Lesson 14

[Jeanne Sanner]

Jeanne Sanner – ACT 2 Key scenes 2 and 3

ACT 2 OUTLINES FOR SCENES 2 AND 3

What I learned from this lesson: I am seeing how failure increases tension which makes the story more interesting. Obstacles create tension. I like the structure. It is clear and it progresses at an effective pace.

ACT 2 OUTLINE SCENE 2

Andrea realizes her hatred of her father is wrong and damaging

Andrea goes with Laura to see OC hoping he can help

We see how odd OC really is

Laura finds him fascinating

Andrea thinks he’s silly, this plan is a failure.

OUTLINE ACT 2 SCENE 3

Andrea creates a plan a montage of visiting lots of people

None of them work

Andrea sees Laura healing her relationship with her mother

Andrea decides to return to OC

ACT 2 SCENE 2

INT. ANDREA’S BEDROOM – SUNDAY EARLY AFTERNOON

Andrea is still in bed, not asleep, turned away from door. Laura enters with laundry bag, goes to Andrea’s closet, picks up Andrea’s laundry bag, turns to leave, puts laundry bags down at the door, sits on the edge of the bed.

LAURA

I’m going to do laundry and then go for a walk in the park; I would really love to have your company. (catches herself, laughs) Not for the laundry, but for the park.

Andrea rolls over and looks at Laura. Thinks.

ANDREA

Okay.

LAURA

Okay? Okay? Okay! I’ll be back in about an hour.

INT. ANDREA’S KITCHEN – MONDAY MORNING

Girls are in the kitchen, cleaning up after breakfast. Laura genuinely wants company. She is not trying to manipulate Andrea. She actually prefers Darin be there, but he can’t.

LAURA

I really would like you to go with me to see Odd Character; I’m just not comfortable going alone. You don’t have to say or do…

ANDREA

Okay.

Laura absorbs what Andrea said, gives Andrea a gentle hug.

While Laura is gone, Andrea gets dressed, sits on her bed, starts crying. Looks up, as if talking to God.

ANDREA

I surrender! I know I need to forgive dad, but I don’t want to and I don’t know how! I need help!

Andrea hears Laura come in. Gets up.

LAURA

Hey, Andrea, are you ready?

ANDREA

I want to put on a little make-up.

LAURA

For OC?

ANDREA

No! For me! Silly Goose.

Goes to mirror, wipes her eyes. Puts on make-up.

Laura goes to Andrea’s bedroom door.

ANDREA

(To Laura with energy and a smile.)

Okay. Let’s go get healed.

Laura isn’t sure what Andrea meant by “let’s,”

She chooses to think that is a good sign. She doesn’t say anything. Andrea doesn’t see Laura’s reaction.

EXT. PARK – AFTERNOON

As Andrea and Laura approach the bench, OC stands up to greet them. Since Laura made an appointment, OC is expecting them.

In silence we seen them introduce themselves shake hands. Andrea makes it clear that she is just here as Laura’s friend. OC motions Laura to sit and he sits on bench with her. Andrea stands behind the bench.

He hands Laura a white index card. Laura reads the card.

LAURA

(Reads to herself, then follows instructions.)

Oh! Please read this card out loud.

I teach based on my theory that everyone already knows the answer they seek, so I don’t speak; I offer signposts through note cards. Please let me know if you can be comfortable with that.

Laura nods, looks at Andrea and signals her to agree also.

ANDREA

Oh, sure. No problem.

When OC is not looking, Andrea gives Laura a look, like are you kidding me?

OC gives Andrea a green card to read. She briefly objects, then takes the card.

ANDREA

“Please read out loud. I speak only in simple phrases – and only one phrase per conversation.”

Laura brought a notebook, is writing, and saying out loud…

LAURA

Only one phrase per conversation. Got it.

ANDREA

(Reading)

I come here every Monday and Thursday. Make an appointment with a text. Do not tell anyone what I say. Do you agree?

