CLUES OF A MAYFLOWER: PILOT
by Gabriella Sharp
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, SUNSET
A quiet street lined with houses, each with its own unique style.
PENNY and HARPER are walking down their neighborhood street back to their house. PENNY is skipping ahead of HARPER
finishing the story of her day.
PENNY
Oh, oh! And after Mrs. Anderson put the cookies in the oven she let me
eat the leftover cookie dough!
HARPER
Well, I'm glad you had a good day.
PENNY
So how was work, Harper?
HARPER
Oh you know, same old, same old.
By this point, the girls are halfway up their driveway before
Penny stops and turns to face Harper.
PENNY
Can we make cookies tonight?
HARPER
But didn't you-
Suddenly a delivery man comes up behind Harper and Penny, surprising them both.
DELIVERY MAN
(clears throat)
Excuse me, I'm looking for a Kara Accardi.
HARPER
Oh, yes.
Harper takes the package, hesitantly.
DELIVERY MAN
You have a good day.
HARPER
Right.
Harper pauses looking down at the box, before sighing.
HARPER
Come on Penny let's get inside.
INT. ENTRYWAY OF HOME
A small but functional entryway. Divided from the rest of the house by the stairs. Once inside Penny and Harper take off their shoes. Penny
starts towards the living room but turns back to see Harper, still staring at the box.
PENNY
Who sent the package to Mom?
HARPER
Some guy named Morfran McDonald... I don't think we know anyone by that-
Penny runs to Harper and grabs her arm to get a better look at the box.
PENNY
Mom was friends with the owner of McDonald's?!!
HARPER
(chuckles)
I think you're thinking of Ronald McDonald, the clown.
PENNY
But they could still be related right?
HARPER
Yeah, maybe.
PENNY
Well, you gotta open it! What if it's some kind of secret recipe
book?
Penny starts shaking Harper's arm repeatedly.
HARPER
Okay okay, I'll open it!
Penny stops shaking Harper's arm, and the two sit down on the foyer floor. Harper pulls out a multi-tool and uses a small
blade to cut open the box. Inside the box is a folded piece of paper sitting on top of packaging peanuts.
Harper picks up the paper and unfolds it.
HARPER
A note?
(reading)
K. Might want to keep better track of your things. Found this in front
of the Kolpoyina Cave. Figured I'd ship it back before beating you
through the cave. Make it up to me next time. Morfran.
Penny is already digging through the packaging peanuts by the time Harper finishes reading. Finally, Penny grabs hold of
something and pulls out a bluish-green diamond-shaped pendant. It's smooth like a polished stone minus a small
crack at the tip. Both Penny and Harper stare at it for a moment.
PENNY
It's Mom's keychain!
Harper takes it in her hands.
HARPER
Ha, it really is. Did it chip in shipping? Still, I never thought I'd see this aga-
Suddenly there is a flash of light and both the girls close their eyes. When they finally open them they are both
surprised to see a glowing figure in their foyer. MAYFLOWER floats before them, confused by her surrounding. She looks
around before turning to face the siblings.
MAYFLOWER
Where, where's Kara?
HARPER
Kara...?
Penny stands up.
PENNY
That's Mom's name! Do you know Mom?
Mayflower rushes towards Penny and puts her hands on Penny's shoulders.
MAYFLOWER
What is this place? My memory's all fuzzy. I-I thought she was trying
to leave me. Did she leave me?
Harper pushes her arms through Mayflower. Causing Mayflower to move back.
HARPER
Don't you dare touch my sister!
MAYFLOWER
Look, I don't know who you are, or why you've trapped me here, but you
better tell me what you did to Kara or so help me!
HARPER
No! Leave us alone!
Harper grips the pendant tighter and suddenly there's a flash of light again, and when the girls open their eyes this time,
Mayflower is gone.
PENNY
Where did she go?
Harper looks at Penny grabbing Penny's face in her hands.
HARPER
It doesn't matter, we're safe now. Did she hurt you?
Harper begins looking over Penny's body for any sign of injury.
PENNY
But she seemed so scared. Why were you mean to her?
Harper stops searching and looks at Penny.
HARPER
Penny, we have no idea what that thing was or what it wanted. What
was most important was making sure you weren't hurt okay?
Harper tries to put a hand to Penny's cheek but Penny nudges it away.
PENNY
But she didn't hurt us! And she said Mom's name. What if she knows
where Mom is?
HARPER
That's enough. Mom is with the stars now, remember? She was
probably looking for another Kara.
Penny looks down at the floor, dejected. Harper sighs and thinks for a moment before smiling.
HARPER
How's about a pre-dinner brownie?
Penny's smile quickly returns, and the two make their way to the kitchen
INT. KITCHEN
Neat and organized. An island sits in the middle with two barstools.
Harper picks Penny up and sits her down on the counter. Then she grabs a Tupperware full of brownies and hands one to
Penny.
PENNY
Thank you!
As Penny begins eating the brownie, Harper continues to think over what just happened.
HARPER
(V.O.)
Maybe Penny was on to something.
Whoever this ghost was, she hadn’t hurt us or even seemed to try. In
fact, she seemed more confused than threatening. And if she knew Mom
maybe she knew where Mom was before she disappeared. Wait what am I
thinking? I just got rid of that thing and now I'm considering
bringing it back.
Harper notices Penny staring at her, having finished her brownie.
HARPER
What?
PENNY
Whatcha thinking about?
HARPER
Nothing. What were you thinking about?
Penny hops down from the counter.
PENNY
I was thinking of questions to ask the ghost genie when she comes
back.
Penny then takes off running, prompting Harper to chase after her.
HARPER
Wait, Penny, we talked about this.
Penny continues running and Harper chases her up the stairs.
Penny then runs into a room all the way at the end of the hall.
