REALITI EPISODE 7 DRAFT 7

BY DZOFRAIN AZMI

TEASER

INT. B5 CARPARK -- NIGHT

MAC and DETECTIVE RAHMAN open the boot to find...

Baby, unconscious.

The empty bag is beside her.

As MAC and DETECTIVE RAHMAN carry her out of the boot, we

CUT TO:

INT. SERVICE CORRIDOR -- NIGHT

The BLACKMAILER, still in his staff uniform, carrying a black rubbish bag. 

As he exits through a goods exit.

CUT TO:

EXT. LOADING BAY -- NIGHT

The BLACKMAILER exits into a crisp night air.  As he walks away, we

CUT TO:

INT. DETECTIVES ROOM -- NIGHT

OPEN ON SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE played on a laptop.

WIDEN TO reveal DETECTIVE RAHMAN and MAC looking at the screen.

DETECTIVE RAHMAN has a printed document in his hand.

DETECTIVE RAHMAN

Namanya Zulkifli Omar. Dia pernah ditahan oleh polis. Rompak bersenjata, pemerasan, banyak lagilah.

His name is Zul Omar... he's been arrested before... for burglary, and extortion.

 (beat)

Tapi, yang aku tak faham... Bagaimana dia kenal you, Baby? Bagaimana dia tahu banyak sangat?

But the question is... how come he knows so much about you?

On MAC'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. BABY'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

OPEN ON BABY'S expression...

BABY

Baby tak pernah jumpa dia pun.

No, I've never met him before.

MAC sits across from her, holding the document about Zul Omar.

MAC

Polis akan mahu bercakap dengan Baby tentang pekara ni. Tapi Baby harus rehat dahulu.

The police will want to talk to you at some point.    In the meantime, just get some rest.

(beat)

Dan, Baby… you akan dapat bilik Baby sendiri.

Oh, and you get to have your own room this time.

BABY

(slight smile)

Wow. Happy sungguh.

Wow, finally.

MAC starts to get up.

MAC

Kalau you nak room service, apa-apa... go ahead. Kalau you nak cakap...

You want to order your food up... anything... just go ahead.  And if you ever need to talk-

BABY

Bagaimana dengan rehearsals?

What about rehearsals?

MAC

Jangan risau. Rehat dulu. Kemudian-

Don't worry. I'll tell the others you're not feeling well.

BABY

Showdown dalam masa dua hari. You ingat I nak miss rehearsal ke?

Showdown's in two days.  You think I'm going to miss rehearsals?

MAC

Baby, relaks dulu. Buat sementara sahaja. Bila you perform nanti, I nak you fresh.

I'm telling you to.  Take it easy.  For now.

BABY

Mac, I'm ready.

MAC hesitates, then...

MAC

Okay. Esok, sepuluh pagi.

Usual.  10am tomorrow.

MAC gives BABY one last look, then exits.

BABY sits alone for a moment.  Tears form in her eyes.

As she struggles to hold them back, we 

CUT TO:

OPENING MONTAGE

END OF

ACT

INT. HOTEL LOBBY -- DAY 2

CAMERA POV: POP TV ANNOUNCER faces the camera.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Selamat datang semua ke episod terbaru Pop TV! Dalam masa dua hari sahaja - dua hari! - kami akan mengetahui siapakah peserta pertama yang akan disingkir dari Malaysian Star.

Welcome to another edition of Pop TV.  The countdown is just two days before the first Malaysian Star elimination round. 

(beat)

Ya, lima akan menjadi empat. Siapa akan lulus dan siapa akan gagal, mimpinya dihancur oleh undian SMS anda?

That's right.  One contestant will leave the show after tomorrow.  Who will it be?

CUT TO:

INT. REHEARSAL HALL -- DAY 2

OPEN ON AMIR on the phone.

AMIR

(on phone)

Pukul sepuluh? Okay. Jangan risau, bu. Amir akan sambut nanti.

Ten o'clock?  Okay, I'll be there.  No, it's okay... I'll come and pick you guys up.

He puts down the phone and realizes that the rest are looking at him.

AMIR

(to the rest)

Ibu Amir, nak datang ke KL dengan adik-adik Amir semua.

My mum.  She's coming with my little brothers and sister.  First time they're coming to KL.

NICKSON

Lucky you. I ada ma saya saja. Dan Calvin.

(beat)

Maybe.

Lucky you.  I only got my ma... and maybe Calvin.

(turns to Baby)

Baby?

BABY

Constance, kawan best sekali I. Dan Fazrina. Anak dia.

My best friend Constance.  And Fazrina... her daughter.

AMIR steals a glance.  BABY avoids his glance.

BURN

Me? I’m cool. Don’t need nobody. Buat solo aje beb.

Me?  I don't need no one there, man.

NICKSON

Don’t pretend-lah. Bukan kalau you need anybody. it's whether you want them there.

It's not who you need, okay... it's whether you want them there.

At that moment, MAC walks in.

MAC

Selamat pagi semua. Okay, guys, semacam kau tahu, showdown dalam masa dua hari-

Morning everyone... as you all know, you're going to have your first ever showdown in two days.

(beat, looks around)

Mana Melody?

Where's Melody?

BURN

Toilet.  Sakit perut.

BURN looks around, a little self-consciously.  No one seems to care.

MAC

Dia tu tak habis-habis. Food poisoning ke?

That's been happening quite a lot with her.  Food poisoning?

BURN

(shrugs)

Mana I tahu?

Guess so.

At that moment, MEL enters.

MEL

Sorry.

MAC

How's your stomach?

MEL

My tummy's yummy, thankyouverymuch.

(beat)

Why?

MAC shoots a look at BURN.

On his expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL LOBBY -- LATER

Rehearsals are over.  The kids exit the room.  A bunch of fans ask for photos and autographs.

AMIR sees JAY, walking towards him.

As AMIR walks over...

JAY

Jadi, Amir? Dah ready untuk Showdown?

Amir, my man... so, you ready for your big day?

AMIR shrugs.

AMIR

Okay lah.

JAY

Okay lah? Tak apa. Malam ni Jay jemput Amir minum sat. Pukul 8. Ada benda mustahak nak bincang.