LAURA

(writing and speaking)

Do you agree? Oh, yes, I agree!

ANDREA

Whatever.

OC looks at Andrea compassionately. Knowing she is not a happy camper with this process, but that’s okay with him. He hands Laura a pink card which she reads out loud.

LAURA

First, in one sentence, tell me why you’re here.

Okay.I want to forgive my mother.

Second, explain. She cremated my father without asking me my opinion.

Third, why is that unforgivable?

I want to be able to visit his grave anytime. Now, he’s in some urn at my mother’s house, and I can’t see him without having to go there.

OC looks through his box of index cards, pulls out a blue one and hands it to Andrea. She points to herself as if to say, Me? He just looks at her. She reads it out loud.

ANDREA

“Forgiving is impossible.” Forgiving is impossible?

Andi and Laura look confused. They look at each other and then at him, and then they say at the same time…

The odd character pulls out an orange card, hands it to Laura. “Read the green card out loud.”

Laura has the card. Andrea reads over her shoulder.

OC hands Laura a red card.

LAURA

Read the green card and follow the instructions.

Andrea and Laura look to see who has the green card. Andrea has the green card.

ANDREA

I speak only…Oh, for Christ sake, we are going in circles. I’m done here. Are coming Laura?

Laura sits and ponders a bit, and says, Thank you, OC. I will think about that a lot even though right now I don’t agree.

OC smiles, and knows he has a real student!

ACT 2 Scene 3

INT. ANDREA’S HOME – LATE AFTERNOON

Andrea is in the kitchen. Laura is in her bedroom putting her laundry way.

ANDREA

I’m fixin’ me a whiskey sour, do want anything.

LAURA OS

Not right now, thanks.

INT. ANDREA’S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Andrea is entering the living room from the kitchen with her drink in her hand. Heading towards lounge chair. Speaking to Laura who is now in Andrea’s bedroom putting her laundry away.

ANDREA

He’s an idiot!

LAURA OS

Why do you say that when he is saying what you have been saying all along?

ANDREA

Because I don’t believe it when I say it, but he does!

LAURA OS

Maybe he just has a different way of defining forgiving or looking at it.

ANDREA

Well, I’m not going back to him, that’s for sure, but now I’m determined to prove him wrong!

Tuesday, Laura is out shopping, Andrea is on the computer, intensely doing research, taking notes.

Next we see a montage of Andrea going to various sources seeking the truth. First, she has set an appointment with a counselor, then a minister, then a guru, then a mystic, then a psychic, etc. The bottom line, none of them give her what she needs!

[Laurie Reilly]

Laurie- ACT 2 Key scenes 2, 3. I learned to keep on rocking.

INT. WOODVILLE 1992, JOE AND ANNIE BEDROOM-NIGHT

Annie-35 and Joe-35 have just finished what is obviously an intense love making session. She snuggles in to him, wrapping both her arms and legs around him tightly, as if to keep him there always.

JOE-35

Hmmmm. That was-

ANNIE-35

If you say ‘nice’ I’m going to bite you.

JOE-35

I was going to say spectacular, but a bite might be interesting. Where?

She leans over and kisses him, then takes his lip gently in her teeth, then releases it and kisses him deeper.

JOE-35

Well now. I am at a loss for words.

ANNIE-35

I love you so much Joe. You know that right?

JOE-35

Well yah. I kind of figured that when you married me, just a humble carpenter.

ANNIE-35

And ski patrolman. I just wondered if I said it enough. Say it enough.

JOE-35

Uh oh. I get the hint. I love you, I love you, I love you. I. Love. You.

Annie snuggles closer, if possible, her eyes wide.

JOE-35

Uh, honey? Um, the snuggling is great, but can you just give me a tad bit of space? I’m kind of sweaty.

Annie smiles and reluctantly moves just an inch away.

