Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ONSTAGE. NIGHT
Mike, Stephen and Lucas take their positions behind the stand-up mics set up for them. Mike holds up his hands in an attempt to quiet the audience and smiles.
Okay, usually we do this song for our father, but tonight we'd also like to dedicate it to his brother, our uncle, the first Michael Hawthorne in the family.
The boys begin to perform God Only Knows.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR. NIGHT
Michael, by this time, has made his way and been forced to a position somewhere near the third or fourth row of seats. After Mike's intro, he stops, looks up at the stage and beams proudly.
Aw…thanks guys…
Michael!
Michael looks and sees Valerie looking at him questioningly. Michael shakes his head and goes back to work.
How old are you?
Come on people, we need Veronica Corinne Patterson.
What do you need her for?
Valerie is startled by the response.
Huh? It's…uh…an emergency.
The girl and the others around her look at Valerie's "crew member" all-access pass. Valerie places a hand over it protectively.
Listen, I have very little power, so I don't know what I can promise you. But the guys…
…want her found and I'll make sure they know you helped.
The girls think it over.
What's her name?
Cori Patterson…she's 19 and she's with her little sister Libby.
Without warning, or further instruction, a group of 15 girls disperse into the group and begin calling her name. But the song, onstage, is drawing to a close. From her position, Cori thinks she might have heard her name called over the fading last few notes, but when the applause roars up, and she shakes the feeling off.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ONSTAGE. NIGHT
You guys know so much about us, I suppose you all know that Stephen plays guitar AND piano!
The crowd reaction indicates a big yes.
Well, he wrote this song on the piano and me'n'Lucas both thought he should play it for you tonight.
So you're going to hear a world premiere Hawthorne song tonight…cool, huh? Just don't tell anybody! It's our little secret!
Lucas puts his finger over his lips and gets a laugh from the huge audience.
We think he's a little nervous, so you guys should probably let him know if you want to hear it or not!
The crowd thunders with approval. Mike puts his hand in the small of Stephen's back and gives him a gentle shove in the direction of the piano. Mike and Lucas applaud as Stephen walks over to Mike's keyboards.
Um…
He looks at Mike and Lucas for help. His brothers continue to applaud.
Come on everybody…Stephen! Stephen! Stephen!
The crowd begins to chant Stephen's name, which both embarrasses and pleases him. He raises his hands and as he brings them down, the crowd settles.
Okay, I wrote this song for someone. Someone very…very…very special to me. She…I…I love her. She knows that and lots of other stuff about me, but I wasn't completely truthful with her and I think she…she deserves to know who I really am and how I feel about her.
Stephen sets his hands down on the keyboard and begins to play the introduction of More Than Anything. The first vocal line is a little tentative, but Stephen's confidence builds and he puts the power of his feelings into the words.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR. NIGHT
Cori, now seen from the front, is staring at the stage. She has dark hair that curls under just below her ears, and dark eyes. Her mouth is open and her eyes are wide. She is motionless, but Libby is also entranced by the song and doesn't notice. A million emotions flash in Cori's eyes. Lines of thought appear between her eyebrows.
That's my poem.
She looks around and then at her sister beside her again.
Libby. What's his name again?
Stephen.
Lib, all of it. And don't tell me you don't know.
Stephen Gregory Hawthorne.
Cori's head snaps back in the direction of the stage. Stephen is pouring out his soul through the song and tears have begun to form in Cori's eyes. She stands in complete awe…her watery eyes focused on Stephen as he performs.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ONSTAGE. NIGHT
Stephen finishes the song and when he lifts his hands off the keyboard, there is momentary silence before the applause erupts.
Stephen! Stephen!
The crowd starts chanting with him again. He comes back over to his brothers and Mike can see Stephen's very close to tears. Mike squeezes him in a hug and Lucas joins in.
Our brother, Stephen Hawthorne!
The crowd goes wild.
Okay, so we've got one more song for you and then we have to go!
No!
Mike laughs and counts off. The brothers begin to perform Weird.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR. NIGHT
That was pretty cool huh? And nobody has heard it before. Just us.
Libby turns to her sister and sees Cori's tear stained face.
What's wrong?
Cori grabs Libby by the hand.
We're going.
What?
