K a l e i d o s c o p e

By

Tyler Willhite

Copyright © 2003 by Tyler Willhite

[Credits play w/music; once music is done it goes to black. Fade in to a date written in white over an all black background. The date is December 1, 2003. Fade to black. Fade into opening shot. Opening shot is of Talk Show coming back from commercial]

Mid-Afternoon

[TV cuts in with Voiceover: “And now back to the Amanda Griffith Show”]

[Amanda Griffith enters; she is a beautiful blonde woman, relatively tall. Amanda is fairly cocky, very professional.]

Amanda Griffith:

Hello and we’re back here to wrap up this episode of “Guy or Girl? You decide.” Well we’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff tonight, and had lots of surprises

[Camera shows “woman” who is obviously a man]

But in the end, hey, we’re all humans, what difference does it make? Goodnight everyone.

[Cuts to a screen with music and voiceover saying “If you would like to be on the Amanda Griffith show, just dial (566) – 672 – 5489.”]

[Camera now cuts to Amanda walking backstage after the show. Amanda is walking alongside Joyce, her assistant. Joyce is an average looking woman in her 30’s; it is incredibly crowded with various people entering the screen]

Amanda:

God, what a bunch of freaks. Who finds these people anyways?

Joyce:

We don’t find them, they find us.

Amanda:

Who gives a shit, as long as the ratings are goo-

[Stagehand enters and hands Amanda Coffee]

Stagehand:

Great Show Amanda!

Amanda:

[Takes Sip] Aw, I’ve had tequila that tastes better than this; get me a new cup…something good…isn’t there a Starbucks around here?

Stagehand:

Yes Ma’am.

Amanda:

Then go get me some!

Stagehand:

Yes ma’am, I’ll be back in five.

[Stagehand exits]

Amanda (to Joyce):

Dumbass, he’s lucky I don’t fire him.

[Camera cuts to a dark park where two mobsters, Sammy and Barry, are firing guns at a victim. Sammy is a tall Italian man, his partner Barry, is a shorter guy, Italian, and loves to swear, both are in their 30’s.]

Barry:

What a fucking prick. The balls this guy has to fuck around with the boss’s granddaughter, he’s asking to get whacked.

Sammy:

That bitch fucks a lot of guys though; how do the other guys stay alive?

Barry:

Well, it’s a matter of control. See this guy didn’t like the idea that she fucks around, so what’s he do? Starts beating the shit out of her…big no-no.

Sammy:

Good point, let’s get this guy underground.

[They pick the guy up by his arms and legs and throw him into the trunk; they begin to drive to the cornfields to bury him.]

[Camera now goes back to car w/Sammy driving and Barry riding shotgun.]

Barry:

You dug the hole, right?

Sammy:

Yep, that means you’re digging the next one.

Barry:

I…I can’t…doctor says I got carpal tunnel syndrome, I can’t do no diggin’.

[Sammy gives Barry a sinister look]

Sammy:

You’re fucking digging the next hole

Barry:

Fine…but if I fuck myself up more it’s your fault

Sammy:

Deal.

[Camera now cuts to a teacher, Susan Miers a teacher in her early 30s, she has red hair and is around normal height and build, teaching her class, she is just finishing up and the bell rings]

Susan Miers:

Alright class, read pages 224-267 for tomorrow. Have a nice day!

[She is shuffling papers when a fellow teacher of hers, Sean Hawkins a man in his late 20s who is very handsome man with Black hair and dark brown eyes, comes in to talk to her]

Sean Hawkins:

Hey Sue, how’s life treating ya?

Sue:

Not bad, but do you ever get the feeling that what you say to your students just goes right over their head? I mean sometimes I just think what’s the point, they’re just going to forget half the things I teach them next semester anyways.

Sean:

I wouldn’t worry about it too much. They’re just a bunch of teenagers…all they care about is getting a date for prom and finishing puberty.

Sue (chuckles):

Yeah, I guess you’re right.

[She smiles at him and they begin to kiss]

Sean:

So are we going to get together tonight?

Sue:

Yes, we can get together. I told my husband that I have a teacher’s workshop to go to tonight.

Sean:

Teacher’s workshop? Nice. So you’re sure your husband doesn’t know about us?

Sue:
Nope, he’s clueless.

Sean:
What would happen if he found out?

Sue:
We’d both be fucked.

[Camera now cuts to a dorm room where Jimmy Peterson, an 18 yr old student who would be considered “hot” and is very conceited, is putting the finishing touches on the room. As he’s doing this his roommate Kyle, an average looking boy of the same age is at his computer playing a game]

Jimmy:

What are you doing tonight?

Kyle:

Uh, me and a couple guys down the hall are gonna do some dorm drinking. How bout you?

Jimmy:

Well first I gotta go to church, after that though, it’s party time. I think we might go hit up a couple bars. I plan on getting really drunk…

Kyle:

Church then the bars? An ironic combination isn’t it.

Jimmy:

Hey, gotta balance my life out some way.

Kyle:

Touché; so what church are you going to?

Jimmy:

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, it’s on Market Street.

Kyle:

Oh, so you’re Catholic, eh?

Jimmy:

Yeah Lent’s a pain in the ass, but sacrifices need to be made in order to get into Heaven. What religion are you?

Kyle:

I’m an Atheist.

[Jimmy flashes Kyle a confused and surprised look]

Jimmy:

An Atheist? Are you serious?

Kyle:

Yes I am.

Jimmy:

That’s where you deny God’s existence, right?

Kyle:

Yep.

Jimmy:

No Heaven?

Kyle:

Nothing.

Jimmy:

No Jesus Christ?

Kyle:

Nothing.

Jimmy:

No God?

[Kyle’s starting to get annoyed]

Kyle:

Right, nothing.

Jimmy [In a state of shock]:

Wow, have fun in the after-life.

About an hour later

[Camera now goes back to Barry and Sammy in the car.]

Barry:

Well, another job well done.

Sammy:

…Yeah…I Guess

[Sammy lets out a big breath of air and shakes his head]

Sammy:

You know, I started thinking back, this is like the 25th guy I’ve killed…

Barry:

That it? God you’re such an amateur. Oh well man, that’s part of the life.

[Barry looks over at Sammy, Sammy looks remorseful]

Barry:

What the fuck’s wrong with you, you look like your best friend just died.

Sammy:

I don’t know…I’m starting to like this job less and less. When I used to have to do hits, I could just push it out of my mind…ya know, it was business. Now, it’s starting to get to me. I mean how many times can you see people crying for their life before it starts to affect you? I’m seriously considering quitting the life.

Barry:

First off, you can’t quit, come on, you know that and I know that. We’ve been in this business for 15 years. You think that you can just walk off and leave without facing any backlash? Good fuckin luck. Second, you really need a woman. Just get a woman and you won’t be thinking about this shit…you won’t have time to think about this shit. Once she gets inside your head she’s staying there, there ain’t no room for fuckin worrying about your job. Just chill the fuck out man, come on, let’s go get some coffee, I think I see a Starbucks up ahead.

[They walk into the coffee shop.]

Sammy:

I’ll have a regular with lots of cream and lots of sugar.

Barry:

I’ll have a double shot espresso. You ever have one of these things? They taste like shit but they keep you wired for a long time.

Cashier [To Sammy]:

That’ll be 1.50.

Sammy [to Barry]:

1.50 for a fuckin cup of coffee…can you believe that?

Barry:

That’s 21st Century capitalism for you.

[They get their coffee and take a seat]

Barry:

So, tonight we’re going to meet the boss at 10:00, tell him about our accomplishment, and get our cash…simple enough?

Sammy:

Yeah, I guess.

[Barry looks at Sammy sympathetically]

Barry:

Look man, I understand why you’re thinking about quitting, I have the same regret sometimes; but remember man, we’re gangsters, this is our business…in the land of the Mafia there are no innocent people. Everyone dies for a reason. These people deserved what they got. That’s how I look at it.

Sammy [not really buying it but thanking Barry for the comfort]:

I guess you’re right.

Evening

[We now go to Amanda Griffith’s dressing room. She is in there with Joyce, getting ready to leave]

Amanda:

Joyce, can you believe that people watch our show enough to make it popular? What’s that say about society?

Joyce:

I think it shows that people have no moral standards when it comes to what they watch on TV.

Amanda:

Yeah, no shit.

[A female stagehand knocks on the door]

Amanda:

Come in.

Stagehand:

Amanda, you got a phone call from your brother-in-law; your sister’s water broke. She should have the baby within a couple hours.

Amanda:

GREAT, thanks a lot.

Stagehand:

You’re a very lucky woman.

Amanda:

Thanks.

[The stagehand exits]

Joyce:

So you’re going to be an Aunt, huh?

Amanda:

Yeah, should be fun. I get to pamper the kid all I want, then when the little shit box starts to cry I can just pass it off to the parents…God I’m so glad I’m not a mother.

Joyce:

You don’t want to have kids?

Amanda:

Not now, I’m too concerned with my career. Maybe in the future I’ll have kids. I like where I am with my life right now.

Joyce:

Where would that be?

Amanda:

Making a lot of money, being a TV Personality, and having the ability to fuck any guy I want. Anything wrong with that?

Joyce:

It sounds kind of empty.

Amanda:

It’s more fulfilling that you may think. Take my word for it. I gotta get to the hospital. You got my car ready?

Joyce:

Yep, it’s all ready to go.

Amanda:

OK, let’s skedaddle.

[Now cut to Jimmy at Church]

Priest:

People, when God created us, he created us to be good upstanding moral human beings. He did not create us to be sinners. For that is what Hell is for. Satan pushes his wickedness upon us sometimes, but we must resist.

[Quick back flash to Jimmy doing a 5 shooter of Vodka, then back to Priest]

We can not let the evil demon take control of us, or he will steal our inherent decency.

[Another quick flash back to Jimmy having sex with a random girl]

We must resist, people, for we must choose the path of the righteous.

[Final quick flash back to Jimmy snorting a line of cocaine}

To give in to temptation is wrong, it is OK to sin, but to sin and not repent is unforgivable. Wash your hands clean of these sins and be one of God’s sons.

[We zoom in on Jimmy as he let’s the words sink in and then fade out of the scene]

[Camera now shows Sue and Sean at a restaurant eating dinner]

Sue:

I’ve decided that next year the Cubs are going to win the World Series.

Sean:

Oh yeah? I’ve been deciding that for the past 35 years.

Sue [laughing]:

What a bunch of fuck-ups.

Sean:

How do you like the food?

Sue:

It’s very good, been a while since I’ve eaten out. It seems like once Caitlin was born, my social life took a 180. Oh well, that’s motherhood for ya.

Sean:

Yeah, on top of that, it’s not like teacher’s have the most vibrant social

life.

Sue:

Let’s toast; “To having no life.”

Sean:

“To having no life.”

[Sue’s cell phone rings]

Sue:

Shit, it’s my husband. Don’t say anything.

[Sean wipes his mouth with his napkin then turns away semi-annoyed]

Sean:

Fine…

[Answers call then takes a deep breath]

Sue:

Hi honey, what’s up?

Dave:

Oh nothing, just wondering when you were going to get back.

Sue:

Um…the workshop is running a little late…I probably won’t be back for a couple more hours. OK?

Dave:

Alright.

Sue:

What’s Caitlin doing?

Dave:

Oh, she’s watching some movie on Disney…I think she’s about ready for bed, she can barely keep her eyes open.

Sue (smiling):

Well tell her Mommy says goodnight.

Dave:

Alright, love ya Susan.

Sue:

I love you too.

Sue and Dave [simultaneously]:

Bye.

[Sue hangs up the phone and turns to Sean]

Sue:

Sorry about that, where were we?

Later That Evening

[We now see Jimmy at a Bar with a bunch of his friends, they are sitting at a booth, the audience can tell that what the priest said is still lingering in his mind]

Friend 1:

Jimmy man, check that bitch out.

[Jimmy is tuning him out]

Jimmy [In a delayed reaction]:

What…oh…oh yeah, she pretty hot…

Friend 1:

Come on man what the fuck’s wrong with you?

Jimmy:

Ah nothing, just thinking about something my minister said earlier.

Friend 1:

Your-Your-Your Minister, what are you kidding me? Come on man, we’re in college. NOW is the time to live. Have fun, have a beer, pick up chicks…the time is now!

[Friend pours Jimmy a beer out of a pitcher]

[Time elapses as they drink their beers]

Friend 1 [slamming down cup after he finishes his beer]:

Come on man, let’s go dancing.

[They go to the dance floor and start finding girls to dance alongside with]

[Jimmy is “grinding” along with an incredibly beautiful brunette girl; his friend is doing the same]

Jimmy [yelling due to loud music]:

So what’s your name?

Girl:

WHAT? I CAN’T HEAR YOU.

Jimmy:

I SAID WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Girl:

NATALIE, WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Jimmy:

JIMMY, NICE TO MEET YOU.

Girl:

YEAH, YOU TOO.

[They continue to dance for a while]

Jimmy:

SO YOU WANNA GO FIND A PLACE WHERE WE CAN BE ALONE?

Natalie:

DEFINITELY.

Jimmy [to friend]:

HEY MAN WE’RE TAKING OFF.

Friend 1:

ALRIGHT, SEE YA LATER.

[They leave the dance floor and go back to the booth]

Jimmy:

Where are ya from?

Natalie:

Oak Park, it’s a Chicago Suburb. How bout you?

Jimmy:

I’m from Elmhurst; it’s also a Chicago suburb…

Natalie:

How old are you?

Jimmy:

I’m 18, you?

Natalie:

18…god it sucks not being 21…

Jimmy:

Yeah, I agree

[An awkward pause]

Natalie:

What dorm are you in?

Jimmy:

I’m in Hamilton, you?

Natalie:

Ohh I’m in Fincham.

[Another pause]

Natalie:

You know what I just realized… I’ve never seen a dorm room on the West Side of the river.

Jimmy:

Really…well what a coincidence…it’s your lucky day…

[They exit the bar and begin to walk back to Jimmy’s dorm. On the way back Jimmy calls Kyle]

Kyle:

Hello?

Jimmy:

Hey Kyle.

Kyle:

Yeah?

Jimmy:

I’m bringing back a girl…

Kyle [pausing for a second]:

Ok…

Jimmy:

So…if you can, could you find somewhere else to stay for the night, otherwise I guess you can stay in our room.

Kyle [annoyed and surprised]:

Um…yeah, no problem, I’ll be gone before you get back.

Jimmy:

Alright thanks man.

Kyle:

Yep.

[Kyle hangs up the phone]

Kyle:

God Damnit…

[We now see Barry and Sammy at Don Marinelli’s estate]

Don Marinelli:

So you guys took care of him?

Barry:

Yeah, he’s a fuckin goner.

Don Marinelli:

Beautiful. Sammy, Barry, you guys are my top guys and you know it. I don’t know what I’d do without ya.

[The Don hugs them both]

Don Marinelli:

Sit down, what are you guys drinking?

Barry:

Jack and Coke.

Sammy:

Give me a White Russian.

Don Marinelli:

Great, Great…

[He goes over and makes the drinks and brings them back]

Sammy:

Now boss, how about a little money?

Don Marinelli:

Sammy Sammy Sammy, there’s more to life then a little money.

Sammy:

Not for a man who’s life revolves around ending other people’s lives.

[The Don flashes Sammy a bad look]

Don Marinelli:

Well, if it’s money you want, then money you shall have.

[He goes and gets 2 briefcases and opens them]

Don Marinelli:

Will 25 grand do the trick?

[Sammy and Barry both look at each other in agreement]

Barry:

Yeah that’ll do.
[They take the briefcases and begin to leave; at the door the stop and say goodbye to Don Marinelli]

Barry:

Goodbye boss.

[Barry and Don Marinelli hug]

Sammy:

Goodbye boss.

[He hugs Don Marinelli]

[They walk out to the car get in and shut the door]

[Next scene starts with bottom half of a person walking out of a car. The car door shuts and we see that it’s Amanda. She is walking into the hospital]

Amanda:

Hi what room is Lauren Masterson in?

Desk Clerk:

Hold on a second, I’ll look her up.

[Desk clerk types on computer]

Desk Clerk:

She’s in room 117, you go down the hall, take a right and then take the 3rd left and you’ll find the room.

Amanda:

Thank you.

[She walks towards the room and eventually enters it]

[She arrives; Thomas (Amanda’s brother-in-law), her sister Lauren, and a nurse are all in the room]

Amanda:

Hi, how’s everything going?

Thomas [goes over, hugs and kisses Amanda on the cheek]:

Just great, everything’s going fine.

Amanda:

Wonderful…

[She walks over to her sister]

Amanda:

How’s it going Lauren?

Lauren:

I’m in Hell.

Amanda (laughing):

They give you any drugs yet?

Lauren:

Not yet, once it gets more painful though, I plan on being in morphine heaven.

Amanda [smiling]:

That’s not a bad place to be.

[Doctor enters]

Doctor [to Amanda]:

Are you part of the immediate family?

Amanda:

I’m the patient’s sister.

Doctor:

Alright, I’m going to have to ask you to go to the waiting room…the delivery process is about to begin.

Amanda [to Doctor]:

Alright, just let me say goodbye to my sister.

[Doctor gives a nod of recognition]

Amanda [to Lauren]:

Well, congratulations…Mom.