INT. WOODVILLE 1992, JOE AND ANNIE CABIN, KIDS ROOM-MIDNIGHT

Annie-35 is watching Erin sleep from her doorway, then quietly closes the door and lets herself silently in to Hunter’s room. She looks around at the detritus of an eight year old spread throughout the room, then sits gingerly on the edge of his bed.

Without thinking, she starts humming a line from Taylor Swifts ‘Just stay little’, song saying the last few words in a whisper. Suddenly she realizes and gasps, putting her hands over her mouth for a moment. She whispers to herself.

ANNIE-35

Taylor Swift is like three years old right now.

Annie-35 starts to panic a little. She squeeze’s her own arm.

ANNIE-35

This feels real.

She touches a book strewn on the bed.

ANNIE-35

This feels real.

She gently touches Hunter’s shoulder.

ANNIE-35

Hunter is real.

Hunter stirs and turns over, so Annie quickly gets up and leaves the room.

INT. WOODVILLE 1992, JOE AND ANNIE CABIN, LR-MIDNIGHT, CONT.

Annie is trying not to panic as she paces around the dark living room. She pauses and touches various pictures and mementos reverently: Wedding pictures, a vase, kid school pictures. She is murmuring to herself.

ANNIE-35

This feels so real, so real. What the fuck.

She spies a picture of her mother Mary when she was in her mid-thirties, very beautiful. Annie-35 stares into the picture.

ANNIE-35

Was Sean and Maggie, that whole life just, just a really long dream? Or am I dreaming now? Is this how it started for you?

Annie puts the picture down and hurries back down the hall to her bedroom. She’s relieved Joe is still there and slips back into bed, cuddling up to him. She whispers to herself.

ANNIE-35

Stay awake, stay awake, stay awake. I want to stay here just awhile longer. Stay awake.

INT. WOODVILLE 1992, ANNIE DREAM

Of course Annie has fallen asleep. The dream-state looks different then the altered state, all the backgrounds are out of focus, the emphasis on the people.

INT. DREAM – MAGGIE’S ROOM,2005 EVENING

Annie-45 is reading a goodnight story to Maggie-5 from a well-known story book, Love You Forever.

ANNIE-45

‘I will love you forever, I will like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.’ Good night sweetie, I will see you first thing in the morning.

MAGGIE-5

One more story? Please Mommy?

SEAN-45 (O.C.)

Annie? You coming to bed?

Annie looks down at the sweet face of Maggie. She calls out to Sean.

ANNIE-45

In a minute.

Annie, picks out another book and lays down next to Maggie.

ANNIE-45

One more.

INT. DREAM- ANNIE AND SEANS BEDROOM, 2005, EVENING, CONT.

Sean is sound asleep in the dark room. Annie quietly climbs into bed and settles down. A moment later she hears a door open and the click of the hallway light switch sends a sliver of light under her door. Little footsteps in the hallway, then Annie’s bedroom door opens, letting in a wedge of light and Maggie-5 slips in.

Annie smiles and opens her covers and Maggie slips in, snuggles next to her, sighs deeply and in seconds is asleep. Annie watches her, stroking her face and whispers to herself.

ANNIE-45

I will love you forever.

Maggie-5 morphs into toddler Maggie.

ANNIE-45

I will like you for always…

Maggie now morphs into a baby.

ANNIE-45

As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.

INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S BEDROOM, 1992, EARLY AM

Annie-35 slowly wakes, face down, a sheet partially over her head and blocking her view. Clearly she doesn’t know where she is. Slowly she pulls the sheet from her face. Joe is looking at her with a smile. Annie-35 starts to cry.

ANNIE-35

Oh Joe! It’s you!

Joe laughs and pulls her into his arms.

JOE-35

Well, who else would it be? Did you have a bad dream?

Annie-35 clings to him, her face wet with tears and confusion

ANNIE-35

Something like that.

