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The Water Bearer
by Amber King (gumnutgirl16@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Drama   User Review: ***1/2
The story revolves around Elle Bradley, an anti-social girl who yearns for a normal and happy life, and Justin Kendall a washed up artist who wants to paint pictures the way he used to. Their down-on-life attitude results in alcohol abuse, arguments, early morning sleep-ins and no social life. When Elle and Justin meet they find themselves slowly coming out of the rut they are in, but as Elle and Justin’s happiness grows, their relationships with their loved ones begin to crumble. They realise that together they can pull themselves out of the hole, but is their relationship more then just friendship? Will Justin and Elle be able to salvage their relationships with their loved ones before it’s too late?


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
The sun shines through a large box bay window and hits a
painter's canvas supported by an easel. A young girl appears
in the painting, but it's obviously a working progess, a
masterpiece in the making.
                                                            
PAINT BRUSH
                                                            
A small delicate paint brush of fine filaments stroke the
canvas with caution and accuracy.
                                                            
HAND
                                                            
A tenacious masculine hand holds the brush. Paint smudges
cover the hand.
                                                            
CANVAS
                                                            
More delicate brush strokes.
                                                            
The paint brush is dropped in a jar of water and another
brush is picked up, dipped into some paint and the excess is
wiped off.
                                                            
More filaments stroke the canvas with such caution.
                                                            
DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 
INT. LONDON ART GALLERY - DAY
                                                            
A painting hangs on a wall.
                                                            
PAINTING
                                                            
A young GIRL is depicted in the painting. Her face can be
seen clearly and she depicts a sadness, which is contorted
in a way as if she has the whole world on her shoulders.
                                                            
A plaque reads 'THE WATER BEARER, painting by Justin
Kendall'.

A MAN stands in front of the painting. Back turned towards
the rest of the world. He stands motionless.
                                                            
DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 

2.

EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - DAY
                                                            
Peaceful suburban England. HERITAGE AVENUE paves the way.
There are many stone cottages, Cotswold style. Many show
extensions and renovated detachments, others pride
themselves on keeping the history alive. Oak trees and
shrubs line front yards, garden beds trace the edges of
driveways, cars nest in front of detached garages, whilst
birds CHEAP in the sunshine.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, - DAY
                                                            
Massive oak trees and a small picket fence conceal a
cottage.

Behind the trees, landscape gardens and a beautiful water
feature boast. The water feature is of a woman, bearing a
pot of water over her back. Water seeps out into a pool of
water that she stands in. The TRICKLING of water can be
heard.

There is a window at the side of the cottage. A bedroom is
behind the window.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Clothes scatter the floor of a large spacious bedroom. A
poster hangs on the wall depicting horses and trotting
track.

Some old sheet music lies on a desk where other numerous
little ornaments and books lay.

A bedside clock reads 10.30am.

ELLE BRADLEY, twenty-one, sleeps.
                                                            
We hear the loud HUMMING of a vacuum cleaner start. Elle
winces, eyes still closed. The humming grows louder. Elle
opens her eyes and slowly lifts her head and looks towards
the door. The vacuum stops. Elle relaxes her eyes and
repositions herself to fall back asleep. Then her door
flings open.
                                                            
In walks JANET BRADLEY - mid-fifties, the lines in her face
suggest a laboured life of house work. Elle watches as she
walks to her wardrobe and opens the doors. She grabs a few
coat hangers and closes the door.
                                                            

3.

                       JANET
Don't you think it's time to get
up?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (rolling over)
No.
                                                            
Janet pulls the covers off Elle.
                                                            
                       JANET
Come on, I want to vacuum in here.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You always want to vacuum in here.
                                                            
Janet picks up some clothes that are lining the floor. Elle
resumes her sleeping position. Janet places the clothes on a
nearby chair and walks out of the room.
                                                            
Elle pulls the covers over herself and closes her eyes. The
HUMMING of the vacuum starts again. Elle opens her eyes and
reluctantly sits up on the side of her bed. She forces
herself on her feet and walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
The HUMMING of the vacuum can still be heard. The sound
pounds through Elle's head. She pours herself a glass of
orange juice and walks outside to the porch.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Elle sits in a chair next to her father, MARCUS BRADLEY. A
fifty-something man with greying hair and slightly balding.
He sits in a chair reading the daily newspaper with a hot
cup of coffee. The sound of the vacuum can still be heard,
but her father seems oblivious to it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Nice way to wake up?
                                                            
Marcus doesn't respond.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Dad?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking to Elle)
What?
                                                            

4.

Elle takes a sip of orange juice. The vacuum stops.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Mum vacuuming? Nice way to wake
up?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (looking back at
       the paper)
You should be up anyway.
                                                            
Elle sits back on her chair and takes another sip of her
juice. The vacuum starts again. She rolls her eyes and
sighs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
She doesn't have to do it
everyday, does she?
                                                            
Elle anticipates her father's response.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You know what your mother's like.
                                                            
Elle rolls her eyes again and slumps in her chair. The
vacuum stops. A bird can be heard CHEAPING and Elle looks
towards the cheaping, but does not spot a bird.
                                                            
Marcus looks over at Elle.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I've circled some jobs that you
should apply for.
                                                            
Elle stares at him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (looking away)
I'll look at them later.
                                                            
Elle takes a sip of juice.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Have you applied for anymore?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yes.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Doesn't matter does it?
                                                            

5.

Elle stands up and walks inside. The vacuum starts again.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BATHROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle is cleaning her teeth, her hair is done up in a pony
tail. She rinses her mouth out and wipes it with a towel.
She leans forward and stares at herself in the mirror. Elle
sighs and walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle grabs the clothes off her chair and puts them on. She
grabs her keys and handbag and walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Elle puts on some shoes.
                                                            
The vacuum stops once again and her mother approaches with
the vacuum in hand.
                                                            
                       JANET
Where you off to?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (standing up)
Out.
                                                            
Elle walks away before her mother has a chance to respond.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - DAY
                                                            
Elle drives fast down the quiet street. Her car makes a lot
of noise as she drives passed neigbouring cottages.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENDALL COTTAGE - DAY
                                                            
A large cottage stands with character. It appears to be an
authentic Cotswold Cottage with all the original materials,
except for an extended box bay window at the front.

It appears to have been slightly neglected in the outside
maintenance where long grass, foliage and crowded gardens
lie.
                                                            
 

6.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
A glass half fills with water.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Books, papers and clothes scatter the floor of this would-be
beautiful and spacious lounge room.

JUSTIN KENDALL, a handsome man in his early forties, his
hair messy and has day-old stubble, he seems to have no idea
that he should look in the mirror each morning. He appears
to be a little hung over. He walks sluggish, holding the
glass of water. He kicks his toe on a book. He stumbles, but
regains his balance and continues walking.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Justin walks into the room. Paintings fill the walls, a
palette, jars of water, paint brushes and paint sit around a
canvas that is rested on an easel.

Justin puts his glass down and sits on a chair in front of
the blank canvas. He takes a sip of water.

He puts the glass of water down on a nearby stool and sits
hunch-backed staring at the blank canvas. He grabs a
paintbrush, dips it in some paint and draws a few random
lines. The lines are contorted and out of sequence. He puts
the paintbrush down and sits back to observe his work.

He takes another sip of water and then suddenly throws the
water over the canvas. He looks at what he's done,
quizzical.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (smirking)
Better.
                                                            
Justin looks up and sees his lover MICHAEL MCKENZIE standing
in the doorway watching Justin.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Don't start Mike.
                                                            

7.

Mike is in his late thirties. A handsome, clean cut guy. He
wears his Armani suit proudly and takes pride in his looks,
he knows to look in the mirror each morning, in fact he
probably spends hours getting ready. He looks a little out
of place in a messy house.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (walking in)
I'm running late. Will you please
clean this house up?
                                                            
Justin rubs his hands over his face as Mike walks towards
him.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Please Justin, you sit here every
morning and do not accomplish what
you set out to do. Maybe you could
make yourself useful.
                                                            
Mike observes Justin's work.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Water painting I see? Well I have
to go.
                                                            
Mike walks out.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What time will you be home?
                                                            
                       MIKE (O.S)
      (shouting back)
Not sure.
                                                            
Justin still nurses his glass. He hears the door SLAM and
then the car START up. Justin slowly stands up and walks
out.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Justin swallows two tablets with a mouthful of water and
heads towards the couch.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin walks in, places the glass on the coffee table and
slowly lies down on the couch. He lets out a deep breath and
moans. He puts his hands over his eyes and relaxes for a few
moments.

8.


He looks around the room and notices a painting on the wall.
He stares at it for a few moments and sits up. He grabs a
nearby newspaper and flicks through it. He stops it at a
page with a photo that we can clearly see 'photo by Justin
Kendall'. Justin throws the newspaper away, stands up and
walks away stretching his arms about.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, BATHROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin cleans his teeth leaning against the basin. He rinses
his mouth out and wipes his mouth on a nearby towel. He pats
his hair in place and walks out
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin searches the floor for some clothes, but the floor is
spotless. He moans in frustration and spots a hamper in the
ensuite. He grabs some clothes out and puts them on.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Justin walks out the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. SHOPPING CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Shopping centre is the place to be. Hundreds of cars park in
the carpark surrounding the large building as people walk
from their cars to the centre and vice versa.
                                                            
 
INT. SHOPPING CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Inside boasts a modern shopping centre with hundreds of
retail outlets. There are many people.

Elle is window shopping. She walks along by herself, not
making eye contact with anybody as if she's trying to remain
anonymous. Elle continues to walk along when she bumps into
someone.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (reinforcing
       herself)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       GIRL
Elle?
                                                            

9.

Elle looks up and sees KATE MENDES a pretty young girl of
twenty-one. She wears tight revealing clothes, her hair done
nicely. Her happiness matches her youth. She carries bags of
shopping.

Also clutched by her side is DANIEL WITHERS, early twenties.

                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
Hi Kate. How are you?
                                                            
                       KATE
I'm good. Wow, I can't believe
it...I haven't seen you for so
long.
                                                            
Elle smiles and raises her eye brows.
                                                            
                       KATE (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, this is Daniel...my
fiancee.
                                                            
Elle's eyes widen and her mouth opens slightly.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
Nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       DANIEL
You to.
                                                            
Elle looks to Kate.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I can't believe you're engaged!
(beat)
I could never imagine being
engaged.
                                                            
                       KATE
      (laughing)
Yeah I couldn't either.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thanks.
                                                            
Elle is distracted by a mother YELLING at her young son. We
cannot hear what she is saying.
                                                            

10.

                       KATE
Well we're having a party on the
weekend, you should come.
                                                            
Elle turns her attention back to Kate. Elle forces a smile,
runs her hand over her hair.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thanks, but I have some things on
                                                            
                       KATE
Okay then, well you should come
it's going to be heaps of fun.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well, I guess it's my loss
then...I better get going, I have
to -
                                                            
                       KATE
Oh yeah, sure. Well it was nice to
see you again.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yeah you to. Bye.
                                                            
Elle walks away. Kate looks at Daniel, rolls her eyes and
shakes her head.

Elle continues to walk away. She heads for the exit.
                                                            
 
INT. SHOPPING CENTRE, BENCH - DAY
                                                            
A MAN in his late fifties sits on a bench. Rather an
unorthodox man with a comb over. He watches as Elle walks to
her car. He smiles at her and a mouth full of yellow teeth
protrude and his eyebrows begin to raise.

A baby begins to SCREAM.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
Elle puts the keys in the ignition. She puts her head back
on the car seat. Beat.

She closes her eyes for a moment and opens them. She's upset
and even embarrassed. She shakes her head and starts the car
and drives away.
                                                            
 

11.

EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
Justin walks along slowly, soaking in the atmosphere. He
puts his head up and absorbs the sun. The park is a
beautiful landscape. Trees, ponds, family picnics, kids
running around.

We see Elle walking alone grasping a magazine and a drink.
She spots an empty table in the sun and walks over to it.
She notices there are lots of bird droppings residing on it.
Elle sighs, but finds a clean spot and sits down.

Elle makes herself comfortable and looks around. We hear
birds CHEAPING, dogs BARKING, kids LAUGHING as they run
around.

Elle opens her magazine and begins to read it, but is
distracted by some children running around. She looks at
them and smiles. She scans the park and sees Justin not so
far away from her. She watches him for a few moments and as
Justin looks her way, Elle quickly drops her head and
pretends she's immersed in her magazine.
                                                            
Justin begins to walk towards her. Elle looks up again at
him and their eyes meet, again she quickly drops her head
and pretends to read.

A child LAUGHS playfully.

Justin approaches Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Hi there.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (looking up)
Hi.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Do you mind if I sit down?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No, go ahead.
                                                            
Elle moves her magazine out of the way. Justin spots the
bird droppings, but finds a clean spot.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (smiling)
Sorry to intrude but it was the
only semi poo-free table.
                                                            

12.

Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yes, they seem to hit everything
but the ground.
                                                            
Justin laughs. He sits down and stares at her for a moment.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (looking at the
       magazine)
Celebrities...they live
fascinating lives, don't they?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (looking up)
Yeah well I think this magazine is
full of crap actually, but I can't
go a week without buying it.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes, habit can be a hard thing to
break.
                                                            
Elle just nods and goes back to her magazine.

Justin rests his head on his hand and watches Elle for a
moment.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You live on Heritage Avenue don't
you?
                                                            
A dog comes running passed the table BARKING as the owner
runs after YELLING for it to come back. Elle and Justin
watch. Justin turns back to Elle.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (looking at Justin)
Yeah. How do you know?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Sorry I didn't mean to scare you -
                                                            
                       ELLE
It's okay, you didn't scare
me...just a little shocked.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I also live on Heritage Avenue.
I've seen you some times.
                                                            

13.

                       ELLE
Oh. What number do you live at?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Number nine.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm number five.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Closer then I thought.
                                                            
Elle smiles. Justin leans forward.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
That's not you who speeds down the
street with that noisy car?
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (running her hand
       over her hair)
You got me.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh I don't believe you.
                                                            
Elle laughs again.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Why not?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
A nice girl like you doesn't drive
like that.
                                                            
Elle's smile disappears.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well I don't always drive like
that. It's a good energy release.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I know how that can be.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry bout that, I'll watch
myself in the future.
                                                            
Justin stares at her.
                                                            

14.

                       JUSTIN
Don't be sorry. But I must say
that I do hear that car on many
occasions.
                                                            
Elle just shrugs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
So you home often then?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah, most of the time.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What do you do?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm a painter pretending to be a
photographer.
                                                            
Elle looks confused. Justin looks away for a moment and
thinks.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm a freelance photographer. I do
most of my work for the local
newspaper.
                                                            
                       ELLE
That sounds like fun.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Do you come here often?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Every now and then.
                                                            
The wind begins to pick up and it blows Elle's magazine
away. Elle bends down and picks it up and observes it. It
has bird droppings on the centre-fold.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (holding it up)
Well I did say they were full of
crap.
                                                            
Justin laughs. Elle puts the magazine to one side.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
So, what does a girl like you do?
                                                            

15.

                       ELLE
Hang out in parks with strange
men.
                                                            
Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You got that wit down packed don't
you?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Gotta have something going for me.
                                                            
Justin's smile disappears.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Besides speaking to strange men?
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (shaking her head)
Nothing.
                                                            
Elle looks away.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Enjoy it while it lasts.
                                                            
                       ELLE
That's one way of putting it.
                                                            
Elle takes a breath and looks down and takes a sip of her
drink. She moves her hair out of her face.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I've had jobs in the past...so I
guess I should be enjoying the
time off. I was a temp not long
ago until I got laid off.
                                                            
Justin tilts his head as if to apologise to her.
                                                            
                       ELLE (CONT'D)
They didn't give me any warning,
they just rang up out of the blue.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            

16.

