Short Term 12 Page #3

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GRACE:

These are the files on our kids, togive you an idea of some of thecrap they've been through.

Nate begins to thumb through the binder as Grace looks in herbackpack.

NATE:

How long do they stay here?

GRACE:

Supposedly less than a year, butsome have been here for over 3. We

just keep 'em until the countyfigures out where they go next.

Grace pulls a pair of jeans from her backpack. She looks out

the window into the lounge and sees a kid lying on the couch.

She pounds on the window.

GRACE (CONT’D)

Tom! Go brush your teeth!

She then turns to see Nate react to one of the files.

GRACE (CONT’D)

Remember, you're not their parent,

and you're not their therapist.

You’re here to create a safe

environment for them, that's it.

NATE:

Got it.

GRACE:

And they're going to try to testyou to see what they can get awaywith, so for now, just say no for awhile.

NATE:

No. Okay.

GRACE:

You have to kinda be an a**hole

before you can be their friend.

(beat)

You’re gonna be fine.

Grace walks out the door.

INT. GROUP HOME HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

GRACE:

Community meeting is in 5 minutes!

(beat)

Luis, you better be up!

She storms into Luis's room, cocking her water gun.

INT. LUIS' ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Grace marches in to find Luis still sleeping. She rips thecovers off him and pulls his pillow out from under his legs.

She pumps the water gun a few more times and crouches to oneknee, taking aim like a Navy seal.

Luis slowly opens his eyes and looks at her. She smiles at

him coyly.

LUIS:

So this is how it's going to be?

She nods.

GRACE:

You got 5 seconds.

Luis smiles.

LUIS:

(in spanish)

You don't have the balls.

He closes his eyes with a smile.

Grace aims for the head.

INT. GROUP HOME HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

Luis SCREAMS from inside his room and comes running out,

chased by a cold stream of water.

LUIS:

(laughing)

Okay okay okay okay!

Grace doesn't stop, laughing and chasing him all the way tothe bathroom.

Mason walks down the hall, carrying a pile of folded towels.

A few other boys gather at their doorways with big smiles.

Mason shouts into the bathroom.

MASON:

(spanish)

I told you not to mess with her!

Grace shoots a stream right in Mason's face, puts the gun onhis pile of towels, and keeps walking down the hall. Mason

takes it without flinching.

MASON (CONT’D)

I love you too. That’s not cool.

INT. GROUP HOME LOUNGE -- CONTINUOUS

All the kids are talking to each other as Grace takes a seat.

There are 14 of them (7 boys & 7 girls) sitting in a circle.

Sammy is holding one of his dolls.

GRACE:

Kendra, can you be secretary for ustoday?

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