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Last Hellos
by Jeremy Goodlander & Matt Phillips (rockingtheparadise12@yahoo.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Comedy   User Review: **1/2
We make choices that change our lives, choices that define us. Joe Sullivan is a failed man unable to come to terms with a choice he has made. After ten years, Joe must redefine himself and escape the shadow of his failure. "The Last Hello" tells the story of failure overcome. It is a story of one man taking back his life.


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



FADE IN:

INT. CHILI'S RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                                                            
The restauraunt is busy. Every table has a body. Servers run
around carrying food. It is loud. Glasses tink. Music
blares.
                                                            
Among the servers is JOE SULLIVAN(28) tall and wiry, walks
through the crowd with a slight limp. He wears black slacks
and a pressed white button down shirt, stained with grease
and sauces.

He carries a heavy order on his sholders. Joe approaches a
table, he sets the tray down.

At the table a family. Two parents, two kids, they are
obviously irritated.
                                                            
Joe begins to hand out the order.
                                                            
                       JOE
Ok. Chicken parmasan. Mac and
Cheese. Chicken fingers and
grilled salmon. Anything else for
you guys tonite?
                                                            
                       MAN
Yeah. How about our order.
                                                            
                       JOE
What?
                                                            
                       MAN
We all ordered cheesburgers. What
the hell is this?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
And we haven't had a refill yet.
We've been sitting here for over
an hour and a half.
                                                            
                       KID ONE
Daddy. I'm starving. Can we go to
McDonalds now?
                                                            
                       MAN
      (looking directly
       at Joe)
Yeah, buddy I think that's a good
idea.
                                                            

2.

The family climbs out of the booth.

Joe takes a seat in thier spot.

The father watches Joe and shakes his head: no.
                                                            
                       MAN
Man. You are by far the worst
waiter I have ever seen.
                                                            
                       JOE
You might be right.
                                                            
                       MAN
Can I give you a bit of advice?
                                                            
                       JOE
Why not?
                                                            
                       MAN
Try a different line of work.
                                                            
The man turns and follows his family out of the restaraunt.

Joe look across the room. At the kitchen door stands VINCENT
(30's) the manager. He points his finger at Joe.
                                                            
                       VINCENT
My office. Now.
                                                            
Joe hangs his head in the booth. After a second he slowly
rises and makes his way through the crowd.
                                                            
 
INT. VINCENT'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
Vincent is seated behing a huge desk. It is neat and
orderly. Vincent has his arms folded. He staring at Joe.
                                                            
Joe is slouched in a chair. His head down.
                                                            
                       VINCENT
I gotta let you go.
                                                            
                       VINCENT
You're just not cuttin' it anymore
buddy. Tonite was a prime example.
                                                            
                       JOE
It was one table Vinnie.
                                                            

3.

                       VINCENT
This has been along time coming
buddy. You've lost it.
                                                            
Joe sits motionless in his chair.
                                                            
                       VINCENT
What happened to you man? You were
on a fast track to your own
restaurant. I haven't received a
postive comment from a customer
for you in over six months.
                                                            
Joe does not respond.
                                                            
                       VINCENT
Do me a favor? Clean out your
locker so I don't have to.
                                                            
                       JOE
Can I finish out the night? I
could use the tips.
                                                            
                       VINCENT
Like you'd get any. No Joe. Go
Home.
                                                            
Joe rises from the chair and exits the office.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS - NIGHT
                                                            
The main street is filled with people. This is a street
fair. Artists and vendors call out to the crowd from their
booths.
                                                            
Joe walks though the crowd. A black bow tie is undone,
hanging from his neck.
                                                            
Joe finds his way through the crowd to his front door. To
the right is a bakery, to the left a costume store. Behind
the glass facade a female mannequin dressed as a dominatrix
stares at him.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (as he searches
       his pocket for
       the key)
Hola baby. I'm back from work. And
how was your night out?
                                                            
Joe unlocks the door. He looks at the mannequin for
another moment.
                                                            

4.

                       JOE
Nice outfit baby.
                                                            
 
INT. L STREET APARTMENT STAIRCASE - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe climbs the staircase slow, but singing.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (obnoxious)
We took this trip to Garden Grove!
Oh yeah! Smelled like Lou Dog
inside the van! Uh-huh! This ain't
no fucking reggae party! Oh no!
                                                            
 
INT. L STREET APARTMENT LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe walks toward the row of mail slots on his left, opens
one and takes out a stack of envelopes.
                                                            
At the end of the hall JIMMY sits in a plastic lawn chair
smoking a cigarette. He has his shirt off, his torso covered
with colored tattoos.
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck Jimmy? Didn't Maggie
say you can't smoke in the lobby?
                                                            
Jimmy clenches the cigarette in his fist, using it like his
middle finger. He flips Joe off.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Joe. I need to tell you something
important. Fuck Maggie.
                                                            
Jimmy takes another drag off the cigarette.
                                                            
                       JOE
O-kay. Just make sure you only
burn down your half of the
building hotshot.
                                                            
Joe turns his attention to his mail.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What the fuck is it with you
bitches? I'm not gonna burn the
place down.
                                                            
                       JOE
Where's your ashtray dude?
                                                            

5.

