FADE IN:
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT
The crowd is at a feverish pitch as two rival high school teams square off at the line of scrimmage. The ball is snapped--a sweep to the right. NUMBER 50, and African-American defensive end zeroes in on the ball carrier. He has him in his sights, ready to make the tackle, then . . .
CRACK! A wide receiver virtually annihilates number 50 on a block, knocking him off his feet and onto his back. The ballcarrier is brought down a few yards downfield by other members of the defense.
The QUARTERBACK signals to his team.
QUARTERBACK
Huddle up! Huddle up!
All of the offensive team members huddle up. The defensive team members also huddle. The offense walks to the line of scrimmage and sets up in formation for another play. The defense does the same. Number 50 is not on the line.
DEFENSIVE COACH
Where the hell is 50?! Where’s the D-end?
NUMBER 8 walks up to the coach and points into the backfield 30 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
NUMBER 8
There he is coach.
Number 50 strolls nonchalantly through the manicured grass near the end zone behind the offense. He looks around, confused, and keeps walking toward the goal line.
DEFENSIVE COACH
Jerrod! 50! What the hell are you doing?!
Number 50 looks at the coach, squints his eyes as if trying to figure out who he is, then shrugs his shoulders and continues walking. The coach runs to the REFEREE.
DEFENSIVE COACH (CONT'D)
Time out! Injury time out!
REFEREE
Where’s the injury?
The coach points to number 50. The referee blows his whistle and runs out onto the field, stopping the play. The teams huddle up again.
DEFENSIVE COACH
Somebody get a trainer out there.
The TRAINER runs out onto the field to where number 50 is walking.
TRAINER
Jerrod! What are you doing?
NUMBER 50
Oh, hey Katie. What’s going on?
TRAINER
What are you doing over here?
NUMBER 50
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
(long pause)
Walking?
TRAINER
Yeah, okay, let’s get off the field. Come on.
NUMBER 50
Oh shit! I’m supposed to be in this play, huh?
Number 50 runs over to the offensive huddle and squeezes his way in.
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
It’s okay guys, I’m ready now.
Everyone in the huddle looks at him with puzzled looks.
QUARTERBACK
Wrong huddle, dude.
NUMBER 50
Hey, who’re you guys?
The trainer runs up and grabs him by the back of the jersey, pulling him out of the huddle.
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
(to trainer)
Who are those guys? I don’t know them.
TRAINER
That’s the other team, dipshit. Let’s get off the field.
Number 50 heads to the wrong sideline. The trainer grabs him by the back of the jersey again and spins him to the correct sideline.
TRAINER (CONT'D)
This way, genius.
CUT TO:EXT. SIDELINE TRAINING TABLE - NIGHT
Number 50 stands next to the training table. The trainer has a small penlight in her hand as she works.
TRAINER
Okay Jerrod, I need you to answer some questions for me. What day is it?
NUMBER 50
Hmm. Tuesday?
TRAINER
Tuesday. Are you sure?
NUMBER 50
No.
TRAINER
Wanna try again?
NUMBER 50
Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
TRAINER
Look around you. What’s going on tonight?
NUMBER 50
A football game.
TRAINER
And what day do you play games on?
NUMBER 50
Friday! It’s Friday.
TRAINER
Good. Okay, I’m going to need you to remember three words for me. Do you think you can do that?
NUMBER 50
Hell yeah.
TRAINER
Okay, the words are: house, blue, dog. You got that?
NUMBER 50
House, blue, dog. Got it.
TRAINER
Now, I need you to follow this light without moving your head. You got it?
NUMBER 50
Child’s play.
The trainer moves the pen around slowly in an arcing motion. Number 50 follows the pen but moves his whole head instead of his eyes.
TRAINER
Just your eyes Jerrod.
NUMBER 50
Like I said, child’s play.
The trainer repeats the motion, number 50’s whole head moves again.
TRAINER
Just your eyes!
NUMBER 50
I am just using my eyes. Look!
Number 50 bugs his eyes out in an exaggerated fashion. The trainer repeats the motion, 50’s head still moves.
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
Just my eyes. Only the eyes. The eyes have it. Snake eyes. Eye of the dragon.
The trainer stops the motion.
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
Nailed it! What’s next?
TRAINER
Who is the president of the United States?
NUMBER 50
Obama, son!
TRAINERGood, good. Hey, remember those three words I told you?
NUMBER 50
Of course!
TRAINER
What were they?
NUMBER 50
Tree, sonar, captain. Nailed it again!
TRAINER
Yeah you did. Can I see that?
She takes his helmet out of his hand and hands it to the equipment manager, who walks away with it.
NUMBER 50
What are you doing to my helmet? I need to get back in the game.
TRAINER
Oh, we’re going to put some more air in it. We’ll get it back to you.
NUMBER 50
Okay, okay.
Number 50 stands motionless for a couple of seconds before he starts looking around on the ground in the immediate area. He gets a puzzled look on his face.
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
Hey, Katie. Have you seen my helmet?
TRAINER
Yeah, I put it on the bus.
NUMBER 50
The bus?
TRAINER
Yeah.
NUMBER 50
Okay.
Number 50 nods in agreement. After a few seconds he looks around again, then:
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
Where’s my helmet? Has anyone seen my helmet?
TRAINER
It’s on the bus.
NUMBER 50
Oh. Okay.
(a beat)
Which bus?
TRAINER
The one with the helmets on it.
NUMBER 50
Oh, okay.
He looks around at the field and the stadium, something clicks in his mind.
NUMBER 50 (CONT'D)
Isn’t this a home game? This looks like a home game.
TRAINER
It is.
NUMBER 50
So why do we need a bus?
TRAINER
To put all the helmets on.
NUMBER 50
Okay. I got it. So I’ll just stand here then.
TRAINER
Good idea. There’s using your noodle.
The trainer turns back to watch the game. Number 50 wanders off the side of the field and into the home stands. He looks under several people’s seats before he sits next to the band to watch the game.
The trainer turns around and sees he is gone. She has a moment of panic before someone points number 50 out in the stands. She runs up to get him.
TRAINER (CONT'D)
What the hell are you doing?
NUMBER 50
Well, I looked for my helmet, then I got tired.
TRAINER
Do you feel like going for a ride at all?
NUMBER 50
Sure, where to?
TRAINER
To get your helmet.
NUMBER 50
Yeah, I’ll go.
TRAINER
Great.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Number 50 is loaded into the back of an ambulance.
