marksburyscripts

[marksburyscripts]

We’ve Moved

From now on, all transcripts will be available on the Pariah Podcasts website, found on the pages for their respective shows

#Pariah Podcasts #The Marksbury Incident

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 14-- The Forsaken Son

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Strangulation

[Pre-episode announcement]

Hey, everyone, Victor Stark here, with a mic that my cat knocked off of a table and dented. Thanks, Zoe. 

I just wanted to tell you guys about some exciting news. Like I said last episode, The Marksbury Incident will be wrapping up its first season next episode, after which we’ll be taking a hiatus. And hey, you’re gonna need something to fill up that time. You like classic literature, right? Well, Alli Malone, voice of Christine Daae in The Marksbury Incident, is currently casting for Hamlet: A Modern Retelling. In this new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic, Hamlet, Horatio, and Ophelia must face off against family drama, corporate espionage, and supernatural forces. Casting is open through May 7th. For more information and updates, check out @PariahPod on Twitter, or at pariahpodcasts.com.

That’s it from me! Here we go!

--

[Immediately after the previous episode. Victor is breathing heavily, clearly terrified. Erik is loving it.]

ERIK

Why so quiet all of a sudden?

VICTOR

Get away from me.

ERIK

That sounds like a threat.

VICTOR

Maybe it is.

ERIK

Is that so? [He laughs] Now that would be a sight.

VICTOR

So-- So what, is-- Is it time, is that why you’re here? Finally bored of watching, ready for it to be over? [He forces a laugh] But you-- You can’t kill me. 

ERIK

And what makes you say that?

VICTOR

Christine Daae. Christine, she-- She knows everything. If-- if I turn up dead, who do you think she’s going to go to for answers? It’s not hard to put two and two together, she’s smart. Ooh, that’d break her heart. She’s already seen what you did, anything more and she--

[He is cut off as Erik begins choking him]

ERIK

Do not use her as merely a bargaining chip. You are unworthy to so much as say her name. And whatever reasons Christine has for protecting you, know that even she cannot deter me forever. Your time will come, Frankenstein. We both know how our stories end. But we’ve yet to arrive at that final chapter. That is not why I’m here.

[He lets Victor go, Victor gasping for breath and coughing. This man has been strangled a lot lately]

ERIK

You have far more eyes on you than you are aware of.

VICTOR

Wh-- What?

ERIK

How does it feel? Knowing that one selfish night undid all the work that your mother risked her life for?

VICTOR

What the hell are you talking about?! How do you-- How do you know about any of this?!

ERIK

One hears many things in the dark. 

VICTOR

What kinds of things?

ERIK

There has been talk. Whispers of plans nearing fruition, of allies being gathered. Propositions being made.

VICTOR

What are you-- What kind of propositions, what do you mean?

ERIK

You’re a clever man, Frankenstein. I’ve no doubt that you can piece it together.

VICTOR

...Someone wants me dead. Someone else. The woman in red?

ERIK

Among others.

VICTOR

Care to elaborate?

ERIK

No.

VICTOR

For goodness sake.....

ERIK

That being said, I will tell you that they have been seeking you out for some time. That they have plans even more horrible than mine.

She approached me several months ago. How she managed to find me, I am unable to say, but I will admit that I was intrigued. Ever since the disastrous series of events that drove me from the theater I’d made my home, I have been taking shelter wherever possible. For the moment, I had fashioned myself a small shelter in the forest, miles away from the nearest city and the cruelty of its inhabitants. For several weeks, I knew something quite nearly resembling peace, resting by day so that I might venture out under cover of darkness. 

It was as I slept one afternoon that I was awoken. Strange, perverse whispers that could not be dismissed as merely the wind through the trees. 

ERIK (Cont.)

As I heard her footfalls outside, I prepared to defend myself should the need arise. And yet, before I could investigate, she spoke to me. She called me by name, told me that she had been watching me for quite some time. And she asked if I wanted Victor Frankenstein dead.

ERIK (Cont.)

Cautiously, I approached her. For a moment, I wondered if she was perhaps the sister I had allowed to live, but this was not the case. This was a woman I had never seen, and yet she spoke of both you and I as though she had known us for years. 

She lifted her hand, and before I had time to react, my mask was ripped away and thrown to the ground, though she stood perhaps ten feet away, and she and I were alone. Even as she looked upon my face, she did not recoil, as most do. In fact, she approached, laying a gentle hand on my cheek as she spoke. I shall never forget her words, her voice so soft. “Look what he has done to you, my boy,” she told me. So few times I have felt such compassion, I was taken aback, near speechless. 

ERIK (Cont.)

I willed myself to form my question, asking who she was. She told me her name and her connection to your family, neither of which I will relay to you, dear creator. And with such vigor, she explained her situation, her grand scheme decades in the making. And how you and I fit into it. 

ERIK (Cont.)

It was now that she proposed collaboration. If I would work with her and her allies, then they would see to it that I would see you dead, and would never again live in solitude. I would walk the earth without shame, and all those who once derided me would fall one after the other.

ERIK (Cont.)

For weeks, she attempted to win my favor, bringing me food, blankets, books, even a viola. And while I did accept the gifts, bribery is a tool that is given far too much credit. However, I will admit that I was tempted. Had I not received another visitor, this could very well have been a much different conversation. 

ERIK (Cont.)

I would say that of the admittedly small number of people I have known in my life, only one has ever come close to being considered a friend. A curious individual, whom I have yet to understand completely. They discovered my sanctuary beneath the theater soon after I arrived, and have kept in contact ever since, always able to track me down no matter how far I may wander. Having seen my love for the music performed above, they gifted me a piece by a French composer, from whom I took my name. This composition in particular struck me, as it elicited both an aura of mystique, as well as an underlying sense of longing. And the structure itself, unique in its own way. For months, I was unable to get it out of my head, I was so completely enthralled. But… I digress.

ERIK (Cont.)

It had been quite some time since I had seen my friend, and I had begun to fear that perhaps they had fallen ill or something similar. And yet, they arrived looking just the same as last we met. They found me once again on a night when the warmth of summer was beginning to fade, and I confided in them my current debate, explained my conflictions. And before the night was through, I had made my decision.

VICTOR

And what decision is that…?

ERIK

[Audibly smirking]

Rest assured, I will not be accepting her offer.

VICTOR

Wh-- Why not?

ERIK

Because my vengeance will be mine alone. And your story will end only when I allow it.

VICTOR

And your-- Your friend. Who are they?

ERIK

I’ve no idea.

VICTOR

What’s that supposed to--

ERIK

They have not disclosed to me their name. 

[Victor scoffs. There is now more of an edge to Erik’s voice]

I am many things, Frankenstein, but a liar is not one of them. Even if I did know, that is not information that you need. I will not give you another person to harm.

VICTOR

For me to harm?!

ERIK

Have you still not accepted the fact that you are not infallible? That your actions have consequences on not only your life, but the lives of others? I thought I had taught you that lesson. Did you learn nothing? Perhaps you need another reminder.

VICTOR

Fuck you! [The sudden burst of strength fades just as quickly as it appeared] So-- So, what? Why are you telling me this? To make sure I'm prepared so that these people don't kill me before you can?

ERIK

I'm glad that you understand.

VICTOR

[He scoffs again]

Great. Fantastic. Thank you.

ERIK

...I can see it in your eyes, you know.

VICTOR

What?

ERIK

Your true self. Such a unique amalgamation of fury and cowardice. You long to end my life as much as I want to end yours. [Mocking now] Such a noble deed, avenging those you lost. And yet, you lock yourself away, drinking away your sorrows as you deny the fact that you are not the victim you claim to be. You want me dead, and yet, [He lunges forward just enough to scare Victor, who takes a sharp inhale] you lack the ambition, the ability to make your move.

VICTOR

I-- I could. I could, I--

ERIK

[Whispered, having leaned in close]

So try it. [Beat.] Such a pathetic child. Even if you brought yourself to attempt it, you know as well as I do that that is a battle you would not win. But then again, I must admit I am curious as to how that might awaken something in you, watching the life slip away from someone who has caused you such pain. No doubt, that would affect even your brilliant mind.

VICTOR

Shut up.

ERIK

Afraid you might enjoy it?

VICTOR

No. I know for a fact I'd enjoy it. And believe me, I wouldn’t lose a moment’s sleep.

ERIK

[He laughs] 

There is a darkness in you, Frankenstein. And your dear friend. Never forget that.

VICTOR

Wait, what? What are you--

ERIK

For now, this should help you find your way.

[There is a faint rustle of paper as Erik pulls a note out of his pocket]

VICTOR

[Reading]

“She intends to besiege the masquerade”? What the hell does that mean, what does any of this mean?!

HENRY

[Far off, but approaching]

Victor? Victor, that you? What the hell are you doing?

VICTOR

Clerval? Hold on, what-- What are you doing?

HENRY

You weren’t at home, I figured I’d find you here. Who were you talking to?

VICTOR

I…. [Beat. Erik has clearly vanished] ...No one. Listen, do-- Sorry, I just…. Would you wanna stay the night…?

HENRY

Say no more. 

#Season 1 #Episode 14 #Erik #Victor Frankenstein #Henry Clerval

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 13-- Less Than a Theory

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Cancer -Talk of potential murder of a parent -Implied suicidal ideology

[Pre-episode announcement]

Hey, everyone! Victor Stark here with just a couple quick announcements. First off: We are approaching the end of The Marksbury Incident season one! The season finale will be episode fifteen, which is currently expected to release on May 8th. After that, we will be taking a brief hiatus as we prepare for season two and give the cast a well-deserved break. 

“But Victor!” You may be thinking. “How am I supposed to get my fix of Frankenstein retellings while Marksbury is on a break?” I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is I don’t know. That’s on you. But the good news is it won’t always have to be! Orbituary is an upcoming podcast about the crew of the U.S.S Prometheus. It’s Frankenstein in space! What could be better than that? The fact that they’re casting, that’s what! And even better than that, they’re especially looking for actors of color, and accents not often heard in podcasts.You can learn more @OrbituaryPod on Twitter.

That’s all from me for today, and another huge thank you to everyone who’s stuck with us throughout this. We all appreciate it more than I could possibly say.

And keep an eye out. There are plenty more stories to tell.

--

[The cemetery. Night. There is the sound of a phone ringing, and it goes to Evelynn’s voicemail]

EVELYNN

Hey, it’s Evelynn! I can’t come to the phone--

VICTOR

...Nope. [He sighs and hangs up] Stupid…. [Beat.] Nothing good ever comes of this, I-- I don’t know why I keep doing it. “Go for a walk, Victor, it’ll be good for you. Who cares if it’s the middle of the night, it’ll be fine.” But you know, facing fears and everything. And I'm not exactly supposed to be here after dark. If that groundskeeper sees me, he might just have a heart attack. I haven’t seen him since the day he told me about that woman, though, so maybe he quit? [Beat.] And what's a trespassing charge after everything I've been through, right? [He laughs, but it fades] Plus, I… I need to think. 

...It wasn't the cancer that killed you, was it, mom? I know that now. She did. You knew something, and she made sure that no one else found out. And now I’m here. I’m finding out. That’s gotta be the connection, right? Something happened the night I…. [A breath] You know. Something happened, and she… found me. Latched on. And now she knows that I know something. It all makes sense, it’s just the details now. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Do I want the details? I told Christine that time that I’m done looking into things that people shouldn’t know about. That was just to try and get her to stop worrying about it in case things got dangerous. And that clearly didn’t work. She’s resilient, that’s for sure. I’ve… contacted Professor Crane. He... hasn’t gotten back to me. Maybe he just hasn’t checked his email, but I know that’s unlikely. He obviously doesn’t want to get involved. Can’t say I blame him.

I… don’t have much to go off of. It’s difficult. I can get a few words from your journal, but it’s almost impossible to get anything accurate because of the different languages. Certain words meaning different things only within certain contexts. Even translation programs are falling short. Heck, I can’t even figure out what languages some of the words are. But… that was probably the point. [Sigh] ...I can get the gist of it, though. You found out about… something. Something dangerous, something that… I think you were trying to stop. Is that right? 

VICTOR (Cont.)

[Laughs] ...This is way above my pay grade. At this point, I’m-- I’m just talkin’ in circles. “Mom knew something, I don’t know anything.” How many different ways can I say it? Don’t expect any novels from me. [He laughs again] I’d lay out the facts and try to make some deductions, but… what facts do I even have? Next to nothing. No. No, not even next to nothing. I have nothing. I-- I almost want to find out if I can… summon her or something, just to get some information. But there’s no guarantee she would actually tell me anything. And even if she did, it’s no use to me if I’m dead. 

[There is a long, contemplative silence]

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Maybe I should just leave. Get a nice little cabin in the middle of nowhere and let everyone go about their lives without any of… this. Let the world forget that Victor Frankenstein ever existed. [He scoffs] There was a time when being forgotten was one of my biggest fears, remember? When I only ever wanted to be someone. My name in the most prestigious textbooks and research papers for years to come. You told me that anything was possible with hard work and dedication. So, what's the hard work I need to make sure that I slip into obscurity? 

VICTOR (Cont.)

I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I mean, I am completely at a loss. Should I even be doing anything? Wouldn't it just be easier to accept that this is how it is, and roll with the punches? ...No. No, I can't do that. As much as I want to, I'm in this now. No turning back. And I'm more lost than I've ever been. I don’t--

[There is the sound of a twig snapping in the distance. Victor freezes, but after a few second of silence, he decides that it was nothing and continues]

VICTOR (Cont.)

God, look at me. Jumping at shadows. It-- it’s just sad at this point. If this is how I am with the stupid amount of anxiety meds I’m on, can’t imagine what I’d be like if I didn’t have them. I’d probably be curled up in a corner somewhere just waiting for something to come and finish me off.

[There is the sound of a zipper as Victor rummages through his bag. He pulls out a lighter and cigarettes, and we hear him light one]

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Yeah. I smoke now. What’re you gonna do, ground me? After everything I’ve been dealing with, I think I deserve this much, if it helps me calm down even a little bit. Christine and Henry have been on me about it, though, so I haven’t been going through as many lately. Just last week, Henry flushed the only one I had left down the toilet. I wanted to be mad, but y’know, I can’t really blame him. He’s just trying to help. Both of them are. With everything. And as much as I appreciate it, because believe me, I do… we all know that they’re just as clueless as I am. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

...I need you, mom. I need you to tell me my next step. I-- I have no idea, I-- I have people who need me to figure this out. Henry and Christine, whether they'll admit it or not, we all know that it's up to me. Henry's already seen firsthand what can happen if things go too far, and if I don't sort this all out, if I don't stop it, who's to say it won't be even worse? They’re all I have, I can’t lose them. I can't let that happen, mom. I won't be able to take it. [About to cry] I…. I can't be alone again. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

[A deep breath as he calms down]

Right. Anyway. [A short, sad laugh] I uh-- I've been trying to focus on work. Which is still terrible. But I've been so out of it lately, I need to make sure I don't get fired. Plus all the time I've missed just because I couldn't bring myself to go…. Basically, I'm on thin ice. Everyone's pretty understanding, they know I've been going through a rough time. But still, they can only excuse so much. I feel like I’m constantly walking on eggshells on that front. Like one mistake could be the nail in the coffin. Like I need any more stress in my life, right? [Laughs] I mean, I’m sure if worse came to worse, Henry’s dad would let me work for him for a bit, but I feel like I’d be even worse at that than I am at retail. I don’t even drive my own car if I can help it, forget about fixing them. And I like Henry’s family, I wouldn’t wanna risk accidentally blowing up their main source of income. And of course, there’s the fact that I’m the reason their son was in a coma for almost a year, so uh, if they ever found that out, they might be a little upset.

VICTOR (Cont.)

...I’m scared, mom. I’m scared, and I-- I just wish you were here to tell me that it’s gonna be okay. ...God, I sound like a child. But it’s true. I’m not cut out for this. Give me figures and numbers, I’ll work any problem out like it’s nothing. But this is… unknown territory. Where do I even begin? Where did you begin? How did you even get involved in-- in any of this? Did you seek it out? Or were you a victim of circumstance, just like me?

VICTOR (Cont.)

I’ve come to accept that there are a lot of things I don’t understand in the world. I thought I’d solved life’s greatest mystery. But as it turns out, all I did was unlock the door to a labyrinth of puzzles the likes of which mankind had never dared try to unravel. There’s so much more… to everything than I ever imagined. And I hate it. I hate not knowing how any of this works, not knowing the rules these things follow. People vanishing into thin air, women with no bodies…. I’ve tried to research, but there’s nothing credible. I don’t know a thing. ...Well, I guess that’s not completely true. I know that whatever’s going on, whatever you started, mom… I’m gonna finish it.

