Lesson 20

[Pat GALBRAITH Galbraith]

ASSIGNMENT 20

Subject line: Pat’s Completed Act 3

What I learned doing this assignment is more emphasis on structure.

Outline scene 3

Act III

MIDDLE new ways for change

INT. HANK’S HOUSE – DAY

Elaine begins to take calls from Hank. Elaine is cautious. Hank ask her to go with him to a conference.

HANK

Elaine what are you doing Friday night? I’ve got a special teacher conference for school and can take a date.

ELAINE

Sorry Hark, I’ve got plans for Friday. Maybe next time.

Elaine hangs up the phone thinking she had to do it.

INT. MARRIAGE SCHOOL – DAY

Hank continues to attend the marriage school. The students like Hank now.

INT. HANK’S HOUSE – DAY.

Hank continues to operate his marriage counseling business out of his house. As Hank shows a couple out.

HANK

Thanks for coming, so glad I could help.

CLIENT

Thank you, we love coming here Mr. Bonner.

INT. CAR/HANKS OFFICE – DAY

Carrot top calls Hank from her car.

Intercut:

HANK

Mom?

CARROT TOP

I need to tell you something.

HANK

Can’t it wait? Got an appointment lined up they’ll be here any minute.

CARROT TOP

This won’t take a minute. I’ve found the love of my life. Met him yesterday at the grocery store. He’s a real peach. I’ll bring him by to meet you soon. Talk later.

Hank stares into the phone as she hangs up.

HANK

Mom?

INT. HANKS OFFICE – DAY

Rosy and Max sit in Hank’s office. Hank enters and apologizes for being late.

HANK

Sorry folks, been a busy day.

ROSY

Your day to be a turtle, I Guess?

Hank grins.

HANK

So where did we leave off, the hare and the turtle right.

MAX

That’s about right.

HANK

How did things go?

Max looks over to Rosy.

MAX

Certainly, do see where she came from. That rabbit girl don’t stop.

HANK

Isn’t that a good thing, Mr. Barton.

MAX

I can’t keep up with her if I’m a turtle.

HANK

The idea was to give you more time for foreplay. Let’s try this, go home and both of you be turtles, that way she’ll have time to warm up and you want be a runaway rabbit, Max.

They leave holding hands.

Hank decides to call Elaine to discuss their problems.

Intercut:

HANK

Elaine, how are you doing?

ELAINE

I’m doing ok. You?

HANK

I just wanted to hear your voice.

ELAINE

You ok Hank?

HANK

I really, really do miss my cuddle buddy. We were so good together.

ELAINE

So, Rosy and Max have just been in?

HANK

How’d you know?

ELAINE

You always get cuddly buddy after they leave.

HANK

They are a cute couple always playing the sex tricks I suggest.

ELAINE

Hank, I saw you at the bar with that young girl.

HANK

She’s a schoolmate. She was there to meet someone and just came over for a minute.

HANK

And you who is the new man in your life. Mr. Wonderful.

ELAINE

I don’t have a new man.

HANK

He answered your phone on the day you invited me to the Bistro.

Elaine takes a minute to remember.

ELAINE

Hank, I can’t believe that you would think I would go out on you.

She hangs up the phone discussed.

INT. CAR/OFFICE – DAY

Carrot Top calls from her car.

CARROT TOP

Hey Hank wanted to catch you before you got off. Would tonight be a good night to meet Peachy.

HANK

Kind of short notice. What time?

CARROT TOP

About 8?

HANK

Do we need food?

CARROT TOP

No we’ll just be there a few minutes you know to get acquainted. Then we’ll rush off to the drive in.

HANK

Is this a serious relationship mom? Or a fling?

CARROT TOP

It’s serious for me so just be nice, ok?

INT. HANKS HOUSE – NIGHT

The doorbell rings. Hank opens the door and is surprised by a nice looking fellow. Hank’s hair is still wet from his shower.

HANK

Come on in, I was just taking a bath.

CARROT TOP

So, you’ll smell good too.

Hank shakes his head.

HANK

Nice to meet you.

SAM

I’m Sam Wilson,

Mr. Bonner. Your Mom has told me all about you.

HANK

Well, I’m not surprised by that. Come on in, take a seat sir.

SAM

I understand you’re a marriage counselor?

HANK

Yes, I work with people to get their marriages back on track.

SAM

Your mom has told me about the couple you suggest tricks too and they play along. Maybe you can

suggest some tricks for me and Carrot Top.

HANK

You do know she’s, my mother?

SAM

Just joking son.

HANK

Besides she knows a lot of tricks herself. Don’t worry about that.

INT. HANKS HOUSE – DAY

Carrot Top visits Hanks to see how he liked Sam.

CARROT TOP

How do you like my boyfriend Hank?

HANK

His pretty nice looking.

CARROT TOP

I mean his personality.

HANK

He’s a funny guy.

CARROT TOP

Is he someone you could get along with, I guess is what I’m asking?

HANK

If he makes you happy mom. That’s all that matters to me.

Carrot Top hugs her son.

CARROT TOP

How’s Elaine?

HANK

She totally shut me out. I might as well give up. That’s what she wants.

CARROT TOP

You’re giving up to soon. Go for what you want Hank.

EXT. HANK’S MAILBOX – DAY

Hank receives mail from the county.

HANK

This can’t be good.

He rips the envelope open to find a $10,000 fine for operating in his house.

HANK

Just when things are going so well. Thankfully I have a date with Elaine and things are going good.

INT. HANK’S HOUSE – DAY

Hank decides to call Elaine to see if she’ll meet him at the Bistro.