                       JUSTIN
      (upbeat)
Oh well, don't let it get to you,
you're young, you should just go
out and have fun.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hard to have fun with no
money...but it's okay, there are
jobs that I have applied for, I'm
sure I'll find something.
                                                            
Elle takes another sip of her drink. Justin smiles.

Elle checks her watch.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well I have to get going. It was
really nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You sure?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yeah I have an appointment.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
All right, well I hope to run into
you again. Shouldn't be too hard.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Well you know where I live if you
feel like chatting again.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.
Watch out for the bird poo.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I will.
                                                            
Elle grabs her things and walks away. Justin turns and
watches Elle.
                                                            
 

17.

EXT. STREET, PARK - DAY
                                                            
Justin now out of sight, Elle approaches her car when the
man from the shopping centre who was staring at her, walks
towards her and looks at her. Elle walks passed him. The man
stops.
                                                            
                       MAN
      (turning to Elle)
Hello?
                                                            
Elle stops and turns around.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi.
                                                            
SILENCE. Elle and the man exchange glances for a moment.
Elle breaks the eye contact and proceeds to walk away.
                                                            
                       MAN
Don't I know you?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (stops)
I don't think so.
                                                            
The man walks towards Elle.
                                                            
                       MAN
I think I do. You look so
familiar.
                                                            
Elle steps back and raises her hands.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I don't think you do.
                                                            
The man approaches Elle and grabs her by the wrist. Elle is
scared, she doesn't know what to do.

The man puts his face up close to Elle's. She looks away,
she breathes quick breaths.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Get off me!
                                                            
The man grabs her hard and begins to pull her away.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Stop!
                                                            

18.

Elle yanks her arms and breaks free from his grip and runs
to her car. The man runs after her a little bit, but stops
and just stands there and watches her.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Elle starts her car and drives off, obviously shaken by it,
she looks in her rear vision mirror and sees him standing
there watching.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
Justin sits peacefully on the table, then notices some bird
droppings on his clothes. Justin sighs and stands up and
moves away from the table. We then hear a bird CHEAPING as
if to mock him. Justin looks up and stares at the bird. The
bird flies away.

Justin's mobile begins to RING. He carefully reaches for his
phone and holds it to his ear.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Hello.
                                                            
An upbeat male voice speaks on the other end of the phone.
                                                            
                       MAN (V.O)
Is this Mr Justin Kendall?
                                                            
Justin is still preoccupied with the bird droppings on his
clothes, he's looking around to find something to wipe it
off with.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes, who's this?
                                                            
Justin spots a leaf on the ground and picks it up and
proceeds to wipe the bird droppings off.
                                                            
                       MAN (V.O)
This is Archie Bacon.
                                                            
Justin freezes, eyes go wide. Beat.

We hear a child SCREAM in the background, but Justin is
oblivious to it.
                                                            

19.

                       JUSTIN
What the hell are you calling me
for?
                                                            
                       ARCHIE (V.O)
I guess there is no problem with
your memory.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
There's only one man I ever knew
with a name like that.
                                                            
Justin relaxes a little bit.
                                                            
 
INT. ARCHIE'S OFFICE/EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
ARCHIE BACON - a skinny, fair haired little man, mid forties
sits behind an old desk. A drab looking room brightened by
artificial light. A filing cabinet in the corner and posters
of famous paintings line the wall.
Archie speaks on the phone.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
I'm a unique individual, you know
that.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
How could I forget. What do you
want?
                                                            
Justin rolls his eyes impatiently.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Can't I call an old friend?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Don't be like that.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
If you don't hurry up and tell me
what's on your pea-sized mind, I'm
going to hang up and erase your
number from my call register and
then have it blocked.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Listen, is there somewhere we can
meet up?
                                                            

20.

                       JUSTIN
No.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Okay...I've been asked to submit
some paintings for an art
exhibition at the London Art
Gallery in a couple of months
time...and I immediately thought
of you.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I have not spoken to you in ten
years. Why now?
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Because, you're the best client I
ever had.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE (CONT'D)
I know what I did was wrong. I was
young, excited and stupid. If I
could take it back I would and I
won't blame you if you didn't want
to see me again, but this is a
really great opportunity. Things
are going really well for me and I
would hate for you to miss out on
some great exposure. You're an
ocean full of talent, you were
always my favourite.
                                                            
Justin now sits down on the dropping-infested bench. The
wind blows in his hair.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Do you have anything to show?
                                                            
Justin looks to the ground.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah. Sure.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Well, how about it?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
All right, I'll do it.
                                                            
Justin hunches over and puts his head in his hand.

21.


Standing up, Archie throws his hands in the air, celebrating
Justin's decision.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Great, I knew you still had it in
you. I'll be seeing you in the
next couple of weeks so you can
show me your masterpieces.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Great.
                                                            
Justin stands up.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Well until then...be inspired!
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
Justin screws his face up and holds in laughter.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Sure, you to.
                                                            
Justin hangs up his phone and shakes his head. At that
moment a bird flies over him and drops a big one on Justin's
shoulder.

Justin's eyes fall on his shoulder and he looks to the sky
scanning for the bird that fouled him.
                                                            
 
INT. LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle sits on the lounge, deep in thought. The television is
on, but Elle is oblivious to it. She stares at a blank wall.


Janet is dusting some nearby ornaments mounted on a small
table.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Mum, did you used to go to clubs
and parties when you were my age?
                                                            
Janet continues dusting.
                                                            
                       JANET
Yeah I guess so.
                                                            

22.

Elle gets comfortable on the couch.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What about the movies?
                                                            
Janet accidentally knocks an ornament off the table.
                                                            
                       JANET
Shit.
                                                            
Janet picks it up and puts it back on the table unscathed.
                                                            
                       JANET
Instead of watching TV why don't
you clean your room. It's a
pigsty.
                                                            
Elle coldly stares at Janet.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well I wish you'd stop smoking but
it ain't gonna to happen.
                                                            
Janet stops cleaning and stares at Elle, furious.
                                                            
                       JANET
Don't you dare talk to me like
that.
                                                            
Elle stands up.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What are you going to do about it?
I was asking you a simple question
and you completely ignored me!
                                                            
Janet picks up her cleaning materials and proceeds to walk
out.
                                                            
                       JANET
I expect this house to be clean.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Who gives a fuck, it's my goddamn
room and if I want to live in a
fucking pigsty then I will!
                                                            
                       JANET
It's my house! If you don't like
it you can move out!
                                                            

23.

                       ELLE
Yeah that's right...I'm just some
person residing here, who gives a
fuck about me!
                                                            
Elle walks out of the room.
                                                            
                       JANET
      (to herself)
Bitch.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Janet walks out behind a tree. Shaking her head, mumbling to
herself. She pulls a cigarette from her pocket, lights it
and takes a big puff. She holds her breath for a moment and
then lets a big puff of smoke out, she relaxes.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle stands at her window looking out to the backyard
watching her mum. She has tears in her eyes. She walks out
of her room and slams the door behind her.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, STUDY - DAY
                                                            
Marcus sits in the study, his home office, at his desk in
front of a computer. He has papers spread out on his desk
with a fax machine and printer nearby. He looks deep in
concentration on whatever he is working on.

Elle walks in.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You want to catch her, she's doing
it right now.
                                                            
Marcus looks away from his screen to Elle and then looks
back at the computer screen.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What's the point?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (walking closer)
Because she's going to fucking
kill herself.
                                                            

24.

                       MARCUS
You don't need to use language
like that.
                                                            
Elle goes to say something, but Marcus cuts in and looks at
Elle.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (CONT'D)
And I don't want you talking to
your mother like that.
                                                            
Elle folds her arms in anger.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Great, so now your on her side.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm on no ones side.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well can you blame me? For going
off at her?
                                                            
Marcus goes back to his computer screen.
                                                            
                       ELLE (CONT'D)
She's an obsessive compulsive
or...whatever you want to call it.
She cleans all day everyday and
then she goes outside to smoke
pretending we don't know about it.
It's insulting that she thinks
we're that stupid. You're her
husband you should say something
to her.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Say what? If she's so determined
to keep on smoking then I can't do
anything about it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well she's not the one that's
going to suffer in the end is she?
We are!
                                                            
We hear the side door OPEN. Elle looks around the corner and
notices Janet has come back inside.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Why don't you say something then.
                                                            
Elle turns her back on her father.
                                                            

25.

                       ELLE
Like you said, there's no point.
                                                            
Elle walks away, annoyed.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, SIDE DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Janet walks in and heads for the lounge room.
                                                            
 
INT. LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Janet walks in as Elle walks passed her.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Have fun?
                                                            
                       JANET
Bugger off.
                                                            
Elle continues to walk away.
                                                            
 
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle lies on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her fingers
slide in and out of each other.

She sits up. She spots some clothes on the floor and picks
them up and puts them in her wardrobe. Elle grabs her mobile
phone and lies back down on her bed. She juggles her phone
in her hands for a moment and then searches for a number.
Elle picks a number, calls it and sits up in anticipation. A
girl picks up.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi Amanda it's Elle.
                                                            
                       AMANDA (V.O)
Who?
                                                            
Elle stands up, pacing her room, a little nervous.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Elle Bradley, you know from work?
                                                            
                       AMANDA (V.O)
Oh hi, how are you?
                                                            
Elle pauses for a moment.
                                                            

26.

                       ELLE
I was just wondering...if you were
doing anything tonight?
                                                            
                       AMANDA (V.O)
Yeah me and a couple of girls are
going out clubbing, you know meet
the girls have a dance.
                                                            
Elle sits down on her bed.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well...do you mind if I tag along?
                                                            
                       AMANDA (V.O)
Cool, should be fine.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Great, what time and what place?
                                                            
                       AMANDA (V.O)
Well we usually go to The Kent if
you come by around eight we should
all be there.
                                                            
                       ELLE
SHOULD be there?
                                                            
                       AMANDA (V.O)
We'll be there okay. I'll talk to
you then.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Okay, see ya.
                                                            
Elle hangs up the phone. Her smile disappears. She runs her
hands over her head and takes a deep breath. She stands up
and walks out.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - DAY
                                                            
Elle walks along swinging her arms and clapping her hands.
She takes deep breaths and looks around at the surrounds.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT YARD - DAY
                                                            
Justin is outside pouring some petrol in an old lawn mower.
Justin looks up and spots Elle walking his way.
                                                            

27.

                       JUSTIN
      (yelling)
Elle!
                                                            
Elle waves and smiles and walks over to him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hey, how's it going?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You've just saved me.
                                                            
                       ELLE
From what?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Mowing the lawn, now I have an
excuse not to do it.
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
You want to come inside for a
drink?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Sure.
                                                            
Justin leads Elle into the house.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Sit down.
                                                            
Elle sits down and rearranges herself until she is
comfortable.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Do you want tea, coffee?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No thanks, I'll just have some
water.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What about some wine?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No thanks, water will be fine.
                                                            

28.

                       JUSTIN
All right, I can't argue with
water.
                                                            
Justin walks out. Elle looks around the room. She spots the
painting that Justin had painted years ago. She smiles at
it. She looks around some more and spots some old family
photos. A large happy family is depicted in the photos. Elle
smiles, a little jealous. Elle then spots books, clothes and
papers on the floor, she laughs to herself.

Justin comes back with a glass of water and a glass of wine.

                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Just ignore the mess. I will clean
it up...one day.
                                                            
Elle smiles and takes the glass of water.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thanks.
                                                            
Justin sits down on an opposite recliner. They hear a car
pull up and the door SLAM shut. Justin and Elle are curious
and wait in anticipation. The front door OPENS. Justin gets
up to observe when Mike enters the room.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (raising his hands)
I promised myself I would not
forget it and I walked out without
it.
                                                            
Mike walks away into another room. Elle just watches. Justin
looks over at Elle and smiles. Mike reenters.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Where is it? I need it now.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Now calm down, it will be here.
I'll help you look for it.
                                                            
Mike frantically looks through some papers on the floor. Not
there. Justin leaves the room. Mike is on his hands and
knees, oblivious to Elle.

Justin walks in with the report in his hands.
                                                            

29.

                       JUSTIN
It was right where you left it.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I looked there.
                                                            
Mike looks at his watch.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'm so late.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Mike, I want you to meet Elle.
                                                            
Mike looks up and spots Elle. He looks quizzical at her. He
looks back at Justin.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (shaking her hand)
Hi, nice to meet you, I'm sorry
but I really have to go.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
Nice to meet you to.
                                                            
Justin shakes his head as Mike rushes for the door. Justin
sits down and Mike comes running back and sticks his head
around the corner.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Justin will you please clean this
place up. We have that dinner
party tonight, you know how
important that is.
(to Elle)
Make sure he does.
                                                            
Elle nods. Mike runs back out. Justin sits back and relaxes.
Mike sticks his head back around the corner.
                                                            
                       MIKE
And put coasters under those
glasses
                                                            
Mike runs back out and they finally hear the door SHUT.
Justin sits back and relaxes once again.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You see...clean freak!
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            

30.

                       ELLE
I think he should meet my mum. I
couldn't imagine him being worse
then her.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I can't think of a worse way to
spend your free time.
                                                            
Elle drinks to that. Justin sits forward and puts his glass
of wine on the coffee table.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm sorry he had to run off like
that, he does that often. He's
my...partner, you know?
                                                            
Elle nods.
                                                            
                       ELLE
That's okay.
                                                            
She takes a sip of water.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What does he do?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
He's a lawyer
                                                            
                       ELLE
Wow, I've never known a lawyer
before.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah. It can be his downfall at
times. He seeps into work so much
that we sometimes don't get to see
each other. He's a brilliant
lawyer though.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What about you? Did you paint that
picture?
                                                            
Justin turns around and inspects the painting Elle is
referring to.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah, a long time ago though...I
was an up and coming artist. You
know, artists of the future.
                                                            

31.

Elle sits back and makes herself more comfortable.
                                                            
                       ELLE
So do you still paint or is it
more just photography?
                                                            
Justin takes a sip of wine and takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Well I try to paint.
(beat)
I just can't seem to find
my...rhythm...lately.
                                                            
Justin runs his hands through his hair. Beat.
                                                            
                       ELLE
When's the last time you painted
something?
                                                            
Justin sits and thinks for a while.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't know.
                                                            
                       ELLE
So is photography just something
to pass the time or is it a
passion?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It started out to be a passion,
but now it's really just a means
to an ends. Painting is my
passion. It releases the
energy...like your car does for
you. It's like my car has run out
of fuel or something, I just can't
seem to get started.
                                                            
Justin rubs his forehead with his hands. He bounces around
on the recliner and tries to get comfortable. He rearranges
his clothes, but it feels wrong.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I understand that. I don't know
what I would do if I couldn't just
drive away somewhere. My house can
be so damn hard to live in
sometimes. Mum's probably cleaning
this very minute.
                                                            

32.

Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Is it just the cleaning?
                                                            
                       JANET
      (picking up her
       glass)
No.
(takes a sip)
I think the cleaning just tips me
over the edge. It's like, it's not
my home, it's just a means to put
a roof over my head...I know it's
an awful thing to say, but I don't
have an emotional attachment to my
parents at all. I don't even know
if THEY have an emotional
attachment to each other. It's
like...everything's behind closed
doors and only one person can go
through at a time. It can be
really frustrating at times.
                                                            
Elle's eyes fill with tears, but she hides them from Justin.
Justin is absolutely taken in by her. He feels her pain.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Do you have any girlfriend's you
can speak to? Or a boyfriend?
                                                            
Elle shakes her head and takes another mouth full of water.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Well you got ME now. I swear, if
there's anything you want to talk
about, get off your chest you can
talk to me.
                                                            
                       ELLE
It's exhausting...talking like
this.
                                                            
Elle laughs and puts her head in her hands. Justin stands up
and puts his hand on her shoulder and comforts her.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You don't have to feel
embarrassed.
                                                            
Elle looks up at him.
                                                            

33.