NUMBER 50
You sure they’ve got my helmet at the hospital?
TRAINER
Yeah, but you have to pass a special test before they’ll give it to you.
NUMBER 50
What kind of test? I’m not good at tests.
TRAINER
Just a CAT scan. You don’t even have to study for it.
NUMBER 50
I’m gonna nail it then.
TRAINER
You do that. Nail it better than you did all the other tests tonight though, okay.
NUMBER 50
Okay. No problem. Off to get my helmet!
The doors close and the ambulance drives away into the night.
THE END
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Scorpion--A Short Screenplay
FADE IN:
EXT. BACKYARD - NIGHT
KEITH and BRAD, two college students, sit on a bench with their backs to the wall next to the BBQ grill. ROGER, also a college student, sits on a lawn chair facing Keith and Brad. All three of them hold beers and sip them.
KEITH
Man, did you see that game last night?
BRAD
Oh yeah. Great fourth quarter. That was such a good ending.
KEITH
Yeah, when he rolled out on fourth and seventeen from his own 8 yard line . . . man, what a pass.
BRAD
Best pass I’ve ever seen him make. Threaded the needle, double coverage--
Brad and Keith both look in puzzlement at Roger, who stares at the wall behind them with a look of sheer terror on his face.
BRAD (CONT'D)
Roger, are you okay?
Roger maintains the look of terror on his face.
ROGER
I’m fine. Why do you ask?
BRAD
Well, the look on your face.
ROGER
What look on my face?
KEITH
The look on your face right now.
Roger’s look of terror disappears.
ROGER
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
KEITH
It’s gone now. You look normal now.
ROGER
Um, guys, I think I always look normal. Obviously. I only have one face.
KEITH
Dude, you had a stupid look on your face.
ROGER
Are you saying I look stupid?
KEITH
Not now.
BRAD
But you did.
Roger shrugs his shoulders and leans back in his chair.
ROGER
You guys are crazy. Imagining things.
Brad and Keith look at each other and decide it’s not worth fighting about.
BRAD
So anyway, he scrambles around, throws into double coverage. Bam! Fires the ball right in there for a first down. Awesome. Awesome play.
KEITH
Yeah, did you see how he looked off the safety before he--
Roger has the terrified look on his face again as he stares at the wall behind Keith and Brad.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Roger, what is going on?
ROGER
Nothing.
KEITH
You’re doing it again.
ROGER
No I’m not.
BRAD
Yeah, you are.
Brad takes out his camera phone, snaps a picture of Roger’s face and shows him.
BRAD (CONT'D)
See. What the hell?
Roger’s look of terror goes away while he looks at the picture. It comes back as soon as he lifts his head and looks at the wall behind Brad and Keith.
ROGER
That’s not me.
BRAD
Dude, I just took your picture.
ROGER
That’s not me. I don’t know how you did that. Is that some new iPhone app?
BRAD
I just took your picture and showed it to you. How the hell would I fake that?
ROGER
You’re a smart guy, you tell me.
Brad puts his phone back in his pocket.
KEITH
Roger, what’s going on? Is there something going on behind us?
ROGER
No. Maybe.
Keith and Brad turn around and see a giant scorpion on the wall between their heads. They both freak out and run behind Roger.
KEITH
Dude! Why didn’t you tell us there was a giant fucking scorpion on the wall?
ROGER
I wasn’t sure what it was.
KEITH
It’s a fucking scorpion! A six-year-old could have identified that!
BRAD
Stevie Wonder could have identified that!
ROGER
Are you sure it’s a scorpion?
KEITH
I’ll tell you after I kill it.
Keith takes off his shoe and makes to kill the scorpion with it.
ROGER
No wait! Don’t kill it!
Keith hesitates and doesn’t kill the scorpion.
BRAD
Why not?
ROGER
Scorpions eat bugs.
BRAD
They’re poisonous. If it bites me I could die.
ROGER
Scorpions don’t bite. They sting.
BRAD
Fine, it could sting me and I could die.
ROGER
Would that really be so bad?
BRAD
Get that fucking look off your face!
ROGER
I still don’t know what you’re talking about.
Brad takes his phone out, snaps another picture of Roger and shows him the face.
BRAD
That’s what I’m talking about.
ROGER
Dude, that’s weird. That guy is wearing the same clothes as me, but that’s not my face. Those guys at Apple are geniuses.
BRAD
Dude--
KEITH
Roger, seriously, I’m going to kill that scorpion.
ROGER
Don’t kill it. Look, I’ll warn you if it comes close to you, okay?
KEITH
Why don’t we just kill it and not worry about it?
ROGER
Because he’s just living his life. He’s not bothering anyone. How would you like it if you were walking down the street one day, enjoying the scenery, and someone smashed you into a greasy spot on the sidewalk because you had a knife in your pocket and you “might” stab someone with it?
Keith and Brad think about this.
KEITH
Okay, okay. I won’t kill it.
BRAD
But if it gets close to me you’d better warn me. I don’t want to get stung.
ROGER
Don’t worry guys, I will totally warn you.
BRAD
Alright. I’m going to trust you.
KEITH
Me too.
ROGER
Good. Now, have a seat and tell me more about the game last night.
Brad and Keith sit back down cautiously. They both look over their shoulders at the scorpion on the wall.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Don’t even worry about him. He hasn’t moved in like five minutes. He’s probably asleep.
KEITH
Okay, so, the receiver runs this great double move on the corner, the quarterback looks off the safety, pumps the ball once to freeze the linebackers . . .
Roger’s face slowly goes from normal to the extreme look of terror as the story progresses.
KEITH (CONT'D)
. . . and WHAM! Fires the ball into the receiver, 25 yards on a rope.
ROGER
Uh huh. Uh huh. Sounds like a great play.
Brad meets Roger’s eyes and follows his gaze to the wall. The scorpion is gone. Brad jumps up quickly.
BRAD
What the fuck dude? Where is he?
Keith turns and sees that the scorpion is gone. He jumps up too.
KEITH
Shit! He’s gone.
ROGER
What are you guys talking about?
KEITH
The scorpion man, where is the scorpion?!
ROGER
The what?
BRAD
That big ass scorpion that was on the wall. Where did it go?
ROGER
Oh, that thing. Yeah. It’s on your back.
BRAD
What?!
Brad dances around the yard in an attempt to look at his own back.
BRAD (CONT'D)
Get it off me! Get it off! Get it off!
Keith runs over to Brad and swipes at his back.
KEITH
There’s nothing on his back.
