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Modern Family (work in progress)
by Ethan Ames (a825element@aim.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: ****
This is the account of Alan Blumenthal, his life, and the suicide of a teenage boy.


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.



MODERN FAMILY (WORK IN PROGRESS)

INT. DARK HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
It is late in the evening, and over black we can hear the
faint sounds of someone bustling about.
We JUMP CUT into a teenage boy, silouhetted by the darkness
of the hallway, hurriedly searching for something. He is
muttering to himself, and seems extremely distraught, to the
point of tears.
                                                            
He storms into an unoccupied bedroom, and opens a dresser.
He digs through clothing, and suddenly stops. He has found
what he has been looking for - a small handgun.

Adjacent to the bedroom is the bathroom. Clutching the gun,
he steps inside the dark bathroom. The teenage boy stands in
front of the mirror, with tears welling in his eyes. After a
moment, he puts the barrel of the pistol to his temple. He
closes his eyes tightly as his finger slowly begins to press
down on the trigger.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK
                                                            
Over a black screen, we hear the defeaning BANG of a
gunshot, and a body hit the floor. Then, silence.
                                                            
                       ALAN (V.O.)
      (over black)
My name is Alan Blumenthal. I'm
sixteen years old. I live in
Bethel, Pennsylvania.
                                                            
TITLE CARD: 3 MONTHS EARLIER
                                                            
CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD NEAR RESERVOIR - DAY

A black Jetta, containing ALAN BLUMENTHAL and his mother
HILARY ELKIN, speeds down a winding country road next to a
large reservoir. Alan is staring out the window at the
water, looking distant.
Hilary, 44, looks young for her age, with streaks of
artificial blonde in her brown hair. A pair of sunglasses
covers her eyes. Her demeanor is confident and strong.
                                                            
                       HILARY
So ... good day at school?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Not really, no.
                                                            

2.

                       HILARY
Did you get your math test back?
                                                            
Alan keeps his eyes averted.
                                                            
                       ALAN
No.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Come on. I find that a little bit
hard to believe, considering you
took it - what was it, three weeks
ago?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Two weeks ago.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Three weeks, two weeks ...
                                                            
Alan finally looks at his mother. He has good features - a
shaggy head of brown hair, brown eyes, and slightly freckled
cheeks.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I got it back.
                                                            
Hilary smiles slightly to herself. She knows she can get
most things out of him.
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (knowingly)
How'd you do?
                                                            
Alan smirks slightly.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (sarcastic)
An A, as usual.
                                                            
Hilary sighs.
                                                            
                       HILARY
You've gotta quit slacking off,
Al. It's almost the end of the
schoolyear, and your father's
gonna bite your head off. Mine
too, by the way.
                                                            

3.

                       ALAN
I don't think so. He's too busy
breaking up with Margaret. It's
like the third fucking girlfriend
he's gone through in a year.
                                                            
Hilary seems to be restraining herself from responding.
Hilary's morals are strong, and she knows she shouldn't
insult Alan's father in front of him. Finally, she speaks
again.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Well, that's not gonna go on
forever. The point is, you're
going into junior year in the
fall, it's -
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (interrupting)
I know, I know. The hardest year
of school. You tell me this all
the time.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Well, it shouldn't ring any less
true.
                                                            
Alan sits in silence, watching the water.
                                                            
                       ALAN (V.O.)
My mother, Hilary Elkin. She kept
her maiden name even throughout
her marriage with my dad. She and
my father have been divorced for
about three years now. From what I
can tell, she's hated him for a
lot longer than that.
                                                            
Alan turns back to his mother.
                                                            
                       ALAN
How was work?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Sucked.
                                                            
 
EXT. JOE'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
The Jetta pulls into the driveway of a gray house on a
large, expansive piece of property. Immediately, two dogs
burst through the Doggie door and begin barking excitedly at
the car.
                                                            

4.

                       HILARY
      (as one of the
       dogs jumps up)
Hunter, you idiot! Get down!
                                                            
Alan and Hilary get out of the car. Alan pets one of the
dogs, ARLO, and walks up the front steps.
                                                            
                       ALAN (V.O.)
My mom moved into her boyfriend
Joe's house a few months ago. In a
way, you could call him my
stepfather. But in many ways, you
can't.
                                                            
Alan and Hilary enter the house, the dogs at their heels.
                                                            
INT. JOE'S HOME - DAY
                                                            
JOE DAVIDSON sits comfortably the kitchen counter, reading a
magazine. He turns when he sees Alan, and smiles awkwardly.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hello.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Hi.
                                                            
After a moment of odd silence, Alan moves on toward his
bedroom. Joe and Hilary kiss.
                                                            
                       HILARY
How was work?
                                                            
                       JOE
We're renovating this old
farmhouse. They want to turn it
into a McMansion.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Ugh. Why do people even want those
things?
                                                            
                       JOE
I wish I knew.
                                                            
On his way to his room, Alan passes BRENDAN, 11, Joe's
younger son. Brendan is on the computer when he turns to
Alan, looking hopeful.
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
Alan, do you wanna try out this
new game I got for the XBox?
                                                            

5.

                       ALAN
      (distant)
Sure, in a minute.
                                                            
Alan enters his room and closes the door. His room is small
but cozy. Covering the walls are Led Zeppelin, The Beatles
and Bob Marley posters. The air conditioning is quietly
whirring in the window. Alan sits down on his bed, puts his
head in his hands, and sighs.

Suddenly, Alan notices someone standing in the corner. He
jumps up, but then he realizes who the person is.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Dad?
                                                            
His father, TOM BLUMENTHAL, stands in the corner, looking
smug.
                                                            
                       TOM
You and your mother talk about me
behind my back a lot, don't you?
                                                            
Alan looks shocked. He swallows hard and stares at his
father.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yes.
                                                            
                       TOM
You know, your mother's not as
great as she makes herself out to
be.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (bitterly)
Well, what you did was worse than
whatever she's done.
                                                            
Tom chuckles raspily, and Alan stares.
                                                            
                       TOM
You're still that pissed off?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Of course.
                                                            
                       TOM
So you complain to your mother
about it behind my back?
                                                            
                       ALAN
If I'm mad, I vent.
                                                            

6.

                       TOM
That's what a therapist is for,
kid. You can't keep things from
me forever. It's just gonna blow
up in your face.
                                                            
As quickly as it started, Alan's daydream is over, and he is
standing alone in the middle of his room. His father is
nowhere to be seen.

There is a knock at Alan's door, and he jumps.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (shaken)
Yeah?
                                                            
                       JEREMY (offscreen)
Brendan's downstairs and he asked
for you. He wants to play some
XBox game.
                                                            
Alan opens his bedroom door, and sees JEREMY, 16, Joe's
older son. There is a hint of contempt in his eyes as he
looks at Alan, but he quickly turns away and trudges off.
Alan sighs, and heads for the basement.
                                                            
 
INT. TV ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Alan sits, looking numb with boredom, watching the TV screen
as Brendan enthusiastically manipulates a video game
controller.
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
If you hold down X, you can do a
triple spin attack. Watch -
                                                            
Onscreen, a videogame character takes down another virtual
being with a curved flaming sword. Brendan bellows at the
screen triumphantly.
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
Oh-ho! (to Alan) You see that?
                                                            
Alan is plainly uninterested, but pretends to be
unconvincingly. Brendan grins boyishly, and holds the
controller out to Alan.
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
You wanna try?
                                                            
                       ALAN
No, it's all right.
                                                            

7.

Brendan continues to play, while Alan quietly heads
upstairs.
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The five of them; Alan, Hilary, Joe, Brendan, and Jeremy;
all sit at the dining room table. Jeremy is sitting in cold
silence, and Alan is eating quietly. Joe and Hilary are
talking amongst themsevles, and Brendan is trying to insert
himself in the conversation.
                                                            
                       HILARY
So, my boss unloaded at me for not
bringing the reports in on time.
She claims I'm not being as
responsible as I could be.
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
Reports? Like school papers?
                                                            
                       JOE
No, it's a little different. Don't
use your fingers, Brendan.
                                                            
Brendan has been trying to scoop extra spaghetti onto his
fork with his forefinger, but immediately withdraws it and
stares innocently. Alan looks up.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Um ... So, today, these two kids
got into a fight at school.
                                                            
                       JOE
Anyone you know?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah, my friend Ryan and this kid
named Jake. He broke Ryan's nose.
                                                            
Brendan listens intently, but Jeremy boredly looks at his
food. He seems to be trying hard not to pay attention.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Jesus. Is he all right?
                                                            
                       ALAN
They're both suspended. Jake
started the whole thing, though,
he threw -
                                                            

8.

