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Lesson 16
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<div>Jeanne Sanner Has completed Act 2 Draft 1</div>
What I learned from doing this assignment. One thing was how interesting that some characters show up and do things I had not at all expected. Matt in my story was never in my mind when I started; now I have a plan for him that I think will add another level to my story. Two, I just can’t get over how the first lessons, which create the basic outline has been so crucial. I have not had to think about what comes next, I just need to create the images and dialogue to make the story come to life!
INT. ANDREA’S LIVING ROOM NEXT DAY – AFTERNOON.
Laura is home alone falling asleep with a book in her hand.
DOORBELL
Laura gets up startled and answers the door.
LAURA
Oh, hi Matt. Come on in.
32.
33.
LAURA (CONT’D)
What a nice surprise. How’d you
find us?
MATT
Uh, Darin gave me your address.
He’s a great guy.
LAURA
Yes, he is. You want a beer? I’m
gonna have one.
Laura goes to kitchen, gets beer. Matt stays standing looking
around.
MATT
Oh, no. I can’t stay long. I got a
bus to catch.
Laura comes in, sits on couch, motions Matt to lounge chair,
but he sits on the couch instead.
LAURA
Didn’t you start work yesterday?
MATT
We had orientation yesterday and
this morning. I start tomorrow.
Wednesday through Sunday nights.
LAURA
Bummer of a schedule!
MATT
Yea. All newbies get those.
Awkward silence. Matt moves in a little closer to Laura.
MATT (CONT’D)
Actually, I came over to ask you if
I could take you to dinner Monday
night to say thank you for all your
kindness.
LAURA
What a thoughtful idea, Matt, but
you just started a new job, and
dinner can be a bit much. How ‘bout
we go for a cuppa coffee instead?
33.
34.
MATT
(Surprised to get a yes)
Oh. That would be great! I still
take the bus, so what’s a good
place we could meet?
LAURA
Tell you what. I’ll pick you up
around 8. Is that good for you?
MATT
Yea, sure. It’s a date! Listen, I
gotta a bus to catch. I’ll see ya
Monday night. Thanks, Laura.
Matt goes to hug her, changes his mind, leaves. Laura goes
back to her book and beer.
LAURA’S PHONE RINGS
LAURA
Hey, Darin. How…
DARIN
Hi Laura. Is Andrea there?
LAURA
No. She’s on some kinda mission.
Isn’t she answering her phone?
DARIN
No. Damn it.
LAURA
Can I help?
DARIN
No. Thanks.
LAURA
By the way, guess who just left?
DARIN
Left your place? I have no clue.
You have too many friends.
LAURA
Matt.
DARIN
Matt? That little rascal. How did
he find you?
34.
35.
LAURA
(Confused)
What do you mean?
DARIN
How did he find where you live?
LAURA
He told me you told him.
Silence on both ends.
DARIN
No way, Laura. You know I wouldn’t
do that without calling you first.
LAURA
Yea, but he’s your friend, so…
DARIN
Not really. Roberto was my friend.
I just try to include Matt at times
because he lost his brother.
LAURA
Hmm. Anyway, I’ll tell Andrea to
call you when I see her.
Next we see a montage of Andrea going to various sources
seeking the truth.
INT. CHURCH – MONDAY MORNING
Andrea is sitting in a pew with a MINISTER.
ANDREA
How can I forgive 70 times 7 times
when I can’t even forgive once, and
as to “forgive them for they know
not what they do,” you can shove
it…let’s just say, my father knew
exactly what he was doing. Thanks
so much.
EXT. PARK – MONDAY MORNING
Laura is meeting with OC.
35.
36.
EXT. SERENE GARDEN – EARLY TUESDAY MORNING
Andrea is sitting in the lotus position under a beautiful
tree in a serene garden with a GURU.
ANDREA
So your answer is, the world is an
illusion, and nothing matters, so
why worry. Thank you so much, Mr.
Neuman.
