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Lesson 6
Reply to post your assignment.
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6 Replies
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Mike’s Rewritten Scene, QE Cycle 1
I learned the value of observing how others work. By looking at the video critique and returning to this scene and trying to focus showcasing the traits in a better way, I could elevate what’s taking place while revealing character.
INT. MEADOW GREEN – NIGHT
VOICES clang like everyone’s goblets in a cacophony of celebration. The festive spirit catches all in its grip. The ornate horns filled with mead don’t hurt much, either.
A massive bonfire dominates the gathering, emitting warmth and blending the scent of burning wood and the aroma of roasting meat.
Long, oak tables resplendent with food and drink. SOME chatter. SOME listen to the strumming of the lyre of a BARD off to the side, singing and reciting the feats of great warriors.
The lord of the feast, KING HARBINTOLL, sits on his ostentatious throne-like chair in the most prominent spot, and listens to ROBRIC whisper something into his ear before slithering among the other hearth-companions.
PEOPLE cheer the Bard’s denouement, as he breaks to drink with his fellow villagers.
Everyone smiles, boasts, and displays good humor. Everyone, that is, except TRÉOWULF. Tréowulf stands out from the others, being well-groomed and clean, walking with elegant poise and not guffawing about in a drunken stupor.
Robric floats to him, smiling and complimenting People along the way, wearing a shining jewel around his neck. Tréowulf eyes it but attempts to slip away to avoid him by joining a few warriors in a drinking contest, but that doesn’t stop Robric.
ROBRIC
Thought you had enough after today.
TRÉOWULF
I wouldn’t mind you being close, but your breath has all the fondness I have for you.
Robric quickly notes his breath. He’s hurt by the comment but recovers.
ROBRIC
I’m not used to squirrel. Weasel on the other hand—
TRÉOWULF
I need to see your king.
ROBRIC
If only they had you to fight for them, but there’s dirt involved…and effort.
TRÉOWULF
Can you get me a drink while you’re at it?
A Warrior overhears him and hands him one. Tréowulf pours it out, hands it to Robric.
TRÉOWULF
Preferably without the bits of food in it.
Tréowulf leaves Robric holding the cup while he introduces himself to the roaming Bard. He nods to Robric to get on with his task. Robric looks at him, wanting to be like him.
Tréowulf pretends he doesn’t notice but looks at Robric to let him know he does.
Robric returns to his task.
TRÉOWULF
What was that one about, the poem you just sang?
BARD
The Grendelkin.
TRÉOWULF
I would delight, greatly, to recruit you for a tour. To travel to halls of other great leaders, making you renowned, having monasteries record your verses onto richly adorned parchment–would that be of interest to you?
Tréowulf flashes his white teeth, making the bard reach for his own to feel the difference he sees between them. Tréowulf has another drink put into his hand and he drinks carefully, and dabs his mouth with the back of his hand.
He sees Robric speaking to the king, and he raises his drink to him. Robric whispers something to the King.. King Harbintoll stares at Tréowulf with no emotion to reveal his mind.
BARD
That would be of great interest and honor to be led by such a remarkable one as you must be. I would never know you to have had a day of battle and you must be of immense wealth to present yourself so.
TRÉOWULF
Maybe I just like living better than the food we roast.
He hands Bard a small dagger from underneath his cloak.
TRÉOWULF
When you see me led away. Follow and bring this to me, and we have a deal.
He walks away from the Bard and makes his way to King Harbintoll and bows before him.
The Bard conceals the weapon.
KING HARBINTOLL
What manner do you come here during this celebration of harvest?
TRÉOWULF
Nothing of any merit except to extoll your virtue and honor you as the great king you’ve earned yourself to be.
Six GUARDS step forward with threatening stances.
TRÉOWULF
What fear have you of me? I’m unarmed as the customs demand when approaching a King.
KING HARBINTOLL
It makes this easier.
Robric struts up to Tréowulf, leans in and whispers.
ROBRIC
I let him know why you’re here.
The Guards take Tréowulf and follow Robric away from the feast to a small clearing in the forest.
The Bard follows.