HARPER
Penny, you know you aren't allowed in there.
INT. STUDY
A mess of a room. With many storage cabinets stuffed to the brim, maps and books spilling out everywhere.
When Harper gets to the doorway Penny is already standing in the dark room staring at walls. Lining the walls are mission
boards tracking their Mom's disappearance, with large words above saying "Operation: Find Mom"
PENNY
What's this?
HARPER
Penny, I...
Penny turns to face Harper.
PENNY
I thought you said we couldn't find her. I thought she was with the
stars.
Harper steps towards Penny and kneels to her level.
HARPER
No, no, no Penny it's not what it looks like. This is all really old. I thought I could find her at
first, but I was wrong. Really, really, wrong. Nothing I found ever lead me anywhere.
She puts one hand on Penny's shoulder and the other to her cheek. But Penny doesn't make eye contact.
HARPER CONT'D
She is with the stars, okay? The brightest stars in the sky. Look at
me Penny, please. Okay?
PENNY
But now we have a new clue. If that ghost genie knew Mom then they must
have been friends. So if we become her friends she could help us.
HARPER
(sighs)
Alright fine. We'll let her out. But we are taking every precaution
possible. Got it.
Penny nods and the two hug.
INT. LIVING ROOM
A plain room. The furniture has been rearranged to act as a barricade.
The girls hunch behind their pillow barrier while the pendant sits on the coffee table on the other side of the room.
HARPER
Alright. I'm going to try calling her out. Spirit, come out.
Nothing happens.
HARPER
Spirit, come out of your pendant.
We have questions for you.
Still nothing.
PENNY
Where is she?
Harper thinks back to what happened the first time before having a realization.
HARPER
(groans)
I think I have to touch it.
Leaving the pillow barrier. Harper walks over and takes hold of the pendant.
HARPER
Come out, we- we just want to talk.
A flash of light and Mayflower is back. She has her guard up as she looks at Harper and Penny.
MAYFLOWER
It's you two.
PENNY
Hi, ghost genie! My name is Penny, what's yours? Oh, and on a scale
from one to ten how much of a best friend were you with my Mom?
Harper and Mayflower both stare at Penny. Before Mayflower gasps.
MAYFLOWER
Wait hold up. Your name is Penny? So that's why you look so alike.
You're her daughter! I never thought I'd get to meet you two.
She repositions herself.
MAYFLOWER CONT'D
(clears throat)
Let's see. My name is Mayflower.
I've been your mother's partner on all of her adventures, so I'd say
we have a ten out of ten friendship.
PENNY
Do you eat food? Oh, oh, can you go through walls? Are you green
because your favorite color is green? What do ghosts do for fun?
MAYFLOWER
(giggles)
You know how to ask the real questions, don't you? Let's see, no
food, yes I'll show you later, my favorite color is actually pink,
but I naturally look like this. And while I'm not a ghost I always like
traveling with your mom, oh and stargazing!
Mayflower then shifts her focus to Harper.
MAYFLOWER
And you must be Harp.
Harper stiffens.
HARPER
It's Harper, actually. You said you traveled with our Mom. Where's the
last place you went with her?
MAYFLOWER
Oh, um, the last place? I believe it was a cave in India... it
started with a K maybe. Kolopy or something like that.
HARPER
The Kolpoyina Cave? Just like the note. Alright, thanks. I'm putting
you back in the pendant now.
MAYFLOWER
Wait! Please, don't put me back in there. It's so dark and still and
there's nothing to do and no one to talk to... Please I'll do anything.
I- I could guide you to the cave.
Harper stares at Mayflower, unconvinced.
MAYFLOWER
You don't understand, there is no normal map to guide you. And, if my
memory serves me, the walls within the cave are known to shift. You'll
need me to get through.
Harper sits down on the end of the couch.
HARPER
A pretty solid argument but how exactly do we know we can trust
you?
MAYFLOWER
Well, I've traveled with your Mom for years and she has always
trusted me.
HARPER
And look where that got her. For all we know, you're the reason
she's gone.
MAYFLOWER
Wait, what? What do you mean gone?
What happened to Kara?
HARPER
You don't even know?
(pause)
She went missing on her last escapade. No one's seen her for a
year.
PENNY
She's with the stars now.
Penny looks up and Mayflower follows her gaze.
MAYFLOWER
The stars... That can't be- It felt like I was just with her- I...
Mayflower sits silently for a moment.
MAYFLOWER
But... you don't know what happened to her right? We could at least
search for that answer.
HARPER
We?!
MAYFLOWER
We could go look for her- for what happened to her. Starting with that
cave!
Harper stands up.
HARPER
Wait just a second. That cave isn't even in the U.S., you're talking
traveling the world, searching for what exactly? Mom was an
adventurer, the job had its risks. What do you expect us to do?
Penny jumps out from behind the pillow barrier.
PENNY
We could be adventurers like Mom!
HARPER
Penny, honey, unlike Mom, we don't have any experience, we don't have
a plane, and I'm not putting you in harm's way to chase after this
fantasy.
PENNY
But you were looking for answers! And now we have a clue! Please, I
promise I'll be careful. Can't we at least go visit the cave?
Harper's gaze shifts from Penny to the pendant in her hand.
She pulls the pendant close to herself before sighing and lowering it back to her lap.
HARPER
(sighs)
Okay, but if we're doing this we need to research beforehand. No
jumping blindly into the unknown.
Mayflower and Penny both look excitedly at Harper.
PENNY
Really?! You really mean that!
MAYFLOWER
Oh, joy!
PENNY
We're gonna be adventurers!
HARPER
Bup,bup,bup adventure means danger; something we want to avoid. We're
just travelers, going on a trip, and maybe finding some clues for
answers along the way. Totally different.
MAYFLOWER
(smirking)
Right...
