(circles)
An Original Screenplay By
Micheal McCubbins
(circles)
Opening quote: (black letters on white background)
“I was just thinking…that here we sit, all of us, eating and drinking to preserve our precious existence and really there is nothing, nothing absolutely no reason for existing” --Jean Paul Sartre
White screen fades into shot
its a fair day in early September... the time is early morning at first light...scene opens with a close-up of ARTHUR’s eye...we zoom out to see that ARTHUR is walking half triumphantly down a city sidewalk...cut to shot from roof of nearby building looking down at ARTHUR as we pan over we see the legs of a woman...ARTHUR looks up to notice the woman...he immediately throws up his hands and runs over to the sidewalk below her
ARTHUR
(still running)Don’t jump!.. Dear lord...please don’t jump
the camera follows the profile of the woman up to her head remaining behind her and facing ARTHUR... the woman remains motionless
the woman remains quiet
ARTHUR
why don’t you tell me what your doing up there.
she remains quiet
ARTHUR
Whatever it is.....I'd like to talk to you about it.....Please, come down from there
quiet still
ARTHUR
The lord loves you...He has a purpose for you....you know your life has a great meaning (ARTHUR pulls out a bible) let me come up there and we can figure this out
WOMAN
No!....Stay there
ARTHUR
no problem...ill just leave this here....you can come down....and we can figure this out whenever your ready to
ARTHUR lays the bible down on the sidewalk below the woman...he takes a few steps backward off the curb...he closes his eyes and prays to himself....he hears a load noise and opens his eyes...he is instantly struck by a car...he hits the windshield and is thrown off the side of the car and is slowly fading out of consciousness as the car screeches to a halt....cut to first person of ARTHUR slipping in and out...as he fades out his focus is on the bible he left on the sidewalk just before he finally blacks out he hears another woman scream and sees the woman on the roof fall headfirst into the bible
Opening credits
Credits fall over a background of intermeshed circles; circles blinks and light up, a different circle denoting each credit
Scene 2
Scene takes place in a large home in the same city...scene opens on a bedside shelf circles from the credits fade into circles of water made by a condensing glass... the radio comes on to wake her up NOVA takes a drink of water sitting on the bedside table....the radio she leaves on....she gets up goes into her bathroom time lapses as we watch the condensation on her bedside table dry..she comes out of the bathroom n a robe and goes to a closet.....she picks out an orange dress to wear while she is dressing we go over to see the rings and jewelry on her beauty stand....we scan over them we also see a picture of her husband....she now sits down at the table and dons her make-up and jewelry(conservative talk radio show, e.g. Rush Limbaugh, gives way to news of a looming war radio plays throughout) NOVA finishes her cosmetics and turn off the radio....she comes out off her bedroom door and into the open area of her large home. Polished wood furnishing and expensive décor give us a sense of the expensiveness and enormity of the home...she goes into the kitchen where she starts to make coffee....she turns on the TV In the kitchen to a conservative news program, e.g. Bill Orielly
Playing on the radio: (in mid sentence) to realize what the problem is here. These people have showed time and again that they have no capacity for a peaceful solution, and I urge you mister to understand this for your own sake and for the sake of our country. This religion, in this area of the world has shown little respect for the freedom of democracy. Its people lack the proper facilities to manifest a democracy. This is why we must, in all good conscience, do for them what they cannot, and will not do for them selves. And for the liberals who think that must show them more compassion more funding and less authority I say to you . GO and live among them . Then come back and tell us what good you have done. I believe in a peaceful solution, so long as peace can be attained through discussion, but there is no discussing with a group that is so deadset against change and against the american ideas of equality and freedom. Mister I hope I have answered your question and I thank you for being on the show. We have to take a break now. Well be back with more news and views as well as the latest address given by out president after this(ends in mid sentence)
On the television: and yourself mr. Gaffney is there a better solution, what now can we do to avoid what seems like the inevitable . (different voice) No will I don’t think we can and ill tell you why if we back off now after making the ultimatums we have put out their number one we lose any sense of the dignity to stand behind our decisions and two bill in this conflict im not sure that there is a better solution that we can make at this time we’ve come this far we really have to follow thru(interrupted by womans voice) so what your saying in essence is that it is best for us to go through with the strike based on the fact that we might betray our ultimatums. This seems rather arrogant doesn’t it. No new evidence has been shown that the threat even exists and furthermore we are being shown all kinds of dissenting voices from the world community on this, (interrupted by mans voice)I don’t find it to be arrogance at all rather your mistaking arrogance for resolve (nurse turns down the tv)
Scene 3
shot widens out from TV....we are in a hospital....OMAR glares empty at the screen....the light reflects off his face...OMAR lies motionless in his hospital bed…several wires and ivs are connected to him...a nurse walks in...she pulls back the curtains and yellow light floods the room...she walks over to him and holds his hand
NURSE
Mr. Endbourne....there’s someone here to see you...ok
OMAR hardly moves his hand in response( he has had a stroke)
NURSE
I think you’ll be happy to see her
ANNE enters and sits beside OMAR....she holds his hand as she talks to him...although she knows he will die soon there is hope in her voice
ANNE
Your looking great. I bet that you will be out of here real soon...dad and mom are coming to see you today.....I’ll be here with them…(slight pause in speech/shot of OMAR incoherent). I’ve got to go for now....ill be back later....ill see you then (she kisses his forehead)....good bye grandpa
ANNE leaves the room....OMAR remains glaring at the TV
Scene 4
open on shot of yellow sun....pan down to shot of full class room back of room....teacher is writing on a green slate chalkboard she turns around to notice the raised hand of LILY
TEACHER
Yes, lily
LILY
On number 13...uumm...I have a different answer.
TEACHER
(keeps writing) then check that one wrong lily
LILY and her friend look at each other
LILY
well....I think my answer is right
TEACHER
here...let me show you
the teacher works out the problem/ LILY doodles on a piece of paper
TEACHER
Class...the answer to number 13 has changed....recheck it on your homework....thank you lily
LILY and friend look at each other again and smile...LILY looks back to see a girl watching them in disgust...LILY’s friend quickly looks back as well... LILY glances back to see friend still staring at girl...LILY smirks as she looks back at her friend...the teacher is still writing on the chalkboard...shot of LILYs face shows her in thought and doodling on her paper thoughtlessly yet intensely....shot pans to ceiling lights
Scene 5
scene opens on JOEY in a hallway/lobby of dormitory....he’s is typing his calling card into the phone....
(ringing)
JOEY’S MOM
hello
JOEY
hi mom
MOM
oh hi joey…how have you been.....you haven’t called in a while...I miss hearing from you....it gets lonely around here sometimes...how’s school going....did you get the internship
JOEY’s mom is tending a small antiques business
JOEY
well that’s why I’m calling actually....I need to ask a favor....
MOM
so you got it?....
