: I used to like yogurt.

JAMIE: Nope.

LANDON: Anything you want.

JAMIE: Nothing.

JAMIE: Help me live until I die?

LANDON: I will.

LANDON: Are you frightened?

JAMIE: All the time. I feel like I have no one.

LANDON: I'm so sorry. I'm a coward --

JAMIE: I should have told you sooner --

LANDON: I made you do too many things, kept you up all night --

JAMIE: No. The drugs just stopped working. If anything, doing things I love kept me healthy longer.

LANDON: Why didn't you tell me?

JAMIE: The doctors said to do everything the same as long as possible. I didn't want anyone being -- weird around me.

LANDON: Jamie --

JAMIE: I'm sick.

LANDON: Then I'll take you home. You'll feel better tomorrow.

LANDON: You're going to take a year off? Join the Peace Corps -- ?

JAMIE: No.

LANDON: What are you going to -- ?

JAMIE: Pull over.

LANDON: Where? Why?

LANDON: You're worried about your college applications.

JAMIE: I'm not applying to college.

LANDON: One of your secrets.

JAMIE: Yes, one of many.

JAMIE: From citizen high to citizen low.

LANDON: I don't care.

JAMIE: Care, but just don't let it get to you. It gives them power.

LANDON: That what you do?

JAMIE: Yes. I try to keep my power.

JAMIE: Here. Why am I looking at this star?

LANDON: Because I had it named for you. I know it's not an official designation --

LANDON: Can you locate XXI5639I?

JAMIE: Sure.

LANDON: What's the best thing I can see tonight?

JAMIE: Me.

JAMIE: Ergo?

LANDON: What about your father?

JAMIE: I'm always home by midnight and he's always asleep.

JAMIE: Are you trying to seduce me?

LANDON: No. Why? Are you seducible?

LANDON: A Thermos of hot coffee. A blanket. Socks.

JAMIE: You planned this --

LANDON: Hoped for it.

JAMIE: So what do you want to see?

LANDON: Mars.

JAMIE: Mars doesn't rise until 2:30

JAMIE: It's an alt-azimuth design with one parabolic mirror and one secondary flat one.

LANDON: Where's the one you're building?

JAMIE: In my back yard. I lied before. It's hardly started. But when it's done, it will have twice the power of this one --

LANDON: When did you build this?

JAMIE: I was twelve.

LANDON: What'd you tell your father?

JAMIE: The truth. I just left you out of it.

LANDON: From here he proved to me the earth isn't flat. On rainy days, we'd be above the clouds.

JAMIE: What would you do up here?

LANDON: Look. Talk. Not talk.

JAMIE: How do you know this place?

LANDON: Before the divorce. My father used to take me here. Fire spotting was his summer job.

LANDON: Come on.

JAMIE: Where?

LANDON: Away from here.

LANDON: What's wr--?

JAMIE: The Challenger exploded. Principal Kelly's about to make an announcement.

LANDON: Assholes. This happen to you?

JAMIE: Twice a year.

JAMIE: You make me feel...

LANDON: Loved?

JAMIE: That. And less strange.

JAMIE: I might do it wrong.

LANDON: Not possible.

JAMIE: I don't understand...

LANDON: Maybe you're not supposed to.

LANDON: We can measure wind.

JAMIE: Uncertainty makes you uncomfortable.

LANDON: What do you actually know with religion?

JAMIE: Wonder. Beauty. Joy. Love.

JAMIE: It's places like this that make me certain there's a God.

LANDON: You're sometimes not sure?

JAMIE: I'm sure. Pretty sure.

JAMIE: You're acting like a crazy person.

LANDON: You're straddling the state line. You're in two places at once.

LANDON: Stand right here.

JAMIE: Where?

LANDON: The cells in our bodies are always changing. In six or seven years all your cells have changed. You could be like a completely new person from the inside out.

JAMIE: That what's happening to you, only faster?

JAMIE: Excuse me?

LANDON: Fun.

LANDON: It's about working with what you already have -- right now -- at your fingertips -- you know, spontaneously.

JAMIE: What are you talking about?

LANDON: Before we do this.

JAMIE: We're doing something -- ?

LANDON: Before we do this, I just want to say that a good life's gotta be about more than achieving stuff -- like on your list.

LANDON: Your turn.

JAMIE: No.

LANDON: I know you want to.

JAMIE: Is there a rush?

LANDON: I have to get you home by one.

JAMIE: It's only 7:30.

LANDON: We're going somewhere. After. And no. I didn't ask your father.

JAMIE: I can't believe you asked my father's permission.

LANDON: I wanted this to be a date.

JAMIE: Yes. But not as a date date.

LANDON: Why not?

