FADE IN
The screen remains dark, white lettering appears on the
screen. "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk
in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring
their glory and honour into it. And the gates shall not be
shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And
they shall bring glory and honour of the nations into it.
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh
a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 21: 24-27"
EXT-FIELD-DAY
The camera pans downword toward the tall blades of grass.
Then across them, splitting a path in the grass as it goes.
The camera creeps upon two small CHILDREN laying in the
field staring up at the clouds. One child is the main
character ALEX, the other is a neighbor girl MEGAN.
ALEX
What do you see?
MEGAN
Heaven.
ALEX
You're supposda' see shapes.
MEGAN
You see what your imagination let's
you see. What do you see?
ALEX
Clouds.
MEGAN
You not being very much fun.
ALEX
You ask me what I saw.
MEGAN
Why didn't you go to your grandpa's
funeral?
ALEX
My Mom thought it would be better
if I stayed here with your mom. I
went to that display thing.
MEGAN
Viewing?
ALEX
Ok.....
MEGAN
I'm sorry about him.
ALEX
It's ok.
(pointing up)
He's up there now.
MEGAN
Can you see him?
ALEX
Not yet but I'm still looking.
MEGAN
I'll help you.
ALEX
I'm scared to die.
MEGAN
Why?
ALEX
What if we're wrong, what if there
isn't a heaven? What if it's just
darkness?
MEGAN
Of course there's a heaven.
ALEX
How do you know?
MEGAN
My mommy told me there was.
They lay there as the camera pans up. Giant FLASH of light.
CUT TO: blurry images. We can hear heavy wheezy breathing.
We are to assume that we are looking through Alex's dying
eyes as he's about to pass away. Alex POV: blurry image of
CHAS, Alex's daughter. He looks over to MEGAN RENE his grand
daughter.
CHAS
(slightly garbled)
Dad....Dad....Jeff get Megan out of
the room please.
JEFF, Chas' husband grabs Megan and takes her out of the room.
MEGAN RENE
Grandpa.....
(as she's being
carried out)Alex's POV: Pans over to JEREMY, Alex's son.
JEREMY
Is he.....?
Giant FLASH of light. Alex's POV changes. It appears now
he's hovering over his body. We see Chas kiss her father on
the head. She then falls crying upon a stunned Jeremy.
Camera continues to pan up. Another giant FLASH. CUT TO:
total darkness. We hear EMMANUEL's voice.
EMMANUEL
(O.S)
Float in to the light.
ALEX
(O.S)
Who are you?
EMMANUEL
(O.S.)
I am Emmanuel. I will be your guide.
Tiny speck of light is seen in the center of the screen. It
GROWS bigger, engulfing screen. We see a younger Alex float
along "Russel Style" (similar to Russel Crowe's body floating
scene in Gladiator) The camera pans up on Alex, as it does a
wood floor appears beneath him. His eyes FLUTTER some what.
He runs his hands over his face as like a blind person would
to some ones face. He then slowly moves his left leg up,
followed by his right. Then he slowly gets up.
ALEX
Emmanuel!!!!! Emmanuel!!!!!
Camera spins around. Fast CUT to Emmanuel.
EMMANUEL
I'm here.
ALEX
Emmanuel, where am I?
EMMANUEL
You have passed on.
ALEX
So I'm dead?
EMMANUEL
Your earthly body has died, but you
are very much alive. This is just
the next step of existence.
ALEX
Are you dead?
EMMANUEL
I once lived on Earth as you once
did.
ALEX
My daughter, my son....
EMMANUEL
Yes?
ALEX
Are they ok?
EMMANUEL
Yes they are.
ALEX
I saw them, also my granddaughter,and
my son-in-law. Then I saw my body,
and then.....I ended up here.......
Alex looks around the structure he's in. It appears to be an
old farmhouse.
ALEX
My grandfather had a farmhouse like
this.
EMMANUEL
Yes I know.
ALEX
Is he here? And what about my
parents?
EMMANUEL
Yes they are here.
ALEX
When can I see them?
EMMANUEL
In time. Did you like 25?
ALEX
Excuse me?
EMMANUEL
The age 25, were you fond of it?
Alex looks down at his body.
ALEX
Yes. That's when I met Elizabeth,
my wife.
(deep breath)
Oh Elizabeth, she should have been
the first person I thought of when
I got here.
EMMANUEL
From the looks of things she was.
ALEX
I want to see her.
EMMANUEL
You will soon.
Alex again looks around. He spys a box in the corner.
ALEX
What's in the box?
EMMANUEL
You are free to look.
He walks over and kneels down. He starts riffling through
the box. He comes accross a pair of wooden spoons.
ALEX
Wooden spoons.
EMMANUEL
Yes. Yes, they are.
Alex looks down at the spoons. CUT TO: Alex's childhood
home, several years ago.
INT-LIVING ROOM-EVENING
Alex's parents LINDA and RAY are watching TV on the couch.
They hear a scream comming from the back of the house. Linda
rushes back there. CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S ROOM-EVENING
Linda rushes through the door and over to console the crying
Alex.
ALEX
(crying)
Bloody Mary is coming after me!!!
LINDA
What honey?
ALEX
(sniffling)
The kids in school, turned out the
lights and said "Bloody Mary" 10
times. She's coming after me.
LINDA
Honey nothing is going to get you.
I won't let it.
ALEX
You can't stop the supernatural!
CUT TO:
INT-KITCHEN-NIGHT
Linda is riffling through cabinets. Ray walks in.
RAY
What are you doing?
LINDA
(still riffling)
Trying to find something to attach
these wooden spoons together.
RAY
Why?
LINDA
To make a cross.
RAY
Back to question one, why?
LINDA
So our son, will feel as though the
Lord Jesus Christ is in the room
with him. So he can protect him
from the dead mother of Jack the
Ripper that his friends conjured up
today at recess. Anymore questions?
(finding something in cabinet)
(under breath)
That'll do it.
RAY
What?
LINDA
Go to bed dear.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Camera CREEPS in on the peaceful, sleeping Alex. It pans up
to show wooden spoon crosses above his bed.
CUT TO:
INT-FARMHOUSE-DAY
EMMANUEL
Did it work?
ALEX
The spoons? It did the trick at the
time.
(putting spoons back
into the box)
I was a screwed up kid back then.
EMMANUEL
How so?
ALEX
I had major O.C.D. I was always
flipping out. It centered on a fear
of going to hell. I would do
rituals in order to feel safe from
damnation. For example, if a heater
was on in my room, I would spend 30
minutes before I left looking for
any debris around the heater. My
belief was that if a small piece of
paper got in the heater and caused
a fire and people died. God would
blame me and banish me to hell.
EMMANUEL
That wouldn't be your fault though.
ALEX
It took me a long time to realize
that. As a result I had a very
unhappy childhood. I spent literally
years in my room because of clinical
depression.
EMMANUEL
Was it all bad?
ALEX
Not all. I do have some fond
memories.
(pauses)
(smiles)
Megan.
EMMANUEL
Megan?
ALEX
Yes. The fifth girl to go by the
name girlfriend, but the first
serious one.
EMMANUEL
Who were the others?
ALEX
Those one week relationships that
everyone has in middle school. The
"Will you be my girlfriend from
math class till the end of world
history" relationships.
EMMANUEL
Megan was different?
ALEX
Oh yes. We grew up together. We
hung out all the time. Her parents
would look after me when ever mine
would have to leave for a great
period of time. She moved when I
was 12 years old. We lost contact
for several years. Then my senior
year we found each other and
started dating. We were going to go
to senior prom together, but she
caught mono. Strange not too long
after that I also caught mono
(smiling) EMMANUEL
So when did it go bad?
ALEX
That summer......
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-NIGHT
Alex and Megan, now teenagers, are in the middle of a make
out session in the front seat of the car. Alex breaks from
the passionate moment.
ALEX
I love you.....
Megan just stares at him back. CUT TO:
INT-COFFEE SHOP-NIGHT
Megan is busy reading the paper. Alex sits there staring at
her, sipping his coffee.
MEGAN
Wow, they're putting a clover-leaf
in at the downtown exit, off the
Interstate.
ALEX
(pause)
Megan, I love you.
MEGAN
(putting down the paper)
Why are you heading it to this Alex?
ALEX
Because I love you, and I want to
spend the rest of my life with you
Megan.
MEGAN
Whoa! You know I want to travel. Go
to Paris, see the world. I'm not
ready to have this discussion.
ALEX
I could do those things with you.
We could see the world together.
MEGAN
I would love that Alex. But do you
really see yourself leaving this
town? You're held back alot by your
fears. There will always be some
excuse. It'll be something like,
you don't want to leave your job
behind. Which I might buy if you
weren't a stock person at some
dollar store.
ALEX
That's not fair, they might promote
me.
MEGAN
You've been saying that for a year
now. Alex you're 18 years old and
you're ready to grow up and get on
with your life now? Before we
started going out you seemed fun
loving, but the minute we got in a
relationship you started acting
like your were 40.
ALEX
I'm just ready to settle down.
MEGAN
Alex, you haven't even experienced
life yet. It might not hit you now,
but it will eventually. And then
you'll regret not slowing down.
ALEX
So you're not ready to settle down?
(pause)
Do you even love me?
MEGAN
I care about you. But I can't yet
say I love you.
ALEX
I've been intimate with you, Megan.
MEGAN
Did I not just say that I cared
about you?
ALEX
You "care about me"?
(shakes head)
I need more than this.
MEGAN
I can't give you anymore than this.
ALEX
You know, I can't continue going on
like this. The day is going to come
when you will be in Paris alone,
and you'll think back to today and
wish that you could go back and say
things differently.