ROGER
Maybe he’s on yours then. I wasn’t really paying attention.
KEITH
What?! Get it off!
Keith turns and does the same “look at my own back” dance that Brad did.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Is it on me? Is it? Get it off! Please!
Brad swipes at Keith’s back. They take turns swiping at each other’s back. Finally Brad sees the scorpion on the ground and stomps on it.
BRAD
I got it, I got it. No more scorpion.
KEITH
Hell yeah. The great white hunter strikes again.
Keith looks down at the carcass of the scorpion and leans low to talk to it.
KEITH (CONT'D)
How do you like that, bitch!
Keith jumps up and high-fives Brad. They sit down with a look of smug satisfaction on their faces.
BRAD
Looks like I showed that scorpion a thing or two. That’ll teach him to come into my world.
Roger sits, stone faced.
ROGER
That was rude, man. Totally uncalled for.
BRAD
He was on my fucking back. What do you expect?
ROGER
I expect you to treat your fellow earth inhabitants with a little more respect and decorum.
KEITH
Dude, it was crawling all over us. It had to be done.
Stony silence from Roger.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Whatever dude. You’d have done the same if it was crawling on you.
No reaction from Roger. Brad and Keith sit back down on the bench.
BRAD
Anyway, so back to the game. He fires the ball into a spot about the size of a basketball from 25 yards out. It was an unbelievable throw. Just absolutely unbelievable.
Roger looks back at the wall and gets the look of terror on his face again. There is a puppy on the wall where the scorpion used to be.
ROGER(through teeth gritted in fear)
Nobody move. There is something on the wall behind you.
Brad and Keith make a move to turn and look.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Don’t turn around! Don’t look at it. Don’t let it know you are there. I’ll handle this.
Roger pulls a huge clown shoe out from under his chair, lets out at primal SCREAM and leads with the shoe in a dive at the wall between Brad and Keith.
CUT TO BLACK
THE END
EXT. BACKYARD - NIGHT
KEITH and BRAD, two college students, sit on a bench with their backs to the wall next to the BBQ grill. ROGER, also a college student, sits on a lawn chair facing Keith and Brad. All three of them hold beers and sip them.
KEITH
Man, did you see that game last night?
BRAD
Oh yeah. Great fourth quarter. That was such a good ending.
KEITH
Yeah, when he rolled out on fourth and seventeen from his own 8 yard line . . . man, what a pass.
BRAD
Best pass I’ve ever seen him make. Threaded the needle, double coverage--
Brad and Keith both look in puzzlement at Roger, who stares at the wall behind them with a look of sheer terror on his face.
BRAD (CONT'D)
Roger, are you okay?
Roger maintains the look of terror on his face.
ROGER
I’m fine. Why do you ask?
BRAD
Well, the look on your face.
ROGER
What look on my face?
KEITH
The look on your face right now.
Roger’s look of terror disappears.
ROGER
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
KEITH
It’s gone now. You look normal now.
ROGER
Um, guys, I think I always look normal. Obviously. I only have one face.
KEITH
Dude, you had a stupid look on your face.
ROGER
Are you saying I look stupid?
KEITH
Not now.
BRAD
But you did.
Roger shrugs his shoulders and leans back in his chair.
ROGER
You guys are crazy. Imagining things.
Brad and Keith look at each other and decide it’s not worth fighting about.
BRAD
So anyway, he scrambles around, throws into double coverage. Bam! Fires the ball right in there for a first down. Awesome. Awesome play.
KEITH
Yeah, did you see how he looked off the safety before he--
Roger has the terrified look on his face again as he stares at the wall behind Keith and Brad.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Roger, what is going on?
ROGER
Nothing.
KEITH
You’re doing it again.
ROGER
No I’m not.
BRAD
Yeah, you are.
Brad takes out his camera phone, snaps a picture of Roger’s face and shows him.
BRAD (CONT'D)
See. What the hell?
Roger’s look of terror goes away while he looks at the picture. It comes back as soon as he lifts his head and looks at the wall behind Brad and Keith.
ROGER
That’s not me.
BRAD
Dude, I just took your picture.
ROGER
That’s not me. I don’t know how you did that. Is that some new iPhone app?
BRAD
I just took your picture and showed it to you. How the hell would I fake that?
ROGER
You’re a smart guy, you tell me.
Brad puts his phone back in his pocket.
KEITH
Roger, what’s going on? Is there something going on behind us?
ROGER
No. Maybe.
Keith and Brad turn around and see a giant scorpion on the wall between their heads. They both freak out and run behind Roger.
KEITH
Dude! Why didn’t you tell us there was a giant fucking scorpion on the wall?
ROGER
I wasn’t sure what it was.
KEITH
It’s a fucking scorpion! A six-year-old could have identified that!
BRAD
Stevie Wonder could have identified that!
ROGER
Are you sure it’s a scorpion?
KEITH
I’ll tell you after I kill it.
Keith takes off his shoe and makes to kill the scorpion with it.
ROGER
No wait! Don’t kill it!
Keith hesitates and doesn’t kill the scorpion.
BRAD
Why not?
ROGER
Scorpions eat bugs.
BRAD
They’re poisonous. If it bites me I could die.
ROGER
Scorpions don’t bite. They sting.
BRAD
Fine, it could sting me and I could die.
ROGER
Would that really be so bad?
BRAD
Get that fucking look off your face!
ROGER
I still don’t know what you’re talking about.
Brad takes his phone out, snaps another picture of Roger and shows him the face.
BRAD
That’s what I’m talking about.
ROGER
Dude, that’s weird. That guy is wearing the same clothes as me, but that’s not my face. Those guys at Apple are geniuses.
BRAD
Dude--
KEITH
Roger, seriously, I’m going to kill that scorpion.
ROGER
Don’t kill it. Look, I’ll warn you if it comes close to you, okay?
KEITH
Why don’t we just kill it and not worry about it?
ROGER
Because he’s just living his life. He’s not bothering anyone. How would you like it if you were walking down the street one day, enjoying the scenery, and someone smashed you into a greasy spot on the sidewalk because you had a knife in your pocket and you “might” stab someone with it?
Keith and Brad think about this.
KEITH
Okay, okay. I won’t kill it.
BRAD
But if it gets close to me you’d better warn me. I don’t want to get stung.
ROGER
Don’t worry guys, I will totally warn you.
BRAD
Alright. I’m going to trust you.
KEITH
Me too.
ROGER
Good. Now, have a seat and tell me more about the game last night.