JOEY
I’m not sure yet mom
MOM
so what was it you needed then.
JOEY
the school needs the rest of my tuition by the end of the week....or they will drop my classes...
MOM
wait....what.....what about your scholarship....I thought it paid for all of that...
JOEY
I lost it mom....I fell below the required grades to keep it....
MOM
why didn’t you tell me about this
JOEY
well I’m telling you now....
MOM
you know what I meant...why didn’t you tell me sooner?...why did you wait until the week its due?
JOEY
I didn’t want you to worry about it. I thought I could make the money over the summer but I couldn’t find anything....I gave them everything in my savings.....but its not enough...I still need another 500......and I have to have it by the end of the week
MOM
this is a problem....had you told me sooner I could have gotten it maybe....I’ve got all my money tied up in this store right now...I could try to talk to them for you see if we could work something out...and we could pay them soon
JOEY
its no use mom I’ve tried everything....loans, grants, work study.....its all dried up....I have to have the money...I’m sorry I have to ask you...if I get this internship ill be able to give it all back....but I need it now
MOM
let me call them and see what I can do..
JOEY
NO mom your not listening...I’ve tried that...
MOM
I don’t know what to do then...
JOEY
(sigh)
MOM
call your father joseph, and maybe hell help you....call me back soon...and tell me what happens....
JOEY
ok....alright ill call you back
MOM
ok bye. I love you
(JOEY has hung up)
JOEY dials his father and waits
(ringing)
(voicemail message):....hi this is Doug...I cant take your call right now. Leave a message... and; (JOEY hangs the phone up angrily)
JOEY begins to walk away from the phone
Scene 6
we open the scene to ROBIN in her apt cracking an egg...we see she is cooking something she has several pans going at once....the phone rings....
ROBIN
hello
VOICE
hi, robin?
ROBIN
speaking
VOICE
hi...I’m calling from Con Arch Magazine in Chicago we received your resume....
ROBIN
wait where did you say you were from
VOICE
the office is here in Chicago, we got your resume from an associate of yours...I was looking over it and I wanted to talk you ...we are looking for someone with your background ...are you interested at all...
ROBIN
keep talking...
VOICE
were in the market for a new editor...someone with your expertise would be perfect....id like to arrange a time when we could talk about this in person...
ROBIN
that would be great....but I live here in St. Louis
VOICE
I realize the inconvenience...were very interested in you...in fact I could almost promise you the position
ROBIN is busy cooking still
VOICE
you still there?
ROBIN
sorry....yeah I’m here...wow...no really I’m interested....I really need to give this more thought....I have a few things on my plate right now
ROBIN is putting the food into the plate
VOICE
no problem, if you make a decision...get back with me within a few days....ill be here at the office all week
ROBIN
ok....yeah...ill do that...what was your name?
VOICE
its Karen
ROBIN
ok thanks Karen ill be in touch
VOICE
hopefully with good news...bye then
ROBIN
good bye
ROBIN hangs up the phone, finishes putting the food onto a plate and tray....the camera follows her through the apt into her room
ROBIN
wakey wakey!
a man in her bed sees her and sits up
End of scene 6
Shaky shot of birds on an electric wire, shot from moving vehicle takes us from scene 6 to 7.
Scene 7
scene opens as ambulance screeches up to hospital doors....doors open and there are 2 patients....one is left in the ambulance...the other(ARTHUR) is quickly pulled out of the ambulance ...and we follow him as his stretcher makes its way thru the hospital and into the operating room....we see short clips of doctors working on ARTHUR....we are given the ample impression that ARTHUR has been seriously injured...and some part of his body is beyond repair…he will remain maimed....then we are taken in reverse back through the halls of the hospital.....as the camera makes it way to the door we see ROBIN sitting knees to chest in a lobby chair crying...as the camera leaves the doors of the hospital it is flooded with light as we see ANNE’s father walk in through the door
Voice over for scene 7: read slowly and euphorically by the ANNE character
In the end it will occur to you, as it has for me. Everyone scurrying from place to place and searching for purpose, asking for meaning. And, I bet you can remember that bitter taste left behind when nothing really stuck. The way in time you learned that doubting people was much more useful than having faith in them. That all the answers you were given only raised bigger, more frightening questions. In the end it will occur to you the way fish feel standing on the beach looking back into the water. Death defines us. Like the edges of a glass, like two points define a line. I know it may not matter to you but on your gravestone it reads “to our loving departed start hyphen stop” and most of us don’t get to choose our name or the time we get to clock in or clock out. And just so you know I was never really good with punctuation. Sentences seem to run on forever and now that I’ve found a place to stop is it a question or a statement? I don’t think that was up to me.
Scene 8
scene opens with NOVA sitting at a table in a restaurant with a woman from her husbands charity...it is a younger woman...late to mid -twenties with modest features
WOMAN
we’ve been making allot of calls lately and not breaking much new ground.
NOVA
have we lost any funding?
WOMAN
..none of the old funding is gone...but the foundation is just getting more expensive to maintain.
NOVA
oh
WOMAN
building cost...extra workers ..and the procedures were paying for are getting more expensive...we all agree that some sort of advertisement is best
NOVA
you know since he left the foundation to me its all made me quite confused...I’m not as good at this as he was...but I trust your judgment...you’ve been doing this longer than I have
WOMAN
I think also that they’re may be some money missing from the fund...its probably just an error in the books
NOVA
really?...well I’m not too worried...I’m sure your right...how much?
WOMAN
a few thousand dollars....the slip must have happened this month…last months audit was nearly perfect
NOVA
don’t worry yourself with it dear...ill look things over
WOMAN
(changing tone) how is he?
NOVA
well....not so good...his doctor said 50% chance of recovery....you should go and see him dear....he always liked you. Here is where he is
NOVA writes something down on a piece of paper a waiter brings by the check the woman reaches for the check
NOVA
oh no dear...I’ve got it
WOMAN
no its fine I’ve got it
NOVA
I insist
WOMAN
are you sure
NOVA
yes...I’ve got it dear
NOVA reaches in her purse....grabs a checkbook....puts it back in ...grabs a different one the woman notices this...she fills out the check and places it in the leather check holder.. scene follows waiter into kitchen.......the head waiter is barking orders…the kitchen is very busy and very lively. A fire is lit in a pan a teapot whistles, a chef chops out beats of an M 16...every one is in white it resembles a war...it resembles a hospital
Scene 9
scene opens on shot of lights rushing by a hospital bed....we see nurses rushing down the hall to the room of OMAR....as the nurses enter the room with a blue light flashing by the door a bed goes by with a pregnant woman in it...the camera follows the pregnant woman into a different room
DOCTOR
about how far apart are the contractions
WOMAN
they’re very close...
as she says close. Shot goes back to old man in the code blue room who is flat lining....the nurses are trying cpr....as one nurse leans down to apply mouth to mouth the scene then cuts back to the pregnant woman doing intense breathing
DOCTOR
I need you to give me a good push
the woman strains and pushes very hard...the scene cuts back to the old man
NURSE
Clear!
as she tries the defibrillator.....we get small pulse that soon flat lines
NURSE
clear!
and as engages the defibrillator we cut back to the woman in labor she is straining and pushing very hard now
DOCTOR
here it comes!
cut back to old man
NURSE
were losing him!
cut back to baby...it is nearly out
DOCTOR
almost there!
cut back
NURSE
try one more time!
cut back
the woman gives one last big push and the baby is out
cut back
The nurse defibrillates once more and then stops
cut to baby being spanked. It cries loudly
Cut to heart monitor....it rings loudly
NURSE
time of death?