                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
I've been living with Mike for the
past ten years. We hardly see each
other...We used to stay up at
nights just talking and now all he
says is, clean this place up it
looks like a cyclone's hit.
                                                            
Elle laughs. Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I was your age one time. I had
dreams and aspirations...and I
haven't accomplished any of them.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yeah you had dreams when you were
my age, I'm already at the stage
you're at now...what do I have to
look forward to?
                                                            
Justin puts his other hand on her opposite shoulder and
leans forward more. Elle leans back slightly, a little
uncomfortable.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You know what the difference is?
                                                            
                       ELLE
What?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Time. You have time to change
this, you have reached the stage
I'm at now. You're learning what
I've learnt so much earlier then I
did, it just means that uphill is
the only way to go.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I hope so.
                                                            
Justin leans in and gives Elle a much needed hug. Elle's
eyes swell up with tears. Justin pulls away and sees Elle
crying and he smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
When's the last time someone gave
you a hug?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (shrugging)
Can't remember.
                                                            

34.

Elle looks down and wipes away her tears.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry. I don't like people
seeing me cry, I feel like an
idiot.
                                                            
Justin wipes away another tear.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Don't apologise.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm going to wake up tomorrow and
feel like a moron.
                                                            
Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Would it help if I started crying?
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You almost had me going for a
second there.
                                                            
Justin hands Elle her glass of water and he stands up and
sits back down, this time next to Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
So let me get one thing straight.
                                                            
Elle looks up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
You've never had a boyfriend? OR a
girlfriend? Which ever takes your
fancy.
                                                            
                       ELLE
The dreaded question that I get
asked so much. No, I've never had
either. Pretty pathetic hey?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No, it's not pathetic.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I just have such a problem talking
to guys.
                                                            

35.

                       JUSTIN
Have you ever kissed anyone?
                                                            
Elle looks away and then looks back at Justin.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yeah sure, a long time ago.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
He was not your boyfriend?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No we were playing spin the
bottle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh.
(beat)
So what about girlfriends?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well I'm going out with a friend
tonight. We're going out clubbing.
That should be fun.
                                                            
Elle looks away. Justin looks at her.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You know...you don't have to do
something you don't want to do?
                                                            
Elle looks at Justin.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I WANT to go out. I'm not
completely pathetic!
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm not saying you were.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (looking at her
       watch)
I better go.
                                                            
Justin moves away from Elle and she stands up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I really hope you have fun. Just
go out and boogey.
                                                            

36.

Justin does a very goofy jig.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
Don't forget to clean up, you have
an important dinner party tonight.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh yes, I better get started
otherwise I might get in trouble.
                                                            
Elle turns to Justin.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thank you. You know -
                                                            
                       ELLE
Anytime.
                                                            
Elle smiles and walks out. Justin watches her, puzzled.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT YARD - DAY
                                                            
Elle walks head down, thinking hard. She stops for a moment
and turns towards Justin's house and smiles. She continues
walking home.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin picks up the glasses from the coffee table and takes
them into the kitchen. He walks back out, he looks deep in
thought. He walks towards his studio.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Justin kneels on the floor, sketches surround him. He has
made several sketches of a girl, appearing to be Elle. He
sketches at a pace that seems too fast for his hands. He
smiles so excitedly like a little boy opening a Christmas
present.

Justin throws that piece of paper to one side and grabs a
fresh one and continues drawing again. His hand moves so
fast, yet with such precision and accuracy.

Justin stops, he takes a deep breath, throws his head back
and laughs and lets out a scream of joy!

He goes back to his sketching. Moments later, he stops,

37.

inspects the drawings and then lies on his back, arms and
legs stretched out.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin is completely taken in by his work, like he's in a
trance.

Suddenly, Justin is snapped out of his trance by the sounds
of a door SHUTTING.

Justin waits in anticipation, his eyes fixed on the doorway.


Mike appears. Stressed and angry.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What the bloody hell is this?
                                                            
Mike looks at the floor, where there are dozens of papers
and sketches scattered everywhere.

Justin remains motionless.
                                                            
                       MIKE
It's six fucking thirty, did you
know that?
                                                            
Justin stands up and approaches Mike.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I know and I'm really sorry, but -
                                                            
                       MIKE
You are unbelievable, you haven't
done anything for weeks and now
when I really need you to do
something - you're drawing! Do you
have any idea how important this
is for me tonight?
                                                            
Justin tries to put his hand on Mike, but Mike backs away.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Don't! Why am I not surprised! I
expect this from you. You know
why? Because you only care about
yourself and your goddamn
painting!
                                                            

38.

                       JUSTIN
That's not true.
                                                            
Mike walks away as Justin follows.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Mike begins to pick up some things off the floor.
                                                            
                       MIKE
They're going to be here in half
an hour.
                                                            
Mike sits down on the couch.
                                                            
                       MIKE (CONT'D)
I only ask one thing from you and
you still couldn't do it.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
When you have an idea you can't
just let it go, you gotta get it -
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (standing up)
Don't give me that artist
bullshit. I have stuck by you all
these years, I'm practically
supporting you and you can't even
help me. I continuously ask you to
clean this place up and if you're
fucking head wasn't in the fucking
clouds everyday then maybe you
wouldn't have had so much to do. I
work my arse off everyday and I
don't want to come home to this.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (cleaning up)
Okay, we have half an hour, I'll
start cleaning up. It'll be no
problem...they only need to see
the dining room and lounge room
right?
                                                            
                       MIKE
What are they going to eat?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'll order takeaway, top of the
line stuff!
                                                            

39.

Justin smiles at Mike.
                                                            
                       MIKE
You go and get the food, I'll
finish up here.
                                                            
Justin walks out leaving Mike to clean up.

Mike watches Justin walk out. He bends down and picks up a
book, looks around the room and then throws the book at the
wall. He falls to the couch and put his head in his hands.

Mike looks at the clock, he gets up and starts cleaning like
mad. Picks up clothes, cleans the table and sets it.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BATHROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle looks in the mirror. Her hair wrapped in a towel and
another towel wrapped around her. She stares closely at the
imperfections on her face and sighs.

She rubs some moisturiser over her face and inspects the
make up she has - which is not very much, just simple
neutral colours, hardly been touched.

She begins to apply her make up, very cautiously, it's
obvious she hasn't applied make up on many occasions.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Mike looks around the kitchen looking for some appetisers.
His suit is getting increasingly out of style and sweat runs
down his face. He inspects the fridge and pulls out some
dip.
                                                            
DIP
                                                            
He removes the lid of the dip, but it is mouldy.

Mike throws it in the bin.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What the bloody hell am I going to
give them.
                                                            
Mike opens the pantry and pulls out some crackers. It will
have to do.

40.


The doorbell RINGS.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Oh shit. They're bloody early.
                                                            
Mike jumps to attention, inspects himself and arranges his
clothes until he is happy. Mike walks to the front door.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
                                                            
Mike braces himself and opens the door.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Good Evening.
                                                            
They all greet each other with kisses on the cheeks, hugs
and pats on the bottom.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS dresses in Armani. He's mid fifties and
wears glasses. His wife MARY dresses very elegantly, late
forties. Both seem to lead a very pampered life.

HENRY ROBERTS also dresses in Armani, in his mid fifties and
wears glasses. If you didn't know any better they could be
brothers. His wife DIANE hangs to his side, mid forties,
also beautifully presented.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Please come in.
                                                            
Mike shows them the way as the four guests enter.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (inspecting Mike)
What the hell happened to you?
Looks like you just shagged your
mother.
                                                            
William laughs.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (forcing a laugh)
No, nothing like that.
                                                            
They all move into the lounge room.
                                                            
 

41.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MARY
      (looking around)
Where's Justin?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Oh he had to step out for a
minute, but he'll be back. Would
you like a drink?
                                                            
                       HENRY
Thought you'd never ask.
                                                            
Mike walks out to the kitchen.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle is now all dressed for the ball. She's got her hair
done up, her makeup on and clothes more revealing then
usual. Elle arranges her clothes, she feels a little
uncomfortable.

She spots her mum on the couch.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm going out.
                                                            
                       JANET
Where are you off to looking like
that?
                                                            
Elle sighs and looks away.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Mum - I'm just going out, okay?
                                                            
Elle walks off and we see Janet staring at her, bewildered.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin quietly opens the front door. He stands and listens
for a moment and we hear VOICES from inside. He walks in and
very carefully closes the door and tip toes in.

The bag of food ruffles.
                                                            
 

42.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin enters to a room full of people sitting on the couch
drinking their wine. He stands at attention.
                                                            
                       MARY
Justin! Are you avoiding us?
                                                            
Mary stands up and gives Justin a kiss, one for both cheeks.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Well I was...but I thought it
might be rude of me.
                                                            
They all laugh, except Mike.
                                                            
                       DIANE
      (approaching
       Justin)
Still as handsome as ever. Where
do you find these men Michael?
                                                            
Diane smiles at the other men sitting on the couch.
                                                            
                       HENRY
I beg your pardon, you have two
very dashing men right here.
                                                            
                       DIANE
Yes, but unlike Justin, I have
seen you naked.
                                                            
Everybody laughs.
                                                            
                       DIANE
That's not takeaway is it?
                                                            
Diane steps back, quizzical. Justin and Mike just look at
each other. Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Well yes actually, I was going to
pretend I cooked it myself but you
arrived earlier then expected and
now it looks like my secret is
blown. I'm a terrible cook and I
feared you would get heart burn or
food poisoning if you ate what I
cooked.
                                                            
Everybody laughs once again.
                                                            

43.

                       MARY
Well he's an artist, I guess you
can't be good at everything, right
Michael?
                                                            
Mike acknowledges and nods his head.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'll be right back.
                                                            
Justin walks into the kitchen.

The guests exchange glances of curiosity, but go along with
it.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin puts the takeaway onto the bench as Mike hounds him.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (whispering)
Where the hell have you been? You
got to fucking China to get it?
I'm surprised they're not drunk
yet. You better go and get cleaned
up, you look like you've come in
off the street.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (smiling)
I have.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Get your act together, if this
goes well I might be making
partners.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I know! I didn't think they were
coming until later.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Well they came early didn't they.
Now bugger off.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes dear.
                                                            
Justin walks out.
                                                            
 

44.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
All the guests sit around the table. Nice china, nice wine,
candles everything looks very elegant, but the takeaway
doesn't look up to scratch. It's all burnt. Mike is very
embarrassed and just tries to pretend everything is fine.

Mary takes a bite. A look of horror crosses her face.
                                                            
                       MARY
      (taking a sip of
       wine)
Delicious.
                                                            
Mike gives in.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'm so sorry about this.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
I can officially say this has been
a disaster Michael.
                                                            
                       HENRY
      (raising his glass)
Hear, hear.
                                                            
Everybody laughs.
                                                            
                       DIANE
Next time, I think we should go to
the restaurant.
                                                            
JUSTIN
                                                            
Justin, now dressed in a suit, looking very handsome, is
distracted by other thoughts. He dines as if he's in a
trance. He takes bites and sips his wine but with no
reaction. He laughs when everybody else laughs, but with no
meaning behind it. He scans his surrounds, but looking
passed what is in front of him.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Okay Justin, out with it, who is
he?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (looking up)
What? I mean...I beg your pardon?
                                                            
Mike turns his attention to Justin, he doesn't like where
this is going.
                                                            

45.

                       WILLIAM
Who are you thinking about?
                                                            
Justin smiles slightly.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No one.
                                                            
                       DIANE
When someone looks like you do
right now, you're always thinking
about someone. Sometimes I catch
Henry looking like that and I know
for a fact that he's thinking
about his personal assistant. Am I
right dear?
                                                            
Henry raises his glass and nods. Diane slaps him on the arm.
They all laugh, but Justin forces a laugh.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle sits in her car and takes a few breaths and then looks
in the
                                                            
REAR VISION MIRROR
                                                            
We can see contorted views of the club nearby. There are
some ROWDY BOYS outside.

Elle gets her keys and sticks them back in the ignition. She
closes her eyes and takes a deep breath and then takes them
out again and steps out of the car.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, CLUB, 'THE KENT' - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle is intimidated by the unknown environment.

The Rowdy Boys CHEER and LAUGH - like a pack of hooligans.

Elle walks towards the group of rowdy boys, eyes cemented on
the ground. She quickly walks passed them. They do not
respond to her.

As she approaches the club she can hear the MUSIC blaring.
                                                            
 

46.

INT. CLUB, 'THE KENT' - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle walks in. She is clearly nervous and uncomfortable.

Music PLAYS, Crowds CHEER and LAUGH, men and women dance
against each other. Beer tabs POUR beer, glasses CHINK. Many
people smoke.

Elle braces herself and walks in, she scans the surrounds
looking for Amanda.

The place is crowded, Elle walks the perimeters looking at
everyone and everything. She spots Amanda.

She sits on the couch with some girlfriends, they are
drinking and smoking and laughing loud. Turning around every
now and again to check out the next guy that walked by.

Elle walks over to them.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
Hi Amanda!
                                                            
Amanda turns to Elle as if she wasn't expecting her.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Elle! How's it going?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm good.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Elle this is Dani and Laura.
                                                            
Dani and Laura are beautiful girls around Elle's age. They
project beautiful long hair, tight revealing clothes. Elle
immediately feels intimidated by them, but does not show it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi.
                                                            
                       DANI
      (waving Elle to
       the side)
Honey, can you move? You're
blocking my view
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (moving aside)
Oh sorry.
                                                            

47.

Elle turns around to see who they're looking at, then turns
back around. Elle sits on the couch with them. She gets a
big puff of smoke in her face. Elle screws her face up and
waves it away.
                                                            
                       LAURA
      (standing up)
Well I'm getting a drink, what do
you guys want?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
You know what I like.
                                                            
                       DANI
Yeah me to, tall, dark and
handsome.
                                                            
The girls laugh, Elle forces a smile.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Is it okay if you get me a coke?
                                                            
                       LAURA
A coke? You serious?
                                                            
Elle looks at Amanda.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm driving.
                                                            
Laura just walks away. Elle makes herself more comfortable.
She's still not making eye contact with anyone outside her
group.
                                                            
                       ELLE
So...what's going on with work?
                                                            
Amanda just looks at Elle.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
I don't want to talk about work,
especially when the place is
crawling with all these cute guys.
                                                            
                       DANI
Yeah I think it's time we make our
move.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Come on I just got here. Can't we
just have a drink first?
                                                            
Amanda makes herself comfortable again.
                                                            

48.

                       AMANDA
All right.
                                                            
They just sit there for a moment. Elle notices Dani has
spotted a cute guy across the way. They make eye contact
with each other.
                                                            
                       DANI
Sorry girls, I got something going
on here, see you later.
                                                            
Dani gets up and heads straight for the guy.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (looking at the
       bar)
Long line, she'll be there for a
while.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Yeah.
                                                            
Amanda takes a breath, obviously bored. She looks around the
room as if she's missing out on something.

A guy walks over to them.
                                                            
                       GUY
Amanda, how's it going?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Just fine.
                                                            
                       GUY
Well you're not gonna sit down all
night are ya? Lets dance.
                                                            
Elle looks at Amanda.

Amanda takes his hand and shakes her head at Elle.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Don't want to disappoint.
                                                            
Elle doesn't know what to do. She's sitting all by herself
now. She looks for Laura at the bar, but she has spotted her
own guy to speak to. Elle slouches in the chair and searches
through her handbag, avoiding any eye contact.

Enough searching, there is nothing else that can preoccupy

49.

her, besides watching her friend do a bit of dirty dancing.
A group of people come and perch themselves on the couch
next to Elle, they are obviously drunk.

A GUY approaches Elle. He appears mid-twenties, clean cut,
smart-casual clothes, nice smile.
                                                            
                       GUY
Hi, how's it going?
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
I'm fine and you?
                                                            
                       GUY
You wanna dance?
                                                            
Elle's eyes grow wide.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I don't know. I can't dance.
                                                            
                       GUY
Come on, I'm not going to leave
until you do.
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
All right.
                                                            
Elle stands up and follows the guy to the dance floor. They
find a rather congested area.