Brad and Keith sit back down cautiously. They both look over their shoulders at the scorpion on the wall.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Don’t even worry about him. He hasn’t moved in like five minutes. He’s probably asleep.
KEITH
Okay, so, the receiver runs this great double move on the corner, the quarterback looks off the safety, pumps the ball once to freeze the linebackers . . .
Roger’s face slowly goes from normal to the extreme look of terror as the story progresses.
KEITH (CONT'D)
. . . and WHAM! Fires the ball into the receiver, 25 yards on a rope.
ROGER
Uh huh. Uh huh. Sounds like a great play.
Brad meets Roger’s eyes and follows his gaze to the wall. The scorpion is gone. Brad jumps up quickly.
BRAD
What the fuck dude? Where is he?
Keith turns and sees that the scorpion is gone. He jumps up too.
KEITH
Shit! He’s gone.
ROGER
What are you guys talking about?
KEITH
The scorpion man, where is the scorpion?!
ROGER
The what?
BRAD
That big ass scorpion that was on the wall. Where did it go?
ROGER
Oh, that thing. Yeah. It’s on your back.
BRAD
What?!
Brad dances around the yard in an attempt to look at his own back.
BRAD (CONT'D)
Get it off me! Get it off! Get it off!
Keith runs over to Brad and swipes at his back.
KEITH
There’s nothing on his back.
ROGER
Maybe he’s on yours then. I wasn’t really paying attention.
KEITH
What?! Get it off!
Keith turns and does the same “look at my own back” dance that Brad did.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Is it on me? Is it? Get it off! Please!
Brad swipes at Keith’s back. They take turns swiping at each other’s back. Finally Brad sees the scorpion on the ground and stomps on it.
BRAD
I got it, I got it. No more scorpion.
KEITH
Hell yeah. The great white hunter strikes again.
Keith looks down at the carcass of the scorpion and leans low to talk to it.
KEITH (CONT'D)
How do you like that, bitch!
Keith jumps up and high-fives Brad. They sit down with a look of smug satisfaction on their faces.
BRAD
Looks like I showed that scorpion a thing or two. That’ll teach him to come into my world.
Roger sits, stone faced.
ROGER
That was rude, man. Totally uncalled for.
BRAD
He was on my fucking back. What do you expect?
ROGER
I expect you to treat your fellow earth inhabitants with a little more respect and decorum.
KEITH
Dude, it was crawling all over us. It had to be done.
Stony silence from Roger.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Whatever dude. You’d have done the same if it was crawling on you.
No reaction from Roger. Brad and Keith sit back down on the bench.
BRAD
Anyway, so back to the game. He fires the ball into a spot about the size of a basketball from 25 yards out. It was an unbelievable throw. Just absolutely unbelievable.
Roger looks back at the wall and gets the look of terror on his face again. There is a puppy on the wall where the scorpion used to be.
ROGER(through teeth gritted in fear)
Nobody move. There is something on the wall behind you.
Brad and Keith make a move to turn and look.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Don’t turn around! Don’t look at it. Don’t let it know you are there. I’ll handle this.
Roger pulls a huge clown shoe out from under his chair, lets out at primal SCREAM and leads with the shoe in a dive at the wall between Brad and Keith.
CUT TO BLACK
THE END
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Treading Water
FADE IN:
EXT. SAGUARO LAKE - DAWN
DARREN, a handsome man in his late 20’s with the weight of the world on his shoulders, drives a small boat with an outboard motor towards the center of the lake. He is dressed in business casual attire and drives the boat with a small amount of trepidation. He drives as far as he can from land and then sets the boat in tight circles.
A bird flies overhead. He watches it fly past, acknowledging its beauty. His sadness deepens. He looks back at the loading dock, now just a speck in the distance. The engine SPUTTERS as it begins to run out of gas.
DARREN
Well. I guess this is it.
He aims the boat back toward the loading dock. The engine sputters again. He takes a deep breath and jumps out of the boat into the cold water. The empty boat heads back toward land.
EXT. SAGUARO LAKE - UNDERWATER
Dark, peaceful silence. Darren looks around resignedly.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON’S SLIDE ROCK- UNDERWATER
Darren looks up at the sunlight coming from above the water. He swims upwards towards it.
He breaks the surface and wipes the water from his eyes. He is at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, AZ. He looks down to see he is standing in shallow water and wearing a swimsuit. He walks up the banks of the river and begins to climb out. A voice from behind him.
KEITH
That was fun, huh?
Darren spins quickly to see KEITH, his friend from college. Darren is very disoriented.
DARREN
Uhhh, yeah. That was awesome.
KEITH
Your ass is going to hurt for days after today. But it’s all worth it.
DARREN
Oh, I uh, I definitely hope so.
Darren turns and watches a young boy slide down the rocks of Slide Rock, bouncing on the rocks as he slides. He subconsciously rubs his backside.
KEITH
Hey, just check out the eye candy. That will make any amount of ass pain worth it.
Keith points to a section of red rock with four beautiful college-age girls, DANIELLE, ERICA, MICHELLE and BRIDGET sunbathing in bikinis. Darren focuses on Danielle and is incredulous.
DARREN
Danielle?
KEITH
What? You know one of those girls?
DARRENNo, I--
KEITH
You better introduce me. Don’t hold out on me man.
DARREN
Wait, I--, I just have a class with her I think. One of my Comm classes.
KEITH
Well then get to talking. Tell her we’re throwing a party tonight and you want to invite them.
DARREN
A party tonight?
KEITH
Yeah, if they say yes then we’ll just have to figure out how to throw a party. We can throw one at your house, your parents are out of town.
Darren is nervous but succumbs to the peer pressure.
DARREN
Okay. I’ll talk to them.
He walks over to where the girls are sunbathing and clears his throat. None of the girls take much notice. Darren clears his throat again. Danielle leans up and peels her sunglasses back to look him in the eye.
DANIELLE
You’re standing in my sunlight.
Darren quickly steps out of her sunlight.
DARREN
Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to. Just wasn’t thinking.
He looks familiarly at Danielle.
DANIELLE
What were your thinking?
She meets his gaze with a slight bit of confusion. She KNOWS this guy from somewhere. He tries desperately not to stare at her near-naked body.
DARREN
Well, I--
DANIELLE
Do I know you from somewhere?
DARREN
Yeah. I mean, no. Not really. Well, sort of. We have a class together.
DANIELLE
Economics?
DARREN
No, um, Comm 201.