NURSE 2
11:18 a.m.
cut back
DOCTOR
time of birth
NURSE 3
11:18 a.m.
the umbilical cord is cut
cut to close up of heart monitor....the nurse switches it off and the screen blinks off.
Scene 10
scene opens on a array of colors and flashes of light....we see these colors for about 20 seconds
LILY’S FRIEND
what are you doing?
LILY opens her eyes we see that she and her friend are in a cafeteria and they are about to eat lunch
LILY
I’m watching fireworks
LILY’s friend looks at her puzzled
LILY
what?...you’ve never done that before?
FRIEND
um ....done what?
LILY
here...put your hands on your eyes like this...and push on them a little
FRIEND
I don’t see anything
LILY
give it a second
FRIEND
oh....wow....that is cool!
LILY
what do you see?
FRIEND
I see lightning...wait now it looks like a tunnel.....now its umm....I dunno...its hard to explain.....what do you see?
LILY
I see colors bursting moving closer and then further and then falling apart into tiny squares....like what I usually see
the girls open their eyes and blink a bit to adjust to the light in the room they look at each other and smile....LILY notices someone staring at her from another table....its the same girl that she saw in the classroom.....LILY’s friend turns back. The girl is laughing and making crying motions to mock the girls and pointing them out to the people at her table
FRIEND
you again....staring problem?
GIRL
why don’t you mind your own business
FRIEND
why don’t you leave us alone
she turns back around
LILY
I wish she’d eat her food and leave us alone
FRIEND
yeah she’s probably pretty hungry
the girls giggle softly...the other notices....and looks mad....she nods at LILY slowly and LILY looks away
FRIEND
just ignore her
girls begin to eat
Scene 11
scene opens with a knock on a door
girl opens the door
JOEY and the girl kiss shortly and JOEY walks into the room
GIRL
what’s wrong?
JOEY
I called my parents I couldn’t get the money. Well I didn’t even reach my dad
GIRL
what did you say?
JOEY
I told her that I lost my scholarship and that i couldn’t pay the tuition
GIRL
clever...what did she say?
JOEY
she wanted to try to call them and work something out....she told me that she couldn’t send me the money right now
shot of girls face she is forlorn yet hopeful
GIRL
well...what are we going to do?
JOEY
i dunno, got any good ideas?....maybe you could talk to your rents
GIRL
too obvious. Besides i know they don’t have it
JOEY sitting with head in hands
GIRL
I’m sorry…don’t worry its gonna be ok (she rubs his neck, and he looks up at her with an angry look)
JOEY
don’t be...ill take care of this...i have an idea
GIRL
what is it?
JOEY
don’t worry...ill see you later
JOEY walks out the door..
Scene 12
scene opens on ROBIN’s bf shutting his car door...the two drive away....time lapses as they drive...the two do not exchange words...bf turns on radio. Time lapses...ROBIN turns down radio
ROBIN
what do you think of Chicago?
BF:
its right here
he points to a house and pull in
BF:
ill be right back
time passes and ROBIN remains in the car alone...she turns the radio back up and lies back in her seat...she hears a door shut...its her bf and his friend....she turns the radio down and sits up...
they drive off
BF:
so what were we talking about
ROBIN begins to talk and then looks over at bf he is turned around facing his friend
FRIEND
so were dancing...having some fun...the music is load....this girl is hot....things start to get a little racier....this girl must have had a few hits of something pretty soon she was grabbing all over me
He looks at her face in the rearview ROBIN is noticeably disturbed
BF:
ok...ok
there is momentary silence
ROBIN
so what do you think of Chicago
BF
what? why?
ROBIN
i dunno?...do you like it?
BF
sure its ok....why?
ROBIN
Ive been offered a job there...I’m thinking about taking it
BF
that’s pretty far away...are you serious
ROBIN
yes I’m serious
the friend is noticeably disturbed
BF
what’s the job?
ROBIN
its a editor job for a magazine... they called me this morning, and they basically offered me the job
BF
Wow.....wow(less enthusiastic)
FRIEND
this is me(points to a house)
ROBIN pulls over and lets him out
FRIEND
later you guys...Evan give me a call later I’m probably going back out there tonight...peace....(walks away)
ROBIN
so i wanna know what you think, I’m seriously thinking about taking the job there...and i want you to be included in that...i need you there with me...(a pause)...you and i both know this is the best thing yet...tell me that you’ll go
(interrupts)BF
i can't
ROBIN
why?
BF
i just cant i have too much going here to just drop it all and move to Chicago
ROBIN
what do you have that cant go with you....I’m sure you’d find a good nursing job hospitals are everywhere
BF
its not just that....what about my family....my friends...they need me too
ROBIN
i could be both....if i pass this up i don’t know if ill have another chance
BF
sure you will.....stay here...or we could move a little further upstate...wait it out a bit im sure something will come up for you...what do you know about this job anyhow...you may end up hating it...then wed be stuck.
ROBIN pulls into the hospital
BF
i got to go...ill come out later...well talk more then....bye
ROBIN
see you later
ROBIN watches him walk in ..she sits there thinking...she turns the radio back up (a debate over the war)...she drives away
On the radio: in the wake of the newest intelligence reports the president is expected to address the country this evening on what the white house plans to do. (cuts to commercial for home mortgages)
Scene 13
scene opens on television set the screen shows a news report of the devastation of the attack which has been looming...ARTHUR is noticeably moved....the man in the bed next to him out of view from a privacy curtain starts to speak
PATIENT
people are prepared to loose soldiers in battle....kill the innocent and then you have their attention
PATIENT
But its ok to kill innocent people as long as you’ve made your peace with god…right?
ARTHUR
you cant blame god for everything
PATIENT
I’m not blaming god... I’m not even sure there is a god...cant men just think for themselves?...gods are only part of the problem
the television shows clips of dead children
PATIENT
i suppose this was all the work of the devil
doctor comes in
DOCTOR
Mr. Mortin how’s everything doing
ARTHUR
I’m doing ok
DOCTOR
how’s the pain?
ARTHUR
not so bad....my leg....what was wrong...well i know what was wrong...what I’m asking i guess is will i be able to walk after this?