INT. ANNIE & JOE’S LIVING ROOM, AM

Annie-35, in a bathrobe, hands Erin and Hunter their lunches as they rush out to the waiting bus. Joe comes up from behind, gives her a big hug, then heads out to his distinctive light blue work truck in the driveway.

JOE-35

You doing the lunch shift today?

Annie is momentarily blank.

ANNIE-35

Ah, um, yes!

JOE-35

Round two tonight?

ANNIE-35

I can’t wait.

INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S BATHROOM 1992, MOMENTS LATER

Annie-35 is luxuriating in the shower, loving the feel of her younger body. As she is soaping her lower belly she suddenly freezes and looks down at something we don’t see. She stares at it, then looks off to the side, concern growing. She hurries out of the shower.

INT. ANNIE & JOE’S KITCHEN 1992, MOMENTS LATER

Annie scribbles a note, leaves it on the counter and hurries out.

INSERT-NOTE

Went to visit my mom.

INT. CAMARILLO STATE HOSPTIAL, 1992, DAY

Annie-35 nods her thanks to a staff person and crosses over to where a group of patients are scattered in chairs under a tree.

Annie-35 hesitates only a moment then approaches Mary-60 sitting in a wheelchair by herself. She is repeating a motion with her fingers over and over. Mary-60 just holds a small glimmer of her former beauty. She doesn’t seem aware that Annie-35 is there, so Annie-35 kneels next to her and tries to get in Mary-60’s sight line.

ANNIE-35

Mom, mom, hi, it’s Annie. It’s, It’s so nice to see you.

Mary-60 does not respond, just continues the fluttering motion with her hands.

ANNIE-35

Mom, it’s Annie. Can you hear me?

Annie-35 tries to gently put her hands into her mother’s fluttering hands. Her mother’s hands stop for a moment, then she simply puts her hands on top of Annie-35’s and makes the fluttering motion again.

ANNIE-35

Mom, are you.. you being like a butterfly? Remember, the butterfly’s in my room?

Mary-60 stops and slowly looks up and for the briefest moment the blank look is gone, but it is replaced by fear and Mary-60 starts to breath heavy and make panicky grunts.

ANNIE-35

I’m sorry.. I’m sorry!

An aide rushes over, calms Mary-60 and wheels her inside.

NURSE’S AIDE

It’s ok, she gets like that sometimes. She’ll be fine, don’t worry.

ANNIE-35

(calls out)

Mom! I love you!

A doctor walks over to Annie-35.

DOCTOR RICHARDS

Ah, Annie, they told me you were here. It’s good you came. You haven’t been to visit in awhile.

Annie is visibly upset.

ANNIE-35

I uh…I didn’t mean to…she seems to have gotten worse.

DOCTOR RICHARDS

Yes, your mother has slipped into the hypokinetic form of schizophrenic catatonia. As you know, your mother has already far exceeded the life span of someone with her diagnosis. But, she may be getting closer.

Annie nods her head sadly.

ANNIE-35

Thank you doctor. It feels like I said my good-byes a long, long time ago.

DOCTOR RICHARDS

We will call you of course.

He turns to go.

ANNIE-35

Thank you Doctor Richards.. but can I ask a question before you go?

DOCTOR RICHARDS

Certainly.

ANNIE-35

I was just wondering… what are the chances…

DOCTOR RICHARDS

Annie. Yes, it’s hereditary, but the chances are very low.

ANNIE-35

How low.

DOCTOR RICHARDS

(Sigh) About 1% of the general population are diagnosed with schizophrenia…and about 10% if, if-

ANNIE-35

If you have a parent that has it.

The doctor nods.

ANNIE-35

How does it, I mean people who have it, don’t know they have it right? What are some of the signs? The early signs. I mean, just so I know.

DOCTOR RICHARDS

Thinking and speech becomes disorganized. The person might think that someone is controlling them. They might become fixated on something.

Annie is shaking her head no, no, as if saying no that’s not me to herself.