DANIELLE
Comm 201 huh? Are you a communications major?
DARREN
Um, yeah, kind of. I, I just started with it, and, well--
DANIELLE
You might want to rethink that major, given the substance of this conversation.
MICHELLE
Leave him alone Danielle.
ERICA
Yeah, do you have to be rude to every guy that tries to talk to you?
DANIELLE
Hey, I’m just trying to help the guy out.
(to Darren)
Do you need a tutor for Comm 201? Is that what you came over here for?
DARREN
No, I, well, my friend Keith and I--
He points to Keith who is standing near the water and standing with his muscles flexed, trying to look as buff as possible. When he sees the girls look at him he stiffens.
DARREN (CONT'D)
Are having a party tonight and we wanted to know if you ladies would be interested in coming to it. It should be a good time.
Bridget and Erica give Keith a once-over and nod.
BRIDGET
He’s kind of cute. I’ll go.
ERICA
Me too.
DANIELLE
What’s in it for me? Besides you getting out of my sun for a little while?
DARREN
Well, we have a couple of kegs, a fire pit, beer pong and, um, a live band.
MICHELLE
A live band? Anybody I’ve heard of?
DARREN
I can say, with little doubt, that you have never heard of this band. But the beer will make up for that.
Danielle looks at Darren skeptically.
DARREN (CONT'D)
And you can tutor me, at Comm 201, if you think that will help.
Danielle smiles for the first time.
DANIELLE
Erica, give him your number so he can call us and tell us where the party is.
ERICA
Why don’t you give him your number?
DANIELLE
Because you’re the driver, so if you decide you don’t want to go then none of us will go.
BRIDGET
Plus you’re the hooker of the group. You’re used to random guys calling you.
ERICA
That’s true. Okay.
Keith watches as Darren takes a small piece of paper from Erica. Darren smiles weakly as he comes back to Keith.
KEITH
Dude, you got her number? Awesome!
DARREN
Yeah, but we’re in deep.
KEITH
Why?
DARREN
I told them we had a live band at our party tonight.
KEITH
Oh crap.
DARREN
Yeah. We’d better get going if we’re going to get a live band by tonight.
KEITH
Okay, but let’s do one more run before we bail.
DARREN
Okay.
They go to the top of Slide Rock and slide down one after another. When Darren hits the water he slips underneath the surface. It is dark and peaceful. He looks up to the light coming from above the surface and swims toward it.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON MILE MARKER 377 - UNDERWATER
He breaks the surface to CHEERS. He wipes the water from his eyes. His college friends Keith, JOE, and TIM line the banks of Oak Creek at a deep spot in the river. Behind them stand Erica, Michelle and Bridget, all clapping. He spins in the water to look behind him to see a sheer rock wall about 50 feet tall.
TIM
That was awesome buddy! Awesome!
DARREN
What the hell did I just do?
Darren dog paddles to the bank of the river and rolls over onto his back, basking in the safety of dry land.
DARREN (CONT'D)
What, the hell, did I just do?
JOE
You jumped, dumbass. And it was awesome!
Darren turns to look at everyone on the bank of the river. Someone is missing. Suddenly a FEMALE YELL from behind him. He turns just in time to see a flash of a body hitting the water behind him. Everyone on the bank CHEERS.
DARREN
What was that?
He waits a long few seconds, looking at the surface of the water. Suddenly it breaks and Danielle comes splashing out of it, smiling from ear to ear.
She hits the banks of the river and slicks her hair back. She is the most beautiful thing Darren has ever seen. She looks at him quizzically.
DANIELLE
What?
Darren smiles.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
What?!
DARREN
Nothing. Just, that was awesome.
DANIELLE
You think?
She looks up at the top of the cliff.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
We should do that again.
DARREN
What, jump? From up there?
DANIELLE
Yeah jump. From up there. You already did it once and lived.
DARREN
Yeah, but I don’t want to press my luck.
DANIELLE
Then let me press your luck for you. You’re jumping. We’re jumping.
She grabs him by the hand and pulls him toward the trailhead that leads to the top of the cliff. Darren follows Danielle up the trail to the cliff, admiring her body as he follows. She truly is breathtaking.
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON MILE MARKER 377 CLIFF - SAME
Danielle and Darren walk to the edge of the cliff and look down. The drop is staggering.
DARREN
I think jumping once was enough, don’t you?
DANIELLEYou only live once Darren.
DARREN
Live once, jump twice? Is that your motto?
DANIELLE
Sounds good to me.
Darren looks over the edge and gulps heavily. Danielle grabs his hand and squeezes it.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Jump with me.
DARREN
What?
Danielle steps off the edge of the cliff, pulling Darren with her. They fall towards the water in silence.
The water roars around them as they enter. Then dark, peaceful silence. Darren looks around underwater, Danielle is nowhere to be found. He sees the light coming from above the water and swims to it.
CUT TO:
INT. SHOWER - NIGHT
CLOSE ON Darren’s face as he stands in the shower with powerful jets of water hitting his face. Unable to breathe he steps back from the shower head and wipes the water away from his face.
He looks around, momentarily confused at his surroundings, which consist of a very girlishly decorated shower and bathroom. He recognizes this place.
DARREN
(whispering, to himself)
Danielle’s shower?
The shower curtain slowly slides back behind him. He jumps slightly. Danielle enters the shower.
DANIELLE
I’m coming in.
DARREN
Danielle?
DANIELLE
Yes?
DARREN
Um, hi.
Danielle wraps her arms around him from behind and whispers in his ear.
DANIELLE
Hi yourself. You sure were a tiger last night. And again this morning.
She kisses his neck then moves in front of him to get closer to the shower head.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Wash my hair.
Darren stands behind her and gently washes her hair for her. She enjoys his hands on her. She backs up into him.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Ooh, feels like someone is fully awake down there. Is there a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
He spins her around.
DARREN
I’m very, very, VERY happy to see you.
DANIELLE
I’m not sure if you’re happy enough to see me yet. Let me just go check. Gotta make sure to make you as happy as you make me.
She crouches down in front of him. He smiles and leans forward so his hands are on the shower wall in front of him. CLOSE ON Darren as the water from the shower head sprays directly in his face, creating a dark, peaceful silence.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON MILE MARKER 377 UNDERWATER - NIGHT
Darren breaks the surface of the water and gasps for air. The full moon illuminates the water. A campfire burns next to the banks of the river. He looks to his right as Danielle breaks the surface next to him.
DANIELLE
That never gets old.