DOCTOR
well we’ve done all we can for now...I’m optimistic...all we can do now is pray... think you’ll be just fine Mr. Mortin...if everything else is fine there a girl here to see you.
ARTHUR
ok...that’s fine
DOCTOR
ill send her in
a girl walks in.....it is ROBIN
Scene 14
knocking
NOVA rushes down the steps. Opens the door
ANNE is standing at the door
ANNE
hi... can i come in?
NOVA
yes...come in ( is surprised to see her)....here have a seat.
NOVA
surprised to see you.....are you thirsty
ANNE
no I’m fine
ANNE
did you hear?
NOVA
did i hear what dear?
ANNE
(choking back)he died
NOVA
no(is noticeably sad)
ANNE
yes...this morning...i was just there...and he looked fine
NOVA
oh dear, (she puts her hand on ANNE’s)....does your father know?
ANNE
i don’t know if he does or not.. i tried to call him earlier today but he wasn’t there....they were coming to
visit him today...they might be on their way there now.. i don’t want him to have to find out like that
NOVA
oh dear
ANNE
I’m going to go back to the hospital to wait for them...if you are ok....or you can come with me
NOVA
ill need to make some calls....
NOVA
call me when you meet them ok...and you guys can come here for the evening there’s a few things well need to talk about.....call me will you?
ANNE
ill call....(hugs her)
NOVA
ill see you later
ANNE is out the door
NOVA watches her leave then shuts the door
End of scene 14
Shot of shuffling feet at an anonymous store counter take us from scene 14 to 15
Scene 15
scene opens with the opening of ALFRED’s eyes...voices and sounds are blurred as to mix into each other....colors fluctuate and mix and then solidify.....we hear the breath of the child softly....the child shivers of coldness.....the voices leave.....the child begins to cry....the shot changes to show the baby...wires show the umbilical nature of his situation.....his cries show his eagerness.....voices come back and the crying stops....the voices get closer and the voices go by we see the faces it is the family of ANNE one of the children stops briefly to stare and smile at the baby and then must leave again....the child walks off and the baby begins to cry again....shot cuts to lights and fades
Scene 16
shot opens on the clock in the classroom as it edges its way toward 3 o clock....we see that green is watching it attentively....we see that the girl who has been teasing them is now focusing her attention onto LILY and her friend...LILY looks back at her friend in anticipation of the bell...LILY begins to put their things away....the teacher is lecturing and is cut off by the bell...the teacher tells the children that she’ll see them tomorrow and the class leaves.....LILY makes it to the door first and waits for her friend to get there.....her friend has taken her time and they are the last to leave the classroom...they make they’re way down the hall talking
LILY
I’m glad that’s over
FRIEND
me too, i gotta use the bathroom....in a bad way
LILY
gross
FRIEND
i guess you don’t use the bathroom huh?
Friend looks back at LILY
FRIEND
Poop
LILY
(laughing) shut up!
FRIEND
Poop! Poop! Poop!
the girls make their way into the bathroom....the larger girl that has been bothering them is in there
she is leaving and pushes LILY out of her way and LILY hits the wall
FRIEND
why don’t you leave her alone!?
...LILY’s friend then retaliates and pushes the girl away across the bathroom...the girl then focuses her anger on LILY’s friend....she shoves her against a wall holding her hands above her head....
GIRL
i heard what you said about me today freak...
the girl then knees LILY’s friend in the pelvis
LILY
(screaming) leave her alone!
the girl continues kneeing her
LILY’s friend is now crying
LILY wants to help but somehow convinces herself not too....she is too afraid
GIRL
maybe now you’ll keep your stupid mouth shut!
The girl then drops LILY’s friend ...and she falls to the floor
LILY stands there frozen
LILY’s friend picks up her stuff and then makes her way slowly out of the bathroom....stands there trying to think of some justification for not acting...she then jogs to catch up with her friend
LILY
are you ok?
FRIEND
yeah(half dismissively)
LILY
are you going to tell anyone?
FRIEND
i dunno...I’m riding today
LILY
ill see you later
the girls go down different hallways....scene ends as they walk out of sight
Scene 17
scene opens on JOEY pulling up to a house...JOEY gets out and knocks on the door...an unfamiliar young woman answers the door
JOEY
is Dave home?
Young woman leaves without answering him but leaves the door open....Dave comes to the door JOEY and the him shake hands briefly
DAVE
come in man
inside his house we see swords on the walls and magazines and a videogame playing, the girl who opens the door walks into a back room holding something in her hand
JOEY sits down
JOEY
i need to know if you still have any guns
DAVE
yeah, yeah...what are you looking for
JOEY
Uh…just something small
DAVE
ok (he holds up his index finger as a signal to wait)
he goes in a different room and comes back with some guns...JOEY sits waiting looks at the children’s game on the TV and follows the cord back to where his friend was sitting...he stops where his baby is lying sleeping with gun in hand he places the pacifier back in the Childs mouth and goes back over by JOEY
DAVE
here’s what i have here...i can get other stuff if you like....what do you think
JOEY
how much are they?
DAVE
well this ones 250 (shows him a larger gun)
JOEY
which is the cheapest?
DAVE
this one i can give to you for 150
JOEY sits contemplating
JOEY
how about renting one...
DAVE
renting one?
JOEY
you know. Ill take it with me today....ill have it back to you in the next couple days
DAVE
wait....what are you getting yourself into?
JOEY blows off the question
JOEY
I’ve got 50 you keep the fifty and ill bring the gun back to you tomorrow or the next day
DAVE
you sure your not getting into something over your head?
JOEY
no ,, everything’s fine...so can you?
DAVE
yeah...yeah....this one?....(JOEY nods) ...ok....
he hands the gun to JOEY...its a small revolver..
JOEY
how do i get this open?
DAVE
damn man....here...(he shows him)...
the gun is unloaded...
DAVE
you need some shells?
JOEY quickly pulls the 50 out of his pocket and hands it over to him.
DAVE
hey you need some bullets?
JOEY
no...no bullets
DAVE
ok
JOEY
thanks..( he puts the gun in his pocket)
JOEY stands up....
JOEY
ill have it back in a couple days...thanks( they shake again)
JOEY goes to walk out. He feels at the gun in his pocket
Scene 18
Scene opens on ROBIN back at her house doing some work on a computer...she stops working and wipes her eyes...she looks around then picks up the phone......she dials ANNE’s number…the phone rings
ANNE
hello
ROBIN
hey what’s up?
ANNE
hi...he died this morning
ROBIN
im sorry....i can call back if its a bad time
ANNE
no ...its fine
a little silence
ROBIN
hey i got a call this morning from a magazine place in Chicago. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you
ANNE
maybe....what did they say?
ROBIN
I knew it was you...they told me that they got my resume form you...and that they want to see me for an interview
ANNE
wow...awesome....sooo?