FOREST CLEARING
They throw Tréowulf to the ground and surround him.
The Guards move in to beat him, the first throwing a punch and connecting with his jaw. A bit of blood trickles from his mouth. His teeth lose some of their bright color. He rubs his jaw.
TRÉOWULF
Always the jaw. You know, hitting the body in the right places would do a far better job of it.
And he strikes back, kicking the Guard hard in the side of his stomach causing him to gasp for air. The other Guards come at him but he punches and kicks in all the right places.
The Bard arrives and admires the fight. Robric sees the dagger in the Bard’s hand and tries to stop him but Tréowulf beats him to it.
He takes the small dagger from the Bard.
TRÉOWULF
Thanks.
And he slits the Bard’s throat.
ROBRIC
He never was good at keeping promises.
TRÉOWULF
His stories are rubbish.
Tréowulf smashes each Guard in the face with the hilt of the dagger and stabs a hand on each of them. While they writhe in agony and confusion, Tréowulf turns his focus on Robric–and his necklace.
TRÉOWULF
I’m going to need that.
ROBRIC
Yeah? Come and get it, then.
TRÉOWULF
That’s more like it.
Robric strikes first, strikes hard and Tréowulf stumbles back. Robric punches him in the side, then the chest. Tréowulf drops, breathing, backing away. Then, Robric lifts his hand to come down on him and Tréowulf slices him with the dagger.
Robric staggers back but Tréowulf springs on him, hits him a few times, then takes his tongue and threatens to cut it off.
TRÉOWULF
(holding Robric’s tongue)
Since you don’t use it right, you shouldn’t have it. You weren’t supposed to tell.
Robric mutters something but words just can’t form with his tongue hostage.
TRÉOWULF
Can’t hear you.
Mutters erupt again.
TRÉOWULF
What’s that?
Tréowulf let’s go and SMASHES Robric’s head on the ground. He rips the necklace from him. The other Guards refuse to do anything else.
TRÉOWULF
Right, I have a message for your king.
He looks at the dagger.
TRÉOWULF
And here it is.
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Please see review on Forum 7
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Christi Falk.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Christi Falk.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by
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Christi Falk’s Rewritten Scene, QE Cycle 1
I’ve learned something very interesting about myself. I didn’t really like the prompt so I had some difficulty with executing the assignment. I came to realize that with the prompt, I must make the story sound like me. I can’t try to be someone else. I also can’t have the end scene different that the prompt. It was a very humbling 24 hours so I thought I’d start from scratch. It wasn’t the prompt’s fault that I didn’t like it. I had to find a way to make it something I like. If I’m ever going to command 6 figures, I need to bring my A game to the table. I am so sorry for my previous story everyone. Please accept the following as my A game.
The Room
FADE IN:
INT. FRAT HOUSE – DAY
A house in a state of celebration. PLEDGES stand in different corners and hold bowls of different fruit. Alcohol flows freely but not irresponsibly. ROBERT, 24, shyly opens the door and turns as TRENT, 24, enters inside a full suit of armor.
ROBERT
I have returned!
A Pledge drops his fruit bowl and grabs a trumpet from the floor, belting out a BUGLE CRY. All activity stops to witness Robert enter. Trent tries to shrink away but Robert blocks his path.
ROBERT
Salutations, comrades! I demand the spoils I am due!
The pledge quick enough to blow the trumpet scrambles to grab a spatula from under a sofa, then a pillow and approaches Robert reverently. The pledge nervously trips but Trent lunges to grab the spatula before it falls.
CHEERS from the crowd and a rendition of God Save the King.
INT. FRAT KITCHEN – LATER
Trent, still in his full suit of armor, tries and fails to get a plate into the microwave as Robert sits at the table, the only other occupant of the room.
ROBERT
I don’t know why you had to drag me with you.
Trent moves to the fridge and opens it, surveys the contents.
TRENT
Everyone loves you. Besides, you’re a good witness. Recounting my tales to the lowly plebs.
ROBERT
Who says I’d say anything?
TRENT
Please. You’re always running your mouth to someone. On the DL and very Hush hush- I should buy you a wig and some granny panties.