MEGAN
Maybe so. But if I settled down
with you, the day would come where
I would wonder what my life would
be like in Paris. It's a no-win
situation, so this is the choice
I'm going with.
ALEX
So what now?
MEGAN
If you can handle how things are
now, then we can continue on. But
this is all I can give you. I won't
promise you forever, but I can give
you today.
ALEX
I don't know, Megan.
MEGAN
It's your call honey.
ALEX
I want to be on a ship that has a
destination, not one that's standing
still in the water.
MEGAN
We're going to a destination, just
not the one you have in mind.
ALEX
(puts his head in his hands)
Oh Megan......
She puts her hand on his head. CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-NIGHT
The rain is beating down on Alex's car as he pulls out in
front of Megan's house. He puts the car in park and turns
off the engine. He just sits there for a moment staring out
the windshield.
ALEX
(sniffling)
So this is it?
MEGAN
Wasn't my call to make.
ALEX
Yeah throw it up in my face.
MEGAN
(tearing up)
No honey, no I'm not.
ALEX
I'll miss you.
MEGAN
Maybe after things cool down, we
can be friends again?
ALEX
(slightly laughing)
We wouldn't have worked anyway. I
couldn't be with someone who uses
clichés like that.
MEGAN
What?
ALEX
"Let's be friends"
MEGAN
I'm serious Alex. I don't want to
lose you.
ALEX
(crying)
Then why are you letting me go.
MEGAN
You're letting me go Alex.
ALEX
There you go throwing it my face
once again.
MEGAN
Damn it Alex! Just because I'm not
willing to marry you doesn't mean I
don't care for you greatly.
I....Goodbye Alex.
(opens car door) ALEX
Megan....
Megan makes eye contact for a split second then shuts car
door and walks away.
Into the rainy night, into her house, and out of Alex's life.
Alex sits for a moment, staring out into the rainy night.
Scene gradually changes. CUT TO:
EXT-GRASSY FIELD-DAY
Alex sits in the field. Emmanuel comes up behind him.
ALEX
I loved this farm as a child. I
loved spending time laying in this
field.
EMMANUEL
It's my understanding you hated the
outdoors.
ALEX
That's weird looking back I seem to
remember having enjoyed spending
time in this field.
EMMANUEL
It's funny how we only miss things
after they are gone.
Alex continues to sit in the field. A breeze hits his face.
ALEX
Emmanuel....
EMMANUEL
Yes Alex?
ALEX
Is there anymore to Heaven than
just this farmhouse?
(pause)
Are there more people here, or is
this it?
The scenery starts spinning around, as Alex sits still. The
scene changes as it spins.
EXT-OVERLOOK-DAY
Alex sits on a overlook above a wondrous heavenly metropolis.
Camera pans over the town to show just how wondrous it is.
CUT TO:
EXT-MAIN STREET-DAY
Alex and Emmanuel walk through the gold streets. Alex slowly
tries to take everything in. The metropolis should be the
most amazing, visually stunning heaven ever seen on film. As
the two continue to walk people gradually start appearing,
walking toward them. The two walk through the golden street,
through the vast sea of people. Until they start to head out
of town and into a lavish garden. Alex looks around in
amazement at this Eden like garden. They then proceed to
head out of the garden and toward what appears to be a lake
sized pool. The design is similar to that of a hot tub,
except of a gigantic scale. As Alex and Emmanuel walk down
the steps the water parts for them. They continue to head
down toward the center, at the same time JULIAN is heading
down the opposite side. Alex and Emmanuel and Julian all
meet up at the bottom. Julian starts talking to Emmanuel in
Arabic. Emmanuel responds. The two continue to talk in
Arabic for what seems to be about a minute. It appears they
are talking about Alex. Julian then starts to slip out of
the language and directs the conversation toward Alex.
EXT-LAKE-DAY
JULIAN
Hello Alex.
ALEX
Who are you?
EMMANUEL
He is Julian. He was a man, the
same as you, and I.
ALEX
From Earth?
JULIAN
Yes.
ALEX
I'm sorry. I just wasn't sure if
there were any other planets in the
universe whose inhabitants can
enter Heaven.
JULIAN
A person would be foolish to think
that Earth is the only planet of
it's type in the universe.
EMMANUEL
Julian was once a politician on
Earth.
ALEX
And he made it in to Heaven?
JULIAN
That's an ugly stereotype Alex. You
should know that through trust in
Christ, people who have done a lot
worse than work in politics can
make it into Heaven.
ALEX
I apologize, I didn't mean to offend.
JULIAN
No, it's fine Alex.
(pause)
So do you have any questions, about
me, or your surroundings?
ALEX
Well,is Heaven just a place for
Christians? Or can other faiths
enter here also?
JULIAN
Religions that believe in some sort
of a God, are not banished in to
Hell if that's what you mean. But
they do have to accept Christ
before entering the kingdom of
Heaven, and they are given that
chance.
(looking Alex over)
I figure you are feeling a bit
disoriented, don't worry that will
pass.
ALEX
Just taking everything in.
JULIAN
It will feel familiar to you in
time. This is not only the place of
your end, but also of your beginning.
ALEX
I've been jumping in and out of my
past on Earth. Not just memories,
but it feels like I'm actually
living it all over again. For
example when I was talking to Megan
in the restaurant, it was in real
time. It wasn't a memory.
(MORE)
ALEX (CONT'D)
I was talking to Megan again. The
only thing was I wasn't free to say
what I wanted, it was like I was
trapped in my mind.
JULIAN
It's ok Alex, that's normal. It
will pass soon.
EMMANUEL
I thought it might help him to
explore around a little bit.
JULIAN
Soon you will feel quite comfortable
here.
ALEX
I think I would feel better if I
knew where my family members were,
or my wife.
JULIAN
In due time Alex, in due time.
ALEX
I thought I would've been reunited
with my family when I first got here.
JULIAN
You will see them Alex....I assume
I will run into you two at the feast?
ALEX
The feast? I was unaware you needed
to consume food here.
JULIAN
There's not a need Alex. The feast
is a symbolic thing. Many times
throughout history we have given
thanks to the Lord through the
consumption of food. This is in the
tradition of all those
meals......Well my friends, I shall
join you later.
Julian turns and walks up the other side of the lake side.
The water rushes in as he walks up the steps. The water
fills the screen, then we pan up to see Alex and Emmanuel
sitting on the side of the lake.
ALEX
Where is everyone Emmanuel?
EMMANUEL
I just introduced you to a city
full of people.
ALEX
No I want my family.
EMMANUEL
You will....
ALEX
Don't say in due time! I'm tired of
hearing in due time. You think you
can take me around here, show me
some fancy buildings and wonderful
scenery, then expect me not to care
about my wife!?!
EMMANUEL
I never said that.
ALEX
It feels that way. And I'm guessing
your fast talking P.R. person was
supposed to calm me down. I'm a
harder sell than that and you
should know it.
EMMANUEL
Julian, was just here to answer
questions, the same as I have done
for you.
ALEX
No, you're both here to avoid
truths and I'm tired of it.
EMMANUEL
What do you need me to do for you
Alex?
ALEX
I need my family Emmanuel! Isn't
that what the Scripture says.
You'll be reunited with your family
in the kingdom of heaven. Well I
don't know you from Earth, I sure
in heavens don't know Julian. I
just want my family.
EMMANUEL
You will see your family.
ALEX
Am I even dead Emmanuel? How do I
know I'm not in some coma somewhere.
My soul could be floating around in
limbo.
EMMANUEL
I already told you that you're not
dead. You're onto another level of
existence.
ALEX
So if I'm still alive, can I die
here?
EMMANUEL
A soul can not be destroyed.
ALEX
Really?
(getting up)
Part the water again.
EMMANUEL
What?
ALEX
Part the water again.
Emmanuel PARTS the water and Alex heads down into the pool.
He keeps walking till he reaches the middle.
ALEX
Crash it down on me.
EMMANUEL
What's this going to prove?
ALEX
If I can't die, nothing. It'll just
keep me from being bored. Now drown
me.
Emmanuel just stands there and watches.
ALEX
Drown me!
Emmanuel stands there and stares. Camera cuts back to Alex
as the water rushes in on him. He raises his arms as the
water engulfs him. CUT TO: Sink running with water.
Pan up to show it's Alex washing his hands in a restroom.
RANDAL, Alex's best friend comes up behind him.
INT-BATHROOM-NIGHT
RANDAL
Will you hurry up?
ALEX
I'm done, I'm done.
INT-THEATER-NIGHT
Alex and Randal are running down the aisle heading toward a
seat.
ALEX
I feel out of place here.
RANDAL
Will you hush up.
ALEX
C'mon I'm not a cultural person.
Now you, you are a cultural person.
RANDAL
(finding a seat and
preparing to sit)
The only difference between me and
you is I write for money and you
write for fun.
ALEX
(sitting)
Writing Christian film reviews for
a local religious magazine is a far
cry from the great American novel.
RANDAL
I haven't wrote the great American
novel yet.
ALEX
I'm just a manager at a dollar store.
RANDAL
Listen, you like plays right?
ALEX
Yeah.
RANDAL
And judging by your past taste I
bet you'll love this one.
ALEX
Ok.....
RANDAL
Most of these people hate plays,
they're just here because it's the
"in" thing to do. So trust me you
belong here more than anyone else.
ALEX
Are you trying to tell me to hush up?
RANDAL
You're quick to the draw.
Lights dim.
ALEX
That's our cue.
RANDAL
(sarcastic)
No more arguing honey.
ALEX
I'm going to put a seat between us,
if you don't stop.