Elle begins to dance by herself, but the guy moves in
closer. Elle has not been in this position before, she steps
back. The guy moves forward again and wraps his arms around
Elle's waist.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The guests are laughing and chatting monotonously.
                                                            
JUSTIN
                                                            
Stares into space, eyes still transfixed on his plate.
                                                            
 

50.

INT. CLUB, 'THE KENT' - NIGHT
                                                            
The guy moves his body up against Elle's and moves with the
music. She notices Dani and Amanda on the dancing, she
watches them for a moment and then tries to mimic their
explicit dance moves.

The guy begins to take Elle around the dance floor a little.
He leans right up against and starts to rub his body up
against her. He begins to put his hands under her clothes.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin still intense.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB, 'THE KENT' - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle is clearly uncomfortable. She looks over the guy's
shoulder, she knows she must stop. He begins to move harder
onto Elle and he leans in to kiss her, but Elle pushes him
away.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MARY
Justin.
                                                            
Justin breaks out of his trance.
                                                            
                       MARY
You're a million miles away.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (smiling)
Yes. Sorry.
                                                            
 
INT. CLUB, 'THE KENT' - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle steps back and looks at the guy who was invading her.
                                                            
                       GUY
What's your problem?
                                                            
                       ELLE
You have no right to do that.
                                                            
Elle runs out of the club.
                                                            
 

51.

EXT. STREET, CLUB, 'THE KENT' - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle runs out of the club, ignoring all who are outside and
runs to her car and gets in.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle gets her keys out and puts them in the ignition. She
drives off fast.

Out of sight, Elle bursts into tears. She hits the steering
wheel in anger.

The lights of other cars seem brighter then usual. She
struggles to see as tears blur her vision. She wipes her
eyes.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle's car parks on the side of the street outside her
house.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle sits in her car outside her house. She wipes away the
last of her tears, takes a breath and tries to calm down.
She looks up at her house. She looks around towards Justin's
house. She gathers her things and steps out of her car.
                                                            
 
EXT. HERITAGE AVENUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle walks with arms around her stomach. She approaches
Justin's front door.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MIKE
So would anybody be brave enough
to try some dessert?
                                                            
Everybody laughs. They hear the doorbell RING.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'll be right back.
                                                            
Mike walks away and Justin waits in anticipation.
                                                            
 

52.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - NIGHT
                                                            
Mike opens the door to Elle.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi Mike, is Justin in?
                                                            
Mike just looks at her.
                                                            
                       ELLE (CONT'D)
I know it's late but -
                                                            
                       MIKE
He's entertaining at the moment.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I know, I will just be a second.
                                                            
                       MIKE
He's entertaining, he cannot come
out.
                                                            
Mike answers as if he's speaking to somebody inferior to
him. Elle just stands there.
                                                            
                       MIKE (CONT'D)
Don't you have some friends your
own age?
                                                            
Elle just looks at him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry to disturb you.
                                                            
Elle walks away and Mike closes the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle walks along slowly, she spots a large rock in a garden
bed and sits on it. She just clutches her stomach and leans
over, as if she's sick, and cries.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin watches as Mike comes back and sits and continues to
stare at him. Mike looks at Justin's eyes and then looks
away.

The guests look at Mike with anticipation.
                                                            

53.

                       MIKE
Sorry bout that, just a neighbour,
wanted a cup of sugar, can you
believe she ran out...among other
things.
                                                            
Everyone laughs, except for Justin who's eyes have never
left Mike. Justin sits back in his chair, raising his glass
of wine in the air preparing to make a toast.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Well, I think we can now establish
that this so-called dinner has
been a big disappointment. Thanks
to moi.
                                                            
All eyes are now fixed on Justin. We hear a few muffled
laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
I think we should stop this
dazzling act and get straight to
the point. Don't you Michael?
                                                            
Justin smirks at Mike, but he gets no reaction. Justin
lowers his glass.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
So William, is Mike going to be
made a partner or not?
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Actually Justin, we haven't
decided.
                                                            
Justin acts surprised.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh, so why would Mike think that
he was going to get the job?
Someone must have put that idea in
his head.
(beat)
So what's the deciding factor?
Whoever wears the most expensive
suit? Who prepares the best meal?
Who kisses arse the best or is it
whoever has the best looking
wife!?
                                                            
Everyone is bewildered.
                                                            

54.

                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
You're the kind of person that
doesn't want to introduce a gay
man as your partner in crime.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Justin.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No Mike, these people have no
passion. They have suits, they
only crave power and money.
(to the guests)
Isn't that right?
                                                            
The guests stand up, they have never been spoken to so
bluntly in their lives.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
I think it's time we go. We don't
have to listen to this.
                                                            
Justin just sits there with an angry smirk on his face.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (raising his glass)
Bye.
                                                            
Mike walks out with the guests. Justin sits there and
listens.
                                                            
                       MIKE (O.S)
I'm so sorry, please forgive me,
he's got a lot on his mind.
                                                            
We hear the door CLOSE shut and Mike comes back.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (shouting)
You stupid son of a bitch!
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (smiling)
Leave mum out of this.
                                                            
Justin stands up and begins clearing some plates. Mike
doesn't take his eyes off him.
                                                            

55.

                       MIKE
They were going to make me a
partner until you opened your big
trap! What the fuck is going on
with you?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't care if you want to play
who's got the best Armani, but
don't you bring me into it.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I think it's time you played some
role in my life.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's all just a bunch of bullshit.
They only care about lining their
own pockets.
                                                            
                       MIKE
That maybe, but they line my
pockets as well - and yours for
that matter!
                                                            
Justin picks up a few other plates.
                                                            
                       MIKE
So now you're cleaning?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Don't act like a child.
                                                            
                       MIKE
It's no act.
                                                            
Mike picks up a plate and smashes it on the ground.
                                                            
                       MIKE (CONT'D)
I'M GOING TO HAVE TO GO INTO WORK
TOMORROW AND KISS HIS arse and
hope to god I don't get fired! You
should be hoping as well, without
me you'd have nothing!
                                                            
Mike walks out of the room. Justin sits down on one of the
chairs and puts the plates down. Beat.

Mike walks back in with what appears to be an overnight bag.

                                                            

56.

                       MIKE
I don't know when I'll be back,
but right now I can't stand to be
in the same room as you. You can
do what you want...I've given up
caring.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Just answer me one thing.
                                                            
Mike stops.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
Was that Elle at the door?
                                                            
Mike looks at Justin and then walks out.

Justin closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He hears the
door SLAM shut.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle sees Mike walk out and drive away. She looks back at
Justin's house. She stands up, thinks for a moment and walks
home.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin lay on the bed, head in hands reflecting on what
happened.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin still lies asleep on the bed, still in the same
clothes as the night before, but he is accompanied by an
empty bottle of wine.

Justin rolls over and slowly opens his eyes. Justin hears a
KNOCK at the door, but he ignores it. He hears KNOCKING
again. He rolls over and forces himself up, moaning. He
stumbles a bit and finds his balance and sees Elle standing
at the door and opens it.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, SIDE DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Justin opens the door.
                                                            

57.

                       JUSTIN
Hi, come in.
                                                            
Justin walks into the lounge room and Elle follows.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin sits down on the couch, clutching his forehead. Elle
stays standing.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Rough night? I'm not going to stay
long. I know what happened last
night. I'm sorry I caused all
that.
                                                            
Justin looks at Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's not your fault.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I set him off.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It was inevitable. It was going to
happen sooner or later.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Anyway, I'm sorry.
                                                            
Elle walks out before Justin has a chance to respond. Justin
spots a photo of Mike and himself and he sits back in the
couch.

Justin stands up and walks to the bathroom.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, BATHROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin has a shower. He runs his face under the water and
lets the water run down his back.

He turns the shower off and dries himself. He stares at
himself in the mirror. He feels his stubble on his face and
begins to shave. He grabs a comb out of the draw and combs
his hair.
                                                            
 

58.

EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Justin knocks on the door. Janet opens it.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Hi, Mrs Bradley, I'm Justin
Kendall, I live two doors down.
                                                            
                       JANET
Oh yes, I know.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I was just wanting to speak with
Elle if she's around.
                                                            
                       JANET
Sure come in.
                                                            
Janet leads Justin in.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       JANET
Would you like a cup of tea?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No thanks.
                                                            
Justin spots some cleaning materials.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Cleaning?
                                                            
                       JANET
Yes, story of my life.
                                                            
Justin laughs. Janet leads Justin to her room. She knocks on
the door.
                                                            
                       ELLE (O.S)
What?
                                                            
Elle opens the door and sees Justin standing there. Justin
smiles and Janet leaves. Elle invites him in.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle is a little nervous. She picks up a little ornament and
plays with it in her hands. Justin stands, a content smile
covers his face. He spots the sheets of music on her desk
and he picks them up, curious
                                                            

59.

                       JUSTIN
I didn't know you were into music.
                                                            
Elle puts the ornament down.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Oh, I'm not...really.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What's this for then?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I've had them there for years...I
used to want to play the piano,
but kind of lost interest.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Why?
                                                            
Elle takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       ELLE
My parents thought it was a waste
of time, I never had lessons, so I
just learned to forget about it.
                                                            
Justin sits on her bed.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Do you still want to play it?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Not really...well...I guess if I
still want to play, it's only
because I couldn't play before,
right now I don't really care
about it. So what did you come
over for?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I came over here because I've had
a revelation and that I would like
to share with you.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Okay.
                                                            
Elle stands curiously.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
When I was younger there was this
place I used to go to...you know
for inspiration. It's in the
            (MORE)

60.

                       JUSTIN (cont'd)
country. You could walk for
kilometres and you would not see
anybody else.
                                                            
Justin grabs a seat under her desk and sits down.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
I used to take my paints up there
and paint for hours. It would
clear my head so much.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
So what do you want me to do about
it?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I want you to come with me.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Why?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You're suffering Elle. You need to
get away from this place and clear
your head.
                                                            
                       ELLE
How long for?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
As long as you want, a day, a
night, a week - it doesn't matter.
                                                            
Elle takes a seat on her bed.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I don't know. Shouldn't you be
asking Mike to go with you?
                                                            
Justin's smile disappears and he breaks eye contact. He
spots the poster on the wall and looks at it for a moment.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
He needs time to cool off.
                                                            
                       ELLE
So you think going somewhere with
me is going to help that?
                                                            
Justin stands up and sits next to Elle.
                                                            
 

61.

EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Janet cleans outside Elle's door, curious and suspicious.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I really need this and I think you
do as well.
                                                            
Justin moves some hair behind Elle's ear and just stares at
her.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
We're the -
                                                            
Justin is interrupted by a KNOCK at the door. Elle rolls her
eyes, stands up and opens the door. It's Janet.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What?
                                                            
                       JANET
I just wanted to put some clothes
away.
                                                            
Elle just stares at her.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well I can put them away.
                                                            
Elle takes the clothes and closes the door behind her. Elle
turns to Justin, rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
When do you want to go?
                                                            
 
INT. JUSTIN'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle drive along laughing and smiling.
                                                            
                       ELLE
So tell me, where is this place?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
If I tell ya...I'll have to kill
ya.
                                                            
Justin looks at Elle with an evil sadistic look, eyes
squinted, evil smirk. He then begins to laugh.
                                                            

62.

                       JUSTIN
No, it's about four hours west of
London in a place called
Gloustenville.
                                                            
Elle just nods. Justin reaches over and puts on some music
and he begins to sing horribly along with it. Elle just
laughs at him. Elle opens her window and sticks her head out
just enough to feel the wind. Justin watches and smiles.
                                                            
Elle sits back in the car and sticks her hand out the window
so it can flow through the air. She scans the surrounding
environment and looks at Justin and smiles. He smiles back.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY CLUB - DAY
                                                            
Justin drives into a beautiful Country Club.

The Country Club is a mixture of modern and heritage
qualities all in the company of beautiful trees, lakes and a
golf course.
                                                            
 
INT. JUSTIN'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Elle is mesmerised by this as they get closer.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY CLUB - DAY
                                                            
Justin pulls up and stops the car.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY CLUB, FOYER - DAY
                                                            
Elle follows Justin in. It's as beautiful inside as it
outside and Elle looks around in amazement.

Justin proceeds to walk to the reception when he spots
ROBERT TILLIE, a man in his early fifties. He presents very
well wearing his suit proudly.

Robert spots Justin. Smiles cover both men's faces and they
walk towards each other.

Elle just stands back and watches in curiosity.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Justin.
                                                            

63.

                       JUSTIN
Bob.
                                                            
Robert and Justin embrace each other and exchange hefty pats
on the back.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
It's been too damn long. How've
you been?
                                                            
Justin and Robert break away from each other
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh yeah, okay.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Nothing's changed then.
                                                            
Justin smiles.

Robert looks over at Elle who has preoccupied herself with
the beautiful artwork scattered throughout the foyer.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
She with you?
                                                            
Justin turns around to Elle who looks at the men.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah.
                                                            
Justin waves for her to come over. Elle walks over to the
men.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Bob, this is Elle Bradley. Elle
this is Bob Tillie. He's the
manager of this beautiful place
and an old family friend.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Ease up on the OLD part.
                                                            
Robert holds out his hand and Elle shakes it.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Very nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You to.
                                                            

64.

                       ROBERT
You better come and wet your
whistle before we do anything else
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY CLUB, BAR - DAY
                                                            
Robert, Justin and Elle sit at a table, sipping their
refreshments.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
So you still with...what's his
name?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't know who what's his name
is.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Oh come on you know who I'm
talking about, Mick?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Just having a lend of ya, it's
Mike, and yes.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
How's your dad? I've been meaning
to call him, I heard he's not too
well at the moment. I haven't
spoken to them in so long.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
That makes two of us.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
Bridget rang me to let me know
what was going on. Nothing I can
really do about it.
                                                            
Justin takes a sip of his drink.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Could you tell me where the
bathroom is?
                                                            
                       ROBERT
      (pointing)
Yeah, it's just around the corner.
                                                            

65.

Elle gets up and walks away around the corner.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
So what's going on, really?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       ROBERT
With Elle?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
She's just a friend, I'm helping
her that's all.
                                                            
Robert looks skeptical.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
What about your father, is he
still not talking to you?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You know how stubborn he can be.
He won't let mum call me either.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
It's been twenty years, don't you
think it's time you sort this out.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't want to make the situation
any worse then what it is.
(beat)
So you've done pretty well for
yourself.
                                                            
Robert looks around and smiles.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Yeah, I guess I have. Took me long
enough.
                                                            
Justin smiles as he sees Elle walking back.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Did you set everything up?
                                                            
                       ROBERT
Didn't need to, already done for
me, we have a ball on later
tonight.
                                                            

66.

Elle approaches the table and proceeds to sit down.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Don't sit down.
                                                            
Justin and Robert stand up and lead Elle to an outdoor
gazebo.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY CLUB, GAZEBO - DAY
                                                            
Robert, Justin and Elle enter a beautifully decorated
gazebo. Tables are decorated, lights, ribbons, mantle
pieces.

Justin and Elle walk further in, Robert just stands back and
watches. Justin walks Elle over to a beautiful grand piano.
Elle is in amazement, but contains it.

Justin and Elle sit down together. Justin carefully opens
the lid as beautiful black and white keys twinkle at them.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Did you do this for me?
                                                            
Elle looks at Justin. Justin just smiles.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I can't play.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes you can, just feel the keys.
                                                            
Justin puts Elle's hands over the keys of the piano.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Close your eyes.
                                                            
Elle closes her eyes as Justin gently pushes Elle's fingers
onto the keys.