                       JEREMY
      (interrupting)
Who gives a shit?
                                                            
Everyone looks in Jeremy's direction. Brendan looks amused
and puzzled at the same time.
                                                            
                       JOE
What was that for? Huh?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (muttering, almost
       inaudible)
I don't know.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (gesturing
       fervently)
Get out of here! Go on, you're
done with dinner.
                                                            
Sulkily, Jeremy picks up his plate and walks hastily out of
the dining room. Hilary is quiet, and JOE seems quite
indignant. Alan's expression is unreadable.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah ... So, um ... that's what
happened, I guess.
                                                            
Hilary picks up her plate, which is nearly empty, and begins
to walk out of the dining room.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Did you guys like dinner?
                                                            
                       JOE
It was very good, thank you.
                                                            
Hilary smiles slightly, and walks out. Brendan is still
picking at his spaghetti with his fork.
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
I don't like it.
                                                            
Joe turns to Alan, and looks at him sympathetically.
                                                            
                       JOE
Listen, don't worry about how
Jeremy's acting these days, okay?
                                                            
                       ALAN
He's acted this way since we moved
in.
                                                            

9.

                       JOE
He's just not used to this.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (quiet murmur)
I don't think any of us are really
used to this.
                                                            
He picks up his plate and walks out of the dining room,
leaving Joe and Brendan sitting silently.
                                                            
 
INT. FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Alan is sitting on a comfortable red couch, watching TV.
Hilary enters the room.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Hey, you.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Hi, Mom.
                                                            
She sits on the couch and puts an arm around him.
                                                            
                       HILARY
I'm sorry about how it is around
here lately. It's pretty awkward.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Good, I'm glad I'm not the only
one who noticed. (mutes the TV) I
just don't know why Jeremy gets
fucking pissed off every time I
talk.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Look, Jeremy's mad. He's just been
angry since we got here, and I
guess it's understandable, but
this all takes time. You know
that, don't you?
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (quiet, looking
       away)
Yeah.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Besides, Brendan adores you. He
thinks you're the coolest kid, he
tells Joe all the time. And Joe
thinks you're great too.
                                                            

10.

Alan reaches for the remote. Hilary sighs.
                                                            
                       HILARY
What is it? You - you don't wanna
talk about anything right now?
                                                            
                       ALAN
No, Mom, it's not that. It's just
that none of this is really
reassuring. And all the stuff
that's going on with Dad, I just
... I don't know.
                                                            
                       HILARY
You're still really mad at him,
aren't you?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yep.
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (hugging Alan)
I know, baby, I know. I am too.
                                                            
She kisses his forehead and stands up.
                                                            
                       HILARY
This whole new family thing is
gonna take some time, but it's
going to be great. I don't want
you to worry.
                                                            
She smiles in a comforting maternal way, and Alan smiles
back.
                                                            
                       HILARY
G'night. Don't stay up too late.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I won't.
                                                            
She turns and heads off for her and Joe's bedroom. Alan
turns his head and reaches for the remote, but his father,
appearing in Alan's mind, is sitting next to him on the
couch, holding it.
                                                            
                       TOM
Looking for this?
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 

11.

INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
The continuous beeping of an alarm clock is heard over
black. Suddenly, we cut to:

Alan is lying asleep in bed. It is early in the morning, and
Hilary is standing over him.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Get up, Alan. We've gotta go.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (muffled, into
       pillow)
Mmmf... No...
                                                            
                       HILARY
Alan, your father wants to see you
today. We've gotta go now. I have
to drive you to Johnsburg.
                                                            
Alan's eyes open, a disappointed look shrouding his
features. He sighs, and throws the covers off of himself.
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Brendan sits at the dining room table, pleasantly eating a
bowl of cereal. Alan shuffles groggily into the dining room,
a bowl and spoon in hand. He tiredly slumps down in a chair
across from Brendan, pours cereal and milk into his bowl,
and begins to eat, struggling to maintain consciousness.
                                                            
THE BEATLES "NOWHERE MAN" PLAYS
                                                            
 
EXT. DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Alan and Hilary step into the Jetta, and, waving goodbye to
Joe, drive off down the road. Alan, an unpleasant expression
on his face, stares out the window at the trees whipping
past. Finally, after a period of silence, he turns to
Hilary, who is sitting silently at the wheel.
                                                            
                       ALAN
When did he say he wanted to see
me today?
                                                            
                       HILARY
He called last night as I got into
bed. You've spent the last couple
of nights with me, so you should
spend some time with him now.
                                                            

12.

                       ALAN
Why couldn't you just have gotten
full custody?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Don't say that. He's your father.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Doesn't make me hate him any less.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Alan, you don't hate him -
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (bitterly)
Right. You'd know, you're the
judge of that.
                                                            
Hilary focuses her eyes on the road. Alan swears quietly to
himself.
                                                            
 
EXT. TOM'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Hilary's Jetta pulls into Tom's driveway, and the car doors
unlock. Alan reluctantly gets out, and leans in through the
window.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Can you pick me up tomorrow?
                                                            
Hilary sighs harshly.
                                                            
                       HILARY
No, Alan, I can't just come and
pick you up whenever you want me
to. I'm busy tomorrow.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What're you doing?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Joe and I have to go to Ikea, I
have to get food ... I've got a
lot to do. I think you can suck it
up for a couple nights at Dad's
house.
                                                            
Alan stares at the ground, a stormy expression on his face.
                                                            

13.

                       ALAN
      (quietly)
I can't stand being here. I'm just
so mad at him, Mom.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Well, I'm sorry you're mad. I'm
mad too, but you should try to put
it aside for the next forty-eight
hours. You aren't a baby.
                                                            
With that, she does a U-turn and pulls out of the driveway.
Her car gradually disappears down the road.

In a burst of anger, Alan suddenly bolts through the front
gate, opens the door, and enters the house. He sees his
father, sitting on the couch, reading a magazine. He is
visibly surprised to see Alan so furious.
                                                            
                       TOM
Alan - ?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Don't you 'Alan' me, you piece of
shit. I don't know why you even
make me see you, after what you
did. You know I don't like you. I
never will! Why don't you fucking
get it!?
                                                            
We JUMP CUT back to Alan, still standing in the driveway.
Another one of his daydreams has occured.

Alan exhales sharply, and trudges through the front gate and
into the house.
                                                            
 
INT. TOM'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Alan's father's house is relatively small, but tidy. The air
conditioner is the only sound eminating from the house - it
is completely silent otherwise.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Dad?
                                                            
No answer. Instead, Tom's German Shepherd STELLA comes
trotting down the stairs, happy to see him.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Hey, Stella.
                                                            

14.

He glances over toward the kitchen, and spots a Post-It note
stuck to the wood counter. Alan picks it up. It reads:

ALAN,

WENT OUT FOR BRUNCH WITH A FRIEND. SHOULD BE BACK NO LATER
THEN NOON.

-DAD
                                                            
A small smile appears on ALAN's face.
                                                            
CUT TO:

Alan is in his room, rolling up a joint. He puts it to his
mouth, lights it, and takes a hit.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
About an hour has passed. Alan is lying on his bed, dazed,
when he hears a car pulling into the driveway - his father's
car. He quickly hides his marijuana and struggles to compose
himself.
                                                            
 
EXT. TOM'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Alan's father, TOM BLUMENTHAL, a tall gray-haired man in his
early fifties, steps out of his car. He begins to walk
toward the house.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Alan runs his fingers through his hair, and shakes off a
bit. Trying to get rid of his high, he takes a deep breath.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Okay... okay... you're good...
                                                            
FADE OUT
                                                            
 
INT. DEN/LIVING ROOM AREA - DAY
                                                            
Tom enters the house, and Stella happily scurries over to
him, wagging her tail enthusiastically.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (to dog)
Hi. Hello! Hello! Did you miss me?
Did you?
                                                            
 

15.

INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Alan hears Tom overzealously greeting the dog, and knows
it's time to face his father. Under his breath, he mocks a
conversation.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (quietly)
I'm good. Just been hanging out.
Watched some TV, stuff like that.
                                                            
 
INT. DEN/LIVING ROOM AREA - DAY
                                                            
Alan heads down the stairs to see his father setting down
his coat.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Hi.
                                                            
Tom is bustling about, not looking up at Alan.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey.
                                                            
Alan slowly meanders toward him, uncertain. He is still
trying to contain his high.
                                                            
                       ALAN
So, uh... how was lunch? Brunch...
                                                            
                       TOM
Yeah, brunch. It was okay.
                                                            
Tom unfolds the newspaper and begins reading. Alan stands by
the kitchen counter awkwardly, waiting for some sort of
continuation of the conversation. When Tom does not continue
it, Alan turns and begins to head upstairs.
                                                            
                       TOM
What've you been doing?
                                                            
                       ALAN
What?
                                                            
                       TOM
While I was gone. What did you do?
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (apprehensive)
Nothing really. Just watched TV.
Stuff like that.
                                                            

16.

Tom turns the page of his newspaper and sniffles.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hmm. That's good.
                                                            
                       ALAN
'Kay... I'm going upstairs...
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Quite stoned, Alan flops down onto his bed and closes his
eyes. He quickly passes out.
                                                            
OVER BLACK, we can hear rhthymic knocking. We SMASH CUT
INTO:

Alan lies on his bed, passed out. Someone is knocking on his
bedroom door. His eyes open slightly.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (half-awake)
Wha - ?
                                                            
                       TOM (O.S.)
Alan, dinner's ready.
                                                            
Alan sits up and rubs his eyes. Tom opens the door and sees
Alan lying on the bed.
                                                            
                       TOM
You've been asleep for a while.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What time is it?
                                                            
                       TOM
      (glancing at his
       watch)
About six.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Oh, wow. Maybe I'm sick.
                                                            
Tom seems skeptical.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, dinner's ready if you want
it.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (groggy)
Coming.
                                                            
 

17.

INT. TOM'S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
A lonely dinner for two is set in Tom's cramped dining room.
Alan pokes at his chicken with his fork, not trying to hide
his lack of hunger.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (chewing)
You're not hungry?
                                                            
ALAN shakes his head no, staring elsewhere. Tom harshly
drops his fork on his plate with a clatter and glares at his
son.
                                                            
                       TOM (cont'd)
What's wrong with you, huh? You
won't eat, you go up and pass out
in your room ... Are you on
cocaine?
                                                            
Taken aback, Alan looks at his father with an incredulous
expression.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (with a laugh)
No, Dad. I'm not doing cocaine.
                                                            
Tom seems suspicious.
                                                            
                       ALAN (cont'd)
      (off his father's
       look)
Dad, how could I afford cocaine?
Do I look like I could just go out
and buy cocaine?
                                                            
                       TOM
I don't know ...
                                                            
Alan is genuinely surprised by his father's suspicions.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I hope you're not serious, Dad.
I'm not a cokehead -
                                                            
                       TOM
      (interrupting)
Okay, just drop it.
                                                            
The two of them sit silently. Tom takes another bite of
chicken.
                                                            

18.

                       TOM
Work is good. We're getting some
good stories to report on more and
more every day.
                                                            
ALAN seems bored. He nods slightly.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Didn't you mention a while back
you were going to try to get a new
job? I mean, you've been working
for that same local news station
for a long time.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm looking around.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Well, that's a little vague.
                                                            
Tom finishes his chicken. Alan slides his plate toward his
father.
                                                            
                       ALAN
You want? I'm not hungry.
                                                            
Tom glares suspiciously.
                                                            
                       ALAN (cont'd)
      (irritable)
And it's not because I'm on
cocaine. Now will you let go of
it?
                                                            
                       TOM
Okay. You're not on cocaine.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I know. Thank you. Give my chicken
to Stella if you don't want it.
                                                            
With that, Alan gets up from the table and trudges up the
stairs toward his room. Tom seems distraught, and begins
eating Alan's chicken.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
FADE INTO:


19.

It is late morning, and Alan slowly rolls out of bed. He
looks at the clock, which reads 11:47 A.M.

                                                            
He idly opens his bedroom door.
                                                            
 
INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
The house is silent, except for Stella, who is noisily
eating breakfast downstairs.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Dad?
                                                            
Alan turns to see a note on his own bedroom door. It reads:

OUT TO GET GROCERIES. BE BACK IN ABOUT AN HOUR
- DAD
                                                            
With that, Alan opens his cell phone and dials a number.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (on the phone)
Mom? It's me ... Are you really
busy right now? ... Would you be
able to come by and pick me up?
... Okay, thank you. See you soon.
                                                            
He flips the phone closed, and writes alongside his father's
scribble:

DAD,
WENT TO BETHEL WITH MOM.
- ALAN
                                                            
 
EXT. TOM'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Hilary's black Jetta pulls into the driveway, and Alan is
already waiting outside expectantly. He opens the passenger
door and hops in.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Thanks for getting me.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Don't worry about it. Does Dad
know you're coming?
                                                            

20.

                       ALAN
      (tentative)
Yeah.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Come on, Al, don't lie to me. Did
you tell him or not?
                                                            
                       ALAN
I left him a note. He'll get it
later.
                                                            
Hilary doesn't like this response. She sighs harshly.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Alan -
                                                            
                       ALAN
Mom, you didn't come here for
nothing. Let's just go.
                                                            
Hilary turns the car around, and the two of them pull out of
Tom's driveway. The car speeds out of sight.
                                                            
 
INT. HILARY'S CAR (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
                       HILARY
So, how was your night with Dad?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Well, it was good up until I saw
him.
                                                            
HILARY adjusts her sunglasses.
                                                            
                       HILARY
What happened?
                                                            
                       ALAN
It was just kinda shitty. I wasn't
hungry at dinner, so he accused me
of doing cocaine.
                                                            
HILARY lets out a guffaw.
                                                            
                       HILARY
What?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yep. He thought I was doing
cocaine because I wasn't hungry.
He's got these delusions.
                                                            

21.

ALAN sighs. HILARY sits silently for a moment.
                                                            
                       HILARY
He always has.
                                                            
FADE INTO:
                                                            
 
EXT. JOE'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
The black Jetta pulls into the driveway. Once again, the two
dogs burst through the doggie door and happily bound toward
the car. ALAN gets out of the car, brushes past them, and
heads inside.
                                                            
 
INT. JOE'S DEN (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
ALAN lazily slips off his shoes. The house is relatively
quiet. With a sigh, he closes his eyes for a moment and runs
his fingers through his hair.
                                                            
                       JOE
You okay?
                                                            
Startled, ALAN looks up. JOE, in a blue-button down and
black jeans, is standing in the kitchen with a coffee mug.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Huh?
                                                            
                       JOE
You look like you have a headache
or something.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Oh ... no, I'm just tired.
                                                            
There is a moment of awkward silence. HILARY enters the
house, and the dogs hurry in through the doggie door.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Hello.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (they kiss)
We've gotta go shopping. We're out
of bread and milk.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (to JOE)
Where's Brendan?
                                                            

22.

JOE smiles.
                                                            
                       JOE
You noticed how quiet it is around
here, then?
                                                            
ALAN laughs slightly and nods.
                                                            
                       JOE
He's at Neil's house. Jeremy's out
with someone, I'm not sure who.
                                                            
ALAN nods, and heads for his room. He closes the door behind
him.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
We FADE INTO:

JEREMY is walking hand-in-hand in a luscious, green area of
a park with a girl. Instead of the usual unhappy glare on
his face, his features are content and bright. He is wearing
a blue-and-white polo shirt and jeans.
His girlfriend, SYDNEY FISHER, is a beautiful
fifteen-year-old teen with light brown hair and blue eyes.
The two of them seem to be enjoying each other's company.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
      (excitedly)
One more week and junior year is
over.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Our first summer together.
                                                            
They embrace as they walk. She wraps her arm around JEREMY'S
waist.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
We're gonna have a lot of fun this
summer, you know that, right?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (with a toothy
       grin)
I'd hope so.
                                                            
They sit down on a bench together overlooking a grassy hill.
                                                            

23.

                       SYDNEY
So, when can I meet your family?
We've been going out for two
months, I feel bad I haven't
really asked.
                                                            
JEREMY laughs.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Well ... I don't know if you'd
want to meet them.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Why not?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
The whole situation isn't that
great right now with them. It used
to be a lot worse, though.
                                                            
SYDNEY seems geniunely interested. Likewise, JEREMY seems to
be enjoying the attention.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
How?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Well, it used to be my dad, my
brother, and my mom. My mom was a
drunk.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Don't be. I couldn't fucking stand
her.
                                                            
JEREMY leans back comfortably.
                                                            
                       JEREMY (cont'd)
So, now, it's my dad, my brother,
my dad's girlfriend Hilary, and
her son Alan.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Do you like them?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Well, they moved in so fast. My
dad and Hilary met, and then a few
months later, BOOM. She and Alan
are just living in my house. It's
kind of hard to get along with
            (MORE)

24.

