INT. VAN. NIGHT
LUCAS is in the backseat, fast asleep. MIKE and STEPHEN sit on the middle bench. MICHAEL and DANIELLE sit on the front bench. BRYAN is in the passenger seat and a MEMBER OF THE SECURITY STAFF is weaving the van through back alleys and side roads.
Did you tell your mother I'd bring you home?
Yeah, she said it was cool.
It's too bad Karla couldn't come.
Well, her father was right there in the parking lot. It's not like she had a lotta choice.
Mike leans forward in his seat.
Hey Danielle, you like ice cream?
Sure. Who doesn't?
What's your favorite flavor?
Cookie dough.
Both Stephen and Mike sit back in their seats, not quite sure how to interpret that answer.
INT. REGENCY SUITE. NIGHT
The door is unlocked. BRYAN enters first and holds the door open for STEPHEN, who carries a still sleeping LUCAS in. The others follow.
I know he's my brother and all, but I am not undressing him this time.
I'll do it. Just put him on the bed.
Stephen, Lucas and Bryan leave the main room and enter the boys' bedroom.
Sooo, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Little Caesar?
Cut to
INT. REGENCY SUITE. LATER
The PIZZA DELIVERY GUY is at the door. MIKE is handing his uncle money. He does not appear too impressed.
Hey, it wasn't my idea to order pizza Mr. Rock and Roll Star. You're the one who makes sure I know who makes more money here...
Michael hands the delivery guy his money.
Keep the change.
Mike's eyes widen. Michael takes the box from the delivery guy and shuts the door. He then hands the box to Mike.
There you go. I'll tell the others.
Oh, uh-huh, thank you so much.
Mike takes the pizza over to the table. When he sets it down, Danielle gets up and goes into the kitchen. She returns with a stack of small plates in one hand and a roll of paper towel under her arm.
Hey, thanks, I was gonna do that.
No prob. You invited me, so I figured I should chip in.
She sets the plates down on the table next to the box.
I couldn't find any napkins, so I brought this.
She sets the roll of paper towels down next to the plates. Stephen comes out of the bedroom.
Hey Sissy Boy, since when do we eat pizza on plates?
Mike's eyes grow wide with horror. He looks at his brother and then moves his eyes towards Danielle (ala "not in front of the girl")
I'm joking of course Danielle. We use plates...as much as we can.
Mike rolls his eyes and an ohmygodhowcanyoubethisembarassing expression crosses his face. Michael exits the other bedroom.
Your dad's gonna stay in bed. I'll take him a piece later. So, who's serving?
I will. I paid for it.
Stephen looks at Michael.
You made him pay for it?
Why not? He's the one who invited the girl.
Hey...
Kidding. I'll give you a couple of bucks later.
Mike starts putting slices on plates. He gives the first to Danielle, the second to Stephen, the third to Micharl and keeps the 4th for himself. He closes the box.
Thank you God for helping us do a good show...
Great show sir, it ruled.
Anyway...thanks for the help tonight. Thanks for sending Uncle Mike when we need him and please, help Dad get the rest he needs.
Danielle looks a little confused.
Later.
Amen.
Amen.
And bon appetit.
Mike and Michael begin eating their slices in the perceived "normal" manner. Mike watches as Danielle rips off the crust and rolls up her slice. Stephen, much to Michael's interest, is eating like there's no tomorrow. Danielle bites into her rolled-up pizza and notices Mike watching her. She chews slowly and swallows.
Like a Pizza Pocket.
Oh.
Michael chews slowly and watches Stephen wolf his pizza down. As soon as the last bite is in his mouth, he sets the plate on the table and gets up.
Thanks. See ya later.
Did you even chew? Where are you going?
Stephen leaves the room for the boys' bedroom.
Where's he going?
Probably to check his e-mail and see if he's heard from Cori.
Cori? Who's Cori?
Some girl.
Some girl? Is that all the information you have? What kind of a brother are you?
Listen, he goes in there and no matter what kind of day we've had, good or bad, he comes out eons happier. You should see his face. It's like he swallowed a thousand lightbulbs or something. So if it makes him THAT happy, I don't bug him. And Lucas knows better, too.