JAMIE: I'm not allowed to date.

JAMIE: Like fire.

LANDON: What?

JAMIE: You.

LANDON: She great or what?

JAMIE: Why are you doing all this? To impress me?

LANDON: No. But are you -- impressed?

LANDON: Hey.

JAMIE: I heard what you did. Thank you.

LANDON: What does that mean?!

JAMIE: It means you can do anything.

LANDON: So you're talking to me?

JAMIE: When I have something to say.

JAMIE: It's a start.

LANDON: Yeah, with a finish in about a decade.

LANDON: Okay. Maybe some of that is true --

JAMIE: You don't know the first thing about being someone's friend --

LANDON: I don't want to be just your friend --

JAMIE: You don't know what you want --

LANDON: You don't either. Take a look at yourself. Maybe you're scared that someone might actually like you --

JAMIE: And why would that scare me?

LANDON: Because then you couldn't hide behind your books and your telescope and your sweater and your God.

JAMIE: All of it.

LANDON: It's not.

JAMIE: Prove it.

LANDON: Maybe you inspire me.

JAMIE: That sounds like horseshit.

JAMIE: People can see.

LANDON: And that would ruin your reputation how?

LANDON: I haven't been nice to you.

JAMIE: You're hardly nice to anyone.

LANDON: You were great the other night.

JAMIE: Thank you. So were you.

LANDON: He okay?

JAMIE: Healthy as can be.

JAMIE: So it's like you want to be secret friends.

LANDON: That's it! Exactly! You're reading my mind --

JAMIE: Then maybe you can read mine.

JAMIE: Oh. Just not at school...

LANDON: Yeah --

JAMIE: Or anywhere where people might see us.

LANDON: Belinda's a very jealous person.

JAMIE: That would be the reason.

LANDON: The play's in a couple of weeks.

JAMIE: Yes. And?

LANDON: You're not in a very good mood.

JAMIE: You don't miss a thing.

JAMIE: The play's going to be really good.

LANDON: I'm really glad you think so.

JAMIE: He doesn't trust you.

LANDON: Sometimes I don't even trust me.

LANDON: You have to believe to have faith.

JAMIE: You don't believe in anything?

LANDON: The Bible. Why should I read a bunch of dumb stories about some ancient guy who supposedly worked miracles.

JAMIE: Interpreted by another guy like my father.

LANDON: Your father doesn't like me.

LANDON: Like in a church painting. I see this giant hovering over the ground. He's wearing a robe, and has long flowing hair, and he's pointing his finger at something.

JAMIE: Do you ever wonder why things happen the way they do?

LANDON: No.

JAMIE: I know there's a plan for everyone, but sometimes I don't understand what the message is -- or what the point is.

LANDON: There is no point. You live. You die. The end.

LANDON: You're really into God, right?

JAMIE: In ten words or less?

LANDON: Yeah.

JAMIE: My relationship with God is my own.

LANDON: But you think about Him -- It -- Her.

JAMIE: Don't you?

JAMIE: I'm building a larger one to see the nucleus of Haley's Comet --

LANDON: The dirty snowball at its core.

JAMIE: Yeah. I'm probably not going to be around next time it comes.

LANDON: In 76 years, me neither.

LANDON: Do you believe you'll see your mother again?

JAMIE: I hope so. I think maybe she sees me now.

LANDON: Looking for intelligent life?

JAMIE: Looking for something -- someone.

LANDON: Saturn. Beautiful.

JAMIE: Before Voyager we expected maybe a dozen rings --

LANDON: But there are thousands of them, made of floating ice --

JAMIE: Maybe debris from a moon that broke apart.

LANDON: Or building blocks for a world that never formed.

LANDON: What is that?

JAMIE: That is my telescope.

JAMIE: Cuz it's dark and quiet and you can see into another world.

LANDON: The world of the dead?

JAMIE: Could be...

JAMIE: Because I try to be nice to people?

LANDON: Yeah. Maybe. I dunno.

JAMIE: Do you think I'm strange?

JAMIE: I know. Don't say anything.

LANDON: He's a softy. Got him wrapped around my finger.

JAMIE: You think so.

LANDON: Know so.

JAMIE: I'll get something for us to drink --

LANDON: Don't bother!

LANDON: No problem --

JAMIE: And you have to meet my father.

LANDON: Like you'd know.

JAMIE: I do know. Be two places at once... learn to hit a baseball or turn a cartwheel... eat breakfast with chopsticks...

LANDON: Get very wasted. Lose your virginity --

JAMIE: Spend a year in the Peace Corps. Make a medical discovery --

LANDON: Ambitious.

LANDON: So what else is on this list?

JAMIE: It's private.

LANDON: You want to tell me...