Lemme buy you a drink tonight... tonight 8pm?

In the background...

MEL signs and autograph, then walks off.

BURN follows suit.

In the background, MAC observes.

CUT TO:

INT. LADIES -- DAY

MEL enters the bathroom and starts rummaging through her handbag.

BURN crashes through and grabs MEL'S hand.  She screams.

MEL

Ow!

Then she removes her hand... she's holding a bottle of lip gloss.  MEL just glares.

MEL

The men's is next door.

BURN

Melody. You high ke?

Are you high?

MEL

No.

BURN

You jangan cuba tipu I.

Don't lie, Mel!

(beat)

You kata you guna untuk performance saja.

You said that you only need it to perform.

MEL

Yes.

BURN

Jadi, sekarang rehearsal pun you kena guna?

So now it's rehearsals too?

MEL

Mac kan kata… mesti bagi 100%.

Mac says we should give 100% at rehearsals, what.

A beat.  Then BURN punches the cubicle with his fist, frustrated.  MEL cringes.

BURN

Melody…

Why are you doing this to yourself?!

MEL

Kenapa you kisah sangat?

Why do you care?

BURN glares at MEL, then...

BURN

You’re right. Kenapa I kisah sangat.

You're right.  Why should I?

He storms out.  On MEL'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR -- CONTINUOUS

BURN storms out and freezes.

MAC is just standing a few meters away.

BURN stands his ground, not sure what he should do next.

CUT TO:

INT. LADIES -- CONTINUOUS

MEL hesitates, then takes off her locket and opens it carefully.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR -- CONTINUOUS

MAC pushes past BURN and enters the bathroom.

BURN

Coach, wait-

CUT TO:

INT. LADIES -- CONTINUOUS

MAC enters, just as MEL sprinkles some powder on her hand.... followed by BURN.

She pulls away immediately... and closes her fist around the locket.

MAC

Apa ni?

What's going on?

MEL

Um, nothing. 

BURN

Sakit perut aje, boss.

She had a stomach ache.

MAC

(to Burn)

Eh, apa problem you? Kenapa you kat sini.

So what are you doing here?

BURN

We-

(beat)

Dude… nak cari quiet time sikit. Faham kan?

Look, we needed some private time,  you know what I'm saying?

He holds out his hand to MEL.  MEL holds it.

BURN pulls her toward the door.

They brush past MAC... he can see... some traces of powder on the counter.

MAC immediately grabs hold of MEL'S hand and twists it.

The locket falls to the ground.  White powder spills out.

MAC turns and glares at MEL.  On her expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- DAY

MEL and BURN sit in the room, not talking.

MAC stands in front, with MEL'S locket in his hand.

MAC

Jadi? Benda ni dah lama ke?

How long has this been going on?

Both are silent.

MAC

Burn?

BURN doesn't say a thing.

MAC

Fine.

(beat)

Melody… you’re outta here.

Melody... you're out of the competition.

Mel's mouth is agape.  BURN stands on his feet.

BURN

What?!! You're joking man! Bukan macam dia guna heroin!

MAC

Oh, jadi you tahu. Dah berapa lama?

Oh, so you know all about it.  How long has this been going on?!

BURN hesitates, then...

BURN

Tak betul-betul tahu. Tak lama pun.

I just found out, man.

A beat.  He turns and looks at MEL.

MAC

Burn, you dapat tahu? Atau you bagi kat dia?

You just found out, or you just gave it to her?

BURN

Dude... you ingat aku gangsta? Yang aku pusher?

So just because I look like some gangsta, I'm a drug dealer?

(beat)

Screw you, man.

BURN walks off and slams the door.  MAC turns back to MEL.

MAC

(to Mel)

Mel, I’m sorry. You’re out of the show.

You can't be in this show if you use drugs.

(beat)

I have to tell your father.

MEL just looks down.

MAC holds up her locket.

MAC

You ada lagi tak?

You got more hidden anywhere?

MEL

No.

MAC gently presses the locket back into her hand.

MAC

Are you lying?

Sorry.

MEL

(staring straight into Mac’s eyes)

No.

For... what?

MAC gets up and goes over to her belongings.  He starts checking everything... one my one.

MEL

What the hell are you doing?!

MAC

Making sure you're not lying.

As MAC carries on searching.  MEL starts to tear.

On her expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL ROOM CORRIDOR -- CONTINUOUS

BURN leans against the wall.  He can hear MAC trashing the room.  He wants to go back but he can't.  On his expression, we

FADE TO BLACK

END OF

ACT

INT. GUY'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

OPEN ON NICKSON putting on a shirt, and cradling his phone to his ear.  No one picks up.  Then a voicemail goes off.

VOICEMAIL

Please leave A message after the beep.

NICKSON

(on phone, singing)

I just called to say... I'm sorry!

(beat)

I just called to say how bad I feel...

(beat, gives up)

Calvin, don't be a queen okay.  Stop merajuking and pick up the damn phone!  Call me, okay!  I want to invite you to hear me sing.  Bye!

He hangs up, looks at himself in the mirror. 

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL LOBBY -- NIGHT

NICKSON walks through the lobby, looking for someone.  He spots...

A woman in her fifties, carrying a shopping bag, looking around.  She's NICKSON'S MUM.

NICKSON

Ma!

NICKSON'S MUM

Chee Soon!

The following dialogue is in hokkien.

NICKSON

It's soo good to see you.

NICKSON'S MUM gestures to a container in her bag.

NICKSON'S MUM

I made your favourite chup chai.

NICKSON

Thanks, Ma.  But tonight, my treat.  The Chinese restaurant upstairs is quite nice.

He is about to walk off, when she stops him...

NICKSON'S MUM

Um, wait first.

NICKSON

Wait for what?

Then he sees someone off-screen and freezes.  It's a man in his fifties, walking towards them.

NICKSON turns to his MUM.  MUM just looks back.

NICKSON'S DAD

So where are we going for makan?

On NICKSON'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. BABY'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Baby is sitting alone, looking at the picture of her daughter. She is lost in thought.

A beat, then she picks up the phone and dials...

BABY

(on phone)

Hi....

(beat)

Hi Fazrina! Fazrina buat apa sekarang?