HARPER
Well, I guess we should go upstairs.
PENNY
Why?
HARPER
Well if we're going to research this cave, we should probably move
to the study.
Penny at first looks shocked but then beams.
PENNY
Right!
INT. STUDY
Harper clears away some space so you can see the keyboard to the old computer surrounded by clutter. She leans over the
desk and begins typing.
HARPER
Okay, First we need to figure out where this Kolpoyina cave is.
MAYFLOWER
I don't think you'll be able to find it on any map.
HARPER
Maybe not, but we can at least try to pinpoint a search area. Let's
see... Kolpoyina... it sounds like an Indian dialect.
(Types into computer)
Ah yes! It's Telugu. Translates to 'Lost'... how appropriate.
Harper slides from the computer to a storage cabinet filled with maps. She runs her finger down the drawer handles until
she reaches a drawer labeled "India". She opens the drawer and pulls out a map of India. Then she circles two states:
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
HARPER
Now, Telugu is spoken in this section of India. So our cave is
likely to be somewhere here.
Penny and Mayflower stare over the map.
PENNY
Wow!
MAYFLOWER
This still seems like a large area to search.
HARPER
Yes, but this cave is lost, right? So it's likely not where many people are.
Harper slides back to the computer and begins searching.
HARPER (CONT'D)
So, by referencing the region's population density and city
locations, we can estimate the cave is somewhere
(moving back to map)
here!
Harper circles a smaller area of the map. Two districts in Andhra Pradesh; Prakasam, and Nellore.
HARPER
There's a roughly 2500 square mile area with no major cities... hmm
but the area's sure to still have plenty of villages.
(groans)
Hazelnuts... that doesn't make for a very lost cave then.
MAYFLOWER
Is there anywhere nearby with no villages?
HARPER
Mm hard to say. India has a huge population, so they tend to use most of the land...
Harper slumped over the map, staring at the area she had most recently circled. Penny looks over the map as well and points
to a spot just outside of where Harper circled.
PENNY
What about this spot? It doesn't have any villages.
HARPER
That's because it's a national forest.
Harper suddenly shoots upright.
HARPER
A forest with a hilly, and in some parts, rocky terrain where a small
cave might go unnoticed. Penny, you're a genius!
Penny beams proudly.
HARPER
Okay, we at least have a starting place.
(turns to face Mayflower)
Mayflower, you said you could guide us there, right? You think if we
get this close you'll be able to figure out the rest?
MAYFLOWER
Oh, right! I- I can definitely do that. Guiding... I'm a great guide.
HARPER
You have no idea where this cave is, do you?
MAYFLOWER
Well it's just- Kara usually knew where we were going, I just got
this feeling the closer we got.
HARPER
A feeling?
MAYFLOWER
I don't know how to describe it, okay! But I can just sense when we
get close. And I can help get around booby traps, so I'm still
helpful.
HARPER
(sighs)
Fine. Let's just focus on everything else we need to get done
if we actually plan on going through with this. We need to
figure out packing, and transportation, and-
Harper is cut off by the doorbell ringing throughout the house.
PENNY
I'll get it.
HARPER
No, wait!
Penny stops and stares at Harper.
HARPER
You stay here with the ghost.
MAYFLOWER
Spirit!
HARPER CONT'D
We don't need anyone else seeing this.
Harper gestures to Mayflower then gives a reassuring look to Penny before heading downstairs.
INT. ENTRYWAY OF HOME
When Harper gets to the door she looks through the peephole before unlocking and opening the door. Before her stands MRS.
ANDERSON, she's holding one of Penny's dolls.
MRS. ANDERSON
Hi Harper, I hope I'm not interrupting dinner or anything. I
just happened to notice Penny left one of her toys at my house so I figured I'd return it.
Mrs. Anderson hand the doll over to Harper.
HARPER
Oh thank you Mrs. Anderson, but you really didn't have to do that.
Penny pokes her head out from the top of the stairs and runs down when she sees who's at the door.
PENNY
Mrs. Anderson!
MRS. ANDERSON
Hi Penny. I was just bringing back your Safari Sally doll. I know how
much you like her.
PENNY
Thanks! Oh, but you should meet our new friend. Mayflower!
Mayflower then phases through the wall and right in front of Mrs. Anderson. Harper stands rigged, trying to keep her
composure.
MRS. ANDERSON
Mayflower? Well, I haven't heard that term in quite a while. Is this
a new imaginary friend?
HARPER
(chuckles nervously)
Oh.uh.. yes! Penny and I were just playing a new game! But um, have
you heard of Mayflower before.
MRS. ANDERSON
Oh yes, your mother used to mention it all the time. I always thought
it was what she called that pendant she used to keep on her.
MAYFLOWER
So Kara did talk about me.
HARPER
This was the pendant right?
MRS. ANDERSON
Yes, but I thought this was lost with your mother. How did it find
its way back to you two?
HARPER
It came in a package earlier today, by a friend of Moms. Now we-
PENNY
Now we're going to India.
Harper tenses and can only stare at Penny.
MRS. ANDERSON
What?
PENNY
(gasps)
Mrs. Anderson, you have a plane, right? Can you fly us to India?
MRS. ANDERSON
I believe I'm missing something here. Is this a part of the game
you girls were playing?
HARPER
(more nervous chuckles)
Penny why don't you go and put Safari Sally back with your other
toys. Mrs. Anderson and I are going to talk.
PENNY
Okay.
Harper steps out onto the front steps to join Mrs. Anderson and shuts the door behind her.
EXT. FRONT STEPS OF HOUSE
Harper stands awkwardly with Mrs. Anderson who still looks confused and a bit concerned.
MRS. ANDERSON
You aren't actually going to India are you dear?
HARPER
(sighs)
Actually, we kinda were.