ERIK

Always so sure of yourself, aren’t you, Creator?

[Victor takes a sharp, frightened inhale, and the recording ends]

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 13 #Evelynn Frankenstein #Victor Frankenstein #Erik

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 12-- The Last Good Days

Google Doc

Content Warnings: - Accidental misgendering -Parental death -Cancer -Implication of potential murder of a parent

[Several old videos. The first is from winter of 2014, in the Frankenstein house]

HENRY [Whispering]

He’s definitely in there?

ELLIOT [Whispering as well]

Yeah, he got home an hour ago.

[They throw the bedroom door open]

HENRY

Mothers and fuckers, bastards of all ages!

ELLIOT

Clerval and Lavenza present, 

HENRY

Ingleside University’s brand new problem!

VICTOR [Laughs] 

Who told you guys?

ELLIOT

Evelynn.

VICTOR

Ah.

HENRY

Figured you’d be celebrating. Living large, getting wasted.

VICTOR [Sarcastic, but with a smile]

Yeah, I’m a regular party animal. What am I thinking? [Beat.] Are you recording?

HENRY

I prefer the term “documenting”.

ELLIOT

No, but seriously. Congratulations, you deserve this. Ingleside’s gonna be perfect for you. 

HENRY

Just try not to have a complete breakdown being so far away from us.

VICTOR

No promises.

HENRY

I know it’ll be torture not to see this face every day.

VICTOR

However will I survive?

HENRY [Comically dramatic]

I trust that you’ll have the strength to endure. I can only hope that I’ll be able to say the same for us.

ELLIOT

It’ll be weird without you here.

VICTOR

I mean, I’ll text. For you, I might even call.

ELLIOT

Wow, willing to make a phonecall. We should date or something.

VICTOR

Maybe we should.

HENRY

Hey lovebirds? Remember me? I still exist.

ELLIOT [Laughs]

Who’re you again?

VICTOR

Seriously though, guys. I won’t be leaving until August. You’re stuck with me for a little longer.

EVELYNN [From down the hall, clearly joking]

Unfortunately.

VICTOR

Fight me, Evelynn!

EVELYNN

I will! I’ll kick your ass!

ELLIOT [Laughs]

She’s right, you know.

VICTOR

Yeah, I know.

HENRY

C’mon. We’re goin’ out.

VICTOR

Are we now?

ELLIOT

Yep! 

VICTOR

And do I get a say in this?

ELLIOT AND HENRY [In synch]

Nope!

VICTOR

...Y’know, I’m not sure if that was more horrifying or impressive.

HENRY

Whichever gets you off your ass and over to the diner on Blackwood Avenue.

--

[The next recording. Some months later. Evelynn’s bedroom, early evening]

VICTOR

...You really don’t own anything that’s not black, do you?

EVELYNN

It’s a choice. Hmm. Which earrings do you like better? 

VICTOR

They’re both good.

EVELYNN

You’re. Not. Helping.

VICTOR

Why are we doing this, anyway? You never ask me for fashion advice, and for good reason. 99% of my wardrobe is collared shirts and sweaters. Also, why the camera?

EVELYNN

So I can go back and watch it next time to get ideas. Tights or knee-high socks?

VICTOR

What’s up with you? You’re putting way too much thought into this, it’s not like it’s-- [Suddenly getting it] Oh!

EVELYNN

No.

VICTOR

Oh, I see what’s going on here.

EVELYNN

No you don’t, shut up.

VICTOR

This is a date, isn’t it?

EVELYNN

What, are you gonna play protective big sister now? Who cares?

VICTOR

Uh, I do, because that changes everything. Where’s that choker with the cameo Old Man Dan got you for your birthday last year?

EVELYNN

Right here. 

VICTOR

Now… these socks. They go just above the knee, right?

EVELYNN

Right. 

VICTOR

Good. Shoes I’d say the cargo boots, contrast the dress. Hair’s good. I suggest a lighter lipstick than normal so if you two kiss you won’t have to worry about it being super visible on him--

EVELYNN [Softly]

Her.

VICTOR

Hmm?

EVELYNN

Her! I…. She’s... a girl.

VICTOR

Well in that case, so you won’t have to worry about it being super visible on her. But honestly, if you have a darker one that doesn’t come off easily, knock yourself out.

EVELYNN

You took that very well.

VICTOR

Yeah, of course. I’m not a bigot or a hypocrite, so--

EVELYNN

Wait, what do you mean? I thought you don’t do girls.

VICTOR

Well, I don’t, I’m…. [Sighs] Well, since we’re coming out, you might as well know. Just… Just don’t tell mom and dad yet, got it?

EVELYNN

Lips are sealed.

VICTOR

I’m... turning this off first. 

--

[The next recording. A few weeks later. Outdoors, night]

ELLIOT

There! See it?

HENRY

Yeah, hate to break it to you, but I’m pretty sure that’s a plane, dude.

ELLIOT

But do you know that it’s a plane?

VICTOR

He’s got a point, you know. 

ELLIOT

We don’t know for sure what it is, so by definition, that makes it an unidentified flying object. 

HENRY

Shit dude, you’re right.

ELLIOT [He gives a small, sad laugh]

...I’m gonna miss this, you know.

VICTOR

Elliot….

ELLIOT

No. You’re going to Maine, Henry, you’ll probably be busy with your school stuff, too. We haven’t got much longer for nights like this.

VICTOR

Elliot, it may be different, but who says everything’s just gonna stop? It’s not like I won’t visit. Plus, I’m not sure you’d let us get out of these investigations even if we wanted to.

HENRY

And you’ll still be able to wake me up at all hours.

ELLIOT [He laughs again, this time more honestly] 

I’m holding you to that.

CAROLINE

And what are you three doing?

ELLIOT

Our... best?

CAROLINE

It’s two in the morning, I think it’s time to pack it in.

VICTOR [Sarcastic] 

But moooooooom.

CAROLINE [Laughs] 

Inside. Are you staying the night, Henry?

HENRY

Might as well. 

VICTOR

Gross.

HENRY

Excuse me, I am a delight.

VICTOR [Laughs]

We’ll be in in a bit.

[A pause as Caroline goes back inside]

HENRY

You tell her yet?

VICTOR

No.

ELLIOT

You know she’ll be fine with it.

VICTOR

It’s a big thing, you should have seen me freaking out about how I was gonna tell you guys.

ELLIOT

I get it. And if you ever want someone there to back you up, you know where to find us.

HENRY

Even though you haven’t told us your new name yet.

VICTOR

I wanna finalize it before I make any announcements. I’m bouncing between two right now. One’s gonna end up as the middle name, I’m just not sure which.

ELLIOT

Well I’m sure they’re both wonderful.

--

[The next recording. The Clerval house. Day. Henry and Elliot are making drumroll sounds on the table]

VICTOR [Laughing] 

Guys, stop.

HENRY

No way. This is a big moment!

ELLIOT

The true identity of the firstborn Frankenstein son.

HENRY

A mystery seventeen years in the making!

EVELYNN

Which for some reason has to be revealed at Henry’s house.

VICTOR

Look, I’m just not ready to drop the bomb on mom and dad yet. They’ve got enough going on. Once mom feels a little better, then we’ll worry about that.[There are a few seconds of silence. Everyone is thinking the same thing, but no one wants to say it] Right. Who’d like to do the honors?

ELLIOT

Boyfriend Privilege! 

[The sound of paper as he grabs it out of Victor’s hand]

HENRY

Dammit, always blocked by the Boyfriend Privilege.

ELLIOT [Clears his throat, speaking dramatically]

Ladies and gentlemen,

EVELYNN [Laughing] 

You guys are dorks.

ELLIOT

I hereby announce the true name of this man, dearest friend, partner, and brother--

HENRY

Dude, if you don’t spit it out, I’m gonna lose it.

ELLIOT

A secret so well-kept that no one dare to so much as whisper--

VICTOR

I am literally begging you to just get it over with.

ELLIOT

The name being…. [Dramatic pause] Victor Percival Frankenstein. 

[Beat.]

HENRY

...Percival?

VICTOR

What?

HENRY [Laughs]

That is the most pretentious thing I’ve ever heard, and I love it.

ELLIOT

It really does suit you.

VICTOR

Figured we’ve already got William Jonas and Evelynn Renata. Might as well keep up the tradition of old fashioned names.

EVELYNN

It’s fitting. I like it.

HENRY

That is one sexy name if I’ve ever heard one. Even if it is an old man name.

VICTOR [Laughing] 

You’re a jerk.

--

[The next recording. June 30, 2014. Outdoors. Day.]

HENRY

I just don’t see why you didn’t tell me.

VICTOR

You didn’t ask!

HENRY

$40 a person, and all you do is walk through a hundred exhibits about how the thing was built, then you stand outside in the wind, where it’s so crowded you can barely move.

VICTOR

Hey, you’re the one who said that you wanted to go to the top of the Empire State Building. I wasn’t going to crush your dream. 

HENRY

Man, are you recording me?

VICTOR

Yes! I wanna remember this look of absolute misery on your face.

HENRY

Oh, you want misery? Wanna hear how it got worse? We’re in Central Park, and I see this girl, right? Gorgeous, I mean it. Anne, she said her name was. And we get to talking, and I invite her to the Empire State Building, too. I have this whole plan. I’m gonna test the waters, see if she’s interested, and who knows? Nothing creepy obviously, but a guy can hope to score a date. So we get up there, and before I can say anything, she kisses me.

VICTOR

Shut up!

HENRY

Seriously! I think, well this is going perfectly! And you know what she says to me?

VICTOR

Tell me.

HENRY

She says, “I really want to see you again, Harry.” [Victor begins laughing harder than we’ve ever heard] I swear to God.

VICTOR

Hello, this is my best friend, Harry Clerval.

HENRY

I nearly died, Victor. 

VICTOR

I’m nearly dying right now, oh my God.

HENRY

That’s it! I’m never trying to pick someone up ever again! 

VICTOR

You don’t mean that.

HENRY

I do! If anything’s gonna happen, I’ll let it happen naturally. Not all of us can have our fuckin’ soulmate live right across the hall. Some of us have to work for it. 

EVELYNN

Victor?

VICTOR [His tone changing immediately. Something is wrong]

What? What is it?

EVELYNN

We need to go, it’s…. [A breath] It’s mom.

--

[Present day. The Frankenstein house. Night]

VICTOR

...There’s… nothing really noteworthy in any of these. If there were, I’m sure I would have picked up on it a long time ago. It’s not exactly the first time I’ve gone through them. There’s nothing to suggest that there was anything else going on behind the scenes. Not that I’d really know what to look for even if there were.

...I keep thinking about the woman. What she said. That hers was the last voice mom heard before she died. What does that mean, what if….

VICTOR (Cont.) 

...Cancer works quickly, especially if you catch it late. That’d be… very convenient for something trying to get rid of someone who was looking into things they shouldn't know about. And if mom got on the wrong side of this… thing that can kill with a glance….

VICTOR (Cont.)

...When she died, it… it didn’t feel right. I’d always seen my mother as invincible, like every little kid does. I was so convinced that she would be okay. Because she had to be. Mom could beat her cancer, because she could beat anything. I believed that, even at that age. Then she was gone. And it still didn’t sit right with me. I always felt like something about it was wrong. A-- And now, even with what little information I have… I think I might have been onto something.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 12 #Henry Clerval #Elliot Lavenza #Victor Frankenstein #Evelynn Frankenstein #Caroline Frankenstein

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 11-- And We Shall Be Atlas

Google Doc

[The Frankenstein house. Afternoon. We hear Victor flipping through pages]

CHRISTINE Victor--

VICTOR Hold on.

CHRISTINE You need to take a break.

VICTOR No. No, I'm-- I'm close, I can feel it.

HENRY You've been "close" for over a week now. You're hyperfocusing again.

VICTOR And? If it gets me closer to figuring out what's going on--

CHRISTINE Victor, please. I understand, but you need to take care of yourself, too.

VICTOR I am taking care of myself! This is-- [A breath as he calms himself down] I need this. If she knew something, then…. Look, I’m-- I’m not gonna just sit around and hope that things work out. I can’t, I…. There’s a connection here somewhere. I just have to figure out what mom knew.

CHRISTINE And when was the last time you slept?

VICTOR What day is it?

HENRY For fuck's sake. Christine’s right. At least go take a shower. Rest your brain for a bit.

VICTOR ...Okay. [He exits the room. We hear the bathroom door close behind him]

HENRY Jesus, that guy. If I get like that about a project I'm working on, just slap me across the face, okay?

CHRISTINE He's passionate, I'll give him that.

HENRY He's fucked up, is what he is. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. He's terrified, so he's using this to take his mind off it and gain some feeling of control over the situation.

CHRISTINE That psych degree is serving you well.

HENRY Didn't need the psych degree for that one. Just a degree in understanding Victor Frankenstein. Which is arguably more challenging.

CHRISTINE [Laughs] I can imagine. You've been doing well so far, though.

HENRY ...I thought I was. [He sighs] I mean, I know depression symptoms, anxiety, PTSD. It's all basic stuff. But… it's different when you're just listing them off for a test, you know? Seeing it in action, when it's suddenly real…. I barely recognize him.

CHRISTINE He's going to get through this, Henry. And as much as you might want to, you can't hold yourself responsible for making sure he knows that.

HENRY I know. Doesn't mean I can't try, though.

CHRISTINE Oh, he left his phone recording.

HENRY Perfect. You listening, future Victor? Here's your reminder that I care about you, you son of a bitch. So I don't wanna hear you talking about how you don't have anyone, don't even think it. You've got us two badasses right here.

CHRISTINE Damn right!

HENRY [More serious now] ...Honestly. I…. I want you to be okay, man. I hate seeing you like this. We're all going through shit. But don't think that means you can't count on us to be there. Me and you, that’s always been the way things work, right? It’s just us against the world. The rest of the world. Nothing’s gonna change that. I promise. [Beat.] And that's my emotional vulnerability quota for the week!

CHRISTINE ...You know, you have a right to be open, too.

HENRY What do you mean?

CHRISTINE Henry, how are you coping with everything?

HENRY Fine. I’m on my feet-- Well, feet plus a cane. I’m home. I’m fine. ...I’m always fine.

CHRISTINE But you don’t have to be.

HENRY ...I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. It’s like everything changed overnight. Almost twenty years, it was always the three of us. And now suddenly Elliot’s gone, and Victor’s… like this. Not to mention my whole situation. I’m… working on it. I’ll be fine.

CHRISTINE ...Well, if you change your mind.

HENRY Not to turn the tables and completely change the subject, but I’ve got some questions.

CHRISTINE Okay, hit me.

HENRY At Dr Walton’s. I just felt like there was something… off about your bit.

CHRISTINE What do you mean?

HENRY I dunno, like… you were leaving something out.

CHRISTINE Nothing relevant.

HENRY Wanna share with the class, just in case?

CHRISTINE ...When Raoul came looking for me, he had help. A person who said that they knew Erik. I couldn’t get much more information from them, but they said they were from Persia.

HENRY ...Doesn’t Persia like…

CHRISTINE Not exist anymore? Yeah. So that definitely stood out. But I wasn’t about to question them, there were more important things going on. Plus, questioning the person who’s probably saving your life isn’t the best idea. And... I don’t know, there was just something about them, I couldn’t put my finger on it. But they helped Raoul find me and said that they wanted to make sure that Erik didn’t hurt anyone else.

HENRY Well they did a shit job. [Beat.] What the hell’ve we got in this book, anyway? [He starts flipping through pages of the journal] Bunch of different languages, circles, and lines. [Sarcastic] Great. Definitely something we can work with. No doubt we’ll be able to figure this out. God, my head just hurts looking at it. Your Persian friend know anything about these?

CHRISTINE They never said anything to suggest they do. I have no idea how to get in contact with them again. The only person who might have an idea is Erik....

HENRY Well fuck that idea, then.

CHRISTINE I obviously understand why you and Victor wouldn’t want to, but it couldn’t hurt if I went by myself and--

HENRY Really? It couldn’t hurt? I know you spent a lot of time with him, but he did kidnap you and try to force you to marry him. It could hurt you.

CHRISTINE He wouldn’t do that, not to me.

HENRY You don’t know that. Did you miss the part where he literally abducted you?

CHRISTINE You going to diagnose me, doctor?

HENRY [Scoffs] I’m being serious. Look, I don’t really know you. That doesn’t mean I can’t be concerned for your safety.

CHRISTINE [Sighs] I appreciate it. And you know, you’re probably right. No need to risk provoking him.

HENRY We’ll keep your buddy in mind. For now…. [He flips through the journal again] Maybe all this is nothing. I mean, Caroline never gave off any spooky vibes or anything. Maybe Victor’s paranoia is getting the better of him.