ROBERT
Least I don’t pretend to be loaded.
TRENT
Fake it till you make it.
Trent settles on an apple but can’t open the iron mask on his face wide enough to eat.
ROBERT
Problems?
TRENT
Nothing I can’t handle. PLEDGE!
A pledge scampers in with a bowl of fruit and a pillow between his knees. He drops the pillow in front of him, then kneels and extends the bowl above his head.
TRENT
Pledge, you have served well. You may eat the fruit of your labours.
The pledge looks up in shock. Trent touches the spatula to both of his shoulders, and the pledge rises. Robert smiles encouragingly at the kid as Robert hands him the spatula.
TRENT
You will hold this only while I am gone. You will return it to me the second I am back in this house. The sacred stick will not leave the house.
PLEDGE
The sacred stick will not leave this house.
Trent pulls Robert towards the door as the pledge sits at the table and devours his bowl of fruit while he holds the spatula above him.
EXT. CHEMISTRY LAB – AFTERNOON
Robert rings the bell of the side door. HOUSEMASTER, 30s, grizzly but clean shaven, answers.
ROBERT
Hi, sorry to bother but I’ve left a pretty important experiment in a fume hood. It’s two semesters worth of work.
HOUSEMASTER
So? I can’t let you in.
ROBERT
Of course not. Completely understand. May I give you the instructions to lock it away? You’ll need the key to my lab.
He extends a single key in his hand.
ROBERT
I just need this grade to go forward, you know? I promise the instructions won’t take more than 20 minutes.
The housemaster looks at Robert appraisingly, then around him for others. He’s alone.
HOUSEMASTER
You all alone?
ROBERT
Sadly. Chemistry majors don’t really attract the opposite sex.
The housemaster chuckles at the joke. He relents and allows Robert in.
HOUSEMASTER
Alright, just be quick.
ROBERT
No more than 20 minutes.
Robert heads in and straight for the staircase as the Housemaster heads back to his office beside the door.
INT. CHEMISTRY GROTTO ENTRANCE – MOMENTS LATER
Robert pushes the door open and Trent walks through the door with a CLANK as his metal footwear meet the metal frame of the entrance.
TRENT
You really got a key for this place?
ROBERT
My gym locker key. The secret is in the delivery.
TRENT
Never doubted you for a moment.
ROBERT
Where to now?
Trent doesn’t answer but just starts to walk. Robert sighs and follows him. They walk towards the student lounges.
ROBERT
No, wait, is this why we’ve come here?
TRENT
You know it.
ROBERT
I know you’ve got a death wish.
TRENT
You know me. I don’t do anything without careful calculations. I had this planned months ago.
Robert looks at the sign outside the lounge door: ANNUAL WOMYN’S FEMINIST MEETING. NO MEN ALLOWED. THAT MEANS YOU, TRANS!
ROBERT
And they meet in the Chemistry building. How ironic.
TRENT
Punch me in the stomach.
ROBERT
Rather not.
TRENT
Come on! Do it. Do it!
Robert punches him and other than a dull THUD, no movement. He rubs his knuckles.
ROBERT
Now what, kick you in the groin?
TRENT
Nah, they’ll do that. I couldn’t get Supreme Master of the household without this suit. Couldn’t get the suit on without strapping it on tightly.
ROBERT
Good luck getting anyone to help you off with it.
TRENT
Exactly.
Robert stares at Trent until it dawns on him.
ROBERT
Okay, but before you go in, I need to record this.
TRENT
I expected nothing less, granny panties.
Robert pulls over a desk, then stands on it to be able to see in the window over the door. He nods to Trent as he holds his phone in the unobstructed view.
Trent clicks the wheelchair button, releasing the door. He walks into the room.
TRENT
Good evening Fair Maidens. I am your knight in shining armor!
Shrieks and THWANGS as Trent’s suit is forcibly torn from his body.
Robert still holds his phone but must look away.
FADE OUT.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Christi Falk. Reason: Weird brackets showed up I had to remove
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by
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Ugh. Finding this super difficult. Did a rip and tear of my previous scene. Tried to make it shorter, but am still at a full 5 pages. I’ll need lots more practice.