                       JEREMY (cont'd)
them, because I just don't want
them there right now.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Why not?
                                                            
JEREMY pauses, and sighs harshly. SYDNEY looks uncertain.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
I'm sorry, is that - ?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
No, no. It's just that, my mom
died. Like, last year. She was
driving drunk and slammed into a
telephone pole.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Oh, my God.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
How fucking cliche is that? Drunk
woman drives into a telephone
pole. It feels like I'm in a
Lifetime movie, for Christ's sake.
                                                            
SYDNEY looks saddened, but JEREMY's face is impassive and
thoughtful. She rests her head on his shoulder.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
I'm really sorry that happened to
you.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
It didn't happen to me, it
happened to her.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
HILARY, ALAN, JOE, and BRENDAN are sitting at the dinner
table. JEREMY is nowhere to be found, and JOE looks anxious.
                                                            
                       HILARY
So, Jeremy didn't call?
                                                            
                       JOE
He rarely has his phone on. I'm
sure he's fine.
                                                            

25.

As soon as JOE finishes speaking, JEREMY stumbles through
the front door, tripping over HUNTER, the shaggy black dog.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Stupid dog -
                                                            
                       JOE
      (calmly)
Hello. Dinner's ready.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
I was out with a couple friends.
We went to the Peter's Pizza.
                                                            
                       JOE
So you had dinner?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Yeah.
                                                            
JEREMY begins to walk away.
                                                            
                       JOE (cont'd)
You can still sit here and hang
out with us.
                                                            
All four people at the table stare at JEREMY apprehensively.
ALAN looks doubtful.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
All right, fine.
                                                            
Awkwardly, JEREMY sits down across from ALAN. ALAN offers a
weak smile, which isn't returned. Suddenly, ALAN throws down
his napkin, stands up, and glares at JEREMY angrily.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (yelling)
Why do you always have to be such
an unfriendly little shit? Grow
the fuck up!
                                                            
SMASH CUT INTO: ALAN is still sitting and calmly eating, all
traces of his mental outburst gone.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
ALAN is lying in bed, almost asleep. His eyes are beginning
to flutter shut.
                                                            
                       TOM
You left in a rush today.
                                                            

26.

ALAN sits up suddenly, to see his father standing in the
middle of his room. ALAN sighs dejectedly.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Christ, Dad, what do you want?
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey, you're not talking to your
father. You're talking to your
conscience.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yes, I know.
                                                            
                       TOM
Your father isn't here, Alan. Your
father is probably off screwing
some anonymous middle-aged
housewife to make up for his utter
and complete loneliness.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I know!
                                                            
                       TOM
Then address me properly, you
fucking idiot.
                                                            
TOM's manifestation chuckles, and ALAN lies back,
exasperated.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I need to sleep. Please just leave
me alone.
                                                            
TOM begins pacing around, and ALAN throws the covers over
his head.
                                                            
                       TOM
You used to love your father, you
know. You still do, in a way.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (muffled, under
       blankets)
Fuck off.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey, I'm not leaving til we're
finished talking. Now I suggest
you take the blankets off your
face and listen up.
                                                            

27.

ALAN reluctantly obeys his conscience, and slides the covers
off his face.
                                                            
                       TOM
Now ... I was saying, you used to
love your father -
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah, I did. Until you completely
destroyed whatever type of family
we had.
                                                            
                       TOM
He. Not "you", he. I'm not him,
Alan.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (agitated)
Whatever.
                                                            
                       TOM
You don't think he regrets what he
did?
                                                            
                       ALAN
I don't give a shit, quite
frankly. What's done is done.
                                                            
TOM smirks.
                                                            
                       TOM
You little Shakespearean, you.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Christ, what're you, my fucking
English teacher?
                                                            
                       TOM
No, we've already established what
I am.
                                                            
ALAN is fed up. He sits up straight and glares angrily.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yes. You're my conscience. And I'm
extremely fucking tired, and I'd
like to go to bed. Goodnight.
                                                            
He throws the covers over himself and lies in silence for a
few moments. He peers over the lip of his blanket to see
that his room is empty. He sighs, and falls asleep.
                                                            
 

28.

EXT. JOE'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
It is several days later, and HILARY and JOE are getting
into HILARY's car.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (coming outside)
What are you guys getting from
Ikea?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Just a new bookshelf. The one in
the living room is falling apart.
                                                            
                       ALAN
When will you be back?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Few hours. It's a long drive
there. Just keep the house neat,
all right? Jeremy should be back
soon, and Brendan's coming back
from Stuart's later tonight.
                                                            
ALAN nods and waves.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (getting into the
       car)
See you later.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Bye.
                                                            
The black Jetta pulls out of the driveway and out of sight.
ALAN grins to himself and hurries inside.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
ALAN turns on the television in his room. He then unscrews a
flashlight on his shelf, and pulls out a rolled-up Ziploc
bag. He unravels it to reveal a decent amount of marijuana,
and rolling papers. He pulls out his necessities and begins
to roll a joint.
                                                            
 
EXT. JOE'S DRIVEWAY (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
JEREMY pulls into the driveway on his bike. He dismounts,
lies the bike on its side, and begins to trudge toward the
front door.
                                                            
 

29.

INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
ALAN, his joint rolled and in his hand, opens his bedroom
window and sits beside it. He lights the joint with a cheap
lighter.
                                                            
 
INT. THE DEN (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
JEREMY enters the house.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Hello?
                                                            
He walks through the living room, and can hear the
television in ALAN's room. He enters ALAN's room.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
ALAN, in plain sight, is sitting by his window, a joint to
his lips. Smoke is settling around his head. JEREMY stares.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (surprised)
Hi.
                                                            
JEREMY seems bewildered. He gives ALAN an inquisitive look.
                                                            
                       ALAN (cont'd)
You could've knocked...
                                                            
Finally, JEREMY opens his mouth.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
You smoke pot?
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (tentative)
Yeah...
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Can I have some?
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Two chairs pulled up to the window now, ALAN and JEREMY are
sharing a joint peacefully.
                                                            
                       ALAN
So, do you smoke often?
                                                            

30.

                       JEREMY
      (taking a hit)
As often as I can.
                                                            
ALAN laughs.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Wow. I would've never expected you
to be someone who smokes weed,
dude.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (chuckling)
Well, I can't really say the same
about you. You just come off as...
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (giggling)
A stoner?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Yeah.
                                                            
The two of them laugh. JEREMY passes the joint to ALAN.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (taking the joint)
Thanks.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Let's just get this out of the way
- I know I've been a dick. This
whole situation is just moving
really fast. Fucks with my head.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Don't worry about it. I know how
you're feeling, not to sound like
a therapist or Bill Clinton or
whatever. "I share your pain!"
                                                            
The two of them laugh.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
So ... I never really found out
about what your dad did to you.
I've heard you talk about it, I've
heard your mom talk about it...
                                                            
ALAN takes a long hit and blows the smoke out leisurely.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Well, you really want to know?
                                                            

31.

                       JEREMY
Why? Is it gruesome or something?
                                                            
                       ALAN
No, no. It's just something that
gets me pissed off when I think
about it. But if you really want
to know, I'll tell you.
                                                            
JEREMY looks hopeful. ALAN takes another hit and passes the
joint to JEREMY. He looks to his right, and sitting in a
chair on the opposite side of the room is the manifestation
of TOM, calmly staring at his son.
                                                            
                       TOM
You smoke too much of that stuff.
I did when I was your age too.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (snide)
Yeah, okay. I'm about to reveal
some private information. Can you
deal with that?
                                                            
                       TOM
I guess I'm gonna have to. If I
actually knew you were talking
about this, I'd beat your ass.
                                                            
                       ALAN
No, you wouldn't. You'd never hit
me.
                                                            
                       TOM
You wanna bet, buddy-boy?
                                                            
SMASH CUT INTO: ALAN is staring, dazed, into nowhere, while
JEREMY seems confused.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Alan?...Alan!
                                                            
ALAN snaps back to focus.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah - sorry. Spaced out.
                                                            
JEREMY looks at the joint, and back at ALAN.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Maybe you've had enough...
                                                            

32.