DOCTOR RICHARDS

And of course, the classic-delusions and hallucinations.

EXT. CAMARILLO STATE HOSPITAL PARKING LOT ANNIE CAR-DAY- CONT

Annie is just sitting, deep in thought. She stares at her hands, with the one ring. Finally she starts the car and the news comes on giving the date at the top of the hour, September 30th, 1992. Annie gasps.

ANNIE-35

September 30th?! It’s tomorrow! Tomorrows the day!

Annie paws through her purse, finds her little phone book and focuses on a name: Aunt Mary-lou. Her finger traces across to the phone number. Then she looks frantically through her purse again.

ANNIE-35

Where’s my phone, what the hell did I do with it?

Realization hits her and she slams the steering wheel.

ANNIE-35

FUCK! It’s 1992! I don’t have a phone yet. But…but, if I am really in 1992, how do I know about cell phones, and song lyrics that haven’t been written yet .. and that, that fucking idiot will be president someday.

Annie gives a sob and puts her hand on her lower belly, rubbing it slowly.

ANNIE-35

And if I am in 2018 and dreaming about all this…I don’t know if I want to wake up. Cause..cause maybe I can stop it, stop the truck…give Erin and Hunter back their father. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know what’s real.

Annie hiccups. Then she looks again at her address book, thinks, then puts the car in gear.

EXT. MARY-LOU HOME 1992- DAY

Annie-35 knocks on the door of a small cottage-like home with overflowing gardens. Mary-Lou-45 opens the door. She has a very pretty, bohemian, peaceful style and a big smile- at first, but she instantly reads her.

MARY-LOU-45

Annie! What’s wrong?

Annie-35 throws her arms around her with a sob.

INT. MARY-LOU SUNROOM 1992, DAY CONT.

Annie-35 is sitting on the edge of a big comfortable chair in a cozy sunroom filled with plants. On the wall is a Hypnotherapist framed credential. Mary-Lou-45 sets a cup of tea down.

MARY-LOU-45

Chamomile. What’s going on honey?

Annie-35 takes a shaky breath.

ANNIE-35

You sure you have time right now? This is going to take a bit.

MARY-LOU-45

I don’t have any clients this afternoon. Besides no one is as important to me as you are. Go ahead, I’m listening. This is what I do best.

ANNIE-35

Let me ask you something first. Do you ever remember me, um, having some kind of surgery on my lower abdomen when I was little, or a kind of deep cut. Something that would have left a scar. Here.

Annie runs her hand slowly across her lower abdomen. Mary-Lou looks confused.

MARY-LOU-45

Not that I know of.. but remember I was living abroad for several years when you were young. I only came back to the states about a year before your mom got real sick. So something could have happened I suppose. Why?

ANNIE-35

I’m afraid to tell you.

MARY-LOU-45

Annie! You know can tell me anything.

ANNIE-35

I’m..I’m afraid I might be like her.

INT. MARY-LOU SUNROOM- DAY ONE HOUR LATER

Mary-Lou-45’s face is carefully neutral as she tightly holds Annie-35’s hands, who is nearly hyperventilating.

ANNIE-35

…but then I stayed in the memory, I didn’t go back to the, the altered state with Saria. I wanted to stay so badly when I saw Joe, and when I hugged him, I just, just, I don’t know absorbed into this Annie. And I was no longer 60 year old Annie. And I stayed and stayed. I want to stay. I think. But then I dreamed about Sean and Maggie and I know, I know that they are real. I know what this sounds like. This is just all too much.

MARY-LOU-55

Shh..OK, Ok, let’s talk this through. What makes you think that there really is a Sean and Maggie, that you had this other life, that stretched on for 20 years?

ANNIE-35

(whispers)

Because of the scar.

MARY-LOU-45

The scar?

ANNIE-35

I noticed it this morning in the shower. It’s a c-section scar. Of my three children, only Maggie was born from a c-section.

