by Kerri Philpott

INT. JIMMY'S - MAIN ROOM. NIGHT

Lucas and Mike are listening to the Funky Beans. Michael has his eye trained on the door to the backroom. His cell phone starts to ring and he ignores it. When it continues to ring, Mike mentions something.

Uncle Mike, you're ringing.

I'm well aware of that.

And so are you gonna answer it?

Probably not.

Why not?

Odds are, it's your father.

I don't understand.

Michael takes out his phone and puts it on vibrate.

That ought to help a little.

Mike reaches for the phone and Michael snatches it away.

If it's Dad…

How long ago did Stephen publicly declare his love for someone in front of the teenage female population of a major American city?

Coupla hours.

Think that's long enough for your dad to get wind of it?

Mike thinks about it for a second, realizes his uncle is right and shudders.

And if he hasn't, he'll ask how things are going and what am I supposed to say? I can't tell him just fine, hunky dory and we'll be on the bus and down the road to the next stop in the morning. I don't even know if Stephen's gonna wanna get on the bus.

They all look towards the back room.

Cut to:

INT. JIMMY'S - BACKROOM. NIGHT

Stephen and Cori stand very close to each other - not touching, not moving, not speaking. Silently, Cori begins to cry. Biting his lip, Stephen gathers her in his arms and pulls her to him, on hand resting on the small of her back and the other cradling her head.

What are we going to do?

I'll leave…if you want me to.

Cori's eyes close and she sighs.

I want you to stay and I know you have to go.

Eventually. We are on a…schedule…

Stephen can't keep looking at Cori and not kissing her, so he kisses her again. This time, she responds, sinking against him and returning his affection.

Cut to:

INT. JIMMY'S - MAIN ROOM. NIGHT

Michael, Mike and Lucas sit, watching the cell phone in the center of the table vibrating.

What is that, like the third time?

Michael nods.

You know, he could call Toby.

Toby's still at the venue. But he won't be there forever. What are we gonna do? This is not in your father's binder.

Lucas snorts.

I don't think it's in anybody's binder Uncle Mike.

Oop, coming out.

What?

They're coming.

Michael looks in the direction of the back room and sees Stephen and Cori approaching, hand in hand. When they reach the table, a bright light hits the pair.

Cut to:

The stage.

Sorry, but you guys started it, and this crowd has an investment in the relationship. Right guys?

The crowd applauds enthusiastically. Cori smiles and lifts the hand that's holding Stephen's. The crowd goes wild and the pair kiss.

Cut to:

INT. JIMMY'S MAIN ROOM. LATER

Stephen, Mike and Lucas are onstage with Brother Keyle and The Funky Beans. The combined groups perform the classic Iko Iko. Cori and Michael watch from the table. At one point in the song, Michael takes out his phone and removes the battery. He hands the battery to Cori, then puts his finger to his lips and shakes his head.

INT. NEW ORLEANS HOTEL SUITE. LATER

Cori sits in a chair in the livingroom fiddling with Michael's cell phone battery. Stephen enters the room with an armful of soda cans. Mike and Lucas are behind him with assorted packaged snacks. Cori's eyes widen.

It's not like we went out and bought it.

They put this stuff here. And, forgive me if I'm wrong, I believe it's been put here for the purpose of eating, not visual display.

Good point.

Michael enters and sees Cori with the battery.

Do you need this back?

Need?

The phone rings and it makes the whole room jump.

If I answer it, he's gonna be yelling. And you…

…you're the one who got us into this. You should answer it.

Stephen looks at Cori and moves towards the phone. He takes a deep breath and picks up the receiver.

Hello? Hi Dad. Yeah, we're at the hotel. Before? Um, yeah, I did say something at the concert. Uh-huh, about being in love. Because I am.

Stephen looks at Cori in a significant manner.

Her name is Veronica Corinne Patterson, she's 19 and she's amazing. No, you don't have to point that out. Believe me, yes, I am more than well aware of it. Uncle Mike, he wants to talk to you.

Stephen holds out the phone. He and Michael exchange looks. Stephen's is one of disgust and Michael's looks like "I'm sorry, but I told you so."

Hi Bryan. Yes, I've met the girl. She's sitting right here in front of me. Did we encourage Stephen to do it? Are you saying we shouldn't have? You want him to sit on his feelings, squash them, deny them? Call me when you calm down.

Michael hangs up, walks out of the room into a bedroom and slams the door behind him. Mike takes the remote and turns on the TV. As he channel surfs, Lucas makes his way over to Mike's side, directing him on when to stop and when to continue.

We should probably talk.

He takes her hand and leads her out of the room.

Cut to:

EXT. HOTEL ROOF. NIGHT/EARLY MORNING

Stephen and Cori stand on the roof looking at New Orleans at dawn. Stephen stands behind Cori, his arms encircling her protectively.

Gawd…

What?

It's just starting to dawn on me how hard this is going to be.