                       ALAN
No, I'm fine. (adjusts in his
seat) Okay. Here goes... About
three and a half or four years
ago, my dad supposedly went off on
a business trip. For his fucking
TV station or whatever he did back
then. But, he didn't come back for
a few weeks. We thought he was
missing, and my mom was
hysterical. I was scared too, I
thought my fucking dad was dead.
Turns out, he had met some other
woman. Ran off with her.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Shit.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah. Well, I found this out
because I found some emails from
her on the computer. They said
shit like, "Just come with me,
I'll make you happier than you've
ever been, forget about your
family..." Fucked up stuff like
that. I told my mom, and she
flipped. She couldn't believe that
my dad had left her, but what got
to her more was that he had to lie
about it. He ducked and snuck off
like a fucking coward instead of
saying to her, "I don't want to
stay married anymore."
                                                            
JEREMY passes the joint to ALAN, who takes one more hit, and
hands it back.
                                                            
                       ALAN (cont'd)
So... after about six months, he
shows up, out of the blue, on our
doorstep. I guess his fling with
whoever this fucking ditz was
didn't work out. And he actually
wanted my mom to take him back. He
expected her to accept him after
what he had done. So, naturally,
she divorced him. For some fucked
up reason, they got split custody
instead of just giving it all to
my mom, and now, well, here we
are.
                                                            

33.

There is a long pause, and JEREMY puts out the joint, which
is nearly out. He leans back in his seat.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Fuck. No wonder you're always
wanting to be here.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I just don't like to be around
him. Knowing that he just
abandoned us, and had every
intention of not looking back. He
only came back because he had
nowhere else to go.
                                                            
JEREMY and ALAN sit staring silently out the window.
                                                            
FADE OUT
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
HILARY, JOE, BRENDAN, ALAN, and JEREMY are all bustling to
sit down at the dinner table. ALAN sits down next to JEREMY,
and HILARY notices this. She catches ALAN's eye.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (mouthing)
It's fine.
                                                            
HILARY seems pleasantly surprised. She looks at JOE, who
notices this new seating arrangement. He smiles slightly to
himself. Everyone sits down to eat in a comfortable silence.
                                                            
 
INT. JEREMY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
It is shortly after dinner - Jeremy enters his room and
shuts the door. He flips open his cell phone and dials a
number. Sydney's voice can be heard answering.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Hey. It's me.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY (through phone)
      (after a moment)
Hi.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
How are you?
                                                            
                       SYDNEY (through phone)
Listen, I can't talk right now.
                                                            

34.

Jeremy raises his eyebrows slightly.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Uh, okay. You want me to call you
later?
                                                            
                       SYDNEY (through phone)
I don't think so. I'll just talk
to you tomorrow.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (puzzled)
All right. You sure you're okay?
                                                            
Sydney has already hung up. Jeremy flips his phone closed, a
slightly hurt expression on his face. He sits down on his
bed and stares at the floor.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
INT. TOM'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
It is several days later, and Alan is back at his father's
house. He is on the computer, typing away. His father slowly
ascends the stairs and comes into view.
                                                            
                       TOM
Hey.
                                                            
Alan is fully aware of his father's presence but continues
to stare at the computer screen, still typing.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Hi.
                                                            
Tom walks over to his son tentatively and stands over his
shoulder, looking at the computer screen.
                                                            
                       TOM
What're you working on?
                                                            
Alan turns around, irritated but not showing it.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Some homework.
                                                            
They stand silently for a moment. Alan seems to be waiting
for something. He stares at his father expectantly.
                                                            
                       ALAN (cont'd)
Uh...so... what's up?
                                                            

35.

                       TOM
Well, I just, uh, wanted to let
you know I've been seeing someone.
                                                            
Alan turns back around toward the computer, visibly annoyed.
                                                            
                       TOM (cont'd)
She's a really nice woman. I'd
like you to - Hey, can you look at
me when I'm talking to you?
                                                            
Alan turns his head around.
                                                            
                       TOM (cont'd)
She's a really nice woman and I'd
like you to meet her.
                                                            
Alan continues to type. Tom sighs.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (exasperated)
What? What did I do wrong?
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (typing)
No, Dad. Nothing at all. Sounds
great. What's her name?
                                                            
Alan continues to type staring at the computer screen. Tom
is unsure as to whether or not his son is being sarcastic.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (uncertain)
Jill.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (typing)
Jill, hmm. That's - that's great.
                                                            
                       TOM
So, would you meet her?
                                                            
                       ALAN
No, thanks.
                                                            
He turns off the computer, stands up, and brushes past his
dad. He enters his room and slams the door. Tom stands by
himself.
                                                            
 

36.

INT. TRAVIS'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
We FADE INTO the DARK INTERIOR of an unfamiliar house. All
we can see is a front door. Suddenly, that front door creaks
open, and in steps TRAVIS GRODMAN, 16. He is a wiry, pimply
teenager, with a sketchy hoodlumish slump to his features.
Behind him comes Jeremy, wearing a dark sweatshirt and a
baseball cap. He seems jittery but excited.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
      (glancing at his
       watch)
All right. It's about 4:30 now,
and my dad gets home at about
five. Let's just grab it and go
back to your place. That cool?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Yeah. Cool.
                                                            
We DOLLY with the two of them as they enter Travis's
bedroom, a dark musty bedroom with busted windowshades and a
messy unkempt bed.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
      (opening a drawer)
Okay...
                                                            
He searches through the drawer for a few moments, while
Jeremy quietly glances around the room. He takes notice of a
Nine Inch Nails poster on the wall, and raises his eyebrows.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS (O.S.)
Here.
                                                            
Jeremy turns his head, and in Travis's hands is a small .22
caliber handgun. Jeremy's eyes widen with awe.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (tentatively
       reaching)
Can I?
                                                            
Travis nods and passes him the gun. Jeremy grasps the gun in
both hands and points at the wall.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
It's my uncle's. He gave it to my
dad a few years ago, and I just
took it and never gave it back.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
He didn't even know?
                                                            

37.

                       TRAVIS
Oh, he knew. I just told him I
pawned it. He kicked my ass for an
hour, but that was it. And now
I've got it all to myself.
                                                            
Jeremy pops open the chamber to reveal that it is empty.
Travis takes it.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Here, I'll load this up.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
What do you use it for? I mean, I
know for a fact you don't go
running around capping people in
the street.
                                                            
Travis laughs, a high-pitched sneaky giggle. He pulls a box
of .22 ammunition out from underneath his underwear.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Nah. I'll take it to Huntington
sometimes. That huge fucking park
a couple miles south. Shoot
squirrels and rabbits and shit
like that.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
I've got a load of woods behind my
house. Few miles worth.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
      (loading the
       pistol)
Well, that's why we're going
there.
                                                            
 
EXT. JOE'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Jeremy and Travis trudge up Joe's driveway; walking from
Travis's house. Slung over Travis's shoulder is a small
backpack, which he is trying to make as inconspicuous as
possible. Hilary is just pulling out the driveway, and she
stops the car right by the two boys.
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (rolling down the
       window)
Hi.
                                                            

38.

                       JEREMY
Hey, uh, this is Travis. We're
just coming from his house.
                                                            
Travis extends his hand and shakes Hilary's.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Nice to meet you, I'm Hilary. His
almost-stepmom.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Nice to meet you too.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Okay...well, I'm going out
shopping for some food. I'll be
back in about an hour or so.
Alan's here, I just picked him up
from his dad's.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Where's Brendan?
                                                            
                       HILARY
He went with your dad to see a
movie.
                                                            
Travis starts sidling toward the front door. Hilary takes
notice.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Well, I don't want to keep you
waiting. I'll see you guys later.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Bye.
                                                            
INT. HILARY'S CAR (CONTINUOUS) - DAY

Hilary eyes the two of them suspiciously as they enter the
house. She then pulls out of the driveway.
                                                            
 
INT. JOE'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Alan is filling up a glass of water in the kitchen when
Jeremy and Travis walk in. Alan turns. Travis grins
awkwardly.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
This your brother?
                                                            

39.

                       JEREMY
Stepbrother. Almost.
                                                            
Alan extends his hand and Travis shakes it.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Alan.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Travis. (turns to Jeremy) Can I
show him?
                                                            
Jeremy looks at Alan with a mischevious smile on his face.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Travis has a gun.
                                                            
There is a pause. Alan seems puzzled.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What?
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
A pistol. Handgun.
                                                            
                       ALAN
You have it here?
                                                            
Travis unzips his backpack and pulls out the black pistol.
He holds it out to Alan, who just stares at it. Alan then
looks up at Travis and Jeremy, a surprised and disgusted
look on his face.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Why'd you bring this here?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
We're gonna go into the woods out
back and shoot some squirrels and
shit. Do you want to come?
                                                            
Jeremy seems hopeful. Travis holds the gun in his sweaty
palm, waiting.
                                                            
                       ALAN
No. Sorry.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
You sure?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah.
                                                            

40.