What are you doing right now?

On her expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. BABY'S HOTEL ROOM - LATER

OPEN ON a room service trolley, filled with some dishes.

WIDEN TO REVEAL BABY and AMIR are sitting in her room, eating. 

BABY eats with gusto, then realizes that AMIR is looking.

BABY

What?

AMIR

Tak perasan pun, Baby ni rajin makan.

I don't think I've ever seen you eat like that before.

BABY

Lah… Baby buat bila seorang saja. Baby makan, sumbat semua sampai muak. Lepas tu, Baby sengaja muntahkan kat bilik air. Bila dah rasa okay, Baby start lagi sekali.

I do it in private when no one's looking.  Then I vomit it all out again.

AMIR reacts.

BABY

Baby gurau aje lah.

Just joking.

AMIR

Baby… masalah Baby dah…

So your problem... it's solved?

BABY stops eating.

BABY

Baby tak mahu cakap pasal tu.

I don't really wanna talk about it.

AMIR

Maaf.

Sorry.

BABY continues eating, then stops.

AMIR

Kenapa?

What's wrong?

BABY

(shrugs)

Baby dah tak lapar lagi.

I'm not hungry anymore.

CUT TO:

INT. CHINESE RESTAURANT -- NIGHT

OPEN ON sumptious Chinese food on the dinner table.

NICKSON takes some food for his MUM.

NICKSON

Ma... eat.

NICKSON'S MUM

Wah, too much for me la, Nickson...

She transfers the food over to her husband's plate.  NICKSON'S DAD doesn't even say thanks.  NICKSON  watches.

NICKSON'S MUM

So are you ready for tomorrow?

NICKSON

Nervous lah, ma.

NICKSON'S DAD

What's there to be nervous about... sing song only what.

NICKSON stops eating.

NICKSON

Do you know how hard it is to get into this competition?  How many people got rejected?

NICKSON'S DAD

So what?  There are a lot of bad singers in the world.

Mum quickly cuts in.

NICKSON'S MUM

So we'll both come tomorrow and cheer you on, okay.

NICKSON

I've only got two tickets... one for you, one for Calvin.

A beat.

NICKSON'S MUM

You can't get another one for pa?

NICKSON

No.

NICKSON'S mum turns to dad, scared.

NICKSON'S MUM

Why don't you talk to Calvin... he can watch it on TV, right?  Then your pa can come.

NICKSON

No, pa can watch it on TV if he wants.

Dad slams his chopsticks down on his plate.

NICKSON'S DAD

What did you say?

NICKSON'S MUM

Never mind la, if your pa cannot come, then I won't come.  We both watch on TV.

NICKSON

Ma-

NICKSON'S DAD

If your ma doesn't want to go, then it's her business la.

NICKSON and dad square off.  Then DAD'S phone rings.

NICKSON'S DAD

(on phone)

Hello?

He gets up from the table and walks off.  Immediately, NICKSON turns to MUM.

NICKSON

Ma... what are you doing?

NICKSON'S MUM

We've been married so long already.  And he's nice to me now.

NICKSON

How?  He only hits you one time instead of ten?

NICKSON'S mum slaps him.  NICKSON is stunned.

NICKSON'S MUM

He's your father.  Don't you ever talk about him like that.

(beat)

And if I want to be with him, why can't you just be happy for me.

On NICKSON'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. BABY'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

AMIR and BABY still in the room.

BABY

Polis pun kata, dia dah dapat duit, buat apa dia nak kacau Baby lagi?

The police say that since he's got the money... there's no reason for him to bother me again.

(beat)

Tapi tiap kali Baby masuk lif. Tiap kali pintu itu tertutup. Baby rasa gelisah.

But everytime I'm in a lift, I keep on thinking there's someone else there.

AMIR

Bagaimana dengan Constane dan Faizura? Baby dah cakap dengan mereka?

What about Constance and Faizura... have you spoken to them?

BABY

(shrugs)

Yah. Macam Baby nak kata, “Constance, Baby kena ugut sebab Fazrina bukan anak you tapi anak I”.

What am I going to say?  "Constance, I'm being blackmailed about the fact that Fazrina isn't really your daughter."

AMIR

Dia harus tahu, Baby. Fazrina mungkin dalam bahaya.

She needs to know.  How else is she going to keep Fazrina safe?

BABY is silent.

AMIR

Baby kesal ke? Sebab Baby melepaskan Fazrina…

Do you regret... ever giving Fazrina away?

BABY hesitates, then...

BABY

It’s okay. Biasanya Baby tak fikirkan pun langsung.

Sometimes.  I try not to think about it too much.

(beat)

Teruk, kan?

Does that make me a bad person?

On AMIR'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

MEL looks at the mess in her room.  She finds her leather bound journal... and dusts it off.

She opens it, and turns the pages one by one.

The doorbell rings.

MEL opens the door.  BURN is standing outside, in the corridor.

BURN

Melody, Burn tahu, kadang-kadang Burn terlalu dengan Melody.

I know that I've messed around with you.  I'm sorry.

A beat.  BURN hesitates, then...

BURN

Melody, people will give you a million reasons to stop.

Everyone has a million reasons why you should stop using.

(beat)

I ada satu saja.

I only have one.

(beat)

I don't want to lose you.

MEL reacts.  BURN holds out his hand.  MEL holds it.  Then BURN pulls her down the corridor.

MEL

Where are we going?

BURN

Trust me.

MEL hesitates, then lets him pull her away down the corridor.

CUT TO:

INT. REHEARSAL HALL -- NIGHT

MAC is in the room with JAY and DAVID. OPEN ON DAVID, stunned.

DAVID

Are you sure?

MAC

Yes.

DAVID

Maybe it's her medication.  Melody takes pills to-

JAY

Siapa lagi yang tahu?

Who else knows about this?

MAC

Seorang lagi saja.

Only one other contestant. 

DAVID

Who?

JAY

(interrupts)

Mac, you kena cakap dengan Burn tu. Jaga mulut dia.

We've got to talk to that Burn kid... make sure he doesn't spill the beans.

DAVID

Burn?  He gave my daughter drugs?!

MAC

No, he didn't.