HANK

Elaine, honey could you meet me at the Bistro. I’ve had a lot of bad news and need to talk to you. You’re the only one that can console me.

ELAINE

Hank, something’s come up. I won’t be able to go out tonight.

Hank sinks down on his bed.

HANK

What’s going on Elaine? I thought we might get on track.

ELAINE

You’ve disappointed me, Hank. I just can’t start
this again.

Hank hears the phone click. Hank hangs up the
phone in tears.

[Tasha Espinoza]

Tasha’s Completed Act 3

Doing this assignment, I learned: it’s okay to let the characters talk even though a conversation might take pages and pages. Just get their words and thoughts down so you know the essence of the conversation.

Act 3:

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Bethany stands at the order counter. On the staff-side of the counter, Amy leans against an espresso maker with her hands across her chest, shaking her head.

BETHANY

Well, say something.

AMY

I already knew you had a demon attached to you.

BETHANY

You did?

AMY

Yeah, I just didn’t realize you had two. That Deacon guy is a real piece of work. And who the hell keeps the name Deacon when they’re a priest.

BETHANY

Deacon is actually his first name.

AMY

He should change it.

BETHANY

I don’t know what to do. Normally I would talk this stuff over with him.

AMY

Because he’s like your best friend who just so happens to be actively destroying your love life. Most likely.

Bethany nods sadly.

BETHANY

I guess.

AMY

Well, I can think of a couple things to do off the top of my head, but they include acts of violence. And it’s hard to talk about your BFF when he’s standing right there.

Bethany turns and sees Deacon Anders standing at the entrance of the coffee shop.

Amy leans in close to Bethany’s ear.

AMY

(whisper)

Don’t let the Black Deacon get too close. Who knows what else he plans to do to you.

(louder)

Latte coming right up. Have a seat.

Bethany sees an empty table nearby and sits at it.

Deacon Anders walks over to the table and jovially plops down in the seat opposite her.

DEACON ANDERS

Bethany! I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. How are you?

BETHANY

I’m doing fine.

DEACON ANDERS

Well, that’s great. You must be busy, I haven’t heard from you about next month’s newsletter. I was so looking forward to our little brainstorming sesh.

BETHANY

Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve been sort of busy.

DEACON ANDERS

Dating I assume.

BETHANY

No, just visiting some old friends.

DEACON ANDERS

Friends?

He looks at her long and hard, a light smirk at the corner of this mouth.

DEACON ANDERS
Well good. I know it’s hard to hear, but Bethany, I just hate to see your little heart be put through the ringer time and time again. It’s good you’re taking a break. Just as long as you’re doing something with your time and staying out of trouble. Idle hands and what not. I wouldn’t want you poking your nose in other people’s business or trespassing out of boredom.

Bethany stays quiet.

DEACON ANDERS

Now I understand from Hazel that you dropped by the rectory today.

BETHANY

Yes, I wanted to say hi. Like you said, it’s been a while. But she said you were busy and I didn’t want to disturb you.

DEACON ANDERS

That was very considerate of you.

Deacon Anders stands up.

DEACON ANDERS

I really should be going, I just saw you in here and I wanted to pop in.

He pushes his chair in.

DEACON ANDERS

Be well. And I’m really proud of you for taking a break from dating and giving that horrendous dating site a rest.

Deacon Anders turns to leave.

BETHANY

Oh, I’m still active on the site.

Deacon Anders turns back around.

BETHANY

For when I’m done taking my break.

Deacon Anders drops his arms by his side and he takes on a look of concern.

DEACON ANDERS

How disappointing. I really wish you would look out for yourself better.

BETHANY

I’m the only one who looks out for me. I’m sorry for keeping you.

DEACON ANDERS

What?

BETHANY

Don’t you have to be going?

DEACON ANDERS

Yes. Yes I do. Hope to see you around church soon.

Bethany smiles but doesn’t say anything.

Bethany watches Deacon Anders as he leaves. She doesn’t notice Amy approaching the table.

Amy sits down in the seat Deacon Anders just vacated.

She makes a face.

AMY

Ew. Warm.

Bethany grimaces.

AMY

So I realized I know someone who can help you.

BETHANY

Really? Thank you. Who?

AMY

His name’s Koju. He’s a regular. Comes in pretty often. Runs a Spiritual Center. I’ve taken a few classes there. He might know what to do about your demon.

BETHANY

He’s not my demon. I don’t own him. I didn’t conjure him.

AMY

No, but I think we both have a hunch who did.

Bethany raises an eyebrow.

AMY

Here.

She shows Bethany her phone. On the screen is a website for [Insert Name here] wellness center.

AMY

This is the center. It’s close by.

BETHANY

Can you give me his number? Or like contact him for me?

AMY

Actually, I have a way better idea. Give me your phone.

Bethany gives Amy her phone.

AMY

What’s the name of that dating app you use.

BETHANY

[Insert name of app]. Why?

Amy clicks on the app and accesses Bethany’s profile.

AMY

Ah, there you are.

She does a quick search.

AMY

And here’s Koju. If I wasn’t into girls, I said hell yes to that picture.

Bethany leans over the table and cranes her head to see a very attractive guy with washboard abs.

Amy types out a message.

AMY

(typing on [Insert Dating App]}

Hey, you’re cute. Wanna meet up on Friday night?

Send.

Bethany scrambles for her phone. Amy hands it to her.

BETHANY

Omigod! What did you just do? I need to ask him for spiritual advice, not a date!

Amy types on her own phone.