JAMIE: I'll take a chance.

LANDON: Go for it.

JAMIE: It's like a to-do list, but for my life.

LANDON: You got some kind of list?

JAMIE: Are you asking to mock me or do you really want to know?

LANDON: Maybe a little of both.

JAMIE: The reason I got the part... I'm a little like Lizzie. Except I don't worry about some man rescuing me.

LANDON: Good thing.

LANDON: What's with the friggin numbers?

JAMIE: 28 is do something illegal. 42 is befriend an enemy.

LANDON: I'm an enemy?

JAMIE: Kinda. Yeah.

LANDON: What the -- ?!

JAMIE: So you agree you need help?

LANDON: Fire is like a living thing. Wild. Unpredictable.

JAMIE: Like me.

LANDON: No. Not like you.

LANDON: Yeah.

JAMIE: Why?

LANDON: Because that's where the fire is?

JAMIE: I know you don't want help.

LANDON: Then we both know. I'll point. You drive. Faster.

LANDON: That's deep --

JAMIE: -- Your act only works with an audience.

LANDON: My act?!

LANDON: You're like this fly, buzzing buzzing everywhere --

JAMIE: -- This play means a lot to me.

LANDON: This play -- ?

JAMIE: -- I know you don't suck at acting.

JAMIE: 'Is it really me?'

LANDON: 'Yes. You're-you're b-b- beautiful.'

LANDON: 'I hope your dreams come true.'

JAMIE: 'They won't.'

LANDON: 'Believe in yourself and they will. Let me ask you, Lizzie. Look in the mirror? Are you pretty --?'

JAMIE: You mean care what you say? I'm worrying about other things.

LANDON: Like what? The moons of Jupiter?

JAMIE: Can't you have a normal conversation?

LANDON: I don't want to have any conversation.

JAMIE: Good, cuz talking to you is like trying to explain red to a blind person.

JAMIE: Because, growing up, books were my world.

LANDON: Were?

JAMIE: You don't know me.

LANDON: Your book and your brown sweater and your hair. What's more to know -- ?

JAMIE: -- I wear the sweater because I'm cold. I read because no one talks to me. My hair is my hair. What is it exactly that's bothering you?

JAMIE: He goes to my father's church. He could've died --

LANDON: -- This your idea of small talk?

JAMIE: I don't make small talk --

LANDON: -- Obviously.

JAMIE: When Mom died you told me God wanted her more, loved her more --

REV. SULLIVAN: I was wrong. Nobody could have wanted or loved your mother more than we did. Not even God.

JAMIE: No you didn't. But he did change. Just not enough.

REV. SULLIVAN: Jamie, you're not mad at me. You're mad at Landon --

JAMIE: I am mad at you! And at Landon! And the universe! And God! I don't even know where to put all my anger.

REV. SULLIVAN: That's normal. God accepts your anger. He won't punish you.

JAMIE: By making me ill, he is punishing me! I just don't know what for.

JAMIE: Maybe. But that's not the real reason. You think if I tell, he'll disappear and that's what you want! Me all to yourself!

REV. SULLIVAN: No. I want what's best for you.

JAMIE: This -- him -- Landon -- is what's best for me!

REV. SULLIVAN: I'm asking how much.

JAMIE: Dad --

REV. SULLIVAN: It's time to tell him. It would be the right thing.

REV. SULLIVAN: Did you give him a gift?

JAMIE: No.

REV. SULLIVAN: I saw the way he looked at you. The way he kissed you.

JAMIE: It was a play.

REV. SULLIVAN: Boys like him have -- expectations.

JAMIE: I have expectations, too.

REV. SULLIVAN: What's Landon Carter up to?

JAMIE: Up to?

REV. SULLIVAN: I thought we had rid ourselves of his disagreeable companionship.

REV. SULLIVAN: I'm sorry your mother isn't here to help you become a woman.

JAMIE: Dad, I've become a woman without her. Just not a pretty one.

JAMIE: By accident --

REV. SULLIVAN: Jamie, he's careless. Reckless. Is this really the best time to be making a new friend...?

JAMIE: I'm supposed to always be alone?

REV. SULLIVAN: I don't want you to see him outside school activities.

JAMIE: Fine. But I need to start deciding how to spend my time and my life.

REV. SULLIVAN: The Carter boy. Tell me about him.

JAMIE: He wants help with his lines --

LANDON: I'm sorry she never got her miracle.

REV. SULLIVAN: She did. It was you.

REV. SULLIVAN: You're marrying again.

LANDON: Yes.

REV. SULLIVAN: Jamie wanted that. She told me.

REV. SULLIVAN: You've been well?

LANDON: Yes. You?

REV. SULLIVAN: Getting by.