EXT. CITY STREET – EVENING
Two men in business suits, TRENT, 24, and ROBERT, 24, exit a bar. Robert, slightly drunk and swaying, holds his arms to the heavens as if in praise.
ROBERT
It’s a beautiful night, people! Smell the glory.
TRENT
I think that’s cat piss.
ROBERT
You’ve always had a great nose, Trent. Remember in high school how you sniffed out Gary Gizzard’s drug stash for the cops?
TRENT
I never did that. You made it up. I got a beating for it.
ROBERT
You made good use of your time laid up in bed. Day-trader at 16!
TRENT
You made that up too. When I got back I got beat up again for not buying lunch.
ROBERT
Hey, past is past, right? We were kids.
TRENT
True. Tonight we celebrate your promotion! If you hadn’t stepped in the whole place might have been trashed. (laughing and deepening his voice) “Sir–”
ROBERT
“Kinko’s is no place for an emu!” Yeah, I know, I was there. I said that.
TRENT
The rest of us–me in particular–could have intervened. Especially me. I mean, I’ve been there the longest.
ROBERT
Why is that, Trent? You don’t need the money. who woulda thought my prank back then woulda came true. (stops) Wait. Did I plant that idea, Trent? Am I the reason you are a billionaire?
TRENT
Not a billionaire.
ROBERT
But pretty rich.
TRENT
Let’s keep the money our secret, okay?
ROBERT
I am truly honored you told me.
TRENT
Come on, this way. I have a surprise for you.
They start down the sidewalk. Robert, weaving slightly.
ROBERT
A good one, I trust. And I do trust trust you. Well, you and your very fine single malt, my friend (giggles).
TRENT
Are we friends, though?
ROBERT
Since forever.
TRENT
We’ve certainly known each other forever.
ROBERT
And I owe you. I never woulda got this job without you.
TRENT
That is true.
ROBERT
(laughs) If the guys could see me now. With you. You know what they called you back then.
TRENT
(beat) No. What?
ROBERT
Chester. You remember that old cartoon?
TRENT
No.
ROBERT
Chester the terrier was always bouncing around Spike the bulldog saying they were pals. They weren’t. (laughs)
Trent stops abruptly in front of a red door framed by brick. Robert stumbles slightly forward, then backs up and stands beside Trent. Illuminated by an overhanging light, there is a small hook on the door where a sign might once have hung.
TRENT
We’re here.
ROBERT
Where here?
TRENT
Consider this a gift. From Chester to Spike.
ROBERT
You do remember! You were always around. You get it now? Around and around, and a–
TRENT
Got it.
ROBERT
I liked it, to be honest. You always made me feel…
TRENT
What?
ROBERT
I don’t know. Better. (laughs) You were a puppy.
TRENT
So you said. (suddenly earnest) And now you will do exactly as I tell you.
Robert is gobsmacked.
TRENT
Close your mouth or the rats will crawl in.
ROBERT
What…?
TRENT
I own that Kinko’s, Robert. That is how you got the job. I am there incognito to keep an eye on things. Yesterday you hinted that someone there is stealing my money, and I need you to figure out who.
ROBERT
You own the Kinko’s?
TRENT
Try and keep up. You and I have known each other forever. Therefore there is no one I trust in that building more than you. Also, people like you. They’ll open up to you. You must find out who is stealing from me.
ROBERT
I don’t know, Trent. I like those guys we work with.
TRENT
I will direct-deposit the equivalent of six months pay in your bank account.
ROBERT
(Pause) I’ll do it. But not because of the money. Because we are friends. We may not have been friends when we were kids, not exactly friends, but our history, our shared memories, bond us. We are friends…my friend.
TRENT
Oh., I…I didn’t expect that.
ROBERT
(grins) But I still want the money.
Robert extends a hand to shake. Trent accepts it.
ROBERT
Okay, what do I do.
Trent nods toward the door.
TRENT
Enter. All will become clear.