AMY

Calm down. I’m texting with him now and explaining to him about the whole thing, the possession, the evil Deacon, all that.

BETHANY

Why?

AMY

To see if Koju gets an email from Deacon Anders.

BETHANY

It still might not be him.

AMY

It’s him alright. Besides, Koju will need to see it if he’s going to help you.

BETHANY

I would have shown him.

AMY

Yeah, but setting a trap is more fun.

Bethany stares at her wide-eyed, rethinking her selection of temporary friend when she hears a PING on her phone.

AMY

Looks like Koju said yes. You have yourself a hot date. Won’t the Deacon priest be pleased.

New plan:

INT. HEALING CENTER – DAY

Bethany enters through the front glass door of a commercial building in a strip mall. A string of bells JANGLE her arrival.

The center consists of an open main space bathed in calming earth tones and pastels. Most of the floor is taken up by a huge mat. The place is empty.

BETHANY

Is anyone here?

Koju, 32 y.o., tall, lean muscle, thick jaw-length hair, pulled back in a half ponytail walks in from a side room with a sign over it that says library.

He walks over to Bethany with quiet confidence.

KOJU

Bethany?

Bethany notices to her disappointment that unlike his dating profile picture, he’s wearing a shirt and swallows involuntarily.

BETHANY

Yes, hi. Um, did you receive a copy of the video?

KOJU

It hit my Inbox yesterday after you accepted my date.

BETHANY

I wasn’t sure, it usually gets sent out after the date.

KOJU

Well maybe he figured out how to hack your dating account so he can get the details upfront.

BETHANY

As opposed to following me to the restaurant and eavesdropping from a bush.

KOJU

And then rushing home to do an internet search.

Koju smiles.

BETHANY

Yeah.

KOJU

Yeah.

BETHANY

You seem relaxed around me. Did you watch it?

KOJU

Yes.

BETHANY

What did you think?

Koju takes her hands in his. They are big and warm and so comforting.

KOJU

I think that whatever it is, you’ve been put through the ringer and you need help and guidance.

BETHANY

So you don’t believe I was possessed?

KOJU

I believe you believe you were possessed.

BETHANY

If only it were mental illness. That’s a lot less scarier.

KOJU

I disagree. But…

Koju raises his hands and gently cups her face. He gazes into her eyes.

KOJU

We can help you here. We believe that the road to any type of healing begins with one’s spiritual [insert woo woo term].

Bethany gazes into his eyes.

BETHANY

I want to roll my eyes, but your hands are kind of making it hard.

Koju removes his hands gently.

KOJU

Why do you want to roll your eyes?

BETHANY

One’s spiritual [woo woo term]? I’m sorry, but it sounds so hokey.

KOJU

Any more hokey than what your church taught you?

BETHANY

I guess not.

KOJU

And did any of that stuff end up helping? Amy filled me in about that Deacon guy. All the dead roses. And what priest calls himself Deacon.

BETHANY

It’s his name.

KOJU

Maybe he should use his middle name. I do.

BETHANY

Your name’s not Koju?

KOJU

My middle name is. My first name is Jeff.

BETHANY

Jeff Koju?

KOJU

And it usually gets that kind of reaction, so don’t go spreading it around.

BETHANY

Did Amy tell you that I think I’m being harassed again by Demon 23.

KOJU

Demon 23? Why do you call it that?

BETHANY

I don’t know. It’s just what we’ve always called it.

KOJU

Fair enough.

BETHANY

So you still think you can help me?

KOJU

Well, we’ve never dealt with a person who thought they were being–what–haunted by a demon per say, but yeah, I think we can. Who couldn’t use a beefed up sense of spirituality when dealing with their demons.

BETHANY

It’s not my demon.

KOJU

I was speaking metaphorically.

BETHANY

Oh. So when do we begin?

KOJU

Let’s start by meeting the team that’s going to help you. Now, I have to say that a lot of our instructors are properly freaked out by this whole thing and declined to participate.

BETHANY

(interrupting)

Full out refused?

KOJU

Yes. But a few said they thought it was their duty to help you.

BETHANY

That’s very kind.

KOJU

(yelling towards the library)

Okay guys! I think it’s safe! You can come out!

SOLEIL, 24 y.o., short, bright pink dreads, spunky and earnest, walks out of the library. She’s followed by LINDA, 42 y.o. everything about her is skinny and long from her nose to her toes. Linda is followed by BOB, 56 y.o., a polo, pair of jeans and a grown out crew cut.

They stand in a line in front of Bethany.

Koju points at Linda.

KOJU

This is Linda. She’s a yoga and mediation master who has taken a vow of silence.

BETHANY

(interrupting)

Nice to meet you Linda.

Before she finishes her sentence, Bethany realizes that Koju has just said Linda has taken a vow of silence.

Linda smiles and nods.

Bethany stares at Koju.

Kojou points to Bob.

KOJU

This is Bob.

BOB

Hi there.

Bob steps out of line and shakes Bethany’s hand.

BOB

I do psychic vibration, visualization and protective projection.

Bob steps back in line.

Koju gestures to Soleil.

KOJU

This is Soleil. She specializes in Reiki.

Soleil presses her hands together in prayer and bows towards Bethany.

SOLEIL

I will use the life force to work through the heaviness that surrounds you.

BETHANY

That’s from my demon.

SOLEIL

I do feel a separate negative energy that is bringing you down, but I’m referring to your energy. You’re…spiritually constipated.

BETHANY

Thank you.

And finally Koju joins the line.