There's only one song left. You can listen to it while we're going to the door. That's probably how long it will take to get out of this…anyway…
What's wrong with you? Why are you crying? Are you sick?
Shut up Libby. Just come on.
Cori drags Libby through the crowd, managing to stay a few steps in front of security, Michael and Valerie the whole way. They reach the exit just as the song is ending.
Good night everybody!
We love you!
See you next time!
As the cheering begins, Cori and Libby disappear.
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - BACKSTAGE. NIGHT
The boys come running offstage. Stephen looks around frantically, and his eyes finally set on Toby.
Where are Uncle Mike and Valerie?
Sorry kid…
Stephen looks at Mike, whose mouth hangs open.
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - FLOOR. NIGHT
The crowd is moving towards the doors. Valerie and Mike are being swept along. They managed to meet at the same door.
Did you?
Valerie shakes her head.
What are we gonna do? What are we gonna do Michael?
INT. CORI PATTERSON'S FORD BRONCO. AFTER THE CONCERT
Cori pulls out of the parking lot and into the street, coming close to hitting another car.
Geez Cor!
Don't even start with me!
What's the matter with you? Why won't you tell me? Are you sick?
I didn't want to come to this concert anyway and then…and then…that song…
The song? The one Stephen sang? That song? What about it?
Don't! Shut up!
Cori slams on the brakes at a red light.
Okay, okay, shutting up. I won't say a word until we get home. Just promise me we're gonna make it home, okay?
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - DRESSINGROOM. NIGHT
Stephen sits on the couch. He still looks like he might be on the verge of tears. Lucas paces. Mike watches the door. When it finally opens, their eyes are glued to Michael and Valerie as they enter. When Valerie shuts the door behind her, Stephen's mouth opens as though he wants to say something. Valerie sighs and shakes her head. The tears seem to be a little closer.
How can we fix this?
Well, how many Patterson's are in the New Orleans phone book?
Good question.
Where's Kelsey?
With Toby I think.
Lucas' eyes are shinning with inspiration, he has a plan.
We need Kelsey, Toby too, Mark if you can find him, phone books and…phones!
INT. CORI PATTERSON'S FORD BRONCO. LATER
Cori screeches to a halt in front of her family's house.
Get out!
We're home. Get out and tell Mom I went to the Beans show and I'll be home later. If I get home and find out you've been whining about leaving early…
My lips are sealed.
Libby leans over and kisses her sister on the cheek.
Thanks for taking me.
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. LATER
Kelsey has a phone book and is making photocopied enlargements. Lucas is handing them out to Mike, Mark, Toby, and Valerie.
Okay, so there are 30 Pattersons in the greater New Orleans area. That makes 5 numbers for everybody. Mike, you take the first five, I'll take the next five, Kelsey will have the third group, then Uncle Mike, Valerie, Toby and Mark. Got it?
Kelsey hands Lucas the last of the photocopies and he makes sure everyone has their own copy.
Highlight which numbers are yours and grab a phone. Remember, we wanna find Cori or Corinne. Ask for Cori first. Alright then, let's get moving then people!
INT. JIMMY'S, NEW ORLEANS. NIGHT
Cori enters, finds a table of her friends and, after greeting them, sits down.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome back - Brother Keyle and the Funky Beans!
The group on the stage, Brother Keyle and the Funky Beans (www.funkybeans.com) begins to play Everybody Needs Somebody by the Blues Brothers. The music fills Cori and for a moment, she feels alright, but she begins to cry.
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
Mike, Lucas, Kelsey, Michael, Valerie, Toby and Mark are all at various points on their lists.
Yes ma'am, do you have a daughter named Corinne or Veronica Corinne? No? Okay, thank you.
Sir, I'm on the Hawthorne staff and we do need to find this young woman. Do you know Cori? Thank you for your time.
Cori or Corinne.
No, about 19 years old.
Hello? Could I speak to Cori please?
Cut to:
INT. PATTERSON HOUSE - FRONT HALL. NIGHT
Cori's not home right now.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
Lucas covers the receiver.
I think I got it!
Lucas uncovers the receiver.
Okay, then, uh…would you be able to tell me where she went?
Cut to:
INT. PATTERSON HOUSE - FRONT HALL. NIGHT
How about you telling me who this is first?