                       JIMMY
      (looking around)
I don't fucking. I don't have one.
                                                            
Joe stares at him for another second and turns to his
apartment.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hey, by the way have you seen my
cat?
                                                            
                       JIMMY
What makes you think I have seen
your little pussy?
                                                            
                       JOE
Probably because you live in the
hall.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
I think you have your mind on the
wrong pussy my friend.
                                                            
                       JOE
What's that supposed to mean.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Ahh you'll see my friend.
                                                            
Joe studies Jimmy for a minute then enters his apartment.
                                                            
 
INT. JOE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
The place is bare aside from the table, an old couch, a
typewriter, and a Television with a stack of DVD's on top.
                                                            
                       JOE
Jenna, I'm home. Did you find the
cat?
                                                            
Joe searches throughout the house. Empty.
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck? Jenna!
                                                            
Joe stalks back into the living room. He notices a NOTE on
the phone.

The note reads: PLAY ME.

Joe presses the play button.
                                                            

6.

                       JENNA (v.o)
Hi Joe. As you probably can see by
now, I've left. I'm sorry I just
couldn't do it anymore. These last
six months have been a nightmare
and I don't think you've even
noticed.
                                                            
There is a sliding glass door which leads out to a small
balcony overlooking the street. Joe opens it and steps out
to the balcony.
                                                            
                       JENNA (v.o)
I gave it my all Joe, and I don't
think it was enough. Anyways, I
left the invitation to your
reunion on the table by the couch.
I still think you should go Joe.
It might be good for you.
                                                            
He heads back into the living room and to the table by the
couch. He picks up the card.
                                                            
                       JENNA (v.o)
On the counter in the kitchen is a
fresh bottle of Jack and in the
fridge is a case of beer. It's my
goodbye present to you. So long
Joe. Oh, by the way I couldn't
find Fatcat or the phone.
                                                            
                                                            
Joe walks into the kitchen. He heads for the fridge. Joe
opens the fridge, empty except for a case of beer
                                                            
                       JOE
Jesus. Thanks Jenna.
                                                            
He grabs his beer and goes back to the balcony, the card in
hand.
                                                            
 
EXT. BALCONY - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe examines the contents of the card for a moment.
                                                            
He finishes off the beer and walks back inside.
                                                            
 

7.

INT. JOE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe walks into the kitchen, tosses the beer bottle out and
grabs another. He hits the pager button on his telephone,
which hangs from the wall.
                                                            
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
                                                            
                       JOE
Where the hell are you?
                                                            
He pushes the button again and walks into the living room.
                                                            
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
                                                            
Joe gets down on hands and knees, squeezes his arm under the
sofa and comes out with the phone.
                                                            
                       JOE
How the fuck?
                                                            
Joe falls into the sofa and dials a number.
                                                            
Four RINGS.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (over phone)
It's a damn shame I missed your
call. I understand that MY time is
valuable. To expedite your call,
please pay close attention. This
changes at my convenience. For
past girlfriends and sexual
history press one. For legitimate
gripes and concerns press two. For
monetary concerns of which I am
the payee press three. For all
other inquiries...

(pause)

Fuck off.
                                                            
A BEEP.
                                                            
                       JOE
Don't you have anything better to
do then that Mark? Of course you
don't. Anyhow man, I was just
wondering if you got this class
reunion thing. Looks like a real
shit kicker up in your neck
of the boonies. I'm not sure I'll
go.
            (MORE)

8.

                       JOE (cont'd)

(pause)

Anyhow. Give me a call man, just
uh, you know, leave a message with
my secretary or whatever.
                                                            
                                         FADE TO BLACK
                                                            
 
INT. JOE'E APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
Joe is passed out on the sofa. A group of beer bottles are
on the coffee table. Joe still has his work uniform on, and
a half full bottle of Jack Daniel's cradled in his arm.
                                                            
A loud BANG on the door. Another BANG.
                                                            
                       MARK
Wake up asshole! Let me in!
                                                            
Joe opens his eyes. He sits up, sips from the bottle he's
been holding.
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck.
                                                            
                       MARK
Let me in Joe! Wake up!
                                                            
Joe stands and walks to the door, opens it.
                                                            
MARK HUNTING(28) smiling, tall, and always sarcastic is
there.
                                                            
                       MARK
Good morning sweetheart. Did I
wake you?
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck are you doing here?