[She smiles, and then kisses Lauren on the forehead and leaves]

[Amanda exits and walks back to the front desk]

Amanda:

Is there a coffee shop anywhere near here?

Desk Clerk:

Actually, there’s a Starbucks in the West wing of the hospital, next to the cafeteria. Just follow the maps on the walls and you should be able to find it OK.

Amanda:

Alright, thanks.

[We fade out on Amanda walking down one of the hospital corridors on her way to the Starbucks]

[We now go back to Susan and Sean at dinner]

Sue:

Are we going to stay for dessert?

Sean:

I don’t care, it’s up to you.

Sue:

Well let’s see what they have.

[She looks at the menu]

Sue:

Mmmm, French Silk Pie, have you ever had that?

Sean:

No I haven’t, I don’t think I have the room for it.

Sue:

Well, I will indulge myself anyways.

[Sue flags down a waiter]

Sue:

I would like a piece of French Silk Pie and a coffee refill, please.

Waiter:

And anything for you sir?

Sean:

Just some more coffee, thanks.

Waiter:

I’ll be back in a minute.

Sean:

Are you going to be able to eat all that?

Sue:

No, but you’re paying for it so I figure why not?

Sean:

Am I being taken for a ride here?

Sue:

I’ll you pay you back in other ways…

[flashes him an intriguing look]

[The waiter returns]

Waiter:

One piece of French Silk Pie and two coffees…enjoy.

[We now go back to Sammy; he just got back to his house. He walks into his room, removes a rug and unlocks a safe that’s built into the floor. The safe is loaded with money. Sammy puts the 25K in the safe shuts it and leaves for the kitchen. Next shot is from inside the fridge; he opens it, grabs a beer, and shuts it. He now goes to the living room, and watches TV. The “Amanda Griffith Show” is on TV as he flips through the channel. He sifts aimlessly through the channels while drinking his beer. When he finishes he goes to bed. While in bed he begins to fantasize about a girl. She is on top of him during sex and thus we only see her from behind. She has long brown hair and fair skin. When the two are done “Having Sex” we end the scene with Sammy comfortably falling asleep.]

[Now a double sex scene between Sue and Sean, and Jimmy and Natalie. The camera should show one couple, for a couple seconds, go black, and then show the next couple. We keep this up for about 15 seconds then cut to black with a voiceover from Sean talking to Susan]

Sean [caressing Susan’s face in bed]:

When I make love to you I want time to stand still. When I hold you, I want to feel like we are one entity. When I kiss you, I want to sink down to the bottom of the sea. I think I’m beginning to fall for you Sue. I mean, I know this is just supposed to be a temporary thing, but I mean the more and more we see each other, the more and more it feels like it shouldn’t be.

Sue:

I think I’m falling for you too. I mean I want to keep seeing you but at the same time, I don’t want to jeopardize my marriage, and fall out of love with my husband but…I don’t know…

Sean:

Well, this is not my choice to make, you do what you thinks best.

[She cuddles up with Sean and says in a happy tone]

Sue:

Well, for now, let’s just stay where we’re at.

[Now go to Jimmy and Natalie lying next to each other in bed.]

Jimmy:

That was fun.

Natalie:

Wow, that was the best I’ve had in a while.

Jimmy [surprised]:

Really?

Natalie:

Yeah, really.

Jimmy [not knowing what to say]:

…Well, you were quite good, as well.
[Amanda is in the waiting room drinking her coffee and reading magazine. Thomas comes into the waiting room to tell Amanda the child has been born]

[Thomas walks in from a corridor off to the side, enters the waiting room and approaches Amanda; he is obviously ecstatic]

Amanda [getting up from her seat]:
How’d everything go?

Thomas:
The birth went fine…both Lauren and the Baby are perfectly healthy. Come on, let’s go see it.

Amanda:

I can’t believe I’m finally an Aunt.

Thomas:

I can’t believe I’M finally a DAD.

Amanda:

I know, this is totally mind-blowing.

[They enter the room and we keep the camera on Amanda. In the background you can hear the baby screaming. We see Amanda’s face, and see that as she enters the room and sees the baby, her amazement dies down somewhat; however she still is fairly excited.]

Lauren [off-screen to baby]:

Say hello to your Aunt Amanda.

[She gives the child to Amanda and we see that the child has Down Syndrome]

Amanda [to baby]:

Wow, um…Hi…I’m your Aunt Amanda…

[As the last line is being said in the scene we begin to fade to black]
The Next Day – Late Morning

[An alarm buzzes and we see a hand hit it. It is Sammy and he gets up for his daily routine. We see him crawl out of bed. In the background is a New Orleans Saints poster. Next shot is of Sammy turning off the water in the shower, then a shot of him brushing his teeth, then a final one of him putting on a T-Shirt and getting ready to leave. He sits down on a recliner in his living room and turns on the TV. The news is on and there is a woman at a news desk saying “A student from the University of Chicago is declared missing today after not being seen all weekend. The student is Steven Rotzoll of Lombard, IL (they show a picture of him and it is the man that Sammy and Barry killed earlier). His roommate says that the boy left Saturday afternoon and never returned ‘I just assumed he went home for the weekend, but when he didn’t come back Sunday night, I began to think that something was wro—(Sammy clicks off TV) and goes and gets in the car. Next scene is him pulling into a parking lot and walking into a coffee shop. Barry and two other men are there].

Barry:

Yo, Sammy, over here.

[Sammy goes over and sits next to Barry]

Sammy:

Hey fellas, how’s it hangin?

Man 1 and Man 2:

Not bad, not bad.

Barry:

This is [points to man 1] Donnie, and this man [points to man 2] is Percy.

Sammy:

Nice to meet you guys…why are you here?

Barry:

These two guys here will be aiding in the little heist that we’re doing in Milwaukee in two days. These two work for Don Riccoli, the Milwaukee mob boss. We’re gonna do the job at night and go to The First Milwaukee bank. We’re drilling holes in the side and taking out 750 grand. This is gonna be our score. About 150 grand a piece for the four of us, then the two bosses are gonna split the other 150 g’s. If this hit don’t bring a smile to your face [Barry begins to smile]…I don’t know what the fuck will.

Sammy:

I’ll smile once I got the 150 grand in my fuckin pocket.

Barry [chuckles]:

Don’t get too excited about this hit Sammy…alright guys, lets get the details sorted out.

[Barry calls to Waitress]

Barry:

Waitress, 4 cups of coffee please.

[We now see Jimmy at his computer. Kyle walks into the room, he has just gotten out of the shower.]

Jimmy [as Kyle begins to change]:

You’ll never believe the night I had man…

Kyle:

…Oh I can imagine.

Jimmy:

You wouldn’t believe the shit this girl was into…it was like a God damn porno.

Kyle [under his breath]:

How blasphemous [now aloud] Pretty cool man.

Jimmy:

Hell yeah, she says I was the best she’s EVER had!

Kyle:

Wow, impressive. So I assume you’re going to see this girl again huh?

Jimmy:

Fuck no…I wouldn’t want to see this girl again…she’s just some girl who I felt like having sex with

Kyle:

You mean you’re just going to ignore this girl?

Jimmy [as if he sees nothing wrong with it]:

…Yeah.

Kyle:

That’s kind of cruel.

Jimmy:

Se La Vi…

[A Pause]

I’m not too worried about it, I mean it seemed like she was just in it for the same reason I was. We both knew it was just a fling and nothing was gonna come out of it.

Kyle:
Well, I guess it’s not that bad then.

Jimmy:
Yeah, it’s no big deal…

Same Day – Late Afternoon/Early Evening

[Now we see Sue talking to a parent, it is “Open House” at the school and the classroom is lavishly decorated]

Sue:

I can assure you your son is doing fine Mrs. Swanson. Sometimes I think that he suffers from a lack of motivation and could be pushed harder. His quality of work is extremely advanced for his age; I just think that we could push him harder. I will try my best in that department, but I’m also asking you to maybe encourage him to push himself as well.

Mrs. Swanson:
I will try my best, teenage boys don’t normally want to take advice from their moms, however.
Sue:
Well, it’s not like they want they’re that enthused by what their teachers say either, but I think if we can both try to motivate him without being overbearing or too forceful, we can reach his full potential. If you ever have any questions, just email, call, or come talk to me, you’re more than welcome to.

[We now see a first person view; the camera moves through the hallway and waves at occasional people we then see it turn into a classroom. In the corner we see Sue putting away her things.]

Sue:
Hi honey.
Dave:
Hi Sue you about done?

Sue:
Yeah, I just got to clean up a few more things.
[We now see that it’s Dave]

Dave:
Alright, how’d the workshop go?
Sue:
Really good…really hectic, but really good.
Dave:
Great!

[A knock on the door is heard and it is Sean as we see him peek his head in]

Sean:
Hey Sue!

[He sees Dave and is slightly shocked, yet he’s able to play it off]

Sean:

You must be Dave.

[He begins to walk toward him]

Sean:

I’ve heard a lot about you, you’re a very lucky guy, Sue’s a wonderful teacher.

[They Shake Hands]
[Throughout the whole conversation Sue is looking between her “two men” and anxiously waiting for the conversation to end]

Dave:
Yeah, I know she is, she’s also the best wife and mother a man could ask for.

[A pause]

Dave:

I’m sorry, I don’t think I’ve met you…
Sean:
I’m Sean, a colleague of Sue’s. We went to the workshop together.

Dave:
OHHHHH yeah, I remember now. How are ya Sean?
Sean:
I’m doin’ good, the open house was a little stressful but it’s always fun to meet the parents of your students.
Dave:
Yeah…Hey, Listen, we were going to go to a bar tonight and have a few beers with some friends but they ended up canceling, why don’t you come along tonight?
[Sean looks at Sue in shock]
Sean:
Umm…I…I don’t think I can…I got a lot of papers to grade.
Dave:
I insist, I would love to meet some of the people that Susie works with. Bring along a lady friend too. It’ll be like a double date.

[Sean looks at Sue and she shrugs her shoulders in approval]

Sean:
Ok, where are we meeting?
Dave:
We’ll meet at Fitzpatricks at 8 O’clock.

Sean:
Ok, see ya there.

[He exits]
Dave:
Come on, lets go.
[We now see Sue and Dave driving in the car. Sue is very agitated at Dave and upset.]

Sue:
You know, you shouldn’t have told Sean to go out with us.
Dave:
Oh, the guy needed to let loose. He looked really stressed out.
Sue:
Well…he had a lot of catching up to do this weekend, that and his mother is very, very sick…
Dave:
Well, I’m sorry to hear that, but what’s done is done.

Sue:
I guess, just next time let me know if you’re going to do something like that.
Dave [slightly raising his voice]:
Like what? I was just being friendly!
Sue:
Yeah, well, just [pause] don’t do that anymore.
Dave [letting out a sigh]:
OK…

[A pause and then he looks over at Sue]

Dave:

You know, you look like you could afford to loosen up a little also.
Sue:
Well, it’s been a VERY stressful day.

Same Day - Evening

[Now we see Amanda on the phone back home. She lives in a very lavish apartment in downtown Chicago. She is lying on a couch. In the background we see her apartment windows overlooking the city of Chicago. There are various artworks on the wall and artistic statues throughout the apartment. We hear Amanda on the phone talking but before we see her, we do a pan of her apartment.]

Amanda [on phone]:
Hi Joyce, how’s it going?

[pause]

Uh-huh. What’s the schedule for this week?

[pause]

OK, I can’t make the meeting on Tuesday, let’s see if we can reschedule.

[pause]

Wh-What? Um…Thursday would probably work best for me. Mid to Late afternoon if possible.

[We now see her on the couch and hear Joyce on the other end of the phone]
Joyce:
Alright, Business stuff is done, How’s it feel to be an Aunt?
Amanda:
IT’S INCREDIBLE. Seeing a new born baby is one of the most beautiful things ever. I want one of my own now [laughs].
Joyce:
WHAT? This coming from the same woman who called babies “shit boxes.”
Amanda:

Well they’re not all that bad…
Joyce:
Is this for real or just post-baby envy?
Amanda:
I’d like to think it’s the former, but it’s probably just the latter.

[Amanda now goes into the Kitchen, reaches into the fridge and pulls out an expensive bottle of Brandy.]

Joyce:
So what’s the baby’s name?

Amanda:

Little Alexis Marie.

Joyce [In a cutesy way]:
Ohhhh. How’d the birth go?
Amanda [while pouring herself a glass of brandy, and taking the glass and bottle back to the couch with her. She should be holding the phone up to her ear w/her shoulder]:
Ohh, it went great, Lauren is doing just fine. When she started the delivery process though, she was pretty doped up, so I don’t think she went through too much pain.

Joyce:
Wonderful, So I assume everything’s fine with the baby too then?
Amanda:
Well, kind of…
Joyce [concerned]:
What happened?
Amanda:
The kid is Mentally Retarded…
Joyce:
OH NO.

Amanda:

The doctor said that she’s going to have to live like this. He did recommend some support groups to go to. I think the whole family is going to try and go together to one. This is someone we love, and we have to learn how to treat her. I mean, I’ve never dealt with something like this, I don’t know how to respond to the child. But, regardless I plan on loving her just the same.
Joyce:
Well, I’m sure everything will work out for the better.
Amanda:
Yeah, everything will be fine.
Joyce:
Well, I’m going to take a shower…I have to get up early and write out the agenda for the week. I’ll talk to ya later.
Amanda:
Yep, bye Joyce.

Joyce:
Goodnight Amanda.
Amanda:
Goodnight Joyce.

[Amanda hangs up the phone, sits back down on the couch and turns on her TV. She sifts through the channels aimlessly and then settles on a late night rerun of one of her TV shows. She gulps down her brandy, lays down on the couch and we fade out of the scene.]

[Cut to Sean and Dave sitting in a booth. They are waiting for Sean to show up]
Dave:
How’s the beer?

Sue:
Ohh, it’s good, what is it?
Dave:
I think it’s the house brew…

Sue:
Wow, that’s really good [pauses] what time is it?
Dave:
Um, 8:08.
Sue:
Ohh, OK.
Dave:
Yeah…it looks like Sean is a little late, but oh well.

Sue:
I’m sure he’ll be here soon…

[“You Don’t How it Feels” by Tom Petty comes over the Stereo System]
Sue:
OOOOHHH, I love this song.
Dave:
Yeah, this is one of my favorite Petty Songs. SEAN!

[Sean walks in from the side entrance; we still see Sammy, Barry, Percy, and Donnie in the background]
Sean:
Hi Sue [looks at Dave] Dave.

[He takes off his coat]

Sean:

Sorry I’m late; I got a little held up in traffic…

[Flashback to Sean earlier that night. He is looking into a mirror and prepping himself mentally for the night. He should be very nervous. While looking into the mirror: “Alright Sean, don’t screw this up. This could come out really good or really bad. Alright, you’re gonna act like nothing’s going on between you and Sue. Don’t look at her seductively, don’t say anything that might give you away just act normal. Alright, Dave’s probably gonna ask why I don’t have a girl with me…Why don’t I have a girl with me? Um, I’m gay. That’s it, I’m a big gay teacher. No no, forget that…Um…my girlfriend is busy tonight. Perfect, what’s she busy doing? Um, she’s with her husband right now waiting for me…um…she’s seeing a movie I don’t want to see…yeah that’s it.” Sean now looks at his watch and it says 7:55. “Oh shit, it’s 5 till 8.” He hurries up and leaves his condominium.]
Sean:

…then there was this car crash that I had to get around…it was a big mess.
Dave:
Well, the important thing is that you’re here.

[Pause]

No lady friend Sean?
Sean:
NO, I’m Gay
[Both Dave and Sue look at Sean in shock. Sue then chuckles to herself]

Dave:
You’re-You’re-You’re Gay?!?
Sue:
I didn’t know that you were a homosexual Sean.
Sean:
Yeah, well, you never know nowadays.
Sue:
Guess so.
Sean:

What are we drinking tonight?

[Dave is kind of weirded out at this point]
Dave:
Ohh, uh…House Beer…you do drink beer right?
Sean:
Oh yeah, I love beer.
Dave:
OK…good.
Sean:
let’s drink…to the ability to go out and have a social life.
[All three clink glasses, and we end the scene with the shot of the three glasses being clinked together]

Next Day - Afternoon

[We now see Jimmy walking to class. He enters the building and goes into the bathroom. The next shot we see him walking out of the bathroom and stopping at a drinking fountain. He turns around and sees Natalie standing right behind him.]

Natalie:
Hi.

Jimmy [surprised]:
Ohh…hey Natalie…how’s it going?
Natalie:
Fine, how about you?
Jimmy:
Ohh, it’s going just great…
Natalie:
I’ve got a question for you.
Jimmy:
Shoot.

Natalie
Why haven’t you called me?
Jimmy:
Oh, well…I’ve been very busy with homework, you know end of the semesters, finals and papers and all that stuff. Tell you what. Let’s get dinner tonight. Call me around 5 and we’ll figure something out. OK?
Natalie:
OK, I’ll call you at 5…you better be there.

Jimmy:
I will. I gotta get to class, so I’ll see you tonight.

Natalie:
K, See ya.

Jimmy [while walking away]:
See ya.