JAY

How d'you know?

MAC

We're not here to discuss where she got the drugs... but what to do next.

(to David)

I know A good clinic you can take her.  They're ready to check you in tonight.

DAVID

Check her in?  She's performing in tomorrow.

MAC

No, she's not.

(beat)

She's off the show.

DAVID/JAY

What?!

JAY

You crazy ke?

Are you out of your mind?

DAVID

You have no right-

JAY

He's got no authority!

MAC

She's on drugs. 

(to Jay)

You want someone who's high on drugs on the show?

JAY

Mac… apa I nak, apa you nak, siapa kisah? The show must go on, remember?

Who cares what I want?  The show must go on, remember?

DAVID

My daughter is not leaving the show.

JAY

Do you know how popular Melody is?  Do you have any idea how screwed up the voting will be? 

MAC

She's taking drugs right now because of the pressure.  What d'you think it's going to be like on stage, huh? 

(beat)

Siapa nak jaga dia kalau apa-apa? Kau?

Who's going to be responsible when something happens?  You?

JAY

Dan bila sponsor tarik diri, siapa nak gantikan mereka? Kau?

And who's going to be responsible when the sponsor pulls out?  You?

MAC and JAY face off, then...

DAVID

I'll be responsible for whatever happens. 

A beat.

MAC

What does that mean?

DAVID

We've been preparing for this for years.  We can't just throw it away now.

MAC

What's the use of winning this competition if you lose your daughter?

DAVID

I'll just have to make sure I don't lose her. 

On MAC'S expression, we

CUT TO:

EXT. HOTEL ROOFTOP -- NIGHT

The door to the roof opens and BURN steps out. Close behind him is MELODY, looking around.

MELODY

Is this like some Drama Minggu Ini when we're supposed to gaze at the twin towers and you try to kiss me.

BURN

We're here to sing.

MELODY

What?!

BURN

Esok dah showdown. Dan you belum practice lagi.

The competition's tomorrow.  And you haven't rehearsed properly.

MELODY

Kan Mac dah kata. I’m out of the show.

Didn't you hear Mac?  I might be out of the show.

BURN

You believe everything Mac says?

You never know.

MELODY smiles.

BURN

So... let's sing.

On MEL'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL BAR -- NIGHT

AMIR is sitting by the bar, nursing a Coke.

JAY approaches.

JAY

Sorry Mir… ada hal tadi.

Yo, sorry to keep you waiting, dude.  Something came up.

(beat)

I need a drink, man.

He turns and smiles at AMIR.

JAY

Keluarga you jadi datang?

So your family's coming tomorrow?

AMIR

Ayah tak boleh, dia masih kat kampung. Ayah merungut, tapi Bu kata, kan ada TV.

Everyone except dad.  Mum's getting our relatives to look after him.  She says he can watch it on TV. 

(beat)

Amir dah mintak ibu, tak payah datang.

I told them not to come.

JAY

Sebab Amir mahu mereka jaga ayah?

So that they can take care of your dad?

AMIR

Bukan tu saja. Buat apa mereka datang jauh-jauh, pas tu, nampak Amir kalah.

Also that they don't come all the way... then see me lose.

JAY

Amir takkan kalah.

Amir... you are not going to lose.

AMIR smiles.

JAY

Amir... I nak bagi you tahu. Jay akan tinggal Rock Records. Nak buat syarikat rakaman baru.

Amir... I thought you should be the first to know.  Jay akan tinggal Rock Records.  Nak buat syarikat rakaman baru.

AMIR

Ya kah?

JAY

(smiles)

Jay Records.

AMIR

Hey, tahniah!

JAY

I dah feddup promote boy band, girl groups. Gaya ada, tapi tak boleh nyanyi langsung.

I'm sick of having to promote boy bands and girl groups, man.  

(beat)

I nak dapat artis baru, yang ori sikit.

(beat)

Macam Amir.

AMIR

(laughs)

You nak sign I, ke? 

JAY

For sure.

(beat)

Tapi pemenang Malaysian Star terpaksa sign dengan Rock Records.

But I can't.  You know that the winner of Malaysian Star has to sign with Rock Records, right? 

AMIR

You cakap macam I dah menang je.

JAY

Amir, you dengar cakap I. I dah lama dalam bisness ni. Bila I kata you akan menang, you akan menang.

Amir, trust a guy who's had ten years in the biz... you're going to win this thing, bro.

 (beat)

Jay nak tanya... apa yang mustahak kepada Amir? Memenangi Malaysian Star? Atau mendapat karier yang lumayan?

Let me ask you this... what does success mean to you?  Winning a one-time title?  Or having a long career?

AMIR

(shrugs)

Mestilah career.

JAY

Kamu tak kan dapat career dengan Rock Records. Tahun ni, yah, bagus. Lepas tu? Tahun depan? Kan ada Malaysian Star baru. Jadi? Apa akan jadi pada Amir?

You are not going to get a long career with Rock Records.  You'll get a good one year... till the next Malaysian star comes along la, then what d'you think's gonna happen to you?

A beat.

JAY

Kalau I jadi manager Amir, I boleh jaga you.

If I manage you, I'll make sure you get treated right.

(beat)

Dapat kotrak yang bagus. Signing-on fee lima kali ganda apa Rock Records akan beri.

I'll make sure you get paid right.  You're worth five times more than what you'll get at Rock, man.

(beat)

Tapi... kalau Amir menang, Amir tak boleh sign dengan Jay.

But the only way that can happen is if you lose.

AMIR

Wow...

(beat, laughs)

Macam tu Amir kena kalah lah!

I guess I just have to lose lah!

JAY doesn't flinch.

A beat.  It dawns on AMIR...

AMIR

Jay nak Amir kalah?

You want me to lose?

JAY stares at Amir.  Another beat, then...

AMIR

Dengan sengaja?

You're serious?

JAY looks away, not answering.

AMIR gets up immediately.

JAY

Amir... ingatkan masa depan Amir. Jay boleh jaga Amir.

Amir, I'm just looking out for you, bro.

AMIR

Keluarga Amir datang esok untuk tengok Amir menang.

My parents are coming tomorrow to watch me win.