MRS. ANDERSON
Well, what's lead you to that thought? I thought you two had
finally settled after everything you've been through. Don't tell me
you're trying to mimic your mother's reckless life choices?
Harper's eyes avert from Mrs. Anderson at the mention of her mother.
HARPER
No, no, we just thought it would be nice to get out of the house for a bit.
MRS. ANDERSON
There are plenty of closer ways to get out of the house.
HARPER
I know, I know, but, well, with Penny on summer break right now we
thought it might be nice to see the world a bit. India just seemed like
a good place to start.
Mrs. Anderson puts a hand on Harper's shoulder.
MRS. ANDERSON
(sighs)
Your mother was a close friend of mine. I want to be able to be there
for you girls now that she can't, but I'm worried about this. Worried
you're chasing a dream that isn't there.
HARPER
I get that, and I appreciate the concern and... and all the ways
you've helped Penny and me over the last year. But I promise this trip
is nothing more than a fun bonding experience for me and my sister.
Mrs. Anderson takes her hand off Harper's shoulder, smiling meekly.
MRS. ANDERSON
Well I can't say I'm in love with this plan, but there's certainly no
way I'm letting you two fly commercial.
Harper shakes her head in surprise.
HARPER
Wait you mean-
MRS. ANDERSON
I should be available next week to fly you two over. Just let me know
what city I'm flying to before then.
Harper stands in disbelief as Mrs. Anderson smiles warmly.
MRS. ANDERSON
I told you I'd be there for you two. If a trip to India is what you
need then a trip to India is what you get.
HARPER
Mrs. Anderson, I don't know how to thank you enough.
MRS. ANDERSON
(chuckles)
You don't have to do anything. Now I'll go and get out of your hairs.
I'm going to have to prep the plane if it's getting us all the way to
India. Have a good night Harper.
HARPER
Goodnight Mrs. Anderson.
Harper waves goodbye to Mrs. Anderson and heads back inside.
INT. ENTRYWAY OF HOME
Harper gets back inside and realizes how quiet the house is.
HARPER
You can come out now!
PENNY
Did I say something I wasn't supposed to? I'm sorry I was just
really excited.
HARPER
No Penny, come here.
Harper opens her arms and Penny runs downstairs and hugs her.
HARPER
Mrs. Anderson and I just had to talk about adult stuff. You did nothing wrong.
Penny pulls back from the hug smiling.
PENNY
So what did you two talk about?
HARPER
Well... Mrs. Anderson agreed to give us a ride to India next week.
PENNY
Really!!
MAYFLOWER
Our trip is only a week away!
HARPER
That's right! But we have to make sure not to mention anything about
Mom, or searching for clues, or Mayflower or anything else to Mrs.
Anderson, okay? For whatever reason, it doesn't seem like she
can see Mayflower but we don't want to give her any reason to worry, alright?
PENNY
Okay, I promise I'll be careful next time.
HARPER
(standing up)
Alright! Then I'm going to whip up a quick dinner and we can back to
researching.
INT. STUDY
Cut to a montage of the three continuing research, looking over maps, and putting together a new mission board long into
the night. Harper, starring over a map and several books, rubs her eyes and looks at her watch.
HARPER
Oh wow, it's already this late. How are you holding in there Penny?
(pause)
Penny?
Harper turns around to see Penny curled up in a chair sound asleep.
HARPER
(giggles)
I guess it's time we call it a night.
Harper scoops Penny into her arms and takes her down the hall to Penny's bedroom. Mayflower follows behind and watches as
Harper tucks Penny into bed. Then the two head downstairs to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN
Once in the kitchen, Harper starts washing the dishes from dinner. Mayflower watches, floating down to "sit" on the
counter.
MAYFLOWER
You really handle everything, don't you?
HARPER
Eh, it's not like dishes are hard or anything.
MAYFLOWER
Yeah but it's not just chores. Earlier today too, you were so
quick with all of the maps and research stuff. You must have
gotten that from Kara.
Harper pauses for a moment.
MAYFLOWER
Ah, I'm sorry I shouldn't have brought her up.
Harper finishes washing the dishes and hops up to sit on the counter next to Mayflower.
HARPER
No, it's fine. When I was little I actually wanted to be an adventurer
like her. She even used to let me help her plan out her excursions.
But when Penny came along those dreams faded. I knew I wanted to be
around more. So I went to school for cartography.
MAYFLOWER
That explains why you're so good with maps!
HARPER
(chuckles)
Yeah, I never got to graduate, but I learned a lot so it was all worth
it.
(pause)
You know I was really surprised to hear you call me Harp earlier.
MAYFLOWER
Oh yeah, sorry about that. My memory must have been a little
frazzled after being in the pendant so long.
HARPER
No, I'm sure you remembered right. Mom was the only one who ever
called me that. That's how I knew you weren't lying about knowing
her.
MAYFLOWER
Oh, so it was a nickname?
HARPER
Yeah, she wanted me to have a normal name with a more unique
nickname in case I wanted to be weird like her. Or at least that's
what she used to say. What about you? Mayflower's pretty long. She
must have shortened it to something.
Mayflower shakes her head.
MAYFLOWER
No, I was always Mayflower.
HARPER
Well if you're gonna be on this team we'll have to fix that.
Harper jumps down from the counter.
HARPER
Let's see Mayflower... May? No too normal... Flower doesn't really
work either. Hmmm, Maayyyfff...
That's it! Mayf!
MAYFLOWER
Mayf? What does that even mean?
HARPER
What do you mean? It's your name, just shortened.
MAYFLOWER
I think I'll just stick with Mayflower.
HARPER
Oh no, you're not getting out of this one, Mayf.
MAYFLOWER
And it's already sticking.
HARPER
Oh yeah, this is happening. I look forward to traveling with you Mayf!