INT. DEN – LATE WEDNESDAY MORNING
Andrea joins a MYSTIC in an opium den smoking and humming Om.
ANDREA
Forgiveness has some wonderful
colors, doesn’t it? Is this only
way to see it? Hmmm Thanks so much,
I think.
INT. ANDREA’S BEDROOM – THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Andrea is still in her pjs recovering from her episode in the
den. She is sitting at her computer looking at a website for
an abuse counselor: “a new approach with proven results.”
Laura is debating.
ANDREA
(Saying to herself)
Dare I see another counselor?
She calls the number.
ANDREA (CONT’D)
Cancellation? Great! I’d like to
take that appointment…Thank you.
See you tomorrow morning.
EXT. PARK – THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Laura is meeting with OC.
36.
37.
INT. COUNSELOR’S OFFICE – FRIDAY MORNING
ANDREA
So your answer is: that forgiveness
isn’t necessary, that everyone is
doing the best they can, even
parents who rape their children,
and that we should just accept that
and move on. Thanks so much.
INT. LIBRARY – FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Andrea is in the library looking at self-help books on
forgiveness. She selects two books: “Love is Letting Go of
Fear” and “Finding Unconditional Love a Little Peace at a
Time” and checks out.
INT. ANDREA’S KITCHEN – FRIDAY NIGHT
Andrea and Laura are eating dinner.
LAURA
So the counselor didn’t work out
either?
ANDREA
Oh, my God, no! But I refuse to
give up. I got two books at the
library; maybe they’ll help. How
was your day.
LAURA
Truefully…oooops
ANDREA
That’s okay; it was stupid
statement, and I’m over it now. So,
truethfully…
LAURA
I had one of the most wonderful
days of my life.
Andrea looks up to see if Laura is being facetious.
ANDREA
Really? Oh my God. What happened?
LAURA
I went to see Mom.
Laura starts to cry, Andrea’s not sure why Laura’s crying.
37.
38.
LAURA (CONT’D)
And it feels so good to be hugged
by Mom again, and to be at peace,
and to be happy again, and I never
want to be mad at her ever again.
Andrea gets up, signals Laura to get up. Andrea hugs Laura.
ANDREA
I’m so happy for you, Laura. I know
you’ve been hiding a lot of pain.
It took courage to finally go
there. Wow!
Andrea gently wipes Laura’s face with a napkin, helps her back
in her seat, and goes back to her seat.
ANDREA (CONT’D)
I envy you, Laura! How did you do
it?
LAURA
OC.
ANDREA
OC? OC!
LAURA
I went back to him. He even met
with more than just Monday and
Thursday at the park. He’s
wonderful, Andrea, really. He’s so
deep, and understanding, and
compassionate.
ANDREA
I’m glad, Laura. I just don’t know
if I can take this one phrase at a
time business.
LAURA
But it works!
ANDREA
How? It seems so stupid to me.
It forced me to think on my own,
and the realizations were so much
more meaningful since I came to
them myself… I wish you would
give him a chance. -
Laurie has completed ACT 2. What I have learned…I’m getting the hang of this process!
ACT 2
INT. WOODVILLE 1992, JOE AND ANNIE CABIN, DINING ROOM-EVENING
Under the dinner table, Annie-35’s foot is resting on Joe-35’s foot, her toe brushing his ankle. Annie-35 is relishing a normal dinner, her eyes scanning around, noticing every little thing. She runs her thumb over her wedding ring on her left hand-Joe’s ring. Her other hand wears no ring.
ERIN-10
…And then- Sara accidentally called the teacher Mommy!
Hunter-8 starts to laugh, but Joe-35 gives him a conspiratorial slight shake of the head.
ERIN-10
Everyone laughed. But I didn’t. Sara’s my best friend.
JOE-35
You have a loyal heart. That’s one of the many things I love about you punky-pie.
ERIN-10
Daaddd. I’m getting too old for punky-pie.