(beat)

Bukan kalah.

Not lose.

JAY

Pasal keluarga Amir… bagaimana dengan ayah you?

You talk about your parents... how's your dad?

AMIR is silent.

JAY

Kan your mum kata, ubat-ubat semua mahal.

Your mum says his medicine's expensive, right?  How's she going to afford it?

(beat)

Kan bagus, kalau Amir dapat tolong. Kalau Amir dapat peluang?

If you're given a chance to pay for it, are you going to grab it?  Or let it slip by? 

On AMIR'S expression, we

FADE TO BLACK

END OF

ACT

EXT. HOTEL ROOFTOP -- NIGHT

OPEN ON MEL and BURN, singing on the roof. 

BURN interrupts her.

BURN

Melody, kena bagi soul sikit.

Give it some more soul, baby.

MELODY

Actually, Mac kata, “with more feeling”.

BURN

Don’t insult me. I’m not Mac. Cuba macam ni.

I'm not Mac.  Try it like this.

Burn sings, with feeling, in an R&B sort of style.

MELODY

(laughs)

Erm… NO!!!

I don't think that's what Mac means.

(beat)

Bila Mac kata, “more feeling”, he means… well, to really mean it.

I think he means to... well, really mean it.

BURN

Yeah, act like it is.

MELODY

No, really mean it... like this.

She sings again... this time with more feeling.

She finishes.  Both her and BURN gaze into each other's eyes.

BURN

You have to promise me something.

Promise me one thing.

MELODY

What?

BURN

Stop doing drugs.

MEL hesitates, then...

MEL

I promise.

They stare into each other's eyes a while longer.

BURN

What you said just now... about staring at the twin towers and me trying to kiss you?

MEL nods.

BURN

(gesturing at the horizon)

Well, they’re there.

Well, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea.

(beat)

And I'm here.

He leans toward her.

Their lips nearly meet, when her phone rings.  MEL looks at the number.

MEL

It's Mac.

BURN

Mel-

MEL

(on phone)

Coach?

(beat)

I just took a walk.  I'll be right down.

She puts her phone down and looks at BURN.

MEL

My dad's downstairs.

BURN

Go.  The twin towers ain't going anywhere.

As MEL walks off, we

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

MONTAGE SEQUENCE

MEL faces DAVID.  They look at each other for a moment.  DAVID hugs her.

MEL looks past his shoulder... her face without emotion.

MAC stands nearby.  As MEL'S eyes connect with his, we...

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- LATER

MEL and DAVID talk in the room.

DAVID

Why?

MEL

It helps me perform better.

DAVID

You don't need drugs to perform better.

MEL

How d'you know that?

DAVID reacts.

MEL

How d'you know what I need to perform better?

On DAVID'S reaction, we

CUT TO:

INT. GUY'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

NICKSON is on the phone.

NICKSON

Ma... if you want to bring dad, bring him lah.

(beat)

No la... Calvin's not coming.  He's busy with something.

He turns and notices AMIR looking at him.

NICKSON

(on phone)

Okay, bye.

NICKSON hangs up.

AMIR

Ayah you datang ke?

So your dad's coming?

NICKSON

Yah.

(beat)

Yours?

AMIR

No...

On his expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. BABY'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

BABY is on the phone with Constance.

BABY

Yah, 6pm. Tiket dekat reception.

Yah, 6pm.  I've left tickets at reception.  Just tell them your names...

(beat)

Faz dah tidur ke? Boleh Baby cakap dengan dia?

Is Faz still awake?  Lemme talk to her.

A beat, then...

BABY

Hi Faz. Faz nak datang tengok auntie nyanyi esok tak?

Hey, Faz.  You going to come watch me sing tomorrow?

As she continues talking, BABY turns sad.

CUT TO:

EXT.  CITY --  NEW DAY

EST.  SHOTS as a new day dawns on the city.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL LOBBY -- NEW DAY

OPEN ON CAMERA POV: POP TV ANNOUNCER faces the camera.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Inilah hari yang di nanti-nantikan. Lima perserta akan menjadi empat. Mimpi siapakah yang akan dihampakan?

And tonight's the day we've all been waiting for.  Tonight, five contestants have to battle it out to stay on the show. 

(beat)

Tonight, one person will be leaving the show.

CUT TO:

INT. GUY'S HOTEL ROOM -- DAY

NICKSON wakes up and throws his pillow at AMIR to wake him up.  AMIR wakes up and does the same towards BURN'S bed.  But BURN'S bed is empty.

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- DAY

MEL is asleep in bed.  BURN is on the couch, just watching her.

On his expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. GUY'S HOTEL ROOM -- DAY

AMIR and NICKSON are getting ready when AMIR'S phone rings. 

AMIR looks at the number and answers.

AMIR

Mak... dah sampai KL?

(beat)

Mak...

AMIR slumps down on his bed.  NICKSON notices.

On his expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL LOBBY -- DAY

POP TV ANNOUNCER faces the camera.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Dan sekarang saya Encik Jay dari Rock Records. Rock Records adalah syarikat rakaman yang akan mentandatangani kontrak dengan pemenang Malaysian Star.

Beside me is Jay, of Rock Records.  Whoever wins Malaysian star will get signed by Jay.

Widen to reveal JAY beside her.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

(to Jay)

Jadi, apakah yang kamu harapkan dari pemenang Malaysian Star?

So Jay, what are you looking for in a Malaysian Star?

JAY

Kami mencari seorang yang dynamic, exciting, original. Apa lagi nak kata, kami mencari seorang star.

Someone fresh, exciting, original... no way else to put it, except I'm looking for a star.

As JAY talks, he sees... AMIR waiting for him in A corner.

JAY finishes the interview and walks over.

JAY

Kenapa?

What's up?

AMIR

Ayah Amir jatuh semalam.

My father.  He collapsed last night. 

A beat.

JAY

Dia okay?

Is he okay?

AMIR

Dia baru masuk hospital

He's in hospital now

AMIR starts to tear.

JAY

Amir, jangan risau. Jay boleh minta kawan kat Alor Setar, check semua okay. Jangan risau pasal bill hospital pun. Semua beres.