KOJU

And me. I will train you in Cosmic Mind telepathy. Together, we are going to try to do our best to help you spiritually. Like I said, your particular situation is new territory for us, but we can guarantee that whatever we try, it will always be with your best interest in mind. I don’t think Priest Deacon Anders can say as much.

BOB

(to Linda)

Priest Deacon Anders?

LINDA

(nonverbally)

I know, right?

SOLEIL

We are committed to helping you find love. Or at least be able to date normally.

BETHANY

And help get rid of my demon.

SOLEIL

Sure.

Bethany looks at the team–her team now, and smiles toothless as she tries not to shrug.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bethany and Bob sit crossed legged on the grass under a tree. Bethany is in yoga pants and a tank top. Bob is in jeans, a shirt and a flannel–dad on a lazy Sunday tooling around in the garage vibe.

BOB

It helps to be connected to the Earth when you first learn how to do this.

BETHANY

And touching the Earth with your butt is the best way? Couldn’t we stand?

BOB

The butt is the best way. The sphincter is the most absorbent part of your body?

BETHANY

Are you coming onto me?

BOB

Let’s begin.

INT. HEALING CENTER LIBRARY – DAY

Bethany sits at a long table.

Koju hands her a book.

Bethany reads the title of the book: Spiritual Self Realization – Recognizing Your Own Divine Being.

She looks up at him very dubiously.

Koju enthusiastically gestures for her to open it up and start reading.

She opens up the book and reluctantly reads it.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bethany, in a pair of shorts and an 80s hair-band t-shirt, stands under a tree.

Linda in white linen everything demonstrates tree pose for Bethany. Then indicates that Bethany try it.

Bethany attempts the pose but struggles to hold it. She attempts the pose repeatedly but loses her balance each time.

BETHANY

I can’t do it! I can’t hold my stupid balance.

Linda stares at her thoughtfully.

INT. HEALING CENTER – DAY

Bethany sits at a table across from Koju.

KOJU

[Insert explanation about how Cosmic Telepathy works]

Ok. So just reach out.

BETHANY

And describe the image you’re holding in your mind?

KOJU

Yes. Close your eyes.

Bethany closes her eyes. Right away she opens them up again.

BETHANY

Why do I need to learn this?

KOJU

To increase your spiritual [Something important to her pursuit at hand – maybe awareness].

BETHANY

It’s that simple, huh?

KOJU

Just close your eyes and concentrate.

Bethany closes her eyes.

KOJU

I have an image in my mind. Have you found it?

BETHANY

(eyes remain closed)

I think so.

KOJU

What is it?

BETHANY

A taco?

KOJU

Try again.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bethany tries tree pose and loses her balance again, grumbling in frustration.

Linda approaches as Bethany tries to get into the pose again.

Linda extends her hands and Bethany grabs her forearms as she pitches forward off balance.

Linda struggles with Bethany awkwardness for a second. Then she is able to help Bethany right herself. Bethany clings to Linda as she maintains tree pose.

Linda nods enthusiastically. She gently pulls one of her forearms out of Bethany’s grip and points with two fingers to her eyes indicating that Bethany should watch her.

Bethany wobbles as she watches Linda.

Linda inhales through her nose and exhales through her nose. She does this a couple times. Then she indicates to Bethany to do the same.

Bethany begins to inhale and exhale through her nose.

Soon they synchronize their breaths.

BETHANY

Don’t I need to be able to do this on my own?

Linda shakes her head no and indicates “later” with her hand.

Bethany wobbles and Linda lets her hold onto her second arm again.

INT. HEALING CENTER – DAY

Bethany’s breathing becomes more focused as she inhales and exhales through her nose.

KOJU

Center yourself and reach out. What do you see?

BETHANY

An orange?

KOJU

Are you hungry?

Bethany opens her eyes.

BETHANY

Have you ever been able to connect with anyone this way?

KOJU

I think so.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bethany and Bob sit crossed legged on the grass under a tree. They are dressed as before.

Bethany holds her hands up in front of her. Her eyes are closed tight. Her breathing is big and labored like she’s straining to pick up something heavy.

Bob looks at her and looks between her hands.

BOB

Is that all you got?

Bethany drops her arms.

BOB

A wall has to surround you if it’s going to protect you. And it has to be big. Try again.

Bethany raises her arms again.

BOB

Widen your arms. Think bigger.

INT. HEALING CENTER – DAY

Bethany lies on her back on a massage table with her eyes closed. She is in yoga pants and a t-shirt with characters from a children’s show on it.

Soleil stands over her, dressed a little bit like Stevie Nix. Her hands hover over Bethany’s feet.

SOLEIL

Your feet are metaphorically and literally the foundation of your spiritual self. The flow here is pretty good. I only have to direct the lifeforce over here minimally.

BETHANY

(mumbling)

Mmmmhmmm.

Soleil moves her hovering hands up Bethany’s legs.

SOLEIL

Good, legs feel open.

Soleil hovers her hands over Bethany’s belly.

SOLEIL

Oh.

She hovers her hands over her midsection.

SOLEIL

Okay. I’m starting to define the…

Soleil hovers her hands over Bethany’s heart.

SOLEIL

Oh wow!

Her hands linger over the heart.

SOLEIL

Let me see something.

Soleil moves her hands up the rest of Bethany’s body and hovers over her brain.

SOLEIL

Holy moly! This whole connection needs to be balanced!

She retraces the path from Bethany’s belly to her head.

SOLEIL

Okay. Okay. Here we go.

She hovers her hands back over Bethany’s belly, but this time they become locked in their hover.