No duh Sherlock. I mean, I love you despite the fact you just set me up to be murdered by a pack of hysterical 14-year-old girls. But I am gonna get slaughtered.

I'll protect you.

Uh-huh, and what about your career?

That's why I've been thinking about. How to have both…

Do you think you can?

I don't know how I could go on without both. But that's me and you have to be considered in this. Your life…

Will be turned upside down.

You'd be here and I'd be on the road…

You wanna go on the road?

Cori turns around and stares at Stephen, open-mouthed. Stephen snatches the opportunity to kiss her quickly.

Come on the road with us.

You're insane.

I'm in love.

I'm in college.

How many of your classmates were in the Funky Beans audience tonight? And they told two friends, and they told two friends…

Cori raises her eyebrows in realization.

I'm screwed, aren't I?

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them all and there you have, the facts of life…

Cut to:

INT. NEW ORLEANS HOTEL SUITE. NIGHT

Stephen and Cori enter hand in hand. Mike and Lucas are absorbed in something on television. Stephen and Cori approach the couch Mike and Lucas are parked on.

I asked Cori to come on the road with us.

Are you insane?

What?

Seriously. Do you have any idea the magnitude of this decision?

Stephen looks at Lucas.

I'm thinking he…

…has a few points to make.

She has a commitment to school, you have a commitment to this group. You're 19. Do you think her parents are gonna let her do this? And what's she gonna do? Follow you around to interviews and stuff and hold you knapsack?

Stephen holds Cori's hand a little tighter and gives the matter some thought.

Cori, what do you think of Lucas' pants?

What?

His pants?

Yeah, you like his pants?

Well, they're okay. Libby says he looks better in brighter colors.

Wardrobe consultant. One problem down. Has Uncle Mike come out of his room yet? And Valerie, have you seen Valerie?

Cut to:

INT. NEW ORLEANS HOTEL SUITE. MUCH LATER

Kelsey and Lucas are asleep on the couch. Mike sits on the other side, a mixture of concern and anger on his face. Stephen sits in on of the armchairs with Cori perched on the armrest. Valerie sits in another, and Michael paces behind her.

So you want Valerie and I to propose the idea to her parents?

Yes.

What if they say you're two love blind kids who don't know what you're doing and Cori should stay at home and finish school.

And what if we agreed with them?

Stephen opens his mouth slowly.

I - I would - quit.

The anger now washes over Mike's face.

Take that back.

I can't. I mean it.

Mike is hurt and it's obvious.

You cannot be serious!! What part of your body are you thinking with?!! I'm sorry Cori, but this isn't just some stupid little rock and roll band!! We're brothers! This is our life! Music!! We have dedicated so much to getting this far! And now you would ruin it? For a girl?!

She is not a girl! She is…

The anger is building. Stephen looks around the room as though the idea is somewhere within his physical reach.

She is -

Stephen advances so that he is within a couple of inches of Mike.

She is the breath that I breathe.

Stephen feels a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he retreats to Cori's side.

And if the fans turn on us because I've finally found what's been missing from my life, they weren't that interested in the music in the first place.

On the other side of the room, Valerie looks to see how Michael is handling all of this.

Am I too young to have a heart attack?

The heated words have brought Kelsey to life. She looks at her mother, who is trying to comfort Michael, then at Cori and Stephen exchanging whispered words and Mike, who looks like he might want to hit something or cry or both. She nudges Lucas.

Wake up.

What for?

I dunno. Something's happening. Have you ever seen Stephen and Mike be violent with each other? LUCAS (shaking himself awake)

What?

KELSEY (reverently)

Look…

Lucas' gaze bounces between his brothers. He watches as Cori gently soothes Stephen, and Mike begins to pace, his level of frustration building. Lucas looks at his nervous uncle and Valerie, who is trying to keep him from freaking out.

LUCAS (loudly, like an announcement)

So, uh, on the more than likely chance this is gonna affect my future, would anyone like to tell me what's going on?

STEPHEN

He…

MIKE

She…

LUCAS

Uh-huh, and you two are supposed to be the older mature ones, right? Valerie, voice of reason, please?

VALERIE (gently)

Lucas, baby…

LUCAS (fully awake now)

Okay, so that's like the tone of voice one uses when your have to explain the family pet's death. WHAT is going on? Is it Dad?

STEPHEN & MIKE (quickly)

No!

LUCAS (eyeing his brothers)

Talk to me…

EXT. HOTEL POOL. LATE NIGHT/EARLY MORNING

Lucas urges his brothers onto the pool deck. The area is deserted and the moonlight is making it a peaceful spot for reconciliation.

MIKE

Why are we out here?

LUCAS

'Cause I think you both need to cool off. Now, shoes and socks off and feet in the pool.

STEPHEN

Pardon me?

LUCAS

Shut up and do it, huh?

Stephen looks at Mike. Finally, they both sit down on the deck and take off their shoes and socks. After pushing up their pant legs, both swing their bare feet into the pool. Smiling, Lucas sheds his socks and shoes and does the same.