Darren looks deeply in her eyes.
DARREN
Nope. It sure doesn’t.
DANIELLE
Do you want to go again? That was twice as exciting at night.
DARREN
Sure, I’ll go again.
The fire sparks and crackles. Darren gets out to go look at it. He reaches down into the sand and grabs something.
DARREN (CONT'D)
Danielle, come check this out real quick. I think you should see this.
DANIELLE
What is it?
DARREN
I don’t think you’re going to believe it.
She gets out of the water and walks next to him.
DANIELLE
What is it?Darren gets down on one knee and holds out the item he picked up from the sand: a box with a ring in it.
DARREN
Danielle, will you marry me?
Danielle is shocked.
DANIELLE
What? I--
DARREN
This is the exact spot I fell in love with you and I want you to be with me forever.
DANIELLE
Yes. YES! Of course I will marry you!
Darren puts the ring on her finger. She admires it for a second before rushing into his arms so forcefully they both fall into the river. There is a dark and peaceful silence.
CUT TO:
INT. LAS VEGAS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
CLOSE ON Darren as he wipes a liquid from his eyes. Keith, Tim and Joe surround him and spray him with champagne. Darren has trouble breathing or seeing his surroundings. Finally:
DARREN
What the hell?
The champagne bath stops as the bottles run out of bubbles. Keith hands him a bottle. Beer cans and empty bottles litter the room. The four of them are clearly drunk.
KEITH
Drink up, asshole.
TIM
Bottoms up, dumbass.
Darren takes the bottle from Keith and takes a swig. He chokes on it.
DARREN
Ugh, what is this crap?
JOE
You didn’t think we’d waste the good stuff on you did you? We decided to spend our money on better things.
DARREN
What kind of better things?
JOE
The kind of better things that you are going to be missing out on when your dumb ass gets married.
DARREN
Keith, what’s he talking about?
KEITH
Hey, I plead the fifth on this one.
DARREN
Keith, what is he talking about?
TIM
He’s talking about this evening’s entertainment.
DARREN
Entertainment? I thought I told you guys I didn’t want a stripper. I just wanted to hang out with you guys in Vegas for my bachelor party.
TIM
Don’t worry, she’s not a stripper.
DARREN
What?Joe leads a beautiful prostitute, AMANDA, from the bathroom.
JOE
Darren, this is Amanda. Amanda, Darren. Now that you’ve met, we’ve got a thing we’ve gotta go do in the lobby for, oh, an hour?
Amanda nods.
TIM
An hour it is then. See you then.
DARREN
What? No! You guys can’t leave me alone with her.
TIM
Darren, this woman has been paid handsomely to lick all of the champagne off of your body.
DARRENBut I--
TIM
Handsomely, I said. And on that note . . .
Tim pours his bottle of champagne down the front of Darren’s pants. He gestures to the wet area on Darren’s crotch as he speaks to Amanda.
TIM (CONT'D)
I think this would be a good area to start in. Just a suggestion.
Tim, Joe and Keith turn to leave.
JOE
See you in an hour.
DARREN
Guys, I--
AMANDA
Don’t worry Darren. I guarantee my services are worth every penny your friends spent. Every penny.
She pushes him back on his bed and begins to undo his belt. He leans back on his elbows while still holding the bottle of champagne. He takes a long swig and chokes on it when she suddenly and violently removes his belt, spilling champagne all over his face. CLOSE ON Darren’s face.
CUT TO:
INT. FIBBER MCGEE’S IRISH PUB - NIGHT
CLOSE ON Darren’s face as he wipes liquid out of his eyes. He is wearing the same clothes as he was wearing on the boat in the first scene. Danielle is standing facing him, an empty glass in her hand. She is livid.
DANIELLE
I can’t believe you did this! I can’t believe you did this to us! You said you loved me.
DARREN
I do! I do love you! That’s why I-
DANIELLE
Don’t tell me that. Don’t tell me that you fucked some other girl in the same sentence you tell me you love me.
DARREN
Look, she was a prostitute, she wasn’t--
DANIELLE
Oh, a prostitute! That’s supposed to make everything better? Are you kidding me?
DARREN
Danielle, I--
DANIELLE
You know what? I don’t want to hear it! I don’t!
She rips her engagement ring off and drops it in his drink.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Why don’t you give that to your prostitute. I’m sure she could find a better use for it than I ever will.
Danielle begins to storm off before coming back to grab another patron’s drink and throwing it in Darren’s face. CLOSE ON Darren’s face.
CUT TO:EXT. SAGUARO LAKE - DAY
CLOSE ON Darren’s unmoving pale blue face as water drips off of it. He is on his back on a boat, surrounded by Search and Rescue workers. The CHIEF zips up a body bag over Darren’s face.
CHIEF
Another floater out here. I wonder what convinced this guy that the sun wasn’t going to shine tomorrow?
THE END
EXT. SAGUARO LAKE - DAWN
DARREN, a handsome man in his late 20’s with the weight of the world on his shoulders, drives a small boat with an outboard motor towards the center of the lake. He is dressed in business casual attire and drives the boat with a small amount of trepidation. He drives as far as he can from land and then sets the boat in tight circles.
A bird flies overhead. He watches it fly past, acknowledging its beauty. His sadness deepens. He looks back at the loading dock, now just a speck in the distance. The engine SPUTTERS as it begins to run out of gas.
DARREN
Well. I guess this is it.
He aims the boat back toward the loading dock. The engine sputters again. He takes a deep breath and jumps out of the boat into the cold water. The empty boat heads back toward land.
EXT. SAGUARO LAKE - UNDERWATER
Dark, peaceful silence. Darren looks around resignedly.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON’S SLIDE ROCK- UNDERWATER
Darren looks up at the sunlight coming from above the water. He swims upwards towards it.
He breaks the surface and wipes the water from his eyes. He is at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, AZ. He looks down to see he is standing in shallow water and wearing a swimsuit. He walks up the banks of the river and begins to climb out. A voice from behind him.
KEITH
That was fun, huh?
Darren spins quickly to see KEITH, his friend from college. Darren is very disoriented.
DARREN
Uhhh, yeah. That was awesome.
KEITH
Your ass is going to hurt for days after today. But it’s all worth it.
DARREN
Oh, I uh, I definitely hope so.
Darren turns and watches a young boy slide down the rocks of Slide Rock, bouncing on the rocks as he slides. He subconsciously rubs his backside.
KEITH
Hey, just check out the eye candy. That will make any amount of ass pain worth it.