Michael looks towards the boys' bedroom and nods - slowly at first, as though he's only absorbing Mike's words, and then as though they're sinking in.
I'm gonna take some food to your father.
He puts a slice of pizza on a plate and goes into Bryan's room.
Sorry.
For what?
My family's a little weird.
And?
Mike is unprepared for the response. He studies Danielle in an analytical manner.
Did you like the concert?
What are you, stupid? Of course I liked the concert! It was unbelievable. You guys were fabulous.
So, you like, screamed and stuff?
Well, it was a little hard after you said my name in front of maybe 30,000 people.
Oh, sorry.
Stop that!
Danielle gives Mike a light punch in the shoulder.
How often does a girl get serenaded in front of 30,000 people?
Happens pretty regularly for me actually.
Danielle laughs and shakes her head.
You like what you do?
Most of the time.
Mike drifts off for a second. Danielle notices and waits patiently for him to “come back.”
What’s a pizza pocket?
Danielle tries to keep from laughing but can’t.
You’re so weird.
Thank god. You’ve never had a Pizza Pocket?
Would I be asking you what it was if I knew?
Oh, it’s so stupid. They’re like turnovers I guess, or ...you know, the apple pies at McDonalds?
Mike nods.
Okay, so inside, they claim, it’s supposed to be like a pizza. Usually it’s tomato sauce, some spices...
Cheese.
Of course cheese. And then maybe pepperoni or some vegetables or something.
Really.
Really. That’s pizza at my house. Pizza by telephone is a rare thing. Budgeting is really important to my mom, especially now with the divorce.
Stephen picks this moment to re-emerge from the bedroom. A king-size smile illuminates his face and there’s a bounce in his step.
Any pizza left?
Both Mike and Danielle laugh. Mike picks up the box and hands it to Stephen.
Cut to:
INT. REGENCY SUITE. LATER
The pizza box is empty. Mike and Danielle sit next to each other on the couch, watching television. The remote is between them. Stephen sits in a nearby chair, composing on his acoustic guitar. Mike and Danielle both reach for the remote without looking. Danielle puts her hand on it first. Mike ends up grabbing both her hand and the remote. Mike and Danielle both turn their heads when they realize what has happened. Mike blushes a little but doesn’t remove his hand. Danielle bites her lip nervously. Stephen watches the scene out of the corner of his eye. Smiling, he picks up the notepad he's been balancing on his knee, flips to a clean page and begins writing a few notes. Michael comes out of Bryan’s bedroom carrying the binder.
Danielle, ready to go?
Mike’s hand flies off the remote. Danielle looks a little sad.
Oh, okay.
Mike stands up and offers Danielle his hand. She takes it and he helps her up. Michael, who has been watching this, looks at Stephen, who raises his eyebrows and shrugs.
Steve, why don’t you go check on Lucas and then go spend some time with your dad, okay?
Okay Uncle Mike.
He sets down his guitar and goes into the boys’ bedroom. Michael goes over and opens the door to the suite.
After you Danielle.
Danielle looks at Mike hesitantly.
Just wait outside the door for a second, okay? It’ll be okay.
He smiles and shoos her out playfully. Danielle step out of the room. Then, he motions with his finger for Mike to approach. Mike comes to him with a hopeful grin.
Do you want to say goodbye or do you want to say goodbye goodbye?
Mike looks at his uncle for a moment.
Goodbye goodbye.
Alright, well, someone has to ride in the elevator with you. Would you rather it was me or security?
Security I guess.
Okay, you got a room key?
Mike nods.
Let’s go then.
Michael ushers Mike out the door and closes the suite door behind them.
INT. HALLWAY. NIGHT
When both Michael and Mike exit the room, Danielle beams. Michael gestures that they should walk down the hallway. The trio walk to the elevator bank and the two security guards posted there. Michael approaches one of the security guards and they move away from Mike, Danielle and the other guard.
The kid wants to say goodbye to the girl, but he doesn’t want his uncle around while he’s doing it. So if I ride down alone, can you bring them down in the next elevator?
Sure, no problem.
Michael goes over to the elevator bank and presses the down arrow. The silence is a little awkward. When the elevator finally arrives, Michael enters.