Travis shuffles past Alan and beckons Jeremy along. Alan
looks at Jeremy.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (off his glance)
What?
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (quietly)
What're you, some fucking hick?
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
I'm just having some fun. We're
not hurting anyone.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What if the neighbors hear you
firing a gun? What do you think
they'll do?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Chill out. We'll be deep in the
woods.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (turning away)
All right, fine. Whatever.
                                                            
Jeremy stares at Alan's turned back for a moment, then goes
off to follow his friend.
                                                            
 
EXT. FOREST - DAY
                                                            
POP. POP.

Travis fires off two .22 rounds at something in the
distance. Jeremy stands next to him, his hand massaging his
ear closest to the gun.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Christ, that's fucking loud.
                                                            
Travis lets out a "whoo" sound and hands the gun over to
Jeremy.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Here. (points) There's a squirrel
just sitting over on that log. Go
for it.
                                                            

41.

                       JEREMY
All right.
                                                            
Jeremy takes aim, closing on eye, and fires. The gun makes a
loud POP.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Goddamn! You're a good fucking
shot!
                                                            
We do not cut to the squirrel, but we close in on Jeremy's
eyes, who stare blankly at the animal he's just killed far
in the distance.

Suddenly, a cell phone rings, and Travis reaches into his
pocket to retrieve it. He flips it open.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Shit. It's my dad, hold on.
(presses button on phone)
Hello?...Why?...I'm at my friend's
house, Dad, I-....Okay, okay! I'm
coming!
                                                            
He flips his phone closed, and Jeremy looks on, concerned.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Fuck. I have to leave, man. I
think my dad found my stash.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Of what?
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Pot. A lot of it. Oh, I'm fucked.
He's gonna beat my ass.
                                                            
He looks at the gun and grimaces.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
You're gonna have to keep the gun
at your house for a while.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
What? Why?
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
My dad'll search every fucking bag
I have. If he finds that I have
his gun, after I told him I pawned
it, he'll fucking gut me. I can't
have this on me when I go back to
my house.
                                                            

42.

Jeremy anxiously runs his fingers through his hair and
groans.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Fuck, man, I don't know -
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Listen, you have absolutely
nothing to worry about. Your
parents won't be searching your
fucking room. Just keep it here
for a few days and I'll get it
when I can. Got it?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
All right. All right.
                                                            
 
INT. JEREMY'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jeremy and Travis quickly enter Jeremy's room. Jeremy tears
open a dresser drawer, stuffs the pistol under some clothes,
and covers it up. Travis sighs.
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Okay. I'll call you to get it back
in a few days or whenever I can.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Whenever you can? I don't want
this here for, like, two months -
                                                            
                       TRAVIS
Hey. I'll do my fucking best. You
just chill until then. All right?
                                                            
Jeremy sighs and nods silently. Travis takes his empty
backpack, walks out of Jeremy's room, and closes the door.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Alan is eating grapes at the kitchen counter when Travis
silently shoves by and hurries out the front door. Alan then
heads over to Jeremy's bedroom door, curious.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (knocking)
Jeremy.
                                                            
The door opens.
                                                            

43.

                       JEREMY
Yeah, come in.
                                                            
Alan steps in and sits on Jeremy's bed.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Where'd you friend go?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
He had to go home. His dad found
his pot stash or something.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Oh. (pause) That kid was fucking
creepy.
                                                            
Jeremy grunts an inaudible reply.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I mean, seriously, who just brings
a gun over to go shoot squirrels?
Where does he think we live, the
fucking boondocks?
                                                            
Jeremy sits silently.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
      (quietly)
Yeah, he is kind of a weird kid.
                                                            
                       ALAN
So... anything new and interesting
going on in your life?
                                                            
                       JEREMY
No. You?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Well, nothing really. I'm looking
to buy an ounce.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
I can hook you up, if you want. I
know this guy in Danton who deals
a shitload of weed.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Danton? That's right near
Johnsburg.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Yeah. Here, you want his number?
                                                            

44.

The camera slowly tracks away as Jeremy gives Alan a phone
number.

We slowly FADE OUT.
                                                            
 
INT. HILARY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
TITLE CARD: THE NEXT DAY
                                                            
Hilary and Alan are sitting in the car, as she drives him
back to his father's in Johnsburg.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Okay, so, tonight and tomorrow
night you'll be at your dad's, and
I'll get you on Monday. Wow, what
day is it, the fifteenth?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Wow, school starts for you in
about...three weeks? Four weeks? I
don't know. Pretty soon.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yep.
                                                            
They sit silently for a few moments.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Dad's got a new girl.
                                                            
Hilary smiles slightly to herself.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Really.
                                                            
                       ALAN
He wants me to meet her.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Are you going to?
                                                            
                       ALAN
I don't want to.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Well... that's good for him.
                                                            

45.

                       ALAN
Hopefully not.
                                                            
 
EXT. TOM'S DRIVEWAY - DAY
                                                            
Alan steps out of the car, and Hilary rolls down the window.
                                                            
                       HILARY
All right, so, tonight Joe and I
are going out to dinner. You can
call my cell if you need me.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Okay. Talk to you later.
                                                            
 
INT. TOM'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
As Hilary pulls out of the driveway, Alan steps inside the
house. There is a note on the kitchen counter that reads
"Out with Jill. Call my cell if you need me."
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (to himself)
Out with his girlfriend. Good.
Fucking douchebag.
                                                            
He pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket with a number
on it, and picks up the telephone. He dials the number and
sits on the couch.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (on the phone)
Hey, uh, is this Justin?... What's
up, I got your number from Jeremy
Weinstein... yeah. Um... I was
wondering if I could cop an ounce
from you... Nice. Uh, how much?...
All right, I could do that. You
live in Danton? Because I'm in
Johnsburg, and I could bike over
right now if you gave me
directions ... Okay. Yeah, I'll
call you tomorrow. You'll give me
directions then? ... All right.
Cool. Bye.
                                                            
 
INT. DARK HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
It is late in the evening, and Joe's house is empty and
dark. Suddenly, Jeremy bursts through the front door, in a

46.

crazed, frantic state. He is distraught, to the point of
tears.

This is the same scene as the opening one.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
Fuck...
                                                            
He hurriedly storms through the dark hallway to his bedroom.
He finally enters his bedroom, breathing heavily and
rapidly. He opens his dresser drawer, digs through his
clothing, until he stops suddenly. Out from under the
clothes he pulls out Travis's small black handgun.
                                                            
Clutching the handgun, he stumbles into the bathroom and
stands in front of the mirror with the lights off. Only his
silhouette reflects. He raises the pistol and puts the
barrel to his temple. Tears flow down his red cheeks. He
closes his eyes and pulls the trigger.
                                                            
BANG. Jeremy's lifeless body lands with a thud on the
bathroom floor, then, silence.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
INT. JOE'S HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
It is approximately an hour later that evening. Joe, Hilary,
and Brendan enter the house through the front door. The
three of them begin taking off their shoes and jackets.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Brendan)
What did you do at Neil's?
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
We watched March of the Penguins.
                                                            
                       JOE
Did you like it?
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
It was pretty good.
                                                            
JOE turns on the lights in the kitchen.
                                                            
                       JOE
Jeremy should be back by now.
Where did he say he was?
                                                            

47.

                       HILARY
He just said he was going to a
friend's house. He said he'd get a
ride back at around nine.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (looking at his
       watch)
Nine-thirty. (calling out) Jeremy!
You home?
                                                            
                       BRENDAN
I have to pee.
                                                            
Brendan trudges over to the bathroom door, which is ajar. He
nudges it open, and suddenly stops. He stares blankly,
confused, at his brother's body lying dead on the bathroom
floor.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (offscreen)
Jeremy? You home?
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
It is early the following morning, and Alan is getting
dressed. He pulls on his socks and shoes. He picks up a
backpack from inside his closet.
                                                            
INT. LIVING ROOM (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Alan is on the phone with Justin, the drug dealer.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (speaking into
       telephone)
...Yeah, yeah, I know where that
is...Okay, I'm on a bike so it'll
take me about a half an hour.
                                                            
EXT. ROAD (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
"PEACE FROG" BY THE DOORS PLAYS
                                                            
Alan is on his bike, excitedly pedaling. His backpack is on
his shoulders and his wallet bulges in his pocket.
                                                            
 

48.

