New Leaves
Kenny Au
ACT I
EXT. QUAD – MORNING
We start out on the Freshman Quad of Starkfield University as new students are walking around, chilling and exploring. It’s the day after everyone was supposed to move in.
There are three residence halls along the sides of the quad, and we zoom into the middle one, Rutherford Hall on the fifth floor.
INT. ROOM 532 – MORNING
ALLAN (18) is sitting on his bed watching the people out in the quad laying down and enjoying the sun. He is on the phone with his mom, DIANE.
DIANE
Hey sweetie, did you sleep okay?
ALLAN
Yea mom, it was alright.
DIANE
I wish we helped you move in.
ALLAN
And do fourteen hours of driving in one day? Its okay Mom. I managed okay.
Allan looks around his room, from his little corner with the bed and the window to the other side with an untouched bed and empty closet space. His desk is a mess with a bunch of random things that need to be sorted out.
DIANE
Ok honey. Your dad and I are thinking of coming down pretty soon, to visit you and if you need anything we can bring it over.
ALLAN
Okay Mom.
DIANE
Or if you want to bring anything back because from the pictures you sent me the dorm looks very small and I dont want your room to be all clutt-
ALLAN
(sighs)
I know. I got it.
DIANE
Aiyaa, let me finish. (pauses)
Oh your dad wants to talk to you. I’ll talk to you later. Send more pictures!
Hey Al. Hey Dad.
JACK ALLAN
JACK
How was the drive?
ALLAN
Good yea.
JACK
How is the roommate?
ALLAN
He hasn’t moved in yet. I dont even know if I have one.
(chuckles) Maybe I got lucky.
JACK
Heh maybe.
(pauses)
In any case, remember it’s a new school and so a new leaf. Your mom and I are always here for you.
Try and have fun and make new friends.
ALLAN
Yea, I know Dad.
JACK
Love you.
ALLAN
Love you too.
Allan hangs up the phone. CUT TO:
INT. PRESTON’S ROOM – DAY
The room has a huge desk that is one big computer setup, top of the line pc parts. A shelf of awards and random rich people shit that a 20 year old influencer would have. A lot of past brand deal samples. There are only like two boxes filled with clothes, bedding, etc. Definitely not enough to move in fully. Two guys stand right outside the door as MARGARET (mid 20s) is standing in the middle of the room, Preston’s manager, and on the phone with Preston’s uncle.
MARGARET
No, I have no idea where the hell he is right now! Respectfully sir. We were supposed to leave an hour ago and he is god knows where.
(pauses)
Yea the shoot went well. It’s going to be in the magazine in two weeks. The editor will send you a final copy before it gets released.
(pauses)
Yes I’ll let you know when we make it to the school. Bye sir.
Margaret groans in frustration and motions for two guys outside to come in the room to start moving the boxes to the limo. As the two are leaving, PRESTON (20) walks in, shirtless and with swimming trunks on. Literally dripping wet onto the carpet floor that resembles his shaggy brown hair.
MARGARET WHERE.HAVE.YOU.BEEN?!
PRESTON
(puts his hands up)
Woah, relax. I was at Joey’s. He had a little going away pool party for me. I didn’t see the time.
MARGARET
(whispers to self) Goddammit Joey.
(to Preston)
Did you even finish packing yet? We are running an hour late and not to mention that you have a photoshoot later for that drink brand tonight at the campus.
PRESTON
Yeaaaa. Of course.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
I mean I told Phillip 1 and 2 to just put whatever in the boxes. Not that big of a deal.
MARGARET
Not that big of a deal? There were only two boxes packed. Ugh.
(turns to the doorway) HEY YOU TWO. COME BACK HERE.
The two guys from before quickly run back into the room. PHILLIP 1 is the taller of the two with blonde hair, donning a black suit with a red tie. PHILLIP 2 has brown hair with blonde highlights and is wearing a navy blue suit with a blue tie.
PHILLIP 1
Yes you called?
MARGARET
Was that all of Preston’s stuff you packed?
PHILLIP 2
(sheepishly) Yesss.
MARGARET
Unbelievable. I am dealing with absolute children. Okay you two (points at the Phillips) Continue packing because surely
Preston needs more than two boxes to move in with.
(points to Preston)
And you. You are going to help them because we are already behind schedule. But before that, take.
- shower. You reek of chlorine, its making me want to claw my eyes out!
Go! NOW!