You two can catch the next one.
The doors close.
Cut to:
INT. HALLWAY. NIGHT – LATER
The doors open on the elevator and reveal an empty car. Danielle enters, followed by Mike and then the security guard. The doors close and the guard presses M for Main. He looks back at Mike and Danielle, and after a slight hesitation, he also presses 20, 15, 10 and 5.
That’ll slow it down a bit.
Thanks man.
I had a really good time.
I’m really happy I met you. It sounds so stupid, but I was thinking...
You’re glad my parents are getting a divorce because if they weren’t...
You wouldn’t know my uncle.
I was thinking the same thing.
The elevator stops at the 20th floor. Danielle realizes the need to hurry.
Do you have e-mail?
No computer.
Uncle Mike, maybe he would let us communicate through his office.
Will you ask him?
Uh, oh, yea, I will.
I really will.
And you can call... I mean, if you want to, um, you can call me. If you...want...
I ... want ...
The elevator stops on the 15th floor. The doors open and close. Mike also now realizes the need for urgency. He looks at Danielle and tucks his bottom lip under his upper lip. Their eyes are locked.
And, um, you can kiss me... If you want to...
Mike nods and exhales slowly. He takes a step closer to Danielle. First their lips meet, and then as their first kiss progresses, their bodies come together, molding into each other. The embrace is passionate, but tender.
INT. LOBBY. NIGHT
The elevator opens. Michael and the guard’s eyes meet. The guard shrugs and steps aside. Mike and Danielle are just breaking their kiss. Michael presses the button to hold the doors open.
I have to go.
I know.
Don’t say goodbye.
Okay. I’ll talk to you soon.
Great.
She kisses him on the cheek, walks out of the elevator and towards the parking lot, being careful not to look back.
Go say goodnight to your father.
He lets go of the button and the doors close.
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR. NIGHT
Michael is driving. Danielle sits in the passenger seat, trying to pretend she’s brave.
Dani, I need a favor.
Name it.
I have to go away. Bryan is sick and he needs me to take his place and go on the road with the boys.
And?
I don’t want to leave your mother in someone else’s hands.
What can we do?
I was hoping you’d agree to talk to your father and get him to settle.
Me?
Or help me talk to him?
Nah, let me try. Can I have your phone?
It’s a little late...
Don’t worry. My dad is usually up until at least 1 a.m.
Michael hands her his cellular phone. Danielle dials her father’s number.
Hi Daddy, it’s Dani. No, I’m fine. I went to the Hawthorne concert and then, uh, had something to eat. Yes, Mom knows exactly where I am. Listen, I want to come and talk to you before I go home. It’s important. We’re in the car right now. A friend is driving me. Okay, I’ll see you in about 10 minutes.
Cut to:
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING. NIGHT
Michael’s car is parked. He and Danielle stand on the sidewalk. Danielle looks a little nervous.
Listen Danielle, this is definitely not the best plan I’ve ever thought of. But I want to help your family and mine. Your mother’s not asking for a lot. She’s got her own job. The settlement I put together is mostly for you, for college, for health care, the dentist...
Okay. I’ll see what I can do. Wish me luck.
Good luck, and thank you.
INT. REGENCY SUITE. NIGHT
The door to the terrace is cracked open. The breeze moves the curtain a little. Stephen sits in a nearby chair with his acoustic guitar. His notebook is on a table next to the chair. Mike comes out of their father’s bedroom. He strolls over and takes a seat on the other side of the table. Stephen continues to play, talking at the same time.
Dad asleep?
Yep.
Worried?
The first show without him is gonna be tough.
Uh-huh. You wanna keep God Only Knows in the encore?
I think so. It’s one of the best we’ve done for him.
I thought so, too. An’ Lucas, man, he’s wringing a lotta passion outta that little carcass lately.
Yeah, just wait until some girl turns his world sideways.
Speaking of which...
Steve...don’t start...
It’s just that...
Cori, Cori, Cori...
Calm yourself. I was just going to say that she seems like a nice girl.
Mike smiles and nods.
Didja kiss her?
Don’t make me hurt you.
You did...
Mike starts to blush. He reaches for the notebook.
What are you working on?
