The Gang Chronicles/Goodbye Lady Marmalade

## Overview

2019: *We almost lost her. If we got there a minute later, she'd be gone. We picked the right moment. If she died that night, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Thank you for helping me save her, it shows that you're the bigger person.*

## Prologue: Going Away

It's August 2018, Philip and the soon-to-be Eileen Heartswell are packing for vacation.

Philip: You sure Lex is gonna be fine by herself, honey?

Eileen: Phil, she's a big girl now, she can hold her own.

Philip: But what if-

Eileen: [cutting him off] what if something terrible happens? Knowing her, she's probably going to be with her friends for the entire weekend.

Philip: What does that prove?

Eileen: It proves that if something were to happen, she'd be smart enough to call me and ruin our vacation.

Philip: You mean she'd call *me*?

Eileen: I know what I said [shrugs] Point is, she'll be fine, now [she holds up two dresses; red and white with flowers] Which one should I wear for dinner tomorrow?

Philip: Hmm..... How about we just leave all the clothes behind and spend vacation at our hotel? Under the sh-

Eileen: Dammit Phil! You know that if I wanted to go away somewhere to have sex for a weekend, I would've booked a shitty motel or something.

Philip: I guess you're right [a door closes downstairs]

Eileen: Lexi? Is that you?

Marmalade: [calling from downstairs] Hey Eileen! Is Dad home?

Philip: [calling down to her] Hey pumpkin. We're packing for tomorrow. [There's no response]

About five minutes later, they're finished. The two walk downstairs, and see Marmalade looking out the window from the couch.

Philip: Alright pumpkin, we'll see you in a couple days! Take care of Fluffy [Marmalade strokes her cat]

Eileen: [Walks over to Marmalade and kisses her forehead] Everything alright?

Marmalade: I guess, I'm just trying to figure out what the wave is for tonight.

Philip: Going out?

Marmalade: Omar hit me up, wants me to go to a party later.

Eileen: By all means, go! Just stay out of trouble!

Philip: And use protection!

Marmalade: Dad!

Philip: Love you, pumpkin! [The two walk out]

Marmalade motions for the dog to scurry away somewhere. She crosses to the kitchen, opens up a cabinet and finds a bottle of sleeping pills. She takes the bottle, takes a piece of notebook paper from the countertop, and heads towards the bathroom.

## The Phone's Ringing

Louis, Emma, Gwen and Ryan are all at Louis's house. They're in the living room watching Black Mirror; the episode just ended.

Gwen: I fucking knew he was a pervert!

Louis: Really? That shit caught me by surprise.

Ryan: Nah, if it wasn't kids, he wouldn't have went as far as he did to stop that guy.

Gwen: Plus, there's a shitload of hints that Brooker scattered throughout that foreshadow it.

Louis: We get it Gwen, you like books. This is why my girlfriend loves you.

Gwen: How's she doing by the way?

Louis: She's aight. She's working her ass off at the library.

Ryan: Where's she going to school?

Louis: She was thinking Berklee, but I looked up how expensive that shit was.

Gwen: Damn it Louis! If she wanted to follow her heart there she should've!

Louis: I brought it up once, she basically talked herself out of it. She didn't feel like paying or making the commute to Boston everyday.

Ryan: Boston's like only an hour up though, right?

Louis: About, but it's also hella expensive.

Ryan: I guess [He glances at Emma, who is shaking] You good Em?

Emma: [Slowly turning her head, still shocked] Kids..... he was..... masturbating to kids.....

Louis: I knew we should've left Emma home, she can't handle this type of shit!

Gwen: She's gonna be thinking about it for the next month, watch.

Ryan: That's why it's the best episode!

Louis: No way in hell is that better than the whole first season!

Ryan: The National Anthem was ass compared to this though! [Gets a phone call] Oh shit, Liam's calling me in for a shift. I'll catch you guys later! [He walks out the door]

Gwen: This episode was kinda shit.

Louis: I liked it.

Emma: Kids......

Louis: You want water or something? Advil? Weed?

Gwen: She doesn't do drugs, dumbass. But I mean if you're offering free weed-

Louis: [Imitating Gwen] I don't buy my own shit, dumbass. [He walks to the kitchen, turns on the faucet and pours water into a cup. He then walks back] I gotta use the bathroom, I'll be right back.