[Now go back to Amanda. She is hosting her talk show. She is sitting on a sofa chair “comforting” a woman across from her who was badly burned in a fire.]
Amanda:
Uh huh, and how did that make you feel?
Burn Victim:
Terrible, I mean I can’t even go out in public. It’s so humiliating. I mean everyone stares at you. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t survived that fire…
Amanda:
You deserve to live. You should be happy you’re still alive. You are worth it to yourself.

Burn Victim [crying]:
Thank you so much.

[We now cut to Amanda backstage. Joyce comes into her dressing room.]

Joyce:
Hi Amanda, I got some great news. Today’s show tied our second best ratings of all time. ABC wants to do a prime-time special around Christmas!

Amanda:
Joyce, I fed a person who really needed help dealing with their problems absolute bullshit. And for what? More money? What the hell am I doing? I’m not qualified to give advice; I’m a sensationalist, not a therapist.

Joyce:
Eh, don’t worry about, since the ratings were good, we hooked her up with a real doctor. She’ll be alright. We can even do an update segment on her or whatever to show just how great Amanda Griffith is.
Amanda:
Well, as long as she’s getting help, God knows I have no clue what I’m doing.

[Pause]

Tell me more about this prime-time special.

Joyce:
Well, as I said, it’d take place around Christmas, ABC would be willing to offer you, are you ready for this? Two million dollars for a 2 hour special. This is a great opportunity for you Amanda. Of course, you’d come up with an idea for the show then we’d book the guests or whatever. We need an idea by the end of next week so we can start doing advertisements looking for possible people to appear on the show, etc. etc.

Amanda:
Yeah, I’ll have that to you by next week.
Joyce:
Just remember, we got to make this special incredible.

Amanda:
Well, I’m sure I’ll come up with something. So what are your plans for tonight?
Joyce:
Ohh, I think I’m just going to stay home and watch a few movies that I rented, you?
Amanda:
I’m hitting the town.

Joyce:
On a weeknight?
Amanda:
Hey, when you’re someone of my status, every night might as well be a weekend.
Joyce:
Wow, you never rest do you?
Amanda:
Resting is overrated [smiles].
Joyce:
I gotta go do more work.

Amanda:
Have a good night Joyce.
Joyce:
You too Amanda.

Same Day – Early Evening

[We now see Sue Miers in her kitchen, racing frantically between various pots which contain the night’s dinner]

[Enter Caitlin, Sue’s daughter]

Caitlin:

Mommy, what’s for dinner?

Sue:

Pork Chops.

Caitlin:

EWWW, I hate pork chops. Let’s have pizza instead.

Sue:

No, we had pizza last night for dinner, and you had it for lunch today. We’re having Pork Chops.

Caitlin:

Fine.

[Caitlin walks out pouting, while Dave, Sue’s husband walks in. He is a tall skinny man with blonde hair and blue eyes.]

Dave:

What’s her problem?

Sue:

Oh, she’s mad that we can’t have pizza for three meals in a row.

Dave (chuckles):

Who wouldn’t be?

[He kisses Sue on the cheek and goes over to the table to read the paper]

Dave:

I see they’re erecting a Starbucks in the downtown area. We finally got one…I thought I’d never have a good cup of coffee.

[The phone rings and Dave Answers, its Sean on the other line]

Dave:

Hello?

Sean:

Is Sue there?

Dave:

Yeah, who’s this?

Sean:

This is Sean, I went to the bar with you the other night.

Dave:

Oh yeah, I’ll go get her.

[Sue comes to the phone and begins to walk around the house avoiding her husband]

Sue:

Hi Sean, what’s up?

Sean:

Just wanted to hear your voice.

Sue [Smiles]:

Well, as much as I love to hear your voice, it’s very risky calling here.

Sean:

I’m sorry; I just wish I could be with you.

Sue:

Yeah, I know. I’ll see you tomorrow at school.

Sean:

Goodnight.

Sue:

Goodnight.

[Sue walks back into the kitchen where Dave is anticipating her return]

Dave:

What was that about?

Sue:

Ohh, just Sean calling to thank us for inviting him to the bar last night.

Dave:

Oh, was that it?

Sue:

Well, we talked about how our classes were going. You seem worried, are you?

Dave [in a cover-up voice]:

Ohh no, I was just curious.

[Sue goes over, wraps her arms around him and kisses his cheek]

Sue:

Good, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

[Next we see Jimmy sitting in his dorm room watching Television. We see him sitting there and the phone rings. Kyle looks over at Jimmy who is sitting on the couch mesmerized by the TV. Kyle walks over and picks up the phone]
Kyle:
Hello?

Natalie:
Hi, is Jimmy there?
Kyle:
Jimmy, it’s for you.
[Jimmy looks at the clock and realizes it’s 5. He mouths the word “shit,” then answers the phone]
Jimmy:
Hello?

Natalie:
Hi, when are we getting dinner?
Jimmy:
OH, I can’t get dinner tonight, I’m sorry.
Natalie:
Why not?
Jimmy [looking around the room for an excuse]:
Umm…

[He sees his guitar in the corner]

Jimmy:

I already promised one of my friends down the hall that I’d give him a guitar lesson tonight. We planned to do it a quarter to 6, so I can’t do it. Sorry, we made this plan like a week ago. I’m really sorry.

Natalie:
Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?
Jimmy:
It totally slipped my mind. I mean, I was so glad to see you that I just was caught up in the moment I guess.
Natalie [easing up]:
Really?
Jimmy:
I swear to God.

Natalie:
Well…OK, but promise we’ll get together soon?
Jimmy:
Yeah, I’ll call ya sometime this week…I promise.

Natalie:
OK, later.
Jimmy:
Good-Bye.
[He hangs up the phone]
Kyle:
What the hell was that all about?
Jimmy:
OHH, it was that one girl I hooked up with last weekend. I saw her on the way to one of my classes and she was like:

[Flashback to Natalie saying “Why haven’t you called me?”]

And I was just like “shit what do I say,” so I told her that we could get dinner tonight.

Kyle:
But I thought you didn’t want to see her again.

Jimmy:
I don’t, but I had to say something. I told her to call me at 5 and I completely forgot about it. That’s why when you gave the phone to me, I was dumbfounded. I just made that thing about the guitar up on the spot.

Kyle:
So I take it you’re not going to call her later in the week?
Jimmy:
Nah…
Kyle:
I’m sorry, I just don’t understand the premise behind one night stands.
Jimmy:
Look man, when you do a one night stand, there’s kind of an unspoken understanding. It’s generally known that this is just going to be a one night thing, hence the name. You already kind of say to yourself, I’m never going to see this girl again, what difference does it make. That’s why we don’t take a large effort to get to know each other. If you do take the time, there’s just more guilt involved. Look, if I was going to want to have a relationship with a girl, I would definitely get to know her before I had sex. But there are girls you want to date, and girls you want to fuck. I just happen to be indulging in the latter part right now. Does that help clarify?
Kyle:
Yeah, I guess, I still don’t think I get it completely, but that definitely helped.

Jimmy:
OK, wanna go get dinner?
Kyle:
Yeah, lets go.

[We now see Amanda driving back to her apartment in her car. She says hello to everyone at her apartment building. Then she gets into the elevator. As she walks down the hall to her apartment, she hears the couple next door yelling at each other. She stops and eavesdrops for a while. She is very intrigued. She then enters her apartment and calls Joyce’s cell phone. She gets the voice mail. “Hi, this is Joyce, I can’t answer the phone right now so leave a message.”]
Amanda:
Hi Joyce, I think I just got the idea…

[Fade out of the scene]

Same Day – Late Evening

[Now we go back to Sammy, he is at a bar in Chicago; he is sitting at the bar with Barry, Donnie, and Percy. They are watching the Basketball game on the bar’s big screen TV. The Bulls are playing the Hornets. They all are fairly drunk and have an empty pitcher in front of them.]
Donnie:
Come on Bulls, get back in this!

Barry:
The Bulls?!? They don’t have a shot against my hornets!
Percy:
Your Hornets?
Barry:
Yeah, I’m from New Orleans, didn’t you know that Perc?
Sammy:
You’re not from New Orleans, you came from Madison!
Barry:
Yeah, but my parents lived in New Orleans for a while when I was a baby.
Sammy:
Whatever man [laughs and polishes off his beer].

Donnie:
Who are you rooting for Sammy?
Sammy:
I’m for the Hornets. Don’t ask me why, I just like New Orleans teams.
Donnie:
Those hicks down there? Jeez, we gotta convert you man.
Sammy:
Hey Tom, come over here!
[Tom the bartender comes over, he is a short somewhat stocky bald man in his mid 40s. He knows Barry and Sammy well.]
Tom:
Another pitcher of Killian’s guys?

Sammy:
Yeah, this one’s on me Tom.
Tom:
Who are these two guys.
Sammy:
These are a couple business associates of ours [winks at Tom].
Tom:
I see, well I hope your business deal goes through OK [winks back at Sammy]
I’ll be back with the brew in a minute.
Sammy:
What’s the plan for tomorrow morning Barry?
Barry:
Well, we’re getting up around 10, I figure it’ll take about one and a half or two hours to get there so we’ll get there, eat lunch, go talk to Don and Perc’s boss, then we’ll stake out the place, then chill till its time to do the job.
Sammy:
10? A little early, especially after a night of drinking.
Barry:
Hey man, if you can’t get up early enough then don’t drink, I’ll be up at fuckin 8:30.
Sammy:
OK man, I’ll be ready. I’m going to go to the bathroom.

[Follow Sammy to the bathroom for a couple seconds.]

Next Day – Mid-Morning

[Dissolve to Sue and Sean who went out for coffee on their down periods. We begin the scene with them walking into the coffee shop.]
Sean:
How much time do we have?
Sue:
About 45 minutes till we have to be back in the classroom.

Sean:
That should be more than enough time.

Cashier:
Welcome to Starbucks, can I help you?
Sue:
I’ll have a Mocha Grande Latte.

[Cashier looks to Sean]
Sean:
I’ll have a double shot espresso.
Cashier:
OK, your total is $6.43, I’ll have the drinks ready in a minute.

[Sean gets out his wallet and pulls out a $10 bill]
Sean [to Sue]:
You ever have one of these?
Sue:
What, a double-shot espresso?
Sean:
Yeah.
Sue:
Yeah, they don’t taste very good, but they sure keep ya goin.
Sean:
Yeah they do.

[Cashier brings back the drinks]

Sean [gives cashier money]:
Here ya go.
Cashier:

…And $3.57 is your change, enjoy!
[They walk to a small table and sit down]
Sue:
Sean, I got to tell you something.
Sean:
What is it?
Sue:
I don’t know if I can do this anymore, this is so stressful. I mean I don’t like avoiding and lying to my family. What am I gonna do if my husband finds out?

Sean:
I thought Dave thinks I’m gay…

Sue:
He does, but that’s not the point.

Sean:
Well what is the point then?

Sue:
I’m jeopardizing my family, and maybe I bit off a little more than I can chew with our relationship.
Sean:

What are you saying then?
Sue:
I may want to break it off between us. I’m not sure yet but I think it may be the best thing to do at this point.

Sean:
Wow, um…I don’t want to hurt your family. But I do want you to know that I think I’m in love with you. And all I can say is do what makes you happy.
Sue:
I-I, I just don’t know what to do yet. I don’t know whether I LOVE you or not. I’m sorry if I hurt you by saying that, but it’s the truth. I know I love spending time with you, and love being with you, but I’m not sure if I love you enough to leave my family. Just give me a couple days to think about it.

[A long pause as the two sip their coffee in silence]
Sue:
What time is it?
Sean:
We got about 35 minutes.

Sue:
OK.

[She rubs her face with her hands and looks at Sean as we cut to the next scene]

[We now go to Sammy. He is sound asleep on his bed. We zoom in on him for a few seconds then the dialogue begins]
Barry [off-screen yelling at Sammy]:
WAKE-UP!!!!!!!!!!

[Sammy sits up immediately and is disoriented]

Sammy:
Wha-what-what the hell are you doing here?

Barry:
Come on man, it’s 9:30, we gotta be on the road by 10.

Sammy:
Man………my head hurts.

Barry:
He-he-he-he, got a bit of a hangover huh?
Sammy:
I guess, why are you so perky.

Barry:
I’ll explain later, get dressed, take a couple Tylenol, you got a half hour, I’ll be in your living room.

[We now show a clock in fast forward moving to 10:00 a.m. Sammy walks into his living room, straightens up his tie]
Sammy:
Let’s go
[They walk out to the car, get in, start it up]
Sammy:
How far away is this place?
Barry:
Milwaukee, so a couple hours.

Sammy:
You never told me how you’re not hung-over.
Barry:
Ahh, well, see I got this little trick that I use. I drink a lot of water, since when you’re hung-over; you have a lack of water in your system. Well, ya gotta drink a good amount of water. And the kicker is I take a multi-vitamin.
Sammy:
A multi-vitamin eh?
Barry:
Yeah, it hasn’t failed me yet.

Sammy [laughing]:
Wow, I must say, you know a lot about worthless stuff.
Barry:
You may think it’s worthless, but think of all the headaches and vomit spells I’ve avoided. I sure as hell didn’t look like you did when I woke up this morning.

Sammy:
Well, I’ll have to try that out I guess.

[laughs to himself a little bit]

Sammy:

What kind of CDs do you got to listen to?

Barry [giving Sammy his CD case]:
They’re all in here.

[Sammy begins flipping through the CDs]

Sammy [sarcastically]:
You got Garth Brooks?

Barry:
Hey, I saw him live, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
Sammy:
Whatever man. Ahh, here we go. Beatles – One. Perfect.

Barry:
Yeah, I love the Beatles, I’m definitely a Beatle’s man.
Sammy:
Yeah, me too, to hell with Elvis.

[He puts in the CD]

Sammy:

How are we gonna get into the bank again?
Barry:
Well, we’re gonna break in holes in the side wall and get in that way. Once we’re in there we disable the alarm, with a little wire snip, and then we take the money and run.
Sammy:
Sounds good to me.
Barry:
I love this song.

[He goes and turns up the volume. The song playing is “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles. We gradually zoom out of the scene with the song playing. As we zoom out, we zoom out until we see a broad overview of the highway they’re on.]

Same Day – Afternoon

[We now see Jimmy and Kyle sitting on their couch smoking a bowl. They are both high and talking about girls.]
Jimmy:
You ever get laid man?

[Kyle is in the process of toking when he says this]

[Kyle inhales and shakes his head no then blows out the smoke]
Jimmy:

Awe man, you gotta, I mean there’s nothing like it.
Kyle:
I’ve never even had a girlfriend man.

Jimmy:
No shit, eh, you’ll find someone eventually.
Kyle:
Hopefully.
[Jimmy now begins to take a toke]

Kyle:
I’m guessing you don’t have a girlfriend?
Jimmy:
Nah, I had one, but once college started we decided it would be better to just break it off. I mean we figured its college. This is only gonna happen once. Why ruin it with a long-distance relationship that probably won’t work. I mean now’s the time to live. No parents to boss us around. Why not smoke as much weed as possible, or fuck as many girls. Why the hell not. It’s only gonna happen once. God knows I don’t want to live the life I live now when I’m 30. I’m going to make the most of these years. There is no time like the present, and right now, the present is pretty damn good.

Kyle:
Ya know, I kind of feel the way you do. But I feel like I’m wasting my college years in a way. I can tell you exactly what I’m going to do two weeks from now: get up, eat, go to class, do homework, eat, do more homework, sleep. There’s no variance. It drives me crazy, I want to not know what the hell I’m doing, but I do. My life has become a routine. You know what my favorite part of the day is?
Jimmy:
What?
Kyle:
Sleeping.
Jimmy:
Why is that?
Kyle:
My dreams are the only part of my life that’s unpredictable. I never know what’s going to happen. That and it’s the only part of my day where I can forget all the stresses in my life and just relax. You know what I’m saying?
Jimmy:
Yeah, just ask out a girl, you never know what’ll happen.

Kyle:
I’m deathly afraid of them. I just think if I talk to a girl, the girl will not like me and call me ugly and leave.
Jimmy:
Nah man, that’ll never happen…just go in there with a “fuck it” attitude. You may get turned down 99 times out of 100, but there’d still be that one time that worked, and who knows where that one time will take you.

[The phone rings]
Jimmy:

I can’t even get up man.

Kyle:
Thanks a lot man, I’ll get it.

Jimmy:
Alright man.
Kyle [in a slow speech]:

H-E-L-L-L-L-L-L-O?
[Both Jimmy and Kyle laugh]
Natalie:
Hi, is Jimmy there?
Kyle [to Jimmy]:
DUDE, IT’S FUCKIN NATALIE!
Jimmy:
OH Shit!

[They both laugh again and Kyle tosses Jimmy the phone]

[We now switch to watching Natalie during the phone call. She is sitting on her bed in her room, and looks annoyed.]

Jimmy:
Hello?
Natalie:
Hi, it’s Natalie, I was just wondering if you wanted to do something this weeke—

Jimmy [interrupting Natalie]:
Look, I’m living it up while at college right Kyle?