RANDAL
That'S refered to as the anti-gay
seat isn't it?
ALEX
I believe so.
RANDAL
I guess it's too late since I am
already gay.
ALEX
It's not too late for me.
The play starts. It appears to be a pantomime. Suddenly one
of the players comes out that catches Alex's eye. It's Megan.
Alex just stares. CUT TO:
INT-GREENROOM-NIGHT
Randal is walking around shaking hands with the CASTMEMBERS.
Alex spots Megan in the distance heading out a backdoor.
He walks up to Randal.
ALEX
Hey......
RANDAL
Oh Shaw, this is my best friend Alex.
SHAW
Oh, he's a handsome fellow.
(reaches out hand for
Alex to shake)Alex shakes his hand.
SHAW
Oh, nice strong handshake. It's
nice to meet you Alex.
ALEX
Thank you, it's nice to meet you
too. Um.. Randal I'm going to find
the restroom, I'll meet you back
down here.
RANDAL
Ok cool with me.
SHAW
Hope you enjoyed the show.
ALEX
It pleasantly surprised me.
Alex walks off.
SHAW
I think he liked me.
RANDAL
(shaking head "no")
Like an arrow....
CUT TO:
EXT-PARKING LOT-NIGHT
Alex is in pursuit of Megan.
ALEX
Megan!!!!!
She SPINS, then notices it Alex. She RUNS up and gives him a
hug.
MEGAN
Alex!!!!
(After hug)
My God how have you been?
ALEX
Great......I'm great.
CUT TO:
INT-COFFEE SHOP-NIGHT
MEGAN
You sure your friend is not going
to mind you going out with me?
ALEX
No, I explained everything to him.
Alex is staring off.
MEGAN
You've haven't stopped staring at
it since a I told you.
CLOSE-UP: Megan's engagement ring.
ALEX
I'm just in shock.
MEGAN
He used to be a part of the play
group.
ALEX
What happened to traveling?
MEGAN
I guess love put a halt to that.
ALEX
(getting up)
Well God forbid I stand in love's
way. Thank you for a wonderful
evening, I enjoyed your performance,
on and off the stage.
MEGAN
What's this crap?
ALEX
I need to get home.
MEGAN
Same old Alex.
ALEX
What?!?.....
(changes tone)
What the hell is that supposed to
mean?
MEGAN
Just run away. If things can't be
your way, then you might has well
run somewhere safe.
ALEX
To think I was wanting to find you
all these years. Hoping when I did,
that you'd realize the mistake you
made.
MEGAN
Sorry I'm immune to the amazing
Alex Prader charm.
ALEX
I'm not going to stay here and
fight with you.
MEGAN
What is there to fight about? Why
can't you be happy for me?
ALEX
You screwed me over Megan. I'm not
going to sit here and pretend I'm
happy with that.
MEGAN
Who said that I was yours for all
eternity?
ALEX
I lost my virginity to you. In
God's eyes we are married.
MEGAN
Well I used to think we shared
something special that I could
carry with me for my whole life.
But, when you put it that way I
guess I made a mistake. I'm sorry
for that.
ALEX
Have a good life.
MEGAN
Alex.....
ALEX
(walking away)
Goodbye Megan.
You see Megan sitting at the booth as you hear the door slam
off camera. CUT TO:
INT-FARMHOUSE-DAY
Alex is laying on the floor. A voice is heard off screen.
MEGAN
(O.S.)
Somethings never change, if you're
not running away from me. You're
running from Heaven. Always have to
have it your way Alex.
Alex looks up to see Megan. She moves over to where he is,
now sitting Indian style.
ALEX
Megan?
MEGAN
(sitting down)
Hello Alex.
ALEX
How come every one, greets everyone
by saying "Hello" here?
MEGAN
That is how you greet someone isn't
it?
ALEX
A simple "hey, what's up" might
make me feel more at home.
MEGAN
Hey what's up?
ALEX
I'm alive....or....I'm here.
MEGAN
Poor Alex.
ALEX
Please don't pity me.
MEGAN
No one is here to pity to Alex. We
just wish you would slow down and
enjoy things a little. Don't be so
up tight.
ALEX
Oh and you were the choice as the
person to loosen me up? What are
you going to do, prove that even in
Heaven you can turn me down?
MEGAN
Alex, relax. You shouldn't be
showing this level of emotion.
ALEX
Why? What you're supposed to leave
emotions behind when you leave your
body? A soul isn't allowed to have
emotions?
MEGAN
Not emotions of anger, not here.
ALEX
And how are they going to legislate
my emotions?
MEGAN
There's no reason for you to be
acting this way?
ALEX
How about I haven't seen anyone
that I've known since I've came here.
MEGAN
I'm here.
ALEX
Oh you. The girl who've I've been
hating most of my life.
MEGAN
Why's that?
ALEX
For starters, "I'm not ready for
marriage Alex. I want to travel the
world" Then the next time I see
you, you're little miss housewife.
MEGAN
Alex there is a lot you don't
understand.
ALEX
Then explain it to me Megan. Let me
in. I need to know what's going on.
MEGAN
What do you want to know? Why I got
married?
ALEX
That's a start.
MEGAN
Everyone has someone they're
supposed to be with. The person
that they meet on Earth and then
spend eternity in heaven with. When
you meet that person, any plans
that you've had change. All that
matters is being with that one
person.
ALEX
And this guy, he was your one person?
MEGAN
Alex as much as you've thought
about me over the years, you've got
to know that I'm not the one.
You're problem is Alex, that you're
too busy looking for things to make
you happy in the moment. Too busy
looking for things you don't have
that you miss out on things that
were right in front of your face.
ALEX
Elizabeth.....I need Elizabeth.
MEGAN
I know you do.
Alex sits, staring off into space. CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-DAY
Alex's car is speeding along the highway, as he jams to rock
music. His car proceeds to pull in to the parking lot of a
restaurant. CUT TO:
INT-RESTAURANT-DAY
Randal, Shaw, RITA, and ELIZABETH are sitting at a table.
Their in the midst of an involved conversation as Alex walks
up.
RANDAL
Alex, hey sit down.
ALEX
Sorry I was running behind.
(sits) RANDAL
Don't be silly, you're just in time.
SHAW
Hey honey.
ALEX
....Hey...Shaw..
RITA
So this is the writer?
ALEX
I'm hardly a writer, just a little
freelance work.
RANDAL
Yes, he's the writer, and he's way
too modest.
SHAW
He's writing for
that....um...religious magazine,
correct?
RANDAL
My God, Shaw the man is right here.
Knock of this "he" stuff.
SHAW
I'm not going to acknowledge him.
He didn't sit beside me.
(pause)
Just playing Alexander.
ALEX
(half smile)
Anyway....Yes, I write for a
Christian film magazine.
RANDAL
He wrote this awesome article on
how Christian films have become too
sugar coated, and in order to
capture an audience they shouldn't
be afraid to be gritty. Don't
always go for those sappy messages,
and the happy endings. Show a
graphic Hell. Scare the bejeebs out
of people. I wish you could have
read this article....well actually,
you did, didn't you Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH
Yeah, I happened to catch it.
RANDAL
He's a genius.
ALEX
(sighs)
Yep. Has he been talking me up all
evening?
ELIZABETH
Hasn't stopped.
RANDAL
Oh you've met Elizabeth haven't you?
ALEX
Just now.
RANDAL
Elizabeth, Alex. Alex, Elizabeth.
Alex and Elizabeth shake hands.
ALEX
Nice to meet you.
ELIZABETH
I'm the one whose privileged. I
don't meet too many genius writers.
Alex smiles and moves back down in his seat.
INT-PLAYHOUSE-NIGHT
Alex, Elizabeth, Shaw, Rita, and Randal (sitting in that
order) are watching this crazy surreal play. Alex and
Elizabeth steal glances at each other, when the other isn't
looking.
INT-PLAYHOUSE LOBBY-NIGHT
Alex is hanging out, staring out a window. He's watching the
manic pairing of Randal, Shaw and Rita conversing outside.
Elizabeth comes up from behind.
ELIZABETH
Taking a breather?
ALEX
They can be exhausting. You seem
kind of laid back to be a part of
this group.
ELIZABETH
One could say the same for you.
ALEX
True, I guess every group needs
that lone normal person.
ELIZABETH
I guess this one has two, although
I don't know you too well.
ALEX
Exactly. I could be far from normal.
ELIZABETH
Are you planning on hanging with
them for the rest of the evening?
ALEX
Not really I have to be up early
tomorrow.
ELIZABETH
Do you need a ride back to your car?
ALEX
Ok....If you don't mind, of course.
ELIZABETH
Well I think we should excuse
ourselves then.
EXT-PLAYHOUSE-NIGHT
RANDAL
...So he turns around and says "You
big box of crackers".
Rita laughs.
SHAW
Oh Randal, that's so silly.
ELIZABETH AND ALEX WALK UP
RANDAL
Hey you two, what did you think of
that play?
ELIZABETH
I enjoyed it.
RANDAL
And you Alex?
ALEX
It was good.
RANDAL
That guy is a genius with sets.
RITA
Randal, who isn't a genius to you?
RANDAL
Shaw.
SHAW
Bitch.
ELIZABETH
Well I'm going to duck out. And, I
guess Alex has to work in the
morning, so I told him I'd take him
back to his car.
RANDAL
Alrighty, have a good evening kids.
RITA
Nice to meet you Alex.
ALEX
Likewise.
SHAW
TTFN.
RITA
Elizabeth, get a hold of me tomorrow.
ELIZABETH
Ok. Goodnight everyone.
ALEX
Yeah, see you guys later.