Soleil grunts with great effort. She begins to sweat. She struggles as she pulls her hands slowly over Bethany’s body from her belly to her brain.

She performs this act over and over again, taking breaks here and there to sip tea or dab her brow.

At one point she takes a sip from her tea cup only to find the cup empty.

SOLEIL

(yelling)

I need more tea!

Koju comes running out of the library room with a hot kettle. He refills her cup.

Soleil takes a sip.

KOJU

How’s it going?

Soleil looks at him with exasperation.

KOJU

No need to yell. I’m going.

Koju leaves.

Soleil resumes her effort.

Finally, she is able to hover her hands smoothly from Bethany’s belly to brain and back again.

Soleil is completely spent.

SOLEIL

Oh my! I did it. You’re unblocked. I don’t know how I lasted, that was a doozy.

Bethany snores in response.

SOLEIL bumps the table hard enough to wake Bethany.

Bethany looks around sleepily.

SOLEIL

You’re way less blocked now.

Bethany smiles, not really understanding.

SOLEIL

You’re welcome.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bethany stands under a big tree in tree pose. She is in linen pants and a linen tank top. She keeps her balance unassisted.

Linda stands near her in her own linen ensemble. She demonstrates to Bethany how to wrap her arms together.

Bethany wraps her arms effortlessly.

Linda breathes in and out through her nose. Bethany nods and her breathing becomes very controlled.

Linda points to her eyes and closes them.

Bethany closes her eyes.

Linda opens her eyes and sees Bethany completely relaxed in tree pose. She smiles.

INT. HEALING CENTER – DAY

Bethany sits at the same table as before. Koju is on the other side.

KOJU

Ok I have it.

Bethany closes her eyes.

KOJU

Focus.

Bethany breathes in and out in a very controlled manner the way she did in her yoga session with Linda.

Bethany sees an image against a dark background.

BETHANY

Seriously? A bowl of rice. Is this last night’s dinner?

Koju watches her, surprised. He absentmindedly sips from a bottle of water.

Bethany stays with the image and the dark background gets clear enough for Bethany to see beyond the bowl of rice to the table it’s on and the television set playing behind it.

BETHANY

You watch The Real Housewives.

Koju blows out his water.

Bethany opens her eyes and looks at him as he chokes.

BETHANY

Are you okay?

KOJU

How the hell did you do that?

INT. HEALING CENTER LIBRARY – DAY

Bethany is glued to a book titled: Connecting to Your Inner God Power.

She stops reading to jot something down on a notepad.

Soleil stops by the table on the way to a shelf of books behind Bethany.

SOLEIL

How do you like the book?

BETHANY

It’s awesome! Deacon Anders never taught me any of this stuff. Thanks for the recommendation.

SOLEIL

Glad it resonates with you.

Soleil goes to pat her on her shoulder and hovers her hand over her head.

SOLEIL

Nice.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bob and Bethany sit cross-legged with their eyes closed.

Bob opens his eyes. He looks around him.

BOB

Very strong wall, Bethany.

Bethany turns and looks at him. She closes her eyes.

Bob jerks his head back a bit.

BOB

Well, you’re most welcome. Wow. Koju taught you well. I’ve never experienced such a strong telepathic thought from another person before. Between you and me, I thought it was bullshit.

Bob’s head jerks back again.

BOB

Don’t waste that kind of stuff on me. Why don’t you project all that peace, love and understanding jazz to someone else.

BETHANY

Brad.

BOB

Is Brad your fellow?

BETHANY

No.

BOB

Just the same.

Bethany concentrates.

BOB

Damn that was strong enough for me to feel it. He must mean something to you.

Bethany nods her head sadly.

BOB

Well, maybe one day you’ll mean something to him, too.

Bethany smiles.

BOB

Okay, let’s see how big we can make this wall.

Bethany closes her eyes and begins to concentrate.

INT. COFFEE SHOP

Bethany walks into the coffee shop. There’s no line so she heads straight to the order counter.

Amy looks up, sensing her before she arrives.

AMY

You’re different.

BETHANY

I am.

AMY

I sense power. And confidence. I suspect all that mystical crap is really upping your spiritual game.

BETHANY

You could say that.

AMY

But it’s not enough.

Bethany’s smile falls.

AMY
You still haven’t dealt with your demon.

BETHANY

Wow. I didn’t even notice it, but now that you mention it, I’ve been rather demon-free lately.

AMY

I don’t mean him. I mean your Deacon. That’s a bad apple. Either way. I think you’re gonna need this.

Amy pulls out a book. Its black leather is embossed with a twisted sharp pattern.

BETHANY looks at the title of the book: [Insert Dark Arts title here].

AMY

You’ve learned to master the light. You need to bone up a bit on the dark. You can handle it now.

BETHANY

I don’t want that.

AMY

Sooner or later, you’re going to have to face down your demons, both of them. You need to know how to handle the other side if you’re going to come out of it successfully. And what better way to do so than to have the answer key.

Amy opens the book to a spell that summons demons.

AMY

Flip through it. It will teach you what you need to know.

Amy closes the book and pushes it towards Bethany.

BETHANY

You want me to have it?

AMY

You can borrow it. As long as you need, but then bring it back to me.

Bethany stares at it, hesitant to even touch it.

BETHANY

I don’t know. Like I said, Demon 23 hasn’t made his presence known for a while. As for Deacon Anders, I stopped going to church.

AMY

Are you sure?

Amy’s sentence is interrupted by the book levitating 2 inches and then falling open on the countertop.

ANDREW

(walking by)

Saw that.