LANDON: You know about this stuff?

REV. SULLIVAN: I helped Jamie with the first one.

LANDON: I thought she built it herself.

REV. SULLIVAN: She did. But hardly anyone does anything truly alone.

REV. SULLIVAN: You have materials for the side bearings?

LANDON: I'm using an old phonographic turntable.

REV. SULLIVAN: For the focuser?

LANDON: I've almost finished the rocker. Did she order mirrors?

REV. SULLIVAN: In there.

REV. SULLIVAN: Landon. You go on home.

LANDON: I'm not tired.

REV. SULLIVAN: I need to be with her.

REV. SULLIVAN: Her doctors have. Jamie and I. We're still praying for a miracle.

LANDON: Praying.

REV. SULLIVAN: Landon. We've lived with this for over a year now and --

LANDON: If there is a God, how could he let this happen??!!

REV. SULLIVAN: It's her decision and she's decided not to tell people -- at least for now.

LANDON: How -- how long does she have?

LANDON: We didn't tell him any different for years --

REV. SULLIVAN: Your parents are divorced?

LANDON: Since I was five. My mom's a cocktail waitress.

REV. SULLIVAN: How do you -- the two of you -- get by?

LANDON: Materially or spiritually?

REV. SULLIVAN: Either. Both.

REV. SULLIVAN: How about your family?

LANDON: Okay. Sure. My grandfather. When he was seven, he shook the hand of an old guy, a war vet or something, who had once shaken President Lincoln's hand. Made a big impression on him.

REV. SULLIVAN: Landon. You're not the quiet type.

LANDON: No.

REV. SULLIVAN: So talk to us about something.

LANDON: Like what, sir?

REV. SULLIVAN: You decide.

REV. SULLIVAN: This week.

LANDON: Ever again.

LANDON: I care for her.

REV. SULLIVAN: I don't want to see her hurt.

LANDON: I'd like to take Jamie to dinner on New Year's Eve.

REV. SULLIVAN: That won't be possible.

LANDON: Reverend Sullivan. Can I ask you something?

REV. SULLIVAN: Does it have to do with Jamie?

LANDON: Yes, sir.

LANDON: Apropos of nothing... so. So so so so --

REV. SULLIVAN: Let's get something straight. You don't know me. I don't know you. But I know what you're about. Keep your distance from this house -- and from Jamie.

REV. SULLIVAN: You're in the play?

LANDON: Lead man.

MR. KELLY: I'd gladly write you a letter of recommendation.

LANDON: Thank you.

MR. KELLY: You're welcome.

MR. KELLY: Your grades for fall semester. They're -- good.

LANDON: You came here to give me my report card?

MR. KELLY: I've seen students with records like yours go to J.C. for a couple of years, then transfer to a good college.

LANDON: For Jefferson High. For books.

MR. KELLY: Where did you get -- ?

LANDON: It's mine to give. I didn't steal it.

MR. KELLY: I didn't say you did.

LANDON: No way. No thanks. I can't do it --

MR. KELLY: -- You can and you will, Mr. Carter.

MR. KELLY: Landon, none of us faculty see you the way you see yourself. Some of us remember how your father --

LANDON: Then you remember more than I do.

MR. KELLY: Finally, I'd like you to join the drama club. Rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

LANDON: I'd work backstage or something?

MR. KELLY: Or something. They're doing a play for the holidays.

LANDON: When do I get time for me?

MR. KELLY: You don't. That's the point.

MR. KELLY: Shall I give you a few ideas?

LANDON: Please.

MR. KELLY: Besides attending all your regular classes, I'd like you to help our janitorial staff after school --

LANDON: For pay?

MR. KELLY: For the inner satisfaction it will bring. Saturday mornings, I'd like you to tutor disadvantaged students at our sister school --

LANDON: I'm as underprivileged as they are --

MR. KELLY: You could grace our hallowed halls again, if, while you're here, you make a sincere effort to be part of our little school community --

LANDON: I'd do that --

MR. KELLY: How would you do that, Mr. Carter?

MR. KELLY: Finding the real world to your liking, Mr. Carter?

LANDON: I want to come back.

LANDON: Now I can do what I want.

MR. KELLY: That's right. The world is your oyster.

MR. KELLY: Like you'd make it to June. Even cutting half your classes, you have a B- average.

LANDON: I'm no dummy.

MR. KELLY: That's right. You just act like one.

LANDON: So what did we just make?

LUIS: A similar triangle?

LANDON: What else? What kind of triangle has three sides of different lengths.

LUIS: Scalene?

LANDON: Okay. Make me an isosceles.

LANDON: Am I at the same angle to you and the basket as before?

LUIS: Yeah.

LANDON: Are you?