The Phillips start rapidly packing up more of Preston’s clothes and bedsheets, while Preston quietly picks out an outfit. He goes into the bathroom and locks the door behind him. He turns on the shower just as he hears Margaret on the phone.
MARGARET (O.S.) I CAN’T STAND HIM! HE’S
INSUFFERABLE! AN ACTUAL MAN-CHILD! I FEEL MORE LIKE A BABYSITTER THAN A MANAGER!
MARGARET (O.S.) (CONT’D)
(pauses)
I know it’s just a stepping stone to something better. But it’s so shit right now, Nancy. I’m literally helping him move to college. I should be doing this shit for my siblings not for my client. It’s one thing if he actually grew a pair and started doing stuff on his own instead of me ordering him around. He’s only famous because his uncle got him that movie role like 10 years ago.
Preston sighs and goes into the shower trying to drown out the rest of Margaret’s call.
INT. ROOM 532 – DAY
Allan is sitting at his desk, with the class schedule planner open on his laptop. His schedule looks rough, some morning classes, but also very late evening classes. A knock comes on his door. He gets up and opens up and a girl a little taller than him with brown hair and a pair of glasses, LILY, stands in front with a big smile.
LILY
Hi! It’s Allan right?
ALLAN
Yea! Lily? Sorry when everyone was introducing themselves yesterday, I remember so few.
LILY
No honestly same. And yea its Lily.
(hesitates)
So since we are both out of state students. Do you wanna go exploring the campus?
ALLAN
Oh umm. Honestly yea why not, I dont have anything else planned for today.
Allan grabs his plaid jacket and heads on out with Lily.
EXT. QUAD – A COUPLE MINUTES LATER
The two of them are walking on a path towards the inner part of the university. On the quad, it is quite lively. There are people reading, yapping, doing yoga.
LILY
So how long was your drive to campus? Mine was about 3 hours.
ALLAN
Oh umm. About 7.
LILY
7! Oh man that’s rough. You must really wanted to leave your hometown.
ALLAN
Heh, yea.
(pauses)
How are you liking campus so far?
LILY
Not bad. My parents and I visited over the summer, I think I liked the umm, building that looks like an anvil-
ALLAN
OMG! The Smith Building? I love that building so much. I mean I never saw it in person but online pics were amazing.
LILY
Do you wanna go check it out?
ALLAN
Of course!
Lily’s stomach starts to grumble, she starts to turn red. Allan looks at her and then her stomach. His starts to growl too. A second passes. And then they both burst out laughing.
LILY
Sounds like we both need some lunch.
ALLAN
Yea hah. I think the dining hall is close to the Smith building so we can eat then head over.
LILY
For sure! I heard that they have the best pizzas on campus.
ALLAN
Ah. I’m lactose intolerant, my pills are in my room though, so maybe next time.
Allan takes out his wallet to get his ID, but its not there.
ALLAN
Oh shoot. My ID is also back in my room.
LILY
Oh no. Don’t worry we can quickly head back.
(pauses)
You can also get your lactaid pills too. Haha.
ALLAN
Haha yea.
(pauses)
Speaking of food ,what’s your favorite f-
Lily’s phone interrupts their conversation with a ring. It is a text from her roommate. Lily’s mouth gapes open.
LILY
(screams)
OH.MY.GOD. PRESTON DAVIS IS HERE ON CAMPUS! AHHHHHHH!
ALLAN
Who?
LILY
You dont know who he is?! He’s only like one of the best influencers out there. His product reviews are so honest and direct. And he has been in a couple movies since he was a kid!
Allan pulls out his phone to look him up. He recognizes a movie Preston was in early back in his career.
ALLAN
Oh! He was the kid in Traffic Cone Flowers. I love that movie.
LILY
I can’t believe he’s here! I wonder why he’s here! Omg is he doing a shoot here or a movie?!
Another text appears on Lily’s phone.
LILY
OH SHIT! HES A STUDENT HERE! AND HES IN OUR BUILDING!
ALLAN
Oh?
LILY
LETS GO COME ON!
Lily grabs Allan and together they sprint back towards Rutherford Hall.
END OF ACT I
ACT II
EXT. RUTHERFORD HALL- MOMENTS AGO
Preston’s limo pulls up to the parking lot. Margaret gets out of the car to head inside to meet with the RA. Preston is still inside the car. His public disguise, because of course he has one, consist of an oversized jacket, baseball cap, and sunglasses.
PRESTON
(whispers to self)
It’ll be okay. You are just like them. Keep it low-key.