Keith points to a section of red rock with four beautiful college-age girls, DANIELLE, ERICA, MICHELLE and BRIDGET sunbathing in bikinis. Darren focuses on Danielle and is incredulous.
DARREN
Danielle?
KEITH
What? You know one of those girls?
DARRENNo, I--
KEITH
You better introduce me. Don’t hold out on me man.
DARREN
Wait, I--, I just have a class with her I think. One of my Comm classes.
KEITH
Well then get to talking. Tell her we’re throwing a party tonight and you want to invite them.
DARREN
A party tonight?
KEITH
Yeah, if they say yes then we’ll just have to figure out how to throw a party. We can throw one at your house, your parents are out of town.
Darren is nervous but succumbs to the peer pressure.
DARREN
Okay. I’ll talk to them.
He walks over to where the girls are sunbathing and clears his throat. None of the girls take much notice. Darren clears his throat again. Danielle leans up and peels her sunglasses back to look him in the eye.
DANIELLE
You’re standing in my sunlight.
Darren quickly steps out of her sunlight.
DARREN
Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to. Just wasn’t thinking.
He looks familiarly at Danielle.
DANIELLE
What were your thinking?
She meets his gaze with a slight bit of confusion. She KNOWS this guy from somewhere. He tries desperately not to stare at her near-naked body.
DARREN
Well, I--
DANIELLE
Do I know you from somewhere?
DARREN
Yeah. I mean, no. Not really. Well, sort of. We have a class together.
DANIELLE
Economics?
DARREN
No, um, Comm 201.
DANIELLE
Comm 201 huh? Are you a communications major?
DARREN
Um, yeah, kind of. I, I just started with it, and, well--
DANIELLE
You might want to rethink that major, given the substance of this conversation.
MICHELLE
Leave him alone Danielle.
ERICA
Yeah, do you have to be rude to every guy that tries to talk to you?
DANIELLE
Hey, I’m just trying to help the guy out.
(to Darren)
Do you need a tutor for Comm 201? Is that what you came over here for?
DARREN
No, I, well, my friend Keith and I--
He points to Keith who is standing near the water and standing with his muscles flexed, trying to look as buff as possible. When he sees the girls look at him he stiffens.
DARREN (CONT'D)
Are having a party tonight and we wanted to know if you ladies would be interested in coming to it. It should be a good time.
Bridget and Erica give Keith a once-over and nod.
BRIDGET
He’s kind of cute. I’ll go.
ERICA
Me too.
DANIELLE
What’s in it for me? Besides you getting out of my sun for a little while?
DARREN
Well, we have a couple of kegs, a fire pit, beer pong and, um, a live band.
MICHELLE
A live band? Anybody I’ve heard of?
DARREN
I can say, with little doubt, that you have never heard of this band. But the beer will make up for that.
Danielle looks at Darren skeptically.
DARREN (CONT'D)
And you can tutor me, at Comm 201, if you think that will help.
Danielle smiles for the first time.
DANIELLE
Erica, give him your number so he can call us and tell us where the party is.
ERICA
Why don’t you give him your number?
DANIELLE
Because you’re the driver, so if you decide you don’t want to go then none of us will go.
BRIDGET
Plus you’re the hooker of the group. You’re used to random guys calling you.
ERICA
That’s true. Okay.
Keith watches as Darren takes a small piece of paper from Erica. Darren smiles weakly as he comes back to Keith.
KEITH
Dude, you got her number? Awesome!
DARREN
Yeah, but we’re in deep.
KEITH
Why?
DARREN
I told them we had a live band at our party tonight.
KEITH
Oh crap.
DARREN
Yeah. We’d better get going if we’re going to get a live band by tonight.
KEITH
Okay, but let’s do one more run before we bail.
DARREN
Okay.
They go to the top of Slide Rock and slide down one after another. When Darren hits the water he slips underneath the surface. It is dark and peaceful. He looks up to the light coming from above the surface and swims toward it.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON MILE MARKER 377 - UNDERWATER
He breaks the surface to CHEERS. He wipes the water from his eyes. His college friends Keith, JOE, and TIM line the banks of Oak Creek at a deep spot in the river. Behind them stand Erica, Michelle and Bridget, all clapping. He spins in the water to look behind him to see a sheer rock wall about 50 feet tall.
TIM
That was awesome buddy! Awesome!
DARREN
What the hell did I just do?
Darren dog paddles to the bank of the river and rolls over onto his back, basking in the safety of dry land.
DARREN (CONT'D)
What, the hell, did I just do?
JOE
You jumped, dumbass. And it was awesome!
Darren turns to look at everyone on the bank of the river. Someone is missing. Suddenly a FEMALE YELL from behind him. He turns just in time to see a flash of a body hitting the water behind him. Everyone on the bank CHEERS.
DARREN
What was that?
He waits a long few seconds, looking at the surface of the water. Suddenly it breaks and Danielle comes splashing out of it, smiling from ear to ear.
She hits the banks of the river and slicks her hair back. She is the most beautiful thing Darren has ever seen. She looks at him quizzically.
DANIELLE
What?
Darren smiles.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
What?!
DARREN
Nothing. Just, that was awesome.
DANIELLE
You think?
She looks up at the top of the cliff.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
We should do that again.
DARREN
What, jump? From up there?
DANIELLE
Yeah jump. From up there. You already did it once and lived.
DARREN
Yeah, but I don’t want to press my luck.
DANIELLE
Then let me press your luck for you. You’re jumping. We’re jumping.
She grabs him by the hand and pulls him toward the trailhead that leads to the top of the cliff. Darren follows Danielle up the trail to the cliff, admiring her body as he follows. She truly is breathtaking.
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON MILE MARKER 377 CLIFF - SAME
Danielle and Darren walk to the edge of the cliff and look down. The drop is staggering.
DARREN
I think jumping once was enough, don’t you?
DANIELLEYou only live once Darren.
DARREN
Live once, jump twice? Is that your motto?
DANIELLE
Sounds good to me.
Darren looks over the edge and gulps heavily. Danielle grabs his hand and squeezes it.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Jump with me.
DARREN
What?
Danielle steps off the edge of the cliff, pulling Darren with her. They fall towards the water in silence.
The water roars around them as they enter. Then dark, peaceful silence. Darren looks around underwater, Danielle is nowhere to be found. He sees the light coming from above the water and swims to it.