Mike takes Stephen’s notebook and begins to read. As his eyes progress further down the page, he seems more and more interested.
Okay, I’ve said it before. You’re a gifted man. Fast, slow?
Not sure. I’m just working on the melody line right now. This is the chorus.
As Stephen plays, Mike sings.
I may have left you behind But you’re never far away You’re in my heart girl And I hope you’re there to stay...
That sounds nice. What’s it called?
Stephen and Mike are surprised to see Lucas, who has woken up and wandered out of the bedroom in his rumpled pajamas.
Don’t say goodbye.
Stephen’s eyes widen.
She said it in the elevator.
No, it’s good. Fits lyrically.
He slides the pencil over to Mike.
Add it.
Did I smell pizza?
Stephen and Mike look at each other.
Sorry little man, it’s all gone. You hungry?
Lucas nods.
Hey, you know Uncle Mike’s cell phone number?
Ooh, good idea!
INT. MICHAEL’S CAR. NIGHT
Michael is sitting in his car. It is still parked outside Danielle’s father’s apartment building. His cell phone rings and he answers it.
Hello? Please tell me the others are in bed. Even Lucas? And he’s hungry? Fabulous. Uh-huh. Yeah. I can pick something up on the way back. What are you doing? Really? You’re 18, shut up about muses. I’ll see you in a little bit.
Michael hangs up. He looks over and sees Danielle emerging from the building.
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING. NIGHT
He gets out of the car and goes around to the passenger side. As Danielle starts to get closer to the car, Michael can see she’s carrying papers. Michael tries to read the look on her face.
Are you okay?
Danielle nods and hands Michael the papers.
He signed. We’re all set.
Michael again tries to read her face and can’t, so he hugs her.
It’s gonna be okay you know.
I know. It’s just been a helluva night. I got my first kiss and helped my parents end their marriage.
Yeah. Let’s get you home.
EXT. FERGUSON HOUSE. NIGHT
Michael’s car is parked out front. Michael opens the front door from the inside and steps out onto the front porch. Denise and Danielle appear in the doorframe.
Really. Thank you so much Michael. I don’t know if we would have made it this far without you.
My pleasure Denise. Remember Danielle helped. A lot.
Denise squeezes Danielle affectionately.
I can believe it. Listen, good luck on your adventure with your nephews.
Danielle suddenly remembers something.
Don’t move!
Danielle runs off.
I think tonight was really important to her Michael.
Michael nods.
Oh, uh, mmmhmmm...
Danielle comes running back. She takes Michael’s hand and places it palm side up. On his palm, she deposits a choker. On the simple black string are three small crystal “beads” – a yellow sun (circle), a purple moon and a red star.
Can you?
Sure, no problem.
He slides the gift into his pocket.
Okay, well, I’ve gotta get going. We’re leaving for, uh...
Houston.
Houston. We’re going to Houston tomorrow. Like I said, I’m going to have Andrea file these papers. But if you have any problems...
We have your cell phone number.
INT. REGENCY SUITE. NIGHT
There’s a dull thunking at the door, as though someone was kicking it.
Hey! If you’re awake and as hungry as you claim, you had better come and open this door.
The boys race to see who is going to open the door first. Lucas wins.
Morning Uncle Mike!
Morning...mmmm...it is, isn’t it?
And time for breakfast!
Lucas grabs the takeout bags Michael is carrying and races for the big table.
Save something for the rest of us you little Hoover.
What does your father do in this situation?
Post concert high. He goes with the flow. It’s worse when we have to get on the bus and travel right away.
I can imagine.
Food and then bed, okay? Tomorrow is going to be hard for everyone.
INT. BOYS’ BEDROOM. EARLY AM
Mike and Lucas are sleeping soundly. Stephen sits at a table/desk near the window. A small desk lamp illuminates his laptop computer. Stephen is online. He brings up the Hotmail page. Under Login, he types “bigbro3” and for the password, he types his own name. He hits enter and waits for his inbox to come up. It materializes quickly. Ten letters are sitting in the box, but only one is unread. They are all from corip@hotmail.com. Stephen clicks on the unread letter to open it. It comes up on his screen.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. This is when being the oldest really sucks. There can be so much responsibility and sometimes when you’re not ready for it. Are you doing okay?