Preston exits the limo and sees that no one is waiting outside for him, except the Phillips who are starting to unload the limo. It’s calm. As Preston goes to help the Phillips, Margaret steps out of the building.
MARGARET
PRESTON! They need you inside.
PRESTON
Got it! Coming.
(to the Phillips)
I think I got it, thanks guys.
Preston picks up a bag of clothes and a suitcase, heading towards the building.
PHILLIP 1 & PHILLIP 2
Glad to be of service.
INT. RUTHERFORD HALL GROUND FLOOR – DAY
Inside, Preston is amazed at the simplicity of the lobby. He walks past through it and goes around the corner. He sees the RA talking with Margaret. The RA, PENNY, has a navy blue Starkfield University Resident Assistant shirt and a large megaphone by her side. Preston walks up to her.
PENNY
Hey! Preston right?
PRESTON
(trying to be flirty) Yea that’s me, and you?
PENNY
(dry)
Penny. I’m one of the RAs here and actually since you are on the fifth floor I am also your floor RA.
PRESTON
(smiles)
I guess we’ll be seeing more of each other then.
PENNY
(serious)
If you are seeing me often, then that means something is wrong. I gave my other residents the low- down but I’ll make sure you get it.
If you dont bother me, I won’t bother you. Obviously, if it’s very serious, I need to be notified, but I dont give a shit otherwise.
Penny eyes Preston, top to bottom.
PENNY (CONT’D)
Also, not my type.
Penny hands him the key to his room, and heads outside. Preston stands there, a little dumbfounded. Margaret chuckles to herself.
MARGARET
Flirting with the RA on the first day here? Shameful.
PRESTON
BRUH! It ain’t like that. I was trying to be nice. I mean isn’t that why I’m here? To be with my own peers and not brands or 40 year old directors who dont know what TikTok is?
MARGARET
You parents wanted you to try and experience something normal. And your uncle needs your help to reach a different audience. But does that mean flirt with everyone here? Mhm yea right, come on lets get you moved in.
The two head towards the elevator when a small girl, CHARLIE, bumps into Preston, and they both fall over. Preston’s hat and sunglasses fall on the floor.
CHARLIE
OH shoot! I’m so sorry, I-
Charlie locks eyes with Preston. She knows who he is.
CHARLIE
(softly)
Oh my god it’s Preston Davis. (louder)
You’re Preston Davis! (to self)
I just bumped into Preston Davis.
Margaret turns around and sees what happened. Preston stands up and helps Charlie up.
MARGARET
(whispers)
Shit. Thought we would at least get a day. Just so he could get situated in his own room.
PRESTON
(smiles)
Yea, that’s me. And you are?
CHARLIE
Charlie! I’m on the fifth floor.
PRESTON
Hah. No way, that’s where I’m heading too.
Preston sees Margaret getting into the elevator.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
I guess I’ll see you around then yea.
Preston winks and makes his way to the elevator.
CHARLIE
(whispers) See you around.
Charlie takes out her phone and starts texting someone.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
Lily needs to know, oh my god.
INT. FIFTH FLOOR RUTHERFORD HALL – DAY
CUT TO:
We come back to Lily and Allan on their floor, now multiple people are out of their rooms looking down the hallway to Preston. He seems to be in room 532.
LILY
Wait isn’t that your room?
ALLAN
Oh, okay then. I guess I do have a roommate then. Cool.
(whispers) Cool.
Allan is right outside and he sees Preston starting to unpack and Margaret is standing there, unmoving, a little shocked and surprised. He knocks on the door. This breaks Margaret out of her trance.
ALLAN
You must be the new guy on the floor. Hi, my name is Al-
MARGARET
What the hell is your stuff doing in here?
Allan is a little taken aback.
ALLAN
Oh. I mean I live here. I’m your (Points to Preston)
Roommate. Allan.
MARGARET
I specifically requested a single room for him.
ALLAN
Oh well. Maybe there isn’t one free here.
MARGARET
(frustrated and annoyed) This is unbelievable. I can’t believe it! UGHHHHHHHHH.
Preston goes to where Allan is and daps him up.
PRESTON
Hey what’s up. You can ignore Margaret for a bit, she’ll get over it. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to not have a roommate, but hey all good. I’m Preston, Preston Davis, now dont get too shocked I know seeing a celebrity is so cool and amazing, we can take pics later, but I’m just here for a good time and an education.
ALLAN
Oh, I kinda dont care about all that, nice to meet you man.