MARY-LOU-45

(gently)

Honey, you only have two children.

ANNIE-35

Right now! I mean in 1992! Maggie was born, will be born, in 1995! Do you want to see the scar? It proves that I am not going schizo? Doesn’t it?

MARY-LOU-45

Take a breath. I don’t need to see it.

Annie pants hard. Mary-Lou speaks quietly.

MARY-LOU-45

You yourself suggested that maybe it came from a childhood injury or surgery.

ANNIE-35

(miserably)

I know, I know. But I don’t remember it from before. I mean before, before… oh I don’t know what I’m saying.

MARY-LOU-45

Breathe honey. Just take some slow breaths.

ANNIE-35

That helps. Wait what about hypnotherapy. Can you do that with me. Now? Help me figure out what is going out.

Mary Lou hesitates just for a brief moment.

MARY-LOU-45

Yes. I think that’s a good idea. It will help you think these concerns through in a calm process.

ANNIE-35

What do I do?

Mary Lou speaks in slow measured tones.

MARY-LOU-45

Keep breathing like you are. Now sit back. Rest your head back. Allow your self to close your eyes, you are in a safe place here. That’s it. Breathe deeply, slowly. Breathe into your belly. Relax your forehead. Your eyes. Your jaw. Feel your shoulders sink into the chair. Oh that’s great. With each breath, let yourself go a little deeper. You are safe. Picture a golden light above your head. It is warm. It is loving. It surrounds you, keeping you safe. Do you see it?

Annie is very calm now.

ANNIE-35

Yes.

MARY-LOU-45

Now, let your self go a little deeper still with your breaths. That’s it. I am going to count down from five, allow your self to let go. 5….4….3…

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. ALTERED STATE

The hypnosis has sent Annie-35 back to the altered state. Annie-35 opens her eyes and gasps, looking around. The altered state looks a little different. The tree is younger, smaller, the swarm of memories around her has particles of grey in it, it is not as colorful as before. Sarita is not there.

ANNIE-35

Sarita? Sarita where are you! I need you! Aunt Mary Lou, are you here? Oh, it’s different. I’m scared.

Annie looks closer at the swarm of memories. She carefully uses her hand to slow the swarm down like Sarita did. All the memories after 1992 are in grey, not as clear. All the memories before 1992 are in color.

INSERT Memory Scene 9

INSERT Memory Scene 10

INSERT Memory Scene 11

INSERT Memory Scene 12

INSERT Memory Scene 13

Annie starts swiping through the memory swarm faster and faster.

ANNIE-35

Where is Maggie? Why is she grey? Where is she, where is her recital? Her graduation? Why can’t I see it? And I can’t see Joe after, after today. See, he’s not here..he’s not in my future.

INSERT Memory Scene 14

Annie-35 sees a memory, in grey, of herself at Joe’s funeral, with Hunter-8 and Erin-10. All are crying.

ANNIE-35

NO! No no no no. Oh god. I have to stop it. I have to change it. NO, no, I can’t let it happen.

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. MARY-LOU SUNROOM 1992, DAY CONT.

Mary Lou-45 is leaning over a weeping Annie-35, a little scared herself, but trying to stay calm and firm.

MARY-LOU-45

5, 4,3,2,1.. let yourself come back Annie. Annie, listen to my voice allow yourself to come back to me, come back to where it is safe. Come back in 5, 4,3,2,1.

Mary Lou-45 snaps her fingers and this time Annie-35 opens her eyes. Her face is wet with tears. Annie-35 sits up quickly.

ANNIE-35

I have to stop it!

MARY-LOU-45

Stop what honey, take a breath. Talk slowly.

ANNIE-35

Joe’s going to die tomorrow. There’s going to be an accident. A logging truck loses it’s break and smashes into Joe’s truck. But, but. I can stop it. I can keep Joe from leaving, or go slash the tires of the truck. Or pull out the battery cables.. or something! I can’t let him die again!