Elle smiles. She opens her eyes.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I didn't know you played the
piano.
                                                            

67.

                       JUSTIN
A long time ago.
(pointing)
Press this key.
                                                            
Elle gently presses the key. Elle smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
That's an 'A'. The notes just
follow from there. Play with me.
                                                            
Justin begins pressing some keys and Elle tries to follow.
She stops and giggles to herself. Justin giggles with her.
They nudge each other.

Robert still stands watching them, a little skeptical and
suspicious.

Justin grabs her hands and places them over the keys and he
begins pressing the keys with her hands, this time playing a
little tune.

Elle closes her eyes and feels the music, smiling. Justin
watches her.

Robert walks away.

Justin and Elle finish the tune. Elle doesn't know what to
say.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
If you really want to play, then
play.
                                                            
Elle just sits there.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY CLUB - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle sit in the car.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
You will call me and we'll get
together soon?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You bet.
                                                            
                       ROBERT
See you later then.
                                                            

68.

Justin and Elle wave goodbye to Robert and drive away.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY ROADS - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle drive through numerous town, by lakes and
fields.
                                                            
DISSOLVE TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, MAIN GATE - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle drives up to the front of the main gate.
It's beautiful.

The surrounds include beautiful trees and water parks. Much
wildlife resides in this tranquility.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN - DAY
                                                            
The cabin overlooks a beautiful placid lake, there are no
other cottages in sight.

Justin begins to unload the luggage and Elle helps.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's okay I have it.
                                                            
Elle lets it be. She walks around and absorbs the
atmosphere. Birds are CHEAPING.

Justin and Elle walk towards the cabin.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN, SITTING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle and Justin enter the cottage. It's beautifully designed
and very homely.

Elle takes a look around when she spots a guitar in the
corner. She picks it up and has a quick strum of it, but she
obviously has never picked up a guitar in her life.

Justin walks in and smiles slightly. Elle puts the guitar
down.
                                                            

69.

                       ELLE
So what do we do now?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Just soak in the atmosphere.
(beat)
Do you like it?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I do, it's beautiful.
                                                            
Elle just stands there. Silence.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
One thing you must do. You must
see the sunset over the lake. It's
the most beautiful thing you will
ever see.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN, FRONT VERANDAH - DAY
                                                            
Elle and Justin sit under the verandah looking out on the
lake. Elle holds the guitar, while Justin rests a camera on
a nearby table.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (pointing at the
       guitar)
What are you doing with that?
                                                            
                       JANET
Oh I don't know, thought I'd have
a go of it.
(beat)
I always knew places like this
existed, but it's never as
beautiful until you're actually
there.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes. I know.
                                                            
They look out to the lake. It appears it goes on and on and
never stops. The sky is filled with pinks and oranges. The
sun is going down.

Justin takes a picture.

70.


Elle picks up the guitar and attempts to play it as if she
knows how to. Justin watches in discontent. He begins to
giggle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Here, give me a try.
                                                            
Justin arranges the strings until he is satisfied, he gets
his rhythm and starts playing. He has obviously played it
many times before.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I would never have guessed.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I haven't played for a while.
                                                            
                       ELLE
When did you learn.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
When I was a kid.
                                                            
Justin concentrates, he closes his eyes feeling for the
strings.

Justin begins playing a song.

Elle watches back in content, smiling and staring at Justin.
Justin returns the gesture.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Can you sing?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (shaking his head)
No I wouldn't want to put you
through that.
                                                            
Elle laughs. Justin continues to play, Elle just soaks it
in. She look out at the ocean as Justin watches her. He
finishes his song.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What was it called?
                                                            
Justin thinks for a moment.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't know. I can't remember.
(beat)
            (MORE)

71.

                       JUSTIN (cont'd)
My father taught me.
                                                            
Justin's smile disappears. He looks to the ocean and notices
the sun is setting. Justin motions to Elle to look to the
sun.

The sun sets and as it hits the water Justin begins to make
a hissing sound.

Elle laughs and slaps him on the arm. Justin giggles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Have you ever seen something so
beautiful?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No.
                                                            
Elle looks back out to the sun. Justin looks at her and
notices some tears welling up.

Justin grabs his camera and takes a picture of her. Elle
snaps out of it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm sorry. I couldn't let that
slide.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What? Me?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
A silhouette of you in the
sunset...it's beautiful.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You're a different person out here
you know?
(beat)
It's like you're free...or
something.
                                                            
Justin smiles.
                                                            

72.

                       JUSTIN
This place does that.
(beat)
You hungry?
                                                            
Elle and Justin stand up and get going.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle and Justin sit beside a campfire. The CRACKING of wood,
ash flies to the sky all make the atmosphere.

They cook sausages on the end of sticks. There is a bag of
marshmallows.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Did your father teach you that
song on the guitar?
                                                            
Justin takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah.
                                                            
Elle nods and goes back to the sausage.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You got any brothers or sisters?
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yeah I have a brother, but he's
moved out. We don't really get
along.
                                                            
Justin smiles and looks away and then goes back to eating
his sausage as well.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle and Justin lie by the fire, looking up at the
beautiful, bright sky. Gazing at the stars.
                                                            
                       ELLE
It's really quite unbelievable.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What?
                                                            

73.

                       ELLE
That I'm here with you.
(beat)
A couple of days ago I was ready
to chuck it all in. Now I'm here
with you. I would never have
imagined I'd do something like
this...or feel like this.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What? Happy?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well, yeah. I think about home and
I don't want to go back, but I
know I'll have to.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Don't think about it.
                                                            
Beat.

Elle takes a few breaths.
                                                            
                       ELLE
It's true what they say...that one
moment can change the rest of your
life.
                                                            
Justin smiles contented.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You know what I believe?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What?
                                                            
                       ELLE
That destiny will only take you so
far and then it's up to you...but
I'm still waiting for her to show
up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Maybe you're not looking right.
Maybe destiny's a man.
                                                            
Elle smiles and nudges Justin. She takes a breath.
                                                            

74.

                       ELLE
Can I tell you something and you
promise not to laugh?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
That depends on if I think it's
funny or not.
                                                            
                       ELLE
No, I'm serious.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You know that you can tell me
anything and I won't judge you.
                                                            
                       ELLE
All right.
(beat)
You know when I said I had kissed
someone before?
                                                            
Justin looks over at Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well I lied.
                                                            
Elle covers her face in embarrassment.
                                                            
                       ELLE
How lame is that!?
                                                            
Justin smiles and sits up and looks at Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's not lame. Don't be
embarrassed, please.
                                                            
Justin tries to take her hands away from her face, but she
won't let him.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's okay - Elle.
                                                            
Justin tries again, this time he releases her hands. Elle
avoids eye contact.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You're a beautiful girl, you're
just a little unsure about things.
            (MORE)

75.

                       JUSTIN (cont'd)
It's not your fault and you have
nothing to be embarrassed about.
There are many kisses I wish I
could take back.
                                                            
Elle looks at Justin.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
That's right, some very disgusting
ones actually...I was drunk,
stupid and still finding out who I
was.
(beat)
There was this one guy who had a
gap about the size of a pea. You
could fit a pen through it. He had
yellow teeth - and his breath - my
god.
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You have great control on what you
do -
                                                            
                       ELLE
It's easy to control yourself when
you don't know what it's truly
like.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
When the time comes, you'll know.
                                                            
Elle just stares at Justin. They have a moment and they are
both injected by it.

Justin moves his lips on to Elle's and kisses her softly and
then recedes and goes in and kisses her more passionately,
very slowly and gently.

Elle feels her heart beating but goes with it. Justin
removes his lips from Elle's. He looks deeply into her eyes.
Elle breathes deeply, a little giddy. Justin lies back down.


Elle thinks for a moment, trying to get her head around it.
Beat
                                                            
                       ELLE
You weren't compensating for Mike
were you?
                                                            

76.

Beat.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No.
(beat)
I wanted to.
(beat)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
Justin puts his hands over his eyes. Elle rolls over to her
side and takes his hand and just holds it. She feels safe,
he's her protector.

Both Elle and Justin finally fall asleep.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Janet opens the door to Elle's room, the room is untouched.
Janet thinks for a minute and walks away.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Janet walks outside and joins Marcus, who is reading the
newspaper.
                                                            
                       JANET
Have you seen Elle?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
No, why?
                                                            
                       JANET
She didn't come home last night. I
thought she must have gone out
again.
                                                            
Marcus doesn't look up from the newspaper.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Call her mobile.
                                                            
Janet walks away and calls her mobile.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Janet dials Elle's mobile number and waits in anticipation.
SILENCE. There is no response. Janet hangs up the phone and
she walks back out to Marcus.
                                                            
 

77.

EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Janet approaches Marcus, she's starting to get a little
worried now.
                                                            
                       JANET
She's out of range or she's turned
it off.
                                                            
Janet thinks for a minute.
                                                            
                       JANET
What if something's happened to
her? She would never stay out and
not call.
                                                            
Marcus puts the paper down.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We don't want to get worked up.
She's probably just gone for a
walk or something.
                                                            
Janet walks away and Marcus goes back to his paper.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Janet is smoking, thinking hard. Suddenly she gets a
thought. She walks back around to the porch.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, PORCH - DAY
                                                            
                       JANET
Marc!
                                                            
Marcus turns his attention to Janet.
                                                            
                       JANET (CONT'D)
I think I might know where she is.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Janet knocks on Justin and Mike's front door. Mike opens the
door, looking the worst for wear.
                                                            
                       JANET
Is Elle here?
                                                            

78.

                       MIKE
Good morning to you to. Would you
like to come in?
                                                            
Mike moves aside as Janet and Marcus walk in.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       JANET
So is she here?
                                                            
Mike is confused.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Who?
                                                            
                       JANET
Elle!
                                                            
Mike sits down.
                                                            
                       MIKE
No. Why are you accusing me like
I've committed a crime or
something. Can you get to the
point cause I'm really not in the
mood for games. If you're accusing
me of something, just come out and
say it.
                                                            
                       JANET
My daughter -
                                                            
                       MARCUS
We think that Elle might be with
Justin. Did she stay here with him
last night?
                                                            
Mike cannot believe these accusation.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What are you actually saying?
                                                            
                       JANET
Justin came over to our house
yesterday morning and he spent
some time in my twenty-one year
old daughter's room, with the door
shut might I add, and I have not
seen her since. Do you know where
she is?
                                                            

79.

                       MIKE
Now we're getting somewhere. No I
don't know where she is, but
Justin didn't appear to come home
last night either.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
So you're not sure?
                                                            
                       MIKE
No, I did not spend the night
here. Chances are that Justin and
Elle are together.
                                                            
                       JANET
Yeah that's the part I don't like.
What is a grown man doing with a
girl half his age!?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Believe me Justin is no threat. He
would not do anything to hurt your
daughter. She is safe with him -
wherever they are.
                                                            
                       JANET
You don't know that, you hear
stories all the time about
husbands killing wives, fathers
killing children.
                                                            
Janet starts to become scared. She begins to breathe
heavier.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Janet, sit down and calm down,
please.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Listen, all we can do is just wait
for a phone call. If we haven't
heard anything in the next day
then we can start calling people.
The police aren't going to do
anything at the moment.
                                                            
Mike stands up.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Can I get you a drink of water?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Thanks that would be nice.
                                                            

80.

Mike walks out.
                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN - DAY
                                                            
A blanket lay over Elle. She wakes up. Justin has made
breakfast for her.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Good morning.
                                                            
Elle is a little embarrassed, but does not show it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Breakfast.
                                                            
Justin holds out some bacon and eggs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thanks.
                                                            
Justin sits down with Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Are you okay?
                                                            
Elle smiles and nods.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I had a message from Mike on my
phone. He said that your parents
were over at the house asking
about you.
                                                            
Elle looks away.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What did they say?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
He didn't go into detail. You
should call them.
                                                            
Elle sits and thinks for a moment.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Were you trying to punish them?
                                                            
Elle just shrugs. Justin puts his arm around her and looks
at her.
                                                            

81.

                       JUSTIN
I know how you feel. I'm sure your
mum would appreciate it. They're
at my place.
                                                            
Elle stands up and walks into the cottage
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN, BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle picks up the phone and dials the number.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Mike, Marcus and Janet sit on the lounge. The phone rings.
They all come to attention as Mike walks over and picks up
the phone.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Hello.
                                                            
 
INT. COTTAGE - DAY
                                                            
                       ELLE
Mike, it's Elle is my mum there?
                                                            
SILENCE for a moment.
                                                            
                       JANET (V.O)
Elle!?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi mum.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM/CABIN, BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Janet and Elle talk on the phone.
                                                            
                       JANET
Are you with Justin?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yes. I'm okay.
                                                            
Janet breathes a sigh of relief.
                                                            

82.

                       JANET
I was so worried about you, I
didn't know what to think. Your
car was still here and I couldn't
get through to your mobile.
                                                            
Elle rolls her eyes and sighs. Beat.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Mum, you can't worry about
me, not now.
                                                            
Janet is a little confused.
                                                            
                       JANET
You're my daughter.
                                                            
Elle shakes her head in disbelief.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You can't worry about me on this
one occasion, you can't pick and
choose when you actually want to
pretend to be my mother.
                                                            
                       JANET
What! What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yeah, that'd be right you wouldn't
have a clue, you're fucking mother
of the year!
                                                            
Janet slumps in the lounge. Tears begin to fill her eyes.
She puts her hand on her head.

Marcus and Mike look on in anticipation.
                                                            
                       JANET
I don't understand what you mean.
I don't know what I've meant to
have done.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Listen. I don't know when I'm
coming back, so don't bother
trying to call me.
                                                            
                       JANET
Where are you?
                                                            

83.

                       ELLE
Bye mum.
                                                            
Elle hangs up the phone. She puts her hands over her eyes.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Janet sits in shock, tears fall down her cheeks.
                                                            
                       JANET
I don't know what I've done.
                                                            
Marcus goes over to comfort her.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What did she say?
                                                            
                       JANET
She wasn't making sense. She said
she didn't know when she was
coming home.
                                                            
Janet stands up and Marcus helps her. Mike just looks on, he
seems angry.

Janet and Marcus head for the door.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (to Mike)
Thanks for your help.
                                                            
Mike just nods. Janet and Marcus walk out the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Marcus notices Janet is breathing heavily. He looks at her
and notices that she is sweating.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
      (stopping)
You feeling all right?
                                                            
Marcus puts his hand on her forehead. Janet moves her head
away.
                                                            
                       JANET
I just got a little over exerted.
                                                            

84.

                       MARCUS
It's all those cigarettes you
smoke.
                                                            
Janet walks away in anger and Marcus just follows.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN, BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle sits down. Justin walks in the room.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Is everything okay?
                                                            
Elle just nods.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What happened?
                                                            
Elle's eyes fill with tears.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I just went off.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What do you mean?
                                                            
Justin walks over to Elle.
                                                            
                       ELLE
At mum.
                                                            
Elle stands up.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm going to go for a walk.
                                                            
Elle walks off. Justin watches her leave, concerned.

                                                            
 
EXT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN - DAY
                                                            
Elle walks down the garden trail. Justin gets his camera out
and takes a photo of this.

Justin nests on a chair outside and watches Elle walk along.
                                                            
 

85.

EXT. GARDEN BENCH - DAY
                                                            
Elle sits on a bench in the minced of a beautiful garden,
full of birds. She cuddles up to herself, her feet up on the
bench and her head rests on her knees, absorbing the
environment and thinking about life. She has tears in her
eyes.
                                                            
JUSTIN
                                                            
Hiding behind some bushes, he has a frontal view of Elle and
he very carefully positions a shot and takes a few photos.
                                                            
ELLE
                                                            
Hears the CAMERA SHUTTERS. She looks around suspiciously.