CHRISTINE Do you really believe that?

HENRY ...I sure would like to.

CHRISTINE But….

HENRY But I’m not an idiot. This, [He rustles the pages] isn’t a coincidence. Who just writes secret messages and draws weird symbols just for the hell of it? It’s not impossible, but it’s not likely, either.

CHRISTINE [After a beat] “War.”

HENRY What.

CHRISTINE Right here. I can’t read most of it, but Guerre, that’s French.

HENRY You would know French, you fancy motherfucker. [A small laugh] So we have “Something something, war, something something something”. Fantastic progress.

CHRISTINE It’s something. And add that to the fact that this is the symbol that Professor Crane recognized when we went up to Ingleside….

HENRY And we might actually be getting somewhere.

CHRISTINE Fingers crossed that the rest goes smoothly.

HENRY ...Another question.

CHRISTINE Okay?

HENRY You're always asking us how we're handling everything. How are you handling it?

CHRISTINE Henry, I appreciate it, but--

HENRY Nope. Don't tell me that you're not at least a little freaked out by all of this. First with literally everything about Erik, now all the… ghosts or whatever.

CHRISTINE Don't let Victor hear you say the G Word.

HENRY [Laughing] Seriously. But I mean it. This has gotta be difficult to process. I mean, it sure as hell is for me. And Victor can be a bit overwhelming, even when he’s somewhat okay. You can’t tell me you’re not having even a little bit of trouble with it.

CHRISTINE I guess, yeah. I've known about Erik's origins for a while now, so I'm used to that. But I'll admit, everything else is…. Well, it's going to take some time to really get comfortable with it.

HENRY Well. At least you won't have to do it alone.

CHRISTINE Thank goodness for that. For both of us. You've been doing really well with it, though.

HENRY ...Have I, though?

CHRISTINE What do you mean?

HENRY With Victor. He's…. I mean, look at the shit he did. I know he didn't mean to hurt anyone, but come on.

CHRISTINE Are you upset with him?

HENRY Maybe? Not as much as he expected me to be, even if I really should be. If that were the case, I wouldn't be getting involved in… whatever this is. But things are still weird between us. He obviously just wants things to go back to how they used to be, and yeah we're headed in that direction. But I still feel like he…. [He trails off, having lost the words] Shit, what's it called? Never mind. Things are fucked up, and I'm not sure how quickly I should be readjusting.

CHRISTINE You two are made for each other, you know.

HENRY [A little too quickly] What?

CHRISTINE You guys always try and make everything into a science project. This isn't chemistry, Henry. There's no set formula for this sort of thing. We just have to do our best to figure it out on a case-by-case basis.

HENRY How did we get back to my bullshit again?

CHRISTINE It's a talent of mine.

HENRY Someday, you're gonna let me help you.

CHRISTINE You'll have to drag it out of me, Dr Clerval.

[The bathroom door opens]

HENRY There he is. Feel better?

VICTOR Yeah…. Thank you.

HENRY Any monumental shower breakthroughs?

VICTOR More like breakdowns. [A moment of concerned silence] That was a joke. Look, guys, I really do appreciate your help, but… I think I just need some time to myself. Just to… unwind a bit.

CHRISTINE Promise you'll text us if you need anything?

VICTOR Sure.

HENRY Want me to order you lunch?

VICTOR No, I-- I'm good. I'll make something.

HENRY I want you to send me a picture of it so I know you're not bullshitting me, okay?

VICTOR Fine.

HENRY And if you send me a picture of another damn Hot Pocket, I swear I will lose it. [Victor sighs] I mean it. I'm talking an actual meal, minimum one vegetable.

VICTOR [Laughing] Goodbye, Clerval.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 11 #Christine Daae #Victor Frankenstein #Henry Clerval

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 10-- Requiem

Google Doc

Content Warnings:  -9/11 Attacks -Past parental death -Mention of past suicide/Intention -Past kidnapping

[Walton's office. Evening.]

VICTOR

The Lavenzas were in finance. I'd be lying if I said that I knew any more details than that. They'd become good friends with my parents over the years, and were ecstatic when they found out that they were expecting their first child. Needless to say, Elliot and I became friends easily and early. They left him with us when they went on a business trip. They were expected home on September 11th, 2001. Elliot was five years old.

VICTOR (Cont.)

Mom and dad were his godparents. Mom was pregnant with Evelynn at the time, and suddenly there was another kid that they were responsible for. But they never made him feel like a burden, or added stress. Three months later, we started talking to the boy a few blocks away after he stood up for me in school. There were jokes, of course, saying that I was his girlfriend. Usual kids’ teasing. We never minded, of course. We knew the truth, and that was that.

VICTOR (Cont.)

The years passed, we all grew up. In time, Elliot and I started dating. It was kind of weird at first, I’ll admit, since we lived together. But it’s not like he was my cousin or anything. A lot of people at school had assumed that we were related, though, so it did take some explaining. But we were happy. And everything was okay. Then mom got sick. I was seventeen, I had just gotten accepted to Ingleside University. When we got the news, it was like my world fell apart around me. But I still held onto hope that things would work out. That she would make it through. She had to watch a live stream of my graduation since she couldn’t leave the house. And two days later, she was gone. I pulled away a lot after that. I didn’t want sympathy, or comfort. I only wanted one thing. The impossible.

VICTOR (Cont.)

But what if it wasn’t impossible? What if I could break down the walls that isolate the dead? I’d entertained the idea in the past, but only now did I know that I had to take that next step. To search for the key that would end mankind’s fear of death. Because why should we fear that which is only temporary?

VICTOR (Cont.)

I should have started on animals. But my work was too important to be put off with near useless trials runs. The moment I got to Ingleside, I began studying, trying to determine what I would need. Figuring out the details. And preparing the perfect subject for my experiments. There were plenty of cadavers, and I didn’t lose a moment of sleep over taking what I needed. They’d all donated their bodies to science, after all. I was particular in the selection of body parts. This new form of life had to be perfect, and his large size would make it easier for me to work. This was the first time I was doing it, after all. Soon enough, the weather called for a severe storm, and it was the lightning that would be the literal final spark I would need. I prepared. And I waited. And like God Himself, I watched as my creation began to show signs of animation. But... it wasn’t the beautiful moment I’d dreamed of. Somehow, it felt… unnatural. Wrong. And I began thinking of every possible way that this could come back to haunt me. Or… almost every way. I felt… something. Something as if it were speaking to me, and I felt myself begin to panic. And in a desperate attempt to be sure that no one would discover what I had done, I did the only thing my mind felt I could do. I rifled through the cabinets, found any flammable material I could. And I left my life’s work to turn to ashes.

CHRISTINE

The man left lying on the table woke up long after the fire was set. He was scared, confused, and in pain. He managed to escape the building without being seen and wandered the town, with no idea who or what he was. The flames had burned his face, leaving severe scars that would never heal. 

CHRISTINE (Cont.)

He found himself taking shelter in an old theater, hiding away in a sealed off and forgotten sub basement. Here, he learned language through the plays performed, watching the actors and stagehands from the shadows. Including me.

CHRISTINE (Cont.)

I’d heard the stories of the ghost that haunted the theater. But I’d also heard stories that my father had told me before he died. Stories of an angel that he would send to me when he was gone. So when I first heard the voices, the faint music, I was sure I knew who was responsible. I just never expected him to be flesh and blood.  It was around this time that Raoul found me. We were childhood sweethearts, but he’d moved away when we were thirteen. He didn’t even know that I was up in Maine at the time. Coincidence, fate, call it what you want. But he saw a performance at that theater one night, and he recognized me immediately. But… I panicked. I didn’t know how my angel would react. So when he approached me after the show, I pretended I didn’t know who he was. A few months later, and we were rehearsing for our winter show. That was when I first saw him. He brought me down to where he’d lived for the past three years. And he told me his story. How he was brought back from death, only to be left to die again. I don’t know why I believed him, but… there was something about his voice. The sadness, the calm bitterness that told me that everything he was saying was true. I visited him at least once a week for months. He’d taken the name Erik by this point, and I found myself intrigued by him. Even after curiosity got the better of me, and I managed to take his mask off and see his face. I stayed with him for two weeks after that, just to reassure him that I wasn’t going to abandon him.

CHRISTINE (Cont.)

Eventually, I faced my fear and connected with Raoul. It didn’t take him long to propose, and even though we were so young, of course I said yes. And then I told him everything. And he didn’t believe me. I don’t see why he would, looking back, but at the time, I was furious that he’d think I was lying. But after some convincing, he eventually did take my word for it. We decided to run away together, as stupid as that might’ve been. But I couldn’t help but worry about how Erik would take it.

CHRISTINE (Cont.)

The answer was Not Very Well. I don’t know if he overheard us or what, but it was during the middle of a performance that he took me. He begged me to marry him, threatened to kill everyone in the theater if I refused. So I said yes. I don’t know why he changed his mind. When he told me to go, to live a good life with Raoul. But even after all that, even with how scared I was, hearing the pain in his voice as he said it…. It broke my heart. But Raoul and I left. And for a long time, I thought it was over.

VICTOR

He didn’t tell me most of the story when he found me again. Only enough to try and gain sympathy from me. But I didn’t pity him. My heart was still aching from the loss of my brother, and I wanted nothing to do with any of this. And it only got worse when he explained that despite what the courts found, it wasn’t Justine who had killed him. My brother had died as a warning to me. Showing me what would happen if I didn’t obey his commands. If I wouldn’t once again delve into the unknown and create another like him. This time, a woman, with whom he could spend his life. I didn’t want to. I wanted to run, to do anything else. I’d have died myself rather than do what he demanded of me. But he made it very clear that I wouldn’t be the one he’d kill. So once more, I got to work.

HENRY

Victor had pulled away a lot over the past few years. Starting when his mom died, the worst of it being when he was in school. When he moved back home after Billy died, I figured that must have been the reason why he was still so distant. Elliot and I had no idea what else was going on, and as much as we tried to pry an answer out of him, he wouldn’t say a damn word about it. It was after we got word that Justine had been found dead in her cell that I convinced him to take a vacation with me. Just to try and make him feel better, even just a little. I took the week off of school, and used what money I had saved to rent a motel in upstate New York, not far from Rockefeller State Park. I didn’t know what he was planning for while we were there. And I still don’t want to know how he managed to transport all the shit with him. But one night, I’d gone for a walk in a nearby town and gotten lost. It was maybe two in the morning by the time I finally got back, and a storm had rolled in fast.  I walked in, and I thought I was having a nightmare. Victor standing over a woman’s body, bloody scalpel in hand. Cables and wires shoved through holes in the ceiling he must have drilled himself. 

HENRY (Cont.)

And weird as it sounds? Everything made sense. I thought about all the times he’d told me that he’d been working on something, that it was a discovery that could change history. About how he’d isolated himself for all this time, about how paranoid he’d been lately. I thought about his mom. And I knew what he was trying to do. But I didn’t know everything. I didn’t know that this wasn’t the first time he’d done it. I didn’t know what he meant when he said that he had to do it. I didn’t know what would happen when I told him that I was going to stop this so that he wouldn’t destroy his life. Maybe Erik had snuck up on me, maybe he’d been there the whole time. But next thing I knew, there were hands around my throat, and I was being thrown down the stairs from the third story.

VICTOR

I didn’t go through with it. I wouldn’t reward this murderer. I…. I cleaned up the motel first. I knew that the police would want to investigate, and I didn’t need them finding a corpse. I still hate myself for that. For worrying about myself first. But sure enough, I was taken in for questioning. Lucky for me, there wasn’t enough evidence for a conviction. And whether or not it was intentional, Henry survived. Elliot and I visited him every day, where he’d hold my hand and promise that everything was gonna be okay.

VICTOR (Cont.)

I thought that this was the lowest I could sink. I desperately needed just a spark of light in my life. So four months later, I took Elliot on an overnight trip to Boston. It was February, so not the best walking weather, but we still had fun. What he didn’t know was the reason I brought him. We’d spent our whole lives together, and there was no doubt in my mind that I never wanted that to end. I’d bought a ring, and I was finally going to act on what I’d known since we were kids. I was gonna marry him.

VICTOR (Cont.)

I proposed in Copley Square, and he said yes right away. And for the next few hours, I thought that maybe things wouldn’t be so horrible. ...I’d only been gone twenty minutes. I ran to the package store to get some champagne to celebrate. Elliot was cold, so he stayed at the hotel. He told me he loved me, and to be safe. And that was the last time I ever saw him alive.

CHRISTINE

When Erik found me again, he told me about what happened. He didn’t spare a single detail. I thought for sure that he was going to kidnap me again, maybe even kill me. But he said that he just wanted to say one last goodbye. Victor would undoubtedly hunt him down, and when he did, he intended on killing both him and himself. I was horrified, and I knew that I had to do something. But even though Victor Frankenstein was an infamous name for a while, it didn’t take long for everyone to forget who started the fire. I had what little information there was from the news, and even less from the one class we’d had together. I didn’t know where to find him, let alone how to warn him about what could be coming. It took months of research and Raoul’s help to finally track him down. We came across the police reports. Not enough evidence for Henry’s attempted murder, arrested for Elliot’s death before they decided that it was a break-in. Just a little more work after that, and we had an address. And so I moved to Marksbury.

VICTOR

I called my dad from jail. Crying, begging him to believe that it wasn’t me, that I hadn’t been the one to kill Elliot. He said that he believed me, not to be scared, because he was going to make sure that everyone else believed me, too. But it was too much for him, I guess. ‘Cause two days later, I got word that he’d died in his sleep. And just like that, there was nothing in my life worth living for.

VICTOR (Cont.) [He takes a few moments to compose himself]

You know the rest already. Christine found me, Henry woke up. But... there’s more. The woman in red from outside the bar is back. She knows something about what’s going on, about all the supernatural events that have been happening around me. And I get the feeling that whatever is causing them, it’s not intending for me to get out of it alive.

[Victor lets out a shaking breath in relief as he concludes the story]

HENRY [Softly]

Good job, man.

CHRISTINE

So. What do you think?

WALTON [Absolutely dumbfounded and overwhelmed]

I….

VICTOR

You wanted the truth. There it is, witnesses and all.

WALTON

Victor, I…. As much as I appreciate you all coming in, even after business hours, you can’t honestly--

HENRY

Dr Walton. You have every right to believe that Victor’s story is a manifestation of guilt or a delusion to cope with his family. And you can think that my side of it is brain damage from all my shit, that’s fine. Makes sense. But then, how do you explain Christine? Out of the three of us, she’s the only one you don’t have an excuse for. And yet, her story matches up. It sounds impossible. It should be. But what would any of us have to gain if we were lying?

WALTON [He takes a few moments, clearly shaken and not so subtly trying to get them to leave]

This is… definitely something. Thank you all, I think I need some time. Victor, I’ll see you at our next session.

VICTOR

Right, yeah.

[They open the door]

HENRY

Love your work, by the way, Dr Walton. The past couple weeks I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of your paper on the workings of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

WALTON

Thank you, Henry.

[The door immediately shuts, and we hear the sounds of crickets as they exit the building]

CHRISTINE

...That went well.

VICTOR

He’s committing me. He’s makin’ a call right now, and he’s committing me.

CHRISTINE

He is not. It’s just a lot to process. I’m sure he’s just--

HENRY

Having an existential crisis.

CHRISTINE

...Maybe.

VICTOR

...Thank you guys. You didn’t have to do that.

HENRY [Audibly smiling]

Fresh out of the hospital for the first time in a year? Nothing I’d rather do than relive traumatic events. 

CHRISTINE [Sharp]

Henry!

HENRY

...That was supposed to be a joke, it didn’t come out right. In all seriousness, I really don’t mind.

CHRISTINE

Me neither. You needed a little help, Victor, there’s no shame in that. Now that he knows, maybe you two can make some faster progress.

VICTOR

Yeah. Y-- Yeah, you’re right.

CHRISTINE

C’mon. Let’s get you two home.

VICTOR

You two go ahead, I’m gonna walk.

HENRY

Uhh, no, you’re not?

VICTOR

Please. That was… really something, I-- I just need a little time. 

HENRY

...Text the group chat when you get home so we know you’re safe, okay?

VICTOR

I will.

