Lesson 18

[Alfred Dunham]

Alfred Dunham – Lesson 18

DRAFT 2

RENEE – Traits

prissy, devious, outgoing, conformist

SUBTEXT: Renee is a devious person who believes she is entitled to win at any cost.

MAXINE -Traits

tricky, <s>snobbish</s> (changed to secretive), paranoid, emotionally wounded.

SUBTEXT: Maxine is a tricky woman who plots to get what she wants.

SITUATION: One person promises the other that they can keep a secret, but really didn’t.

SCENE ARC:

1. From: The promise confirmed.

2. To: The other person discovering the secret is out.

LOGLINE: A devious woman, hoping to convince her friend that she is worthy of the Pastor’s love, paints her friend into every corner but the right one.

ESSENCE: When minding one’s own business is golden.

SCENE: RENEE vs. MAXINE

******

EXT. CITY PARK – DAY

Renee observes Maxine emerging from the Planned Parenthood clinic, across the street – watches.

Maxine approaches Rene.

Renee puts an arm around Maxine.

RENEE

Are you okay, Maxie?

MAXINE

Yeah, I’m fine. Why?

Renee nods in the direction of the clinic.

RENEE

You know – Are you sure? You can tell me.

MAXINE

Of course, I’m sure.

RENEE

Then why were you crying?

(beat)

Are you pregnant?

MAXINE

No, Renee. I am not.

RENEE

Then why that place? You know it’s forbidden.

MAXINE

Because they have a female doctor.

RENEE

Is that important?

MAXINE

It is if you don’t like some strange man poking around in — well that’s up to you, but it is to me.

RENEE

But he’s a Doctor, Maxie.

MAXINE

Fine. I still don’t trust him.

RENEE

Oh, no. Sweet Jesus, no. What are you saying? Are you —

(whispers)

–The G-word?

RENEE

Oh, please, Renee. Give it up.

RENEE

Well, Pastor Jim Bob says that place is a den of iniquity —

MAXINE

Dam it, Renee. I know what the Pastor says.

RENEE

Well, okay, but you don’t have to swear at me. I’m. just trying to keep myself pure for –

MAXINE

(interrupting)

You have the hots for Jim Bob?

RENEE

I wouldn’t put it that way.

MAXINE

I give up. Are you sure you can keep a secret?

RENEE

You have to ask?

MAXINE

Well, yeah. It’s personal.

RENEE

I won’t tell a soul. You can trust me on this. Okay?

MAXINE

It’s just… I’ve been told I can’t have children, too many times, now.

RENEE

(gasps)

I am so sorry. I didn’t know –

MAXINE

It’s what it is, Renee. I’ll just have to live with it.

RENEE

But I know you want children.

(beat)

I’ll pray for you. Someday… you will have a family. I just know it.

MAXINE

Thank you, Renee. I still love you – and no, not that way.

RENE

I’m sorry Maxine, but I need to go.

Renee leaves but she does not go far.

Maxine takes a bench seat and watches the children play in the play area.

Partially hidden by park trees, Renee whips out her cell phone and punches-in numbers.

PASTOR JIM BOB, (36), is a jovial, clean-cut, pastor-type person.

INTERCUT — TELEPHONE CONVERSATION

RENEE

Pastor? This is Rene.

PASTOR

Yes?

RENEE

I’m worried. I just watched Maxine leave Planned Parenthood. She was crying.

PASTOR

Why?

RENEE

She said it was because the Doctor said she couldn’t have children.

PASTOR

Why?

RENEE

I don’t know. I don’t believe her. What should we do?

PASTOR

Nothing. Renee. I’ll talk with her.

END OF PHONE CONVERSATION

LATER

Maxine, still watching the children play, is joined by Pastor Jim Bob.

He avoids getting too close – sits a bit far from her.

PASTOR

Someone called and said they saw you leaving Planned Parenthood… crying.

MAXINE

Renee told you about that? She promised she would keep it a secret.

PASTOR

A secret? What secret? Why were you crying?

Maxine laughs

MAXINE

Oh, Bobby. I was just so happy; after all those bad diagnoses in the past, I couldn’t help myself.

PASTOR

Maxine?

MAXINE

(giggles)

Yeah. I’m pregnant.

Pastor Jim Bob laughs – delighted.

PASTOR

Maybe Renee needs to be taught a lesson.

(whispers)

Don’t look, but she’s just behind us, trying to hide.

MAXINE

Yes. She’s very nosey.

Pastor Jim Bob scoots close to Maxine, puts his arms around her, and kisses her with passion.

Renee, from her somewhat hidden spot, looks on in horror.

PASTOR

There. That should confuse her.

Maxine laughs.

PASTOR

Maxine – Sweetheart –?

MAXINE

Yes, my husband —

Maxine pulls a wedding band out of her purse.

MAXINE

— I think I’m ready to wear this now.

Pastor Jim Bob places the ring on her finger where it belongs.

PASTOR

You’re sure you’re okay with this, now?

MAXINE

Yes. I’m sorry for being so paranoid, before, but being a pastor’s wife is not an easy thing to be… being judged by all those other women in the church. I was scared. I know how awful some of them can be.

PASTOR

You’ll do fine. I love you. Maybe it’s time we tell the church about our private marriage, with our families – and then the world.

Maxine

Yes.

PASTOR

I think I just saw Renee run off. Maybe I should have a talk with her.

MAXINE

Yes. I was a bit hard on her, but she is such a prissy busybody.