Justin walks out. Elle breathes a sigh of relief as Justin
walks over to her.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What are you doing?
                                                            
Justin puts his camera away.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare
you.
                                                            
                       ELLE
It is a bit creepy.
                                                            
Elle looks away. Justin sits next to Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I didn't want you to be conscious
that a camera was on you. The best
photos are taken when people don't
know a camera is on them. Gets raw
emotion into the shot.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Me?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You're very photogenic.
                                                            
Elle shakes her head.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What do you plan on doing with it?
                                                            

86.

                       JUSTIN
I don't know yet.
                                                            
Elle looks away again and Justin turns her head gently and
looks at her eyes. Still tears and he wipes them away.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm supposed to be making you
smile.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Crying's a good energy release
right?
                                                            
Justin smiles and nods.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I've told you things that I have
never told anybody before in my
life. You have made me feel things
that I have never felt before.
Sometimes it all just gets mixed
together and I don't know how to
let it all out. I think about mum
and dad and then I think about you
and what I could be doing in my
life and then think about my life
before and all the things I've
missed out on.
                                                            
Elle begins to cry again. Justin leans in and gives her a
much needed hug. They embrace for a few moments.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Is this raw emotion enough for
you?
                                                            
Justin laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's plenty.
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I got you smiling.
                                                            
Justin moves out of the embrace.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Now I'm going to make you feel
something that you're going to
love.
                                                            
 

87.

INT. BUTTERFLY FARM - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle enter an enclosure which is home to
thousands of butterflies. There are beautiful waterfalls,
ponds, flowers and plants. A small paradise.

Butterflies fly around them. Elle is amazed. Justin smiles
as he watches Elle's eyes light up.
                                                            
 
INT. BUTTERFLY FARM, METAMORPHOSIS ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle and Justin look through a clear glass window and
notices many pupas. Justin and Elle watch one closely.
                                                            
PUPA
                                                            
The cocoon begins to move and a butterfly begins to emerge.
After a few minutes of struggle, the butterfly works it's
way out.

Justin and Elle are completely enthralled by what they see.
Their eyes are transfixed on the new creation.

The butterfly stands on the outside of the pupa, flaps it's
wings and rests.

Justin and Elle smile, still in a trance.
                                                            
 
INT. BUTTERFLY FARM, FEEDING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle walk side by side. Then suddenly, a group of
butterflies fly right between and over them.

Justin and Elle get a nice surprise. Elle and Justin stand
still and feel the butterflies on them.

They stick their hands out as a butterfly lands on each
hand. They look at each other and laugh in surprise.

The butterflies all fly away to feed on some nectar.
                                                            
 
INT. COUNTRY COTTAGES, CABIN, SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle and justin sit on the lounge.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Have you ever seen that before?
                                                            

88.

                       JUSTIN
Not like that.
                                                            
Justin just smiles. Elle contemplates.
                                                            
                       ELLE
As much as I'd love to stay here
forever, I think we need to go and
make things right.
                                                            
Justin listens.
                                                            
                       ELLE (CONT'D)
You said you got the phone call
from Mike?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well, he obviously went back home,
maybe with the intention of
sorting things out with you,
right?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
There are many reasons he went
home, he probably needed something
for work, needed clean clothes -
                                                            
                       ELLE
You wanna work things out though?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Of course I do.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Well, do you want to go back
before it's too late?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
All right, we'll go back...to
reality.
                                                            
Justin and Elle smile a combatting smile.
                                                            
 
INT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin and Elle stop outside Elle's house.
                                                            
 

89.

INT. JUSTIN'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle looks out to her house.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Do you want me to come in with
you?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No, it's okay.
(smiling)
You want me to come in with you?
                                                            
Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No, it's okay.
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thank you.
                                                            
Elle leans in and kisses him on the cheek and gets out.
Justin waits until she has reached her home safely and he
drives to his own house.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle walks in quietly and slowly. She puts her things down
on the floor. Janet is asleep on the lounge. Her dad walks
in.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Hello Elle.
                                                            
Elle doesn't know what to say.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm very disappointed.
(beat)
Your mother and I didn't know what
to think. Was it punishment for
something?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I don't know. I don't know.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You put your mother through hell.
                                                            

90.

Elle stands emotionless, but is distracted by some COUGHING,
Janet wakes up and spots Elle. Janet gets up and walks over
to her.
                                                            
                       JANET
      (yelling)
Do you have any idea what you put
us through!? How can you be so
thoughtless!?
                                                            
Elle just stands there.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Janet.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You need to start accepting the
fact that I am old enough to do
what I want, where I want and with
whoever I want. I don't need your
permission.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
That doesn't excuse the fact that
you didn't tell us where you were
going. At least we'd know you were
all right.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I should have called, but that
doesn't change the fact that - I'm
moving out.
                                                            
Marcus and Janet are shocked.
                                                            
                       JANET
What?
                                                            
                       ELLE
What's the point in staying? No
one seems happy here. When we do
actually talk we're always yelling
at each other. Why would I WANT to
stay!?
                                                            
                       JANET
Well good, go, I don't care.
                                                            
Janet walks away and goes outside. Elle just shakes her
head.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Where you going?
                                                            

91.

Elle thinks for a minute.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I don't know, but I'm going to
start looking.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
How are you going to afford it?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I don't know! And right now I
don't care!
                                                            
Elle walks away. Marcus is left standing there. We hear a
door SLAM.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Mike sits on the bed as Justin changes his clothes.
                                                            
                       MIKE
She's half your age. It worries me
that you can find solace in a girl
half your age. She's just a girl!
(beat)
I mean, what am I?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
She's not just a girl...
(beat)
It's hard to explain, you wouldn't
understand.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Try me.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
She has a mystery about her, she
inspires me...she inspired me in
my art again.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What's so damn good about her?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
We relate to each other.
                                                            

92.

                       MIKE
What do you mean RELATE?
                                                            
Justin just looks at him.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Did you take advantage of her?
                                                            
Justin's eyes widen and his mouth falls open, he is shocked.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (laughing)
I cannot believe you would ask me
this. Do you really believe that?
                                                            
Mike shrugs.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I don't know what to believe.
                                                            
Mike gets up and goes to walk out, but he stops at the
doorway and turns to Justin.
                                                            
                       MIKE
There's obviously something going
on that I don't understand. I'm
obviously not the person to
understand.
                                                            
Mike leaves. Justin takes a deep breath and releases and
walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin looks around at his glory. The sketches of Elle.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BATHROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle is in the shower. She washes herself and her hair. She
runs her head under the water and relaxes.

She turns the shower off and gets out. She dries herself and
wraps a towel around her and one around her hair.

She looks closely at herself in the mirror. She puts some
moisturiser cream on her face.
                                                            
 

93.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin is sticking up the sketches of Elle and the photos he
took of Elle up on the wall. He does it carefully, looking
at each one as he hangs it up. He runs his fingers over
some, he smiles at others.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
The sun shines through a large box bay window and his
Justin's painting.

Justin is now lost in translation as he paints.
                                                            
PAINT BRUSH
                                                            
A small delicate paint brush of fine filaments stroke the
canvas with caution and accuracy.
                                                            
HAND
                                                            
Paint smudges cover Justin's hand.
                                                            
CANVAS
                                                            
More delicate brush strokes.
                                                            
The paint brush is dropped in a jar of water and another
brush is picked up, dipped into some paint and the excess is
wiped off.
                                                            
More filaments stroke the canvas with such caution.
                                                            
JUSTIN'S EYES
                                                            
He is completely mesmerised. Every so often he will look to
the wall of the studio at his favourite pictures.

Justin smiles with content. Justin then puts his paint brush
down and just stares at the painting.

Justin's trance is broken by the phone RINGING. He snaps out
of it, wipes his hands with a nearby towel and picks his
mobile up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Hello.
                                                            
 

94.

INT. ARCHIE'S OFFICE/KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Archie sits in his office, it seems to look even worse then
before. He speaks on the phone to Justin.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
How's my favourite artist?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Archie, what a nice surprise.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
I just wanted to let you know that
I will be coming over in the next
couple of days
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
When?
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
I'm not sure actually...I have an
extremely busy schedule and I'm
going to have to shuffle things
about to make some time.
                                                            
Justin rolls his eyes and shakes his head in disbelief.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Can you give me some more time,
I'm still working on something?
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
How much time?
                                                            
Archie gets a little nervous.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't know, but the exhibition
isn't for another couple of
months, how about I give you a
call when I've finished?
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Ooo I don't think that's going to
work for me?
                                                            
Justin stands up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What are you not telling me? This
is the way that we used to do it.
                                                            
Archie laughs nervously.
                                                            

95.

                       ARCHIE
Nothing, everything's fine. All
right, you give me a call when
you're done.
                                                            
Justin hangs up the phone, puzzled.
                                                            
 
INT. ARCHIE'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Archie stands up from his desk, grabs a broom and starts
sweeping the floor, he has oodles of time.

His phone rings and Archie picks it up.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Hi. Yes. It's all coming together
nicely. We'll get it on time. Just
relax. Okay. Okay. Bye.
                                                            
Archie hangs up the phone and goes back to his sweeping.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
He looks back at his painting, but the phone RINGS again.
Justin rolls his eyes.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Hello.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S BEDROOM/KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle talk on the phone. Elle sits on her bed,
smiling, she is happy.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi Justin, it's me.
                                                            
Justin sits up and smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh hi, I was just thinking about
you.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            

96.

                       ELLE
I was wondering how things went
with you and Mike last night...You
can tell me to bugger off if you
like.
                                                            
Justin laughs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Bugger off then. No I'm only
kidding. I don't really know
actually, he's pretty...frustrated
by the whole thing.
                                                            
Elle just sits and listens, she feels bad.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Actually, I had an idea earlier,
but I want your help.
                                                            
 
INT. SHOPPING CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle enter the shopping centre. Elle leads Justin
to a retail outlet. It's obvious that Justin doesn't come
into these kinds of places all the time.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I tell ya, I know this shopping
centre off by heart, you name a
store I could tell you precisely
where it is.
                                                            
Justin laughs. They walk towards a book store.
                                                            
 
INT. SHOPPING CENTRE, BOOK STORE - DAY
                                                            
They enter the store. It is a large book shop that sells old
and rare books as well as new releases.

Elle instructs Justin to go to the counter. Elle walks off
into the distance while Justin approaches the counter
                                                            
                       SALES ASSISTANT
      (smiling)
Hi, can I help you?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes actually, I was just wondering
if you had a book called 'To Kill
a Mockingbird'?
                                                            

97.

The SALES ASSISTANT, a young girl, types in the title of the
book and waits patiently for the results to come up. She
observes the computer.
                                                            
                       SALES ASSISTANT
You're in luck we do have it. We
have the original 1960's version
or we have a re-released version.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Great. I wanted the older version.
Could you show me where it is?
                                                            
                       SALES ASSISTANT
Sure.
                                                            
The sales assistant leads Justin to the place where the book
is. She searches the shelf, she cannot find it. She looks at
Justin and smiles. Justin smiles back. He begins to search.
She finds it.
                                                            
                       SALES ASSISTANT
Oh here it is
                                                            
She pulls it out of the shelf and hands it to Justin.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
That's great. I'll take it
                                                            
 
INT. SHOPPING CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Elle walk along.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I hope he likes it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sure he will. Do you think
it's going to fix everything
though?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
No, but it might soften him up a
little bit. He's loved this book
since he was a little kid,
sentiment is the key word here.
                                                            
Justin and Elle smile and continue walking. Both Justin and
Elle seem very happy, then Elle spots someone she has met
before. The man who approached her in the park. He is
looking straight at her with a foul, seductive, evil look on

98.

his face, smiling at her.

Elle halts. Justin stops and looks at Elle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle?
                                                            
Elle is scared, she looks around.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Are you okay? What's the matter?
                                                            
Elle still doesn't say anything. She begins breathing
deeply.

Justin holds onto her arms.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle?
                                                            
Justin looks around.
                                                            
                       ELLE
That man over there.
                                                            
Justin looks back at Elle and Elle motions with her eyes at
the man.
                                                            
                       ELLE (CONT'D)
The man sitting on the bench over
there.
                                                            
Justin looks around and spots him. He knows there's not
something right about him, like he's not all there.

Justin is really concerned now.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Has he done something to you?
                                                            
Elle takes a breath.
                                                            
                       ELLE
The day that we met in the park
and I left, he grabbed me near my
car.
                                                            
Justin can't believe it.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Did he hurt you?
                                                            

99.

                       ELLE
He just scared me.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Why didn't you tell me?
                                                            
Elle begins to get tears in her eyes. She looks towards the
man again and he's now looking at her and motioning to her
with his tongue.

Justin looks around and sees what he's doing.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Right.
                                                            
Justin lets Elle go and begins walking over to him. Elle
just watches in anticipation.

Justin reaches the man. The man just looks at him.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You've seen that girl over there
before?
                                                            
                       MAN
Oh bugger off mate.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Have you or have you not?
                                                            
The man sits back and smiles a vastly smile.
                                                            
                       MAN
All right, yeah I've seen her -
lots.
                                                            
The man begins to laugh, it sounds like this guy has smoked
two packets of cigarettes everyday for the past 50 years.

Justin grabs him by the shirt and stands him up, he is
furious.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You stay the hell away from her.
You come near her again or you
look at her the wrong way, we'll
call the police.
                                                            

100.

                       MAN
What's the matter mate, you tried
to fuck her and she wouldn't let
you.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Don't you fucking talk about her
that way.
                                                            
We see Elle in the background, hands over her mouth, she's
worried. Justin lets him go.
                                                            
                       MAN
She seemed the shy type.
                                                            
Justin punches him right in the face. The man goes down.
Elle runs over to Justin. Justin turns around, he's hurt his
hand, he winces.

ONLOOKERS crowd around in amazement. They look at Justin and
the man on the ground.

Justin recognises a WOMAN and they just stare at each other
for a moment. The woman clearly shocked at Justin's
behaviour.

Elle grabs Justin and they head for the exit.
                                                            
 
INT. JUSTIN'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Elle is driving the car, Justin is holding his hand.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I cannot believe you did that!
Nobody has ever done something
like that for me.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I shouldn't have done it.
                                                            
                       ELLE
He fucking deserved it.
                                                            
Elle looks at his hand.
                                                            
                       ELLE
How's your hand?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I think I better put some ice on
it.
                                                            

101.

Elle continues on driving.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin is sitting on the lounge when Elle comes back with a
frozen packet of peas and puts it on his hand.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I feel bad that you've hurt
yourself because of me.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's okay.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You paint with that hand don't
you?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah but it doesn't matter.
                                                            
Justin sits up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle, why didn't you tell anybody
about this?
                                                            
Elle sits down and puts her head in her hands and takes a
deep breath.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I know I should have told someone.

(beat)
I guess I was just embarrassed.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You shouldn't feel embarrassed. He
was in the wrong.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I know. I didn't think I would see
him again and we could just leave
it.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You need to remember that if you
don't do anything about it, then
he'll just do it to someone else.
                                                            
Elle nods.
                                                            

102.

                       ELLE
I didn't think.
                                                            
Justin removes the bag of peas and looks at his hand and
puts it back on. He winces.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (smiling)
Have you ever hit anyone before?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (smiling)
No.
                                                            
Elle laughs.
                                                            
                       ELLE
How'd it feel?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Pretty good actually. But I do
know what it's like to be on the
receiving end as well.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Really?
                                                            
Justin nods. They are interrupted by a KNOCK at the door.

Justin gets up to answer it.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Justin opens the door. Two young POLICEMEN stand at
attention. Justin sighs. The policemen show their badges.
                                                            
                       POLICEMAN #1
Are you Mr Justin Kendall?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yes.
                                                            
                       POLICEMAN #1
I'm Constable Winters and this is
Constable Smyth. There has been an
assault reported against you and
we'd like to accompany you down to
the station.
                                                            
We see Elle come to the front door.
                                                            

103.