Alex and Elizabeth walk off. CUT TO:
INT-ELIZABETH'S CAR-NIGHT
Elizabeth is driving, Alex is sitting nervously in the
passenger seat.
ELIZABETH
So why the Christian Film Review?
ALEX
It was really just a hobby.
ELIZABETH
I understand that, but why that
publication?
ALEX
They were the first ones to accept
me.
ELIZABETH
Do you always go with the first
ones that accept you?
ALEX
Most of the time.
ELIZABETH
You know I don't normally do this?
ALEX
Do what? Drive strange men back to
their car?
ELIZABETH
Yes.
ALEX
I'm sorry
(smiling)
I didn't mean to compromise you.
ELIZABETH
It's ok.
(smiling)
I just find it odd.
ALEX
As long as you don't find me odd.
ELIZABETH
Didn't say I didn't.
ALEX
I'm still stuck on that crazy play.
All those crazy robot voices.
ELIZABETH
That WAS some cheesy special effects.
ALEX
I hope, it really would be awful if
they really talked like that and we
were making fun of them.
ELIZABETH
How convenient for them that they
were able to find actors with voice
boxes for the play.
ALEX
After two hours of that, I'm afraid
that I'm going to start slipping
into that voice.
(robot voice)
You have a very nice car Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
You're silly.
ALEX
At least I'm not odd.
ELIZABETH
No, but you are interesting.
EXT-ELIZABETH'S CAR-NIGHT
The car pulls into the restaurant parking lot, right behind
Alex's car.
ALEX
(robot voice)
Thank you Elizabeth. I had a very
nice time.
ELIZABETH
I did too.
ALEX
(opening door and
getting out of car)
It's a shame. Two people, who both
had such a great time, now having
to part ways. If only there was
some way to prevent this catastrophe.
ELIZABETH
Smooth, really smooth.
ALEX
Seriously, will I ever see you again?
ELIZABETH
You might. You just might.
ALEX
I hope so.
ELIZABETH
Good evening Alex.
ALEX
Good evening Elizabeth.
Alex shuts the car door, and heads toward his car. On the
way there he reaches into his pocket and grabs out his keys.
Once he has them out he drops them, then proceeds to bend
over and pick them up. Alex then turns toward Elizabeth's
open window.
ALEX
I dropped my keys. Well at least
you got a good look at my butt.
ELIZABETH
(smiling)
Goodnight Alex.
ALEX
Yes.
(smiling)
Goodnight again.
Alex heads over to his car, and unlocks the door. He then
gets in and BUCKLES his seat belt, then puts the key in the
ignition.
ALEX
I hope I see you again.
He glances out his passenger window as she drives off.
ALEX
I really hope.
CUT TO:
INT-ELIZABETH'S APT-DAY
Alex is walking around the apt looking around, like a
curious child. Elizabeth is in the bathroom, off-screen,
getting ready. He eventually gets to a very hi-tech treadmill.
ALEX
This thing is kind of scary. What
did you do steal it off the Starship
Enterprise?
ELIZABETH
(O.S.)
Don't play with it, you'll kill
yourself.
Alex then makes his way over to her movie collection and
scans over it. Elizabeth comes in the room. Alex has his
back to her, still looking at the movie collection.
ELIZABETH
Now what are you into?
ALEX
You can tell a lot about a person
from their movie collection.
ELIZABETH
And what can you tell about me?
ALEX
(smiling)
You don't really want to know?
(turning around)
Wow......you look a lot better then
I do.
ELIZABETH
Well I got more make-up in there,
if you want to take the time to fix
yourself up.
ALEX
No, I can't wear that stuff it
breaks me out.
ELIZABETH
(shakes head)
So are we ready? I'm driving if
that's ok?
ALEX
That's cool with me. Where are we
going?
ELIZABETH
You'll see. C'mon.
CUT TO:
EXT-GHETTO DOWNTOWN-DAY
Alex and Elizabeth are walking down a brick street toward a
row of antique shops.
ALEX
I've never been down here before.
So this used to be the old downtown?
ELIZABETH
Yes, now it's just a row of antique
shops, and privately owned museums.
ALEX
This place is neat.
ELIZABETH
You really think so?
ALEX
Yeah, I think this place is awesome.
ELIZABETH
Well, so far you're passing the test.
ALEX
Really?
ELIZABETH
Yes, so far.
They keep walking along till they reach the Harmony House
shop.
ELIZABETH
You mind if we go in here?
ALEX
That'd be great.
ELIZABETH
(opening the door)
Another point.
As they walk in there is a OLD LADY sitting at a check-out
desk.
OLD LADY
Welcome, how are you folks doing?
ELIZABETH
Good.
ALEX
Great.
OLD LADY
Wonderful, holler if ya need
anything.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
Alex and Elizabeth walk around the store looking at things.
Elizabeth points a few things out that she thinks are pretty.
They then come upon an old wood cooking stove.
ALEX
My grandpa had one of those at his
farm house.
ELIZABETH
That is so gorgeous looking.
ALEX
Yeah, I don't know how well one of
those things work. But it's very
neat, and familiar to me.
They keep walking around the store. Elizabeth still stoping
if she finds something cute. They come upon an old phone
booth.
ALEX
Now this is awesome.
ELIZABETH
That is neat.
ALEX
Look it has a stool and a exhaust
blower in it.
ELIZABETH
That is pretty cool.
ALEX
I'm going to own one of these
someday.
ELIZABETH
I don't doubt that.
They continue their round and make it toward the entrance
again.
OLD LADY
You all come back again.
ELIZABETH
Thank you for letting us look around.
OLD LADY
Thank you for coming by.
(pointing at a jar)
Want a cookie?
ELIZABETH
No thank you.
(turning toward Alex)
Do you want a cookie?
ALEX
Sure.
OLD LADY
Well he won't turn down free food,
will he?
ALEX
(grabbing cooking
from lady)
Thank you.
OLD LADY
You're welcome.
Elizabeth and Alex head out of the store.
EXT-GHETTO DOWNTOWN-DAY
ALEX
This has been an awesome day. Thank
you.
ELIZABETH
No thank you. But the day isn't
over yet.
CUT TO:
EXT-OUTDOOR RESTURANT-DAY
Alex and Elizabeth are eating at a quaint little outdoor
restaurant. Seventies music is playing in the background. A
WAITER comes up.
WAITER
More wine?
ELIZABETH
Yes thank you.
Waiter pours wine, then leaves.
ALEX
For such a classy place, I find it
weird they're playing 60's and 70's
music.
ELIZABETH
You don't think that 60's and 70's
music is classy?
ALEX
No I didn't say that. It just
doesn't quite match the decor of
the place.
ELIZABETH
What decor? We're outside.
ALEX
You know what I mean.
ELIZABETH
You know, you don't seem like the
type of person that would be
friends with Randal.
ALEX
What type of person would you
expect to be friends with Randal?
ELIZABETH
You just seem too calm to be
friends with him.
ALEX
Well, I think he makes me feel sane.
ELIZABETH
You don't think you're sane?
ALEX
I'm saner than he is.
(pause)
I don't know, I just feel out of
place.
ELIZABETH
Out of place? How so?
ALEX
I don't feel like I'm actually
living life. I feel like I'm
watching life pass by as a viewer,
not a participant.
ELIZABETH
Then participate.
ALEX
It's not that easy.
ELIZABETH
Why?
ALEX
I don't know it just isn't. I just
feel like I'm a mess. I'm 25, I'm
no where in my life. I'm a manager
of a dollar store for heavens sake.
I'm un-married...
ELIZABETH
Whoa! Hold up, I'm 28. I'm un-
married and I work at the college I
graduated from. But, I am enjoying
life. Why are you even worried
about marriage right now? 25 isn't
that old.
ALEX
I've been worried about marriage
since I was 15.
ELIZABETH
So when did you find time to be a
kid?
ALEX
I really didn't. I always was 10
years ahead of myself. Working on
my own little time line, marriage,
kids, then death.
ELIZABETH
There's a lot in between there
though.
ALEX
I guess it just seems like time
goes by so quickly, that's all
there is really time for.
ELIZABETH
Time does go by quickly, that's why
you take things a day at a time.
ALEX
Of course, we're all going to die
anyway so why bother doing anything.
Sorry I have a fear of death.
ELIZABETH
It's very tiring to be you isn't it?
ALEX
I have a fear of death, dying
alone, going to hell.
ELIZABETH
Is there anything you're not afraid
of?
(pause)
Going to hell? I thought you were a
Christian?
ALEX
I am, I'm just afraid God will up
the requirements at the last minute
and I'll be left out of Heaven.
ELIZABETH
That's not putting a whole lot of
faith in God.
ALEX
I'm probably ruining this first
date aren't I?
ELIZABETH
No, it's like I told you that night
in the car. I find you interesting.
ALEX
Interesting enough to spend the
rest of your life with?
ELIZABETH
I think you're jumping the gun.
ALEX
You don't think you want to be with
me long term?
ELIZABETH
(smiling)
What did I tell you about slowing
down? You know most girls would get
freaked out by talk like that.
ALEX
Yes, but you're unlike any girl
I've ever met.
ELIZABETH
Well, let's just get through today.
And, tomorrow we'll see where God
takes us.
ALEX
(smiling)
yes, we'll see....
As they sit there music starts playing in the background.
The song will help the next few scenes float along. The song
should have the same effect that "Tiny Dancer" had for
"Almost Famous Or "Secret Garden" did for "Jerry Magiure".
INT-WEDDING CHAPEL-DAY
This is the first of the series of scenes. This features
Alex, Ray and Randal getting ready for Alex's wedding. Alex
is adjusting himself in the mirror.