ROBIN
so...i dunno that’s pretty far....what about you...what about the people i know here?
ANNE
don’t worry about me....we could keep in touch...that’s not the issue....i know this is your dream job...if you don’t take it ill strangle you...seriously.
ROBIN
yeah your right....it really is what ive been looking for...hold a sec will ya got another call
ANNE
sure
ROBIN
hello
BF
hi...hey i need you to come get me...they’re lettin the on calls go but Steve has to stay...can you come get me?
ROBIN
yeah
BF
cool...hurry ill be around front
ROBIN
Ok ...bye
BF
bye
ROBIN clicks over
ROBIN
hello
ANNE
hi
ROBIN
that was Evan i gotta go pick him up over at the hospital?
ANNE
really which?
ROBIN
saint ____
ANNE
really?...I’m on my way there right now...my family was coming to see grandpa i wanted to meet them there before they had to find out from some nurse or doctor
ROBIN
where are you now.
ANNE
I’m bout 10 minutes or so from there
ROBIN
if you want wait up front...ill meet you there
ANNE
sure
ROBIN
ok well i gotta go...ill see you there
ANNE
ok see you in a few
ROBIN
bye
ANNE
bye
cut to shot of Bf standing outside the front lobby of the hospital smoking....ANNE gets there before ROBIN...she sees bf there
ANNE
(looks at him questioningly) hey aren’t you...?
BF
(looks oddly at her) Oh your ROBIN’s friend...what was it annie?.....angie?
ANNE
close enough
BF
(takes a drag)so how’s it going?
ANNE
Ok ...i just talked to ROBIN on the phone....she said she was comin to pick you up (looks around for ROBIN)
...ANNE looks back...notices that Bf is looking at her body…she looks away
ANNE
so how long have you two been?...
BF
i dunno...a few months now..
ANNE
are you guys pretty serious?
BF
i dunno
the two are uncomfortable
BF
how about you.. you with anyone?
ANNE
yeah...for a couple years..
BF
really....that’s a shame
ANNE turns around and he’s looking her in the eye...she is shocked....he quickly look away..
ROBIN comes around the corner
ROBIN
hey guys…what’s up
ROBIN kisses bf
ROBIN
( to ANNE)...how are you taking it
ANNE
I’m ok...i just hope they’ll be
ROBIN
you wanna go in and sit down.
BF
actually i wanted to get home I’m hungry (he takes a long drag of his cigarette and looks away)
ANNE
its cool...they’re probably almost here anyhow…(kind of disappointed)
ROBIN
ill give you a call tonight..
ANNE
ok ..great..
they wave....
BF is looking at the ground stomping his cigarette.........he walks off with ROBIN....ANNE walks into the building....she see her dad in the lobby...he’s crying
End of scene 18
Note: ANNE begins the scene looking optimistic through the scene becomes detached and depressed
Scene 19
scene opens with ROBIN wheeling ARTHUR outside where he can smoke and get some air.......she rolls him out past the lobby...and out into the area where she had talked to ANNE and her boyfriend the day before...
ARTHUR
do you have a cigarette?
ROBIN
yeah...she opens a pack in her purse and gives one to ARTHUR
ARTHUR
thank you ( he takes a lighter from her and lights it)
ARTHUR coughs momentarily...ROBIN can see is holding the cigarette oddly
ROBIN
do you smoke much?
ARTHUR
actually i just started today…I’m sorry about your friend
ROBIN remains quiet
ROBIN
you know if anyone should be sorry for anything its me
ARTHUR is quiet for a second
ARTHUR
its really not your fault...none of this is....
ROBIN
i know...but id just been a little more careful...i dunno
ARTHUR
its no use laying blame...really...and that’s the thing that i cant get out of my head...you know its true everyone everywhere blaming someone for all of the crisis in their life...you know what i was doing when
you hit me...i was praying
ROBIN
oh i am so sorry
ARTHUR
no really don’t be....(takes and drag and coughs)...it just means that i was just like everyone else....i was assuming that someone else was responsible...i was assuming i could lay a little blame and gain a little control....i let go of the responsibility i had
ROBIN
well you cant blame this on yourself
ARTHUR
i guess your right..
ARTHUR
how’s your car?
ROBIN laughs a little( her eyes are still glassy)
ROBIN
my car is fine....although i think you may have scuffed it a bit
ARTHUR smiles...then takes another drag
Scene 20
scene opens up on a shot from behind NOVA in her bedroom it slowly closes in on her and over her till we see that she is feeding documents into a paper shredder...we see NOVA her face is paranoid, and dry...slowly we survey her for 2-3 minutes
Scene 21
ANNE’s parents are talking with the doctor in the hospital....her sister and brother are sitting down on chairs in the hallway...ANNE is looking thru the window of the maternity ward...she can see young ALFRED....she can’t hear....but she can tell that he is crying loudly....ANNE is also noticeably crying...a nurse enters the ward walks over by the baby...for a second the baby stops crying then as she walks away it begins crying again…cameras slowly close in on each of them…we see her touch her stomach she’s sees a man walk past...she looks quickly to see who it is....its no one special...she sees her little sister standing beside her looking at the baby...she runs her hands thru her hair...she looks back...her little brother is asleep...
End of scene 21
Shot of highway lines from POV of a passenger in a car take us from scene 21 to 22
Scene 22
scene starts with green in her bathroom crying looking into the mirror there is a knock
MOM
is everything alright honey?
LILY
(through sobs) yes mom...I’m ok....I’m fine
MOM
you don’t sound alright....are you sure your ok?
LILY
yes I’m fine leave me alone
MOM
Lily., honey, let me come in
LILY
(screaming) NO!
mother is on the phone...we hear it ring...someone picks up on the other end...its the ANNE character
MOM
hi....Anne...this is Meridith
ANNE
oh, hi what’s up?
MOM
Lily has locked herself in the bathroom and she wont let me in...she said she wont come out until i let her talk to you....do you know anything about this
ANNE
no...is it serious
MOM
i don’t know...will you talk to her...I’m pretty worried
ANNE
yeah...sure
LILY
Anne?(is talking through sobs)
ANNE
yeah....its me....what’s wrong
LILY
i don’t know....she pushed her...but i couldn’t do anything
ANNE
who pushed her....who is her
LILY
my friend Val, she wanted to fight with me...but this stupid girl shoved her....and she kicked her in the stomach
ANNE
your friend was in a fight?
LILY
yeah...i couldn’t do anything...something’s wrong (we show the toilet there is blood and urine in it)...I’m bleeding
ANNE
bleeding?...where?
LILY
in the toilet.....i don’t know why I’m bleeding...i couldn’t do anything
MOM
lily
LILY
go away!
ANNE
Hey lily?…were you hit?
LILY
no....she just pushed me
ANNE
You’re ok , you’ve just had your period, I think...do you know what that is
LILY
yeah...i know what it is
ANNE
.its nothing to be worried about....but you need to tell your mom...i know its embarrassing but you have to tell her...ok
will you tell her?