Robert shrugs, grins, and opens the door. Suddenly, he twists, pulls something from Trents pocket, and shoves him inside the building. Trent cries out and continues to cry out, but the sound is muffled by kicking, thunking, hissing, spitting and grunting.
Robert listens for a moment then shuts the door. He looks at the thing he pulled from Trent’s pocket. It’s a small placard saying, “Knock First. Emergency Emu Rescue.” Soberly, he hangs it on the hook, straightens his tie and steps back into the street.
A man, GEORGE, 40s, carrying a briefcase passes by, stops.
MAN
Robert? Is that you?
ROBERT
Oh, hey, George. Yes, it’s me.
GEORGE
Have you made a decision on Kinko’s?
ROBERT
I have in fact. You have a deal. I am finally ready to sell.
GEORGE
Excellent!
They shake hands and walk away, seemingly oblivious to the muffles thumps and yells from behind the door.
Robert, no longer swaying, holds his arms to the heavens as if in praise.
ROBERT
It’s a beautiful night, people! Smell the glory.
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Susan McClary’s Rewritten Scene, QE Cycle 1
I learned that I could add more interest when concentrating on the techniques.
INT./EXT. TRENT’S HOUSE EVENING HALLOWEEN
TRENT and girlfriend SKYE are giving a Halloween party. The large
L.R. is lavishly decorated like Spook-A-Rama in Coney Island.
Trent is dressed as Batman with the mask pulled up over the top of his
head. He is bouncing in front of his sound system.TRENT
(Hum-Singing to himself)
Devil with a blue dress, blue dress,
blue dress. Devil with a blue dress
on!TRENT switches the music to a creepy mix. He waves to SKYE who is a
super hot Cat Woman with a bejeweled blue, belled collar. SKYE waves
back, her bells tinkle. She winks and does a little bunny butt wiggle.ROBERT approaches TRENT. He has been drinking TRENT’S
champagne for the past hour and is carrying a bottle of Dom Pérignon
and his empty champagne glass in the same hand.He is costumed as the Devil.
Under his large red cape, he is impeccably dressed in a black pinstripe
suit and patent shoes. His face is painted red and black and he is
wearing devil horns and carrying a child’s pitchfork, which he is twirling,
in his other hand.ROBERT (BOBBY/BOB)
(Dancing over to TRENT)
Wow, Skye really looks zesty! But
you are busting out of that costume
man! How many hours you spend at
the gym? You know you’re not
really Bruce Wayne, right?TRENT
(Changes the music to
“Devil Went Down To Georgia”)
Well hello there Bobby, aren’t you
dressed just perfect. But where’s
your snake?ROBERT
(Waving his pitchfork and grinning
at SKYE, drooling out of the side of
his mouth)
Love your Champagne man,
(In hushed tones)
even though I know you can’t
afford it. Hey listen man, I gotta tell
you something I heard about your
girl there.TRENT
(Starting to fume)Listen Bobby,
Skye is not a girl, she is a lady. And
watch out with that bottle of Dom,
we just had the floors redone.ROBERT
(Under his breath, chuckling
wickedly)
OK a woman, not a lady.TRENT
(Turning almost as red as Bobby’s
painted face, then changing the
subject)Come out to the Limo with
me. You have got to check it out. As
I told you on the phone, I want to
showcase one of my top of the line
Limos and show you exactly why
the fleet’s such a great investment
for you.TRENT and ROBERT walk up to the gleaming cream Limo at the end of
the driveway. TRENT opens the rear doors and they get in. There is room
for another set of seats in front of their legs. TRENT reclines the seats.
BOBBY, already a bit tipsy almost falls off.TRENT
(Trying not to laugh)
Well what do you think, Bob? The
vehicles are all soundproofed, the
driver can’t hear what’s going on
unless the client gives the OK,
there’s WIFI, options for
Champagne and Caviar, interstate
trips….ROBERT
(Interrupting, too pissed to even
think about money) I’ll think about
it and get back to ya. But you
know … I do want to let you know
what I heard about Skye.TRENT
(Grabs ROBERT by his suit lapels,
screams in his face) No more of
your stinking lies about Skye!ROBERT
She’s stepping out on you man. I
just thought you should know.TRENT throws ROBERT’S cape over his face and then punches him in
the nose hoping no blood will stain the upholstery.TRENT
(Getting out of the Limo, looking
down on ROBERT, and checking
the upholstery)
I warned you, you evil piece of shit!