RANDAL
C'mon we don't have forever Ray
comes up behind Alex.
RAY
You look fine, son.
ALEX
I hope so.
CUT TO: Elizabeth walking down the aisle. Alex, Ray, Randal,
and ANOTHER MAN are standing up at the alter. Alex acting as
though he's worried about how he looks.
RAY
(whispering)
You look wonderful, son.
ALEX
(spotting Elizabeth)
No Dad..she looks wonderful.
Another shot of Elizabeth walking down the aisle. CUT TO:
INT-HOSPITAL DELIVERY ROOM-DAY
A DOCTOR and several NURSES are helping Elizabeth deliver
her baby. Alex is at her feet watching this miracle of life
wide eyed.
ALEX
My God....
DOCTOR
Push! Push!
ELIZABETH
UGGGGH!
ALEX
Almost there hun.
(pause, spotting
baby, under breathe)
wow....
CUT TO:
INT-PRADER HOUSE-DAY
Chas runs to meet Alex at door when he gets home from work.
CHAS
Daddy...
ALEX
Hey you.
Picks up Chas.
ALEX
C'mon Chasity Leann let's say hello
to your brother.
Walks over to pregnant Elizabeth, whose on the couch. Kisses
her then SWOOPS Chas down to her mothers stomach. CUT TO:
INTO-PRADER HOUSE-DAY
Alex is checking on a crying Jeremy.
Then walks back into the living
room to find Chas in his tie.
CHAS
I'm going to work.
ALEX
Honey, daddy needs his tie.
CHAS
I'm going to work.
ALEX
Yeah, actually daddy is, and daddy
needs his tie sweetie.
KNOCKS at the door.
ALEX
Someone's knocking on my chamber
door....
CHAS
I'm going to work.
ALEX
That's what you keep saying.
Alex answers. It's the BABYSITTER.
ALEX
You'll have your hands full today.
Chas comes up from behind in his tie.
CHAS
I'm going to work!
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD-DAY
Alex is working with a few of his FEMALE CO-WORKERS.
Elizabeth, Chas, and Jeremy (in a stroller) come up the aisle.
ALEX
(kissing Elizabeth)
How's my two favorite ladies? And
favorite tiny guy?
(picking up Jeremy) FEMALE CO-WORKER 1
Oh look at the little family man.
Alex puts down Jeremy. Then takes his tie off and puts it on
Chas.
CUT TO:
INT-COLLEGE LOBBY-DAY
Alex, Chas, and Jeremy (in Alex's arms this time) walk into
the lobby.
ALEX
C'mon gang, it's time to pick up
mommy.
CHAS
I don't see mommy.
ALEX
We'll see her in a second.
They get to where they can see Elizabeth on the other side
of the lobby.
ALEX
....There's mommy....
Alex just stands there and stares for a moment at her. As he
stands there, the music during these series of scenes fade.
The people in the lobby slowly fade away. Then Chas and
Jeremy fade. Then lastly Elizabeth starts to fade. CUT TO:
Alex and Emmanual standing in the lobby.
ALEX
....And I'm back again.....I'm
really getting tired of this
jumping back and forth thing.
EMMANUEL
You two seemed to have had a good
marriage, on the surface at least.
ALEX
On the surface at least? What's
that supposed to mean?
EMMANUEL
I think you're focusing on all the
good moments, which I think is fine.
But, you are also forgetting you
two had several problems.
ALEX
Every marriage has problems.
EMMANUEL
I'm not referring to every marriage,
I'm referring to yours.
ALEX
What's this Emmanuel? Are you
trying to goat me now?
EMMANUEL
Goad.
ALEX
What?
EMMANUEL
Are you trying to goad me now?
ALEX
Anyway, you can't be with someone
forever and not have problems.
EMMANUEL
That's fine. You are exactly right,
every marriage has it's problems.
Again though we are not talking
about every marriage, we're talking
about yours. There were times where
you were not exactly fair to
Elizabeth.
ALEX
Ok, I made some mistakes, but who
doesn't.
EMMANUEL
True, everyone makes mistakes. But,
I think it's time that you deal
with yours.
ALEX
Ok, fine. Tell me about my mistakes,
because at the moment I can't
really see any mistakes that are
bad enough to make me a horrible
husband.
EMMANUEL
I never said you were a horrible
husband. I just said it was time to
explore some mistakes.
ALEX
Well fine, I'm waiting...
EMMANUEL
You seem uptight. I thought Megan
warned you about showing emotion?
ALEX
Do not start in on that!
EMMANUEL
I'm being serious Alex. You need to
be more even tempered.
ALEX
You know I'm having a hard time at
the moment believing this is the
ultimate in perfection. Since I've
been here, I haven't seen one
person that I know. Oh...wait...with
the exception of the one girl I've
hated all my life. I've had you and
that Julian guy give me the run
around. Then to now have you to
tell me I was a horrible husband.
Finally to top everything off I
keep bouncing in and out of my
life, in an attempt, I assume, to
allow me to learn some grand lesson.
But, in fact all it's done, is
teach me that I liked my life on
Earth much better then my stay here
thus far.
EMMANUEL
Are you done?
ALEX
Yeah I think so.
EMMANUEL
So what are you going to do? Escape
from Heaven?
ALEX
I doubt that's even possible.
EMMANUEL
I think maybe you need to talk to
Megan.
ALEX
Why do I need to talk to Megan?
EMMANUEL
I just think that you need to talk
to Megan.
ALEX
Ok, I'll bite. Where do I find Megan?
Emmanuel waves his hand. The room spins and changes. CUT TO:
INT-GLASS OVERLOOK-NIGHT
Alex is at the top of what appears to be a gigantic glass
tower overlooking the metropolis. Alex stands there looking
at the huge window at the city below. Megan walks up beside
him.
MEGAN
Since you weren't that big of a
trouble maker on Earth, you decided
you would give chaos a try in heaven?
ALEX
Why is it every time you show up
you chastise me for something?
MEGAN
Would I have to if you weren't
constantly into something?
ALEX
Emmanuel said I should talk to you?
Megan walks over to where she is right beside Alex.
MEGAN
Remind me to introduce you to
Robert at the feast.
ALEX
Is that the...um...the "soul mates"
name?
MEGAN
Yes.
(pause)
So you're wanting to get home?
ALEX
Nothing slips by you guys.
MEGAN
I stay well informed.
ALEX
Yes I want to go back to Earth. If
that's even possible.
MEGAN
Again, we'll have to wait till the
feast before we can explore that
option.
ALEX
When is this feast?
MEGAN
Soon.
ALEX
I hate the way you guys answer
questions.
(pause)
So what is the feast symbolic of?
Is this like a last supper sort of
thing?
MEGAN
Not exactly. You'll get all your
questions answered.....
ALEX
...soon.
MEGAN
(smiles)
(pause)
Can we pick up on the discussion
you and Emmanuel were having? The
one before you decided to take a
journey back to Earth.
ALEX
(sits)
Great, are you going to tell me I'm
a bad husband too?
MEGAN
I don't think he was calling you a
bad husband.
(sits in front of Alex)
Did you love me?
ALEX
honestly thought I did.
MEGAN
But, you changed your mind?
ALEX
Yes.
MEGAN
When?
ALEX
That night after the play. You know
that night in the coffee shop.
MEGAN
And you forgot about me after that?
ALEX
Well I always remembered you.
MEGAN
Did you love Elizabeth?
ALEX
Yes, that's why I married her.
MEGAN
You sure that's the reason you
married her? You sure that it's not
because you couldn't have me and
she was the first girl to give you
the time of day?
ALEX
You're kind of full of yourself
aren't you? Anyway there's a lot of
girls who liked me and were willing
to date me.
MEGAN
Yes, but how many were willing to
marry you Alex? That's what you've
wanted from day one. You were 15
Alex when you insisted on having
two pillows on your bed so you
could pretend the other one was
your wife's.
ALEX
So I'm messed up now, because I
liked to pretend as a child?
MEGAN
Alex, I know you, you've always
have been obsessed with marriage.
Do you really think that it was
fair to Elizabeth to marry her,
just so you wouldn't have to die
alone?
ALEX
I loved her!
MEGAN
I think you would have, if you had
gotten to know her.
ALEX
What is this?!?
MEGAN
You spent your whole relationship
with her, being afraid of death,
stuck on the thought that God hated
you, looking for the next best
thing, or imposing your hurt that
we were no longer together on her.
ALEX
Don't give me this Megan! You
weren't there!
MEGAN
What's funny is that you were, and
you refuse to see it.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Alex and Megan stand invisible, watching Alex and Elizabeth
fight.
ALEX
Don't give me this crap Elizabeth.
I swear to God I would have never
got this from Megan!
ELIZABETH
Why do you continually through her
up in my face? Would you rather be
with her?
ALEX
Do you think I couldn't be with
someone else?
ELIZABETH
Then walk away! I'm not stopping
you! I'm tired of this roller
coaster!
ALEX
I just don't have to put up with
this.
ELIZABETH
Put up with what Alex?!? Every time
a discussion...
ALEX
It's a fight Elizabeth, or are you
afraid to say that?
ELIZABETH
Fine Alex! A fight doesn't go your
way you throw Megan up in my face.
Or threaten to leave!
ALEX
Megan treated me a lot better then
you do!
ELIZABETH
That was a high school girlfriend!
I'm your wife and have been for 10
years. But obviously that means
nothing!
CUT TO:
INT-CHAS BEDROOM-NIGHT
We can still hear the sounds of Alex and Elizabeth fighting.