AMY

Not around anymore, huh? Let’s see what he’s trying to tell you.

Bethany and Amy look at the book.

AMY

The death mark. Do you think Deacon Anders is capable of marking you for death?

BETHANY

Highly unlikely. It says here he would have to mark me with a pentagram drawn in my own blood. And like I said, I don’t go to church anymore.

AMY

But a book just opened on its own, so we can still safely say you are being plagued by the supernatural.

BETHANY

Plagued?

AMY

Just take the book.

Bethany looks at the book, nods and closes it.

BETHANY

Thanks.

She slips it into her bag.

AMY

Thank me by clearing up your shit and bringing it back to me.

Bethany salutes Amy and leaves.

Amy shakes her head. Adam walks up to her and watches Bethany leave.

ADAM

What a weirdo.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Bethany and Koju sit on a bench. Koju has Amy’s spell book open on his lap. He studies it.

BETHANY

So what do I do?

Koju looks up from the book and gestures to it.

KOJU

So you can gain control over a demon by knowing its name. Once you say its name, you have “dominion” over it. There’s other ways to gain temporary control but this gives you absolute control and you can send it away.

BETHANY

Okay. How do I learn a demon’s name?

KOJU

Apparently this book provides one of the only spells that allows you to reveal demon names. It’s a pretty cocky book and toots its own horn a lot. It says other books may claim to have reveal spells, but they are not legit.

BETHANY

So I guess it’s pretty rare. Why did Amy trust me with this thing?

KOJU

Maybe she likes you. Either way, don’t look this gift horse in the mouth.

BETHANY

What does that even mean?

KOJU

It means we should try it out.

BETHANY

Should I try summoning Demon 23?

KOJU

Maybe you should start off with something more basic. Is there anything in there for beginners?

Bethany flips through the pages of the spell book.

BETHANY

It’s not like these spells come with ratings.

Bethany points to a spell.

BETHANY

Oh wait, here’s a summoning spell for newbies.

KOJU

The book actually uses the word “newbies”?

BETHANY

It says here, you can use it to see what demons are in the area.

KOJU

Like Tinder for demons?

BETHANY

I guess. So should I try it?

KOJU

I’ve had luck with Tinder.

Bethany stands from the bench and swallows hard. She holds the book up to her.

BETHANY

[Insert spell]

She looks up from the book.

Out of the 20 or so people milling around the park, 4 have attachments, two are demonic.

A family of 5 picnicking nearby, mother, father, two boys and a girl are being terrorized by the YOUNGEST CHILD, a 4 y.o. tyrant.

He marches through the picnic grabbing food off plates and flinging it at his siblings.

His father opens his mouth to yell at him and the child squeezes his water bottle so that a stream of water hits the father right in the mouth like one of those carnival games where you squirt a clown head in the mouth until the balloon attached to it fills up with water.

He runs over to a nearby couple canoodling on a blanket under the tree and chases their trembling chihuahua.

Bethany can see that the little boy has a demon piggybacking on him.

She points to him.

BETHANY

That kid has a demon.

Koju looks but can’t see it.

KOJU

You can see one?

BETHANY

Yep.

She returns her attention to the book and flips through it until she finds what she’s looking for.

BETHANY

Now let’s try that revealing spell. [Insert Revealing Spell]

Bethany looks at the kid with his Demon and she sees the Demon’s name hanging above it like a sign.

BETHANY

Okay?

She walks up to the little kid.

BETHANY

Hey!

Both the kid and his demon look at her.

BETHANY

Kevin! Take a hike. Go back to where you came from.

The demon hops of the kid.

Instantaneously the kid’s evil little grin leaves his face and he stands still looking wildly around him as if he’s seeing the park for the first time.

KEVIN the DEMON

How did you know my name?

Kevin walks away and jumps on a stopped bus just before it closes its doors. The bus drives away.

BETHANY

That was weird.

Koju walks up to her, totally amazed.

KOJU

That worked!

The little boy walks over to his family and sits down on the blanket cross-legged.

LITTLE BOY

(to his mother)

May I have some juice, please.

His mother does a double take.

BETHANY

(to Koju)

I guess it did. Shall I try summoning Demon 23?

KOJU

Yeah, but maybe we do it at the center. I think Demon 23 is going to be more trouble than…?

BETHANY

Kevin.

KOJU

Yeah, I think it will be safer at the center.

Bethany looks around the park.

BETHANY

Let’s go.

INT. NEW AGE SCHOOL

Bethany and Koju enter the learning center giddy.

KOJU

This is crazy.

BETHANY

So do you believe me now about the demon stuff.

KOJU

Definitely starting to.

BETHANY

Man, what will it take.

KOJU

It doesn’t matter. Bethany, there’s been a spiritual growth in you the likes of which I’ve never seen. The whole team agrees.

You are one powerful mamajama. And after what I saw at the park, especially with that kid, I think you’re ready. I think you’re strong enough to take on Demon 23.

BETHANY

You mean I should summon him?

KOJU

It’s not my method, but my method doesn’t really pertain to demons and other supernatural phenomena. So yeah. Use the summoning spell and the naming spell. Use what we taught you, too. And name that motherfucker and send him straight back to Hell.

BETHANY

Or his point of origin.

KOJU

He’s not from Hell.

BETHANY

Let’s ask him. Then I’ll name him and send him back there, wherever it is. I can’t believe the rules of Rumpelstiltskin apply to this situation.

KOJU

Why not, wasn’t he a demon?

Bethany opens the Black Magic book and finds the summoning spell.