JOE-35
Nope, never too old. I’m going to yell it out at your high school graduation. ‘That’s my punky pie’!!
HUNTER-8
I’m definitely going to laugh at that.
Erin-10 pretends to punch him. Annie-35 takes a bite of her dinner.
ANNIE-35
Oh my god, I haven’t made this in so long. I don’t remember it tasting this good.
JOE-35
Your chicken pot pie is always good honey. And we just had it a few weeks ago when the Roebers came to dinner.
HUNTER-8
Hey! What about me? How come I don’t have a nick name?
Annie-35 and Joe-35 laugh and exchange a glance.
ANNIE-35
Well, you use to. Your dad gave it to you, but I made him stop calling you that when you were three.
HUNTER-8
What? What was it?
JOE-35
Turtle-Butt!
Erin laughs.
ERIN-10
I remember that! Wait- there was more.Oh yeah, Mr. Stinky Turtle-Butt the fourth!
Erin starts purposefully laughing, extra hard.
HUNTER-8
Hey!
ANNIE-35
(gently)
Erin, I thought laughing at your friends wasn’t nice.
HUNTER-8
Yeah. I guess I’m not your friend.
Erin stops and reaches over to hug Hunter, who is sulking.
ERIN-10
I’m sorry.
Hunter stops pouting, he was faking it.
HUNTER-8
I forgive you Punky-Pie.
Erin fake punches him and they’re off and running again. Annie-35 takes another bite.
ANNIE-35
Oh wow. It’s like my taste buds woke up or something.
JOE-35
(quietly)
That’s not the only thing that’s waking up.
Under the table, Annie-35’s foot is now in Joe-35’s lap, teasing him.
INT. WOODVILLE 1992- ANNIE AND JOE’S BATHROOM
Annie-35 is getting ready for bed, wearing a casual short nighty and looking at herself in the mirror with wonder. She feels her arms, her legs. She talks quietly to herself.
ANNIE-35
Wow, I was in good shape. Why was I always so worried?
She peaks down her top.
ANNIE-35
Not bad for nursing three kids.
(pause)
Two kids.
Now Annie-35 is troubled. She stares at her eyes in the mirror, as if looking for a trace of Annie-60.
JOE-35 (O.C.)
Annie, you coming to bed?
Annie-35 looks towards the bedroom, then back in the mirror.
ANNIE-35
Please Sarita, please, if it’s up to you, please let me stay a little longer.
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! You’re a kind of hero, you rescue people. 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-35 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-35 smiles and reluctantly moves just an inch away.
INT. WOODVILLE 1992, JOE AND ANNIE CABIN, KIDS ROOM-MIDNIGHT
Annie-35 is watching Erin-10 sleep from her doorway, then she quietly closes the door and lets herself silently in to Hunter-8’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
PLACEHOLDER- That was on Taylor’s 2nd album in like 2005 She’s 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-45 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-45’s bedroom door opens, letting in a wedge of light and Maggie-5 slips in.
Annie-45 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.
Annie-45 begins to sing quietly to baby Maggie the song ‘I Will’ by the Beatles (or a tune with similar type lyrics)
ANNIE-45
…For if I ever saw you, I didn’t catch your name, But it never really mattered, I will always feel the same, Love you forever and forever, Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we’re together
Love you when we’re apart…
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 CABIN, 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
Called out of work, needed to go 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. We will calm her down, 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..so much 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 to her time.
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
Doctor Richards… 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 Annie-35.
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. Uhh.. 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. Oh..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)
It’s not just the dreams. There’s a scar.
MARY-LOU-45
A 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 through your concerns 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
(In color) 1982 Annie-25 and Joe-25 dancing silly at their wedding
INSERT Memory Scene 10
(In B&W) 1995- Sean-37 sitting at a campfire singing a song to Annie-37, Hunter-10 and Erin-12
INSERT Memory Scene 11
(In color) 1990- Annie-32 and Joe-32 teaching Hunter-5 and Erin-7 how to ski.
