Dead Poets Society: Keating's Niece

11. Kissing

An emergency assembly has been called. The office, NATALIE comes in hastily. 

Natalie: Uncle John, it wasn't me.

Keating: I know.

Natalie: I would never jeopardize your position like that.

Keating: I know.

Natalie: But they're going to think –

Keating: Nolan came to see me. He wanted to speak with you.

NATALIE sighs, readying herself.

Natalie: When?

Keating: After the assembly, which you're not invited to.

Pause.

Just...be brave and don't lie. You've been in your room every night you've been here, except for when you've been with Frances Noel. You only leave school site for rehearsals.

NATALIE nods.

Natalie: I'm sorry –

KEATING shakes his head.

Keating: We knew you being here would be tricky.

The boys are filing down the corridors. NATALIE is hidden in an alcove when NEIL spots her. He dips in beside her.

Neil: I only have a moment - are you in trouble?

Natalie: I have a meeting with Nolan after the assembly.

Neil: We won't let him take this out on you.

Natalie: I know, Neil.

NEIL looks down at her intently. She looks up at him shyly.

I'm not allowed to go to the assembly.

Neil: So watch from the rafters - I know a way up -

NATALIE manages to find a way up into the rafters where she sits where they can't see her. NEIL looks in her direction but can't see her. NOLAN is looking as grave and stern as the first assembly he conducted. His voice booms from the podium.

Nolan: This week there appeared a profane and unauthorised article. Rather than spending my valuable time, ferreting out the guilty persons – and let me assure you, I will find them. I'm asking any and all students who knew anything about this article to come forward now. This is your only opportunity to avoid expulsion.

A phone starts to ring, all boys look around. NATALIE tries to peek but can't see. CHARLIE stands up with the phone in his hand.

Charlie: Welton Academy, hello. Yes, he is, just a moment. Mr Nolan, it's for you. It's God. He says we should have girls at Welton.

People laugh. NATALIE is confused. CHARLIE gets called to NOLAN's office. 

NOLAN hits CHARLIE with a paddle. 

NATALIE has been summoned and is sat outside of NOLAN's office when CHARLIE re-emerges. CHARLIE is clearly in pain, he doesn't look at her but walks down the corridor.

Nolan: Miss Keating?

Natalie: My Uncle told me you wanted to see me.

Nolan: Now isn't convenient. First thing Monday.

Natalie: Understood.

NOLAN closes the door. NATALIE hurries down the corridor after CHARLIE. When she reaches him, she opens a door, looks inside it and pulls him in with her. It's a closet. She pulls the light on.