Hey, don't worry man.  I'll get my folks in Kedah to check things out.  And you don't have to worry about the hospital bills, man.  They're taken care of.

AMIR

(shakes his head)

Jay betul. Amir harus jaga keluarga Amir.

You're right.  I have to make sure he's okay.

(beat)

Amir harus…

I have to-

(beat)

Yang Jay minta semalam.

What you said.... about making sure I sign with you.

(beat)

Okay. Amir akan buat. Amir akan sign contract dengan Jay.

I'll do it.

JAY reacts.  On AMIR'S reaction, we

FADE TO BLACK

END OF

ACT

EXT.  STUDIO -- DAY

EST.  SHOTS of TV3 studio.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO RECEPTION -- DAY

OPEN ON MAC and the kids standing right in the middle of a huge empty studio.

Around them, technical crew work on cameras etc.

MAC

Dalam masa tiga jam… auditorium akan penuh dengan peminat yang sanggup buat apa saja pun untuk menolong kau orang menang.

In three hours... those seats out there will be filled with people who will do anything to help you guys win.

(beat)

Jangan sia-siakan masa mereka. Buatlah persembahan yang berbaloi undian mereka.

How do you repay them?  Convince them that you're worthy of their votes.

Everyone reacts to themselves.

MAC

Let's get to work

On everyone's expressions, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- DAY

MONTAGE SEQUENCE of the different kids rehearsing, while MAC instructs them.

AMIR watches the rest rehearse... he's looking worried

MEL rehearses...

As BURN rehearses, he steals a glance at MEL.  She's fiddling with her locket.  She catches his eye and pops open her locket - it's empty.

BABY rehearses under MAC'S watchful eyes.  She sees...

CONSTANCE AND FAZRINA watching in the AUDIENCE.  On BABY'S expression...

NICKSON rehearses, then steps off and sees someone off-screen...

The doors in the background open.  DAVID enters, then quietly walks to the back of the room, pulls up a chair and sits down, watching MEL.

NICKSON

(to Mel)

Kenapa your dad kat sini?

What's your Dad doing here?

MEL turns and reacts.

On her expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- LATER

MEL approaches DAVID.  In the background, BURN watches. 

DAVID

What does he want?

MEL

Nothing. 

DAVID

Keep away from him.

Keep away from him.  He's a bad influence on you.

On MEL'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO LOBBY -- DAY

CAMERA POV: POP TV ANNOUNCER faces the camera.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Dan dengan beberapa jam sahaja, ramai yang fikir, perjalanan siapa akan akhir malam ini.

And with only hours before the showdown, everyone's thinking about who will stay and who will go?  Let's see what some of the fans have to say.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA/ MAKE-UP AREA -- NIGHT

NICKSON stepping in backstage.  OR being made up.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY OR TV3 STUDIO

Fans face the camera airing their views.

FAN 1

Saya tak suka Nickson tu. Macam pondan saja. Baik dia balik kampung, nyanyi Red Box karaoke dia.

I think Nickson will go.  Dude's just too campy man.  He should stick to singing in a karaoke or something.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA/ MAKE-UP AREA -- NIGHT

BURN stepping in backstage.  OR being made up.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY OR TV3 STUDIO

FAN 2

Burn sure kalah. Kalau bukan sebab girl fans, mesti dia takkan di sini.

Burn sure kalah.  He's here just because the girls like him.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA / MAKE-UP AREA -- NIGHT

BABY stepping in backstage.  OR being made up.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY OR TV3 STUDIO

FAN 3

Dan Baby? Laki semua gatal dengan dia? Nyanyi pun tak boleh.

What about Baby?  She's just here because boys like her. 

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA / MAKE-UP AREA -- NIGHT

MEL stepping in backstage.  OR being made up.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY OR TV3 STUDIO

FAN 4

Melody. Suara best. Personality… elek.

Mel.  She might have a great voice... but she just doesn't have the personality lah.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA/ MAKE-UP AREA -- NIGHT

AMIR stepping in backstage.  OR being made up.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY OR TV3 STUDIO

FAN 4

You tahu siapa akan out? Budak kampung tu yang tak boleh nyanyi dalam English.

Who do I think's going to be out?  Who's the kampung boy who can't sing in English?

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA / MAKE-UP AREA -- NIGHT

It's a while later.  All the kids are dressed up in their show outfits.

MAC stands in front. 

WAHIDA stands in the background, taking notes.

MAC

Tengoklah. Di TV. Di paper. Siapa akan disingkir malam ni?

It's in the papers.  On TV.  Everyone's talking about who's going home today.

(beat)

But when you perform, jangan fikir tentang undian. Jangan fikir tentang penyingkiran.

(beat)

Fikir tentang performance. Ingat pergerakan.

(beat)

Lebih dari tu, ingat emosi. Ingat perasaan.

BABY

Burn, ingat lirik, yah?

Burn shoots Baby a glare.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- NIGHT

EST.  SHOT: SHOT FOOTAGE of CROWD.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO CROWD -- NIGHT

NICKSON'S mum and dad sit down in the AUDIENCE.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO CROWD -- NIGHT

DAVID sits down amongst the CROWD.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

The HOST of the show bounds up on stage.

HOST

Ya, tuan-tuan dan puan-puan, selamat datang semua ke showdown pertama, yah, yang pertama,

MALAYSIAN STAR!  Kami nanti-nantikan persembahan khas dari

As each name is announced, we see each contestant appear on TV.  They step on stage and then off again.

HOST

Baby!

There are wolf whistles from the CROWD.  CONSTANCE AND FAZRINA clap.  BABY smiles, winks and sashays off. 

HOST

Nickson!

Nickson gives a limp wave, the Crowd cheers.

In their seats, NICKSON'S MUM and DAD clap.

HOST

Melody! 

Plenty of cheering. Melody smiles shyly, but it's clear she's terrified.  DAVID watches, concerned.

HOST

Burn!

Burn bounces onto the stage, it's his kingdom. He stands there, arms outstretched as he bathes in the screams of a thousand tweenie girls.

HOST

Daaaan... AMIR! 

At the mention of his name, the crowd positively erupts into a cacaphony. 

CROWD

AMIR!  AMIR!  AMIR!