[Kyle in background yells “Fuckin A”]

Jimmy:

That means that you aren’t part of me living up my life. So, what I’m saying is that I don’t want to see you again, quit calling here. Alright? Bye.
[In the background and through the receiver you can hear Kyle say “YOU DA MAN JIMMY.” They hang up the phone as we see Natalie listening in shock to just a dial tone. A tear begins to fall down her face. She wipes it off, gets a vengeful look on her face and hangs up the phone.]

[Cut to Amanda listening to music in her apartment. The phone rings. After the first ring, Amanda looks at the phone and doesn’t move. On the second ring she pauses the music, puts out her cigarette and goes to the phone.]

Amanda:
Hello?
Joyce:
Hey Amanda, I love your idea for the show. I think it’ll work great. I just got to run it by the execs.
Amanda:
OK, great
Joyce:
How did you come up with the idea?
Amanda:
Oh I heard my neighbors bitching their heads off at each other. And it came to me.

Joyce:
Well whatever works. Hey I got a proposition for ya.
Amanda:
And what may that be?
Joyce:
Franklin High School is having a career day. Would you be interested in doing a segment on what it’s like to be on a Television show?

Amanda:
Yeah, I’ve been meaning to give back to the community, eventually.

Joyce:
OK, I’ll get back to you with the time and date and what not.
Amanda:
Alright, well I’m kinda busy right now, so I’ll see you at the mall later than?

Joyce:
Yeah, see you at the mall.

Amanda:
Bye.

[She goes back lies down, turns on the music and sparks up a cigarette and we end the scene.]

Same Day – Later that Afternoon

[We now cut to Jimmy sitting in one of his classes. His teacher is lecturing. His teacher is a relatively young man (T.A. type teacher). Jimmy is slouched in his chair, looking somewhat bored.]

Teacher:
…Alright, that being said, I want to give you folks a lesson in misinterpretation. I’m going to read you guys a poem, and you can tell me what it’s about.

“I plant my lips on your mouth

I’ve been waiting to do this for a while, but each time I’ve backed out

I have finally given into temptation, there’s no turning back now

I cock you as I grab you by the butt
I feel your smooth curve, pull back and finally end it all”

Now, that was done anonymously, but they did leave an explanation. First though I want to know what you guys think.
Student 1:
I’d say it’s about sex.
Teacher:
OK, anyone want to agree?

[Long Pause]

Teacher:

How about this, raise your hand if you think it’s about sex.
[About three-fourths of the class raises their hand.]
Teacher:

What about the rest of you, do you agree or just not care enough to vote?

[The class shares a brief laugh]

Teacher:

Alright, well it’s not about sex or kissing or anything of that nature. The poem is about suicide. The poem is describing a man or woman with a gun in their mouth about to commit suicide. So I’m going to read this one more time, and now that you know what it’s about I want you to try to visualize the poem.
[He re-reads the poem. As he’s re-reading it, we show Jimmy, who suddenly seems to take an interest in the discussion]
Teacher:

Alright, that being said, you can see how easily it is to misinterpret a piece of poetry or a song or whatever. We as a society misinterpret a heck of a lot. I mean how many times have you seen songs such as “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen or “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival shown as pro-American songs. Guys, those are anti-war songs. The first line of “Fortunate Son” may be “Some folks are born to raise to raise the flag, ooh that red, white and blue,” but if you listen to the rest of the song you’ll realize that it’s about a man who’s not fortunate enough to buy his way out of the Vietnam War, and therefore, must be forced to go and defend his nation. Think about what simple misinterpretations can lead to. You could say something to someone, and they could be mad at you, thinking you meant something, when you didn’t mean that at all, you meant something entirely different.

[We now watch Jimmy take in what his teacher is saying]

Teacher:

Or, say that you just assume that a person understands what’s going to happen if a certain situation arises, if they don’t, you could really hurt their feelings.

[Jimmy suddenly gets a nervous look on his face as he sees what he’s done to Natalie]

Teacher:

Just take some time, and think about how much misinterpretation there is in the world. We take a lot at face value guys. It seems like nowadays, people don’t want to think, they just want to be told. People have trouble seeing the point in trying to find a deeper meaning, they just want to assume, and this assumption is enough to satisfy the masses. I encourage you guys, to look for that deeper meaning. Don’t take everything at face value, because not everything was meant to be taken at face value.

[Jimmy raises his hand and the teacher calls on him]
Jimmy:
Can’t misinterpretations also lead to good things. I mean, maybe it’s good that people misinterpret those songs you talked about. People may not want to know that those are anti-war songs. If people look to those songs as inspiration to back their country, then they may benefit more in taking them at face value.

[It should be understood that Jimmy is trying to find some justification for what he did to Natalie. By presenting the opposing argument he is in a sense presenting the rebuttal to his own dilemma]

Teacher:
Yes, that’s a good point, and I’m glad you brought it up. Misinterpretation is not always a bad thing. It can be beneficial, as Jimmy pointed out. I just wanted to help you guys recognize how often we misconstrue what people say, be it for better or worse.

[The teacher looks at his watch]

Teacher:

Alright class, my time is up, see ya later, no homework tonight.

[We end the scene with Jimmy walking out of the classroom.]

Same Day - Evening

[Now go to Sue at home. She is in the kitchen, watching over her family as her husband is sitting on his recliner with her daughter sitting on her lap. As we watch her, we see her look at her family in deep thought. She then goes over the phone and calls Sean.]

Sean:

Hello?
Sue:
Sean, hi it’s Sue.

Sean:
Hey Sue, how’s it going?

Sue:
Fine, I guess, I came to a decision about us.

Sean [hesitantly]:
…And.

Sue:
I think we should take a break.

[A Long Pause]

Sean:
Do-Do you mind if I ask why?

Sue:
I just want to see how I really feel about you, and whether I’d be willing to give up my family, ya know?
Sean:
Yeah, yeah…Take as long as you want.

Sue:
OK, thanks for being so understanding.

[In the background we hear Dave yell for Sue.]

Sean:
Sue, you mean a hell of a lot to me, I just want you to be happy.

Sue [smiling and mildly crying]:
I know you do, I want the same for you too. Dave’s calling for me, so I’ll see you at school. Goodnight.

[In the background we hear Dave yell for Sue a 2nd time]

Sean:
Goodnight.

[Sue wipes a tear from her face and goes downstairs. Dave meets her at the foot of the stairs.]

Dave:
What took you so long?
Sue:

Ohh, I was just grading some papers.

Dave:
Oh, well I think it may be time for Caitlin to go to bed.

[They go and pick Caitlin up from out of the chair and carry her to her room. They tuck her in, and then leave the room.]

Dave:
What a great kid.

Sue [with a smile]:
Yeah.

[Dave hugs Sue, kisses her]

Dave:
Are we going to get to be together tonight?
Sue:
No, I still gotta grade papers honey.

Dave:
Oh, how about tomorrow?
Sue:
I don’t know we’ll see, I got to get my grades in with the finals before Christmas, come on, you know this is a hectic time for me.

Dave:

I’m sorry, I forgot…It’s just been a while ya know…

Sue:
Look, I’ll make it up to once this all passes…

Dave:
OK, I’m going bed, goodnight dear.

Sue:
Goodnight honey.

[Sue goes back downstairs and begins grading papers. She then rubs her head and face in a stressful manor and we fade out of the scene.]

[We now go to Amanda and Lauren who are sitting in a food court at the mall. The mall is overly-decorated with Christmas lights/decorations. We see them at the table for 5 seconds then we see Joyce walk up to them. She should walk up to them so that her back is facing the camera. She goes up to them and sits down at their table.]

Joyce:
Sorry I’m late.

Amanda:

Oh, it’s OK, we’re in no big hurry. Joyce, I want you to meet my sister Lauren.

[She points to Lauren, then Lauren and Joyce Shake hands]

Amanda:

Lauren, this is my assistant Joyce. She’s gonna do some shopping with us today.

Joyce:
Oh, I can’t stay for too long, I got paperwork to catch up on.

Amanda:
Nonsense, you can and you will, I’ll excuse you from your paperwork. Lauren needs to find baby clothes, and I need new clothes for that assembly.

Joyce:
You need to buy new clothes for a bunch of high-schoolers?

Amanda:
Hey, any excuse I can use to find a way to blow money, will be used as an excuse to blow money.

[The three share a laugh and begin to walk about the mall]
Joyce:
Oh, Lauren, I forgot to congratulate you on your new child.

Lauren:
Oh, thanks.

Joyce:
Yeah, how’s motherhood going for you?
Lauren:
Oh, it’s a handful, but it’s worth it.

Joyce:
The baby’s name is Alexis right?
Lauren:
Yeah, Alexis Marie.
Joyce:
That’s such a pretty name.

Lauren:
Thanks.

[They enter a baby store]
Lauren [to Amanda]:
Don’t go for anything too expensive, she’ll just get it all stained up.

Amanda:
OK, Lauren [not really listening to her]
Ohh, by the way, Joyce, did you get a time and such for the assembly.

Joyce [Amanda is rummaging through clothes while Lauren talks]:
Yes, I did; you’ll be on about 1:45 tomorrow. They want us there a half hour early, so I’ll be by your apartment around one o’ clock. You got a 15 minute spot, and then afterwards, if you want you can get roam around the school and check out the classes and what not.

Amanda [turns around with a T-Shirt and a bright look on her face]:
This is PERFECT!

[After Amanda says this we do a quick cut to Sammy standing on a sidewalk]

Sammy:
Yep, that’s perfect alright.

Barry:
I told ya man, I’m the fuckin king of parallel parking.

Sammy:
I never said you weren’t.

Barry:
Alright man, let’s go.

[They walk into a bar across the street and get to a door in the way back. They knock on the door]

Mafia Guy:
Who is it?

Barry:
It’s Barry and Sammy, we’re the accountants from Chicago you guys called for.

Mafia Guy:
Come in.

[They walk in and the Mob Boss comes up to greet them]

Mob Boss:
Barry, Sammy how’s it goin? How’s Don Marinelli?
Barry:
Everything’s going just fine, how are you guys doing? Hey Perc, hey Donnie.

Percy and Donnie:
Hey guys.

Mob Boss:
Everything is fine, my doctor says that I have an ulcer, so I got to take some medication, but aside from that…
Barry:
Eh, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. What’s the weather supposed to be like tonight?

Mob Boss:

It looks like there’s a good chance of rain early in the evening, but by around 9 O’clock, it should clear up quite nicely.

[They all smile at each other]

Mob Boss:

Then we’ll be able to see all the beautiful shining stars.

Barry:
Wonderful.

[We fade out as they laugh.]

Same Day – Late that Evening

[After fading to black, we wait a second or two, then we hear Barry talking]
Barry [whispering]:
Alright guys, you ready? We’re gonna drill 7 holes in a circle. We’re gonna go in take the money, then get the hell out of there and head back to Percy’s friend’s house. Alright?
Sammy:
Let’s do this.

[We now hear them rev up their drills and we fade in on Sammy, Barry and Percy beginning to drill the holes.]

Sammy:
So Donnie’s in the getaway car right?
Percy:
Yeah, he’s got a police radio and fuzz buster in the car, so if a cop gets near, he’s gonna honk the horn twice, that’s the cue.

Barry:
Yes we already know the plan, let’s just get in and get out.
[They finally get done drilling, and take out an industrial saw and finish cutting out the hole. While they’re doing this we flash to Donnie in the car listening to the FM radio and singing to the song “All Right Now” by Free. We now cut back as the three are finishing cutting the hole. They gently remove the piece of brick.]
Barry:
Alright Perc, you got the chaff grenade?

Percy:
Yeah.

[He takes it out, pulls out the pin and throws it into the bank. There’s a puff of smoke and the three enter.]
Percy:
Alright guys, we got five minutes before the chaff wears off and the alarm system is back. Let’s work fast.
[They go in and start putting the money in bags.]
Sammy:
This is a lot of fucking green.

Barry:
Money may not be able to directly buy happiness, but it sure can buy enough things that will make me happy.

Percy:
750 g’s, God Damn I love my job!
Barry:
Alright guys you about got it all?
Sammy:
Yeah, let’s go.

[They walk out of the bank and go into the parking lot. Barry and Sammy are walking next to each other and Percy is a little farther back]

Percy:
Shotgun guys…

Barry:
I’m telling you Sammy, this is gonna solve all of your problems. Anybody who can’t crack a smile after 150 g’s needs Prozac.

[Barry gets in the passenger seat and the radio is still playing]
Barry:
Donnie, you weren’t listening to the police radio?
Donnie:
No…I…they had some great songs on, I haven’t heard “All Right Now” in forever.
Barry:
Jesus Christ man, you were our fuckin lookout. Get your head out of your ass and do your fuckin j-
[Percy taps on the window]
Barry:
GET IN THE GOD DAMN CAR!!!
Percy:
I called shotgun man!

Barry:
What are you 12? We just rob a bank and you’re calling shotgun? Get the hell in.
[Percy gets in the backseat]
Barry:
In Chicago we got some professional gangsters, not some freakin 12 year old thieves.

[He shakes his head in disbelief as he pulls out his phone and calls the boss. While he’s doing this, Sammy is in the back separating the money into different bags.]

Don Marinelli:
Hello?
Barry:
Hey the job was performed flawlessly.

The Don:
It always is…

Barry:
We’re gonna crash at Percy’s friend’s pad for the night, we’ll be down sometime tomorrow with your cut of the job.
The Don:
Alright, well have a great night boys…I look forward to your arrival.
[Barry hangs up the phone and takes his bag’s worth. He takes out a bundle of ten-thousand dollar bills. He flips through the money and smiles. He then turns around to Sammy.]
Barry:
Sammy, I honestly don’t understand why you don’t like this job.

Next Day – Afternoon

[Cut to Jimmy walking back from the library with one of his many lady friends]

Jimmy:

I swear to God, Sundays are the worst days. Think about it, they’re so monotonous. Every Sunday, what do you do? You wake up, eat, and do homework ALL day. There’s hardly anything else to do. The weekend’s over, ya gotta face another week of classes. I never look forward to Sundays.
Girl [laughing]:
I know exactly what you mean…

Jimmy:
Have you started studying for finals yet?

Girl:
Oh, I got so much studying to do, I got two papers due the week before finals in addition to three finals I have to study for. It’s gonna be hell.
Jimmy:

I know, I can’t wait to get done with school, sooo much stress. I’m just really looking forward to being with my family, and just being able to relax. I’ve been kind of homesick lately, so I’m ready to go back.

[Next to the dorm there are two cop cars.]

Girl:

Yeah, me too, I’m ready to get this semester done with…Wow, cop cars, I wonder what’s going on?
Jimmy:
I don’t know, probably just a fire alarm or something…
Girl:
Yeah, I guess you’re right…well I’ll see ya later…let me know what it was with the cops.

Jimmy:
Will do, see ya.

[She begins to walk left as he goes toward his dorm. Cut to him entering the dorm and going to his room. As he gets to his room his door is open and there are three cops standing in his room. Jimmy stares for a brief moment.]
Jimmy:
What’s goin on guys?

[We now go to Sue sitting in her kitchen with a huge stack of papers that she still has to grade. As the scene begins Caitlin walks in]
Caitlin:
Mommy, I’m hungry…

Sue:
Well what do you want?
Caitlin:
Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Sue:
Alright, lets make it.
[She digs through the cupboard. She shuffles through the various products and then comes out with nothing]
Sue:
Oh, we’re out of Peanut Butter…
Caitlin:
So I can’t have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

Sue:
Tell you what, go ask your dad to take you to the store and get some peanut butter.
Caitlin:
OK!
[The camera follows her through the kitchen and into the living room, where her father is sitting on the recliner watching TV.]
Caitlin:
Daddy, Daddy!!!
Dave:
What honey?
Caitlin:
Mom said you need to take me to the store to get peanut butter so that I can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

Dave:
She did? Well, let me be sure, I’ll be right back…

[He walks back into the kitchen as Sue is back grading papers]
Dave:
Hey Sue, how about you get the Peanut Butter, I’m watching the football game.
Sue:
Dave I got so much stuff to do I just don’t think I-
Dave [Interrupting her]:
Look Sue, can’t I just have ONE day to rest I mean please, I really don’t feel like going to the store right now, can’t you just do it?
Sue [in a quiet submissive tone]:
OK Dave, I’ll do it.

Dave:
Thank you.

[He goes into the room and sits back down]

[Next, we see Sue get in the car, back out into the street and take off down the road. We then see her pull into the grocery store parking lot and get out of the car. She is then seen picking out some peanut butter and going into the checkout line. We next see her getting back into the car and turning on the radio. She pulls out of the parking lot and begins to drive. She then approaches a 4 way stop. She begins to drive and a driver runs the stop sign nearly hitting her. She is obviously shaken up. She pulls over, turns off the radio, and digs into her purse and pulls out her phone. She rubs her head and stares at the phone as we exit the scene.]
[We start off the scene with Amanda giving her lecture to the assembly]

Amanda:
So you see kids, being on Television may seem glamorous, but there’s a lot that goes into it. Every hour or half hour TV show that you guys watch, has to have many things go right in order for to be transferred to your homes every week. That’s all I have, I’d like to thank you guys.

[The principal comes up to the Mic]
Principal:
Lets give a round of applause to all of our speakers. Please go to your 7th period class now. Teachers have been instructed to pay special attention to attendance, so if you skip school you will suffer severe consequences.