Chas is in bed snuggled up in her covers with a frightened
look on her face. Alex and Megan, still invisible, stand
witness.
MEGAN
Did you actually think your children
were immune from this display?
CUT TO:
INT-JEREMY'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Same muffled fighting sounds. Alex and Megan are in the
room, again invisible. Jeremy lays in bed, a tear trickles
down his face.
MEGAN
Did you actually think they weren't
affected?
CUT TO:
INT-GLASS OVERLOOK-NIGHT
Back to Megan and Alex sitting Indian style on the floor.
ALEX
So....what, am I going to Hell now?
MEGAN
No, these are just some things that
you need to know.
ALEX
I know I made some mistakes Megan,
but how can I change that now?
MEGAN
You can't.
ALEX
I don't get it. Are you trying to
teach me some sort of life lesson?
MEGAN
No. The only option you have is to
regret, from now till the end of
eternity.
ALEX
Well, I'll just add that to my list
of wonderful things about Heaven
thus far.
MEGAN
You need to relax.
ALEX
Do not tell me I need to relax!
MEGAN
Calm down.
ALEX
With what you described Megan I
might as well be in Hell!
MEGAN
Trust me Hell is a lot worse, and
this place is not as bad as you're
making it out to be. Anyway you do
have the option of going back. But,
first you need to calm down and
chill out till the feast.
ALEX
Ok then. So when's the feast? And ,
don't say soon.
MEGAN
I will take you straight there, we
just need to chat a few moments
longer.
ALEX
(deep breathe)
Fine
(pause)
what do you want to chat about?
MEGAN
Sara.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD BACKROOM-DAY
Alex is supervising TIM and JIM ,two of his stock boys, as
they are moving around pallets of cleaning items and paper
products.
ALEX
Can you try not to kill Jim with
that pallet?
TIM
If he doesn't know when to watch
out, I can't help him.
JIM
You'll be the one needing help when
I bust you in the face with a case
of laundry detergent.
Alex is walking around the backroom writing on a form of
some sort.
JIM
So what are you in to Alex?
ALEX
Ad order for next week.
TIM
Do me a favor? Don't order any more
laundry detergent.
ALEX
Noted.
SARA enters the backroom with a cart.
SARA
Excuse me.
She heads over to the baler to crush her boxes. Tim is
staring wide mouthed every time Sara bends over. Jim turns
to Alex.
JIM
(whispering)
That's quite a butt there.
ALEX
I won't argue with that.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S OFFICE-DAY
Sara walks back with a timecard in hand and hands it over to
Alex. Who is sitting at his desk, doing some paperwork.
SARA
I didn't clock out for my break.
ALEX
Oh that's cool.
(while writing on the
time card)
You heading out for the evening?
SARA
Yes my 12 hour day is over.
ALEX
Hey, thank you for that.
SARA
It's no problem. I needed the money.
ALEX
Well thank you anyway.
SARA
It's hard to believe you are a
store manager.
ALEX
Excuse me?
SARA
You're just so young. You're what?
35?
ALEX
Pushing 40. That's all I'll say.
SARA
You're not that old.
ALEX
Why do I feel old?
SARA
Maybe you feel like you're stuck.
Like there's something else you
would rather be doing with your life.
ALEX
Well you're right on both counts.
There is something I would rather
be doing with my life. And, I do
feel stuck at the moment. I fell
into this when I was 17, I don't
think I would know how to do
something else now.
SARA
So what is it?
ALEX
Excuse me?
SARA
The thing you would rather be doing?
ALEX
A writer, I'd rather be a writer.
SARA
Then do it. It's not too late.
ALEX
Well I do some freelance writing,
but I haven't made a career out of
it yet.
SARA
Well see you have a really good
start.
ALEX
Yeah, I guess so.
(pause)
It's hard to believe you are so
insightful.
SARA
Why?
ALEX
Well you're what 20?
SARA
ALEX
And still wise beyond her years.
SARA
(smiling)
I call them like I see them.
ALEX
(handing her the timecard)
Here you go.
(pause)
And thank you.
SARA
Oh I enjoy talking to you.
ALEX
You enjoy talking to someone so old?
SARA
You enjoy talking to someone so
young?
ALEX
immensely...
SARA
(smiling)
Goodnight Alex.
ALEX
Goodnight Sara.
Sara leaves.
ALEX
(deep breath)
You have a helluva personality to
go with that butt Sara.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Shot of Alex and Elizabeth in bed together not touching each
other. They are sleeping together like they were strangers.
CLOSE-UP on Alex's face staring off into space.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN-DAY
Elizabeth is at the stove fixing breakfast. Chas and Jeremy
are at the table. Elizabeth brings the food over and sets it
in front of her children.
CHAS
Yeah mommy!
JEREMY
Yeah!!
She grabs another plate from the counter and brings it into
the living room.
INT-LIVING ROOM-DAY
Alex is in the recliner watching tv. Elizabeth brings a
plate into him. He doesn't take his eyes off the tv.
ELIZABETH
Are you having an affair?
ALEX
What?!?
ELIZABETH
I want to know.
ALEX
What kind of question is that? No
I'm not having an affair.
ELIZABETH
Alex....
ALEX
Elizabeth, I'm married to you till
death do us part. I am not having
an affair.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD-DAY
Alex is working on resetting shelving. He's on top of a
ladder staring over at Sara who is working in the next aisle.
While he watches her, he sings Fleetwood Mac's "Sara" under
his breath.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD BREAKROOM-DAY
Sara and Jim are sitting back there talking.
SARA
So are you interested in doing
something tonight?
JIM
Sure girl, I just have to drop by
my house real quick after work.
SARA
Ok just give me a call when you get
home.
JIM
I'll probably be by around 8. I can
still call when I get home if you
want me too.
SARA
That's fine. I love it when you call.
JIM
So it's a date then?
SARA
Yes
(pause)
It's a date.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD BATHROOM-DAY
We cut from the break room to the restroom right next door.
There we see Alex listening to Jim and Sara's conversation.
Following the "It's a date line" from Sara, Alex slams his
fist into the wall. He pulls back to reveal a bloody knuckle.
CUT TO:
EXT-LAKE-DAY
CLOSE UP: Alex's fist. Pan up to show Alex looking at his
fist then toward the water below. Megan comes up behind.
ALEX
Why are you doing this to me?
MEGAN
I'm not the one doing it to you Alex.
ALEX
When will this be over?
MEGAN
Not for a while.
ALEX
I never meant to dishonor her....I
was a good husband. You don't
understand the whole Sara situation.
MEGAN
Why don't you tell me.
ALEX
It was nice for someone who wasn't
Elizabeth to show interest in me.
MEGAN
Is it not equally as nice for
Elizabeth to show interest in you?
ALEX
I don't know....I don't know what I
was thinking.
MEGAN
I don't know either.
ALEX
I never meant to hurt Elizabeth.
Alex gets up and heads down into the water.
MEGAN
What are you doing Alex?
ALEX
I want to swim. Do people swim in
Heaven?
MEGAN
We don't have time for this.
Swimming around in the water.
ALEX
Will you just give me a few seconds?
This is the first time in a while
I've had time to just lay back and
relax. Of course that's probably
because I have all the time in the
world...You know being dead and all.
MEGAN
That's probably it.
Alex continues to splash around in the water
MEGAN
It's time for the feast, Alex.
Alex gets out of the water and gets right up in Megan's face.
ALEX
I want to leave here Megan.
MEGAN
Ok then
(pause)
I'll show you how. C'mon let's go.
INT-BANQUET HALL-DAY
Camera pans into the celestial banquet hall. Seated at this
long last supper style feast is: Megan and ROBERT. SEVERAL
COUNCIL MEMBERS, Emmanuel and Alex, and Julian at one end.
At the other end sits another HEAD COUNCIL MEMBER.
ALEX
(whispering in
Emmanuel's ear)
So that's Robert?
EMMANUEL
Yes it is.
ALEX
They look extremely good together.
EMMANUEL
Now do you see why the two of you
wouldn't have worked out?
ALEX
Yes they seem to really enjoy each
other.
The Head Council member quiets everyone down. Then proceeds
to lead in prayer. After the prayer everyone sits in silence.
Then they start to eat.
ALEX
I can not believe I'm actually in
Heaven eating a meal.
EMMANUEL
I don't know why that's so hard to
believe.
ALEX
Everyone is so silent.
EMMANUEL
You think that would be a cue for
you.
They continue to eat in silence. A lot of time seems to be
passing by. After a while everyone is finished. The Head
Council member stands.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Now it is time for us to retire to
the portal.
ALEX
(to Emmanuel)
The portal?
EMMANUEL
You'll see.
ALEX
Did anyone ever tell you that you
were wonderful at form answers? Did
you used to be on some sort of
presidential committee on Earth?
Emmanuel grabs Alex's arm leading him up. The two rise along
with everyone else. They form a line and head out of the room.
INT-PORTAL-DAY
The line of people walk through this cave like structure. At
the end they reach this beautiful "fortress of solitude"
like structure. They enter and form a circle. Megan and
Robert stand in the middle. Angels appear forming an outer
circle around the circle Alex and crew just formed.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Megan....Robert, it's time for you
two to return. Are you both prepared
for this undertaking?
MEGAN
Yes.
ROBERT
Yes sir.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Go around the circle and say your
goodbyes.
Megan and Robert start on opposite sides of the circle
saying goodbye to everyone. They meet up when they get to
Alex and Emmanuel.
MEGAN
Goodbye Emmanuel.
EMMANUEL
Not goodbye. I'll see you soon
enough Megan. Good journey.
MEGAN
Good journey.
(turns to Alex)
Alex.
ALEX
I...I don't understand.