Stephen hits reply. When the response page comes up, he starts typing.
Cori, I’m doing okay. Sometimes I feel really old, way older than I am. My brothers, I don’t know if they realize totally what’s going on. My uncle is here now, my father’s brother, and he’s helping a lot. I don’t feel so much pressure. And having you to “talk” to helps. A lot.
He signs the letter Stephen. He titles the letter “Appreciation” and moves the cursor to prepare to send the letter. After a hesitation, he removes the title and types instead “Without you”. Then he goes to the body of the letter and in front of his name types “love.” Then he moves the cursor back up to the top of the page and hits send. Once the letter has been transmitted, he shuts down his computer and turns out the light. Stephen then goes over to his bed, lies down on his stomach - still fully clothed, closes his eyes and falls asleep.
INT. MICHAEL’S APARTMENT. NEXT DAY
The place is a wreck. Michael is running around like he doesn’t know what to do. A large suitcase sits in front of the door. When the door opens, Stephen has to push the suitcase to get the door open far enough so that he and his brothers can enter. Michael looks at them.
Not a word. You guys probably never unpack. I don’t know how long I’m gonna be gone for. I got a business to think about...Andrea...
Michael picks up the phone and dials.
Come on, come on...Andrea...pick up the phone Andrea...Andrea? I know, I was just checking ... parking ...okay. I’ll send one down to open the door for you. Uh-huh.
Michael hangs up and replaces the telephone receiver.
Okay, Andrea’s parking her car downstairs. I need one of you to go down and open the door for her, then bring her up here. Who is volunteering?
The brothers all look at each other.
Let’s get Lucas. Okay, I’m going. What’s she look like?
Tall, blond, could pick you up and carry you like a football.
Lucas raises his eyebrows at the description.
Okay, be right back.
Lucas exits the apartment.
Alright you two, help me with a check list or something. What am I missing?
Clothes...shoes...sneakers and good shoes. Underwear without holes.
Michael gives him a curious expression.
It’s a big thing with Mom.
Where’s the binder?
On the bus with your father. Your father is still on the bus, right?
Drugstore, pepto...he’s gonna get an ulcer “before” the first show.
I’m taking this bag downstairs.
Stephen picks up the suitcase and exits the apartment. Just after he leaves, Lucas comes bounding in.
She’s here! She’s here! She’s here!
Andrea enters, a little embarrassed.
Thank you Lucas.
Michael sees her and freezes.
Andrea...okay...Ferguson papers.
Michael grabs a file off his desk and hands it to Andrea.
Please, please, and double please, file them immediately. Any news on the interns?
We’re gonna start interviewing tomorrow. One for sure and maybe a backup list in case things get busy. Phone calls have picked up since you were mentioned in the interview.
Michael and Mike look at each other guiltily.
Anything I’m forgetting?
Don’t think so. You’ll have your phone, and you’re taking your laptop, right?
Uh-huh.He visually checks the desk for his laptop, then picks it up.
MICHAEL (cont’d) And you’ve got an extra set of keys?ANDREA Yeah, but I’m not checking more than once a week sunshine and any attachment you have to your plants is minimal at best.MICHAEL Agreed. Mike, take this down to the bus, will you?Michael holds out his computer. Mike takes it quickly and disappears.
MICHAEL Thanks Andrea. I really do appreciate this.ANDREA Not a massive problem. Go take care of your family.INT. BUS. DAY
Michael stands looking out the front window as Andrea gets into her car and pulls away. Then he looks at his apartment building. And then he looks at his nephews, who are clustered around their father.
MICHAEL Okay, let’s blow this pop stand.INT. AIRPORT DEPARTURE LOUNGE. DAY
The boys watch the planes taking off. Michael and Bryan are talking a few feet away.
BRYAN I know you’re nervous.MICHAEL You do so much...all the work, and being their father, too.BRYAN Don’t think about it all at once. The boys know the typical schedule, you just have to be aware of changes or derivations. Toby is real solid Mike. If you starting sinking, ask him. He’ll help. That’s what I pay him for.MICHAEL (exhaling slowly) Starting to feel better.(indicating the boys) You should spend the rest of the time with them.Bryan nods and goes over to the boys. He worms his way between Lucas and Stephen at the window.