No more lies!ROBERT
(Gasping) It’s me man. We’ve been
banging for months now.TRENT clutches the roof of the Limo to stop himself from falling. Then
locks ROBERT in the Limo.LONG SHOT
As TRENT staggers to his door, he pulls down the hanging skeleton, then
lurches inside.Eerie sounds of wind, leaves rustling, a screech owl, and a pack of
coyotes yipping and howling. A black cat jumps on the hood of the cream
limo and casts a long shadow.Suddenly SKYE walks out of the house and down the drive to the Limo.
CLOSE UP ON TRENT
As TRENT opens the house door. A burst of wind steals the handkerchief
from his hand.TRENT
(Wipes tears away
with his wrist, calls
out to SKYE)
Don’t let him vomit in the Limo.SKYE rolls her eyes, opens the Limo door, drags Robert out, checks the
seat for vomit, and slams the door. ROBERT grabs at her.SKYE
(Slapping ROBERT’S face)
You’re a weasel Bob! How could
you lie about me like that?!ROBERT
(Tenderly touching his nose)
Ooof!ROBERT CONT
(Righting himself, his clothing, and reaching for SKYE again)
I’ve loved you since the third grade.SKYE stamps her feet in anger and frustration, looks around, picks up
one of the jack-o-lanterns lining the drive and in one swift move smashes
it over ROBERT’S head.ROBERT is dripping with pumpkin pieces, pulp, and a burning candle is
now glued on the top center of his head between his squashed horns.SKYE slinks triumphantly back to the house.
ROBERT holds his nose with both hands trying to straighten it without hurting himself.
ROBERT
(Talking to himself)
Who’s gonna want me now?ROBERT reaches up to wipe the pumpkin away and burns himself on the
candle flame.ROBERT
(Shaking his hand)
Oooouch!FADE TO BLACK.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Susan McClaryu. Reason: Formatting Issues, still not fixed
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Susan McClaryu.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Susan McClaryu.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by
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Danielle’s rewritten scene:
INT. BANQUET HALL – NIGHT
The banquet hall is lavishly decorated with formally dressed COUPLES sitting at dinner tables. SERVERS dart from table to table serving food.
In the middle of the room is a stage with a podium. A bright banner hangs across the stage reading, “CARRINGTON FOSTER CARE AWARDS.”
A CHILDREN’S CHOIR finishes a song on stage. Everyone APPLAUDS. An older WOMAN, in a beautiful evening gown, approaches the podium.
WOMAN
Let’s hear it again for the Children’s Choir of Carrington Foster Care!
Everyone APPLAUDS again.
WOMAN
And tonight, we honor the man who made this gala possible. Because of his generous donations exceeding ten million dollars, the foster care can stay open and increase the chances of these children getting adopted. And the older kids aging out of the system have a home at the foster care for as long as they need. Ladies and gentlemen, we present the Carrington Foster Care Award to philanthropist, Robert Monte!
A spotlight shines on ROBERT, early 40s, dashing in a tux, sitting at a table next to NATASHA, a beautiful early 40s WOMAN. He kisses her and heads to the podium. Everyone gives a standing ovation. One of the kids gives him an elaborate plaque.
ROBERT
I’m a man of few words but thank you. I’m honored.
Robert steps down from the podium. Everyone claps. As Robert heads back to his table, he freezes when he sees TRENT, an early 20s male in jeans and a hoodie, standing at the doorway to the lobby. Robert gives the award to Natasha.
ROBERT
(in Natasha’s ear)
I’ll be right back.
Natasha nods. Robert goes to Trent as the gala continues.
ROBERT
What are you doing here?
TRENT
Come and find out.
Trent heads to a secluded room down the hall. Robert follows.
DARK ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Trent opens the door for Robert that leads to a dark room.
TRENT
After you.
ROBERT
No, after you.
TRENT
I insist.