[There are a few seconds of silence before a faint, familiar humming echoes. It fades out, and the recording ends]

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 10 #Victor Frankenstein #Christine Daae #Henry Clerval #Robert Walton

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 9-- Masquerade

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Mention of suicidal ideology -Choking/suffocating -Cancer

[The Frankenstein house. Very early morning. Victor is flipping through the pages of Caroline’s journal]

VICTOR

There has to be something I’m missing here. Some… key or something. The more I look at it, the more languages I’m able to pick out. Gaelic, Italian, German, Latin, Polish. Maybe more I don’t recognize. If there’s a way to accurately translate, mom didn’t leave any clues on it. I didn't even know she knew so many languages. There's something important here, she-- She knew something. If I can just figure out what, that would explain everything, I’m sure of it. I’ve… apparently been at this all night. I’ve noticed that the sunrise feels different depending on whether you’re waking up to it or just haven’t slept. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

I really should try and get an hour or two in. I’m supposed to visit Henry tomorrow. Today? Today, I guess. Old Man Dan gave me some flowers to bring to the hospital for him. And if there’s one unforgivable sin out there, it’s breaking a promise to Old Man Dan. [A small laugh] He's a good guy. When we were kids, he'd always let us play in the woods on his property and leave snacks out for when we were done. He's been checking up on me lately, too. Making sure I'm okay. Sometimes he brings me dinner, if he notices that I haven't left the house in a few days. I really should do something to repay him.  ...Henry is doing well. I'm glad, don't get me wrong. Heck, I'm… ecstatic. The doctors say they've never seen anyone recover from something like that this quickly, even if he is starting to plateau. ...I should be happy. But I can't help but think that something is wrong. A miraculous recovery is just… too good to happen to someone close to me. I wanna believe that it's fine, that he's just… lucky or something. But… we don't exactly have a good track record, now do we?

VICTOR (Cont.)

Then there's Christine. She didn't brutally murder me while we were up in Maine, so I guess I can trust her. Unless she's playing the long game. But… [He sighs, annoyed] Erik doesn't seem like the type. I get the feeling that whatever he's planning for me-- If he's planning something-- it will be done as soon as it's ready. ...Or maybe he's just waiting for me to do it myself. [Beat.] He hasn't tried to make contact. Hasn't come to see how much what he has done has broken me. Or if he has, I haven't noticed him. I suppose that's possible. Guess he couldn't have gotten the reputation of a ghost for nothing.

VICTOR (Cont.)

...I-- I need to do something about… this. Me. I've known that for a while now, but I can't keep putting it off. I can't live like this. Scared, numb…. It's just…. There are only two people who know about everything. And they didn't exactly sign up for hearing me drone on about how miserable I am. Even if they say it's fine, that they want to listen. It's not right. They have their own stuff going on. I mean, from Henry’s perspective, Elliot just died, he-- He can’t be taking that as well as he’s trying to make me believe.

VICTOR (Cont.)

Plus… I'm not even sure what half of this is. I'm not going to sit them down and make them listen to me just try to figure it out. I just…. [Sighs] I just wish things were easy. I wish they never got pulled into this. ...I wish Elliot could hold me and tell me that it's gonna be okay. That I don't need to be afraid, because he'll be there with me every step of the way.

VICTOR (Cont.)

It still doesn't seem real some days. Some mornings, I almost go to knock on his bedroom door to see what he wants for breakfast. Then I remember, and I can hardly manage to make myself a coffee.

[There are a few moments as he gathers himself]

VICTOR (Cont.)

He would have been able to figure this out. He would have already pieced together clues that I haven’t even noticed yet. I… went through his books searching for answers. It was the first time I’ve been in there since he died. It felt wrong, like I was betraying him somehow. Snooping through his things without permission. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Every time I think about him, it feels like time slows down. Like there’s nothing else in the world but me and the memories of him. His smile, his laugh. The way he’d always match the color of his braces to whatever holiday was next. Except in July. Then he’d make them my favorite color for my birthday. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

...He was hit hard when mom died, too. He had cancer when he was a kid, before he moved in with us. He told me that seeing that… it really put things into perspective for him. Back then, he didn’t really understand what was going on. Just that he was sick. But when she died, it… it made him realize just how close he might’ve been to death. Back then, I couldn’t imagine what I’d do if I lost him. If I woke up one day and he was gone. Now… I can imagine it pretty well. [He gives an empty laugh] God, he must have been so scared….

[Static begins to fade in as a new figure appears behind him. When she speaks, deep, unnatural noises can be heard under her voice, which sounds raspy and distorted]

WOMAN IN RED

You have no idea what you are part of, do you?

VICTOR

[Overlapping]

B-- Back up! Back the fuck up!

WOMAN IN RED

You have seen what I am capable of. Do you really think that would save you?

VICTOR

Look, I-- I don’t know what the hell is going on, but-- But whatever you were doing outside the bar, and-- and outside my house, and--

WOMAN IN RED

You are a researcher.

VICTOR

What?!

WOMAN IN RED

You are a researcher. You… ask questions.

VICTOR

What the hell are you talking about?!

WOMAN IN RED

I have been closer than you think, Frankenstein. Watching. Listening. You ask so many questions. What I am. What I want. These are impossible to answer. I am a feeling. The tightness in your chest, the throbbing in your temples. The knowledge that something is terribly, terribly wrong, and you are far too late to stop it. I am the last voice your mother heard before my brother dragged her soul into the abyss of Death.

VICTOR

What?

WOMAN IN RED

 If I had my way, you would follow suit. But no. Someday. But not yet. For now…. Just a taste of what is to come.

[Victor takes a sharp inhale. It sounds painful, as though he is struggling to breathe]

WOMAN IN RED

We both know how your story ends. 

[There is a whistle of wind as she vanishes, the static and other sound disappearing with her. At the same time, Victor gasps for air, coughing and breathing heavily for a few moments]

VICTOR [Still out of breath]

Okay…. Okay, this is bad….

#Season 1 #Episode 9 #Victor Frankenstein #Red Death

[marksburyscripts]

Episode 8-- Where Two Were Made

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Strangulation

[Pre-episode announcement]

Hey, everyone! Victor Stark here! Just a couple announcements before we get started with this episode. First off: We are currently accepting auditions for Season 2 of The Marksbury Incident. Yes, already, wow! You can find us over at PariahPod on Casting Calls Club, or at the link in the description of this episode. Auditions go until February 14, 2021, and if you don’t get a chance to audition for next season, we will have auditions for future seasons, as well. 

Second: We have merch! You can get Marksbury bags, replicas of Henry’s college hockey shirt, or anything else RedBubble will let us put our designs on. Again, you can find us at PariahPod, or in the link in the description.

Finally, thank you all so much for sticking with us. I can’t speak for everyone else, but I know that I’m having an absolute blast sharing this story, and I can’t wait for you to see how everything plays out.

Okay, that’s it from me! Here is Episode 8!

--

[Buxley, Maine. Ingleside University. Day. Christine and Victor are walking around campus]

CHRISTINE 

So, how's it feel to be back?

VICTOR

Terrible, and I want to leave.

CHRISTINE

We drove six hours to get here, and you said you thought it was a good idea.

VICTOR

No, my therapist said it was a good idea, and I made the mistake of mentioning that to you.

[The sound of a small bell as they enter a cafe]

CHRISTINE

If you really aren’t comfortable, we can go back to the hotel. We don’t have to rush it.

VICTOR

No. No, we’re here, might as well get it over with.

BARISTA

Hi, what can I get you?

CHRISTINE

Hi, could I please get a small chai tea latte?

BARISTA

And for you?

VICTOR

Yeah, could I do a large black coffee with three espresso shots?

BARISTA

...Sorry, did you say--

VICTOR

Three, yeah.

[There are several seconds of concerned silence]

CHRISTINE

...How are you alive right now?

VICTOR

Through very unfortunate circumstances. [He slides his card] And yet. 

CHRISTINE

You’re sure you’re okay being here, though?

VICTOR

We’re gonna find out pretty quick, aren’t we? [Beat.] Did they redo the library?

CHRISTINE

Yeah, they started not long after you left. 

VICTOR

Good, that place was falling apart. Did you ever see on the third floor, that there was that glass partition that was just completely shattered and held together with tape?

CHRISTINE

Is that the one someone glued a bunch of condoms all over?

VICTOR

No, that was the one on the second floor.

CHRISTINE

Ah.

VICTOR

Everything else looks pretty much the same, though, if I remember correctly.

BARISTA

Here you go, you two.

CHRISTINE

Thank you.

VICTOR [Overlapping with above]

Thanks.

CHRISTINE

Yeah, I guess they were planning on updating the gym and the theater, but the funding had to go toward something else.

VICTOR

Oh?

CHRISTINE

Something to do with an “accident” in a biology lab.

VICTOR

...Ah.

ICHABOD

Well, would you look what we have here. It’s been a while, Christine, how have you been?

CHRISTINE

Professor Crane! Good, really good!

ICHABOD

And Victor Frankenstein. I didn’t expect to see you again.

VICTOR

Because I had a mental breakdown, set fire to the science building, and dropped out before they could expel me?

ICHABOD [With an audible smirk]

Because you hated my class.

VICTOR [Softly]

Oh, right.

ICHABOD

So, what brings you two back? Looking for a bit of nostalgia?

VICTOR

Therapy trip.

CHRISTINE [Cutting in before things can get too awkward]

But how are things with you? Everything still going well?

ICHABOD

Yeah, about the same as they were. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing. Are you two still around here?

CHRISTINE

No, we’re both down in Massachusetts now.

ICHABOD

Whereabouts?

VICTOR

Doubt you’ve heard of it.

ICHABOD

I’m from Connecticut originally, I might have.

CHRISTINE

Marksbury? It’s not far from the Connecticut border, actually.

ICHABOD

Okay, yeah. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s nice.

VICTOR

It’s trash.

CHRISTINE [Cutting in again]

We were just gonna hang out here for a while. You’re welcome to join us if you’re not busy.

[Victor lets out an exasperated breath. Christine hits him, and he lets out a small “Ow”]

ICHABOD

I suppose I have some time. 

VICTOR

Don’t you have like… a class to teach or something?

CHRISTINE [Through her teeth]

Don’t be rude.

ICHABOD

They have the ramp for the music building torn apart for renovations, so all of my courses have to be online for the next few weeks. Really I just wanted to get out of the house.

CHRISTINE

Perfect timing, then.

[Two chairs are pulled out, and Ichabod pulls his wheelchair up to the table. Victor unzips his bag and starts flipping through a book]

CHRISTINE

So they seriously just took apart the ramp in the middle of the school year?

ICHABOD

Despite my best efforts to get them to put it off, yes.

CHRISTINE

And no alternative accommodations? Isn't that extremely illegal? If you went to the news with that, I'm sure it would get fixed up within a few days. If there's one thing universities hate, it's bad press and lawsuits. Hell, I'll do it if you're afraid the school will retaliate. 

ICHABOD

Oh, believe me, several news stations and papers have already gotten some anonymous tips. It’s just a matter of time before they--

[He cuts himself off, a touch of fear creeping into his voice]

Victor, what are you reading?

VICTOR

Uh… it's my mom's journal…? I'm not even really reading it, it's not in English, and sure I know some scientific Latin, but I've never been good with--

ICHABOD

Let me see it.

VICTOR

What?

ICHABOD

That page you have open. Please. [Victor slides the book over. Ichabod takes a few seconds to look it over. When he speaks again, it is clear that he is trying to keep from panicking] You two should go.

CHRISTINE

Wait, what do you mean?

ICHABOD

This-- You two should go back to Marksbury. Victor, whatever your mother was doing… I think it's best if you leave it alone. It was nice to see you both.

CHRISTINE

Professor Crane, wait!

[The bell rings as he leaves the cafe]

VICTOR

...One day. Just one day, I'd like to not have something ominous happen. Three hundred miles away, and I still have to deal with it.

CHRISTINE

He recognized that symbol. Do you know what it means?

VICTOR

No. No, I've never seen it outside of the journal.

CHRISTINE

We should go after him, if he knows--

VICTOR

If he knows, that's his business. Whatever this is, whatever… follows me, I don't care. I'm done searching for answers to questions that people aren't meant to know. 

CHRISTINE

And yet, you're still looking through the diary full of ciphers and weird sigils. I know I haven't known you for long, Victor, but even I can tell when you're lying to me.

VICTOR

You ever think that maybe I just didn't want to forget what her handwriting looked like? ...Look, we'll talk about it later. C’mon. I’m stressed and I feel like garbage, might as well keep going before I start to feel better.

[The cafe bell dings once more as they exit]

CHRISTINE

You’re sure you’re going to be okay?

VICTOR

No. But no point in turning back now.

CHRISTINE

Let me know if you change your mind, okay? I’m not gonna force you to do anything.

VICTOR

No. No, I need this. Don’t let me get out of it. Hold me there if you have to.

CHRISTINE

I’m not an expert, but I don’t think that would be healthy.

VICTOR

Look at me. I left healthy coping mechanisms behind a long time ago. There comes a time when you just have to force yourself to bite the bullet.

CHRISTINE

If you say so…. [Beat.] Tell me what you’re thinking.

VICTOR

That I should have gotten another espresso shot in my coffee.

CHRISTINE

I’m being serious.

VICTOR

...I feel like everyone’s staring.

CHRISTINE

Why would they be staring?

VICTOR

I don’t know, maybe-- maybe they recognize me. I’m sure there’s a few dozen urban legends or rumors, or maybe they’re just really into true crime stuff.

CHRISTINE

Victor, it was five years ago. Plus, you’ve changed a lot since then. 

VICTOR

Thanks.

CHRISTINE

I’m not wrong.

VICTOR

No, you’re not.

CHRISTINE

No one’s staring, Victor. I promise. Everything’s okay. [As they approach the science building, Victor lets out a breath] You good?

VICTOR [Clearly not fine] Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Just… never thought I’d see this place again. Can’t even tell what happened. [Beat.] It was in that room. Right there. Third floor, fifth from the left. Lab 311B. Lightning struck the rod I’d snuck onto the roof, down the wires and into-- [Beat.] I’d been holding onto the cables hardly a second before, I remember thinking how lucky I was that I’d let go in time. Then… it went wrong. The fire alarms took a while to go off. I was already down the hallway and headed toward the stairs by the time it started. Three floors down, and out the door. Then across the quad and toward my apartment. Maybe people saw me. They probably did, but-- But I'm not sure. I don’t even remember what happened on the way there, next thing I knew I was calling Elliot with no idea what I was supposed to tell him. I hadn’t spoken to anyone back home in months, and obviously I never told them what I was working on.

CHRISTINE

And what did you end up saying?

VICTOR

Nothing clear. Just that I was scared, that I made a mistake. It was the middle of the night, he didn’t even answer. By the time he woke up and listened to the voicemail, the police had already shown up at my doorstep and taken me away. I don't remember much past that, but I know it took them two days and a firm attorney before they actually sent me to a hospital. 

CHRISTINE

That's horrible.

VICTOR

And yet, I am not surprised in the slightest. 

CHRISTINE

Do you want to go in?

VICTOR

No. No, this… this is enough for today, I think. We can try that in another five years. [He forces a laugh]

CHRISTINE

...Can I ask you something?

VICTOR

You say that a lot.

CHRISTINE

Is there any reason in particular that you were being a huge ass to Professor Crane earlier? It’s not like you.

VICTOR

Would you believe me if I said that I just don’t like him?

CHRISTINE

Nope.

VICTOR

...Trusting people is hard. I had one class with the guy, it’s not like I really know him. 

CHRISTINE

You could say the same about me. 

VICTOR

And who says I trust you?

CHRISTINE

I thought that was implied when you agreed to be alone with me three hundred miles away from home.

VICTOR

...Good point. [Sighs] I-- I don’t know. I don’t know, there’s just… something. I think… you remind me of my sister a bit. 

CHRISTINE

Yeah?

VICTOR

Yeah. Like… warm, but rational, you know? Never afraid to tell me when I’m being an idiot. Which happened a lot. [Laughs] She was into the arts, too. I was actually the odd kid out in that regard. She and my brother, they had this arrangement. If she were ever having artist’s block, they’d sit down at the piano together. Billy would make up a little melody on the spot, and Evelynn would paint something that made her feel the same way the music did. You know, the songs weren’t exactly breathtaking, he was ten. [On the verge of tears] But… they were nice.

CHRISTINE [Soft]

You okay?

VICTOR

...Can we leave now?

CHRISTINE

Yeah. Let’s rent a movie at the hotel. I know one you’ll love.

[A beat of silence as the recording ends and the scene changes. That night. We hear crickets and Ichabod’s wheelchair on the pavement. He pauses, listens for a moment, then continues on, slightly faster now. Whispers begin to fade in, and he stops once again as someone begins speaking]

WOMAN

Good evening, Ichabod.

ICHABOD

I-- I’m sorry, who--

[He is cut off and begins struggling for breath as she begins choking him]

WOMAN

Oh, let’s not get distracted. You’re a long way from home, aren’t you? [She throws him to the ground] Now. Tell me about that night on the bridge.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 8 #Christine Daae #Victor Frankenstein #Barista #Ichabod Crane #Unknown

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 7-- Reappearance

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Past parental death -Cancer

[A local farm in Marksbury. Day.]