LILY
ok
LILY flushes the toilet.....and looks into the mirror she is still crying...ANNE pulls up to the house of her grandfather..
ANNE
i gotta go ok...you tell your mom what you told me ok?
LILY
ok...i wonder if she’s hurt
ANNE
your friend is probably ok...you need to tell someone though....(ANNE’s car is parked).....tell your mom ill be busy for a few days so I wont be able to watch you.
LILY
ok
ANNE
i gotta go...you gonna be ok?
LILY
yeah
ANNE
ill talk to you later
LILY
ok
ANNE
bye
Scene 23
scene opens with JOEY sitting outside of the convenient store trying to keep himself warm by the heater in his car....its not working...he looks at the gun holding it below the dash and out of the sight of people walking in and out of the store...the store clerk looks over at him from time to time from inside the store....he waits anxiously building up his nerve and for the parking lot to empty when he watched the last person leave the parking lot and go up the road and he doesn’t see anymore headlights he goes for it....he walks out of the car and quickly dons a ski mask before entering the door...he pulls the small revolver out of his pocket and points it up at the man behind the counter
JOEY
give me all your.....(he stops himself knowing how foolish he sounds)...give me the money in the register
MAN
Ok...lets not do anything crazy here
JOEY
(bringing himself closer to the counter) NOW!
MAN
Yeah! ok! (starts taking out money) ever shoot one of those before?
JOEY
just put the money in a bag...hurry up about it
MAN
yeah sorry....you could go ahead and put that down now... you gonna get your money...store policy
JOEY
I think ill leave it where its at.
headlights shine through the window....a car pulls up....JOEY looks at the man behind the counter in desperation....he looks back
MAN
you gonna put that away?
JOEY puts the gun in his pocket and removes the ski mask before a man around 50 and a woman in her early 20s walk in he is dressed conservatively ...she is dressed scantily...the hug and laugh as they walk in and go to the beer cooler....they get a case of beer and bring it up to the front....the woman eyes JOEY....then looks at the key chains on the counter...the two are noticeably drunk
WOMAN
hey...buy me one of these Charlie
OLD MAN
you don’t need a damn key chain, hell you don’t even own a car
WOMAN
(whiney) but i want one ...buy it for me please (she hugs his shoulder)
OLD MAN
ok dammit....just one (she grabs one with some disturbing shallow quote on it and puts it on the counter)
OLD MAN
and a couple packs of those cigars
MAN
which kind sir? (he points to where the cigars are)
OLD MAN
no
MAN
these?
OLD MAN
no (he is getting frustrated)...on the end there
the man grabs them and rings it all up...they exchange money
OLD MAN
lets go (he grabs the but of the young woman)
the two leave and both men watch as they leave and drive off of the lot
JOEY starts to pull out the gun
MAN
Doesn’t that make you disgusted?
JOEY
yeah it does....hurry up
MAN
listen...i can tell by looking at you that your not going to shoot me...even if your gun had bullets in it
JOEY looks at the front of the gun to see
JOEY
fuck!
MAN
Don’t worry you’ll get your money...like i said store policy...and ill help you out....if you help me out
JOEY
(confused) what are you talking about?
MAN
what im saying is that when the cops get here and i have to call them once again store policy...ill send them the wrong way
JOEY
What’s the catch?
MAN
There’s a grey car around the side of the building…there’s around 1200 dollars here....when you leave here leave 600 underneath the seat of that car
JOEY
What, your going to take money from your own store?
MAN
does this look like its my own store....you think my name is quick-mart...fact is i probably have less regard for this place than you do
JOEY puts the gun into his pocket
MAN
thank you....anyhow ill probably get fired for having all this money in the register anyhow....may as well get a severance package
he finishes putting the money into the bags
MAN
you live around here?
JOEY
yeah...up by the college
MAN
no shit?....me too....maybe ill see you around
JOEY
yeah
JOEY starts to walk out
MAN
hey don’t forget.....the car
JOEY
right
JOEY walks out the door with the bags
Scene 24
scene opens on ROBIN and her boyfriend watching television.. And drinking beer ... ROBIN’s head is in bf’s lap.....television shows immediacy of the war...
ROBIN
do they really have to bomb, i mean, shouldn’t that be saved as a last resort?....you know....only used in defense
BF
what?...and let them get us first?....no...i think they need to do it now....you don’t think those people care about us do you?
ROBIN
well obviously some don’t...but they’re not the ones over here bombing us
BF
what about 9/11?
ROBIN
but that was a whole different country ...its not the same people
BF
its all the same people...they’re all jealous....and those that aren’t jealous hate us because were not Muslim
ROBIN
do they deserve to die for that?
BF
are we just supposed to wait till they do it again?
ROBIN
(huffs) there is no THEY..
There’s a knock at the door...
ROBIN gets up to get it...its BF’s friend from this morning....she looks thru the peep hole..
ROBIN
Its for you (she says half disappointed)
bf goes to the door and opens it
BF
Hey. What’s up?
FRIEND
What you guys up to?
BF
just watching some TV ...why?...what’s up?
FRIEND
were goin back out there
BF
we?
FRIEND
yeah...smitty’s down in the car
BF
oh
FRIEND
so you comin
BF
yeah just a second
he walks over to ROBIN
BF
so they’re goin back out to the club tonight....c’mon lets go
ROBIN
i thought we were gonna stay in tonight
BF
c'mon were young lets go have fun
ROBIN
i don’t think watching your friends grope all over teenagers is much fun
BF
its funner than watching tv all night.’.(gets his coat)....you comin?
ROBIN
no go ahead i think I’m gonna watch some tv or get some work done or something.
BF
ok...(kisses her face) i wont be gone too long...ill come back here...ok
ROBIN
yeah...bye
ROBIN closes and locks the door behind him...we show a close up of ROBIN she is thinking....behind her we hear the blare of commercials ROBIN slams shut the closet door
Scene 25
ARTHUR rolls himself around the hospital in his wheel chair....we get several shot from different angle of him passing by things....he doesn’t stop...he sees nurses with smiles...he sees into some of the rooms people visiting their loved ones....he looks up at the ceiling rolling fast with his head back he tries to recreate the feeling from scene 7 …he keeps rolling he rolls by the maternity ward and thru and around places marked personnel only he rolls thru lobbies ....he rolls around every place he can go... thru the cafeteria and into the gift shop… at the far end of the gift shop he sees a mirror made in the shape of a cross in the mirror he sees his face.
Voice over for scene 25: read by ANNE in a frustrated and explanatory tone
Its not that I don’t like people. I need people to much not to like them. Really, I’ve always tried to look at all the tragedy in the world as my own sick comedy. This isn’t anyone’s fault but my own. It was a choice…It was the choice. And I chose hope in the way that some people choose coffee or cigarettes for the same reasons people fall I love or kids read comic books. It was a risk on my part and I lost this time. Given the choice….I’d put it all back on the table and go again. To say that I have regret is to say that I’ve given up. I’m not a quitter, I’m a loser.