Preston squints and eyes him, trying to see if Allan is lying or not. He stops as he is uncertain. He wants to push his buttons
PRESTON
Hey Margaret. It’s all cool now right? I mean doesn’t seem like he’ll be much of a nuisance. Kinda boring not gonna lie. I mean look at this stuff, so normal. Basic.
ALLAN
(defensively)
Bro chill. I thought we were cool.
PRESTON
We are man! I mean that in a good way. I need boring, I need normal, or at least that what she
(points to Margaret) tells me. I’m too “extra.”
(pauses)
Hey wait a minute. (MORE)
PRESTON (CONT’D)
Since we are going to be rooming, do you wanna help me film for my page? I need someone here since my old camera crew can’t be on school grounds 24/7. Ugh school policy.
MARGARET
You are too extra.
I’m going to find that damn RA and see what we can do because rooming with him
(eyes Allan)
is a mess in disguise, I can tell. Your Uncle won’t be happy about that.
Allan is shocked and Margaret leaves the room, passing by Lily and Charlie. They both shuffle in, having heard at basically what transpired here.
CHARLIE
Hey Preston. I guess welcome to Starkfield. Here is my roommate, Lily. We are both huge fans.
LILY
Yes! Hi!
(to Allan) Hey, you okay?
ALLAN
Yea, I’m good. Heh didn’t expect all that today.
(to Preston) She seems honest.
PRESTON
She is helpful most times. (to Lily)
Nice to meet you, Lils.
Lily giggles.
LILY
Hey so there’s this party tonight that a couple of us are going to, its a couple minutes away from campus.
PRESTON
Oh, the Factory?
LILY
Yea! How did you know?
PRESTON
I’m meeting someone there for a promotional ad. They invited me to come to the party afterwards.
CHARLIE
Oh cool! I guess we’ll see you there. Allan are you coming?
ALLAN
Nah, I dont think so. Parties aren’t my thing.
PRESTON
And that’s why your nickname now is Boring Allan.
Charlie laughs a little, but Lily isn’t having it.
ALLAN
(little annoyed) Come on chill.
PRESTON
Relax, I’m just playing.
I’ll see both of you there (smiles)
Lily and Charlie wave goodbye and head back to their room.
ALLAN
It is getting annoying every time you’re doing that.
PRESTON
Don’t be a buzzkill, dude. Relax.
ALLAN
Okay sure.
(pauses)
Hey what’s your number man, just in case we need to text each other about anything?
Allan pulls out his phone and its like maybe 3 years old. Preston looks at it like how someone looks at a museum exhibit. He quickly takes it and inspects it.
PRESTON
This still works? How do you live like this?
He pulls out his phone, and it’s the newest model to Allan’s. He shoots a text from his phone to Allan’s. He hands back the phone to Allan.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
Boring Allan more like Ancient Allan! Haha!
ALLAN
That’s it! I had enough. What is your problem man? Its like you are making fun of every little part of my life. What is wrong with you?
I thought you were chill, but now you’re just an ass.
PRESTON
Look man, I mean no harm. But you do make it easy. Come on.
Preston points at various objects around the room that Allan brought with him from home. He grabs a picture of Allan’s family.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
Like awww. So sweet.
ALLAN
Give me that.
(He takes back the picture)
I dont know how Margaret stands you every day, but I can’t even do this just for today. Maybe she’s right, you might be better off in your own room, alone.
Allan looks at the time on his phone. Its already the afternoon. He’s going to be late for lunch with Lily. He sees his ID on his desk and grabs it.
ALLAN
I’ll see you later tonight or whenever.
Allan exits the room, leaving Preston standing there alone.
END OF ACT II
ACT III
EXT. THE FACTORY – EVENING
The Factory is an abandoned factory a couple blocks from campus. It is known to be a place for parties and other college activities. Preston has his camera set up right at the entrance ready for the brand promotion.
A case of Lightning Fresh, an energy drink brand founded by one of the Starkfield alumni, is on the ground near him. The founder, LIAM, is by his side. As well as a couple more people off to the side, angling lights and prepping the lights all around the Factory.
LIAM
So the plan is for you to be here in front of the Factory and go, “Lightning Fresh, lights up your world” and from there we got these lights all around the Factory which are going to light up. You got all that dude?
PRESTON
Hell yeah. And I get to keep this case?
LIAM
For sure, once we post this ad, we are reaching to more than just gamers and stressed college students. Sales are going to be through the roooof!