Joyce:
Good job Amanda. If you want we can go back or you can tour the school and see what some of the classes are like.

Amanda:
I actually wouldn’t mind touring the school, I loved high school.

[They begin to walk around the school with a school assistant.]

Amanda:
Can I see your special education classes?
Assistant:
Yeah sure.

[They walk to the classroom]
Assistant:
You know, I’m a big fan of yours…

Amanda:
Oh really, thanks, you mind if I ask why?

[They all three share a laugh]
Assistant:
Here it is.

[Amanda opens the classroom door and the teacher looks over at her]
Amanda:
Oh, don’t mind me, I’m just an observer.

[The teacher goes on teaching. As she watches, a child with down syndrome answers a question and Amanda smiles]
Amanda [to assistant]:
Alright, let’s go.

[They exit the room]

You guys got a nice little program for Special Ed students…
Assistant:
Yes we do, we got some great teachers. It takes a lot of patience to teach Special Education students, but it’s also probably the most rewarding job in the education system. Most students are integrated into some classes with non-special students. It helps them meet more people and helps their parents feel like they’re not being isolated into one specific area.

Amanda:
That’s excellent. Ya know, do you mind if I see your gym, I used to play basketball…
Assistant:
No problem. I think there’s a class, but you can still see what it’s like.

[They get to the gym and the gym is packed with boys and girls playing volleyball together. Amanda walks in, and sees two mentally retarded children playing volleyball. They are scolding each other, and the other students are making fun of them behind their back, in addition to egging them on. Amanda just sits and observes these two mentally retarded girls as they are mocked. We cut between the two girls and zooming in on Amanda. Amanda has a very stern yet sad look on her face. We do this for about 10 seconds and end the scene with Amanda’s sorrowful eyes.]

[Cut to Sammy and Barry on the road]
[Sammy goes in the back and pulls out a pillow]
Sammy:
I’m gonna take a nap man.
Barry:
Hold on Sam, put the money away first.
Sammy:

OK, where is it?
Barry:
It’s under your seat in a black briefcase.

[Sammy goes in the back. Cut to Sammy looking under the seat and pulling out the briefcase. He sits up].
Sammy:
What’s wrong with putting it under the seat?

Barry:
Too risky man.

Sammy:
Where do you want it?
Barry:
The right side of the back seat lifts up and there’s a little compartment. Just put the briefcase in the compartment.

Sammy:
Alright man, I’m going to sleep.

[He crawls back into the front seat, reclines the chair and begins to sleep.]

[Cut to a sign that says “Chicago 10 miles.” Barry looks over at Sammy who is fast asleep. He goes under an overpass, and suddenly a cop pulls out from behind the bridge with his lights flashing.]

Barry [Angrily]:
Oh Fuck Me!

[He pulls over, and the cop pulls over. The cop gets out of the car

and approaches the car. Cut to Barry inside the car rolling down as the cop walks up to the window and leans in.]
Barry:
What’s wrong officer?

Officer:
You were going 20 miles over the speed limit, that’s what’s wrong. Who’s that?
Barry:
Ohh, that’s just my friend Sam…

[He wakes up Sammy. Sammy sees the cop and sits up in his seat.]
Sammy:
What’s going on?

Barry:

We got caught speeding Sam.

Officer:
Can I see your license and registration?

Barry:
Yeah, Sam get out the registration.

[Sammy gets the registration and Barry takes out his license]

Barry:
here ya go officer.

[He gives him the license and registration. The officer takes it and reads it. He looks at Barry, and gives him back the license and registration.]
Officer:
Mr. Ringotto, I’m going to have to give you a ticket.

Barry:
Alright, I’m really sorry sir, this won’t happen again.

Officer:
Just watch your speed sir.

[The cop goes and walks back to his car]
Sammy:
Well that was exciting, I’m going back to sleep.
[Cut to Barry pulling off the shoulder back onto the highway]

[Cut to them parking their car outside of the boss’s estate. They get out and walk up to the gate, and hits the buzzer.]
Barry [into intercom]:
It’s Barry and Sammy.
[the gates open, and they walk onto the estate with the briefcase]

[Cut to the butler opening the door. The two walk in. In the background we see Don Marinelli sitting at his desk.]
Barry:
Boss, we got your money right here.

[They walk closer to him]
Don Marinelli:
I don’t give a shit about the money, I got a bigger problem.

Barry:
What’s that boss?
Don Marinelli:
My fuckin granddaughter’s been raped!

[Cut to Sue in her car on the phone]
Sue:
Look, I made a mistake, I want to be with you. I’m coming over right now.

Sean:
OK…

[Cut to Sue pulling a U-Turn off of the shoulder onto the road. She drives to the stop sign where she almost got in a wreck at, turns left.]
[Cut to Sean waiting at the window in his house. He is sitting on the couch staring out the window. We show him waiting and looking for about 5-10 seconds. We then see Sue’s car come to a screeching halt right outside of Sean’s duplex. He runs to the door and opens it as she runs out of the car. They meet about halfway on the sidewalk.]
Sue:

I made a mistake we gotta talk.

Sean:
OK, OK.

[Cut to them walking into the duplex. We see them from behind]
[Cut to them entering and sitting down on the couch]
Sean:
Alright, let’s relax a little.

Sue [takes a deep breath]:
I want to be with you Sean.

Sean:
I want to be with you to Sue, but you’re sure you wanna leave your family?

Sue:
look, you said to be happy right?
Sean:

Yeah…

Sue:
Well, I’m miserable when I’m around my family. They don’t appreciate me like you do Sean. All my husband does is make me run errands while he watches football, I need to be with someone who respects me. I think I am in love with you Sean.

Sean:
I know I’m in love with you Sue. I just want you to be sure wh-

Sue [interrupting]:
I am sure!

[Cut to Dave sitting in the recliner. The football game is still on TV in the background]

Dave [to himself]:
Where the hell is Sue?
[He gets out of his recliner, and starts to walk towards the kitchen]
[Cut to him walking into the kitchen and picking up the phone. We see him dial the numbers and put the phone up to his ear.]

[Cut to Sue sitting on the couch talking to Sean]
Sue:
I just realized that -

[Her phone rings. She digs in her purse and picks it up]
[Cut to the caller ID on the phone, it says “home”]
Sean:
Who is it?
Sue:
Dave.
[she nods her head in disgust]
Sue:
Fuck him!

[She turns off the phone and throws it back into her purse]

Sue:
What do you have to drink?

[Cut to Dave hearing her click the phone off]

Dave [confused and saying to himself]:
What?
[He redials the numbers and gets Sue’s voice mail. “Hi, you’ve reached Sue Hawkins, I’m not available to come to the phone, please leave a message”]

Dave:
Hey Sue, just seeing what’s taking so long…OK…Bye.

[He hangs up the phone and goes back to the recliner]

[Cut to Sue and Sean now sitting in the kitchen. Sue is sitting at the table while Sean is brewing a pot of coffee.]
Sean:

If you don’t mind me asking, what was the [using quote gestures] quote-unquote straw that broke the camels back?

Sue:

Well, I had a ton of papers to grade and Caitlin wanted something to eat. Needless to say we didn’t have it. I ask Dave if he can go to the store to get it because he was just sitting around watching football. He didn’t want to go so I went. The whole time I was mad that he wouldn’t take time out to do a silly errand, but on the way back, I almost got in a wreck. I was so shook up, that it was just all I could take. I didn’t want to put up with stuff like that anymore. I’m not happy with my situation right now, and I honestly think that being with you will make me a happier person.

Sean:
God I love you Sue. Maybe you should be getting back though…

Sue [letting out a big breath]:
I guess you’re right…I don’t want to leave though…
Sean:
I don’t really want you to leave either…

Sue:
I’m gonna get going, goodbye

[She walks out the door]
[Cut to Sue getting in the car and getting out her phone. She calls her house.]

[Cut to Dave picking up the ringing phone.]
Dave:
Hello?
[Cut to Sue talking]
Sue:
Sorry, I got side-tracked, I’ll be back in about 10 minutes.

[Cut to Dave]
Dave:
OK Hon, Bye.

[End scene with Sue hanging up the phone and pulling into the street.]

[Cut to Amanda walking out of the school with Joyce]
Amanda:
Did you see that Joyce?
Joyce:
See what?
Amanda:
The way those kids treated those two girls.

Joyce:
Yeah, but I mean what are you gonna do? They’re just a bunch of High-Schoolers. They’ll mature eventually. Unfortunately that’s what teenagers do. They make fun of their peers in order to look “cool.”
[They get in the car]
Amanda:
I-I-I don’t know. I just think it’s terrible that they’d make fun of people who can’t help the situation they’re in.

Joyce:

I wouldn’t worry about it too much Amanda; it’s just the way teenagers are.
Amanda:
I guess you’re right.

[Cut to Amanda getting dropped off in front of her apartment. She walks into her complex and gets in the elevator. Cut to Amanda getting off the elevator and going into her apartment. She takes off her coat and goes to her video collection. She has numerous DVDs. She then pulls open one of her drawers, and there are numerous video tapes of her show. She takes a tape and pops it into the VCR. We end the scene as we show Amanda going to her couch and we show the clock. It is 3:30 pm.]

[Cut to Jimmy still standing in front of the cops.]
Officer 1:
What’s going on Mr. Sanders, is that you’re being accused of rape.

Jimmy:
Ra-Ra-Rape?

Officer 1:
Yes, rape. This is a very serious offense and if convicted you will face prison time.

Jimmy:
Wait, who accused me of raping them?

Officer 3:
Natalie Bender.

Officer 2:
We’re going to take you down to the station and ask you some more questions.

[The third officer goes over and cuffs Jimmy and begins to read him his Miranda Rights. We now begin a voiceover scene. While the Miranda Rights are being read, we see Jimmy being led out of his room in handcuffs. He is walked down the hall and down a couple flights of stairs.]
Officer 3:
You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Do you understand?

Jimmy:
Yes.

Officer 3:
Anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand?

Jimmy:
Yes.

Officer 3:

You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. Do you understand?

Jimmy:
Yes.

Officer 3:
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. Do you understand?

Jimmy:
Yes.

Officer 3:

If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Do you understand?

Jimmy:
Yes.

Officer 3:
Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are

you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?

Jimmy:
Yes.

[As we end the voiceover he is getting in the backseat of the police car, and we fade out on the police car driving away.]

[Cut back to Don Marinelli’s house. The Don is pacing frantically back and forth in his house. Barry and Sammy are trying to cool him down.]

Don Marinelli:
I WANT THAT PIECE OF SHIT DEAD! I DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHAT THE HELL YOU GUYS GOTTA DO, I WANT THAT GUY DEAD!
Sammy:
Whoa, Whoa, Boss, calm down, calm down, just tell us wh-

Don Marinelli [Interrupting Sammy]:
CALM DOWN? IF YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER WAS RAPED WOULD YOU CALM DOWN?!?
Barry:
Look Boss, take a seat, I know you’re really steamed, but you gotta relax.

Don Marinelli [relaxing a little]:
You’re, You’re Right Barry.

[He goes over to his mini-bar and takes a shot of scotch. He then walks over and sits in his chair].
Don Marinelli:
Alright guys, my daughter was raped by this kid at school. She filed a complaint to the police department earlier today. Since my granddaughter was the one who was raped, they will probably first want to point the finger at me for the murder, so try to make it look like a suicide. This kid’s in a very tough situation, and a suicide wouldn’t be unexpected at this point. I can tell you this, the school’s not going to put up a hassle with this kid, he is expelled for good. It’s the cops we gotta worry about. We just gotta be careful with this hit, OK guys?

Barry:
Yeah, Boss, you know you can trust us.

Sammy:
You know, you never told us the kid’s name…

Don Marinelli:
His name is Jimmy Sanders. Natalie told me they met at some bar and the prick raped her. She said he’s from Elmhurst, so I got a couple guys doing some checks on Elmhurst residents named Sanders.

Barry:
Are you just gonna let us know once the kid gets in town or what?
Don Marinelli:

Yeah, it’ll probably be another day or so, but once he gets into town, we’ll hammer out a solid plan.
Barry:
Sounds great boss.

Don Marinelli:
Sammy, do I have your word on this?
Barry:
Of course you have his word boss.
Don Marinelli:
I wasn’t asking you, I was asking Sam.
Sammy [hesitating]:
Yeah…

Don Marinelli:
Good.

[Cut to Sammy and Barry walking out to the car and getting in]
Sammy:
Can you believe that we gotta kill another person because of his granddaughter?!?

Barry:
I know, it’s kind of ridiculous.

Sammy:
Do you really think she got raped?

Barry:
It’s not my job or your job to consider whether she was raped or not. We just have to do what the boss tells us to do.
Sammy:
Come on man, really what do you think.
Barry:
I told ya Sam, I’m not saying, it’s not my job to say.

Sammy [kind of annoyed]:
Fine…you ever meet his granddaughter?
Barry:
Oh yeah, she’s really fuckin hot!

[a pause]

Sammy:

How bout you?
Sammy:
Yeah, I saw her once…

[Cut to a flashback to the earlier scene of Sammy fantasizing about a girl. We should be able to see that the girl is Natalie.]
Barry:
Yeah, she’s gorgeous.

Sammy:
You wanna go get a burger?
Barry:
Yeah, let’s go…

Same Day – Late Afternoon

[Cut to Sue getting back from Sean’s house. The scene begins with her walking into the house. Dave does the whole scene while yelling from his recliner.]
Sue:
Hello? I’m back…

Dave:

Oh hey Sue, what took ya so long?

Sue:
I told you I got sidetracked.

Dave:
Sidetracked by what?

Sue:
Oh you know how I am with shopping, once I get going it’s hard to stop…

Dave:

Yeah, but you just needed to get peanut butter. What else did you get?

Sue:
Oh, just some women stuff.

Dave:
Oh.

Sue:
How’s your game going?

Dave:
Eh, I quit watching it. I’ve just been flipping through the channels the past 45 minutes.

Sue [chuckles and then yells to Caitlin]:
CAITLIN, I GOT YOUR PEANUT BUTTER!
[Caitlin doesn’t respond]

Sue:
Caitlin?

[Cut to Sue walking upstairs. Cut to Sue entering Caitlin’s room. Caitlin is sitting very close to the TV and watching a cartoon.]

Sue:
Caitlin honey, I got your peanut butter.

Caitlin:
I’m not hungry any more.

Sue:
But I thought you wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Caitlin:
I wanted one, but you took too long so daddy gave me some cookies.

Sue [annoyed]:
Oh really…

[Cut to Sue going downstairs and confronting Dave.]

Sue:

You gave Caitlin some cookies?
Dave [semi-attentively]:
Yeah…

Sue:
You made me go get peanut butter and you ended up giving her cookies?!?
Dave:
Well, you were taking so long, and she was really hungry, so I don’t see what the big deal is…
Sue:
THE BIG DEAL IS THAT I ALMOST DIED!!!

Dave:
What?!?
Sue:
Some guy ran a stop sign, and almost hit me.

Dave:
Well since he didn’t hit you, you got nothing to worry about.

Sue:
THAT’S NOT THE POINT. THE POINT IS THAT YOU MAKE ME RUN SOME STUPID ERRAND BECAUSE YOU’RE TOO LAZY TO GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND DO IT YOURSELF. THEN I GO, YOU DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES MY TRIP OBSOLETE AND I NEARLY DIE IN THE PROCESS!!!!

[Dave goes over and tries to comfort her]

Dave:
Look, I’m sorry, I should’ve been more considerate.

Sue:
NO! You’re not gonna sweet talk yourself out of this.

[Dave tries to hug her]
Sue:
No just-just-just leave me alone, I need to be by myself.

[Sue starts walking away and up the stairs]

Dave [yelling]:
OH COME ON SUE!

Sue:
I’m going to take a bath, leave me alone.

Dave:
FINE, I’m goin to the bar.

Sue:
Oh, you’ll get off your ass for that huh?!?
[She slams the bathroom door. Dave throws his hands up in confusion. Cut to Dave putting on his coat, walking out the door and getting in the car. Cut to Dave backing out. Cut to Susan trying to relax in the bathroom. She is in the tub taking a few deep breaths. She nods her head in disgust as we end the scene.]

Same Day – Early Evening

[Cut to Jimmy in a city prison cell. He is very distressed. He is sitting down crying. Cut to a prison guard coming down and unlocking the cell door. Cut to Jimmy looking up at the guard.]

Guard:
You’ve been bailed out.

[Jimmy gets a look of relief on his face.]

Jimmy:
Who bailed me out?
Guard:
Your parents.

Jimmy:
They’re here?
Guard:
Yes.

[Cut to Jimmy seeing his parents and hugging them.]
Jimmy’s Mom:
Ohh Jimmy how are you doing?

Jimmy:
Ohh thank you so much. That was by far the worst four hours of my life. How’d you guys get here?
Jimmy’s Mom:

We drove; we left right after you called us.

Jimmy:
Mom, Dad, I swear to God I didn’t rape her.

Jimmy’s Dad:
We believe you son.

Jimmy’s Mom:
Who accused you of rape?

Jimmy:
This girl I met at a bar one night. Her name is Natalie Bender. All we did was have a one night stand, I DIDN’T RAPE HER.

Jimmy’s Mom:
Honey, Honey, we believe you.