Scene 26
scene opens in NOVAs house the tone of the room is somber yet warm ANNE is with her brother and sister her mother and father are talking to NOVA
ANNE
how are you guys....been doing ok in school?
GIRL
marty has a girlfriend
ANNE
oh really?...(looking at him with a smile)....what’s her name?
GIRL
Jaquline
BOY
shut up! (he is embarrassed)
ANNE
i bet she’s pretty?....is she?
boy smiles
NOVA
how have you guys been...what with both of you working fulltime
MOM
Earnie got a promotion
NOVA
Well (in a congratulatory way)
MOM
He’s head of the custodial dept at the high school in Hillford
DAD
its no big deal( is embarrassed)
NOVA
That’s good
DAD
the pay is much better
BOY
grandma (other one) told me it was wrong that mom makes more money than dad, she says that she shouldn’t have to work, and he should buy things
GIRL
she said that if grandpa had so much money...why didn’t dad go to college
ANNE
well people used to think that women couldn’t do the things that men can...but now more people know that that isn’t the way it is
GIRL
grandma said that that is how god made things....and that we shouldn’t change them
BOY
Anne do you believe in god?
DAD
aprils grades are great....were having a little trouble with martin
MOM
He’s always on the computer playing games...i don’t know what he sees in them
NOVA
kids these days have everything they want...i know when i was a kid i was happy to have a doll to play with
MOM
i was the same way....all i needed was a hula hoop...or a book to read
DAD
Sometimes I think were raising a generation of wusses
ANNE
if there is a place where good people go when they die...i know that’s where he went...(she pats his leg)...ill be right back
ANNE walks over to where NOVA is talking her mother grabs her hand
MOM
of course were proud of this one...she’s always been so smart
DAD
she kept her eyes on the books and not the boys...she got a scholarship and she’s doing well
NOVA
yeah...i know
ANNE half smiles charmingly at them
There’s a knock at the door...NOVA gets up to answer it...its two deputies...NOVA is frozen
1ST COP
Mrs. Endbourne?
NOVA
yes that’s me
2ND COP
Mrs. Endbourne you are under arrest for the charges of embezzling you have the right to remain silent etc
ANNE and her father come the door as she is getting cuffed...mother stays with the 2 kids....ANNE is looking shocked....
DAD
what is this about?
2ND COP
is this your mother?
DAD
step-mother
2ND COP
sir she is being brought in on charges of embezzlement and conspiracy to commit fraud
DAD
Nova?
NOVA doesn’t reply...they put her in the car...she looks at the floor
the police walk back up to the family and begins to explain something as the shot widens to the close neighboring houses
Scene 27
scene opens on ALFRED lying crying in his covered bed in the maternity ward...the crying remains until the nurse comes into the room and sits by him feeding another baby…he remains quiet watching her...after a short time she makes her way to him....and begins to feed him....he is content for the time being.........
Scene 28
scene opens on green in her bedroom crying...the tv in her room is glowing bright blue....she sits up and takes a deep breathe she looks over at the tv for a few seconds...she looks around the room at bare walls...paper sits on the table beside her. she looks at it then picks it up...she begins to draw very erratically and fast and emotionally …tears still falling onto the page her picture starts to take shape and she smiles thru her wet face and keeps drawing....the drawing resembles a girl...she continues drawing...her mom surprises her and opens her door quickly putting her head in and turning on the light...LILY quickly hides the picture behind her
MOM
you ok?
LILY
(fakes a smile) yeah
MOM
Ok...your dad and i are going to bed...goodnight
LILY
g'night
mother leaves the room...LILY turns the light back off and starts the picture again...in big green letters at the bottom she has written "IM SORRY"
End of scene 28
Shot of traffic lights flashing red late at night takes us from 28 to 29
The shot has a blue/violet tint
Scene 29
scene opens on JOEY knocking on ANNE‘s door…the hallway is dimly lit and there is no answer...JOEY give s up he walks down the hall and cuts one way the camera cuts another down the hall and up the stairs to his door where we see ANNE knocking on his door and crying ...he leaves the dormitory and heads over to ROBIN’s on the way there he is pulled over by a cop...the cop walks up to the car
COP
(shining a light in his face) licenses and registration sir
JOEY
sure
JOEY pulls the id out of his wallet...without thinking he opens the glove box to get his insurance...he looks at the seat beside him and sees the gun… the cop looks around him to see the gun
COP
Nice piece...you have a permit for that?
JOEY pretends to look
JOEY
i must have left it at home
COP
Fine...(looking at the id)...you don’t need to carry it on you... Do you know why i pulled you over?
JOEY
was i speeding?
COP
no...you’ve got a tail light out (hands the id back along with the insurance)...you be sure and get that fixed ...you have a good day sir
the cop gets in his car and leaves JOEY is sweating bullets he drives off
he pulls up at an apartment building he puts the gun in his pocket...he walks up to the door and buzzes the buzzer
Scene 30
Scene opens in ROBIN’s apt the buzzer beeps but no one is in the apt the camera makes its way slowly to the phone
ROBIN is in her car and headed for the club where her boyfriend is at she is crying
cut to ROBIN’s boyfriend at a club he hears a phone ring and its in his pocket...it’s ROBIN’s phone and on the other line its the ANNE character
BF
hello
ANNE
is Robin there?
BF
no i grabbed her phone by accident...who is this?
ANNE
its her friend Anne
BF
oh what’s up Annie what are you doin.....i know what you should be doin...you should come down her hang out with us
bf is looking up at his friend and pointing at the phone...."this is her" he mouths as he holds his hand over the phone
ANNE
hello?
BF
hi...so what are you doin
ANNE
where is Robin?
BF
She’s at home watchin TV or something
ANNE
so she’s at home?
BF
what?...yeah...i think so you might look in Chicago or somethin
ANNE
what...Chicago?
BF
yeah she’s all giddy about Chicago...but i talked her out of that...you should thank me
ANNE
bye
BF
later
cut back to the apt...the phone rings as the camera makes its way closer to the telephone and we see a note there that has a phone number and an woman’s name and its says "see you tonight"
we cut back to ROBIN pulling up to the nightclub and parking her car....she walks into the night club and looks around she cant find her boyfriend there....she goes into the bathroom to fix her make up where she was crying she hears something coming from a stall behind her and hears and mans voice…she looks down at the bottom of the stall and she sees a jacket that looks like hers...there are two people in he stall...she takes the cell phone out of her jacket and dials her number slowly....the other phone rings and its her own personal ring tone thing...she runs out of the bathroom and out of the club …as she burst out of the club doors she bursts into her apt door....she is on the phone now
message: hi this is Karen I’m not in the office right now......etc
ROBIN
Hi ...this is Robin you called me this morning about the editing job...ive done some thinking and id like very much to accept your offer....i can come up any time this week if you need me to hopefully ill talk to you soon...bye.