Gwen: [Gets a phone call] Marmalade?

Emma: [Checking her phone] She didn't call me first?

Gwen: Ha, yikes. [Answering the phone] Whaddup?

Marmalade: [Over the phone, whispering] Hey

Gwen: Why are you whispering, what innocent boy are you gonna kidnap today?

Marmalade: Not funny, Gwen.

Gwen: Seriously, what's up? [Transferring to speakerphone]

Marmalade: Are you with anyone right now?

Gwen: Uh, yeah, I'm with Emma and Louis. Louis is in the bathroom [He walks out] He's back now.

Louis: Who are you on with?

Emma: Marm.

Louis: Oh shit, what's up Lex!

Marmalade: [Beginning to cry] Can I FaceTime real quick?

Gwen: Sure [switches to FaceTime]

Marmalade: I'm glad I get to see you three one more time.

Gwen: Are you leaving for college?

Marmalade: No... Before I go, I just want to say something.

Emma: [Clutching her keys] You okay, Marm?

Marmalade: No, and that's the problem. Gwen, thank you for putting up with my shit after all the tragedy. You were always there for me when I least expected it.

Gwen: Marm?

Marmalade: Emma, you're like my little sister. You're the best. I love you more than I love myself.

Emma: Should we come o-

Marmalade: And Louie. Sweet, sweet Louie. I tried everything to move on. I really did. I can't move past this. The past isn't going to change, and my future isn't looking so hot. You were my world. You were my everything. Seeing you with Lucy, it makes me envy her. She now has the world. Treat her right. But know, I will always and forever love you and only you. Nobody I slept with has ever been the same, there's no passion, nothing. I'll be with you forever.

Louis: [Confused] The fuck?

Marmalade: Maybe someday you'll understand. [Off screen she pours pills into her hand] I love you all. Don't change. Goodbye. [Popping the pills]

Emma: What just ha-

Gwen: Get in the car.

Emma: Wha-

Gwen: Emma! Marmalade's gonna fucking kill herself! Get in the fucking car and drive.

Emma: Oh no! [She runs out the door, with Gwen and Louis behind]

Gwen: Louis, I think you should stay.

Louis: Are you kidding me? I don't want to be the reason my ex kills herself. I don't want that hanging over my head. I wanna help save her!

Gwen: [Rolling her eyes] Fine, whatever. Let's just hurry the fuck up.

## She's Gone...

The three arrive at Marmalade's house. Emma parks the car on the driveway and the three bolt towards the door. It's locked. Emma uses the house key Marmalade gave and opens the door as the three advance to her bathroom. That door is also locked. Louis kicks it open and the three of them gape at the sight they see. A lifeless Marmalade in the bathtub.

Emma: [In disbelief] No...... no no no!

Gwen: [She grabs her wrist to check her pulse] She's gone...

Emma: [As loud as she can] ***NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!***

Louis: There's no shot. No shot she's dead, turn the water on. I've seen this shit in movies.

Gwen: You're really gonna compare a movie scene to a real life situation like this?

Louis: It's the only shot we got. I'm not letting her die. Get her in the tub, her head facing the spout, turn on the bath water and get her hair wet. We gotta make her throw up those pills.

Gwen: But what if it's no use?

Louis: If it's no use, then we're all fucked.

Gwen: Ugh.... I really hope you're right.

Gwen turns on the bath water. Louis shoves his fingers down her throat and keeps them there for a couple of seconds. Suddenly Marmalade pukes, gasping for air, and then another round of vomit spews out.

Emma: [Turns around] I can't watch!

Gwen: Marmalade? [About to cry]

Marmalade: [Regaining consciousness, about to about to cry] What? No no no!

Gwen: What the he-

Marmalade: Get the FUCK off me! [Marmalade pries Gwen off and slaps her] I WAS SO FUCKING CLOSE. I COULD'VE SEEN MY MOTHER. I JUST WANTED THE PAIN TO END, AND YOU FUCKING RUINED IT. I CAN'T EVER BE HAPPY.

Gwen: Marmalade you're better than this!

Marmalade: Fuck it, fuck this shit. Fuck EVERYTHING. [She finds a nail clipper, opens the blade and holds it to her wrist]

Emma: NO! [She slaps the blade out of her hand]