CHRISTINE

This place is nice.

VICTOR

Yeah. We used to take field trips here all the time when we were kids. Learn how to milk cows, how to plant seeds, all that stuff. If we came during the fall, we'd paint pumpkins. Elliot and I actually took horseback riding lessons here when we were eight. 

CHRISTINE

Oh yeah?

VICTOR 

Mhm. There was this one horse. Sierra was her name, if I remember correctly. She always gave everyone a hard time. Nothing dangerous, obviously, just not wanting to cooperate. Figure she must have been bored of a bunch of kids tugging on her reins all day. But Elliot, the moment he sat up there, it was like she'd known him her whole life. 

CHRISTINE

He sounds wonderful. 

VICTOR 

He was.

CHRISTINE

Do you have a picture of him? 

VICTOR

I… yeah. Here.

[There is a beat as he pulls up the photo]

CHRISTINE

And the one in the hockey shirt is Henry, I'm assuming? 

VICTOR

Yeah. This was right after one of his games senior year of high school. They won.

CHRISTINE

He's wearing your sweatshirt. 

VICTOR

Well-- Technically it's his. He let me keep it though, I…. I haven't really taken it off unless it was for laundry or to sleep, not since he…. [A breath] 

CHRISTINE

No, I get it. You all look really happy.

VICTOR

...I still don't understand it, you know.

CHRISTINE 

Understand what?

VICTOR

You. Clearly you're on… Erik's side, why bother with me?

CHRISTINE

I'm not on anyone's side. You know as well as I do that he has a tendency to get violent. If he decides that he wants to come after you, I might be the only person who can change his mind. It’s not a decision I made lightly, my fiance and I talked long and hard about it. Weighed all the pros and cons, the risks and benefits.

VICTOR

Hold on, you’re--

CHRISTINE

Mhm. He and I were childhood sweethearts. He proposed not long after I graduated.

VICTOR

Can’t imagine that went over well with your secret admirer.

CHRISTINE

No, it didn’t.

VICTOR

And so what? Your fiance is just… okay with you moving six hours away and keeping an eye on someone who’s basically a stranger so that your kidnapper doesn’t murder him?

CHRISTINE

In short? Yes. We trust the other can hold their own if things do go south. But honestly, I don’t think Raoul or I have to worry about Erik.

VICTOR

...So at the end of the day, you've decided that you're my bodyguard whether I like it or not.

CHRISTINE

It sounds better than "Friend with benefits".

VICTOR [He laughs] 

Now you just sound like Henry.

CHRISTINE 

Is that a good thing?

VICTOR

Yeah. Yeah, it is.

CHRISTINE

I'd love to meet him someday.

VICTOR

I’d have to check with him on that. Not sure he’d love the idea of….

CHRISTINE

My connections?

VICTOR

Exactly. It’s not that he’s a bad person or anything, he just--

[Very faintly, almost overlapping his words, there is a soft, nearly inaudible humming in the distance]

VICTOR (Cont.)

Did-- Did you hear that?

CHRISTINE

...Hear what?

VICTOR

...Nothing. Nothing, sorry.

CHRISTINE

...Are you okay?

VICTOR

I think we both know the answer to that.

CHRISTINE

You know what I mean. 

VICTOR

...Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.

CHRISTINE

Can I ask you something?

VICTOR

I have a feeling you're going to find out the answer one way or another, so go for it.

CHRISTINE

What inspired you? What gave you the idea to--

VICTOR

To make a person, commit arson, and drop out of school?

CHRISTINE

A little more blunt than I was going for, but yes.

VICTOR

Yeah, no offense, but I'd rather not get into it.

[There are a few seconds of quiet as Victor debates whether or not to continue]

VICTOR (Cont.)

...My mom died. Cancer. I was seventeen, just a couple days out of high school. We'd always been close, so losing her, it… it was devastating. Not just for me, obviously. My dad, my sister…. My brother was five at the time, he didn't even really understand what was happening. That she was gone, that she wouldn't be coming back. Unless… she did. Unless she did come back.  I'd always had the interest in the subject. I already had theories, but they'd always been just that. Theories, curiosity. "Is this the secret to piercing through the veil that separates life and death?" Little more than a hypothetical. But after she died, that's when I decided it. That this would be my life's work, that I wouldn't rest until I found a way to see her again. But it-- it wasn’t just for me, it was for everyone. The entire world. Elliot, he lost both of his parents when he was five. What if-- What if-- What no other child had to go through that again? Imagine death not as a finality, but as nothing more than an inconvenience, an-- an unfortunate circumstance equal to a car breaking down. Irritating, perhaps a bit stressful. But something that could be fixed, life continuing on as usual before long. That was the vision I had, the future I’d dreamed of. I'd already been accepted at Ingleside, I would have access to everything I needed there. Tools, chemicals, even cadavers. All that was left was the work, the dedication, and the perfect storm. Of course, I couldn't tell anyone what I was doing. They wouldn't have understood, they would have tried to stop me with talk of ethics and the dangers of playing God. That made the entire project difficult, not only having to get into the building undetected every night, but hiding my progress where it wouldn't be discovered. But I managed. ...You know, I think that was the last time I really ever felt excited about something. That night, thinking that this was the moment that would lead mankind into a new Golden Age of science. It-- It was like every dream I'd ever had was coming true right before my eyes. I walked into that lab expecting glory. And instead… I ended up like this.

CHRISTINE

...I think she’d be proud of you, you know. [Victor scoffs] I’m serious. You’ve been through a lot, but you keep going, no matter how hard it is. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. [Beat.] I lost my dad when I was eleven. We were close, too. Honestly, he was all I had, my mom died not long after I was born. We immigrated from Sweden when I was two, and it took everything he had just to keep us on our feet. Not exactly a huge market for violinists these days. But we were happy, even during the hardest times. It was just the two of us against the rest of the world. But then, all at once, there was just me. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how difficult it was. It still is sometimes. Some days, everything still reminds me of him. Are you religious, Victor?

VICTOR

No.

CHRISTINE

But you believe in something, I assume. Given your work.

VICTOR

...Yeah. Call it whatever you want, a… soul or whatever. There’s something, I’m just… not sure what it is. Or what happens to it after death. Even now, I… I have no idea.

CHRISTINE

Makes sense. Let’s look at it from a non-religious angle, then. Whatever that something is that you still can’t identify, that you know is there. That soul, or sense of being. It existed in her. Would you say it could be considered some sort of energy?

VICTOR

I guess…?

CHRISTINE

And what’s the First Law of Conservation?

VICTOR

...Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

CHRISTINE

You see what I’m getting at? Whatever that force is, whatever made her her, it’s no stretch of the imagination to say that it’s still out there. Maybe in a different form, but even so. ...I know it’s hard, Victor. There are gonna be days where it all comes rushing back, and you’re gonna feel like breaking down. You've gotta understand, that never really stops. Years from now, you're gonna see something that reminds you of her, and it's going to hurt, no matter how well you've healed. I wish I could say that eventually you'll just stop missing her, but I can't. But it will get easier. There's one main difference between you and me, I think. You're under the impression that your mom's death means that you're alone. I believe that with my father watching over me, I’ll never be alone again.

VICTOR

Poetic.

CHRISTINE

I try to be. But it’s true. And the same goes for the others, too. We love, we mourn. And in time, no matter how impossible it seems, we accept. All you can do is remember that, and hold onto the friends who are still here.

VICTOR

And... are you included in that category?

CHRISTINE

I’d like to be. If you’d let me. [She thinks for a moment] I have an idea. Maybe it will be a step in the right direction for you. What’s your work schedule look like the next few weeks?

VICTOR

...Why, what’re you thinking?

CHRISTINE

Well, if you’re comfortable with it, maybe the two of us could take a trip to- [There is the sound of a horse in the background, and we hear Victor’s breath begin to shake] Victor? You still with me?

VICTOR

We need to leave. 

CHRISTINE

What? Why, is everything okay?

VICTOR

Just go, now!

[The pair get into the car, doors slamming behind them as Christine drives off, clearly shaken up]

CHRISTINE

Victor, what's wrong?

VICTOR

Did-- Did you see her? 

CHRISTINE

See who? 

VICTOR

Her, the-- the woman on the white horse in the field. 

CHRISTINE

The one in the red sweatshirt? I didn't see her face, I--

VICTOR

Because she didn’t have one. 

CHRISTINE

What?

VICTOR

Just-- Just keep driving. This is a long story.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 7 #Christine Daae #Victor Frankenstein

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 6-- Step By Step

Google Doc

[Walton’s office. The scene begins with a recording from several years ago, taking place in Victor’s bedroom. Victor’s voice is noticeably higher pitched]

VICTOR

...How’re we feeling about this?

HENRY

You look fantastic.

VICTOR

I don’t know, maybe-- Maybe I should just stick with the dress.

HENRY

Do you want to wear the dress?

VICTOR

Well, no, but--

HENRY

Then don’t worry about it. You’ve spent all these years pretending to be something you’re not, this is your chance to take that first step into the public eye. And if anyone says anything? Fuck ‘em. Did any of them get into Ingleside?

VICTOR

Well, they might have, I don’t exactly talk to--

HENRY

No, they didn’t. So when graduation rolls around and we finally get to get out of that shithole, you’re never gonna have to worry about what any of them think of you ever again. 

VICTOR

...Elliot’s still got next year, though, people might--

HENRY

Name one time Elliot has ever given a shit about other people’s opinions. Look, maybe you don’t notice it, but… I see the way he looks at you. It’s the same way you look at him. You two are made for each other, everyone knows that. And I don’t think that the school knowing you’re a dude is going to change that. Plus, you spent $400 on this suit, you dumb rich bastard, I can’t in good faith let you waste that kind of money.

VICTOR [He laughs] 

Good point.

HENRY

So, you feel good? Binder’s not too tight, you can breathe fine?

VICTOR

Yeah. Yeah, I’m good. [Beat.] Henry, you know you can come with us.

HENRY

Nah, I’ll meet up with you there.

VICTOR

Seriously, though… you can’t tell me that no one asked you.

HENRY

Well sure, people asked me. I just don’t care enough about prom to go with someone I don’t actually like just so I can say I have a date.

VICTOR

Okay, yeah, that makes sense. But… you didn’t ask anyone, either? There’s no one you were interested in going with?

HENRY

No one available. [Beat.] All right, it’s that time. I’ll see you guys there. You, go get your boyfriend.

[The recording ends, and we focus on the present day. Victor’s voice is back to normal]

VICTOR

I know it’s cliche to say that night was one of the best of my life, but… it was. I still wasn’t out to my family, but that was the first time I started really accepting myself. It felt… genuine. Just Elliot, Henry, and… me. The real version of me, the one I’d hidden for most of my life. This is… the closest to that I’ve felt in a long time. I’m not going to say that I’m okay, that’s obviously not true. But… I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this close. Good things just… don’t happen to me anymore. I’ve spent almost a year waking up and having to force myself to look at the phone, half expecting to see a message telling me that he was gone. But he’s not. He’s back, and… and he doesn’t hate me.

WALTON

You still haven’t told me why you think he would hate you. It was a break-in, it wasn’t your fault.

VICTOR

I know, I just.… I need more time for that part. Right now, I’m just focused on the fact that he’s okay. 

WALTON

How’s his recovery going?

VICTOR

The doctors are surprised. He’s just about ready to move into a wheelchair, they figured he’d be bedridden for significantly longer. Honestly, I’m as shocked as they are. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was nothing short of a miracle. But then… maybe it’s just one of my….

WALTON

Experiences?

VICTOR

Sure, if that’s what you want to call it. You don’t have to pretend to believe any of that, by the way. I know you don’t. Still though, it’s safe to say that even with the strides he’s making, there are still going to be some… lasting difficulties. I mean, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that that sort of thing has all sorts of physical consequences, not to mention the head trauma--

[He cuts himself off. There is a beat of silence]

WALTON

Are you okay?

VICTOR

...What if I ruined his life? Henry, he-- he’s a genius, he really is. And a hockey star in high school and undergrad. Best power forward in Marksbury State history, some people’ve said. I can’t confirm that, I don’t know enough about sports to tell a good player from a bad one. Or what a power forward is. But what if all of that isn’t possible anymore? And he’s already delayed on getting his Ph.D now that he’s missed all this time, what if--

WALTON

We can’t always worry about the “What if”s, Victor. In situations where we can’t change the outcome, dwelling on potential negative circumstances can lead to unnecessary stress. And you and I both know you don’t need any more of that.

VICTOR [He laughs a bit]

Yeah, that’s true. 

WALTON

Plus, disabilities aren’t the end of the world.

VICTOR

Yeah, good point. Still, though… he’s a good person, he deserves to have life be easy for him. And it hasn’t been, he’s had to fight every step of the way. I’ve tried to help him, but, [Laughs] Clerval is one stubborn son of a gun. It took five years before he’d let me buy him a soda. He’s always gotta be the helper. I’m sure someone could psychoanalyze that, but it’s neither my specialty nor my business. So I choose not to. ...I guess I’m just worried about him. That when he does need help doing things he used to be able to do on his own-- And he will, I know that-- That he’s going to be… upset, I guess? Self-conscious is a better word, maybe. Henry was there for me during some of the worst times of my life, I just wanna do the same for him. I just don’t know how.

WALTON

I think you’ve already got the right idea. There’s not much that you can do for him right now. But you can be there. You've had a rough few years, but now you have physical proof that things can and will get better. Henry is back, and you have that new friend of yours, Christine--

VICTOR

I wouldn't call her a friend. She's… an acquaintance, if anything. I'm still not even sure I trust her.

WALTON

And why is that? 

VICTOR

I don’t know. I guess…. Look at the way things have been going for me lately. My brother and my boyfriend were murdered, and my best friend nearly was. You can see why that might make me a little hesitant to let someone new get close. No need to try and work that one out, it’s obvious. Plus, she…. [He pauses to find the words] She has an… ex… that I… don't get along with.

WALTON

Okay, so that's a lie.

VICTOR

It's not. It's just… complicated. I'm not…. I-- I'd rather leave it at that for now.

WALTON

Can you at least tell me this ex’s name?

VICTOR

...Erik. It-- [Beat.] His name is Erik.

WALTON

We’ll leave it there for today, we can talk about Christine and Erik when you’re ready. Did you do that worksheet I gave you?

VICTOR

Yes, and I complained the whole time.

WALTON

Even so, I’m glad it got done. So then, let’s see what you wrote down.

VICTOR

Right. [He clears his throat, sarcasm thick] “Positive traits about myself”. One: Genius. Obviously. Two: Able to drink three energy drinks and two cups of coffee within eight hours without throwing up. 

[Walton sighs]

VICTOR (Cont.)

Number three… Put on real pants on a day where I didn’t have to for work.

WALTON

That’s very good, actually.

VICTOR

Yeah, okay.

WALTON

I mean it. Victor, it’s not always going to be huge strides every day. Progress comes in stages. The little victories are just as important as the monumental ones.

VICTOR

...Right.

WALTON

What else have you got?

VICTOR

...That’s it. I know you said to put five, but I just couldn’t think of anything.

WALTON

That’s all right. Like I said, little victories. Why don’t we keep working on it for next week?

VICTOR

...Fine. 

WALTON

I do think you should try to keep in contact with Christine, too. The past is the past, and if she’s making an effort to connect with you, then there’s no harm in considering the possibility.

VICTOR

But what if she’s--

WALTON

Out to get you? You’re a smart man, Victor. How likely is it that this is all some ploy to get you, rather than her just wanting a friend? She’s new in town, and she’s probably just happy to see a familiar face. Who knows? Once Henry is out of the hospital, maybe all three of you could start spending time together. [Victor is silent] You don’t like the idea?

VICTOR

...No, I-- I just…. I mean, is that… right?

WALTON

What do you mean?

VICTOR

For… for pretty much our whole lives, it was…. It was just the three of us. Me, Henry, and-- And Elliot. Now Elliot is gone, and….

WALTON

You feel like letting Christine in would be replacing him. That’s understandable. But I can promise you, that’s not the case. You’re not replacing him, you’re moving on. You’re healing. And besides. Do you think he’d want you to be alone? Or would he rather you be happy, with people who care about you?

VICTOR

...Can I stop recording now, Dr Walton?

WALTON

Of course. Do whatever you need to do.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 6 #Victor Frankenstein #Robert Walton #Henry Clerval

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 5-- Heartwrench

Google Doc

[Henry’s hospital room. Day. There are no longer the sounds of life support.]

VICTOR

...You’re sure it’s okay?

HENRY

Yeah, it’s fine. Whatever helps. Record away.

VICTOR

All right. Thanks.

HENRY

...You don’t have to be nervous, you know.

