INT. ABSOLUTION ACADEMY – Day
Richard looks up at the high ceilings, amazed by the beauty inside the school.
A REPORTER LADY scurries behind him.
REPORTER LADY
You're Richard Beltran, aren't you? The star of that TV SHOW "Teen Jesus"?
Richard ignores her and runs around the inside of the school admiring everything.
REPORTER LADY
No one has heard of you since you quit that show!
Richard pushes out a fake smile to her and then runs into the next room.
The Reporter Lady frowns and makes a "Hur-rumpf" sound. Then she motions to her cameraman like he's a henchman to get Richard.
The Camera Man obediently takes the cord of his camera and uses it to trip the teen. Richard goes crashing to the floor.
RICHARD
OW!
REPORTER LADY
The people want to know–
RICHARD
Look, we're not talking about this, OK? I've put the whole issue behind me. I'm putting Hollywood as a whole behind me.
He sighs and looks up at the dome-shaped ceiling. There's a beautiful mural painted there of all kinds of ancient gods, glittering stars, and zodiac symbols made of gold.
RICHARD
I just want to live as a normal kid. And go to school with other normal kids, have normal friends, and duck my adult responsibilities with as much vigor and skill as I've ducked pedophiles in Hollywood.
As the Reporter Lady stops and considers that last line. Richard spins around, admiring the fantastic interior of the school.
RICHARD
Besides, look at this place!
He opens his arms wide, presenting the beautiful space before them.
RICHARD
It's gonna be so cool to go to school here!
REPORTER LADY
(Nods)
It is lovely.
REPORTER LADY
(Looks around)
But, all that you've said about being a normal kid in a normal school...Is this place supposed to be "Normal"?
She sighs and looks back down at him.
REPORTER LADY
All part of a new world order, I guess. Thanks to your uncle, Kaye.
She walks past Richard.
Richard stands there a bit stunned. His green eyes are wide as he remembers what he couldn't quite remember before... the water image of Kaye looking down at him as he and the other boys drown, and then the blast of light.
He snaps out of it.
RICHARD
I want to see what the guys are doing outside. There's probably windows we can look out of upstairs.