Jimmy’s Dad:

We’re gonna get the best attorney’s money can buy.

Jimmy’s Mom:
The cops said that there’s usually a couple months or so between the time of arrest and the court date. We’re going to be able to go home, but you’re going to have to check in with an officer in Elmhurst every day. Of course, when we actually go to court, the court will take place in Iowa though.

Jimmy:
What about finals and school?

Jimmy’s Dad:
The cops notified the school. You are expelled until further notice. There may be a chance you can get back in if you’re acquitted. So we gotta go bring back all of your stuff from your dorm room.

Jimmy [letting out a sigh]:
OK. But I will get to go home?

Jimmy’s Mom:
For the couple months you will.

[Cut to Jimmy leaving the police station and getting into the car.]

[Cut to Jimmy and his parents walking down the hallway of the dorm floor. Jimmy then walks into his room. Kyle is on the couch watching TV.]

Jimmy:
Hey Kyle, mom, dad, this is my roommate Kyle.

Jimmy’s Mom and Dad [simultaneously]:
Hi Kyle.

Kyle:
Hey Jimmy, what’s going on?
Jimmy:
I’m getting kicked out of school for a while. I gotta pack up all of my stuff and take it back with me.

Kyle:
Wait, you’re getting kicked out of school?!?! FOR WHAT?!?!?!

Jimmy:
Remember Natalie?

Kyle:
Yeah…

Jimmy:
She accused me of raping her.

Kyle:
WHAT?!?!

Jimmy:
Yeah…

Kyle:
But you didn’t rape her.

Jimmy:
Well I know that, but I’m still expelled from school. They said if I’m acquitted I may be able to come back next year.

Kyle [in shock]:
Jesus Christ…

[A pause]

Well I guess I’ll help you get all packed up.

[The four of them start packing up Jimmy’s stuff.]
Kyle:
So you’ll be in Elmhurst then?
Jimmy:
Yeah, the trial’s gonna be in Iowa, but I get to go home for a while…I just gotta check in at a police station everyday until the trial.

Kyle:
Well at least you’ll be able to be home for a while.

Jimmy:
Yeah…

[Cut to the four of them finishing loading up the car.]

Jimmy [to Kyle]:
Well man, thanks a lot…maybe I’ll see you next year.

Kyle:
Yeah, hopefully.

Jimmy:
Later man.

Kyle:
Later.

[Jimmy gets in the car and his family drives off.]

[Cut to Kyle walking back into his dorm room. He opens his door and sees a half-empty dorm room. He lies down on the couch and turns on the TV and watches an episode of the Amanda Griffith show.]

Same Day - Mid-Evening

[Cut to Sammy at Fitzpatrick’s. He is fairly drunk.]

Sammy:
Another brew Tom.

Bartender:
I told you, I’m not Tom, Tom has the night off, I’m Keith.

Sammy:
Whatever man, just give me a beer.

[Cut to Keith pouring the beer from the tap. He goes over and hands it to Sammy.]

Sammy:
Tom, I gotta tell ya, I got problems.

Keith:
Problems eh? With what?

Sammy:
My job, I really don’t like it.

Keith:
Well, I’ll tell ya, you should go down to the end of the bar there. There’s a guy who’s been complaining about problems with his wife for the past 3 hours.

[Cut to Dave sitting at the end of the table. Cut back to Keith and Sammy.]

Sammy:
Oh yeah?

Keith:
Yeah, you should go talk to him.

Sammy:
Alright, thanks man.

[Sammy walks over and sits next to Dave. They are both really drunk.]

Sammy:
Hey, I’m Sammy, who are you?
Dave:
I’m Dave.

Sammy:
Ah, nice to meet you. The bartender told me to come talk to you. He said you’re having troubles, and so am I…

Dave:
Yeah, my wife got all pissed at me today, I don’t know why. You married man?
Sammy:
No, I’m normally just on and off with girlfriends.

Dave:
Well, let me tell ya, it’s incredible being married, but sometimes, they just get upset about the smallest things.

Sammy:
Oh I hear that man…

Dave:
WELL, anyways, my daughter wanted some peanut butter and I didn’t want to go, so my wife went. Well she almost got in a car wreck and came back and got all mad at me.

Sammy:
Well, that’s understandable. Yo-you kinda put her in that situation.

Dave:
All I wanted was a little – to, to relax.

Sammy:
Well, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. She’ll get over it.

Dave:
I hope so man, I – I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Sammy:
Shit man, you know she loves you, why fuckin worry man?

Dave:
Good point man, I got nothing to worry about. Bartender, two more brews for me and my friend here. So, what – what was your problem?

[Keith comes over with the two beers.]

Keith:
That’s 4 bucks.

[Dave reaches in his wallet and pulls out a five dollar bill.]

Dave:
Here’s 5 bucks, keep the change.

Keith:
Thanks.

[Cut to Keith walking away]

Keith [under his breath]:
Ya fuckin drunks.

[Cut back to Sammy and Dave]

Sammy:
I just don’t like my job man…

Dave:
Not very many people do. What do you do?
Sammy:
You don’t want to know.

Dave:
What do you mean I don’t want to know?
Sammy:
Just, just trust me man, you don’t want to know.

Dave:
Well OK…

Sammy:
I’m just so sick of my job. It eats at my conscience man. Every day that goes on, I just get more racked with guilt. Not only am I not happy with my job, every time I work I like myself less and less as a person.

Dave:

Wow…why don’t – why don’t you just quit?

Sammy:
I can’t!

Dave:
Damn, the contracts always get you man.

Sammy:

Yeah…the contracts…

Dave:
Well, all I can say man, is if there was ever a key to life, it’s happiness. And you can’t appreciate how great life truly is, until you’re happy. Sure there are the sour moments. But, ya gotta make the most out of everything. Just fuckin be happy man. And from what it sounds like, you’re not happy.

Sammy:
No I’m not man. I just wish I could quit.

Dave:
Hey man, just get respect. That’s all that matters. Once you can get their respect, you’ll have an easier time quitting.

Sammy:
Yeah, I need respect. Shit man, thanks a lot man, I needed to talk to someone.

Dave:
Hey, don’t worry about it. That’s why we’re here. To meet people and talk to people and to socialize.

Sammy:
Yeah man, thanks…

[We fade out of the scene as they clink glasses at the bar.]

[Cut to Amanda on the show.]

Amanda:
We’ll be right back after this commercial.

[Cut to a camera panning over Amanda’s apartment. In the background we can hear that Amanda is still watching the video tapes. As we pan across the apartment we do a 360° shot. We start with one end of the couch and begin to turn towards the window so we can see her view of Chicago at night. After her skyline view is seen, we zoom in on a clock. The clock says 8:54 p.m. We then complete the shot with Amanda still lying on her couch watching her show. She is concentrating very hard on what she’s watching. We keep the camera still on her for a couple seconds and then zoom in on the Amanda Griffith show.]

[Zoom out as we segue into Sue watching the Amanda Griffith show.]

Announcer:

Are you in a relationship you want to get out of, or in love with another person? If so, the Amanda Griffith show would like you to appear on our Christmas Special. Just dial 1-566–672–5489.

[Cut to Sue grabbing a piece of paper and writing down the number. She goes and grabs her purse and puts the number in it. She puts her purse down, goes back to bed and turns off the TV. As she walks back to bed we hear Dave come into the house.]

[Cut to a drunken Dave taking off his coat and shoes and stumbling his way up the stairs. Cut to Dave walking into the bedroom.]

Dave:
Hi [a pause] Hi Sue.

[Cut to Sue lying in her bed with her eyes open not responding. We keep the camera on Sue.]

Dave:
Sue? You awake?

Sue:
I’m tired David, let me sleep.

[Cut back to Dave.]

Dave:
Ohh, oh I’m sorry honey.

[He gets in bed.]

Dave:
You wouldn’t believe the talk I had with this guy at the bar. He really made me feel a lot better. I thought you were really mad at me, but he made me realize that I love you, and you love me and that as long as there’s still love for each other, I got nothing to worry about.

[Cut to Sue still facing away from him.]

Sue:
You’re belligerent David, go to bed.

[Cut back to David.]

David:

I just want you to know that I’m-I’m sorry. I should’ve not let you get in that accident. I’m sorry.

[Cut back to Sue shaking her head in disgust.]

Sue:
Shut up and let me sleep Dave.

[Cut back to Dave and stay on him until the end of the scene.

Dave:
I’m sorry honey, I didn’t mean it.

Sue:
Goodnight Dave.

Dave:

I love you Susan.

[Sue doesn’t answer. Dave gives her a little shake on the shoulder.]

Dave:
Sue, I love you…

[Sue still doesn’t answer. Dave turns around with his back to Sue. We end the scene by showing Dave with a confused and sad look on his face.]

[Cut to another slow pan across Amanda’s apartment. She is still on her couch watching the tapes of her show. We show the clock and it now says 1:30 a.m. Amanda gets up off of her couch, turns off the TV and walks into her bedroom. We see her lay in her bed and we cut to a view of Chicago at night and we fade out on this. We fade back in on Amanda’s apartment and it is daylight. We pan to the clock again and it says 12:45 p.m.]

Next Day - Afternoon

[Cut to Amanda in her car pulling into a parking spot in front of her TV Company’s studio. She walks in and gets into the elevator. Cut to Amanda in the elevator with an elevator attendant.]

Elevator Attendant:
What floor ma’am?

Amanda:

20th Floor.

[The elevator attendant hits the button for the 20th floor and there’s an awkward silence.]

Elevator Attendant:

What’s it like outside; I know the weather called for some snow.

Amanda:
It’s cold, no snow though.

[Another pause]

Elevator Attendant:
You know, I’m a real big fan of your show…

Amanda [semi-annoyed]:

Well, enjoy it while you can.

Elevator Attendant:
What do you mean?

Amanda:
Look I know it’s your job to try and socialize with people, but I’d prefer it if you just left me alone.

Elevator Attendant [surprised]:
Sorry…

[Amanda just looks at her as there’s a long awkward pause.]

[The elevator comes to a stop]

Elevator Attendant:
Floor 20.

[Amanda pulls a 1 dollar bill from her purse and hands it to the bell hop as she exits the elevator.]

[Cut to Amanda walking down the hallway to the secretary’s desk. Cut to the Secretary.]

Secretary:
Hi, may I help you?
[Cut between Amanda and the Secretary throughout this scene.]

Amanda:

I need to see Mr. Rothlesburgher.

Secretary:
Alright, do you have an appointment?

Amanda:
No I do not, but it’s really important that I talk to him.

Secretary:
Well you have to have an appointment.

Amanda:
Look this is really important, can you just talk to him?

Secretary:
Well…I’ll go back and see what I can do. What’s your name again?

Amanda:
Amanda Griffith, I host a talk show on this station.

Secretary:
OK, I’ll be right back.

[The secretary leaves the desk and goes back to Mr. Rothlesburgher’s office. We stay on Amanda as she goes and sits down. She looks exhausted and distressed. We stay on her as she looks around the office for about 30 seconds, and then the secretary comes back.]

[Cut to the Secretary walking back.]

Secretary:
Ms. Griffith.

[Amanda looks up]

Amanda:
Yes?

Secretary:
Mr. Rothlesburgher said he will see you.

[Amanda breaths a sigh of relief]

Amanda:
Thank You.

[The Secretary and Amanda walk back to the Office together and once they get in there, the Secretary leaves and shuts the door. Cut to Mr. Rothlesburgher; he is a relatively thin man in his mid to late 50’s.]

[We cut back and forth between Amanda and Mr. Rothlesburgher throughout the scene.]

Mr. Rothlesburgher:
Amanda Griffith, to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?

Amanda:

I want to quit, I don’t want to do this anymore. I think what I do is despicable, and I want to quit.

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

Now Amanda, why would you want to quit? You have the highest rated talk show on Television. You’re rich and famous, why would you want to quit?

Amanda:
I told you, I’m sick of exploiting people. These people come to me with their quote-unquote problems, and I’m supposed to be some kind of help? How am I helping them, by making them out to be freaks?

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

Amanda, you’ve been doing this job for years, why the sudden change of heart?

Amanda:
That’s none of your damn business, I want out of my contract and that’s all you need to know.

Mr. Rothlesburgher:
Well Amanda, I can’t do that for ya. You see, in doing that, I would allow you to be in breach of contract, and I simply cannot allow that.

Amanda:
Fuck, come on, isn’t there something you can do?

Mr. Rothlesburgher:
Look Amanda, your show is one of our most popular shows. We need your audience. Now if I were to let you go, that’s millions of viewers that won’t be watching our network. Maybe you should think this over a little more…

Amanda:
I sat and watched my show for nearly 10 hours last night considering this decision. I’ve thought this over enough.

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

I can’t do it Amanda.

Amanda:
I want you to know, if you don’t let me out of this contract, I’m going to make this the biggest pain in the ass for you and your company. I have one of the best lawyers in Chicago, and he will go to any extent in order for me to be let out of this contract. I will stop at nothing!

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

Just stay with us Amanda, we’ll give you anything you want, money, more shows, anything.

Amanda:
I TOLD YOU, ALL I WANT IS TO QUIT!

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

Amanda, I guess I can make an exception, it’s going to cost you though, and you won’t be able to quit immediately.

Amanda:
Anything, what’s the deal?

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

You’ll still have to work up until the taping of your Christmas Special, but after that, you’ll be let off. You’ll have to take a pay cut in your final episodes. And you’ll have to sign an agreement saying we have the right to syndicate your show, as well as the right to take 20% of the profits from any of that syndication.

Amanda:
I accept, thank you so much Mr. Rothlesburgher.

Mr. Rothlesburgher:

I’ll have my secretary write up a contract and fax it over to you.

Amanda:
Thank you SOOO much.

Mr. Rothlesburgher:
Think nothing of it.

[We end the scene as Amanda exits the office.]

[Cut to the phone ringing. Sammy goes over and picks it up. Throughout the phone conversation, we just stay on Sammy and hear Barry.]

Sammy:
Yeah?

Barry:
Sammy, the boss just called me, he says he’s got the info on that kid who raped his granddaughter.

Sammy [sarcastically]:
Great…

Barry:
Yeah, so here’s the plan, I’m gonna pick you up in 20 minutes and we’ll go to the bosses house.

Sammy:
I’m busy, let’s make it an hour.

Barry:
If you’re busy, then fuckin stop what you’re doing. Business takes precedence over everything. I’ll be by in 20.

[Barry hangs up the phone. Cut to Sammy hanging up the phone. He walks over to his safe and pulls out a .09 mm. He loads the gun, sticks it in his boot, and goes to his chair to sit down and watch TV. Fade out as he watches TV; fade back in with a shot of Barry in Sammy’s driveway honking the horn. Cut to a shot from Barry’s driveway view of Sammy exiting his house and locking his door. Cut to Sammy entering Barry’s car.]

Barry:
What were you so busy doing?

Sammy:
Just doing some stuff around the house.

Barry:
Come on man, you know better than to let that worthless shit take up business time. I’m telling ya Sam, you’re gonna get yourself in trouble if you keep that up, whether it be with the boss or whoever.

Sammy [lackadaisically]:
Yeah I know…

[Cut to a shot of the front of the Don’s house. Cut to Barry and Sammy inside it talking to the Don.]

Don Marinelli:

The guy’s name is Jimmy Sanders. Here’s a picture of him.

[He gives Barry a picture of Jimmy. It is a high school yearbook picture. Barry then hands the picture to Sammy.]

Don Marinelli:

His parents are William and Claire Sanders. They live at 2382 Hillsbury Drive in Elmhurst. His family is very well off. William is an Optometrist, and Claire is a local news anchor for one of the big broadcasting companies…I can’t remember which one off-hand.

Sammy:
How do you know all this stuff Sergio?

Don Marinelli:
I got people all over Chicago. If I need ANY information on anyone, it’s always just a few phone calls away.

[A pause as Sammy hands the picture back to Barry, and Barry puts it in his pocket.]

Don Marinelli:
Where was I?
Barry:
You were talking about his parent’s jobs.

Don Marinelli:
Ahh yes. Well, not surprisingly, they work day jobs, so that means, while they’re at work, little Jimmy will have the house all to himself. Now, Natalie tells me that the trial’s scheduled for three months from now. She also said that the school told her that Jimmy was kicked out and had 24 hours to move out indefinitely. This means, Jimmy is probably home right about now. We’ll let him get comfortable at home for a few days, allow him to let his guard down a little and just forget about what he did. A week from now, while Jimmy’s parents are at work, you guys go and take him out. I don’t want him just shot; I want him fuckin torn to shreds. That pervert doesn’t deserve an open casket funeral.

Barry:
When do you want us to do it?

Don Marinelli:
I’d say wait until about 2:30, 3. Since he’s a college guy, and a depressed college guy at that, my guess is he’ll be sleeping in late. Stay weary of the lunch hours from about 11-1. My source at the police station in Elmhurst says he has to check in with them every day at 1:30. Also, his parents get off at 4:30. Basically you have about a 2 hour window to do the job.

Sammy:

What if he’s not there when we get there, like say he goes to the mall or something after his check-in with the cops?

Don Marinelli:
That’s why I want you guys to wait an hour or so after he checks in. Now, if you get there and he’s still not there, we’ll figure something else out. The important thing is that this punk does not go to trial.