INSERT Memory Scene 12
(In color) 1962- Annie-5 celebrating her 5th birthday with a cake mother Mary-35 is presenting her. Her father is taking pictures. All are very happy.
INSERT Memory Scene 13
(In B&W)-2003 Erin-18’s High School graduation. From stage she looks wistfully out at the audience. Annie-43 and Hunter-16 sit next to an empty chair.
Annie starts swiping through the memory swarm faster and faster.
ANNIE-35
Where is Maggie? 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 steps back from the memory swarm.
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 tomorrow morning right after Joe leaves for work. A logging truck loses it’s brakes and smashes into Joe’s truck at the bottom of the hill. 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-45, who is looking very concerned.
ANNIE-35
It’s happening isn’t it. I’m going to be like my mother.
MARY-LOU-45
No. 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 went through it at such a young age. It’s been a lot of years, but it lingers. They call it post traumatic stress disorder. I’m guessing that there was likely something that triggered your fears about those painful 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 45 slowly shakes her head no.
MARY-LOU-55
But I think it would be a good idea if you went into therapy. I am going to call a friend of mine who works with PTSD 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, and allow you to sleep tonight, just delay Joe a bit from leaving the house. Give him an extra big kiss, or something. No harm in that.
EXT. ANNIE AND JOE’S CABIN, WOODVILLE 1992-
It’s just dark as Annie pulls up to the cabin. Joe’s blue truck is in the driveway. She looks through the front window and sees Joe-35, Erin-10, and Hunter-8 milling around getting ready for dinner. She smiles.
ANNIE-35
My family. I’m so lucky.
Her eyes travel over to Joe’s truck and her face grows concerned. She closes her eyes tight and shakes her head, opens her eyes, and wipes away the tear. Then shakes it off and smiles again.
INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S CABIN, 1992 LIVING ROOM CONT.
Annie-35 enters the cabin and quickly hangs her coat and purse on the rack, then puts her keys on the key hook that hangs near the door.
ERIN-10
Mom! Dad got pizza!
Annie-35 sees Joe’s keys hanging there as well. She hesitates.
JOE-35
You better hurry, I got you Canadian bacon and pineapple and Hunter has already claimed three pieces.
Annie-35 glances over and sees that Joe-35’s back is to her so she quickly takes his keys and slips them into her purse. She whispers to herself.
ANNIE-35
Peace of mind.
INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S BEDROOM-1992, EVENING
Joe-35 and Annie-35 are in the cozy aftermath. Annie-35 is more relaxed-for the moment.
JOE-35
I didn’t get a chance to ask you earlier, how did the visit with your Mom go?
ANNIE-35
She, she wasn’t responsive. It was pretty hard to see..see someone you love in that way.
JOE-35
Oh honey, I’m so sorry.
ANNIE-35
That’s why I was so late. I went to Aunt Mary-Lou’s afterwards. She um, helped talk me through, through all the, trauma of it. She says there’s a name for it too. I might talk to a friend of hers about it.
Joe-35 is starting to drift off.
JOE-35
What ever you need to do. I’m glad you have Mary Lou in your life.
ANNIE-35
Yes. She helps me understand the things…(tiny whisper) I see.
Joe is asleep and doesn’t hear the last part.
INT. WOODVILLE- 1992- DREAM STATE
Annie-35 is asleep and dreaming. It is similar to her dream from earlier, but starts with her in her bed with Sean, his back to her. There is no background other than the bed. Annie-40 is cradling baby Maggie and whisper singing to her a Beatles tune (or something with similar lyrics).
ANNIE-40
Love you forever and forever, love you with all my heart, love you whenever we’re together, love you when we’re apart…
Suddenly baby Maggie begins to cry. Annie-40 tries to comfort her, but she just cries louder. Maggie begins to turn grey. Annie is frantic.
ANNIE-40
No, NO! Oh Maggie, I love you… don’t go..I will love you forever!