ROBIN hangs up the phone and smiles
End of scene 30
Shot of string of car dealerships from POV of moving car takes us from scene 30 to 31
Shot has a voilet/red tint
Scene 31
ARTHUR rolls his wheel chair outside into late night /early morning cold…he rolls down and across the parking lot...and down toward the street. he waits for the sign to say walk and he rolls himself across the street and down the sidewalk...he stops in front of a church and he looks up ...a bird is perched on top of the roof…he says nothing...he waits there...he is watching the bird...the bird watching him...he keeps staring at the bird finally it flies off...ARTHUR smiles…and he rolls himself past the church and down the sidewalk and out of sight
Scene 32
scene opens in the jail cell...NOVA is there talking with the father a policemen stands at the door
COP
you have ten minutes
NOVA
I’m sorry (she says thru tears talking to her stepson)
DAD
so its true?
NOVA
yeah...its true
DAD
why?
NOVA
There’s no excuse...your fathers hospital bill came in and it was so much...being alone all the time ...you have too much time to think...it helped me forget about what was happening to your father...i knew he would come back ...he’d find out....and he’d take care of it...he always took care of things...he had to come back and take care of me...I’ve got a few things i want to say
dad has his head in his hands rubbing and scratching his head
NOVA
i want you all to come live in the house...will you please...i need you to...will you?.....i need someone to take care of me...i know it…you daughter...she is allot like your father...she’s been coming by...checking up on me...she always visits your father...she’s always taking care of people...i want to give it to her...the charity...if she wants it
dad is rubbing his hands together
NOVA
I’m going to sign a confession...I’m sorry for causing you this trouble... I’ll have the guard give you the keys to the house...you can stay there until the funeral...and as long as you want...whenever you want
DAD
are you sure this is what you want?
NOVA
i know its what he would expect
dad smiles at her...she makes a smile back at him
Scene 33
scene opens on the ALFRED underneath his plastic shield in the maternity ward...a nurse come back in the room she starts to feed baby next to him and for a second he is calm but he soon starts to cry. he remains crying and the shot closes in on him crying ...after a brief period a hand enters the case and inserts a pacifier into his mouth...he stops crying and begins to suck on the pacifier...cut to shots of president giving as conference defending his position to bomb...cut back to baby with pacifier...cut back to president as he wards off questions...cut back to baby still content with pacifier back to conference and the president gives his good byes....the baby falls asleep
Note: shots of president are of his torso up to his mouth cutting off the rest of his face
Scene 34
green is awoken by something she gets up out of her bed...she is drawn to the window the window is a blank blue screen...she gets to the window and looks down there in the grass below the window her friend lies motionless her hands covered with blood...someone is coming toward her with menacing intent she tries to cry stop but they cant hear her and the window is closed and she cant open it...she stops trying to yell and runs out of her room down the stairs and out of the door...she gets to her friend and no one is there around her she says her name and the girl starts to move as if getting up.....from the side of the building a large dark figure comes at her...she screams and wakes herself up...she is back in her bed breathing heavily her eyes wide open sweat on her face she is lying on top of her covers around her on the bed and floor are pieces of paper with drawings on them...we scan the drawings on the floor is a picture of her friend on her shelf one of herself...on her bed there is a half done picture with a red colored pencil laying on it...the blue shine of the tv is still on ....LILY leaves the room and gets a drink of water...she gets the water and looks into the mirror drinking it eyes wide...she looks down the front of her pants and then pours the rest of the water down the drain
Scene 35
we see ANNE not her face as she takes her pills for her bipolar disorder...the tv is going loud in the background as she walks around her dorm room she goes into her bathroom and takes something else...she is obviously in grief...she walks out of the bathroom and down inside the toilet is a miscarried fetus...ANNE curls up on her bed...then goes and gets her coat and walks out the door and down the hall and up the steps....as soon as she walks up the steps...JOEY returns and knocks on her door....ANNE keeps following the steps up to the roof of the building and steps out onto the roof...there on the roof is a place where her and JOEY had sat together many times...there are things written around it and ANNE goes over and sits down pulling her knees up to her chest and facing the short ledge on edge of the building facing the street she closes her eyes cut to JOEY lying against her door with his eyes closed we can see the gun in his pocket...the paper bag sticks out a bit under his jacket... ANNE hugs her coat and breathes deeply
Scene 36
BF walks up to door of ROBIN’s apt building and buzzes...
BF
Robin are you there?....i need a ride to work…Roooobin?(her name)
ROBIN we see walking around in her apt ignoring him she grabs his coat and is getting ready to leave
BF
honey c'mon i know your there
we see ROBIN her arms full of things heading out her door....she heads out the front door of the building BF is waiting there
BF
Hey honey...i need a
ROBIN
(cutting him off) get in.
they get in the car...ROBIN turns the radio all the way down...she pulls out his phone out of her jacket and hands it to him
BF
oh....that friend of yours called last night
he hands her her phone
ROBIN
i was there last night...i saw you
BF
where...you saw me what?…what are you all dressed up for?
ROBIN
at the club...in the bathroom...in the stall
she looks at him with disgust...he looks at her in disbelief
BF
i don’t know what your talking about
ROBIN
That’s fine
BF
really?...what is this (half laughing)
ROBIN
You’ll have to find a ride home today
BF
ok....what is all this stuff?
ROBIN
I’m taking a trip to Chicago
BF
for how long?
ROBIN
i don’t know
they pull up at the hospital...ROBIN looks at her steering wheel
BF
you don’t know?
ROBIN
were here
BF
thanks for the ride
he gets out of the car and turns around to look back into the car...she turns the radio up very loud...he looks at her in disbelief....he looks at her with a stone face...and he shuts the door
cut back to ANNE on the roof the dorm she’s still looking at the ledge her eyes are blood shot...its very early morning now and there’s a little light...she stands up and walks over to the ledge and…a few cars go by as she looks...she steps up onto the ledge
cut back to ROBIN in her car driving with the radio all the way up she makes a right turn onto the street where ANNE’s dorm is
cut back to ANNE and close in on her slowly....we close in on a loud tv in her room and we learn form a news man that the US as declared war and we see a shot of the president speaking(face cut off)...we cut back to ANNE closing in still....
Presidents speech: we must do what is required of us to insure that world is made safe for our nation and to ensure peace for generations to come...and I am certain we will prevail.
cut to ROBIN in her car she looks up at ANNE and quickly looks down to turn down the radio as she drives by...something hits her car and falls away from the back...cut to the report the president waves to the crowd and leaves the podium....cut back to the roof we see ANNE fall slowly forward off the ledge.
THE END