Sammy:
You want us to mangle him, but still make it look like a suicide?
Don Marinelli [Slightly Yelling]:

Just shoot him in the fuckin head that’s all I want!

Barry:
Alright boss, in a week, this cocksucker’s dead, that’s all you want to hear right?

Don Marinelli:
That’s all I need to hear Barr.

Sammy:
How much we getting for this hit?
Don Marinelli:
Ahh, I was wondering when you’d bring up the payment.

[Don Marinelli rubs his face as he ponders the amount of money]

Don Marinelli:
20 grand OK?

Barry:
That’ll be great boss.

[Cut to Don Marinelli looking at Barry and Sammy.]

Don Marinelli:
Guys, this guy raped my fuckin granddaughter, don’t let me down.

Barry:
Don’t worry about it boss, we won’t let you down.

[Cut to Jimmy eating lunch at a local fast food restaurant with two of his friends.]

Friend 1:

Look man, all it is, is your word against hers.

Jimmy:
Yeah, but can’t they do DNA tests to see if like my cells or whatever are on her?

Friend 2:
I suppose they can see if any of your pubic hair is down there...I don’t know man, I’m not a fuckin cop.

Friend 1:
Who’s your lawyer?
Jimmy:
Aw, we got a really good lawyer, he like works for a bunch of local celebrities…I think his name is Jeffrey Riggendorf.

Friend 2:
Well, if he’s as good as you say he is, I’d think your case would become a lot stronger.

Jimmy:

Yeah…

Friend 2:
Where was this girl from anyways?

Jimmy:
Um…Oak Park I think…yeah, Oak Park.

Friend 1:
Oak Park? Isn’t that where the mafia is?
Jimmy:
The mafia’s all over the place man, what are you talking about?

[They all laugh]

Jimmy:
Hey what time is it?

[Friend 2 looks at his watch]

Friend 2:
1:15.

Jimmy:
Aw fuck, I gotta go to the police station and check in, I’ll call you guys later on this week and we’ll get together.

Friend 1 & 2:
Later Jimmy.

Jimmy:
Bye.

[Jimmy leaves the fast food place, and gets in his car and pulls on to the street.]

[Cut to Jimmy getting out of the car and walking into the police station. Cut to him with his probation officer.]

Jimmy:
I need to do my daily check-in for probation.

Probation Officer:
Name?

Jimmy:
Jimmy Sanders.

[Cut to a pan down a long list of names, and end with the Jimmy’s name. The probation officer highlights the name.]

Probation Officer:

Since it’s your first time here, I’m required to give you the rules of your probation. You will receive a printed out sheet, which you must sign, and I will read the rules aloud to you, so as to avoid any misunderstandings.

[He gives Jimmy the sheet. We fade out of the scene as the second rule is being read.]

Probation Officer:
Rule #1: You must check in no later than 10 minutes of your required check in time. Rule #2: You are not allowed to violate any laws, whether misdemeanors, or felonies…

[Fade Back In.]

Probation Officer:
Should you violate any of these rules, you will be subject to jail time without bail, do you understand?

Jimmy:
Yes.

Probation Officer:
Please sign on the dotted line Mr. Sanders, and you will be on your way. I will see you tomorrow at 1:30.

[Jimmy signs it and we end the scene with him leaving his parole officer.]

Same Day – Late Afternon

[Cut to Sue and Sean walking out from the school out to their cars.]

Sue:
I’ve been thinking about the divorce.

Sean:

And…

Sue:
Well, I’ve decided I’m gonna wait a couple days before I actually file for divorce, but I have decided how I’m going to go about telling Dave.

Sean:

How are you gonna tell him?

Sue:
I thought we could go on a talk show and tell him!

[Sean stops walking; they just got in the parking lot right now]

Sean:
Are you serious?

Sue:
Yes!

Sean:
Sue, this is absurd.

Sue:
No it’s not Sean!

[Sean shakes his head back and forth, and they continue to walk.]

Sue:
Look, I was watching this talk show last night.

Sean:
Which one?

Sue:
The Amanda Griffith show.

Sean:

Oh, I guess they’re all the same to me…

Sue:

Well anyways, they need people to be on their Christmas special, the taping for the show is in 5 days. The people they’re looking for are people who are in our situation. They’re still taking people who want to be on the show, so I thought maybe we could get on there and that’s how I’d break it to Dave.

Sean:
You know how humiliating that’d be for him?

Sue:
I don’t care, this is how I want to tell him. And since I’m the one who has to break the news, I want to do it this way.

[They get to their cars]

Sean:
Look, let’s go over to my house, and we’ll talk about this some more.

Sue:
Alright

[They get in their cars.]

[Cut to Sue and Sean in Sean’s kitchen]

Sean:
You want a pop?
Sue:
Sure.

[He hands her one and sits down.]

Sean:
You really want to do this huh?

Sue:
Yes, I do.

Sean:
I don’t know…I just think that there’s a better way to go about doing this.

Sue:
I know you do, but since I’m the one who has to tell him, I want to tell him in this fashion, OK?

[Sean goes over, picks up the phone and hands it to Sue]

Sean:
Here ya go.

[Sue digs in her purse and gets out the number for the show.]

[Cut to a shot of Sue dialing the number and putting the phone up to her ear. After 1 ring an automated system picks up.]

Automated Answering Machine:

“If you would like tickets for the Amanda Griffith Show, please press 1. If you would to appear on the Amanda Griffith show, please press 2. For further assistance, please press 3.”

[Sue Presses 2]

Automated Answering Machine:
Please Hold.

[Music plays. Sue presses the phone against her chest and looks up to Sean.]

Sue:
I’m on hold.

Sean [sarcastically]:
Oh.

[Sue puts the phone back up to her ear. The music plays for about 2 more seconds.]

Phone Assistant:
Amanda Griffith Show, on what show would you like to appear?

Sue:
Um, the Christmas special. That’s the one with the cheating theme right?

Phone Assistant:

Yes ma’am. There are two spots left on the show. Can I get your name address and phone number?

[Sue puts the phone up to her chest and looks back up to Sean.]

Sue:
She wants my address and phone number.

Sean:
Give her mine.

Sue:
Alright, Its Sean Hawkins, at 1406 W. Mayberry Drive, Barrington, IL. The number is 847-673-0398.

Phone Assistant:
Alright, and finally I need to ask what qualifies you to be on this show?

Sue:
Well, I’m a married teacher, who’s been having an affair for the past 6 months. I’ve fallen into love with the man I’m having the affair with, and out of love with my husband. I haven’t told my husband that I’m want a divorce, and he thinks that the man I’m having an affair with is gay. Does that qualify us?

Phone Assistant:
Consider yourself on the show. Now, we’re taping the show on the 12th at 2:30 p.m. Be sure to get there about an hour early, and we’ll get you made up and situated. Our address is 825 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago itself. If you have any further questions just contact us, alright?

Sue:
Yep, will do.

Phone Assistant:
We’ll see you at 1:30 on the 12th, goodbye.

Sue:
Bye.

[Sue hangs up the phone and turns to Sean.]

Sue [smiling]:
We’re on the show!

Sean:
I really hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.

[She goes up and kisses him.]

Sue [laughing]:
I am in complete control Sean.

Same Day - Evening

[Cut to Amanda in her apartment with Joyce. They are sitting on the couch, drinking wine.]

Joyce:
I can’t believe that you quit Amanda.

Amanda:
I know, it feels so good to finally be done with this shit.

Joyce:
I don’t know whether to be happy or be mad at you Amanda. On the one hand I’m losing my job, but on the other I’m seeing one of my best friends finally achieve happiness. Amanda, you’re lucky you’re not a bitch.

[They Laugh]

Amanda:
December 12th, I hang up my boots. It’s gonna be great.

Joyce:
December 12th, that’s the day we tape the Christmas special right?

Amanda:
You betcha.

Joyce:
Are you gonna retire then?
Amanda:
I’m not sure yet, I’ll just live Carpe Diem for a while.

Joyce:
Not a bad way to live.

Amanda:
Let’s get some more wine.

[Amanda takes Joyce’s wine glass and goes to the kitchen to pour some more wine. As she’s doing this, a message comes over her fax machine. As Joyce begins talking, Amanda is still pouring the wine.]

Joyce:
Uh Amanda, I think you’re getting a fax.

[Amanda begins walking back.]

Amanda:
Really?

Joyce:
Yeah.

[Amanda sets down the glasses on the table and goes over to the fax machine.]

[Cut to a slow grin coming over Amanda’s face as she reads the fax.]

Joyce:
What is it Amanda?

Amanda:
It’s the terms for my contract break.

Joyce:
Great! Sign it and fax it back.

Amanda:
I’m gonna take it to my lawyer tomorrow, then fax it back. I don’t trust these guys.

[Joyce goes to the table and brings the wine glasses over to her and Amanda. Amanda sets down the contract and takes a glass.]

Joyce:
Shall we?

Amanda:
We shall.

Joyce:

Carpe Diem.

Amanda:
Carpe Diem.

[They clink glasses and we end the scene.]

[Cut to Sue, Dave, and Caitlin eating dinner together.]

Sue:
How was kindergarten today Caitlin?

Caitlin:
It was fun, we got to do Christmas drawings.

Sue:
Are you excited for Christmas?

Caitlin:
Yeah.

Sue:
Well, Santa’s only 3 weeks away.

[She looks over to Dave.]

Sue:
How was your day Hon?

Dave:
It wasn’t too bad, same old same old.

[A long pause]

Sue:
Is anyone gonna ask me how my day went?

[Dave looks up from his plate]

Dave:
How was your day Sue?

Sue:

Well, you wouldn’t believe the invitation that Sean and I got.

Dave:

What’d you get invited to?

Sue:
This talk show is honoring teachers in the Chicago Suburbs, and Sean and I got invited to appear and talk about ourselves, and of course, you’re invited Dave.

Dave:

Sue that’s GREAT!

[He goes over and hugs her.]

Dave:
I’m so proud of you Sue. What talk show is it?

Sue:
The Amanda Griffith Show.

Dave:
I don’t know which one that is.

Sue:
It’s kinda like a local Oprah.

Dave [smiling]:
That’s great Sue. When is it?

Sue:
It’s the Christmas Episode, but it’s taping on the 12th at 2:30, we gotta be there at 1:30.

Dave:
Alright, I’ll make sure I request it off.

[Dave looks straight in Sue’s eyes with a compassionate look on his face.]

Dave:
I love you so much Sue.

Sue:
I know dear, I know.

Next Day - Afternoon

[Cut to a shot of a door that says Jeffrey Riggendorf on it. Cut to Amanda and Jeffrey inside his office talking about the terms for Amanda’s contract break.]

Jeffrey:
Amanda, this is just a basic dissolution of a contract. Have you read the terms?

Amanda:
Yeah, I know the terms, I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t anything hidden in there that would fuck me over.

[They share a brief laugh.]

Jeffrey:
Amanda, you have nothing to worry about in signing this.

Amanda:
I know Jeff, I just wanted to make sure.

[A pause.]

Amanda:
Well, I guess my business is done here, I better get going and fax this thing back to Mr. Rothlesburgher’s office.

[Amanda leaves the office as we do a continuous shot of her walking down about 3 flights of stairs, into a corridor and out the door. As she gets to the door we see Jimmy and his parents walking into the Lawyer’s building and we follow them up the stairs up to the door of Jeffrey Riggendorf’s office. Jimmy knocks on the door.]

[We keep the camera on Jimmy and his parents, from the inside we hear Jeffrey yell “Come in.” The three do, and as they enter Jeffrey gets out of his seat to greet them.]

Jeffrey:
Mr. and Mrs. Sanders, Jimmy, how are you guys doing?

Mr. Sanders:
We’ve been better. How are you doing?

Jeffrey:
Well, I’ve been busy to say the least. We’re here to talk about the case so let’s do so. Jimmy, have you been seeing your parole officer?

Jimmy:
Yeah, I started yesterday.

Jeffrey:
OK good, do you know your rights and everything?

Jimmy:
Yeah they had me sign a sheet with a bunch of rules on it.

Jeffrey:
Alright, well just keep on going there. Now, about the case in general. To tell you the truth, the case is in your favor Jimmy. All the prosecution has right now is hearsay. So far, it’s just your word against hers, and that will not hold up in court.

Jimmy:
What about DNA testing?

Jeffrey:
Well, they may search for pieces of DNA, but let me ask you this. When you had intercourse, did you use a condom?
Jimmy:
Of course I did.

Jeffrey:
Great, that will eliminate any traces of sperm that would’ve been in her vagina had you not used a condom. They still might be able to find some pubic hairs however. The fact of the matter is, right now, they have nothing to show that you did rape her; all they have is things to show that you had sex with her. As long as they don’t find anything that could convict you, you won’t be convicted.

Mr. Sanders:
Will you notify us if there are any changes that you hear about?

Jeffrey:

Absolutely, I will let you know immediately about any changes in the case.

Jimmy:
As of right now though, we’re good?
Jeffrey:
Trust me Jimmy, unless something changes dramatically, you will be absolutely fine.

[Cut to Amanda getting back from the lawyer’s office. She opens up the folder that she kept the contract in and takes it out. Cut to a close up of her signing her name on the document. Fade out of the scene as Amanda faxes the document.]

[Fade in to December 12th 2003, it’s written in white on a black background. Fade back out.]

[Cut to Jimmy rolling out of bed at 1:00 in the afternoon. He puts on a pair of pants, a T-shirt and a hat. Cut to Jimmy looking up to the crucifix in his room, he forms a cross on his body by pointing to his head, stomach, left shoulder and then the right shoulder. Cut to Jimmy walking out of his door, getting into his car and driving off. Cut to a slow pan back through Jimmy’s house into his room. We do a slow zoom into the crucifix, and then zoom out, and see Sammy looking up to the crucifix in his house. He makes a crucifix on his body in the same fashion that Jimmy did. Cut to a slow-motion shot of Sammy putting on his leather gloves, he puts on the left first, then the right. We see him open up his safe, and pull out two guns, and he flicks the safety switch on both. He puts one in his boot and another in his pants. Cut to Barry grabbing the picture of Jimmy that was given to him. He sticks that in his pocket. As he puts it in his pocket, we can see that there is a gun in his pocket. Cut to Barry getting in his car and pulling into the street. Cut to Sue in a car, directing Dave to the studio.]

Sue:
Alright, you need to get on the expressway.

[Dave takes a left and gets on the ramp, and then merges into traffic.]

Dave:
How are we doing on time?

Sue:

We got about a half hour till we have to be there, so hurry up.

Dave:
I’m going as fast as I can without breaking the law. Maybe if you didn’t spend so much time fixing your hair today, we could’ve left earlier.

Sue:
Oh shut up Dave.

Dave:
Are you getting excited? This could be your 15 minutes of fame.

Sue:

It very well could be. I’m very excited. Now just so you know, once we get there, they’re gonna separate us. We teachers will be in one room, we’ll talk about ourselves as teachers for a while, and then we’ll introduce ourselves.

Dave:
If that’s how the system works, who am I to disrupt it?

[He smiles and looks over at Sue. She has a nervous look and she takes a deep breath and exhales. Cut to Sean stopped at a stoplight. He is incredibly nervous, and is mildly sweating. We watch him watch the stoplight. We alternate between a close up of the red light and a close up of Sean’s face. He is looking up at the light with both an annoyed and anxious look on his face. Cut to the light changing green and then an overhead shot of Sean “gunning” the car. Cut to Amanda getting her hair combed in the dressing room.]

Hair Designer:
I can’t believe this our last show Amanda. Aren’t you sad, I know I am?

Amanda:
Not at all. I mean I’ll miss you all, but I won’t miss the job at all.

Hair Designer:
Wow I envy you so much-

[A stagehand comes in interrupting the hair designer.]

Stagehand:
Amanda, here’s the list of people on the show today and their situations.

[He goes over to Amanda and hands her the sheet. Amanda takes it, glances over it, rolls her eyes and sets it on the table in front of her.]

Amanda:
Alright, thanks, God I’m so ready to get this shit over with.

[Cut to Sammy and Barry in the car.]

Sammy:
What time is it?

Barry:
2:15, we got a little time. Want to go get a quick bite to eat?

Sammy:
Na, I’m too nervous to eat.

Barry:

Nervous? What the fuck are you talking about?
Sammy:
I get nervous before these things Barr.

Barry:
You never used to.

Sammy:
Well, I do now.

Barry:
We got some time to kill, so I am going to go get something to eat. Nervousness my ass.

[Cut to Jimmy walking back into his house. He walks into his room, turns off the lights, and turns on the TV. He then takes off his pants and shirt and gets back into his bed. Cut to Sue and Sean in one waiting area. In the background, a show coordinator is coming around and greeting the contestants.]

Sean:
Only 15 minutes till they start taping Sue.

Sue:
I know.

Sean:

How long did it take you guys to get here?

Sue:

About 45 minutes.

Sean:
That’s pretty good time.

[Joyce comes up to Sue and Sean.]

Coordinator:
Hi, you guys are?
Sean:
Susan Miers and Sean Hawkins.

[The Coordinator checks their name off of a list.]

Coordinator:

Can I get you guys anything, water, snacks?

Sean:
No I’m fine.

[He looks over to Sue]

Sean:
Sue, you OK?
Sue:
Yeah, I’m fine.