Baby Maggie continues to turn grey, still crying, then begins to dissolve into grey particles. Annie-40 tries to hold on to her.
ANNIE-40
Maggie! I will like you for always..as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be. Oh don’t go! Maggie!
The grey particles swarm off until they are out of sight, leaving Annie with an empty blanket. She is inconsolable.
INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S BEDROOM, 1992, LATE EVENING CONT.
Annie wakes with a start, her face wet with tears, trying to stifle a scream. Her hand then goes to her lower abdomen, where she tries to feel the scar. She can’t feel it. Annie quickly gets out of bed, throws a bathrobe on and goes into the bathroom, turning on the light.
INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S BATHROOM, 1992, CONT.
Annie-35, bathrobe opened, night gown up, is looking down for her scar. We only see her from the waist up.
ANNIE-35
It’s gone!
INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S CABIN, LIVING ROOM, 1992, LATE EVE. MOMENTS LATER
Annie-35 is pacing erratically. She grabs her address book from her purse and crosses to the phone. She huddles on the couch and calls Mary-Lou-45 who after the 4th ring answers sleepily.
MARY-LOU-45 (O.C.)
Hello?
ANNIE-35
(whispering)
You said there would be no harm. But there would be.
MARY-LOU-45 (O.C.)
What?
ANNIE-35
That there will be no harm if I stop the accident tomorrow. But if I do, I will never meet Sean. And Maggie will never be born.
MARY-LOU-45 (O.C.)
Slow down honey. Say that again?
ANNIE-35
The scar is gone!! I dreamed of her, of Maggie, she turned grey and just, just dissolved like she never was!
MARY-LOU-45 (O.C.)
Okay, so this was a dream you said. Just a dream-
ANNIE-35
Before I went to sleep last night, I hid Joe’s keys, to stop the accident. And now the scar is gone! That will change everything! Everything!
MARY-LOU-45
Annie, take a breath-
ANNIE-35
You don’t understand. I have to choose. I have to decide. If I save Joe tomorrow, Maggie will never be. I have to choose. Joe, or Maggie!! How can I possibly do that?
Annie breaks down into quiet sobs.
MARY-LOU-45
Annie, listen to me. There will be no accident tomorrow. This is your trauma making you think you can fix something that, that isn’t real. There is no decision for you to make. There is no Sean, no Maggie.
ANNIE-35
How do you know? Can you promise me 100 percent? How do I know for sure for sure?
MARY-LOU-45
Honey, I’m guessing you haven’t had much sleep in the last few nights. Why don’t you go back to bed and try some of those breathing exercises and we’ll talk about this in the morning.
Annie takes a shaky breath and pretends to be calm.
ANNIE-35
I’m sorry I woke you. You’re right, you’re right. Just bad dreams. I will call you tomorrow.
Annie hangs up quickly. Suddenly she crosses over to a pile of school notebooks on the kitchen table and rips out a page from a notebook. She sits down and begins to write.
INT. ANNIE AND JOE’S KITCHEN, 1992, EARLY AM.
The sky is only just beginning to lighten out the window. Annie-35 has been writing a time line. The timeline of her other life.
INSERT TIMELINE
September 1992-Sean is working at ?
November 1995- Move to Ludlow, Mass,
December 1995- start work at the bakery in Ludlow
January 1995- Meet Sean at Music Night at Erin/Hunter’s School.
Feb 1995-First Date with Sean at Hot Tuna Concert
June 1995- Buy the bakery
August 1997- Marry Sean
January 1998- Sean starts band Finger Licks
March 1998- Maggie is born
June 2003- Erin graduates from Ludlow HS
September 2003- Erin enters Columbia
June 2005- Hunter graduates from Ludlow HS
August 2005- Hunter leaves for walkabout
Annie-35 is tapping her pen next to one of the timeline entries for September 1992. Finally she replaces the ? with ‘Sean starts work as music teacher at Ludlow High School’. She looks up at the clock, it now says 5:05 am. She picks up the phone and dials 411.