[Insert her performing the incantation]

Wind from no source fills the studio sending papers and loose objects flying around.

KOJU

Holy–

Koju pulls his loose hair out of his mouth.

KOJU

Holy–

Koju pulls his loose hair out of his mouth again and puts his hair into a ponytail.

KOJU

I wanted to say Holy shit.

But Bethany doesn’t respond.

KOJU

Bethany?

Bethany just stares straight ahead as if in a trance.

But then she starts to speak. Koju can only see Bethany’s side of the conversation.

BETHANY

You’re not at all what I expected.

DEMON 23, [insert description] stands before her unseen by Koju.

DEMON 23

I’m an interdimensional being. I’m not going to look the way you expect.

BETHANY

So you’re not from Hell?

DEMON 23

You won’t understand where I’m from.

BETHANY

That’s okay, I don’t need to know the name of your point of origin. You do. So when I tell you to go back to it, you will. All I have to do is reveal your name.

DEMON 23 grabs the book and rips it to pieces.

BETHANY

That wasn’t mine.

DEMON 23

Oops.

BETHANY

I have the spell memorized.

[Insert Bethany starting to recite the Revealing Incantation]

DEMON 23

Wait! I need to warn you about Deacon Anders.

Bethany stops reciting the incantation.

DEMON 23

I know I’ve been coming on real strong. And at first I was confused why I was brought back after all this time and attached to you. But now I know what’s happening and it involves us both.

Demon 23 cuts himself off abruptly. His eyes grow wide and he jerks his body upwards.

BETHANY

Did a bee sting you?

Demon 23 can’t answer.

BETHANY

If you don’t talk now, I’m going to reveal your name.

Demon 23 tries to speak. He reaches out for Bethany and then he’s yanked away, vanishing before Bethany’s eyes.

Bethany looks down at the tattered Dark Arts Book.

BETHANY

Damn, I didn’t memorize the Summoning spell.

Bethany looks up.

BETHANY

Oh, Koju. You’re still here.

KOJU

Is Demon 23 still here?

BETHANY

He just vanished.

KOJU

Oh snap. Well, I saw what happened to the book. So looks like you’re going to have to pay a visit to the local witchcraft store tomorrow.

BETHANY

Maybe.

KOJU

I wonder where he went.

BETHANY

Before he disappeared, he said he wanted to warn me about Deacon Anders.

KOJU

Well who doesn’t?

Bethany nods.

BETHANY

Yeah, but this time the warning comes from a demon, so it’s probably worse than I can imagine.

KOJU

Why don’t you reach out to the Deacon and find out.

BETHANY

You mean like call him?

She raises her cell phone.

KOJU

I mean like contact…

(he touches his hand to his forehead and then mimics touching Bethany’s head)

…him. You remember how you found out that I like to watch The Real Housewives when we had our Cosmic Telepathy session the other day. Do that.

BETHANY

Okay.

KOJU

Remember, close your eyes and concentrate.

Bethany closes her eyes.

KOJU

Visualize Deacon Anders. Do you see him?

BETHANY

Yes. I see from him.

Bethany can see a room from Deacon Anders perspective.

KOJU

Where is he?

Deacon Anders looks around a room.

BETHANY

At church I think.

Through Deacon Anders perspective, Bethany can see a bed and a hat rack.

BETHANY

In his chambers.

Deacon Anders looks down on the ground.

BETHANY gasps and jumps back.

She loses the telepathic connection.

KOJU

What?

BETHANY

I think he’s the one who summoned Demon 23.

KOJU

What?

BETHANY

I saw a huge red Pentagram painted on the floor of his bedroom. A photo of the Bishop was at the center of it.

KOJU

Holy shit, this isn’t good.

BETHANY

No it isn’t. I think I need to get into that room.

KOJU

I think I need to go with you.

Bethany nods and they head out the door of the Healing Center.

Turning Point:

INT. DEACON ANDERS’S CHAMBERS – DAY

Bethany breaks the window from the outside. She and Koju carefully climb around the glass and quietly enter the room.

The room is very cold. White clouds jet out of Koju’s nostrils and he wordlessly points to them.

Bethany nods as she checks the closet. The orderly but barren room is empty with the exception of a few pieces of furniture.

BETHANY

We’re alone.

KOJU

Holy shit, it’s like an ice box in here. When does that youth seminar end?

BETHANY

Not for another hour.

KOJU

Doesn’t look like we’ll need it.

(Looking around)

A twin? Man, this place is sad, but nothing about it screams Occult.

BETHANY

It’s so weird. When I saw it in his mind, it was on the ground right here in the center of the room.

KOJU

Where exactly did you say it was?

BETHANY

In the vision, it was right about here.

Bethany points to the center of the floor between the bed and the dresser.

KOJU

How big was it?

BETHANY

I’d say about 5 feet by 5 feet?

KOJU

And you think it was made out of blood, right?

BETHANY

Yes.

KOJU takes out a brown bottle with a spray top and starts spraying it in the area Bethany indicated.

Bethany reads the bottle.

BETHANY

Do you normally carry around a huge bottle of hydrogen peroxide with you?

KOJU

No, not normally. I left it in my car after I went shopping. I use it as a disinfectant when I clean my house.

BETHANY

Are we cleaning the Deacon’s floor?

KOJU

Ha ha. Hydrogen peroxide bubbles when it interacts with blood. I figured it was worth a try if anything residual remained.

Koju finishes spraying and steps back.

KOJU

Maybe Deacon Anders should buy a bottle because whatever he’s using to clean it up is not doing the trick.