CUT TO:
INT. SHOWER - NIGHT
CLOSE ON Darren’s face as he stands in the shower with powerful jets of water hitting his face. Unable to breathe he steps back from the shower head and wipes the water away from his face.
He looks around, momentarily confused at his surroundings, which consist of a very girlishly decorated shower and bathroom. He recognizes this place.
DARREN
(whispering, to himself)
Danielle’s shower?
The shower curtain slowly slides back behind him. He jumps slightly. Danielle enters the shower.
DANIELLE
I’m coming in.
DARREN
Danielle?
DANIELLE
Yes?
DARREN
Um, hi.
Danielle wraps her arms around him from behind and whispers in his ear.
DANIELLE
Hi yourself. You sure were a tiger last night. And again this morning.
She kisses his neck then moves in front of him to get closer to the shower head.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Wash my hair.
Darren stands behind her and gently washes her hair for her. She enjoys his hands on her. She backs up into him.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Ooh, feels like someone is fully awake down there. Is there a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
He spins her around.
DARREN
I’m very, very, VERY happy to see you.
DANIELLE
I’m not sure if you’re happy enough to see me yet. Let me just go check. Gotta make sure to make you as happy as you make me.
She crouches down in front of him. He smiles and leans forward so his hands are on the shower wall in front of him. CLOSE ON Darren as the water from the shower head sprays directly in his face, creating a dark, peaceful silence.
CUT TO:
EXT. OAK CREEK CANYON MILE MARKER 377 UNDERWATER - NIGHT
Darren breaks the surface of the water and gasps for air. The full moon illuminates the water. A campfire burns next to the banks of the river. He looks to his right as Danielle breaks the surface next to him.
DANIELLE
That never gets old.
Darren looks deeply in her eyes.
DARREN
Nope. It sure doesn’t.
DANIELLE
Do you want to go again? That was twice as exciting at night.
DARREN
Sure, I’ll go again.
The fire sparks and crackles. Darren gets out to go look at it. He reaches down into the sand and grabs something.
DARREN (CONT'D)
Danielle, come check this out real quick. I think you should see this.
DANIELLE
What is it?
DARREN
I don’t think you’re going to believe it.
She gets out of the water and walks next to him.
DANIELLE
What is it?Darren gets down on one knee and holds out the item he picked up from the sand: a box with a ring in it.
DARREN
Danielle, will you marry me?
Danielle is shocked.
DANIELLE
What? I--
DARREN
This is the exact spot I fell in love with you and I want you to be with me forever.
DANIELLE
Yes. YES! Of course I will marry you!
Darren puts the ring on her finger. She admires it for a second before rushing into his arms so forcefully they both fall into the river. There is a dark and peaceful silence.
CUT TO:
INT. LAS VEGAS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
CLOSE ON Darren as he wipes a liquid from his eyes. Keith, Tim and Joe surround him and spray him with champagne. Darren has trouble breathing or seeing his surroundings. Finally:
DARREN
What the hell?
The champagne bath stops as the bottles run out of bubbles. Keith hands him a bottle. Beer cans and empty bottles litter the room. The four of them are clearly drunk.
KEITH
Drink up, asshole.
TIM
Bottoms up, dumbass.
Darren takes the bottle from Keith and takes a swig. He chokes on it.
DARREN
Ugh, what is this crap?
JOE
You didn’t think we’d waste the good stuff on you did you? We decided to spend our money on better things.
DARREN
What kind of better things?
JOE
The kind of better things that you are going to be missing out on when your dumb ass gets married.
DARREN
Keith, what’s he talking about?
KEITH
Hey, I plead the fifth on this one.
DARREN
Keith, what is he talking about?
TIM
He’s talking about this evening’s entertainment.
DARREN
Entertainment? I thought I told you guys I didn’t want a stripper. I just wanted to hang out with you guys in Vegas for my bachelor party.
TIM
Don’t worry, she’s not a stripper.
DARREN
What?Joe leads a beautiful prostitute, AMANDA, from the bathroom.
JOE
Darren, this is Amanda. Amanda, Darren. Now that you’ve met, we’ve got a thing we’ve gotta go do in the lobby for, oh, an hour?
Amanda nods.
TIM
An hour it is then. See you then.
DARREN
What? No! You guys can’t leave me alone with her.
TIM
Darren, this woman has been paid handsomely to lick all of the champagne off of your body.
DARRENBut I--
TIM
Handsomely, I said. And on that note . . .
Tim pours his bottle of champagne down the front of Darren’s pants. He gestures to the wet area on Darren’s crotch as he speaks to Amanda.
TIM (CONT'D)
I think this would be a good area to start in. Just a suggestion.
Tim, Joe and Keith turn to leave.
JOE
See you in an hour.
DARREN
Guys, I--
AMANDA
Don’t worry Darren. I guarantee my services are worth every penny your friends spent. Every penny.
She pushes him back on his bed and begins to undo his belt. He leans back on his elbows while still holding the bottle of champagne. He takes a long swig and chokes on it when she suddenly and violently removes his belt, spilling champagne all over his face. CLOSE ON Darren’s face.
CUT TO:
INT. FIBBER MCGEE’S IRISH PUB - NIGHT
CLOSE ON Darren’s face as he wipes liquid out of his eyes. He is wearing the same clothes as he was wearing on the boat in the first scene. Danielle is standing facing him, an empty glass in her hand. She is livid.
DANIELLE
I can’t believe you did this! I can’t believe you did this to us! You said you loved me.
DARREN
I do! I do love you! That’s why I-
DANIELLE
Don’t tell me that. Don’t tell me that you fucked some other girl in the same sentence you tell me you love me.
DARREN
Look, she was a prostitute, she wasn’t--
DANIELLE
Oh, a prostitute! That’s supposed to make everything better? Are you kidding me?
DARREN
Danielle, I--
DANIELLE
You know what? I don’t want to hear it! I don’t!
She rips her engagement ring off and drops it in his drink.
DANIELLE (CONT'D)
Why don’t you give that to your prostitute. I’m sure she could find a better use for it than I ever will.
Danielle begins to storm off before coming back to grab another patron’s drink and throwing it in Darren’s face. CLOSE ON Darren’s face.
CUT TO:EXT. SAGUARO LAKE - DAY
CLOSE ON Darren’s unmoving pale blue face as water drips off of it. He is on his back on a boat, surrounded by Search and Rescue workers. The CHIEF zips up a body bag over Darren’s face.
CHIEF
Another floater out here. I wonder what convinced this guy that the sun wasn’t going to shine tomorrow?
THE END
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