VICTOR

I’m not.

HENRY

Then why are you doing that?

VICTOR

Doing what?

HENRY

You’re clenching and releasing your hand, and you’re rocking a bit in your chair. Both of which you do when you’re nervous. Seriously, how long have I known you? [Beat.] No, you don’t have to stop.

VICTOR

Oh thank God. [Beat.] ...How’re you feeling?

HENRY

Like I’ve been in a coma for the better part of a year. But lucid, so that’s an improvement, I guess.

VICTOR

Right. Right, yeah.

HENRY

...You know we’ve gotta talk about this, right?

VICTOR

Henry, shouldn’t we wait until you’re--

HENRY

No. We’re doing it now. While you’re recording. ...Victor, please tell me that I’m remembering wrong. Please tell me that I’ve just got some real bad brain damage and it’s fucking with me. That I didn’t walk in on some… first attempt at reanimating a fucking corpse.

VICTOR

[Mumbled] Second.

HENRY

Excuse me?

VICTOR

It was a second attempt, I’d done it before.

HENRY

Jesus Christ.

VICTOR

Also it’s not technically reanimation. If it had been a single body, sure, but I used materials from several donors--

HENRY

What the hell is wrong with you? In what fantasy could you ever see that turning out well? That’s the kind of shit that horror movies are made from!

VICTOR

I’m sorry, I--

HENRY

You were stupid! You were stupid, and reckless, and you didn’t think about the consequences!

VICTOR

I know, I just--

HENRY

Oh my God, that’s what the fire was about, wasn’t it? That had something to do with it. You freaked out, and you tried to burn the evidence. So what, you figured you’d risk more lives then, too? What if there had been people in there, Victor, what then?! Is that what attacked me? And did-- Did Justine really kill your brother? Or was that part of it, too? You have people’s lives on your conscience, all because you wanted to fuck around and find out if you could--

VICTOR

I just wanted my mom back, okay?! I know I fucked up. Believe me, I don’t need any more reminders. But I-- I had my reasons, it wasn’t just some ego trip.

HENRY

[Calmer now] ...Does Elliot know?

VICTOR

I’m sure he figured it out, yeah.

HENRY

What’s that supposed to mean?

VICTOR

Oh. Oh God, they didn’t tell you.

HENRY

Tell me what?

VICTOR

...Henry, Elliot’s dead.

HENRY

Oh God. God, I…. I’m so sorry, I…. How’s your dad taking it?

VICTOR

Well, considering he died two days later, I’d say not very well.

HENRY

What?

VICTOR

[Getting more and more distraught] He’s dead too, Henry. Him, Elliot, my mother, Billy, Justine. Everyone is dead, and I have been so alone and so scared, and I have no idea what I am supposed to do.

HENRY

...Hey. C’mere. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m just stressed, I shouldn’t have said all that shit.

VICTOR

You have every right to.

HENRY

No, being a dick won’t fix anything. Plus, you’ve obviously been through hell. Your glasses look like you were just at a 4Chan meetup.

VICTOR

[Laughs] I don’t know what that means.

HENRY

It means you need to get some damn lens cleaner, how the hell can you see out of those thing?

VICTOR

Just used to it, I suppose.

HENRY

You hear from Evelynn at all?

VICTOR

Take a guess.

HENRY

That’ll be a no. You try talking to her?

VICTOR

Of course not.

HENRY

...So you’re upset that you’ve been alone, yet you haven’t even tried to get in contact with your sister?

VICTOR

Look, I don’t need a lecture right now, okay? I get enough of those from Dr Walton.

HENRY

Wait, you’re seeing Dr Walton? Like, Robert Walton? Kinda short, always has a bow tie?

VICTOR

Yeah…? Do you know him, or…?

HENRY

Sort of, he was a guest speaker for my Abnormal Psych class during undergrad. He seems good.

VICTOR

Yeah, I suppose.

HENRY

How much you tell him?

VICTOR

I’m not sure I could tell him what happened even if I wanted to.

HENRY

...What happens when you try?

VICTOR

Don’t. Don’t do that.

HENRY

Do what?

VICTOR

That. You’re trying to… diagnose me.

HENRY

No, you’re my friend and I don’t have a license to practice. That’s illegal. I’m… offering informed advice.

VICTOR

Yeah, well, I’ll save you the trouble. Clinical depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and paranoid personality disorder. Though that last one is debatable. I might be missing some. Come back when you finish your Ph.D, Clerval.

HENRY

[Softly] Jesus…. [Trying to lighten the mood now] Doing it then it would be even more illegal. Then we’ll have two criminals here. [Beat.] Sorry. That wasn’t as funny as I expected it to be.

VICTOR

No. No, it’s fine. You’re not wrong. [Laughs] Should’ve seen what it was like trying to find a job with an arson charge. I’m lucky I managed to get the one I have.

HENRY

Yeah? What job’s that?

VICTOR

I’m over at Harris’ down on Main Street.

HENRY

Holy shit. The great Victor Frankenstein, the mad genius, the Prometheus of the 21st century, is selling discount hardware.

VICTOR

Well, I don’t actually sell anything most of the time. I’m customer service. Mostly returns, taking phone calls, fun stuff like that.

HENRY

You’re fucking with me. You hate talking on the phone.

VICTOR

And I hate my job. But if they’re willing to give a felon minimum wage, who am I to argue?

HENRY

Hey man, whatever works. I do have one more question, though. 

VICTOR

Okay?

HENRY

Is that the hoodie I lent you that day?

VICTOR 

Oh, um, right, yeah. I-- I was going to give it back, but then you-- You know, and then I was just so distracted, between worrying about you and the police hounding me--

HENRY

Hold on, police?

VICTOR

Oh. Right. They, um… They thought that I did it for a while. Elliot, too.

HENRY

Oh God. 

VICTOR

I mean, I can't blame them. I've got a record, and that's a lot of people close to me who--

[The door opens. Both men are silent for a moment.]

HENRY

Hello…?

VICTOR

Sorry. That’s probably me.

HENRY

What?

VICTOR

Things have been… weird. It’s a long story.

HENRY

You built a person out of corpses, and I’m bedridden for who knows how long. I’ve got all the time in the world for the details.

VICTOR

...Ever since I…. Ever since the fire, things have been… happening around me. I know how this is going to sound, but you need to believe me, okay? Ever since I… made it… it’s like…. I don’t know. It doesn’t even really make sense, I-- The two concepts aren’t even remotely similar, I--

HENRY

Hey. Hey, breathe for me, okay? 

VICTOR

Okay. Okay, sorry. ...That was the first night that I experienced something that I was unable to explain. Granted, I wasn’t exactly in the best mental state at the time, so for a while, I figured that it must have been a hallucination. I’ll be honest, sometimes I’m still able to convince myself that it was. But I know it’s not. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

Sorry. Sorry, let me back up. [Sighs] The… first signs of life came at 1:15 AM. The rise and fall of the chest, the flicker of movement behind the eyelids. Whether or not there was cognitive function had yet to be seen, but… I suppose you know how that turned out. It was at 1:16 that everything started to go downhill. When I realized what I’d done, when-- when the possible consequences hit me all at once. The wrongness of the situation, I…. I almost didn’t hear it. Or-- No. No, I didn’t hear it so much as I felt it. I felt a voice throughout my body, in every single nerve, clawing its way into my subconscious. I-- I couldn’t make out what it was saying, but… I got the sickening feeling that it was proud of me. Proud of what I’d managed to achieve. Whether or not anything happened for the couple months that I was in the hospital afterwards, I can’t really say. I was in shock, I couldn’t tell you what was real and what was hallucination. Honestly, you’d probably be better at figuring out if anything odd was happening during that time, you were there. But what I can tell you is that it never stopped. Sometimes the TV would turn on in the middle of the night blasting static, a couple times I woke up in the morning to find my glasses outside on the windowsill. Then there are the more… sinister ones. Beings that aren’t quite human, there one moment, gone the next. Or sinking, terrifying senses of dread that lead up to disaster.

HENRY

So… you’re seeing ghosts?

VICTOR

No, obviously not ghosts, ghosts don’t exist. Jeeze, you sound like Elliot. [He laughs, but it fades]  ...Not ghosts. But… something. Something that found me that night and hasn’t left me alone since. It’s all connected, I know it is. I just need to analyze everything. You know me, I work with data and research. If I can get the evidence, I can work out what’s going on. I even ended up setting cameras up in my house, but… they always freeze up whenever something happens. Typical. Either that or-- Or I don’t even have it happen myself, sometimes it’s other people who--

HENRY

Wait. Other people?

VICTOR

Yes. But it’s not like I want it to happen, it just does. I usually don’t even know them. I just… hear about them on the news, or sometimes they tell me themselves if I happen to run into them.

HENRY

...And strangers just tell you about all the creepy shit that happens to them?

VICTOR

...Sometimes, yeah.

HENRY

...You know what, I’m not going to even pretend to be surprised.

VICTOR

Honestly, that’s how I deal with it. So yeah. There you go. Spooky.

HENRY

...Do people get hurt because of it? [Victor doesn’t answer] Shit…. Well then. That settles it. I guess we’ve got work to do.

VICTOR

What?

HENRY

I said, we’ve got work to do. Maybe you’re content wallowing in self-pity while creepy shit radiates off of you, but I sure as hell won’t sit on my ass as it happens.

VICTOR

Henry--

HENRY

I know what you’re doing. You’re treating it like some punishment. Like you deserve it. Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t. And neither does anyone else. You fucked up, yeah. And I’m not going to lie, it’s going to take some time for us to get back to the way we were. But it’s like you said. You had your reasons. You didn’t mean for it all to go to hell. And you didn’t kill them. So you and me are going to buck up and--

[He is cut off by a sound of pain as he moves]

VICTOR

Hey, whoa, whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. We'll figure it out. We have time to plan, take action, whatever we need to do. But right now, what you need to do is rest. I'll wash the hoodie and bring it back first thing tomorrow. 

HENRY

Nah, you keep it. It suits you, I can always get another. Plus, who the hell knows where you've been the past year? 

VICTOR 

[He laughs. This time it feels genuine] Asshole.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Epsiode 5 #Victor Frankenstein #Henry Clerval

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 4-- Love and Loss

Google Doc

[Inside a local coffee shop. Day. Christine and Victor are sitting at a table. The faint bustle of the cafe can be heard]

CHRISTINE

Thanks for agreeing to meet with me. Even if you’re insisting on recording it.

VICTOR

Well, you texted asking if I wanted to get coffee even though I never gave you my number, so I'll admit I was a little hesitant. 

CHRISTINE

A girl's gotta have hobbies. Also the internet exists. 

VICTOR 

...That doesn't exactly reassure me.

CHRISTINE

I'm sure not much does nowadays.

VICTOR

…What do you want from me?

CHRISTINE

Nothing. But I think we both have some questions. 

VICTOR

Yeah, absolutely. 

CHRISTINE

I'll go first. Tell me about Erik.

VICTOR

...Who?

CHRISTINE

Right, you probably don't know him by that name. Let me rephrase it. Tell me about your son.

VICTOR

[Clearly knowing exactly what she’s talking about] I-- I don’t know what you’re talking about.

CHRISTINE

Please, Victor, I know what happened. I just wanna hear your side of it.,

VICTOR

...How much do you know?

CHRISTINE

Just what he told me. The experiment, the fire. That you left him.

VICTOR

Listen, that’s--

CHRISTINE

That’s what, Victor? You abandoned him, you left him to die, you--

VICTOR

I was scared, okay?! I was nineteen, I-- I was a kid! In case you haven’t figured it out, I wasn’t exactly the picture of perfect mental health! I set fire to a public fucking building! That alone ruined my life, forget about what happened after! Did it tell you about that?

CHRISTINE

Yes, he did.

VICTOR

Then forgive me if I’m lacking in empathy. My friend, my boyfriend, and my family are all dead, and the only other person I have has been in a coma for almost a year. Maybe I handled the situation wrong, but it has taken everything from me.

CHRISTINE

What’s their name?

VICTOR

What?

CHRISTINE

Your friend in the coma. What’s their name?

VICTOR

...Henry.

CHRISTINE

How did you meet?

VICTOR

...We were in the same class in first grade. There was this kid who would always ask for my lunch, and I was too nice to tell him no. So after recess one day, Henry put a pocketful of worms in his desk.

CHRISTINE

Solid strategy.

VICTOR

It worked. I never had a problem again, and Henry and I were inseparable ever since.

CHRISTINE

And what’s your favorite memory with him?

VICTOR

Look, this is sounding suspiciously like a therapy session, and I don’t think--

CHRISTINE

Please, just humor me. Tell me something about him that you can hold onto when things get hard.

VICTOR

...We were twelve. I was asleep, but… you know in those bad romance movies, when the guy will throw pebbles at the girl’s window to get her attention? That’s what he did. I didn’t have my glasses on, so I could barely tell that it was him. But after I let him in, I… I could tell he’d been crying. And… you know, Henry’s always been so sure of himself. See… his parents, they’re... they’re good people, they really are. But they’ve always had plans for him. His dad owns a garage downtown, he always expected Henry to take it over. Not to mention, that was when he started to realize he wasn’t completely straight. That’s not a secret nowadays, he’s very open about it. But in middle school, that might just be the biggest taboo in the world. Not so much nowadays, but we’ve come a long way since then. It got to be too much, he got overwhelmed. I didn’t know any of that until then. He’d never opened up to me that much. I’m not good at that sort of thing, at… comforting people. But I did what I could. I listened, I sat with him, I told him that it would be okay. I let him stay the night, and before I knew it, he was feeling okay enough to start joking around again. Nothing was the same between us again since that night, but not in a bad way. We were more open, we could tell each other anything. He’d always been the strong one. But now he didn’t have to be. ...I know how that sounds, and it’s not the fact that he was upset that makes it my favorite memory with him. Obviously. It’s just… that was the moment that we really connected. More than just a couple of kids who liked to hang out after school. That was the moment that I really understood him as a person, and-- And I knew that if I ever needed someone, he’d be there for me. And you know what? He always was. After the… after the fire, once I was out of the hospital, he drove the six hours to make sure I was okay. He stayed with me for two weeks. Sat with me during my trial, helped me choose a therapist when they told me I had to in order to stay out of prison. I think he would have stayed longer if I hadn’t insisted he go back. He had school, after all, and his classes were starting up for the semester. I didn’t want him to miss any time for my sake. Elliot offered to come up, too, but he was working, and leaving would have upset his boss. Plus, explaining the reason behind it wouldn’t have helped his situation. So… it was just me and Henry for those weeks. I-- I didn’t tell him what had happened, I…. [He takes a moment to gather himself] Look. I don’t know what you’re trying to do. But Henry got lucky. There’s still a chance that he’ll be okay. But he is the exception, not the rule. I-- I don’t know why it told you everything, but if it suspects for a second that you and I are close, then--

CHRISTINE

You don’t need to worry about that.

VICTOR

Yeah? And why’s that?

CHRISTINE

[Matter-of-factly]  Because he’s in love with me.

VICTOR

[Laughs, then realizes that she’s serious] Oh. Oh. W-- Wait, then-- Then you two are--

CHRISTINE

No, we’re not. Homicidal tendencies are a big turn-off for me.

VICTOR

...That’s fair, I guess.

CHRISTINE

Also kidnapping.

VICTOR

[Audibly chokes on his coffee] I’m sorry? Did-- Are-- are you okay?

CHRISTINE

Yeah, I’m fine. Maybe a little traumatized, but.

VICTOR

Yeah, I can imagine. Listen, I-- I am so sorry, I--

CHRISTINE

Stop.

VICTOR

What?

CHRISTINE

You don’t need to apologize. It wasn’t your fault.

VICTOR

Isn’t it?

CHRISTINE

Literally no. You weren’t even there. I don’t even know whether or not you were still in the state. You had nothing to do with it. 

VICTOR

...Okay. I told you my part. Your turn.

CHRISTINE

Where do you want me to start?

VICTOR

How did you meet it?

CHRISTINE

He found me while I was working on a show. I was still living in Maine, still trying to find a decent job after graduating Ingleside. You know that theater downtown, across from the library?

VICTOR

No.

CHRISTINE

Well, it’s there. And they do a holiday show every winter. It was September, so we were just starting rehearsals. I’d done shows there all through school, so I was familiar with every inch of that place. Or… I thought so, at least. After rehearsal one night, I realized halfway home that I forgot my music booklet. Luckily, I made it back before my director left, and she let me go in to grab it.  I knew I’d left it in the basement, which isn’t as creepy as it sounds. That’s where the bathrooms are, the dressing room, all that. It’s nice, honestly.  I remembered leaving it in the corner. So when I didn’t see it there, I figured that maybe someone took it with them to give it back to me tomorrow. But I still looked around, just in case. That was when I heard a voice. I couldn’t tell where it was coming from but… [Audibly smiling, almost dream-like] Victor, it was beautiful. And… familiar.