INT. JUSTIN'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
There is a knock at the door, and JUSTIN, a heavy-set
teenager with blonde hair, opens the door. Alan steps in,
and shakes his hand.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What's up, I'm Alan.
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Justin. Come on in.
                                                            
Alan follows Justin upstairs, to his bedroom. Justin closes
the door and opens large brown box. Inside it are rows and
rows of marijuana. Justin pulls out a Ziplock sandwich bag,
filled to the brim with pot. Alan examines it.
                                                            
                       ALAN
How much?
                                                            
                       JUSTIN
Three-hundred. That stuff is
decent quality. I can give you an
ounce of really top-quality shit
for four-hundred.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I've only got three-hundred.
                                                            
Suddenly, Alan's cell phone starts ringing loudly.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Shit. Hold on.
                                                            
Alan opens his phone, and the caller ID reads "Mom". Alan
flips the phone closed and pockets it.
                                                            
                       ALAN
All right, I'll take the
three-hundred bag.
                                                            
Alan pulls out his wallet, hands Justin all the cash he has,
and is handed a large bag of marijuana. Alan stuffs the bag
inside his backpack, a smile on his face.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROAD - DAY
                                                            
"GOOD TIMES BAD TIMES" BY LED ZEPPELIN PLAYS
                                                            
A satisfied grin on his face, Alan steadily pedals on a
sidewalk, heading home.


49.

We DOLLY with him as he bikes. He makes a sharp turn onto
his street. As he nears his driveway, his cell phone starts
ringing. He reaches into his pocket with one hand as he
turns toward his driveway -

Suddenly, we hear the SCREECH of car brakes. Alan's cell
phone drops from his hand as he grasps for his handlebars. A
black Jetta is skidding to a halt inches in front of his
front tires. Startled, Alan dismounts from his bike as his
mother, in the Jetta, rolls down her window.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Mom? What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (distraught)
Jesus, Alan, you almost fucking
crashed into me. I've tried
calling you, where have you been?
                                                            
                       ALAN
I was at a friend's house. What
are you doing here? What's wrong?
                                                            
Hilary is visibly fighting back tears, and Alan looks on,
concerned.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Go get some stuff from your
father's house if you need
anything and get in the car. I'll
explain.
                                                            
Alan nods. He picks up his cell phone from the ground, which
is unscathed, and wheels his bike toward the house.
                                                            
 
INT. TOM'S HOUSE (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Alan trudges upstairs. He takes the ounce out of his
backpack, and hurriedly stuffs it under his mattress.
                                                            
INT. HILARY'S CAR (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Alan enters his mom's car and closes the door. She turns the
car around and pulls out of the driveway.
                                                            
                       ALAN
So... what's going on?
                                                            
Hilary doesn't answer for a moment, taking in a deep breath.
                                                            

50.

                       ALAN (cont'd)
Grandma had another heart attack,
didn't she?
                                                            
                       HILARY
No, no. Grandma's fine.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Then what's wrong?
                                                            
Hilary's lip quivers. A tear falls onto her cheek.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Al, this is going to be very hard
to hear but I need you to hear it,
okay?
                                                            
Alan nods his head reluctantly.
                                                            
                       HILARY (cont'd)
Alan, Jeremy shot himself. Last
night.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (shocked)
What?
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (choked up)
We aren't exactly sure when it
happened last night but we got
home and Brendan found him.
                                                            
                       ALAN
He's dead?
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (crying)
Yes, Alan.
                                                            
Alan is too shocked to speak. He stares straight ahead, his
mouth starting to form words but not letting any out.
                                                            
                       HILARY (cont'd)
Now, Al, you have to listen. When
we get home we have to be strong
and keep it together. Brendan and
Joe are - God, I can't even
explain it. I can't imagine what
they're feeling right now.
                                                            
Alan stares straight ahead. His features seem suddenly
sunken and hollow.
                                                            
 

51.

EXT. JOE'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Hilary's Jetta pulls into Joe's driveway. The dogs don't
burst out the door, and the house seems eerily quiet, even
from the outside. The sky is a pale gray.
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (hugging Alan)
Okay. Be strong for me.
                                                            
Alan seems too shocked to respond. He clumsily fumbles for
the door latch, opens it, and steps out. He and Hilary both
walk together toward the front door.
                                                            
 
INT. DEN (CONTINUOUS) - DAY
                                                            
Alan enters the house first. Sitting at the dining room
table, weeping quietly into his hands, is Brendan. Alan just
stares at him, speechless. He turns his head, and Joe is at
the kitchen counter, standing silently. He turns, sees Alan,
and gives him the slightest forced grin. Hilary lightly
pushes past Alan and embraces Joe, as tears flow down Joe's
face. Alan walks silently to his bedroom, opens the door,
and slips inside.
                                                            
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM (CONTINOUS)
                                                            
Alan stumbles over to his bed, and sits down on the end of
it. He puts his head in his hands as we SLOWLY FADE OUT.
                                                            
 
INT. DEN - NIGHT
                                                            
We SMASH CUT INTO:

Joe and Hilary are sitting at the dining room table. It is
late at night, and an empty cup of coffee sits in front of
Joe. Hilary is clasping one of his hands, and the telephone
is in his other hand. He is quietly murmuring into the
telephone, trying to contain his emotions.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (into phone)
Look, I can't even think about
that right now... No, no. This is
too early. Please, I will call you
when I plan to make funeral
arraignments.
                                                            
He presses the OFF button on the phone, and lays it down on
the table. Hilary rubs her thumb across the back of his
hand.
                                                            

52.

                       HILARY
Listen to me. Just breathe deeply,
okay? I know it's hard but just
breathe deeply.
                                                            
Joe takes in a deep breath. Tears are still welling in his
eyes, however.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (offscreen)
When did they take him?
                                                            
Joe and Hilary turn their heads to see Alan, standing in the
doorway. Hilary sighs and motions to a chair beside her.
Alan sits down next to her, and she puts her arm around him.
He glances at Joe, who is staring blankly at the table.
                                                            
                       ALAN (cont'd)
      (choking on his
       words)
When did they take his body?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Last night. Right after it
happened.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (choking up)
How did he get a gun?
                                                            
Joe sighs shakily. Alan and Hilary look at him.
                                                            
                       JOE
We don't know. I never would've
let him buy one. Ever. I don't
know how he'd have gotten it.
                                                            
Suddenly, Alan's eyes widen.

FLASHBACK:
We are in Alan's P.O.V., in vivid color. We can vaguely see
a flash from an earlier scene. It shows Jeremy standing in
the kitchen, with Travis next to him, holding the gun to out
to Alan.
                                                            
                       JEREMY
I'm just having some fun. We're
not hurting anyone.
                                                            
We FLASH back into the present - in the den at night.
                                                            
                       JOE
I don't even know why he did it.
                                                            

53.

Alan's eyes are wide with realization. He opens his mouth to
speak, but stops.
                                                            
                       JOE
None of this makes any sense. It
doesn't even - ugh, God, this
can't be happening.
                                                            
Joe gets up and walks away. Hilary stands up to follow him,
and looks down at Alan.
                                                            
                       HILARY
You okay?
                                                            
Alan sighs emptily.
                                                            
                       ALAN
It doesn't even feel like this is
happening. (turns his head to his
mother) It hasn't set in for me.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Well, Alan, this is happening.
It's happening, and... (wiping
away tears) It's happening and
it's very real. I have to go find
Joe because he needs me right now.
I want you to just get into bed
and try to go to sleep as best as
you can. Can you do that for me?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah.
                                                            
He stands up and walks past his mother toward his room.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Goodnight.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Hey. C'mere.
                                                            
She embraces her son.
                                                            
                       HILARY
This is hard. (letting go of Alan)
We're going to get through this as
best as we can.
                                                            
He nods solemnly, not showing any sign of believing her
words.
                                                            

54.