The ANNOUNCER is now struggling to talk over noise.

HOST

Ya! Ya!  Sabar, sabar, masa Amir akan datang. 

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA -- NIGHT

The group huddle around each other.

MAC

Are you guys ready?

KIDS

Yess!

MAC

I said are you ready?!

KIDS

Yess!!

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- NIGHT

HOST

Peserta pertama malam ni, Puteri Pop Malaysian Star… BABY!!!

Our first contestant is none other than the queen of glam herself.  Baby!!

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- NIGHT

In the CROWD, CONSTANCE and FAZRINA clap wildly.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA -- NIGHT

MAC stands beside BABY.

MAC

Baby… lupakan semua yang terjadi minggu ini… focus pada performance.

All that stuff that's happened over the last few days... shut it all out.  Focus on here and now.

BABY nods.  As she steps out, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

As BABY steps out and launches into her performance, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- NIGHT

AMIR stands backstage, downcast.  JAY approaches.

JAY

You okay?

AMIR nods.

JAY

Ingat keluarga kamu.

Remember... think about your family.

On AMIR'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS

The judges are giving their comments on BABY.

JUDGE 1

Okaylah. Boleh pass malam ni, tapi minggu depan, kena berusaha sikit, okay?

Okaylah.  Good enough to get through, but give us better next round, okay?

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

We hear the CROWD applauding.  BABY comes backstage and rushes by Mac and BURN, her performance over.  She looks happy.

BABY

They LIKE me!!!

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

HOST

Perserta yang kedua malam ini ialah-

CROWD

AMIR!!!

HOST

Aduh, sakit telinga. Belum Amir lagi, tapi... NICKSON!

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

NICKSON walks past everyone, slapping their hands, as he steps onstage.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS

NICKSON steps onstage and scans the CROWD. 

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO CROWD -- CONTINUOUS

Mum and dad are sitting beside each other.  They are holding hands.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

NICKSON reacts, then starts singing.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

MAC looks around and notices...

MEL is missing.

CUT TO:

INT. MAKE UP AREA -- NIGHT

MELODY is sitting in the dressing room, looking in her journal. MAC bursts in.

MAC

What the hell are you doing?

MELODY

Learning my lyrics.

Mac just shakes his head.

MAC

You're up next.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO - ON STAGE -- NIGHT

The judges are commenting on NICKSON.

JUDGE 2

I memang suka style awak yang… tersendiri.

I love your individual style.

JUDGE 3

Okaylah. Kalau you suka benda macam tu. Saya tak suka.

If you like that sort of thing, it's good.  But I don't. 

All the while, Nickson is looking at his parents.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

NICKSON walks off-stage.  He doesn't look happy.

BURN sees MELODY entering with MAC.

BURN

You okay?

MEL

Sure.

BURN reaches over for MELODY'S hand.  MEL grips it.

BURN

Then knock them dead, girl.

MAC stands nearby and signals to MEL.

MAC

Go, go.

Melody lifts her head up and gives a huge smile. She winks at Burn. She walks onto the stage.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

It's MELODY's turn to perform. The lights go down, leaving a spotlight on MELODY. She begins singing. 

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO CROWD -- CONTINUOUS

In the CROWD, DAVID watches.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

BURN watches MEL perform, nervous.  MAC walks up to him.

MAC

Relax.

BURN catches himself and nods.

MAC

Dia okay malam ni.

She's doing fine.

BURN nods, embarrassed.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

MEL builds to the climax with gusto and emotion. She finishes on a high.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS

JUDGE 2

Persembahan yang terbaik malam ini.

That was the best I've heard from you so far! 

JUDGE 1

Pentas ni, penonton di sini dan kat rumah… Melody, tonight’s your night.

Tonight's your night!

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS

SHOT FOOTAGE: the CROWD goes wild.

DAVID is on his feet, applauding.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

MELODY comes backstage. She's happy. She sees Burn and gives him a big smile.

BURN

(smiling)

That was great!

MEL

You heard that JUDGE?  "Tonight's my night"!

(beat)

Are you going to spend it with me?

Melody gives BURN a big hug and moves to kiss him on the lips.  BURN reacts and pushes her away slightly.

BURN

Mel… you okay ke? You tak…

Mel... did you take something just now? 

MELODY looks away.

BURN

Did you?

Melody snaps her head right back and stares at Burn.

MELODY

You kata, I was great.

You said I was great.

BURN shakes his head in disbelief.

BURN

Melody, you dah janji…

You promised me... 

Burn is interrupted by MAC.

MAC

Burn, you're up!

BURN glares at MEL, then exits.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

BURN steps onstage.  He's visibly nervous.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO CROWD -- CONTINUOUS

The CROWD of girls go wild.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

BURN'S music begins, but you can tell he's not really into it. 

As he launches into it, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

AMIR waits backstage.  He exchanges glances with JAY.  MAC notices.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS

BURN is standing in front of the judges.

JUDGE 1

Burn, Burn, apa jadi? Hangus semua.

JUDGE 3

You obviously don't care about the competition.  So why should we care about you?

On BURN'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

BURN exits from backstage.  The rest look at him.

BURN

What you looking at?

Then JAY approaches AMIR.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

HOST

Sekarang, peserta yang dinanti-nantikan, peserta yang terakhir yang bernama... AMIR!

The announcer is drowned out by the CROWD.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

Jay approaches Amir and holds out his hand.

JAY

Make me proud. 

Amir hesitates, then shakes his hand.  He walks out on stage. Mac stares at Jay.  JAY is just looking out at AMIR.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

AMIR bounds out on stage.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL -- CONTINUOUS

Somewhere in the hotel, DAYANG watches AMIR on TV.

On her expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

Amir starts to sing one line.  It's good.  Smooth and clear.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

Mac is looking at AMIR, nodding him on.  JAY on the other hand has his jaw set. 

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

Amir is just looking out at the CROWD, mike in hand. The music dies out.

AMIR

(softly)

Maafkan saya...

AMIR walks off.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL -- CONTINUOUS

Dayang stares at the screen.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

AMIR storms off.  MAC and JAY stare.

So does WAHIDA.

Then MAC approaches JAY.