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
Lucas covers the receiver.
Quick. What's the little sister's name?
The others look at each other and try to think. Mike is the first to get it.
Libby!
Lucas uncovers the receiver again.
Libby, this is Lucas Hawthorne.
Cut to:
INT. PATTERSON HOUSE - FRONT HALL. NIGHT
Libby drops the phone.
Libby? Libby?
Libby picks up the phone.
Are you completely serious?
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
Not with something this important. I need to find your sister. I mean my brother, Stephen, he…uh, needs to find your sister.
Cut to:
INT. PATTERSON HOUSE - FRONT HALL. NIGHT
I knew it! It's about that song, isn't it?
Who is it honey?
Just an internationally famous rock star!
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
The others have abandoned their phones and are crowded around Lucas.
Libby, come on, where is she?
Cut to:
INT. PATTERSON HOME - FRONT HALL. NIGHT
She went to see The Funky Beans.
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
Funky Beans?
The others exchanged puzzled looks.
What are Funky Beans?
Cut to:
INT. PATTERSON HOME - FRONT HALL. NIGHT
Brother Keyle and the Funky Beans. It's this band some friends of hers are in. They're playing tonight at, um, probably Jimmy's. They play there a lot. Do you know where it is?
Cut to:
INT. NEW ORLEANS VENUE - ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. NIGHT
Jimmy's? Nope. But will find it. Thank you Libby!
Lucas hangs up the phone.
Mark, bus! Toby, grab Stephen! I think he might need some of your brand of persuasion. The rest of us, we have to find out where Jimmy's is.
Cut to:
INT. JIMMY'S. NIGHT
The band has begun to play Land of 1,000 Dances and Cori's friends have her out of her chair, dancing. She isn't into it at first, but with some encouragement from her friends and the band, she begins to groove.
EXT. JIMMY'S. LATER
A cab pulls up out front. Michael is in the front seat. Mike and Lucas sit on either side of Stephen in the back. Lucas gets out of the cab on the side facing the club.
Come on Stephen.
Stephen looks at the club wistfully.
Mike?
A determined look crosses Mike's face and then gently, but firmly, he starts pushing Stephen out of the cab.
Out you go buddy.
Michael gets out of the passenger side of the cab and comes round the other side to pay the driver.
This is the only Jimmy's, right?
The one and only. Have fun.
Stephen gets out of the car, then Mike jumps out and closes the door behind him.
We will. Thanks.
The cab drives away.
Alright then, let's go find her.
They head for the building, with Mike staying behind Stephen to give him a helpful nudge when needed. The Beans are now playing Ray Charles' What'd I Say?. Mike's eyes light up as they approach.
Hey, she has good taste in music. These guys are good.
INT. JIMMY'S. NIGHT
The Hawthorne brothers enter, followed by their uncle. The crowd is concentrated near the stage and nobody sees them come in except a waitress heading for the bar with some empty glasses.
Can I help you?
Yeah. Well…
We're looking for somebody.
We got a lotta somebodys here baby.
Would it help if we said she was a friend of the band?
These are the Funky Beans boys, Brother Keyle and the Funky Beans. Everybody is a friend of the band.
Mike, Lucas and Michael look at Stephen.
Do you think I could make a request for a song then?
Coleen hands him a napkin and takes a pen out of her apron.
Write it down and I'll give it to one of the brothers.
Stephen writes a note on the napkin, then folds it over and gives it to the waitress.
Um…it's kind of important. If you have an influence at all…I would really appreciate it.
Okay sweetie. I'll make sure it gets into the right hands. And I'll bring you back something to drink, too.
Coleen heads off in the direction of the bar and can be seen placing her orders. Michael leads the boys to an empty table. Coleen leaves her tray on the bar and makes her way to the stage left side of the band. The song ends and Coleen attracts the attention of Brother Redeye, Jeff Dicharry. She hands him the note and whispers something in his ear. He nods and takes the note to Brother Ray-Ray, Tim Hemphill, at the keyboards.
Okay, we have gotten a request. A rather unusual request, but I think it's one we're gonna take.
Brother Ray-Ray motions to Brother Redeye and whispers something in his ear. Brother Redeye passes the message to the other members of the band as Brother Ray-Ray continues to address the crowd.