                       JUSTIN
Okay...do I go with you or?
                                                            
                       WINTERS
Yes sir.
                                                            
Elle approaches.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What's going on?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's okay Elle. They're just
taking me down to the station.
                                                            
                       ELLE
      (to the police)
If this is about what happened in
the shopping centre it wasn't his
fault.
                                                            
                       WINTERS
All we're doing at the moment is
taking a statement.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle, call Mike and tell him
what's going on.
                                                            
Elle nods. Justin goes with the police.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE CAR - DAY
                                                            
Justin sits quietly in the backseat. He leans forward.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Can I ask what was said about me?
                                                            
                       SMYTH
Sit back Mr Kendall, we'll let you
know at the station.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Am I being charged?
                                                            
                       SMYTH
It's just a statement for now.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's obvious what this is about,
can I ask the man's name?
                                                            

104.

                       SMYTH
We can't give out that
information, Mr Kendall. Please
sit back.
                                                            
Justin sits back without any question and continues to sit
quietly.
                                                            
 
INT. MIKE'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Mike sits behind his desk and he speaks to William Williams
who sits on the other side of the desk.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I would much appreciate it if you
would try and forget the little
Justin explosion. I've spoken to
him about it.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
I hope you gave him a little
spanking for me?
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'm so sorry.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Don't worry about it. It's not the
first time I've been spoken to
like that before. It's a price to
pay when you have the good life at
times.
                                                            
                       MIKE
It doesn't excuse it.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Well I'm willing to forget about
it and offer you the partnership.
                                                            
Mike sits amazed.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM (CONT'D)
We were always going to give it to
you. There was no competition.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Thank you so much.
                                                            
Mike stands up and walks over to William and gives him a
friendly hug.
                                                            

105.

                       MIKE
I thought you were going to fire
me. I'm so glad I didn't have to
kiss arse too much.
                                                            
William and Mike laugh. The phone rings.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'm sorry, I'll just be a second.
                                                            
Mike leans over and picks the phone up.
                                                            
                       PERSONAL ASSISTANT (V.O)
There's an Elle Bradley on the
phone for you.
                                                            
Mike sighs.
                                                            
                       MIKE
She's just going to have to wait.
                                                            
                       PERSONAL ASSISTANT (V.O)
She says it's urgent.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Look, I'm really busy, just put
her on hold.
                                                            
Mike hangs up the phone.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I'm sorry bout that.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
Don't worry about it, you're an
important man now. How is Justin?
                                                            
Mike just looks at William, smiles and shakes his head.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
We all have bad days every now and
again. Well, better let you take
that call.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Thanks again. I don't know many
people who would be able to forget
something like that.
                                                            
William proceeds to walk out.
                                                            

106.

                       MIKE
William, for your information, I
gave more then a spanking to
Justin. I ended up walking out on
him.
                                                            
William smiles slightly.
                                                            
                       WILLIAM
You'll be fine.
                                                            
William walks out. Mike just smiles, contented. He picks up
the phone.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What is it Elle?
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Mike sits on his bed, he looks over at a phone, thinking. He
lies down and sighs.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, STUDY - DAY
                                                            
Marcus sits at his desk, talking to Elle.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Who did he hit?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Just some guy, it doesn't matter.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
No, no, no. You don't just go up
to people and hit them. There must
have been a reason.
                                                            
                       ELLE
The guy was just being a dead shit
to him and he got angry and lost
it.
                                                            
Marcus just sits there, contemplating.
                                                            
                       ELLE (CONT'D)
Can you please just come down.
Mike won't be there for a while.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
All right. I'll go
                                                            

107.

                       ELLE
Thank you.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE STATION, INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Justin sits with a cup of coffee in his hands. Constable
Winters and Smyth accompany him.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle pointed him out and told me
what happened between them a
couple of days earlier. He still
seemed pretty interested in Elle
so I approached him. He kept on
talking about her and I lost it.
                                                            
                       WINTERS
Well I've got good news and bad
news. The good news is that he has
admitted to harassing Lucinda
Bradley, but we also have
witnesses of you hitting Mr
Johnson.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
So what does that mean?
                                                            
                       WINTERS
We're going to have to charge you
with assault.
                                                            
Justin puts his head in his hands.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What's going to happen to him? Is
he getting charged?
                                                            
                       WINTERS
Mr Kendall, people often take the
law into their own hands and they
must suffer the consequences. Mr
Johnson was in the wrong and he
will as well. People need to learn
that when things like this happen,
they need to tell someone about
it.
                                                            
Justin sighs and nods.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What happens to me now?
                                                            

108.

                       WINTERS
We're going to put you in a
holding cell.
                                                            
Justin nods.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
                                                            
Marcus and Elle enter the police station.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Let me handle it Elle.
                                                            
Elle nods. They approach the reception desk.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Hi, we're friends of Justin
Kendall we believe he came in not
long ago.
                                                            
The POLICEWOMAN at reception looks through some paperwork.
                                                            
                       POLICEWOMAN
He's making a statement at the
moment if you would like to wait.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Do you know how long it will take?
                                                            
                       POLICEWOMAN
No sir. But you can take a seat if
you like.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Thank you.
                                                            
Marcus and Elle sit down to wait. Elle tries to get a better
look out the back. She sees Justin come out of the
interrogation room. She stands up.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Justin.
                                                            
Justin smiles at her.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I called Mike, he said he'll get
down as soon as he can.
                                                            
Justin nods. Elle feels guilty.
                                                            
 

109.

INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Mike stands at the sink washing up.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT
                                                            
Marcus and Elle still sit patiently.
                                                            
                       POLICEWOMAN
      (to Marcus and
       Elle)
Maybe you should go home. There's
nothing you can do for him at the
moment.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
She's right. Justin will be fine,
I'm sure Mike's just been tied up
at work.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Justin should be his priority.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
A little time in jail isn't going
to kill him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
That's not the point.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Come on.
                                                            
Marcus and Elle stand up and leave the police station.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE STATION, HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin sits in the corner, making no eye contact. There are
a number of people in the cell. A few big burly BLOKES watch
him.

Justin spots some dirt on his clothes and he wipes it off.
He looks at his watch and sighs.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
The sun shines through the window and hits Mike right in the
face who is sleeping. He winces and covers his face to block
the sun. He moans.

110.


A KNOCK at the door.

Mike rolls over and looks at the clock.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Shit.
                                                            
A knock again.

Mike gets up and walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Mike opens the door to Elle standing anxiously.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi Mike.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Hi.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I tried calling you last night,
but, there was no answer. Did you
speak to Justin?
                                                            
Mike takes a breath and leans up against the door.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I was just on my way there now.
                                                            
Elle is shocked.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You mean he's been there all
night!?
                                                            
                       MIKE
So.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Why would you do that?
                                                            
                       MIKE
Elle, this doesn't really concern
you okay. One night in jail isn't
going to kill him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You punishing him?
                                                            

111.

                       MIKE
Like you punished your parents
when you went away with Justin?
They came over here, hounding me
like I've done something wrong.
                                                            
Elle is bewildered.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry bout that.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Listen, I'm going to sort out this
mess, the best thing you can do is
just go home.
                                                            
Elle nods.
                                                            
                       ELLE
All right.
                                                            
Elle walks away. Justin closes the door.
                                                            
 
INT. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin still sits in the same spot, asleep, he looks
terrible. A POLICEMAN comes and opens the cell.
                                                            
                       POLICEMAN
Kendall, you're free.
                                                            
Justin breaths a sigh of relief. He stands up and walks
quickly out and glances back at the blokes in the cell and
smiles. One smiles back, gold teeth line his mouth.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (to the policeman)
Thank you.
                                                            
The policeman doesn't respond. He walks out and sees Mike,
Elle and Marcus there. He smiles and he walks up to Mike.
                                                            
                       MIKE
You look terrible.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Took your time.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Had to convince these guys you
don’t just go around punching
people for the hell of it.
                                                            

112.

Justin laughs and just hugs him, Mike returns the embrace
open hearted.

                                                            
                       MIKE
Elle has been hounding me.
                                                            
Justin laughs.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin sits on the bed with Mike.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm sorry about everything, I
really am.
                                                            
                       MIKE
You've only known Elle a very
short time, but I can see that she
has changed you for the better.
(beat)
I'm sorry for neglecting you all
this time.
                                                            
Justin and Mike just look at each other. Justin picks up the
bag the book is in.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I had bought this to give to you.
I didn't get a chance to wrap it.
                                                            
Justin hands him the bag.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What's this for?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's just to say sorry.
                                                            
Mike opens the bag and pulls the book out. He's shocked and
thrilled about it.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Justin, it's beautiful. I can't
believe you went to this trouble.
Thank you. Although...I did sneak
a peak before.
                                                            

113.

Justin and Mike laugh. Mike and Justin share another moment.
They kiss passionately, it's been a while.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, LOUNGE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Elle, Janet and Marcus sit on the lounge, seems like a
pretty deep conversation.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry I didn't say anything.
                                                            
                       JANET
You see why we worry now?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yes.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm sorry that you felt you
couldn't tell us. It should have
been me punching that guy's lights
out. I felt sick when I found out.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry.
(beat)
I don't know what else to say.
                                                            
                       JANET
You're safe now, that's all that
matters.
                                                            
Janet hugs Elle. It's an embrace they have never felt
before. Tears well up in their eyes as Marcus looks on. Elle
breaks away and hugs her dad.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Mike lies asleep in bed. We notice Justin is not there.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - NIGHT
                                                            
Justin is again deep in trance of painting.
                                                            
 
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Mike remains asleep, but is woken by a KNOCK at the door.

114.


Mike looks over for Justin, but he is still not there. Mike
gets up, puts some clothes on and walks to the door, half
asleep.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
                                                            
Mike opens the door. Elle is standing there.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Elle?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'm sorry it's early, but I just
wanted to see how Justin was.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Like I said, one little night
wasn't going to kill him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Do you mind if I talk to him for a
minute?
                                                            
Mike looks around.
                                                            
                       MIKE
I think he's painting at the
moment, but I'm sure he wouldn't
mind. Come in.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thanks.
                                                            
Elle walks in.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Just go through.
                                                            
Elle nods as Mike walks away. Elle heads for the studio.
                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Justin cleans some brushes. He looks up and see Elle
standing there, looking at the pictures.

She sees beautiful photographs or her, some she was never
aware of. There are sketches of Elle in explicit positions
wearing next to nothing. Elle is shocked.


115.

Justin just sits there motionless. Elle stares at him,
bewildered.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle - I know what it looks like -
but it's not what you think.
                                                            
                       ELLE
How isn't it!
                                                            
Tears well in her eyes.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's just -
                                                            
                       ELLE
Who are you? A fucking stalker!?
                                                            
Elle shakes her head and walks away. She rushes passed Mike.


Justin puts his head in his hands.

Mike walks in.
                                                            
                       MIKE
What does all this mean?
                                                            
Justin looks up
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Nothing, I simply hung them up to
get a better look of them. You
know that's what I do.
                                                            
                       MIKE
She has every right to be angry
you know.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I would have thought I could have
some privacy in my own home.
                                                            
                       MIKE
That's not the point and you know
it.
                                                            
Justin takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
                                                            
 

116.

INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle rushes into her room and flops on her bed, bursting
into tears. She buries her head in her pillow and weeps
uncontrollably.

A KNOCK at the door.
                                                            
                       JANET (O.S)
Elle? Can I come in.
                                                            
Janet slowly opens the door and walks in. She goes and sits
on the bed next to Elle and puts her hand on her back and
comforts the best way she knows how.
                                                            
                       JANET
You want to tell me what happened?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No.
                                                            
                       JANET
Come on, you know what happened
last time
                                                            
Elle continues to bury her head.
                                                            
                       ELLE
It's nothing like that.
                                                            
                       JANET
I might be able to help.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I just want to be left alone.
(beat)
Please.
                                                            
Janet stands up.
                                                            
                       JANET
All right.
                                                            
She kisses Elle on the head.
                                                            
                       JANET (CONT'D)
You know where I am if you need
me.
                                                            

117.

Janet walks away, looks back at Elle and then walks out.
Elle rolls over to her side and calms herself down, but
can't help the tears.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BATHROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle pours herself a small amount of water from the tap and
takes a sip. She is startled by Marcus.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Can I talk to you for a minute.
                                                            
Elle is a bit wary.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What about?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
You might want to sit down.
                                                            
Elle goes back to her room as Marcus follows.
                                                            
 
INT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, ELLE'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Elle sits on her bed and her dad follows.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Have you spoken to your mother at
all?
                                                            
                       ELLE
What about?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What are you upset for?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Doesn't matter.
                                                            
Marcus nods.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Well there's no easy way of saying
this -
                                                            
Elle stares at her dad curiously.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (CONT'D)
I'm sorry that I have to tell you
this -
                                                            

118.

Marcus takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Mum's sick isn't she?
                                                            
Marcus nods.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What's wrong with her.
                                                            
Curiosity turns to anger.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Cancer.
                                                            
Elle sighs.
                                                            
                       MARCUS (CONT'D)
Lung cancer.
                                                            
                       ELLE
When did she find out?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Not long ago.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Smoking right?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Well they can't exactly say for
sure, but it's more then likely
the cause of it.
                                                            
Elle shakes her head in anger and resentment.
                                                            
                       ELLE
She knew this would happen. We
tried to tell her. Her fucking
Aunt died of the same thing.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I know. We tried to stop her, but
you know what your mother's like.
                                                            
                       ELLE
We could have tried harder. She
only cares about herself, we're
the ones that are going to suffer
the most.
(beat)
Is she going to die?
                                                            

119.

                       MARCUS
They don't know. She's going to
start treatment, but the smoking
won't have increased her chances,
looks like it might be inevitable.
Just a matter of time.
                                                            
Marcus' eyes well up in tears.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Where is she?
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Out in the garden I suppose.
                                                            
Elle stands up and walks outside.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Janet is gardening. Elle storms up to her.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Congratulations mum.
                                                            
Janet turns around, confused.
                                                            
                       JANET
For what?
                                                            
                       ELLE
You've smoked for the past 35
years, you've significantly
decreased your life expectancy and
now you're going to make your
family sit back and watch you die.
Thanks a lot.
                                                            
Elle turns around and walks away. Janet stands up.
                                                            
                       JANET
Just wait a minute! You think I
asked for this!?
                                                            
Elle turns around.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You knew what smoking does to you.
You ignored everything we said! We
tried to help you quit, but you
kept ignoring us! You only thought
about yourself and now we're the
            (MORE)

120.

                       ELLE (cont'd)
one's that are going to suffer,
not you.
                                                            
Janet just stands there, defeated. Elle walks away, tears
stream down her face. We see Marcus has seen the whole thing
from inside, there's a part of him that feels the same way.

Janet just goes back to her gardening.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET, HERITAGE AVENUE - DAY
                                                            
We see Elle driving fast down the street.

                                                            
 
INT. KENDALL COTTAGE, STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Justin watches from his house. He looks to the ground in
grief, he feels awful.

Justin looks at all the photos on the wall, he begins to
tear them down.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Elle drives, crying. She hits the steering wheel with her
hand in anger. She wipes away a tear and notices an idle car
in front of her.

She comes to attention and slams on the breaks, just in time
to avoid hitting the car in front of her. Smoke appears from
the tires.

She breaths a sigh of relief and puts her head on the
steering wheel. Few people have seen, but Elle drives off
just before anyone could see her face.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Janet, Marcus and Justin sit down.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm sorry Mrs Bradley. If there's
anything I can do, let me know.
                                                            

121.