BRYAN You guys as nervous as your uncle?MIKE I wouldn’t call it nervous.BRYAN What would you call it?STEPHEN Worried.LUCAS Yeah. Worry. It’s like part of the machine broke and we’re getting a test model as a replacement.BRYAN The test model could work as well as the old one.STEPHEN And we’re supposed to know that because...BRYAN You trust me?MIKE Good try but...BRYAN No alternative Mike. He’s got to go. And you’ve got to help him as much as you can. All of you.LUCAS And you?BRYAN Home, bed, your mother’s cooking. I’ll be fine in no time.LUCAS We’re gonna call and check.BRYAN (teasing) Promises, promises.LUCAS Every night. Seven p.m. Right guys?MIKE Seven p.m.STEPHEN Our time.BRYAN Deal. Have fun, and take care of each other.The boys envelop him in a hug. The sight effects Michael emotionally and he smiles thoughtfully.
42. INT. BUS. LATER
Stephen, Mike, Lucas and Michael file in. After Michael crosses the threshold, the BUS DRIVER closes the door.
MICHAEL Okay, so Houston!BOYS Houston!MICHAEL (to bus driver) Houston?The bus driver nods and pulls away from the curb.
Lucas stays glued to the windows. Michael sits down next to Mike. He puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out Danielle’s gift.
MICHAEL I forgot about this last night. She gave it to me when I took her home and she wanted you to have it.Michael puts it in Mike’s hand. Mike looks at it for a moment, slowly touching each stone.
MIKE Sun, moon, star... Uncle Mike...can I send faxes or whatever to her through your office?MICHAEL Sure. If you want. No problem.A plane takes off. Lucas’ eyes are glued to it.
LUCAS Bye Dad. Good luck.Cut to:
INT. AIRPLANE. DAY
Bryan is relaxing in a first class window seat. He looks out the window as the plane takes off.
BRYAN Bye guys. Good luck.INT. BUS. DAY
Mike is chatting up MARK, the bus driver. Lucas is drawing a picture on a pad of art paper. Stephen is composing on his acoustic guitar. Michael has the binder open on the table.
STEPHEN Mike, c’mere.MIKE Huh?STEPHEN I need your vocal chords. Move your ass and bring junior with you.Mike heads toward the back of the bus. As he passes Lucas, he gently – so as not to ruin the picture – pulls the pad out of Lucas’ hands.
LUCAS (whines) Hey!MICHAEL (without looking up) Be nice to your brother.Michael then looks up, surprised at the words that have come out of his own mouth.
MIKE It’s a trio. Come and sing bonehead.MICHAEL How far away is Houston?LUCAS You live in this state, don’t you know?MICHAEL What’s the driver’s name again?STEPHEN Mark.MICHAEL Hey Mark?MARK Yes Mr. Hawthorne?MICHAEL How far away from Houston are we?MARK We just left San Antonio sir.MICHAEL Well, do you have an ETA?MARK Two hours more or less. A little more to the hotel.MICHAEL The hotel...Michael flips furiously through the pages of the binder.
MICHAEL Hotel, hotel, hotel...Mike gets up, sticks his finger under a green tab in the binder and turns over the pages.
MIKE Hotels. Steve, lyrics...Stephen passes the notebook to Mike. Lucas crowds in to see. Stephen begins to play. The boys perform the song Stephen began writing in the hotel room, titled “Don’t Say Goodbye” by Mike.
When they finish, the boys turn to Michael, who is still reading. He looks up to find them all staring expectantly.
MICHAEL What?MIKE The song...MICHAEL Oh, yeah, the song. It was nice.Michael goes back to reading. The boys look at each other.
STEPHEN Nice?MIKE He wasn’t even paying attention though.LUCAS I think we should try it with a different beat.The two older boys look directly at Lucas.
STEPHEN Explain.LUCAS Keep it like this, with the light acoustic, but I would just play the snare, with brushes. Like Moon River, or you know, that song Mom likes, she played it for me once...Stormy Weather. You know that song?Stephen and Mike nod slowly, taking in all over Lucas’ words.