Harper smirks and Mayflower bursts into laughter. Soon both the girls are laughing.
END
A quiet street lined with houses, each with its own unique style.
PENNY and HARPER are walking down their neighborhood street back to their house. PENNY is skipping ahead of HARPER
finishing the story of her day.
PENNY
Oh, oh! And after Mrs. Anderson put the cookies in the oven she let me
eat the leftover cookie dough!
HARPER
Well, I'm glad you had a good day.
PENNY
So how was work, Harper?
HARPER
Oh you know, same old, same old.
By this point, the girls are halfway up their driveway before
Penny stops and turns to face Harper.
PENNY
Can we make cookies tonight?
HARPER
But didn't you-
Suddenly a delivery man comes up behind Harper and Penny, surprising them both.
DELIVERY MAN
(clears throat)
Excuse me, I'm looking for a Kara Accardi.
HARPER
Oh, yes.
Harper takes the package, hesitantly.
DELIVERY MAN
You have a good day.
HARPER
Right.
Harper pauses looking down at the box, before sighing.
HARPER
Come on Penny let's get inside.
INT. ENTRYWAY OF HOME
A small but functional entryway. Divided from the rest of the house by the stairs. Once inside Penny and Harper take off their shoes. Penny
starts towards the living room but turns back to see Harper, still staring at the box.
PENNY
Who sent the package to Mom?
HARPER
Some guy named Morfran McDonald... I don't think we know anyone by that-
Penny runs to Harper and grabs her arm to get a better look at the box.
PENNY
Mom was friends with the owner of McDonald's?!!
HARPER
(chuckles)
I think you're thinking of Ronald McDonald, the clown.
PENNY
But they could still be related right?
HARPER
Yeah, maybe.
PENNY
Well, you gotta open it! What if it's some kind of secret recipe
book?
Penny starts shaking Harper's arm repeatedly.
HARPER
Okay okay, I'll open it!
Penny stops shaking Harper's arm, and the two sit down on the foyer floor. Harper pulls out a multi-tool and uses a small
blade to cut open the box. Inside the box is a folded piece of paper sitting on top of packaging peanuts.
Harper picks up the paper and unfolds it.
HARPER
A note?
(reading)
K. Might want to keep better track of your things. Found this in front
of the Kolpoyina Cave. Figured I'd ship it back before beating you
through the cave. Make it up to me next time. Morfran.
Penny is already digging through the packaging peanuts by the time Harper finishes reading. Finally, Penny grabs hold of
something and pulls out a bluish-green diamond-shaped pendant. It's smooth like a polished stone minus a small
crack at the tip. Both Penny and Harper stare at it for a moment.
PENNY
It's Mom's keychain!
Harper takes it in her hands.
HARPER
Ha, it really is. Did it chip in shipping? Still, I never thought I'd see this aga-
Suddenly there is a flash of light and both the girls close their eyes. When they finally open them they are both
surprised to see a glowing figure in their foyer. MAYFLOWER floats before them, confused by her surrounding. She looks
around before turning to face the siblings.
MAYFLOWER
Where, where's Kara?
HARPER
Kara...?
Penny stands up.
PENNY
That's Mom's name! Do you know Mom?
Mayflower rushes towards Penny and puts her hands on Penny's shoulders.
MAYFLOWER
What is this place? My memory's all fuzzy. I-I thought she was trying
to leave me. Did she leave me?
Harper pushes her arms through Mayflower. Causing Mayflower to move back.
HARPER
Don't you dare touch my sister!
MAYFLOWER
Look, I don't know who you are, or why you've trapped me here, but you
better tell me what you did to Kara or so help me!
HARPER
No! Leave us alone!
Harper grips the pendant tighter and suddenly there's a flash of light again, and when the girls open their eyes this time,
Mayflower is gone.
PENNY
Where did she go?
Harper looks at Penny grabbing Penny's face in her hands.
HARPER
It doesn't matter, we're safe now. Did she hurt you?
Harper begins looking over Penny's body for any sign of injury.
PENNY
But she seemed so scared. Why were you mean to her?
Harper stops searching and looks at Penny.
HARPER
Penny, we have no idea what that thing was or what it wanted. What
was most important was making sure you weren't hurt okay?
Harper tries to put a hand to Penny's cheek but Penny nudges it away.
PENNY
But she didn't hurt us! And she said Mom's name. What if she knows
where Mom is?
HARPER
That's enough. Mom is with the stars now, remember? She was
probably looking for another Kara.
Penny looks down at the floor, dejected. Harper sighs and thinks for a moment before smiling.
HARPER
How's about a pre-dinner brownie?
Penny's smile quickly returns, and the two make their way to the kitchen
INT. KITCHEN
Neat and organized. An island sits in the middle with two barstools.
Harper picks Penny up and sits her down on the counter. Then she grabs a Tupperware full of brownies and hands one to
Penny.
PENNY
Thank you!
As Penny begins eating the brownie, Harper continues to think over what just happened.
HARPER
(V.O.)
Maybe Penny was on to something.
Whoever this ghost was, she hadn’t hurt us or even seemed to try. In
fact, she seemed more confused than threatening. And if she knew Mom
maybe she knew where Mom was before she disappeared. Wait what am I
thinking? I just got rid of that thing and now I'm considering
bringing it back.
Harper notices Penny staring at her, having finished her brownie.
HARPER
What?
PENNY
Whatcha thinking about?
HARPER
Nothing. What were you thinking about?
Penny hops down from the counter.
PENNY
I was thinking of questions to ask the ghost genie when she comes
back.
Penny then takes off running, prompting Harper to chase after her.
HARPER
Wait, Penny, we talked about this.
Penny continues running and Harper chases her up the stairs.
Penny then runs into a room all the way at the end of the hall.
HARPER
Penny, you know you aren't allowed in there.