CHRISTINE (Cont.)

You see, the theater is old. I’m not sure when it was built, but old buildings in New England always have ghost stories, I’m sure you know that. This was no exception. But over the past few years, “activity” had increased. Mostly it was props and costumes going missing, which honestly could have been chalked up to careless actors or stagehands. I probably would have thought the same thing if I hadn’t had reason to believe otherwise. I’ve been alone there more than a few times over the years. Helping clean up after shows, changing between scenes, you name it. And sometimes, I would hear this faint, distant voice. Humming, singing. Crying sometimes. It broke my heart, if I’m being honest.  So of course I knew who was talking to me that night, telling me that my voice didn’t deserve to be “chained to such uninspired drivel”. But that was the first time I actually saw him. Or, sort of. He covered his face, but he was standing there behind me all the same. And yeah. Maybe it was stupid. I know it was. But when he asked me to go with him… of course I did. I was intrigued, this was the adventure I’d always dreamed of. 

CHRISTINE (Cont.)

I didn’t know that there was another room, let alone a sub basement. I’m not sure anyone did. The door that led to it was small and hidden behind the dressing room mirror. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, even if the wall was bare, you might even mistake it for just another panel. But he opened it, and he led me into the dark. We did this every week for months. He would bring me to the forgotten part of the theater he’d made his home. And we would talk, sing, compose. He’s a genius, you know. The songs he writes, they’re unlike anything I’ve ever heard.  Then he told me his story. Your story, too, I guess. And I saw his face. The scars that the fire left him with. It was a shock, but I was willing to look past it. I’m not an asshole.

[A phone notification dings]

CHRISTINE

You can get it, it’s fine. [A long pause, Victor lets out a shaky breath] Something wrong?

VICTOR

I-- No. No, nothing, I-- I’m sorry, I-- I h-- I have to go. It’s-- It’s Henry, he-- Henry’s awake, he just opened his eyes.

CHRISTINE

Oh my God, yeah, go!

VICTOR

Right, yeah, I-- Thank you, I’ll-- I’ll keep in touch, I-- I want to know more.

CHRISTINE

I’ll keep an eye out. Stay safe.

VICTOR

I’m gonna pretend that wasn’t ominous.

[The sound of a bell as he leaves the building, and the recording ends]

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 4 #Christine Daae #Victor Frankenstein

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 3-- Lament of Prometheus

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Hospital (Sound effects) -Mention of transphobia -Cardiac arrest -Minor suicidal ideology

[Henry’s room at St. Charlotte’s Hospital. Day. The sound of a heart monitor, respirator, and other medical equipment can be heard in the background.]

VICTOR

Sorry it took me so long to get here today. I got tied up at work. Real joy came in just as I was about to leave. One of those people who are more likely to assume that I don't know my own name than to acknowledge that trans people exist. I swear, if I get called Victoria one more time. All I can think of is that time we were at that diner on Blackwood Ave, and that guy was being so rude to the waitress he made her cry, so when we were on our way out, you threw a carrot at him. [Laughs] You should come to work with me sometime, you'd have a field day with the people who go in there.

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Look, I know I say this every day, but…. Henry, I… I'm so sorry. I-- I never meant-- You know I never meant for any of this to happen.  I need you to know that. I need you to know that I only did it because I had to. I didn't mean for you to get hurt. You’re my best friend, you-- you never gave up on me. Even after the fire, you only ever wanted to make sure that I was okay. Well, it's my turn now. I need you to be okay, Henry. Even if I crossed a line, even if you never want to look at me again. It doesn't matter. I just need you to be okay.

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Your parents invited me over for dinner last night. I probably should have said yes. I can't remember the last time I had an actual meal. But… I dunno, it just didn't feel right. I feel like if they knew the truth, if they knew that this was my fault…. Plus, I don't want to risk putting targets on their backs.  ...I think things are gonna get bad again, Henry. I-- I ran into one of my old classmates. She said…. [A breath] She said things that…. Well, they have implications. About… things she shouldn’t know about. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not paranoia, it’s not. She just moved here. Here. Marksbury, Middle-of-nowhere Massachusetts. “Right around the corner”, she said. That’s not a coincidence, it can’t be. Especially with what she said about…. [A breath] Henry, I-- I don't think it's satisfied yet. I think it's let me suffer, and it's coming to finish me off. ...Maybe that'd be best. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

No. No, I've-- I’ve gotta stop saying things like that. Influences my self image, apparently. Which is probably true. Besides. I can't die yet. Not until I make sure that no one else is going to get hurt. Not until I can apologize to you. Properly, so I know that you hear me.  [Sarcastically] Victor's being dramatic and emotional again, big surprise. [He laughs] ...I can't wait until you call me a pretentious idiot again. Say that, say that you hate me, that I'm a monster, I don't care. Just… say anything. I don't care if you just spout off insults, you have every right to. Just so long as I hear your voice.  You don't even know how bad things have gotten. You probably thought that the worst of it was over. That I'd sunk as low as I could. If only, huh? ...I almost don't want you to see me like this. I feel like I'm falling apart in every sense of the word. You told me once that I was your inspiration. I don't think you realize that you're mine. You and Elliot, you were both always so… happy. You always looked to find the positive in every situation.

VICTOR (Cont.)

So. What's the positive of this one? Everyone else is dead, and you might as well be. I'm a wreck, a felon, and my only surviving family member wants nothing to do with me. And now I might be hunted to top it all off. What's the bright side? Henry, I am begging you to tell me, because I can't see one. I can't see a single thing to be happy about, and I desperately need one. I don't know how much longer I can take it. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

Not to mention the… “weird stuff” is happening more and more lately. It seems like every week is something new. Sometimes it’s small; I set something down, leave the room, and when I come back, it’s somewhere else. That sort of thing. Annoying, but I can live with it. Other times…. [Inhale] Other times, people get hurt. Not often, but… it does happen. Is that the point I’m at now? Am I hurting people I don’t even know just by… existing around them?

VICTOR (Cont.)

...Sorry. Sorry, I-- I know you probably don’t want to hear this. You’re just the only one I can talk to about it. My therapist, he’s fine and all, but… even if it were easier for me to “express my feelings”, how do you explain everything to someone whose job it is to talk to people who hallucinate? I told him about the woman outside of the bar, and you could just tell he didn’t believe a word I said. If that’s too over-the-top for him, how’s he going to react to…. I mean, that’s a lot to take in. Granted, I wouldn’t say “Paranormal” or “Supernatural”, but… it’s definitely borderline, if you don’t know the science behind it. 

VICTOR (Cont.)

...I know what you said when you found out. But I didn’t get a chance to explain, Henry. I know that if you knew why I did what I did, you would understand. I just…. I made a mistake. It was a huge mistake, and people died because of it. But… it’s like I said, you know I’d never mean for anything like that to happen. If I’d known, I never would have rushed it. I would have studied more, made certain that-- ...Maybe that second attempt was the one. Maybe it would have worked. Actually worked.  ...I think about that sometimes. More often than I’d like to admit. What if that was the one, the one that would change history as we know it? I’ll never find out. Frankly, I’m not sure I want to.

VICTOR (Cont.)

...I don't mean that. I wish I did. I'm not going to try again, don't worry about that. But… it was all I focused on for so long. And suddenly… it's gone. Done. Years worth of work, and for what? For it to fall apart at my feet, dragging down everyone I love with it. I could do it right if I tried again, I think. [Getting more and more worked up] Maybe-- Maybe there was something wrong last time, damage to the anterior insular cortex that I missed originally. Henry, you're the expert on cognition and neuroscience. I understand the how, you understand the why. If we worked together, you and I could change everything. Think of all the good we could do. We could change the world! Imagine, sparing mankind from all that anguish! Together, we could rival Prometheus bringing fire to man, we could--

VICTOR (Cont.)

[Snapping out of it] ...No. No, even if I thought for a second that you'd agree, I… I wouldn't do that. As much as I hate to admit it… it is tempting sometimes. I wish I wasn't still curious. But… deep down, something needs to know how to perfect it, and it eats away at me every day. Maybe they’re right, maybe something is wrong with me. I’m no stranger to hyperfixations, but… I just wish I could shake this one. Why can’t it be a normal topic? Like… theater, or obscure geology facts? Whatever happened to when I was ten, and I knew everything there was to know about mermaid folklore? [Laughs] God, I wish things were still that simple. But it's not that simple. It's never going to be that simple again. Because of me. All because I decided to try and bring--

[The door opens]

NURSE

Sorry to interrupt. But visiting hours are over.

VICTOR

Already?

NURSE

I’m sorry, I pushed it back as far as I can. But you got here late today. [Sympathetic] He’ll be here when you come back tomorrow, Mr Frankenstein.

VICTOR

...Right. Right, of course.

[He gets up to leave and the door closes. There is a beat, then soft, otherworldly whispers begin to fade in, then out.]

WOMAN

My dear Henry Clerval. What a part you’ll play in this game.

[The whispers fade in once more. They are mostly unintelligible, but every so often, phrases can be heard, including “Wake up” and “I had more faith in you than that”. The heart monitor begins to pick up more and more speed until it stops suddenly and flatlines, the whispers immediately vanishing as it does. It remains like this for a few seconds, going back to normal only seconds before the door opens again]

VICTOR

Sorry. Forgot my phone. I’ll see you tomorrow. 

[The door closes once again]

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 3 #Victor Frankenstein #Nurse #Unknown

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 2-- Widow

Google Doc

[A park in Marksbury. Day. The recording clicks on]

NARRATOR

...So. We're doing this. Great. [He sighs] I-- I know I said recording the sessions was stupid, but this? ...Maybe I should've gone to prison. [Laughs] At the very least, maybe I wouldn’t be sitting around talking to myself in the park. And uh…. Maybe they'd still be here.

NARRATOR (Cont.)

...I visited them all yesterday. My parents, Billy, Justine, Elliot. It was nice out, but it rained the night before, so the ground was mostly mud. ...And… it happened again. I don't know why, it's…. You know, I never used to believe in any of that stuff. I mean, monsters, magic? Come on. [Laughs] I'm a-- ...I was a scientist, I'm not supposed to think about any of that kind of thing. Elliot, though, he was much more… open-minded about it. So I guess that's why it makes sense that it happened at his grave.

NARRATOR (Cont.)

Our families are buried right next to each other. Elliot is right between his mother and my father. I think that's nice. Plus, I can make my rounds pretty easily, since Justine's is the only one really out of the way, and honestly, it's not even that far. Only about a five-minute walk. Anyway, it was late afternoon. I'd just managed to calm down, which took… longer than I would like to admit. I was pulling myself together, and I was about to leave when.... I looked over, and behind me there was a man. He was… I dunno, maybe a few hundred yards off? I've never been good at estimating distances. But he was relatively far away. He was staring at me, and I couldn't help but think of the woman in red from outside the bar. But then, I didn't want to look weird in case this was just some normal person, so I waved. He almost seemed jolted awake when I did that, like the wave had pulled him out of a trance. Then he just… ran off.

So yeah. That’s weird. But… God knows I’ve seen weirder. 

I was on the way out of the cemetery when I saw him again. Now that I was closer, I could tell by his uniform that he was a groundskeeper. He came up to me, and… he just... stood there. Staring at me for a few seconds. And when he finally did speak, he said that…[Dramatically] if I wanted to know more, to meet him back there today.

NARRATOR (Cont.)

So yeah. That’s what I just did. I went back to meet up with the creepy stranger from the cemetery. Like anyone with any common sense would do. And… long story short, it left me with more questions than it did answers.

I went back, and he was waiting for me by the gate. He seemed calmer today, and he apologized for yesterday. Said I caught him off guard, that with my hood up, he mistook me for someone else. That he's used to someone else standing there.

I told him that that's my-- [Clears his throat, takes a breath] My family's graves, that I'm the only one left to visit, since my sister is away for school. I started to wonder if maybe Evelynn had driven here to visit them, but he started describing the woman he claimed to see. Long brown hair, maybe in her thirties. Not Evelynn. Not anyone I know.

He asked me if I'd seen anyone else there that day. Sure, I said. It's a public place, after all. But no one like the woman he was describing. 

...She goes there sometimes, he said. Stands at my family's gravesite without a word. 

That's weird enough. But no, it can't be that simple, not for me.

The first time he saw her, it was just before sundown. The summer air was thick, but the coolness of the night was just beginning to set in. He was heading over to tell her that it was time to go, and to offer his condolences if need be. He only lost visual on her for a second, when a tree got in his line of sight. ...She disappeared. Of course she did. And of course, he looked everywhere and never saw another trace of her.

...More ghosts.

That's not the thing that bothered him, though. It's the fact that six hours later, a car went off the bridge headed toward Connecticut. Five people inside. By the time they searched the river enough to find the bodies, they were near unrecognizable. 

I remember reading about that. But I didn't see how it was related to the story the groundskeeper had told me. 

NARRATOR (Cont.)

But then it happened again. He saw her there. At first it was like the last time, she didn’t move. But this time she looked at him. She was beautiful, he said. But sad. And there was something in her eyes, something dark. Like she’d seen horrors and pain beyond what any one person should ever have to endure. And then she waved at him. Just like I did. And again, she vanished, this time in the amount of time it took for him to blink. Later that day, a doctor had a heart attack in the middle of surgery. She was young, with no underlying health conditions. Both she and the patient died. 

...And now he's seen her again. Just this morning, he said. He’s under the impression that she’s an omen of death, and that it’s only a matter of hours before the next tragedy. I think that’s ridiculous. But... I'd be lying if I said that I haven't been on edge.

...I don't know why this happens. I'm used to… [Sighs] strange events by now. But that doesn't make it easier to process. And-- And what if it's not just focused on me anymore? What if people around me are getting affected, even this guy I’ve never met? It's not impossible. Nothing is, I've learned that. 

...No, that’s… That’s probably just paranoia. 

...I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe this woman is somehow connected to my… own special circumstances. I asked him when it all started, and he told me about a year ago. It doesn’t quite fit, I was… working that summer. He’s sure that he never saw her before then, or in between any of the times he told me about. So no, whatever’s going on with that, it’s probably separate from all of my stuff.

NARRATOR (Cont.)

...Elliot would love all of this. Well, not the people dying. Or the fact that it’s honestly freaking me out more than it probably should. But the mystery, the intrigue, the dramatics. He’d have us running around right now, trying to get any detail we could. Hauntings, aliens, you name it. That’s why I first fell in love with him, I think. Even as kids, he was always so full of excitement. To him, even the mundane was… brimming with magic. I thought for sure that losing his parents so young would change him. And sure, he did mourn. Of course he did. But… he healed. He healed in a way I’m not sure I ever can. He was stronger than I’ll ever be. He grieved. He accepted. And he continued being the spark of light he always had been. With his wild imagination and wilder schemes. Like when we were eleven, and the rumors started going around that the old Levin house was haunted. Henry was already spending the night, and Elliot knocked on my door at midnight to ask if we’d go camping with him to try and catch sight of a ghost. I know he was disappointed when it turned out the ghost was just someone squatting there, but he still enjoyed every minute of it. And he left whoever it was five dollars on the windowsill, so he got a good deed in, too. But even after debunking so many stories, he never gave up. The world was a series of secrets, and his purpose in life was to uncover them all. 

...Maybe he should have uncovered mine sooner.

WOMAN [A ways off, then getting closer] 

Excuse me! Excuse me, sorry, this is probably a weird question But you’re Victor, right? You went to Ingleside University?

NARRATOR (VICTOR) [Hesitant, defensive]

Yeah? Why?

WOMAN

Oh! Sorry, I know what you're thinking, that isn't what I recognize you from. My name is Christine, we had a class together. Professor Crane, Intro to Music Theory. 

VICTOR

Oh! Um, Right. Right, yeah. Yeah. Sorry, I-- I just assumed--

WOMAN (CHRISTINE)

No, it’s okay! I just hope you’re doing better.

VICTOR

...Yeah. [Awkward, after a pause] So uh.... How's it goin’? 

CHRISTINE

Good, good! Do you live around here?

VICTOR

Just over the bridge heading toward Tulprice.

CHRISTINE

Nice, I just moved in right around the corner! So, what’ve you been up to?

VICTOR

Uh-- nothing really? Work, mostly. I imagine you’ve graduated by now? You did theater and everything in school, right? Been doing any shows?

CHRISTINE [Suddenly more shut off, almost afraid.] 

No. No, not for a while. ...I've gotta get to work, but maybe I'll see you around.

VICTOR 

I-- Sure, yeah. 