Annie-35 stops talking and looks at Mary Lou-55, who is looking very concerned.

ANNIE-35

It’s happening isn’t it. I’m going to be like my mother.

MARY-LOU-55

No. You are nothing like her. Listen to me. Everyone has fears about losing their loved ones. Everyone. You lost your father just a year ago, your mother has always caused you a great deal of stress and turmoil. You loved her so much, but you couldn’t fix her. And your father had to make an awful choice to put her in a facility. You got through it, but there was likely something that triggered those awful times. Maybe you read something, or watched something on TV, and then you had some very detailed nightmares.

Annie-35 nods, unsure.

ANNIE-35

Maybe. So there is no Maggie, no Sean?

Mary-Lou 55 slowly shakes her head no.

MARY-LOU-55

But I think it would be a good idea if you went into xx therapy. I am going to call a friend of mine and set it up. She will help you work through this. It will get better.

Annie-35 slowly nods again.

ANNIE-35

But… the accident that is supposed to happen tomorrow?

MARY-LOU-55

If it will give you some peace of mind, just delay Joe a bit from leaving the house. Give him an extra big kiss, a little morning delight. No harm in that.

[Margaret]

Margaret’s Act 2 Middle Scenes

What I learned: Thinking of how the Protagonist uses his old ways sparked ideas that gave the script depth.

EXT. ARMANN’S HOME – PATIO – DAY

Jabe meets Armann and is introduced to his son Grigo (Imara’s 9 yr old son). Grigo sees that Jabe is purple and asks if he knows of Imara and if she is still purple. Jabe jokingly says she is his “little sister” and says, “not anymore.” This angers Armann who turns green while Jabe talks. Armann tells Grigo that his mother’s aura doesn’t matter, Grigo will never see her again. Armann tells Grigo to stay outside while he motions Jabe to go inside with him. Grigo stays but calls out after Armann. Grigo’s aura turns grey as he begs his father to let his mother come.

BEGINNING: Jabe meets Grigo, Armann’s son, and admits to knowing Imara

MIDDLE: Armann orders Jabe inside, away from his son

END: Grigo begs to see his mother

EXT. ARMANN’S HOME – PATIO – DAY

The Kind Hedeon and Jabe enter Armann’s patio, where Armann is playing catch with his son.

The Kind Hedeon nods slightly to Armann.

KIND HEDEON

(to Armann)

A new man has decided to join our sector. This is Jabe. I am thinking he may be useful for your personal service.

Armann studies Jabe, who remains purple under his scrutiny.

ARMANN

(to Jabe)

Jabe. Welcome to the sector.

Grigo, Armann’s son, runs up to Jabe, looks up at the tall man.

GRIGO

Did the Donek do that to you?

Jabe laughs.

JABE

Not sure what you mean, little man.

GRIGO

You are the tallest man in the whole world!

Jabe ruffles the top of Grigo’s head.

JABE

Well, I was that way long before I met any Donek.

GRIGO

Have you met a lot of Donek?

JABE

Not that many.

Armann’s face shows his displeasure as his son’s aura turns blue. He turns away from Jabe, head down.

JABE

I know Alo.

Grigo gives Jabe a sad smile.

JABE

And Imara?

Grigo immediately turns purple, grins.

GRIGO

You know Imara?

JABE

Sure, she’s my little sister.

Grigo’s jaw drops. Armann turns green. Grigo whispers his next question.

GRIGO

Is she, is she still purple?

Jabe looks uncomfortable but sees Grigo’s need to know.

JABE

Not any more, little man.

Armann barks out his orders.

ARMANN

Grigo, it doesn’t matter what color your mother is. You will not be seeing her again. Now stay here and play, I have visitors to speak with.

Grigo looks as if Armann had slapped him, he turns a darker blue.

Armann signals for Jabe and the Kind Hedeon to follow him into the house.