INT. STUDY
A mess of a room. With many storage cabinets stuffed to the brim, maps and books spilling out everywhere.
When Harper gets to the doorway Penny is already standing in the dark room staring at walls. Lining the walls are mission
boards tracking their Mom's disappearance, with large words above saying "Operation: Find Mom"
PENNY
What's this?
HARPER
Penny, I...
Penny turns to face Harper.
PENNY
I thought you said we couldn't find her. I thought she was with the
stars.
Harper steps towards Penny and kneels to her level.
HARPER
No, no, no Penny it's not what it looks like. This is all really old. I thought I could find her at
first, but I was wrong. Really, really, wrong. Nothing I found ever lead me anywhere.
She puts one hand on Penny's shoulder and the other to her cheek. But Penny doesn't make eye contact.
HARPER CONT'D
She is with the stars, okay? The brightest stars in the sky. Look at
me Penny, please. Okay?
PENNY
But now we have a new clue. If that ghost genie knew Mom then they must
have been friends. So if we become her friends she could help us.
HARPER
(sighs)
Alright fine. We'll let her out. But we are taking every precaution
possible. Got it.
Penny nods and the two hug.
INT. LIVING ROOM
A plain room. The furniture has been rearranged to act as a barricade.
The girls hunch behind their pillow barrier while the pendant sits on the coffee table on the other side of the room.
HARPER
Alright. I'm going to try calling her out. Spirit, come out.
Nothing happens.
HARPER
Spirit, come out of your pendant.
We have questions for you.
Still nothing.
PENNY
Where is she?
Harper thinks back to what happened the first time before having a realization.
HARPER
(groans)
I think I have to touch it.
Leaving the pillow barrier. Harper walks over and takes hold of the pendant.
HARPER
Come out, we- we just want to talk.
A flash of light and Mayflower is back. She has her guard up as she looks at Harper and Penny.
MAYFLOWER
It's you two.
PENNY
Hi, ghost genie! My name is Penny, what's yours? Oh, and on a scale
from one to ten how much of a best friend were you with my Mom?
Harper and Mayflower both stare at Penny. Before Mayflower gasps.
MAYFLOWER
Wait hold up. Your name is Penny? So that's why you look so alike.
You're her daughter! I never thought I'd get to meet you two.
She repositions herself.
MAYFLOWER CONT'D
(clears throat)
Let's see. My name is Mayflower.
I've been your mother's partner on all of her adventures, so I'd say
we have a ten out of ten friendship.
PENNY
Do you eat food? Oh, oh, can you go through walls? Are you green
because your favorite color is green? What do ghosts do for fun?
MAYFLOWER
(giggles)
You know how to ask the real questions, don't you? Let's see, no
food, yes I'll show you later, my favorite color is actually pink,
but I naturally look like this. And while I'm not a ghost I always like
traveling with your mom, oh and stargazing!
Mayflower then shifts her focus to Harper.
MAYFLOWER
And you must be Harp.
Harper stiffens.
HARPER
It's Harper, actually. You said you traveled with our Mom. Where's the
last place you went with her?
MAYFLOWER
Oh, um, the last place? I believe it was a cave in India... it
started with a K maybe. Kolopy or something like that.
HARPER
The Kolpoyina Cave? Just like the note. Alright, thanks. I'm putting
you back in the pendant now.
MAYFLOWER
Wait! Please, don't put me back in there. It's so dark and still and
there's nothing to do and no one to talk to... Please I'll do anything.
I- I could guide you to the cave.
Harper stares at Mayflower, unconvinced.
MAYFLOWER
You don't understand, there is no normal map to guide you. And, if my
memory serves me, the walls within the cave are known to shift. You'll
need me to get through.
Harper sits down on the end of the couch.
HARPER
A pretty solid argument but how exactly do we know we can trust
you?
MAYFLOWER
Well, I've traveled with your Mom for years and she has always
trusted me.
HARPER
And look where that got her. For all we know, you're the reason
she's gone.
MAYFLOWER
Wait, what? What do you mean gone?
What happened to Kara?
HARPER
You don't even know?
(pause)
She went missing on her last escapade. No one's seen her for a
year.
PENNY
She's with the stars now.
Penny looks up and Mayflower follows her gaze.
MAYFLOWER
The stars... That can't be- It felt like I was just with her- I...
Mayflower sits silently for a moment.
MAYFLOWER
But... you don't know what happened to her right? We could at least
search for that answer.
HARPER
We?!
MAYFLOWER
We could go look for her- for what happened to her. Starting with that
cave!
Harper stands up.
HARPER
Wait just a second. That cave isn't even in the U.S., you're talking
traveling the world, searching for what exactly? Mom was an
adventurer, the job had its risks. What do you expect us to do?
Penny jumps out from behind the pillow barrier.
PENNY
We could be adventurers like Mom!
HARPER
Penny, honey, unlike Mom, we don't have any experience, we don't have
a plane, and I'm not putting you in harm's way to chase after this
fantasy.
PENNY
But you were looking for answers! And now we have a clue! Please, I
promise I'll be careful. Can't we at least go visit the cave?
Harper's gaze shifts from Penny to the pendant in her hand.
She pulls the pendant close to herself before sighing and lowering it back to her lap.
HARPER
(sighs)
Okay, but if we're doing this we need to research beforehand. No
jumping blindly into the unknown.
Mayflower and Penny both look excitedly at Harper.
PENNY
Really?! You really mean that!
MAYFLOWER
Oh, joy!
PENNY
We're gonna be adventurers!
HARPER
Bup,bup,bup adventure means danger; something we want to avoid. We're
just travelers, going on a trip, and maybe finding some clues for
answers along the way. Totally different.
MAYFLOWER
(smirking)
Right...
HARPER
Well, I guess we should go upstairs.
PENNY
Why?