CHRISTINE

Oh, and real quick. [She whispers, close to his ear. There is genuine fear and concern in her voice] He hasn't forgotten. You're in danger.

VICTOR

What? [Louder, as she runs off] Hey! Christine! [Then panicked] Oh God….

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Episode 2 #Victor Frankenstein #Christine Daae

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Episode 1-- A Difficult Patient

Google Doc

Content Warnings: -Alcohol abuse -Discussion of intent to commit sexual assault

[Pre-episode announcement]

Hey, everyone! Before we begin, I just wanna give a quick heads-up. The Marksbury Incident will have some recurring themes that may be uncomfortable for some listeners, including depression, anxiety, survivor’s guilt, and murder, including that of a child. There will also be episode-specific content warnings in the descriptions of each episode. As excited as we are to share this story with the world, our main priority is always going to be the health and safety of everyone involved. But for now, take care of yourselves, and enjoy!

--

[Therapist’s office. Day. The recording begins, and there are a few seconds of awkward silence.]

NARRATOR

This is stupid.

THERAPIST

You haven’t even started yet. 

NARRATOR

What’s the point? How is this any different than what we usually do?

THERAPIST

I told you. Being able to go back and re-listen to sessions could be helpful. Maybe give you reminders about what we wanted to work on.

[Narrator scoffs.]

THERAPIST (Cont.)

If you have a better suggestion, I’d love to hear it. [He sighs] Look. If you don’t start working with me, I’m going to have to report it. I’ve been telling them that your post traumatic stress has been making progress slow, but it’s only a matter of time before they decide that it’s non-compliance. Not everyone gets this chance. Please. Don’t throw it away.

NARRATOR

...Fine. Fine, okay.

THERAPIST

We’ll just record this one for now and we’ll go from there. It might be a bit awkward at first, but it could help. 

NARRATOR

 ...Do you think they made the right decision? I mean, with what happened…. It’s not like it was a misdemeanor. 

THERAPIST

I think that they saw you the way that I do. A good person who made a mistake. You know better than anyone what kind of state you were in afterwards. And I think they realized that there wasn’t any real malicious intent.

NARRATOR

...Right.

THERAPIST

So you’ll cooperate?

NARRATOR

Yeah. Fine.

THERAPIST

Good. So you said last week you were going to go through your mother’s things?

NARRATOR

Yeah. I managed to do it.

THERAPIST

That’s good. How did it go?

NARRATOR

Okay I guess? Dad kept a lot more than I expected. I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of much, but… some of the less sentimental things. Clothes, mostly. Things she never wore much. And… turns out she kept a lot of the drawings I did as a kid in a box under her bed, too. I saved a couple, but most of them I threw out. Then an old journal or diary or something that was in some weird mix of Italian and Gaelic, and a couple of pictures.

THERAPIST

Were the pictures of her?

NARRATOR

Yeah, mostly. There were some of her friend, too. Lauren, I think her name was? Laura? Mom would tell me about her sometimes. Here, I, um… I brought one. 

[The Narrator unzips his bag and retrieves the picture]

THERAPIST

Why’s it ripped?

NARRATOR

I don’t know. That’s just how I found it. There were a lot that were ripped, actually….  I-- I imagine it’s the result of a bad breakup or something.

THERAPIST

Makes sense. You were okay, though? 

NARRATOR

I mean, I had to take a few breaks during it. I think it took… four hours to go through the three boxes? 

THERAPIST

No shame in that. 

NARRATOR

I did have a bit of a breakdown after, though. But… nothing new there, I guess.

THERAPIST

When that happens, what do you do to calm down?

NARRATOR

Depends. On good days I grab a book and try to focus on that. 

THERAPIST

And what about the bad days?

NARRATOR

...Cheap whiskey and cigarettes. But I’ve been trying to quit.

THERAPIST

And after going through the boxes, was that a good day or a bad day?

NARRATOR

Somewhere in the middle, I guess? I promised myself I wouldn’t drink, so I went for a walk.

THERAPIST

That’s good. That’s very good.

NARRATOR

...Yeah. 

THERAPIST

...You don’t sound so sure about that.

NARRATOR

No, it’s…. It’s fine. It was good, it got my mind off of it.

THERAPIST

...Did something happen on your walk?

NARRATOR

Nothing you want to hear about.

THERAPIST

Try me.

NARRATOR

...You’re going to think I’m crazy.

THERAPIST

I’m a psychologist. Once again, try me.

NARRATOR

[He takes a deep breath] ...It was… maybe two in the morning? I-- I think that’s about right, I lost track around 12:30. I'd spent pretty much my whole day putting off going through the stuff, then the rest of the night either actually doing it or calming myself down. Mostly the latter. Then I kept running into some of my dad's things, as well, so that kept hitting me, too. I guess Evelynn missed some things when she was cleaning it all out. Or maybe she thought I would want some of it? I don't know.  Anyway, I'm getting distracted. I was walking past this bar a few streets over from my house. It’s not the most high-brow place in the world, so I made sure to cross the street before I got there. Never know what people will do when they're not thinking straight. Especially since… you know, I'm not exactly the most masculine or threatening person in the world. So I kept a safe distance. Nothing looked suspicious. I could see that the TVs inside had been switched off, so it must have been past last-call. Then I noticed. There was a woman leaning against the wall, doubled over. She had her hands in her pockets, and she was wearing this… deep red hoodie, with her hair hanging loose, covering her face. Even from so far away, I could tell that it was slick with grease, or… something. It was reflecting the streetlights. I think that’s what made me notice her, actually. The glint caught my eye.

NARRATOR (Cont.)

I wasn't about to judge, you never know someone's circumstances. I’ve certainly been in worse condition. I actually considered crossing the street to offer her what change I had in my pocket, but I didn't want to assume she was homeless and end up being wrong. Besides, nothing weird about someone hanging out outside of a bar as it was closing. Maybe she was waiting for a ride home, or getting her bearings before she started walking. Then… two men came out of the bar. They were drunk enough that I could tell neither would remember a thing in the morning, and the taller of the two was laughing and practically hanging off of his friend. He saw the woman and they both fell quiet as they... looked at each other. I could tell what they were thinking. It doesn't take a genius to piece it together. I think that was when I stopped walking. I watched as the taller one went over to the woman, and I couldn't tell what he was saying, but… I had a pretty good guess. She didn't move, but he kept at it, he wouldn’t give it up. I think it lasted two minutes total. He kept getting more and more aggravated, and I was about to yell over that I was going to call the cops. He reached his hand out like he was going to grab her, but he just…  he just stopped. His eyes went wide for a moment, and even from that distance, I could see his terror. Looking back, I think he was probably dead before he hit the ground. His friend ran over to him, he was… screaming. Nothing coherent, he was much too drunk for that. Intoxicated on both alcohol and the fear. And even with everything that was going on, with all that noise? Not a single person came to make sure that he was okay. There was no way that no one heard. They just didn't care. You know, I never understood the phrase "Sent a chill down my spine". But… turns out it feels more literal than I imagined. I-- I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know what I could do. So I just stood there as his screams were cut off by the sound of him choking as he clutched his throat, desperate for air, eyes locked onto her and pleading for mercy. And once he finally went quiet, then the woman finally began to move. 

NARRATOR (Cont.)

She looked up at me. Slow, and I was certain that she'd known I'd been watching the whole time, and was anticipating my response. But her movements were jerky, like she had to force every joint to bend or twist. And I heard a voice. Her voice. I-- I don’t know how I know, but there's no doubt in my mind. Even though she was still across the street, it sounded like she was whispering, rasping in my ear with lungs that hadn’t been used in at least a decade. She said my name. And for some reason, hearing that made me certain that I was going to die. I ran, I locked myself in my house the moment I got home. Every step of the way, I knew she was behind me, I could hear her voice, I could feel her just… there. A couple times, I looked back. I never saw her walk, but she was always the same distance behind me. After I got home, it took me an hour before I finally started to calm down. I thought it was over. But just as I was regaining my composure, there it was again. My name, hardly an inch from my ear. I hated myself for it, but I forced myself to look out the window, and there she was. Just staring at me.

THERAPIST

Did you call the police?

NARRATOR

A-- And tell them what? That there was a person looking at my house? And that two guys had dropped dead just by talking to her? I’m sure they would take that well. Especially from me, the local convicted felon.

THERAPIST

So what did you do?

NARRATOR

I just… sat in my bedroom, in the dark, away from the windows. Like a child. [Laughs] I kept hearing her voice, so I knew that she was still out there even when the sun started to come up. Eventually, I ended up getting the nerve to look again. She had stood there, in the same spot, all night. Just watching. I’ll admit I kinda lost it at that point. I don’t know what I was planning on happening. But I was so freaked out, I-- I didn’t think. I went outside and grabbed a rock out of the garden, and I shouted at her to tell me what she wanted, to leave me alone. If I woke up any of the neighbors, they didn’t say anything. I threw the rock, and-- and I want you to know that I didn’t mean to hit her. I just wanted to scare her off or something. But it did hit her. Right in the chest, around the Xiphoid Process. And she… She crumpled. I mean that literally. It hit the hoodie, but it didn’t hit a person. The moment it made contact, all of her clothes fell to the ground, and I realized that there was nothing inside them.

THERAPIST

So… like a ghost?

NARRATOR

No. No, I don’t believe in ghosts. I think there’s something after death, something that gives people awareness, personality, life-- [He cuts off, takes a breath] ...But no, not ghosts. I don’t know what it was. But the clothes were gone when I looked out an hour later. [Beat.] So. Believe me?

THERAPIST

...I did read that there were two men found dead outside of a bar. One from a brain hemorrhage and the other asphyxiation. 

NARRATOR

But I suppose you think that’s a coincidence.

THERAPIST

...I think it’s... interesting. I think the figure you’re describing could potentially be a manifestation of your internalized guilt over the deaths of--

NARRATOR

Yeah, see? You think it was a hallucination.

THERAPIST

I’m just saying, you did have similar experiences while you were in the hospital.

NARRATOR

That was different! Believe me, I know how it sounds, I’m not an idiot. Would you say the same thing to someone who walked in here saying they saw a vision of Jesus?

THERAPIST

That’s--

NARRATOR

[Bitterly] Different?

THERAPIST

A religious belief. You’ve told me yourself you aren’t religious.

NARRATOR

...Okay, fine. But you can understand where I’m coming from.

THERAPIST

I suppose. I just have to entertain every possibility. Preferably the scientific ones. Henry is studying psychology, right?

NARRATOR [Softly]

...Please don’t.

THERAPIST

Right, sorry. I’m just saying, you have to know that if I just accepted every instance of ghosts or unexplainable events as true, I would be out of a job. I’m sure he’d tell you the same thing. [Beat.] How’s he doing?

NARRATOR [He scoffs] 

Seriously?

THERAPIST

You know what I mean. Has there been any progress?

NARRATOR

Not at all.

THERAPIST

You still visiting him?

NARRATOR

Every day.

THERAPIST

What do you do when you’re there?

NARRATOR

Talk, mostly. Sometimes I end up falling asleep. 

THERAPIST

You know, not many people would have that much dedication. He’s lucky to have a friend like you.

NARRATOR

...Yeah. Really lucky.

THERAPIST

You don’t agree?

NARRATOR

It’s… complicated. I don’t think…. [He trails off, steadying himself] Sorry. 

THERAPIST

No, it’s okay. You’ve opened up a lot today.

NARRATOR

The threat of prison will do that to a person.

THERAPIST

Maybe so. But we’ve been at this since March, and I still feel like I hardly know you. The therapists you went to before me all said the same thing; That you had trouble before, and that ever since you lost your brother, things have only gotten worse. I still think it would be good if you talked to your sister.

NARRATOR

Not gonna happen.

THERAPIST

You both have been through a lot, you’re the only family she has left.

NARRATOR

And yet, she’s made it very clear that she wants nothing to do with me. So forgive me if I’m not jumping at the idea.

THERAPIST

It couldn’t hurt to try.

NARRATOR

You don’t know Evelynn. It very well could. I can’t tell you the amount of times we wrestled as kids, and I never won a single time. [A small laugh] But no, in all seriousness, I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, she cleared out pretty much all of our father's things when I was… you know. 

THERAPIST

Recovering.

NARRATOR 

Recovering, sure. Whatever you wanna call it. I thought that at the very least, losing him would help close the gap between us. But then… I don't know why I thought that, she didn't even look at me at Billy's funeral, I-- [His voice falters, and his breath shakes] I-- I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I can't--

THERAPIST

No, it's okay. We're still working on it. That's more than you usually feel comfortable with. Do you think the recording helped?

NARRATOR

A little? I still couldn't talk about anything important, though. 

THERAPIST

How about this? We'll record sessions every so often, not every week. And for homework, you can record at home. About whatever you feel like. Be it what happened, or even just about your day. Maybe saying it out loud without anyone around will help you eventually talk about it here so we can work on it.

NARRATOR

...Do I have a choice?

THERAPIST [Smug, but kind]

Not really.

NARRATOR

And here I was thinking therapists were supposed to help people stop talking to themselves.

THERAPIST

I'll see you next week, okay?

NARRATOR

Right, yeah.

[The door opens]

THERAPIST

Oh, and before you go?

NARRATOR

Hmm?

THERAPIST

I'm really proud of you.

NARRATOR

...Right.

[The door shuts]

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Victor Frankenstein #Robert Walton

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Trailer 2-- Getting Off Topic

Google Doc

[A college classroom, day. The general bustle of students can be heard in the hallway as those in the class begin to pack up their things]

PROFESSOR

And of course, that will be on next week’s test. For Thursday, if I could have you read chapter four, and we’ll continue our discussion on-- Uh, yes, Sam. You have a question?

SAM

Yeah. Uh, Professor Crane, how long have you been teaching here?

PROFESSOR [Hesitant] 

Uh…. Why do you ask?

SAM

Well, I was just wondering…. If you were here back in 2015, then--

PROFESSOR [Irritated. He has been asked this question a hundred times] 

Yes, I knew him. It was my first year teaching, he was in my Intro to Music Theory class. Now, if there are no more questions--

SAM

He was from Marksbury, right? Did he have something to do with what happened?

PROFESSOR

[Beat.] And what makes you think that I know anything about that?

SAM

I was doing some research on it. For-- for a project. I came across an old security camera feed from a convenience store the moment all the connections were cut off. ...You were in it.

PROFESSOR

You must be mistaken.

SAM

I don't think I am. [Beat.] …Sir. What happened in Marksbury?

PROFESSOR [He considers for a moment then sighs, deciding that there is no point denying it]

..."The Marksbury Incident", as it has come to be known, is a… strange case. Massachusetts certainly has its own fair share of stories-- The Salem Witch Trials, the Dover Demon, more "Haunted" places than you can count. But Marksbury was… something else entirely. I would be lying if I said that I completely understand just what happened. I'm not sure anyone does, not really, anyway. But what I do know is that it was a terrible tragedy, with many lives lost, and not something that should be taken lightly. 

SAM

…What do you think caused it? How did it start?

PROFESSOR

As all the greatest tragedies often do: With a man who loved too much for his own good. [He takes a breath to gather himself] ...That will be all for today. Chapter four for Thursday.

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Trailer #Ichabod Crane #Sam

[marksburyscripts]

Season 1, Trailer 1-- One More Time

Google Doc

[An unknown location, night. A thunderstorm can be heard outside]

NARRATOR

The date is October 21st, 2019. 2:18 AM.

...I’m out of options. I know that. If I don’t do this, if I… If I disobey…. More people are going to get hurt. [He scoffs] ...I’m a hostage, pure and simple. 

I’m recording this as evidence. There is a very real possibility that even with our agreement, I won’t walk out of here alive, and if that’s the case, consider this my final confession. But... with any luck, everything will go smoothly. It’s taken five months nearly to the day to get the materials. I don’t exactly have easy access to them anymore. But tonight.… Tonight, everything is perfect. And this time…. This time is going to be different. This time, it’s going to work correctly. I’ve gone over my notes, made adjustments. Everything should be perfect.

But then, I said that last time. 

...No. No, this is it. This is the one. I’ve overcome the biggest challenge, now it’s just about the details. I succeed tonight, and everything changes. All my work, my dreams, all the people who have--

[He cuts himself off and takes a breath] 

NARRATOR (Cont.)

...They won’t be in vain. No one else has to die. One more night. One more night, and my peace will come at last. 

[He begins to get worked up, and strange glitching sounds can be heard as he speaks]

NARRATOR (Cont.)

Tonight, I stand before God Himself and prove once and for all, that I am His equal. I just need-- 

[He stops as the sound of a key card being slid and a door opening can be heard]

NARRATOR (Cont.)

Shit!

NEXT EPISODE➝

#Season 1 #Trailer #Victor Frankenstein