LUCAS Like that, you know?Stephen thinks for a moment.
STEPHEN You got your brushes with you?LUCAS Yep, just wait!Lucas goes running into the back of the bus and returns with a set of drum brushes. He looks around for a suitable replacement for the snare. Mike grabs Lucas’ art pad and holds it in position.
MIKE Let’s try this.LUCAS Yeah.Stephen positions the lyrics so everyone can see.
STEPHEN Ready?LUCAS One...two...and three...and four...The boys perform the song again, but with a light shuffle beat provided by Lucas. This time Michael pays rapt attention. When they finish, Michael is the first to speak.
MICHAEL How much time will you need?MIKE To?MICHAEL To lay down a demo of that, maybe Moon River, too.LUCAS Forty-five minutes. An hour at the most.MICHAEL I’ll talk to Toby and see if he knows a someplace.Michael makes a note.
MICHAEL Good idea by the way Lucas. It’s a nice touch.STEPHEN (sizing up Lucas) Yeah.(slowly) It really adds to the song. Who are you?LUCAS Oh shut up. Like he said...(indicating Mike) ...it’s a trio, remember?MICHAEL Okay, this is getting dangerously close to something a parent might have to intervene in and since I’m not, and since I haven’t even finished my first hour of pinch hitting, why don’t we go to our neutral corners and do something productive, like...oh, I don’t know...schoolwork?Mouths hang open in reaction.
LUCAS Pretty good for someone claiming lack of parenting abilities.MICHAEL (waving them off) Go...The boys disappear. Michael looks at his cell phone lying on the table.
MICHAEL (to himself) The plane isn’t even on the ground yet. You can’t call.Michael takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. He looks into the back of the bus and sees that each of the boys has peacefully settled down with their schoolbooks.
Cut to:
INT. BUS. LATER
The bus is now traveling inside the city limits of Houston.
MICHAEL Okay, recess. You can come and gawk out the windows now.The boys stampede up to the front of the bus and position themselves at different vantage points.
STEPHEN Mark, can you please see what you can pick up for local FM?Mark turns on the radio, and starts cruising the dial. After he finds a couple of country stations, he hits a rock station coming out of an I.D.
DISC JOCKEY (o.s.) Tomorrow night teenage girls in Houston will be easy to find as they will all probably be out at the Hawthorne concert. So in honor of those blond cuties, it’s time for the Hot Rocks telephone poll. Call the Hotline now and tell us who your favorite Hawthorne brother is!MIKE Ooh, good idea! Come on Houston!EXT. HOTEL. LATER
Michael comes out of the hotel with TWO BELL HOPS. Mark, who is standing by the bus’ open luggage compartment, helps load the suitcases.
MICHAEL (into the bus) Let’s go!STEPHEN, MIKE, LUCAS No!!Cut to:
INT. BUS. IMMEDIATELY
The boys are crowded around the radio. While Michael boards the bus and sees this, he shakes his head.
MICHAEL My God...the egos... Who’s winning?LUCAS (beams) Me, naturally.MIKE Shut up, voting’s not over.MICHAEL (looks at his watch) How much longer?STEPHEN (looks at his watch) Voting closes in ten minutes.Michael rolls his eyes, and heads for the table. He collects his binder and personal papers, and then sits down next to Stephen.
Cut to:
INT. BUS. TEN MINUTES LATER
Everyone is still in more or less the same position.
DISC JOCKEY (o.s.) Okay, the phone lines are now closed. And we do have a winner. The results please Mr. Messenger...and the winner is...SFX: drum roll
DISC JOCKEY (cont’d) Stephen Hawthorne!SFX: fanfare
Mike and Lucas give Stephen accusatory looks.
STEPHEN (shrugs) Mysterious ways...MIKE Right.Mike turns off the radio.
MIKE Now, what room are we in Uncle Mike?MICHAEL 14th floor, rooms 21 and 23.LUCAS Two rooms?MICHAEL With an unlocked, connecting door.(warning) Very unlocked. Can we go...now?
Between Brothers, part 1
Between Brothers, part 3
To go home
kerrik@hotmail.com