                       JANET
Thank you.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I know that you haven't really
liked the idea of Elle and I
becoming friends, but she's a
really great girl and I would
never do anything to hurt her.
                                                            
                       JANET
I know.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I will find her.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'll drive around as well.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh no, it's okay, I don't mind.
You stay here with Janet.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
No I want to.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
With all do respect Mr Bradley, I
would really like to look for her.
                                                            
Marcus just stares at him and forces a smile.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
I'm still going to look for her.
                                                            
Justin nods.
                                                            
 
INT. JUSTIN'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Justin puts the keys in the ignition when there's a TAP on
the window. It's Archie. Justin winds down his window.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
      (presenting
       himself)
I'm here!
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Yeah I can see that. Listen I'm in
a really big hurry something's
come up, can you come back another
time?
                                                            

122.

                       ARCHIE
Now is the time Justin.
                                                            
Justin is getting very impatient.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Okay, I haven't painted anything
good in years. I lied when I said
that I had something to show you,
I don't. I'm a failure, just like
you! Goodbye.
                                                            
Justin smiles, nods and drives away. Archie stands in shock.
It begins to rain.
                                                            
 
INT. SHOPPING CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Justin runs into the mall. He looks around for her, nothing.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
Justin runs through the park and almost trips over a kid, he
regains himself, but still nothing.

He tries her mobile once again, but there is still no
answer.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLE'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Elle sits in her car in a secluded spot. There appears to be
an oval nearby, that seems to have been neglected for
sometime. An old trotting track.

She blubbers uncontrollably, her head lay rest on the
steering wheel. She looks up and hears a car coming. She
looks in her revision mirror and notices it's Justin's car.
                                                            
 
EXT. TROTTING TRACK - DAY
                                                            
She gets out of the car and makes a run for it. Justin
quickly turns his car off and runs after her.

The rain starts coming down heavier.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle!
                                                            

123.

Elle runs for all she's got. She runs over the track.
Thunder CRASHES.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle! Stop!
                                                            
Justin gains on her pretty easily. He catches up to her and
grabs her arm and stops her. Elle just breaks down and sobs.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle! I'm sorry. I know what's
happened. I know about your mum
and I'm sorry for everything.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Do you know how creepy that felt,
walking in there and seeing all
those pictures of me?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm so sorry about that, it's just
what I do. It helps me paint,
that's all. You know I would never
hurt you.
                                                            
Elle sobs some more. Justin embraces her and Elle receives
it with all her heart.

The rain pours even heavier. It's as if they stay there for
an eternity. They are oblivious to the rain. Elle regathers
herself.
                                                            
                       ELLE
If it's going to help your career,
I want you to show the painting.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It doesn't matter, I've already
said no.
                                                            
Justin stands Elle up.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Come on - lets get out of this
rain.
                                                            
Justin puts his arm around Elle and they walk to the car.
                                                            
 
EXT. BRADLEY COTTAGE, PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Elle and her mother embrace.
                                                            

124.

                       ELLE
I'm so sorry mum.
                                                            
                       JANET
It's okay sweetie, you were right.
                                                            
                       ELLE
I'll be there for you. I won't
move out. I want to be there for
you.
                                                            
Janet kisses her on the cheek and hugs her again. Tears
aplenty.
                                                            
 
INT. STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Justin sits in front of the painting, holding a full glass
of water, a little sad.

Then he spots a letter on a nearby stool. He picks it up.
                                                            
LETTER
                                                            
It reads:

Justin,

You were right! I am a failure. I thought you were my only
hope. You're handsome partner let me in and I fell in love
with what I saw. 'The Water Bearer' is going to be a
masterpiece and I'm not going to take NO for an answer. You
will be recaptured with this painting that holds so many
mysteries under the surface. I can't wait to see what you do
with it.

You've still got it. I'll be in touch.

Archie

Justin smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You little son of a bitch.
                                                            
Justin laughs to himself.
                                                            
 

125.

INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
'The Water Bearer' is the centre piece of the exhibition.
Many people stop to peer at it. There are other paintings,
sketches and photographs of Justin's and other up-and-coming
artists.

Justin stands with Mike, observing and admiring the work of
the other young artists.

Marcus and Janet are among the crowd. Marcus has his arm
around a weak looking Janet, but smiles still fill their
faces. They walk over to Justin.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
Congratulations mate.
                                                            
Marcus shakes his hand. Justin leans over and kisses Janet
on the cheek.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Thank you for coming, but it
didn't exactly turn out the way I
was expecting.
                                                            
                       MARCUS
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Long story.
                                                            
Justin receives praises from people passing by. He's forever
thanking people.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (to Justin)
I have to go. I'll see you later
tonight.
                                                            
Mike smiles at Justin.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Thanks for coming.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (hugging Justin)
Welcome back.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Good to be back.
                                                            

126.

Mike pulls away and walks away.

Justin sees Elle coming through the doors. He gets a shock
and smiles at Elle and points at her. Elle smiles back.
Marcus and Janet turn around to see her. She is looking
beautiful. She wears a nice red dress.

Elle walks up to Justin.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
What happened to not wanting to be
centre of attention?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Oh I figured...the hell with it!
                                                            
Justin laughs and embraces Elle. Elle acknowledges her
parents.

Archie approaches and looks at Elle.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
This must be the little
masterpiece.
                                                            
Elle looks at Archie and then looks at Justin and smiles.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Would you like a drink?
                                                            
                       ELLE
No thank you.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
She doesn't drink.
                                                            
Elle and Archie look at Justin.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
You should be happy to know that
it's been a big hit.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Great! After what Justin went
through to paint it, it would
bloody want to be.
                                                            
Justin smiles.
                                                            

127.

                       MARCUS
Justin, we're going to get going.
Janet's feeling a bit tired.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Okay that's fine. Do you want me
walk you out
                                                            
                       MARCUS
No, you stay.
                                                            
                       JANET
Congratulations Justin.
                                                            
Justin kisses her on the cheek.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'll see you later.
                                                            
Marcus and Janet walk out. Elle watches, a little sad.
Justin is distracted by yet another person who wants to
congratulate him.

An OLD MAN of art approaches Elle. He's a sweet looking man,
definitely a man who has aged gracefully.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
So you're the young girl in the
painting?
                                                            
                       ELLE
I guess I am.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
I'm Bradley Myers.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Oh, I'm Elle BRADLEY.
                                                            
They exchange smiles.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
I'm the curator of this gallery
and I must say that it's a
beautiful subject Justin has
captured.
                                                            
Elle looks away a little embarrassed.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
You're embarrassed?
                                                            

128.

                       ELLE
A little.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
You shouldn't be. Do you like the
painting?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yes.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
I can tell...you must work to get
to know you.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
You don't let people know who you
are in one go. I admire that.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You do, some people think it's not
genuine.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
What's the point of getting to
know somebody if you find out who
they are in one show.
                                                            
                       ELLE
True, very true.
                                                            
                       BRADLEY
I look at this painting and see
the one portrait expresses a
thousand emotions. Pain, desire,
anger, sadness, even happiness.
It's a complex woman depicted in
this painting, but it's the beauty
in it that completely mesmerises.
(beat)
Like Mona Lisa - when you look in
her eyes she looks at you as if
she knows something you do not.
                                                            
Bradley leans in and kisses her on the cheek.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thank you.
                                                            

129.

                       BRADLEY
      (to Justin)
Beautiful, just beautiful.
                                                            
Bradley walks away and Justin looks at Elle and smiles, Elle
smiles back.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, DRINK STAND - DAY
                                                            
Elle walks over to the drink stand and pours herself a glass
of water. She looks around and notices a MAN standing in
front of the painting. He stands motionless, with his back
towards the rest of the world. He is smartly dressed.

Elle stands there and just watches for a moment. Suddenly,
the man snaps out of it and he turns around and scans the
room. He is a young man of around Elle's age. He is handsome
and mysterious, he has a peace about him, yet slightly
anxious.

Elle stands back and watches. The man spots Elle, Elle
quickly looks away. The man doesn't take his eyes off her
and he approaches her.
                                                            
                       MAN
Hi Elle.
                                                            
Elle is a little curious how this man knows her name.
                                                            
                       MAN
Do you remember me? From primary
school? We used to go together.
                                                            
Elle thinks for a moment and nods.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Adam.
                                                            
ADAM smiles and nods. It's obvious that he is smitten by
her.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Are you a big art fan?
                                                            
                       ADAM
Yeah, I'm doing an art course at
Uni. I guess you can call me an
aspiring artist.
                                                            
Elle smiles.
                                                            

130.

                       ELLE
That's really nice. I guess you
can say that it was inevitable. I
remember when we used to paint at
school, you would always hog the
red paint.
                                                            
Elle and Adam laugh.

We see in the background Justin watching, he's smiling.
                                                            
                       ELLE
She used to always have to come
and get it from your desk so the
other kids could use it.
                                                            
                       ADAM
Yeah, I've always had a thing for
red.
                                                            
Elle and Adam notice that she is in a red dress. They smile
and Elle takes a sip of her drink.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Justin becomes distracted when he spots Archie in a corner
speaking on his phone. Justin walks over to him.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CORNER - DAY
                                                            
Archie sees Justin walking towards him.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
I have to go, I'll call you back.
                                                            
Archie hangs up and puts his phone away.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I think I've let you bask in the
glory long enough.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
What?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
A couple of friends and I went
over to your office yesterday and
found something very interesting.
                                                            
Archie is taken back, his eyes grow wide.
                                                            

131.

                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
I found the other half of my
sketches that you promised you'd
put on exhibition for me.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
You weren't the only one that I
was showcasing Justin. I needed to
make room for the other artists.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
You lied to me, again. You once
took credit for my work and now
you are producing counterfeit
prints.
                                                            
Archie is lost for words and he backs up onto the wall.
Justin puts his hand on Archie's shoulder and puts his face
close to his.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
But I just didn't get one
thing...why would you bother with
these unknown artists?
                                                            
Archie has sweat pouring down his face. He takes a breath.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
They're unknowns. Nobody knows if
they're being scammed or not.
                                                            
Archie smiles.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
So does art mean anything to you?
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Of course it does!
(beat)
If you pretend you didn't see
anything I will make it your worth
while.
                                                            
Justin grabs Archie's shirt.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
That insults me Archie. I am an
artist!
                                                            
 

132.

INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, DRINK STAND - DAY
                                                            
Elle and Adam are watching Justin and Archie's
confrontation. Adam is a little confused. Elle has a smirk
on her face.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CORNER - DAY
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
What are you going to do?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It's not up to me anymore.
                                                            
Justin backs away from Archie. Archie fixes his clothes up
and looks at Justin. Justin puts his arm around Archie and
leads him over to the other young ARTISTS.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY EXHIBITION ROOM, CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Justin and Archie approach the other young artists.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
      (to the young
       artists)
Archie has something he would like
to say.
                                                            
Archie trembles.
                                                            
                       ARCHIE
Justin, please -
                                                            
Justin nudges Archie.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
It appears that Archie is lost for
words for the first time in his
life.
                                                            
The young artists giggle.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN (CONT'D)
I'm sorry to be the one to tell
you, but Archie here has been
ripping us off. He didn't care
about either one of you, including
me. He was dealing in Art Fraud.
                                                            
The artists cannot believe it. Many emotions fill them,

133.

shock, embarrassment, resentment.

At that moment Constable Winters and Smyth come through the
door.

Art admirers all turn to see what is going on.

Archie turns and sees the cops walking his way, scared out
of his brain.

The Constables approach Archie.
                                                            
                       WINTERS
Mr Bacon, we are placing you under
arrest for Art Fraud.
                                                            
Constable Smyth puts handcuffs on Archie. Archie has tears
in his eyes.

The Constables smile at Justin as they take Archie away.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I'm sorry folks.
                                                            
The crowd tries to contemplate what happened, whispers spark
up.

Justin walks away.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CORNER - DAY
                                                            
Justin leans up against the wall and takes a few breaths.
Elle approaches him.
                                                            
                       ELLE
You okay?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
I don't know. I knew I shouldn't
have trusted him again.
                                                            
                       ELLE
He got what he deserved and you
got an exhibition. I think it all
worked for the best.
                                                            
Justin smiles.
                                                            

134.

                       JUSTIN
I think you're right.
(beat)
Who was that cute boy I saw you
talking to?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Adam, I used to go to school with
him. He asked me out.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Did you say yes?
                                                            
Elle smiles and nods. Justin smiles back.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Congratulations.
(beat)
But you know, you open the door to
one person, you open the door to
many.
                                                            
Elle looks at Justin and smiles.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Thank you.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Thank you.
(beat)
We make a good team.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Yes we do.
                                                            
Justin looks around the room and sees a familiar face coming
through the door. Justin's mouth drops, he can't believe it.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Oh my god.
                                                            
Elle turns around.
                                                            
                       ELLE
What?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
My father is here.
                                                            

135.

Justin runs out of sight. Elle just watches, confused.

Justin leans up against the wall, breathing deeply, not sure
how to proceed.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
BRIDGET WINDSOR, mid thirties, VIOLET and CHARLES KENDALL,
mid seventies walk in further.
                                                            
                       BRIDGET
      (to a random
       person)
Excuse me, do you know where I can
find Justin Kendall?
                                                            
The RANDOM PERSON shakes his head. Bridget, Violet and
Charles continue walking.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CORNER - DAY
                                                            
Justin braces himself and walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. ART GALLERY, EXHIBITION ROOM, CENTRE - DAY
                                                            
Justin nervously approaches his family.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Hi.
                                                            
                       BRIDGET
I've been checking the newspapers
for the past ten years waiting for
your name to appear and finally it
came up. Were you going to tell
me?
                                                            
Justin smiles. He looks over to his mum and embraces her.
Then he looks to his father.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Dad.
                                                            
Justin and his father embrace and they just hold it for a
few moments.
                                                            
                       BRIDGET
Well, we've come all this way, you
better show us this masterpiece.
                                                            

136.

Justin shows them to his painting. They all stand there
amazed.
                                                            
                       BRIDGET
It's quite brilliant. I see my big
brother hasn't lost anything. What
took you so long?
                                                            
                       VIOLET
Who's the girl in the painting?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Elle Bradley. I'll introduce you.
                                                            
Justin motions for Elle to come over. Elle happily walks
over.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Mum, Dad, Bridget this is Elle.
Elle this is my mother, my father
and my sister Bridget.
                                                            
Elle shakes their hands.
                                                            
                       ELLE
Hi, it's really nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       BRIDGET
How's it feel to be the centre of
Justin's world?
                                                            
                       ELLE
Overwhelming.
                                                            
They all smile. They all walk away and observe the other
beautiful artworks.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Steven R. Scheer Date 4/18/2006 ***
It took me ahile to get around to finishing the story, but I finally did. I only rated the second half 3 stars. As a whole I'd say that it's 3 1/2 stars. I marked it down mainly bcause of the ending. For one, I thought that it was too tear jearking. But even that's alright. Mostly, I marked it down because of Adam, the Archie angle, and his parents coming were all very unnecessary. I thought it would have been a lot better if you just ended it with Justin celebrating with everybody, otherwise it's just too much to take in in those last ten pages or so. or even just concentrate on one of the three things, rather than all. Either have it fade out on Elle talking to Adam after meeting him, or Justin's parents coming in, or Archie(Although I really don't recommend using the Archie angle) Archie, we're just really under the impression that he believes in Justin, then that just is excessive and doesn't fit. Especially with the cops coming in to arrest him conveniently, it just seemed too Scooby-Doo. But other than that, I thought it was great. Besides the last ten pages or so. You write very well, and have great character development and your dialogue is extraordinary. Very good story.

From Spencer LaPray Date 2/12/2006 ****
I really like this story, very, very interesting and well written, I would recommend checking the grammar there are some spots where grammar is incorrect, but other than that wonderful. You have an excellent way of conveying emotion throughout the movie with little words, but I really understood it.

From Steven R. Scheer Date 2/3/2006 ****
I really like this story so far. I want to read the rest of it. You write very well and convey the emotion and set the mood of the story very well. The dialogue is top notch and so far, seems like it would make a great independant style movie. The only negative is that the action dialogue is a little long winded at times, but I think that just adds personality to it and represents your style, which is very distinct.


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