(to everyone)
Alright, lets get ready to film it. Preston you ready?
PRESTON
Yup.
Preston stands in the center of the lights picking up a can of Lightning Fresh. The phone starts recording.
PRESTON
(enthusiastically) Lightning Fresh! Lights up your world!
Preston opens up the can and takes a sip. He looks behind and the Factory starts lighting up in hues of white and all colors across the light spectrum. The phone stops recording.
LIAM
Got it! Perfect! Great job Preston!
PRESTON
Thanks man.
Preston takes another sip of the drink.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
Wow, that’s something.
LIAM
You dont need to finish that right now. It has so much caffeine. Plus you gotta stay for the party happening like right now.
PRESTON
True! Hold up
Preston takes another big swig of the drink. He barely manages to swallow it.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
There we go, I’m done now. (throws the drink on the
floor)
LETS GO PARTY!!!
Everyone cheers in excitement and they all head inside the Factory.
INT. THE FACTORY – LATER IN THE EVENING
Its a couple hours later and Preston is fully drunk. He has had many shots and many beers. As he walks around, he notices everyone staring at him, or just glances in his direction.
PRESTON (V.O.)
Oh no, they are all looking at me. Quick look down at your hands. If you aren’t looking at them, they aren’t looking at you.
He looks down at his hands, one has another beer, the other has his keys clearly drunk behavior. He continues walking forward until he bumps into a guy, way bigger than him.
PARTYGOER
Watch it.
PRESTON
(slowly) Whoops, sorry.
PARTYGOER
Dude, you might need to chill on those drinks.
PRESTON
You. Might. Need to. Chill. Out.
Preston gives him a little shove, but he doesn’t budge.
Instead he grabs Preston up (he’s a twig so light work), and Preston drops his beer and keys. The Partygoer takes him outside of the Factory. He goes back inside.
EXT. THE FACTORY – NIGHT
Preston starts walking for a while in a random direction. Not fully conscious of where he’s at.
PRESTON (V.O.)
Why did I shove him? Not cool man. I’m supposed to be different here. But nope same old Preston.
Complete idiot.
PRESTON
(out loud) Damn it!
PRESTON (V.O.)
Margaret thinks so. Mom and Dad think so. Even my roommate thinks so and he met me only today! I did a real number on him.
Preston starts tearing up, he looks up at the sky and then around him and realize he is lost.
PRESTON SHITTTTTT!
EXT. QUAD – NIGHT
Allan has walked around campus the past couple hours and is tired and is heading back to Rutherford. His phone starts to vibrate. It’s Preston.
ALLAN
What?
PRESTON
(sniffles)
I dont know where I am. Can you help me?
Allan tenses up again and for a moment, he starts to tear up.
PRESTON (CONT’D)
I’m scared, I dont know who to turn to. I’m so sorry for the way I acted today. I was a dick, an ass, all of it.
ALLAN
Okay, okay. Lets get you back on campus first okay? What can you see around you?
Preston looks around and its all trees, branches, and a street lamp, a 100 feet away. Its an old one, as the light is flickering on and off every couple of seconds.
PRESTON
Theres a lamp that’s flickering, everything else is trees.
Allan scans the quad looking for a lamp on the outskirts of the campus, near the forest. He spots one that’s on the opposite side of the quad, near one of the other residential halls.
ALLAN
Okay, go to that lamp. And then from there you should be back near the quad on campus. I will be waiting in the middle of the quad.
Preston makes his way to the lamp and in the distance sees Allan on the phone.
PRESTON
I see you!
They both make their way to each other and it culminates in Preston hugging Allan. Tears splashing onto his jacket.
ALLAN
Lets get you back inside.
They walk towards Rutherford.
INT. ROOM 532- MORNING
It is the next morning and Preston is fast asleep while Allan is awake and looking at his courses for the semester. He still needs to switch them around. A knock is at his door. He gets up and its Penny.
PENNY
Hey, Allan right?
ALLAN
Yep that’s me.
PENNY
Okay, sorry about this but you have until the end of the day to move out of this room. You are being placed into Billingsly Hall which luckily is just the building over.
Sorry again.
Penny leaves and Allan is standing there, dumbfounded. He looks at Preston still sleeping.
FADE TO BLACK
Kenny Au is from Egg Harbor Township and is majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with minors in Creative Writing and Math. He is expected to graduate in May 2025. Outside of class, he likes to read, watch tv, write, listen to music, and play video games.