The trio move to go inside the house, Grigo’s begging cry follows them. His pleas fall on his father’s deaf ears.

GRIGO

Please, please dad. You said you would invite her here. Please, please let me see her. Please, dad, please…

INT. ARMANN’S HOME – DAY

Akuji whispers into Arman’s ear. Armann turns to Jabe, gives him a choice – stay with the Hedeon as Armann’s body guard or be killed as an example to the Donek. Jabe refuses to answer. Armann orders his man to place Jabe in a guarded room to think about his answer.

BEGINNING: Armann interrogates Jabe

MIDDLE: Armann tells Jabe he will be his bodyguard/eliminator

END: Jabe is held captive until he agrees to Armann’s demands

INT. ARMANN’S HOME – DAY – SAME

At the same time as the Kind Hedeon, Jabe, and Armann enter the living area of the home, Akuji enters from another door. He aura is still red.

AKUJI

I have news for you, Armann.

ARMANN

What is it?

Akuji glares at Jabe.

AKUJI

For you.

ARMANN

(to the Kind Hedeon)

You can leave the stranger with me.

(to Jabe)

Have a seat, I will be right with you.

The Kind Hedeon nods, leaves.

Armann crosses over to Ankuji. They whisper together. Jabe watches, turns yellow.

Akuji glares at Jabe, then turns, leaves.

Armann takes a seat across from Jabe. Doesn’t say anything for a beat.

Jabe shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Armann pours water from a pitcher on a table next to him into two small cups. Hands a cup to Jabe.

ARMANN

You are not from here?

JABE

No sir, I am from Whittier. California. Los Angeles. The United States.

ARMANN

A long name for a city.

JABE

Never heard of it?

Armann’s studies Jabe. Slowly responds.

ARMANN

No. You came by sea?

JABE

I… I don’t remember much. Woke up on the beach on uh, er, birthing day.

Armann considers this, unsure of his story.

ARMANN

But you remember you are from this Whittier estate place?

Jabe decides not to try and correct him, just nods.

ARMANN

And you ended up in the Donek sector, how?

JABE

Alo found me. He was the first one I met. Then Imara.

A very green Armann roars.

ARMANN

Imara is with Alo?

Jabe turns yellow with Armann’s rant. Nods once again.

ARMANN

Did she speak of me? Is that why you are here?

Jabe shifts in his seat.

JABE

Alo pretty much kicked me out, said the purple belong with the purple.

This amuses Armann, he reverts to a purple aura.

ARMANN

But why did you show up at my door?

Jabe turns purple, leans forward.

JABE

The guy who brought me here? He said you might know of a place I could live and get g job. I like working with animals if that helps.

Armann snickers.

ARMANN

Working with animals? There are many animals around this sector and yes, you might be very useful.

JABE

Great! What would I do?

Armann settles back into his chair.

ARMANN

You will be my new bodyguard, and, as occasion requires, my eliminator.

Jabe chokes on the sip of water he just drank. Sputters

JABE

Eliminator?

Jabe jumps up, paces. Turns yellow.

JABE

No, no, I don’t think so.

Armann says nothing, raises an eyebrow.

Jabe calms himself, turns purple. He takes a seat, settles himself before talking.

JABE

Let me rephrase that. I’m not into fighting. Now you got some animals I can feed or clean up after…

ARMANN

Let me rephrase. You WILL be my bodyguard and you WILL eliminate anyone I choose, especially the Donek.

Jabe turns red.

JABE

Those guys have been nothing but kind to me! You can’t make me kill anyone!

ARMANN

I’ll do whatever I please. Whenever I please. You’ll learn that soon enough.

Jabe jumps up.

JABE

I’m leaving.

He stalks through the front door.

Five seconds later he is back, struggling, held by the arms by two guards.

Armann points to a room.

ARMANN

(to Jabe)

As I said, you will be my bodyguard.

(to the guards)

Lock him up until he agrees.