Bubbling on the floor before Koju and Bethany is the outline of a Pentagram.

BETHANY

I can’t believe it.

Koju starts rummaging through the dresser drawers.

KOJU

You can’t believe you’re right? Or can’t believe that you’re telepathic.

BETHANY

Honestly. I’ve been having a hard time with all of this. Back when we met and you suggested that maybe this whole time I was suffering from a mental illness and not demonic possession or attachment, part of me thought that maybe you were right. But now this—

Koju pulls out a book from the bottom drawer. It is definitely gnarly and very occulty.

KOJU

And now this.

BETHANY

Is that a conjuring book?

KOJU

Now why would a deacon need that?

DEACON ANDERS

I’m a priest, but why would I expect a pagan like yourself to know the difference.

Kojus is surprised by the appearance of Deacon Anders who uses it to his advantage and snatches the spell book out of Koju’s hands.

KOJU

Hey!

Koju lunges forward to snatch it back and Deacon Anders blows a red powder into his face. Koju freezes.

BETHANY

Oh my god! What did you do to him?

DEACON ANDERS

Like that, do you?

Deacon Anders turns and blows the powder into her face too. She becomes immobile.

DEACON ANDERS

Well wait til I show you why a priest would need a conjuring book.

Deacon Anders opens it to a summoning spell. He puts his reading glasses on.

He looks back at Bethany.

DEACON ANDERS

Forgive me, I don’t have it memorized yet. I used to have a mind like a steel trap but you know what they say about the mind as you get older, it ain’t what it used to be. Now where was I. Oh yes. I’m about to summon Demon 23 and send him into Koju. Remember when you told me that maybe I could make a name for myself in the church if I learned how to perform an exorcism? I took those words to heart. Bet you didn’t think I would try to master possession too. But watch.

Deacon Anders recites an incantation.

Bethany can see Demon 23 manifest.

Deacon Anders recites a secondary incantation and Bethany can see Demon 23 fight as he goes into Koju’s body.

Koju’s eyes roll back into his head until only the whites of his eyes are visble. His body moves unnaturally forward.

DEACON ANDERS

As I have said the [Insert something prayer], I exert dominion over you evil Spirit, Demon 23 as you have become known.

Koju turns toward Deacon Anders.

DEACON ANDERS

You are under my command and do my bidding alone.

Koju nods.

DEACON ANDERS

For the time being, knock her lights out.

Koju walks up to Bethany who is still frozen.

She cannot speak but terror fills her eyes as Koju approaches. He swings his head towards hers but stops short of head butting her.

He touches his forehead to hers and a white hot light fills her mind until she can’t see anything else.

[H. Vince]

H. Vince’s Completed Act 3

The 30-Day Screenplay – 2023

Lesson 20: Finish Act 3

What I learned from doing this assignment is…

I need to move the scenes all up. Parts are missing. This isn’t criticizing myself. It’s just analyzing that I’ve spread it out too much. This is definitely first draft eye openers. I should be more around scene 30 at least in this act. Act 4 is going to be too crowded and/or short. I can already tell. Much more of the story should be revealed by now.

Act 3:

REACTION TO MIDPOINT:

Reaction: Victor is feeling lost, abandonment, confusion, sadness after hearing he is an assignment and was supposed to be aborted.

Rethink: It was assumed he may have wanted proof so he was already assigned access to observe.

Act 3:

18. INT. DIMLY LIT ROOM – UNKNOWN TIME OF DAY

BEGINNING: Victor is dealing with this news

MIDDLE: This mysterious woman is his sister

END: They took Victor’s microchip out

19. INT. VICTOR’S HOME – DAY

BEGINNING: Donna realizes Victor is disconnected

MIDDLE: Donna contacts her superiors

INT. VICTOR’S HOME – DAY – FLASHBACK

END: Donna remembers good times with Victor

20. INT. DIMLY LIT ROOM – UNKNOWN TIME OF DAY

BEGINNING: Victor finds out he is in Level 1 transport access with chaperones

INT. ABORTION CLINIC – DAY

MIDDLE: Access granted to see the past in real life but no clearance for interference

INT. JEREMY’S HOUSE – DAY – REWIND

END: Victor wakes up at his friend Jeremy’s house

PROTAGONIST TURNING POINT/LOWEST LOW:

Imagine finding out you were supposed to be aborted and then the people that proved it to you took off without any purpose of what you were supposed to do next? This is where that happens…unless I completely fix this later which I’m saying there’s a chance..

MAKE A NEW PLAN:

Victor looks up his real mom to ask Donna about it

THINGS GO WELL UNTIL: Donna ends up trying to have Victor controlled

21. INT. JEREMY’S HOUSE – DAY

BEGINNING: Victor wakes up again at his friend’s house like he did when he blacked out at the party not sure if he dreamed it all.

EXT. DRIVING

MIDDLE: Victor leaves but no ducks are seen this time

EXT. VICTOR’S HOUSE

END: Victor arrives at home

22. INT. VICTOR’S HOUSE- DAY

BEGINNING: Victor sees Donna but doesn’t mention what happened in case he sounds crazy

MIDDLE: Victor remembers his real mom’s name and calls his friend for help.

END: Victor finds info about his real mom

23. INT. VICTOR’S HOUSE – DAY

BEGINNING: Victor confronts Donna with evidence

MIDDLE: Donna tries to have Victor’s chip controlled

END: Victor leaves

24. UNKNOWN LOCATION

BEGINNING: Victor is in feelings not caring right now

MIDDLE: Victor starts building rage

END: Victor gets into trouble