                       ALAN
I'll see you in the morning, Mom.
                                                            
With that, he turns, enters his room, and softly closes the
door behind him. Hilary buries her head in her hands.
                                                            
 
INT. ALAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Alan numbly sits down on his bed, his face an empty,
expressionless image. He looks up for a moment, and sees his
father sitting directly across from him.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Fuck. Leave me alone.
                                                            
                       TOM
Geez, no one expected this, did
they? Suicide? Jesus Christ.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I said leave me alone.
                                                            
                       TOM
You could've said something, you
know. To your mother. You could've
said that his friend brought a
pistol over here. It's probably
what he used to blow his brains
out, anyway.
                                                            
Alan embraces what he is hearing, though not in a positive
manner. His face contorts and his eyes begin to well with
tears.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I didn't know he would do anything
to himself with it.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, now the kid's dead. Nothing
we can do about that.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (to himself)
I didn't know he would kill
himself.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, nobody did. You don't even
know why he did it, do you?
                                                            

55.

Alan slowly shakes his head no. Tom stands up and stretches,
with a yawn.
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, someone's at the door.
                                                            
Suddenly, there is knocking at Alan's bedroom door. He
quickly glances at it, and then back at his father -
however, his father is nowhere to be seen.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (clearing his
       throat)
Yeah. Come in.
                                                            
The door creaks ajar - it is Hilary. Alan seems suddenly
very tired.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Hi. I'm just about to go to sleep,
what is it?
                                                            
                       HILARY
I just wanted to talk to you. But
if you're going to bed, it can
wait until tomorrow.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah, just talk to me tomorrow.
I'm kind of tired.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Okay. Goodnight.
                                                            
Hilary closes the door and Alan is left alone in his dark
bedroom. He lies back on his bed and closes his eyes.
                                                            
                       TOM
Sweet dreams.
                                                            
CUT TO BLACK.
                                                            
 
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
It is early the next morning. Alan is up and dressed
already, and he is sitting at the dining room table
unenthusiastically eating a piece of toast. He doesn't seem
to be enjoying the toast, or anything at all. Hilary walks
into the kitchen in her bathrobe, looking tired yet
sleepless.
                                                            

56.

                       HILARY
You're up early.
                                                            
                       ALAN
My alarm went off at, like, six
and I couldn't fall back asleep.
                                                            
Hilary nods understandingly and tentatively crosses toward
the dining room table. She sits down across from him,
looking solemn.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Can we talk now?
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (quiet)
Sure.
                                                            
                       HILARY
I'm just - well, Joe and I - we
don't know why this happened. Why
Jeremy would just ... do that.
                                                            
The pain in Hilary's voice is evident, but Alan just stares
down at the table, avoiding her gaze.
                                                            
                       HILARY (cont'd)
I don't want you to take any of
this the wrong way. I just know
you and him became pretty close
over the past few weeks, before
this all happened.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What are you implying?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Jesus, Alan. I'm not implying
anything. I just thought you might
know something. Anything.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (knowingly)
About what?
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (distraught, her
       voice breaking)
About why Jeremy killed himself,
Alan.
                                                            
Alan sighs. He shakes his head.
                                                            

57.

                       ALAN
No, I don't.
                                                            
Hilary stares at her son perceptively. Alan stares right
back.
                                                            
                       ALAN
I'm sorry. I know just as little
as you.
                                                            
Hilary stands up and brushes her hair out of her face
somewhat angrily.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Okay.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Sorry.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Don't be sorry, it's nothing to be
sorry about. I have to get ready,
Joe and I have to go to a funeral
home. We're planning a memorial
service.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (looking back down)
Okay.
                                                            
Hilary sighs raggedly, fighting back tears, and starts to
head back upstairs.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Oh. Also, your father called last
night. He said he wants to see
you.
                                                            
Alan is silent, and Hilary is hesitant.
                                                            
                       ALAN
      (after a moment)
Does he know what happened?
                                                            
                       HILARY
Yes, I told him. He's sympathetic.
I just thought maybe you'd want to
get away from all this for a
couple days.
                                                            
                       ALAN
It's no happier there than it is
here.
                                                            

58.

                       HILARY
Alan. Don't.
                                                            
                       ALAN
What?
                                                            
Hilary is exasperated beyond belief, but is trying
desperately to keep herself together. Alan sees this and a
pang of regret ripples across his features.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Look, you're perfectly welcome to
stay up here. You live here. But
your father wants to see you, and
the next couple of days here are
not going to be pleasant. I can
pretty much guarantee that.
                                                            
Alan sighs and nods slowly.
                                                            
                       ALAN
Sure. I'll go.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Okay. I'll take you down to
Johnsburg when we get back. Take
care of Brendan while we're out,
okay?
                                                            
                       ALAN
Yeah.
                                                            
Hilary heads back upstairs.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
                                                            
It is three weeks later, in early September, and the sky is
a dull gray. Alan, Hilary, Joe, and Brendan all stand
solemnly in the expansive, lush lawn of a graveyard. A new
stone has been placed in freshly-dug dirt, and it reads:

JEREMY CHARLES DAVIDSON
MAY 13, 1988 - AUGUST 17, 2005
Loving son and brother
Taken from us too early
R.I.P.
                                                            
A harsh wind blows, and ruffles Alan's hair as he stares
blankly at Jeremy's gravestone. He looks up at the sky and
sees the trees dancing in the wind, leaves falling. He looks
at his mother and Joe, whose hands are clenched together and
they stand close. Alan smiles sadly. He looks at Brendan,

59.

standing next to them, yet looking quite alone. Alan slowly
walks over to him and puts his hand uncertainly on Brendan's
shoulder.
                                                            
 
INT. JOE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
It is later that evening. Hilary is chopping vegetables in
the kitchen when the telephone rings. She is slightly
startled, and carefully lays down her knife to pick up the
phone.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Hello?
                                                            
On the other end of the phone is Sydney. We see she is
curled up on her bed, in dim light, with a pillow in between
her legs. Her cheeks are tear-streaked yet she seems to be
done crying. Yet, she does not say anything into the phone.
                                                            
                       HILARY
      (exasperated)
Hello?
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
      (softly, uncertain)
Hi. I -
                                                            
She stops and takes in a quivering breath. Hilary, on the
other end, furrows her brow.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Who is this?
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
This is Sydney. I was -
                                                            
Sydney pauses, quite tentative. Hilary seems to be growing
frustrated with the conversation.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Sydney who?
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Sydney Fisher. I was Jeremy's
girlfriend.
                                                            
Hilary stops, her expression changing. She sighs deeply.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Oh.
                                                            

60.

                       SYDNEY
I - I don't know who I should
speak to -
                                                            
                       HILARY
I'm Hilary. I'm his father's
girlfriend.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Hi.
                                                            
There is an awkward silence. Hilary's face contorts
slightly.
                                                            
                       HILARY
I didn't know Jeremy had a
girlfriend, he never had said
anything.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Oh. Well, I just - I heard about
what had happened. A few weeks
ago. I was really upset and I
didn't know what to do.
                                                            
Hilary sits down and puts her head in her hand.
                                                            
                       HILARY
It's okay. We're all upset. It's a
terrible thing.
                                                            
Sydney's lip quivers and a tear escapes from her eye.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
I didn't know if you knew what
happened with us.
                                                            
                       HILARY
No, I don't know anything like
that. We don't even know why it
happened. Why he did it.
                                                            
Hilary's voice breaks and she rubs tears from her eyes.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
Things weren't going too well with
us, I wanted to break up with him.
I think he knew.
                                                            
Hilary sits silently, tears streaming down her face. Alan
walks into the room and sees his mother.
                                                            

61.

                       ALAN
      (mouthing)
What's wrong?
                                                            
Hilary shakes her head. Alan stands off to the side,
concerned.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
      (cont'd)
He came over that night. He just
showed up, and he was drunk, I
think. He had been with a couple
of his friends. I just had it, and
I told him I didn't want to see
him anymore. That it was over. He
was really upset, but I think
because he was drunk it just made
it worse.
                                                            
Both Sydney and Hilary are quietly crying now.
                                                            
                       HILARY
Mm-hmm.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
So he left. He just stormed out. I
never saw him again. And I
assumed, you know, after that, he
just...
                                                            
She sobs audibly, and Hilary's face contorts with tears. Her
hands fumble as she brushes the hair out of her face. Alan
watches, and the camera slows pushes in on him.
                                                            
                       SYDNEY
I just wanted to tell you; I
didn't know if you knew.
                                                            
                       HILARY
I didn't know. I had no idea.
(pause) Thank you.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From tatiana iordanova Date 7/16/2006 ****
This is an excellent script. I can’t wait to read the rest of it; I can’t wait to see it at the movie theaters.

From Josh Date 6/13/2006 ***1/2
This sounds great, your grammar seems very well placed.


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