JAY

I'll go see if he's okay.

JAY walks off.  As MAC and WAHIDA exchange glances, we

CUT TO:

INT. MAKE UP AREA -- CONTINUOUS

AMIR sits alone in the make-up area, downcast.

JAY enters and puts his hand on his shoulder.  AMIR flings it away.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- CONTINUOUS

The HOST on stage.

HOST

Itulah tuan-tuan dan puan-puan… kelima-lima Malaysian Star kita!

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen... our five Malaysian Stars!!

(beat)

Ingat, undian anda mustahak.  Pada akhir rancangan Ini, satu dari lima peserta kami akan disingkir, dibiar ditepi Saja, jadi jangan malu, undi kuat-kuat, undi banyak-banyak!

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

Everyone (BURN, NICKSON, BABY, AMIR, MELODY, MAC, JAY) is backstage, staring at the TV screen.

MAC

Okay, sebelum you naik pentas… I nak kata, you guys betul-betul berkerja keras.

Okay, before you go out there... I just want to say you guys put a lot of hard work in.

(beat)

Mac betul-betul bangga. Dan jika kamu tak successful malam ni…

I'm really proud of you.  And even if you don't make it tonight...

For a moment, MAC'S eyes fix on Amir.

MAC

Jika kamu berusaha dengan jujur, kamu masih boleh menjadi star.

If you work hard enough, you can still be a star.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO STAGE -- LATER

The kids (AMIR, BURN, NICKSON, MELODY, BABY)  appear to the stage, to applause.  Various members of the audience are calling different names.  They all look nervous.  Melody reaches out for BURN'S hand.  BURN, unsure at first, then takes it and grips it.

HOST

Tanpa lengah lagi, inilah keputusan malam ini.  Perserta yang telah mendapat undian tertinggi... ialah... Melody! 

CUT TO:

The crowd goes while.  DAVID pumps the air with his fists.

HOST

Tempat kedua ialah...

Baby looks expectant.

HOST

NICKSON!

Baby looks dejected.  And extremely nervous.

HOST

Tempat ketiga... BABY!

A wave of relief crashes over Baby.  She loses her composure for a second and then remembers herself.  She beams and waves to the AUDIENCE.

HOST

Jadi, tempat yang terbawah sekali akan jatuh kepada satu dari Amir dan Burn. 

shouts from the AUDIENCE.

AUDIENCE

Amir!!  Burn!!!

HOST

Peserta... yang akan menyambung perjalananya minggu hadapan... ialah....

The audience are becoming frantic.

AUDIENCE

AMIR!!!  BURN!!!  AMIRR!!!  BURRRN!!!

HOST

Amir!

The Crowd goes wild. Amir looks around, a little surprised. Burn pulls his hand out of Melody's.

HOST

Ingat, undi kamu yang telah memilih dan jika kamu tidak undi, tiada siapa lagi yang boleh disalahkan.

AMIR turns and extends his hand to BURN.

BURN pushes it away and storms off.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO BACKSTAGE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

The kids exit from the stage.  BURN just brushes past Mac as if he wasn't there.

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO LOBBY -- LATER

CAMERA POV: POP TV ANNOUNCER talks to an AMIR FAN.

He's wearing a "AMIR STAR SAYA" t-shirt.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Jadi, bagaimana Amir boleh mendapat undian, walaupun memberi persembahan begitu?

AMIR FAN

(shouting)

Sebab kami, peminat setia kepada dia.  Dia rebel, beb!  Dia star yang sebenar. YO! Amir!  CAYA SAMA LU!!!

CUT TO:

INT. MAKE UP AREA -- NIGHT

BURN grabs his stuff and heads straight for the door.  MEL rushes to stop him.

MEL

Hey, I'm sorry.

BURN

Hey… You dah memang pilih nak jadi junkie. Apa I nak buat?

You should be!  It's your fault!

MEL is stunned.

MEL

Burn-

BURN

Keep away from me, man.

AMIR walks over...

AMIR

Burn, cool sikit brader.

Burn, cool it.

BURN shoves AMIR, hard.

BURN

Kau pun. Tak nyanyi sepatah pun boleh dapat undi. Macam mana, ah?

You too.  You heard yourself out there.  Didn't even sing the damn song.  And you're still here?!  Explain that, man!

Around then, the rest of the kids stare. MAC approaches.

MAC

Burn, that's enough!!

BURN glares, then storms off.

MEL

Burn!

She tries to go after him, but he shoves her.

BURN

I’m cool. Leave me alone.

I said keep away from me!

(beat)

Leave me alone forever.

I never want to see you again.

He walks off.  On MEL'S expression, we

CUT TO:

INT. TV3 STUDIO LOBBY -- LATER

CAMERA POV: BURN storms in.  The camera zeroes in on him.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Jadi, bagaimana-

So how are you feeling right now?

BURN

Pigilah!

Get out of my face!

BURN lunges at the camera.  As the camera topples to the ground, we

CUT TO:

EXT. CITY -- NIGHT

Est. shots of night in the city.

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT

OPEN ON TV SCREEN:

BURN scuffles with the camera.  As he walks off, we see the POP TV ANNOUNCER facing the camera.

POP TV ANNOUNCER

Dan, itu dia, penyinkiran pertama Malaysian Star, meluahkan perasaannya.

(beat, to the cameraman)

Bob, you okay, ke?

There he goes, the first to be kicked off the show, venting his frustration.

MEL picks up her phone and tries to call BURN.

MEL

Look, please call me, okay. so that we can talk?

MEL opens her journal.

She turns to the inside cover and picks at the corner.  It peels away to reveal white powder in a plastic bag.

MEL sprinkles the powder on her hand and takes a sniff...

Then,

She turns up the music on her stereo.

CUT TO:

INT. MEL'S HOTEL ROOM -- LATER

TIME LAPSE to hours later. 

Traces of powder on the bedside table.

It's hours later.

MEL is still on the phone, sobbing.

MEL

Burn... please, just talk to me... I'm sorry.

She turns around to sprinkle more powder on her finger.

But her hand goes limp...

The phone in her hand drops to the ground.

As she crashes onto the bed, her eyelids close...

FADE TO BLACK

THE END