ANNIE-35
Ludlow Massachusetts. Ludlow High School.
ANNIE-35
Thank you.
Annie hangs up and dials the number.
STAFF (O.C.)
Ludlow High School.
ANNIE-35
Huh, yes, good morning. Is, is there a Sean O’Neill there please?
There is a pause.
SEAN-35 (O.C.)
This is Sean.
Annie gasps and hangs up.
ANNIE-35
He’s real, Maggie’s real. Oh Maggie, my baby.
Annie jumps up and runs over to the rack where her purse is, grabs Joe’s keys out and places them back where they belong. Then she collapses to her knees.
Act 3:
-
-
Margaret has completed Act 2
What I learned: Writing fast allows your mind to free up, new scenes come to mind as I am not set on a structure (outline).
Beginning: Jabe sees a Bullied Donek
Middle: Jabe confronts Akuji
End: Jabe realizes he has changed
EXT. TOWN – DAY
A smiling Jabe wanders the street, window shopping. He stops cold when he sees Akuji, red aura, has backed a BULLIED DONEK against a wall.
BULLIED DONEK
I’m not troubling you, leave me be!
AKUJI
Your existence troubles me!
Jabe mutters to himself.
JABE
Second thought, don’t bring it on.
Jabe comes up behind Akuji just in time to catch Akuji’s arm from delivering a blow to the Bullied Donek.
Akuji jerks his arm away from Jabe, notices his aura.
AKUJI
You! You! Imbecile! You have no idea what you have don.! I will inform Armann and he will order your death! Run. Go on, run away!
Jabe’s aura brightens. He smiles.
JABE
I don’t think so.
Jabe sets himself to fight Akuji.
Akuji’s anger keeps him from leaving.
SMACK!
Akuji throws a punch that lands on Jabe’s open palm. Jabe closes his large hand around Akuji’s small one, pushes back.
THUD!
The Bullied Donek moves out of the way as Akuji’s body hits the wall.
Akuji slides down the wall as Jabe moves over, puts his arm around the Bullied Donek.
JABE
(to Akuji)
Want you to understand this. This man is my friend. All of the Donek are my friends and I will not let you harm them. Understand?
Akuji doesn’t meet Jabe’s eyes. He scrambles to his feet.
AKUJI
We’ll see what Armann has to say about that!
Akuji takes off running, in the direction of the Donek sector.
Jabe watches him go, then touches his own aura.
JABE
Who am I and what happened to the Jabe I know?
Beginning: Ankuji shows up at Armann’s door
Middle: Ankuji tells Armann that Jabe is now Donek
End: Armann calls for the Hedeon to gather
INT. ARMANN’S HOME – DAY
Akuji rushes into Armann’s home with barely a knock. Armann looks up from his chair, his purple aura turns red.
ARMANN
I don’t remember inviting you in. I think it is time I teach you some respect.
Armann signals for his Guards, who grab Akuji by his arms.
Akuji screeches.
AKUJI
Let me be! I have news! News!
Armann signals for the guards to let Akuji go free.
Akuji straightens his clothes, but waits for Armann to signal him to come closer.
Armann doesn’t signal, waits to see what Akuji will do.
Akuji stays in his place, trembling red.
An amused Armann finally signals for him to come.
Miffed, Ankuji stands before Armann, lips tightly closed.
ARMANN
(annoyed)
Your news?
Akuji puffs his chest out.
AKUJI
The big man who was here? He now is a Donek. Saw it with my own eyes.
Armann jumps up, dark red, moves into Akuji’s space.
ARMANN
Summon the Hedeon! Now!
Ankuji scurries away to do his bidding.
Beginning: Mob heads towards Donek temple.
Middle: Mob throws torches
End: Hedeon watch as the Donek temple burns
EXT. TOWN – NIGHT
The Hedeon move through the dark streets, a mob group holding torch like candles, led by Armann.
They move through the crosswalk towards the Donek sector.