LUCAS

There, doesn't that feel better?

Stephen and Mike both give him "get-to-it-kid" looks. Lucas sighs.

LUCAS (softly, concerned)

You guys fighting?

Stephen sighs, looks at Lucas, and then at Mike.

STEPHEN (nodding)

You could call it that.

Lucas nods.

LUCAS

It's about Cori, isn't it? MIKE

Yes.

Lucas swishes his feet in the water.

LUCAS

What's the problem?

MIKE

He wants her to come on tour.

STEPHEN

She has to come. She can't stay here. Not now.

Mike exhales slowly, as if he's trying hard not to say something he'll regret.

LUCAS

Mike, we encouraged him to do this. We were the ones who told him he should sing the song, he should tell Cori how he feels. Now he did it. She feels the same way…right Steve?

Stephen nods.

LUCAS

And now you want to punish him for it? Is this about Danielle? Buy her the computer then. Take the risk. Learn from your older brother.

EXT. HOTEL BALCONY.SAME TIME

Michael and Valerie are out on the balcony. Valerie is straining to see the scene below at the pool.

MICHAEL

What's going on?

VALERIE

Looks moderately peaceful. Nobody's within maiming distance.

MICHAEL

God, I hope they work this out.

VALERIE

Michael, you moderate disputes for a living. What's got you so freaked out about this?

MICHAEL

This is family. These boys…Bryan trusted me with his boys.

VALERIE

You think I didn't lay Maddie's future in your hands when I came to you about my divorce? Because I did Michael. Don't you remember?

MICHAEL

I…

VALERIE

And you treated us like blood. Like we were family and nothing bad was ever going to happen to us. That's why you're a good lawyer and a good friend dufus. So, if you can be like that with me, why can't you be like that with them?

EXT. HOTEL POOL. LATER

The boys are in the same positions. Each still has his legs in the water. Mike leans down and lets his fingers glide through the water.

MIKE (sighs)

You really in love with her Steve?

STEPHEN

As much as I can know what love is, yes.

Mike nods.

MIKE

And you're happy?

STEPHEN

I was happy before you know. This life we're leading…it's so incredible. We're getting to create our own music and share it with…everybody…see the world, and we're doing it together. But, with Cori…it's like the last piece. Everything fits now.

LUCAS

Like a puzzle?

STEPHEN

Yeah.

MIKE

That's cool I guess.

STEPHEN

Just wait, it's gonna happen to you little brother.

MICHAEL

It happens to all of us sooner or later.

The brothers turn their heads at Michael walks onto the deck. Silently, he sits down next to Lucas, takes off his shoes and socks, rolls up his pants and puts his feet into the water.

MICHAEL

This is nice. Whose idea was it?

Stephen and Mike points to Lucas.

MICHAEL

Good thinking Lucas.

Michael pats Lucas on the back gently at first, but then hard enough to knock him into the water. Stephen and Mike are surprised, but when Michael grins at them knowingly, they sat to laugh. Lucas pops up out of the water and pushes his hair back.

LUCAS

Yeah, laugh now, the water's really nice.

Stephen shrugs and lets himself fall into the water. As Mike's laughing, Stephen reaches up, grabs Mike's foot and pulls him in, too. As the brothers bob up and down in the water, Michael gets up and pretends he's walking away from the scene.

MICHAEL

I'm just gonna go get you some towels.

MIKE

Do not even think about it Uncle Mike.

MICHAEL

Psych!

Michael runs and leaps into the pool, creating a large splash.

MICHAEL

So, you guys work things out, or you need a professional on this one?

Lucas looks expectantly at both his brothers.

MIKE

No, we handled it. Between brothers.

STEPHEN

Tomorrow's another matter though.

MICHAEL

Oh God. What?

STEPHEN

You maybe, wanna, kinda, help me and Cori talk to her parents?

Lucas starts laughing. Michael grabs him and playfully pushes him under the water.

MICHAEL

Are you asking me if I want to or are you saying you need my help? Because those are big time different questions nephew.

Stephen looks at Michael with a very serious expression.

STEPHEN

I am asking you for your help then.

MICHAEL

Okay. Do I at least get to sleep on it?

(joking)

What time is it anyway? Where are we? Where are we going? Where's the binder? I know nothing until I consult the binder!

At this point, everyone is laughing and splashing around in the pool. The camera, as if it has been caught spying on a private moment, pulls back from the scene until all that can be seen is the sunrise and all that can be heard is laughter.

---

Okay, as a storyteller, I consider myself done. If you, as a fan, are interested in a sequel, I'd be more than happy to write it. But, you have to ask for it. Post your requests in the guestbook, or write send your request here.

---

Between Brothers, part 1
Between Brothers, part 2
Between Brothers, part 3
Between Brothers, part 4
Between Brothers, part 5
Between Brothers, part 6
Between Brothers, part 7
To go home

---

kerrik@hotmail.com