HARPER
Well if we're going to research this cave, we should probably move
to the study.
Penny at first looks shocked but then beams.
PENNY
Right!
INT. STUDY
Harper clears away some space so you can see the keyboard to the old computer surrounded by clutter. She leans over the
desk and begins typing.
HARPER
Okay, First we need to figure out where this Kolpoyina cave is.
MAYFLOWER
I don't think you'll be able to find it on any map.
HARPER
Maybe not, but we can at least try to pinpoint a search area. Let's
see... Kolpoyina... it sounds like an Indian dialect.
(Types into computer)
Ah yes! It's Telugu. Translates to 'Lost'... how appropriate.
Harper slides from the computer to a storage cabinet filled with maps. She runs her finger down the drawer handles until
she reaches a drawer labeled "India". She opens the drawer and pulls out a map of India. Then she circles two states:
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
HARPER
Now, Telugu is spoken in this section of India. So our cave is
likely to be somewhere here.
Penny and Mayflower stare over the map.
PENNY
Wow!
MAYFLOWER
This still seems like a large area to search.
HARPER
Yes, but this cave is lost, right? So it's likely not where many people are.
Harper slides back to the computer and begins searching.
HARPER (CONT'D)
So, by referencing the region's population density and city
locations, we can estimate the cave is somewhere
(moving back to map)
here!
Harper circles a smaller area of the map. Two districts in Andhra Pradesh; Prakasam, and Nellore.
HARPER
There's a roughly 2500 square mile area with no major cities... hmm
but the area's sure to still have plenty of villages.
(groans)
Hazelnuts... that doesn't make for a very lost cave then.
MAYFLOWER
Is there anywhere nearby with no villages?
HARPER
Mm hard to say. India has a huge population, so they tend to use most of the land...
Harper slumped over the map, staring at the area she had most recently circled. Penny looks over the map as well and points
to a spot just outside of where Harper circled.
PENNY
What about this spot? It doesn't have any villages.
HARPER
That's because it's a national forest.
Harper suddenly shoots upright.
HARPER
A forest with a hilly, and in some parts, rocky terrain where a small
cave might go unnoticed. Penny, you're a genius!
Penny beams proudly.
HARPER
Okay, we at least have a starting place.
(turns to face Mayflower)
Mayflower, you said you could guide us there, right? You think if we
get this close you'll be able to figure out the rest?
MAYFLOWER
Oh, right! I- I can definitely do that. Guiding... I'm a great guide.
HARPER
You have no idea where this cave is, do you?
MAYFLOWER
Well it's just- Kara usually knew where we were going, I just got
this feeling the closer we got.
HARPER
A feeling?
MAYFLOWER
I don't know how to describe it, okay! But I can just sense when we
get close. And I can help get around booby traps, so I'm still
helpful.
HARPER
(sighs)
Fine. Let's just focus on everything else we need to get done
if we actually plan on going through with this. We need to
figure out packing, and transportation, and-
Harper is cut off by the doorbell ringing throughout the house.
PENNY
I'll get it.
HARPER
No, wait!
Penny stops and stares at Harper.
HARPER
You stay here with the ghost.
MAYFLOWER
Spirit!
HARPER CONT'D
We don't need anyone else seeing this.
Harper gestures to Mayflower then gives a reassuring look to Penny before heading downstairs.
INT. ENTRYWAY OF HOME
When Harper gets to the door she looks through the peephole before unlocking and opening the door. Before her stands MRS.
ANDERSON, she's holding one of Penny's dolls.
MRS. ANDERSON
Hi Harper, I hope I'm not interrupting dinner or anything. I
just happened to notice Penny left one of her toys at my house so I figured I'd return it.
Mrs. Anderson hand the doll over to Harper.
HARPER
Oh thank you Mrs. Anderson, but you really didn't have to do that.
Penny pokes her head out from the top of the stairs and runs down when she sees who's at the door.
PENNY
Mrs. Anderson!
MRS. ANDERSON
Hi Penny. I was just bringing back your Safari Sally doll. I know how
much you like her.
PENNY
Thanks! Oh, but you should meet our new friend. Mayflower!
Mayflower then phases through the wall and right in front of Mrs. Anderson. Harper stands rigged, trying to keep her
composure.
MRS. ANDERSON
Mayflower? Well, I haven't heard that term in quite a while. Is this
a new imaginary friend?
HARPER
(chuckles nervously)
Oh.uh.. yes! Penny and I were just playing a new game! But um, have
you heard of Mayflower before.
MRS. ANDERSON
Oh yes, your mother used to mention it all the time. I always thought
it was what she called that pendant she used to keep on her.
MAYFLOWER
So Kara did talk about me.
HARPER
This was the pendant right?
MRS. ANDERSON
Yes, but I thought this was lost with your mother. How did it find
its way back to you two?
HARPER
It came in a package earlier today, by a friend of Moms. Now we-
PENNY
Now we're going to India.
Harper tenses and can only stare at Penny.
MRS. ANDERSON
What?
PENNY
(gasps)
Mrs. Anderson, you have a plane, right? Can you fly us to India?
MRS. ANDERSON
I believe I'm missing something here. Is this a part of the game
you girls were playing?
HARPER
(more nervous chuckles)
Penny why don't you go and put Safari Sally back with your other
toys. Mrs. Anderson and I are going to talk.
PENNY
Okay.
Harper steps out onto the front steps to join Mrs. Anderson and shuts the door behind her.
EXT. FRONT STEPS OF HOUSE
Harper stands awkwardly with Mrs. Anderson who still looks confused and a bit concerned.
MRS. ANDERSON
You aren't actually going to India are you dear?
HARPER
(sighs)
Actually, we kinda were.
MRS. ANDERSON
Well, what's lead you to that thought? I thought you two had
finally settled after everything you've been through. Don't tell me
you're trying to mimic your mother's reckless life choices?