Robert reluctantly enters the room. Trent follows and closes the door behind him. Darkness. A loud PUNCH is heard followed by the sound of items falling to the floor. Robert moans with pain.
Trent lights a cigarette lighter and we see his grinning face. He turns on the light switch and lights a cigarette. Robert is on the floor with a bloody nose. A table and chairs are turned over on the floor next to him.
Trent puts his cigarette out on the bottom of his shoe and flicks the cigarette butt at Robert.
Robert slowly gets up and wipes his nose with his handkerchief.
ROBERT
I see you haven’t lost your touch.
TRENT
Just my way of saying congratulations on your little award.
ROBERT
You’ll hear from my lawyer –
TRENT
And you’ll hear from your wife’s lawyer when she slaps you with a divorce.
ROBERT
(confused)
What?
Trent reaches in his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. He shows a video of Robert coming out of a hotel room with a teenage girl.
ROBERT
That’s not what it looks like.
TRENT
Is that the excuse you prepared for your wife?
ROBERT
I don’t need excuses for Natasha. She knows what kind of man I am.
TRENT
So, you don’t mind if I text her this video then.
Robert charges to Trent and tries to grab his phone. The phone drops on the floor. Trent kicks it across the room. As Robert sprints to the phone Trent grabs him and they tussle. Robert punches Trent causing him to fall to the floor.
Robert rushes to the phone and grabs it. He tries to delete the video but sees that a code is needed to unlock the phone.
ROBERT
What is the code?!
Trent gets up from the floor and laughs.
ROBERT
GIVE ME THE CODE!
Trent lights another cigarette and smokes. Robert throws the phone on the floor causing it to break. Robert stomps on it breaking it more.
ROBERT
I guess you won’t be texting my wife now. Nice try.
Robert heads to the door. Trent reaches in the back of his pants, pulls out a tablet and plays the video.
TRENT
An encore.
Robert turns and sees the same video on Trent’s tablet.
TRENT
What will you do when I show all those people at the gala that you were with this underage girl in a hotel room? This girl stays at the very foster care you donated millions to.
ROBERT
That’s right. I would tell them the truth.
TRENT
Then let’s go, Robert. Let’s go tell everyone, including your wife, the truth.
Trent heads to the door.
ROBERT
Trent, wait. I promised that girl I wouldn’t tell.
TRENT
(snickering)
I’m sure you did.
ROBERT
That girl met these fake parents online who said they’d adopt her. She ran away from the foster care to meet them at that hotel. When she was missing the owner of the foster care called the police and reached out to me for help. Long story short we found her. And the so-called parents were really a man who tried to kidnap her. He’s now in custody.
TRENT
Prove it. It’s just you and that girl in this video.
ROBERT
The cops have this same video on surveillance, man. What’s missing from your footage is the cops escorting that creep out of the room in handcuffs.
TRENT
I can still take you down with this. I’ll go to the press. I’ll go the tabloids –
ROBERT
You always had a flair for gossip. Do what you have to do.
Robert heads to the door again.
TRENT
Pay me and I won’t.
Robert stops.
ROBERT
Why are you doing this?
A tear rolls down Trent’s face.
TRENT
I guess I have to go this far to get your attention.
ROBERT
You don’t want my attention. I reach out. You pull away.
TRENT
You’re there for all those foster kids. But you’re never there for me. And what about that time I was in foster care? Did you do anything about it? No!
ROBERT
How can I make it right?
TRENT
Like I said, pay me… and I’ll go away for good.
ROBERT
Is that what you really want?
Trent inhales the cigarette and blows smoke in Robert’s face. Robert reaches in his pocket, pulls out his wallet and gives Trent his black card.
ROBERT
Take it. And know it was Sharon, your mother, who kept me away from you. She was the reason you were in foster care. And I admit I wasn’t perfect either back then. Just know that I’m here for you now even if you don’t want me to be. Goodbye, son.
Robert leaves. Trent thinks. He puts out his cigarette on the bottom of his shoe and flicks the butt. He wipes his tears. He puts the black card in his pocket.
TRENT
Goodbye, dad.
Trent sprints out of the room.
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