Coordinator:
Alright, this is your last chance to go to the bathroom, and get touch-ups on hair or make-up, are you fine with those things?

Sue and Sean:
Yeah…

Coordinator:
Alright, you guys are going on second, a stagehand will lead you out to the entrance area 5 minutes before you’re scheduled to appear.

Sue and Sean:
Thanks.

[Cut to Dave in his waiting room, with the other set of guests. Dave is coming back from getting a drink of water. He sits down and there is an awkward silence in the room.]

Dave:
So-Uh, What do your spouses teach?

[A few people in the room ignore Dave, and about 4 people turn to him with a surprised and confused look.]

Woman:
Teach?

Dave:
Your spouses are teachers aren’t they?

Woman:
Not my husband, any of you guys?

[They all nod their head no.]

Dave [Confused]:

My wife told me this was a talk show that was going to honor local teachers.

[The woman laughs.]

Woman:
Your wife sold you a flat out lie.

Dave:

What is this for, then?

[Cut to Amanda on the set of her show getting ready to start it. The cameraman gives her the five-second countdown on his hands to indicate when the camera starts rolling. After the five seconds is up, Amanda begins. The set is neatly decorated in Christmas Ornaments.]

Amanda:
Hello, and welcome to the Two Hour Christmas Episode and Final Show of the Amanda Griffith Show. Our topic for tonight explores married individuals, who are caught up in an affair. The thing is though, their spouses don’t know about the affair. Well tonight, the secrets will be revealed, as the spouse finally finds out about the affair – firsthand. We will return to this two-hour extravaganza after these messages.

[Cut to Sammy and Barry driving slowly outside of Jimmy’s house.]

Barry:
The punk’s car is there. Let’s get this car parked, and finish the job.

[Barry takes the final bite of his burger.]

Barry:
Damn that was good…

[Cut to them parked about across the street from Jimmy’s house. They look at each other as they prepare to exit the car. Barry looks at his watch and it says 2:45.]

Barry:
You ready man?

Sammy:
Yeah.

Barry:
Don’t fuckin pussy out on me man. I mean it.

Sammy:
I won’t man, I haven’t before have I?
Barry:
No, but you’ve been acting weird lately.

[Barry looks at Sammy.]

Barry:
Come on lets go.

[End the scene with the two of them getting out of the car.]

[Cut to Amanda on her show.]

Amanda:
Our next guests, are teachers from Barrington, Illinois. I would like to introduce Sean Hawkins and Susan Miers.

[Cut to Sean and Sue walking onto the set. Cut to the two of them sitting down, and then cut back to Amanda.]

Amanda:
Sue, you and Sean have been going out for how long?

Sue:
About 7 months.

Amanda:
Seven Months? That’s a long time. But tell us a little more about your situation.

Sue:
Well Amanda, I’ve also been married for 10 years, and have a 6 year old daughter.

[The audience reacts in a shocked way.]

Amanda:
And why are you here today Sue?

Sue:

I am here, to tell my husband Dave that I am in love with Sean, and that I want a divorce from him.

Amanda:
Well Sue, now’s your chance to tell him, let’s bring out Dave!

[Cut to Sammy and Barry getting up to Jimmy’s house. They get to the front door and stop.]

Sammy:
How do you want to get in the house?

Barry:
Let’s bust out a window.

Sammy:
In broad daylight, what are you nuts?

Barry:

What, we’ll go around back, and break out a window.

Sammy:
Don’t you think he’ll notice and get scared or something?
Barry:
Well shit Sam, you come up with something.

[While saying this Barry throws his hands up and drops them, hitting the doorknob and slightly turning it. Barry looks at the doorknob, looks up to Sammy, and slowly turns the doorknob, opening the door.]

Barry:
Well I’ll be damned, it’s open. A guy rapes the granddaughter of one of Chicago’s most notorious gangsters, and leaves the door unlocked when he’s home.

Barry:
Start looking around the house for his room.

[Barry and Sammy begin looking through the house. Cut to them wandering through various parts of the house. Barry then finds Jimmy asleep in his bed, he then peeks his head out into the hallway.]

Barry [in a loud whisper]:

Sammy I found him.

[Sammy peeks his head out from a room that’s two doors down from Jimmy’s.]

Sammy:
You found him?

Barry:
Yeah.

[Cut to Sammy walking into Jimmy’s room.]

Sammy:

He’s asleep…

Barry:
Yeah, well it’s time for him to wake up.

[Barry walks over to Jimmy’s alarm clock.]

Barry:
What time is it?

Sammy:
2:52.

[Barry sets Jimmy’s alarm clock for 2:53 p.m. He gets up and points the gun at Jimmy’s face. The alarm goes off. Cut to a shot of Jimmy opening his eyes and seeing a gun pointed at him from point blank range.]

[Cut back to Dave walking out onto the Amanda Griffith show. He looks both mad and confused as he walks out, and sits down next in a chair next to Sue.]

Dave:
What’s going on Sue? I thought this was a Teacher’s thing.

Amanda:
Dave, Sue has something to tell you.

Dave:
Sue, what the hell’s going on, and what the hell’s he doing here?

Sue:
Dave, calm down. I want to tell you something. Sean and I have been seeing each other for the past 7 months.

Dave:
I thought he was gay.

Sean:
I’m not gay, I just said that so you wouldn’t be suspicious.

Dave:
ASSHOLE!

Sue:
Calm down David.

Dave:
Have you fucked him?

Sue:
Yes I have.

Dave [distraught]:
Oh man. Oh man oh man oh man. We’re through, you know that right?

Sue:
I already filed for divorce.

Dave:
WHAT?!?!?!?

Sue:

Yesterday, I filed for a divorce.

[Cut to yesterday, Sue walking into a County Clerk’s office, and walking up to the front desk. She goes in, and says “I’d like to file for divorce.”]

[Cut back to the Amanda Griffith Show]

Dave:
When were you planning on telling me this?!?!

Sue:
Today.

Dave:
Oh you, you, you fuckin cunt, you fucking whore. How could you do this to me? I’ve been good to you I’ve been damn good to you. I’ve –

Sue [interrupting Dave]:

YOU IGNORED ME!!

Dave:
IGNORED YOU?!?! I WORSHIPPED THE GROUND YOU WALKED ON!

[Cut to Amanda, she has a very ashamed look on her face. Cut back to Dave.]

Dave:
I’D DO ANYTHING FOR YOU AND YOU KNOW THAT. WHAT DO YOU DO? YOU GO AND FUCK THIS PRICK!!

Sue:
This isn’t Sean’s problem, this is ours.

Dave:

Ours? OURS?!?! He’s the cause of this damn problem; he’s just as big a part as you and me.

[As he says this he begins to grab Sue in a semi-violent manner.]

Sean:
Hey let go of her!

Dave:
Fuck you, pansy.

Sean:
Fuck me? You’re the one who’s got nobody to turn to pal. You’re a divorc é. You got no one.

Dave [looking directly into Sean’s eyes]:
Fuck you.

[Cut back to Jimmy staring up at the gun in his face.]

Barry:
Hey, you’re awake.

Jimmy:
Who-Who-Who are-are you?

Barry:
We’re the people who have been sent to kill you.

[Barry draws his gun away from Jimmy’s face and moves down to the end of the bed next to Sammy, and then points the gun back at Jimmy. Jimmy sits up, but is still really scared.]

Sammy:
Are you James Sanders?
Jimmy:
Yes…

Sammy:
Did you rape Natalie Bender?

Jimmy:
NO!

[Barry shoves the gun close to his face.]

Barry:
You did it you piece of shit, ADMIT IT!

Jimmy:
I didn’t do it, don’t kill me!

Sammy:
Then what did you do to her?

Jimmy:
We just had sex! I swear to God!

Barry:
Sammy what the hell are you asking him this shit for, he’s gonna die whether he raped her or not.

Jimmy:
I’m telling you I didn’t—

Barry:
SHUT THE FUCK UP!

[Jimmy immediately stops talking.]

Barry:
Why the fuck are you asking him that shit Sammy?

Sammy:
I just wanted to see if he did it.

Barry:
Just fuckin shoot him already.

Sammy:
ME? I thought you were going to shoot him?

Barry:

No, you know what? I’m fucking sick of hearing you complain, you need to prove yourself, fuckin kill him.

[Sammy looks over at Barry with a nervous look on his face.]

[Cut back to the Amanda Griffith Show.]

Dave:
Why did you tell me this here? You know damn well you could’ve told me this at home? Did you want to humiliate me or something, is this like a way to exert your self-imposed superiority over me?

Sue:
I don’t know why I wanted to do this here, I just did. Maybe it is a way for me to feel better about myself. You treated me like shit! How come I can’t treat you like SHIT?

Dave:

You’re nuts.

Sue:
I’m NOT NUTS. DON’T CALL ME NUTS.

Dave:

You build these stories up in your mind, you think I treat you like shit, fine, you want to divorce me? Then divorce me. I hope you fuckin pay for this; I hope this is the low point in your life. You know why, because you made it. You wanted this, I hope it comes back to bite you in your fuckin ass.

Sean:
You’re one hate-filled man.

Dave:
I thought I told you to shut the fuck up.

Sean:
Fuck you.

[Sean gets out of his seat and approaches Dave. Dave goes towards Sean and they start to shove each other. A security guard comes between the two and breaks up the scuffle.]

[Cut to Amanda.]

Amanda:
Come on guys, break this up, I know this is hard and there’s a lot of tension, but don’t let yourselves resort to fighting. Control yourselves; right now you guys are exerting a despicable amount of self-control.

Sean:
You’re right Amanda, I’m sorry.

[Cut to Dave with an incredibly angry look on his face.]

[Cut back to Sammy, Barry and Jimmy.]

Barry:
You gonna do him in Sammy or not?

Sammy:
I-I can’t.

Barry:
You can and you will. I’ll fuckin make you. You’re not backing out on this Sam.

Sammy:
I’m not gonna do it Barry.

[Barry points the gun at Sammy’s head.]

Barry:
Fuckin do it Sam, you think I’m joking?

[He cocks the gun and sticks it about an inch away from Sammy’s temple as Sammy is still facing Jimmy.]

Barry:
Sammy, you’re like a brother to me, but I’m willing to sacrifice even my own flesh and blood when it comes to business and don’t forget that. You may be one of my best friends, but that doesn’t mean I won’t fuckin put a bullet in your head. Now shoot him, or get shot.

[Sammy points the gun at Jimmy and cocks it. Jimmy begins reciting the Lord’s Prayer quietly to himself.]

Jimmy:

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; 1
And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.

[Cut back to the Amanda Griffith Show.]

Amanda:
Guys, we’re running out of time, is there any last words you’d like to say to each other?

Dave:
All I have to say is I hope you realize what you did. I’ve lost all respect for you, not just for screwing around, but for the way you told me. You egomaniac, I hope you’re left alone. I hope I get custody of Caitlin, because you sure as hell don’t deserve it. I hope all your left with is that guy you’ve been screwing behind my back, because that’s all you should get.

[A pause]

Dave:
That’s all I have to say Amanda.

Amanda:
Sue, would you like to say anything?

Sue:
I just think you could’ve handled this a lot better David. I still wanted us to be friends, but I guess that’s out of the question. I wanted a divorce because I found a man who could treat me better, and I plan to start a much happier life than the one I’ve been living. As for being alone, I won’t be alone; I have someone to hold at night, you don’t. You’re the one who’s left alone David, not myself. I am happy when I’m with Sean, and that’s it, I’m done.

[Sue wipes a tear from her eye and goes and hugs Sean.]

Amanda [in a quiet, serious tone]:
We’ll be right back after these messages.

[Dissolve to Barry, Sammy and Jimmy in Jimmy’s room; Jimmy is still saying the Lord’s Prayer under his breath.]

Barry [still pointing the gun at Sammy]:
Do it Sammy.

[Sammy goes up to the right side of Jimmy’s head and points the gun at his temple. He turns his head away from Jimmy, closes his eyes and shoots him in the head.]

Barry:
Good job Sammy.

[Barry moves Jimmy’s right arm so that it’s lying off to the right side of his body, and opens Jimmy’s hand partially.]

Barry:
Sammy, give me your gun.

[Sammy gives Barry the gun. Barry places in Jimmy’s right hand.]

Barry:
Let’s get the hell out here.

[Cut to them walking out of the house and getting into the car. They pull a U-Turn and begin driving down the opposite side of the street of which they were parked. We fade out of the scene as they are driving down the street.]

[Fade in on the date Dec 19th, 2003 and fade back out.]

Late Afternoon

[Cut to Sue and Dave at a court custody hearing. Cut to a shot of Sue on one side of the court, and Dave on the other.]

Judge:
I am awarding custody to David Miers. Mr. Miers will have the child on week-days and two weekends out of the month, Ms. Flannery will have the child on the other two weekends of the month.

Sue [standing up]:
Wait, I only get to see my kid 4 days a month?!?!?!

Judge:
I have made my decision. A follow up hearing will be scheduled for 3 months from now. We will discuss progress with the custody rights, as well as any other new occurrences that may have come up. This court is adjourned.

[Cut to a shot of Dave walking out of the courthouse with Caitlin, then cut to an upset Sue being comforted by Sean.]

Sean:
It’ll be alright Sue.

Sue:
No it’s not, Sean, I lost my kid!

Sean:
Look Sue, it’s OK, there are some people who don’t get to see their kids for years. You’re lucky Sue. Just take some time, and you’ll feel better.

Sue:
It’s just, I don’t know, It’s just gonna be hard.

Sean:

I know Sue, I know.

[Cut to Sammy entering a church. We follow him as he enters the confessional.]

Sammy:
Forgive me father, for I have sinned.

Priest:
It is OK son, tell me, in what ways have you sinned?

Sammy:

I have killed a man…I—I’ve killed many men. I—I recently killed a man, and I feel terrible about it. I don’t want to go to jail, but I also don’t want to live with this guilt.

Priest:

Repent my son, for you will only find true forgiveness if you are able to repent.

Sammy [he begins to cry]:
I’m sorry father [he pauses while crying] I’m so sorry.

[Cut to Amanda throwing a party at her apartment, she has about 20 people there. Amanda is walking around and greeting party goers. Cut to making small talk with Lauren.]

Lauren:
What are you going to do now that the show is over?

Joyce:
You know, I’m not sure, I may just go back to work for the TV station, I just don’t know.

[Amanda walks in on the conversation with a bottle of champagne.]

Amanda:
Who needs refills?

[Amanda tops off Lauren and Joyce’s glasses.]

Amanda:

How are you ladies doing?

Joyce:
Oh, just great how bout you Amanda?

Amanda:
I couldn’t be better, when am I going to get a chance to see Alexis?

Lauren:
When do you want to?

Amanda:
Anytime I can.

[Cut back to Sue and Sean. Sue and Sean are lying together on the couch watching TV. Sean is lying behind Sue who is still upset and mildly crying.]

Sean:
Sue, it’s time to start our life together, me and you, things are going to get better, I promise.

[Sue looks up at Sean as he wipes a tear from her cheek. He kisses her on the cheek.]

[Cut to Don Marinelli at his estate. He is drinking scotch with Barry.]

Barry:
Can you believe that fuckin pussy wouldn’t shoot him? I had to put a gun to his head before he would pull the trigger.

Don Marinelli:
Barry, ya did the right thing. We can’t trust him anymore. I want you to take him out. He’s a danger to our business, I can’t have that Barry.

[Natalie walks over and kisses her grandfather on the cheek.]

Don Marinelli:
Hello Natalie, you’ve met Barry haven’t ya?

Natalie:
Yes I have.

[She goes over to Barry, kisses him on the cheek and whispers “thank you” in his ear.]

Barry:
No problem, Nat…

[He looks Don Marinelli right in the eyes.]

Barry:

I just do what your grandfather tells me to.

[Cut to Jimmy’s parents at his gravestone. Jimmy’s mom is crying hysterically, his Dad is comforting her. The gravestone reads James Sanders August 28, 1985 – Dec 12, 2003. The gravestone has many flowers all around it, as well as a framed picture of Jimmy on it.]

Mrs. Sanders:
I’m sorry Jimmy. I’m so sorry.

[Jimmy’s mom gradually gets angrier]

That fucking slut, that fucking slut, THAT FUCKING SLUT!

[Cut to Sammy sitting on his bed, holding his crucifix and crying.]

Sammy:
What the fuck did I do?

[We keep the camera on him for about five seconds as he cries. He goes to his safe, pulls out his gun, and goes back to his bed leaving the safe open. He sits down, looks at the gun for about five seconds, then sticks it in his mouth and kills himself.]

[Cut to Dave sitting on a couch watching television. Caitlin is sitting on his lap.]

Caitlin:
Where’s mommy?

Dave [he swallows]:
Mommy decided she doesn’t want to live with us anymore.

Caitlin:
Why?

Dave:
I don’t know honey, I don’t know.

Late Evening

[Cut to Amanda cleaning up her apartment after the party. We see her throw various things in the trash can, and then wash some dishes. Cut to Amanda lying in bed. Then cut to an overhead shot of her trying to go to sleep. We slowly zoom in on her as a smile starts to form over her face. We zoom in until her smiling face completely engulfs the screen and then cut to the credits.]