Harper's eyes avert from Mrs. Anderson at the mention of her mother.
HARPER
No, no, we just thought it would be nice to get out of the house for a bit.
MRS. ANDERSON
There are plenty of closer ways to get out of the house.
HARPER
I know, I know, but, well, with Penny on summer break right now we
thought it might be nice to see the world a bit. India just seemed like
a good place to start.
Mrs. Anderson puts a hand on Harper's shoulder.
MRS. ANDERSON
(sighs)
Your mother was a close friend of mine. I want to be able to be there
for you girls now that she can't, but I'm worried about this. Worried
you're chasing a dream that isn't there.
HARPER
I get that, and I appreciate the concern and... and all the ways
you've helped Penny and me over the last year. But I promise this trip
is nothing more than a fun bonding experience for me and my sister.
Mrs. Anderson takes her hand off Harper's shoulder, smiling meekly.
MRS. ANDERSON
Well I can't say I'm in love with this plan, but there's certainly no
way I'm letting you two fly commercial.
Harper shakes her head in surprise.
HARPER
Wait you mean-
MRS. ANDERSON
I should be available next week to fly you two over. Just let me know
what city I'm flying to before then.
Harper stands in disbelief as Mrs. Anderson smiles warmly.
MRS. ANDERSON
I told you I'd be there for you two. If a trip to India is what you
need then a trip to India is what you get.
HARPER
Mrs. Anderson, I don't know how to thank you enough.
MRS. ANDERSON
(chuckles)
You don't have to do anything. Now I'll go and get out of your hairs.
I'm going to have to prep the plane if it's getting us all the way to
India. Have a good night Harper.
HARPER
Goodnight Mrs. Anderson.
Harper waves goodbye to Mrs. Anderson and heads back inside.
INT. ENTRYWAY OF HOME
Harper gets back inside and realizes how quiet the house is.
HARPER
You can come out now!
PENNY
Did I say something I wasn't supposed to? I'm sorry I was just
really excited.
HARPER
No Penny, come here.
Harper opens her arms and Penny runs downstairs and hugs her.
HARPER
Mrs. Anderson and I just had to talk about adult stuff. You did nothing wrong.
Penny pulls back from the hug smiling.
PENNY
So what did you two talk about?
HARPER
Well... Mrs. Anderson agreed to give us a ride to India next week.
PENNY
Really!!
MAYFLOWER
Our trip is only a week away!
HARPER
That's right! But we have to make sure not to mention anything about
Mom, or searching for clues, or Mayflower or anything else to Mrs.
Anderson, okay? For whatever reason, it doesn't seem like she
can see Mayflower but we don't want to give her any reason to worry, alright?
PENNY
Okay, I promise I'll be careful next time.
HARPER
(standing up)
Alright! Then I'm going to whip up a quick dinner and we can back to
researching.
INT. STUDY
Cut to a montage of the three continuing research, looking over maps, and putting together a new mission board long into
the night. Harper, starring over a map and several books, rubs her eyes and looks at her watch.
HARPER
Oh wow, it's already this late. How are you holding in there Penny?
(pause)
Penny?
Harper turns around to see Penny curled up in a chair sound asleep.
HARPER
(giggles)
I guess it's time we call it a night.
Harper scoops Penny into her arms and takes her down the hall to Penny's bedroom. Mayflower follows behind and watches as
Harper tucks Penny into bed. Then the two head downstairs to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN
Once in the kitchen, Harper starts washing the dishes from dinner. Mayflower watches, floating down to "sit" on the
counter.
MAYFLOWER
You really handle everything, don't you?
HARPER
Eh, it's not like dishes are hard or anything.
MAYFLOWER
Yeah but it's not just chores. Earlier today too, you were so
quick with all of the maps and research stuff. You must have
gotten that from Kara.
Harper pauses for a moment.
MAYFLOWER
Ah, I'm sorry I shouldn't have brought her up.
Harper finishes washing the dishes and hops up to sit on the counter next to Mayflower.
HARPER
No, it's fine. When I was little I actually wanted to be an adventurer
like her. She even used to let me help her plan out her excursions.
But when Penny came along those dreams faded. I knew I wanted to be
around more. So I went to school for cartography.
MAYFLOWER
That explains why you're so good with maps!
HARPER
(chuckles)
Yeah, I never got to graduate, but I learned a lot so it was all worth
it.
(pause)
You know I was really surprised to hear you call me Harp earlier.
MAYFLOWER
Oh yeah, sorry about that. My memory must have been a little
frazzled after being in the pendant so long.
HARPER
No, I'm sure you remembered right. Mom was the only one who ever
called me that. That's how I knew you weren't lying about knowing
her.
MAYFLOWER
Oh, so it was a nickname?
HARPER
Yeah, she wanted me to have a normal name with a more unique
nickname in case I wanted to be weird like her. Or at least that's
what she used to say. What about you? Mayflower's pretty long. She
must have shortened it to something.
Mayflower shakes her head.
MAYFLOWER
No, I was always Mayflower.
HARPER
Well if you're gonna be on this team we'll have to fix that.
Harper jumps down from the counter.
HARPER
Let's see Mayflower... May? No too normal... Flower doesn't really
work either. Hmmm, Maayyyfff...
That's it! Mayf!
MAYFLOWER
Mayf? What does that even mean?
HARPER
What do you mean? It's your name, just shortened.
MAYFLOWER
I think I'll just stick with Mayflower.
HARPER
Oh no, you're not getting out of this one, Mayf.
MAYFLOWER
And it's already sticking.
HARPER
Oh yeah, this is happening. I look forward to traveling with you Mayf!
Harper smirks and Mayflower bursts into laughter. Soon both the girls are laughing.
END