So this note is from a troubled young man who says he needs to apologize to the girl he loves. What he said tonight he said because he loves you Veronica Corinne, and this song is from Stephen.
The hornline begins to play the opening notes of Otis Redding's Try A Little Tenderness. As the band kicks into the song…
Cut to:
Cori's table. Her friends, who have recognized her name, are looking at her wide-eyed.
Stephen? Who's Stephen?
Cori's mouth hangs open. She shakes her head slightly.
How did he find me?
She looks at her friends.
Somebody give me a pen please.
Someone hands her a pen and Cori grabs a nearby napkin. She begins writing her own note. When she finishes, she folds it in half and looks around.
Okay. I, uh, I'm gonna…I'm gonna go…answer that.
She leaves and her friends exchange confused glances.
Answer what? And who is Stephen?
Some of the table shrugs, others shakes their heads.
Cori makes her way to the stage, and as the song ends, makes an attempt to get Brother Redeye's attention. He finally notices her, and she climbs up on the stage to talk to him. After she tells him her story, he goes to talk to Brother Ray-Ray.
The way to a woman's heart, ladies and gentlemen…we now have the fair Veronica Corinne or, as we call her - Cori, with us and she says there is something she'd like to say. Show her some love people!
The crowd applauds as Brother Redeye leads Cori to the mic he shares with Brother Popcorn.
Hi…you all know who I am. Tonight I feel like everyone in New Orleans knows who I am.
Cut to:
Stephen gets up from the table and slowly begins to work his way through the crowd as Cori speaks.
Cut to:
Cori continues to speak to the audience.
You see, I met this guy online. We started talking and it seemed like we never stopped. We told each other everything…all the stuff you don't normally tell a soul. And I fell in love with him. He even sent me the most beautiful poem. And then I found out I was missing one vital piece if information. His real name.
The crowd expresses displeasure. Cori is spurred on my this.
And you know how I found out?
How?
Tonight…in front of the hordes of girls packed into the Lakefront for the Hawthorne concert! My Stephen Gregory is Stephen Gregory Hawthorne and he chose to tell me this by singing my poem during the encore!
So what'd you do Cori?
Stephen emerges out of the audience and steps onto the stage. He walks up to Cori at the mic and addresses the band and the audience, but looks at her.
She left.
Cori's eyes do not leave Stephen as she speaks.
He told me he loved me in front of like 60,000 people.
I'll tell you in front of all these people, too. I love you.
Why didn't you tell me who you were?
Would you have still talked to me the same way?
I don't know.
That's what I thought, and I didn't want to lose the realness of our relationship…
…or you.
Now would be the time for a little Sly and Family Stone boys…
The band kicks into Thank You For Lettin' Me. Stephen leads Cori out of the way, so Brother Redeye and Brother Popcorn can have their mic back. When they leave the stage, Coleen is waiting. She leads them behind the bar and they disappear into the backroom.
INT. BACKROOM AT JIMMY'S. NIGHT
Coleen enters, followed by Stephen and Cori.
I know it's not anything to crow about, but I figured you…well, maybe after all this public stuff, you might want a little alone time.
Thank you.
Coleen smiles supportively and slips out of the room. The music outside is now a dull thud and Stephen and Cori are face-to-face and alone. Cori sighs and opens her mouth to say something. Thinking better of it, she covers her face with her hands. Slowly, Stephen reaches up and takes her hands away.
Please don't. I've been looking forward to seeing your face for so long.
I hope you're not disappointed.
How could I be? I love you.
Cori pauses, trying to deal with what has happened and what's being said.
Am I a disappointment to you?
Cori looks at him and tears start to well up in her eyes.
This is so confusing. Can't we just go back to being Stephen and Cori again?
As much as I want to… Look, I love what I do for a living. Music is very important to me. And my brothers and…
Stephen makes a frustrated noise and begins to pace. He has trouble looking at Cori.
I get to meet lots of girls and usually there are too many of them and you can't spend time getting to know them. Or you find one girl and you try to get to know them better and people are taking pictures everywhere or harassing her and…
Stephen stops, walks right up to Cori, takes her face in his hands and kisses her.
the end?