MEGAN
Until the second coming we have the
option to continue to go back. To
gain more knowledge, to become a
more mature spirit.
ALEX
I still don't....
MEGAN
You will, in time. This is your way
Alex. If you want to go back, this
is the way.
ALEX
Then how do I?
MEGAN
Emmanuel will help you.
Robert walks up.
EMMANUEL
Good journey Robert.
ROBERT
Good journey Emmanuel.
MEGAN
This is Alex, Robert.
ROBERT
It's good to finally meet you.
ALEX
(shaking hand)
You have yourself a good women
there Robert.
ROBERT
Yes, she is.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Robert, Megan, it is time.
ROBERT
I hope this is the last time we
have to do this.
MEGAN
They said it would be.
ROBERT
Well at least we'll be together for
one last ride down there as husband
and wife.
ALEX
Good luck.
ROBERT
See you soon Alex.
ALEX
You might be seeing me sooner then
you think.
MEGAN
(hugging Alex)
Goodbye Alex.
ALEX
(shaking finger and smiling)
Good journey.
MEGAN
(tear in eye, smiling)
Good journey.
Megan and Robert go over and stand in the middle of the
swirling portal. The Head Council member does another prayer.
After he closes his prayer:
MEGAN
So where to this time?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You will be a house wife in a
suburb in Florida. You will have 3
kids, who will grow up to do some
very good things for this country
and Christianity. Robert, you will
be unable to have children your
goal is to be there for your wife
who will also go onto do some great
things for the world.
ROBERT
You mean we won't be together down
there?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
will be when you return.
ROBERT
I don't understand.
MEGAN
Noooo! The last time we were on
Earth he died 20 years before I did.
I could barely handle that wait.
Now you're asking me to wait a
lifetime. I can't, I won't be
separated from him again!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You have to be. This is an important
mission for Earth. You will be
reunited when you return here.
MEGAN
Robert..
(with tears in her eyes) ROBERT
(grabbing megan's hand)
It'll be ok Megan.
ALEX
(stepping out of circle)
These people are soul mates and you
are going to make them be intimate
with other people. I don't
understand this.
EMMANUEL
Alex....
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Who is this?
JULIAN
This is Alex Prader sir. Alex step
back in line please.
ALEX
I just don't understand how God can
play games like this with people's
lives.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Silence, and step back in the circle.
EMMANUEL
Alex, step back here.
ALEX
No, I can not allow this to happen.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
This is none of your concern.
ALEX
This woman is a friend of mine. It
is my concern. Even if she wasn't,
this is wrong.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
I will not allow you to interrupt
this service. You will step back now!
JULIAN
Alex please step back.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You will step back or you will be
removed.
Alex continues to stand.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
This is your final warning Alex.
Step back or be removed.
ALEX
Fuck
(pause)
you.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Remove him
(pause)
and start the portal.
The portal spins around faster almost engulfing the sobbing
Robert and Megan. The Angels from the outer circle make
their way in to grab Alex. Who in turn jumps up and pushes
the Head Council Member.
ALEX
(while pushing)
Bastard!
The Angels TACKLE Alex.
ALEX
Megan!!!! You will not silence me
you bastard!
The Angels start to drag Alex away.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Ready him for a hearing.
ALEX
(being dragged)
You want a war! You bastard! Bring
it on! You can't destroy my spirit!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
That is where you are wrong Mr
Prader. This is the place of your
creation. God is the reason you
exist, he can easily make you cease
to exist.
Alex still screaming as he is being carried away.
CUT TO:
Total darkness. A light FLASHES.
ALEX
What now Emmanuel?
Room engulfed with light. We appear to be in some sort of
cell. Alex is on the floor, Emmanuel kneels beside him.
INT-CELL
EMMANUEL
This is quite the mess Alex.
ALEX
You're telling me.
EMMANUEL
Why can't you just go with the flow
of things? Why do you always think
you know what's best for the world?
Why can't you give God some credit?
ALEX
That was wrong Emmanuel.
EMMANUEL
You didn't have the authority.
ALEX
I have human decency. A respect for
the human spirit.
EMMANUEL
A spirit that will be destroyed in
you.
ALEX
What is going to happen to me?
EMMANUEL
During the war between Heaven and
Hell, Lucifer tried to rally and
take over Heaven...
ALEX
And he was banished from Heaven,
blah blah. Everyone who has had
Sunday school has heard the story.
EMMANUEL
Well God will not tolerate even the
threat of another revolt in Heaven.
So anyone found guilty of doing so,
will have their soul destroyed.
ALEX
Like Death?
EMMANUEL
Worse then death. Having your soul
destroyed means you will not exist.
Nothing but blackness. A fate worse
than death.
ALEX
I thought you said that a soul
couldn't be destroyed? Remember at
the lake, when you crashed the
water down on me.
EMMANUEL
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
ALEX
Some mistake.
Alex puts his head in his hands.
ALEX
(lifting back up)
So what now?
EMMANUEL
You'll have a hearing, to determine
if your soul should be destroyed.
ALEX
Why not just send me to Hell?
EMMANUEL
That's for crimes on Earth. The
rules are a lot different for
crimes in Heaven.
ALEX
How did this happen?
EMMANUEL
Because you can't control your
temper.
ALEX
What temper?
EMMANUEL
Should we explore the numerous
times you've taken swings at
Elizabeth?
ALEX
I've never made contact with her.
EMMANUEL
And that makes the difference?
(pause)
And this isn't the first time
you've cursed God.
ALEX
Everybody curses God at some point
in their life.
EMMANUEL
Yes but not everyone makes a trip
to the Holy Land just to do it.
ALEX
You're taking that out of context,
there's a lot more to that story.
EMMANUEL
Ok...
ALEX
You don't know what all I was going
through during that Jerusalem trip.
(pause)
(leaning back and
taking a breath)
God never gave Randal a chance.....
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-DAY
Alex is cruising down the city streets listening to music in
his car. He pulls in front of a Christian magazine building.
INT-DARREN'S OFFICE-DAY
DARREN sits at his desk. Alex is across from him. It appears
they have been talking for a while.
ALEX
Are you serious about this?
DARREN
Very serious.
ALEX
It's just hard to believe after all
these years of writing freelance,
that you're after me now.
DARREN
We've been sitting on a gold mine.
You should have been a full time
writer for us after your first year
of freelance.
ALEX
Benefits and everything?
DARREN
Yes. I'll get out a packet so you
can review them. There's 401k also.
ALEX
This is great. I need someone to
show me how to roll over my 401K at
Dollar World.
DARREN
That's not a problem. I can get you
a hold of someone at HR. She can
answer your questions on that.
ALEX
This is so hard to believe Darren.
DARREN
And, if you sign on, I actually
have an assignment for you
immediately.
ALEX
Really? What is it?
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN-DAY
Elizabeth is standing up talking on the phone.
INTERCUT
ELIZABETH
Jerusalem!
ALEX (FILTERED)
It's only for a couple of weeks.
They're doing a series of religious
films there. I'm going down over to
cover the shoot.
ELIZABETH
What's so special about these films?
ALEX
I guess the budget is phenomenal.
ELIZABETH
Oh gosh!
ALEX
What's wrong?
ELIZABETH
That's just a long way for you to
be going.
ALEX
Yes but I told you what they were
going to pay me.
ELIZABETH
I know, but that's just a long way
to go.
(pause)
Hold on a sec...
Jeremy is playing with that phone booth from earlier in the
film.
ELIZABETH
You know better then to play with
that. It's an antique. Dad would
flip if you did something to that!
ALEX
Actually in the mood I'm in, I
doubt it would phase me.
ELIZABETH
Honey that's such a long way to go.
ALEX
I love you dear.
ELIZABETH
Hmmph.....Love you too. I'll talk
to you when you get home.
(pause)
Bye.
CHAS
(at kitchen table)
Was that dad?
ELIZABETH
Yes.
CHAS
How's he doing?
ELIZABETH
Good, till warring nations take him
hostage.
INT-ALEX'S CAR-DAY
Alex hangs up his cell phone, turns back up the music and
jams. Cell phone RINGS.
ALEX
Hello?
RANDAL (FILTERED)
Alex?
ALEX
Randal, what's going on?
RANDAL
You haven't been returning my phone
calls.
ALEX
we get into this every time I talk
to you. You know that life is
hectic at the moment.
RANDAL
Eric left.....
ALEX
Oh, Randal I'm sorry. Damn 10
years....what happened?
RANDAL
Was going to be 11 years. He
wavered the whole relationship...
ALEX
Wavered..?
RANDAL
You knew he had a girlfriend before
me?
ALEX
No, I actually didn't
RANDAL
Yeah pretty long term, they were
engaged.
ALEX
Well using my keen detective skills
I've gathered on what you are
trying to grab at here. Randal 11
years is a long time to pretend you
are gay.
RANDAL
Like I said he wavered.
ALEX
How do you know for sure?
RANDAL
I've caught him on several occasions.
ALEX
And you took him back?
RANDAL
It's not as easy for me as it is
for you.
ALEX
What do you mean?
RANDAL
Do you realize how hard it is for a
gay man to find someone to be his
soul mate?
ALEX
Randal, it's hard for anyone to
find someone in this world.
RANDAL
Naive heterosexual...
(pause)
Goodbye Alex, you're a good friend.
ALEX
Randal....?....Randal?
Alex hangs up cell phone.
EXT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S HOUSE-NIGHT
Alex's car pulls into the driveway.
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN-DAY
Alex enters the front door and makes his way to the kitchen.
Chas and Jeremy are at the table.
ALEX
I come baring ice cream. Chocolate
chip cookie dough.