EXT. DONEK TEMPLE – NIGHT – SAME
The Hedeon stop before older building sporting a picture of a circle filled with light on its front door.
ARMANN
Burn it!
The Hedeon throw their torches, watch as the building burns.
-
EXT. HEDEON TEMPLE – DAY
Jabe and Imara stand in front of the smoldering temple. Completely burned to the ground, wisps of smoke play with their shimmering aura.
IMARA
He won’t stop.
JABE
Who?
IMARA
Armann. He won’t stop.
Jabe tries to comfort the distraught woman.
JABE
Nah. He is just showing off his strength. He won’t go after the Donek sector.
IMARA
This IS the Donek sector! I know him, he won’t stop!
Imara’s tears start as she studies the temple ground. Jabe is
JABE
Heh, heh now. Don’t be crying or anything. You’ll be O.K. Didn’t I say I was your brother? I got you!
IMARA
You can’t do anything. You don’t understand how powerful he is. I thought that by escaping here he couldn’t touch me, but…
JABE
He hurt you?
Imara studies Jabe, unsure how much to tell him.
IMARA
Let’s just say I thought only of myself, then. I didn’t care about the Donek or the Hedeon. I just wanted to be safe. I should have…
Jabe encourages her to continue.
JABE
…shoulda what?
Jabe backs up, hands in the air.
JABE
I mean, tell me only if you want to. I was just curious, I mean, if you don’t want me to ask, I won’t. I know sometimes I say too much, but, I don’t know. O.K. So nevermind then, forget I asked.
Imara smirks at his clumsy attempt to apologize for prying.
IMARA
Grigo is my son, Jabe.
JABE
Yeah, I kinda of figured when he started yelling.
Imara grabs Jabe’s arms.
IMARA
He was anxious? He was yelling? Did Armann hurt him?
Jabe backs up.
JABE
No! Nothing like that. Grigo just wanted to see you is all. He asked Armann to let you see him.
Imara turns her back on Jabe.
IMARA
I should have taken him with me. I should have.
JABE
Heh, we all do things we wish we could forget. He doesn’t hold it against you. First thing he asked when he met me was if I know you.
Imara turns back to Jabe.
IMARA
First thing?
JABE
Yeah, first thing.
Imara sighs, turns back to view the temple.
IMARA
We have to figure out a way to stop him. He has Hedeon finding excuses to kill Donek every day.
JABE
Why don’t the Donek move away?
Imara shakes her head.
IMARA
Never has been a need until now. The Hedeon and Donek have lived peacefully for generations. The Donek were even in control over the Hedeon at one point.
JABE
Aren’t there other cities, other than this one? Other countries?
IMARA
We are isolated on all sides by ocean, it would be difficult to leave.
JABE
An island? This is an island? Any airports?
IMARA
What is that?
JABE
(surprised)
I can’t believe this! O.K., besides the town and the sectors where people live, what else is there here?
IMARA
Ebba.
JABE
Taaba lives there?
Imara laughs.
IMARA
Where did you grow up? In a cave somewhere?
JABE
You have caves here?
IMARA
Some on Ebba.
JABE
So what is this Ebba? Could we go there?
ALO’S HOME – DAY
An animated Jabe eats with Alo and Imara.
JABE
I tell you, it sounds perfect!
ALO
But is it the will of Taaba?
Jabe hits his chest.
JABE
I feel it! Just like you said I would! I will help you, but we should do this now, before the Donek grow weaker.
IMARA
Jabe is right, Alo. I know Armann. Once he makes a move to destroy something or someone, he doesn’t stop.
Alo sighs, puts his head in his hands.
ALO
It has come to this, then.
JABE
We can do this, Alo. If this Ebba place is self-sustaining, we can just live there in peace, away from the murdering Hedeon.
Alo bows his head, meditates for a beat, then lifts sad eyes to Jabe and Imara.
ALO
The will of Taaba. I will speak to the Donek then.
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