JEREMY
Awesome Dad!
ALEX
After dinner of course.
CHAS
See Mom you can't be mad at Dad for
being late. How can you be mad at a
man with ice cream?
ALEX
You were mad? C'mon smile you can
eat out of the carton.
ELIZABETH
I was just wondering where you were.
ALEX
Stopped to see Mom and Dad, bought
ice cream....oh and Randal called
me. I really should have dropped by
but time was getting away from me.
I guess him and his....you
know...broke up...
CHAS
It's ok Dad we know Randal is gay.
ALEX
How do you know about gay people?
CHAS
Um....school.
ALEX
See honey I kept saying private
school, private school, private
school. But hey you're big on the
public school system. Now our kids
know about gay people.
(pause)
Don't frown honey, I'm kidding.
Hey, I have ice cream.
JEREMY
I got called a faggot at recess
yesterday.
ALEX
Hey! Don't use the "F" word.
JEREMY
Which one?
ALEX
Any "F" word. Just don't use any
words that begin with "F" ever again.
ELIZABETH
Can I see you for a second, in the
other room?
ALEX
I was just kidding honey. He can
use "F" words as long as they're
decent.....Want some ice cream?
(following Elizabeth
in other room)
Is there something wrong?
ELIZABETH
(pause)
Randal's sister called. His
townhouse neighbor heard a loud
bang and went over to investigate.
Randal killed himself.
Alex sits on the couch.
ELIZABETH
I'm sorry.
Alex just sits there and stares off into space.
INT-FUNERAL HOME-DAY
Camera pans through Randal's funeral. Among the people is
Rita and Shaw. Alex, Elizabeth and children sit together
looking very solemn during service.
INT-PLANE-DAY
Alex looks over his papers for the project his about to work
on. He drops the papers and looks out his window.
INT-JERUSALEM-DAY
Alex is busy working with members of the FILMCREW. AIDY, a
manic female, seems to be some sort of guide for Alex.
Directing him around amongst the people.
INT-JERUSALEM OUTSKIRTS-DAY
Alex and Aidy are climbing up a hill that overlooks the city.
AIDY
Where are you going Mr.Prader?
ALEX
Just something I need to do Aidy.
AIDY
But the film crew is back down there.
ALEX
I'm on a break.
AIDY
But we just took a break.
ALEX
I needed another one.
They reach the top of the hill.
ALEX
You know Aidy, you don't have to
keep following me around?
AIDY
But I'm you're guide Mr. Prader.
ALEX
Well I know where I'm at now Aidy.
Wait for me at the bottom.
AIDY
But Mr Prader.....
ALEX
Please just 5 min.
Aidy reluctantly goes.
ALEX
So this is your land God. Among
your chosen people. Every year
thousands of people from around the
world come to Israel and here to be
closer to you. As I have also done.
(pause)
To tell you that you are a bastard!
You didn't give him a chance! Your
rules state he has to accept your
son. That he can't take his own
life. He was your creation. We take
care of our own. You should have
taken care of your own. You didn't
give him a chance! He was a good
man, and because of your rules he
will burn. That's cruelty on your
part!
(drops to knees)
God why?
(crying, head in hands)
Why?
Aerial shot of Alex on hill. CUT TO:
INT-CELL
Alex on huddled on floor. Emmanuel appears.
EMMANUEL
It is time.
Emmanuel marches Alex down a corridor to a platform. The
platform raises the two up to the "courtroom"
INT-HEAVEN'S COURTROOM
The Council members sit Supreme Court style in this
otherworldly courtroom. The Head Council Member is at the
head seat. Julian is also seated at the panel of judges. AS
Emmanuel and Alex walk in, Emmanuel veers off. Alex continues
to walk till he is in the middle of the floor.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
ALEX PRADER!
(Pause)
You are before this Council to
determine soul disintegration.
(pause)
In the course of this hearing we
will determine, by reviewing your
life whether your soul is deemed
worthy enough to exist on this
plane. What do you have to say for
yourself about your actions at
Megan and Roberts transportation?
ALEX
I have nothing to say. I feel as
though my actions were justified.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Justified? Cursing, Attacking me!
How can you justify those actions?
ALEX
I would like to know how YOU
justify your actions?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
My actions? Why should I justify my
actions? My actions are of the will
of God?
ALEX
Then how does God justify his
actions?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Why should God justify his actions?
He is God.
ALEX
Yes. But God is a creator. A father
and/or mother figure. He guides and
teaches us. He is disappointed when
we have done wrong. But a puppet
master? Playing with people's
lives, like one would play with
toys. That is a trick of the Devil
not God.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You dare compare God to the Devil?
ALEX
No.
(pause)
No, I'm not comparing God to the
Devil. I just want someone to
justify to me his actions.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Why should we justify his actions?
He is God. All you need to know is
that you must worship and obey him.
ALEX
If I'm to do his bidding then I
must know my place in the universe.
As a servant to my Lord or as a
puppet.
JULIAN
And there's a difference Alex?
ALEX
Yes there is? Servants still have
their own minds. They do the
bidding of their masters, but they
still have a lot of free will too.
But puppets are just mindless
pieces of plastic who are made to
move in whatever way the puppet
master decides.
JULIAN
But do you not have free will on
Earth?
ALEX
How can you call it free will? When
we find a person to love and want
to spend eternity with, only to
find out in Heaven that we can't be
reunited with that person.
JULIAN
But Megan and Robert were reunited.
ALEX
Only to be separated again. And
that is my reason to the Council on
why I acted in the fashion I did.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
But what gives you a right to
decide that God's will is unfair?
ALEX
Who says that was even God's will?
JULIAN
Both Megan and Robert had missions
to complete on Earth. These missions
were deemed important to the
structure of our whole universe.
ALEX
Robert not being able to have
children and Megan being a soccer
mom is important to the whole
universe.
JULIAN
The smallest thing can strengthen
the structure of the universe
(pause)
or destroy it.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Enough! This line of questioning is
going no where. It is your life we
are reviewing Alex Prader! Not
Megan and Roberts. Is it not true
that your only motivation for going
to the transportation was so that
you could find a way out of Heaven?
ALEX
It wasn't my only motivation for
going, I was told to go. But, yes I
was looking for a way out of Heaven.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Are you unaware that Heaven was
God's reward for living a good life
on Earth?
ALEX
Some reward. Strict guidelines,
crazy rules, not being able to see
my loved ones. I might as well be
living in a communist state.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
So you are an unruly person?
ALEX
No I just want the same free will
in Heaven that I had on Earth. Do
on Earth as is done in Heaven. Free
will is on Earth, why is it not in
Heaven?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
I was unaware you made the rules
for Heaven.
ALEX
You don't even make sense. I think
your whole purpose is to take every
point I make and try to find a way
to make a mean and nasty comment
based on it. For Heaven's sake man!
The so-called "unruliness" stems
from the fact that I want to see my
wife.
(pause)
I want to see my wife!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Oh yes, the wife you claimed to
have loved.
ALEX
I did love her!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
And did you love her when you were
pushing me to save Megan?
ALEX
I did that out of respect for Megan.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Oh and did you respect your wife
every time you threw Megan up in
her face?
ALEX
That isn't exactly.....
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You have been jumping in and out of
your life right?
ALEX
Yes.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
So all of this is fresh in your
memory?
ALEX
(pause)
Yes.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Your lack of faith in God?
ALEX
I never had a lack of faith. I
always believed, I accepted Christ.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Yes, but you never allowed him to
totally take over your life. You
spent your whole life, from the
time when you were very young,
worrying about Hell. Thinking that
God was going to desert you at the
last minute despite being active in
Christianity. You actually thought
that God would be vengeful upon you
for not checking a heater before
you left a room. That to me shows a
great disrespect to God. That's not
a display of faith that Christians
are supposed to have in God.
ALEX
I was young then, I had O.C.D.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Yes you had O.C.D. then, and had it
your entire life. That shouldn't
inhibit faith though.
(pause)
Were you young that night in the
Italian restaurant?
ALEX
What?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
The night of your heart attack?
ALEX
I don't remember.....
The room spins and scenery changes. The next thing Alex
knows he's standing with Elizabeth at an outdoor gateway to
an Italian restaurant.
EXT-RESTURANT-NIGHT
ALEX
I wish that would stop happening.
ELIZABETH
You wish what would stop happening?
ALEX
Nothing.
(pause)
Wait that's weird. I've never been
aware I was doing it before.
ELIZABETH
Doing what before? You're acting
weird. Are you ok?
ALEX
See usually I have to follow this
script, it's like I'm watching my
life as a viewer, understand?
ELIZABETH
What?
ALEX
I'm guessing no.
ELIZABETH
Honey, people are going to start
looking at us.
ALEX
Hmmmmm.
(pause)
Are you real?
ELIZABETH
What? Is your sugar low?
ALEX
Alright....this is ok....I'm going
to be ok. I'm just going to hang on
and enjoy the ride.
ELIZABETH
Um...honey...
(pause. place card in
hand vibrates)
Oh the thing is vibrating, our
table is ready.
CUT TO:
INT-RESTURANT-NIGHT
Alex and Elizabeth are at their table, looks as though they
have been there for a while. Alex just sits there and stares
at Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
(smiling, sweetly)
What?
ALEX
It's so good to finally see you.
ELIZABETH
Um...thank you. Are you sure you
are ok?
A WAITER comes to the table.
WAITER
Your dinner will be right out.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
WAITER
More bread sticks?
ALEX
Yeah, that would be great.
Sets down basket of bread sticks. Waiter leaves.
ALEX
(eating a bread stick)
I'm actually afraid to eat