(laughing)

Did you get my message?
                                                            
                       MARK
Message? I look like I keep up on
that shit? What the hell are you
wearing, you have a wedding to go
to or something?
                                                            

9.

                       JOE
It's what I do now.
                                                            
                       MARK
So the rest of us have to suffer
huh?
                                                            
Mark points at the spots on Joe's shirt.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey it's nice to see you're taking
care of yourself.

(slapping Joe lightly
on the cheeks)

Nice close shave, fancy apartment.
Wow, someone broke on through huh?
                                                            
Mark strolls in and makes himself comfortable on the couch.
                                                            
                       MARK
Jenna around?
                                                            
                       JOE
No she left.
                                                            
                       MARK
When she coming back? I wanna say
hi.
                                                            
                       JOE
She's not coming back.
                                                            
                       MARK
Wait, she left like you guys broke
up?
                                                            
                       JOE
She left, like she took all the
food and shampoo, left.
                                                            
                       MARK
Wow, she took the shampoo?
                                                            
                       JOE
She took the shampoo.
                                                            
They share the silence.
                                                            

10.

                       MARK
Well, get yourself out of that
penguin suit you asshole, I'm
hungry.
                                                            
                       JOE
You drove all the way from Venice
Beach to buy me breakfast?
                                                            
Joe walks into the bedroom.
                                                            
                       MARK
No. I drove all the way from the
coast to sit on your couch and
think about eggs.
                                                            
                       JOE
Good. Why don't you think us up
some beer too?
                                                            
                       MARK
      (looking at the
       empty bottles)
Because I can see somebody else
thought about enough beer for the
both of us.
                                                            
 
INT. GOODY'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
The diner is retro, it feels like the 50's. The place is
small enough to hear the short order cook cracking eggs in
the kitchen. Mark and Joe sit across from each other in a
booth by the window. They each have coffee in front of them.
                                                            
                       MARK
So what are you gonna do?
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm not gonna chase after her if
that's what you mean.
                                                            
                       MARK
Two years is along time to just
let it go.
                                                            
                       JOE
It was over awhile ago, we were
just together for convienance.
                                                            
                       MARK
So your not gonna go?
                                                            

11.

                       JOE
I told you I'm not gonna look for
her.
                                                            
                       MARK
To the reunion jackass.
                                                            
                       JOE
Oh. No, I mean who fucking cares?
It's a reunion, no big deal.
                                                            
                       MARK
Don't be a moron Joe. A reunion is
a chance to see what losers we all
turned out to be. It's like a
talent show without talent. And
nobody wins. It's like watching
hope die, right on this table. And
then waiting to see what's
left. It's like-
                                                            
                       JOE
Would you relax? It's not like
either of those things.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey. Sue me because I'm creative.
Because I'm imaginative and-
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck me man.
                                                            
A long pause.
                                                            
                       MARK
Able to use descriptive prose to
describe my emotions as they
evolve.
                                                            
Joe leans back and shakes his head.
                                                            
                       JOE
You are...

(points a finger at
Mark)

You are a piece of work my friend.
And there is no way I am going to
this thing with you.
                                                            

12.

                       MARK
      (loud)
Would somebody talk some sense
into this guy? Please, It's like
trying to convince a monkey to
wipe his ass.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wow. Fabulous prose. Really,
striking imagery.
                                                            
                       MARK
I paint with words. That's what I
do.
                                                            
Joe nods.
                                                            
                       MARK
Oh. You're just going to sit there
and fucking nod. Great. You look
like a fucking...
                                                            
Joe motions his hand for more.
                                                            
                       MARK
(struggling)
Like a fucking... I don't know...
Like a fucking bobble head doll on
a bus driver's dashboard.
                                                            
                       JOE
Thank you. That's the best
compliment I've had in weeks.
                                                            
                       MARK
I was too generous.
                                                            
A young waitress comes to the table with their food. She
sets the plates down and walks off, swinging her hips.
                                                            
                       MARK
Wow. Now that is my type.
                                                            
Mark turns in the booth to follow her.
                                                            
                       JOE
That chick is like nineteen,
maybe. Ass.
                                                            
                       MARK
Nineteen? You think so? I was
hoping she wasn't quite that
old...
                                                            

13.

                       JOE
You think that might be why your
relationships don't last?
                                                            
                       MARK
My relationships? Look who's
talking Casanova.
                                                            
They both dig in to the food.
                                                            
                       MARK
Although, that very well could be.
Who's to say you know, I
drink a lot of fucking whiskey,
that might have something to do
with it. I wash my whites and my
colors in the same load. I don't
put the toilet seat down. I mean
why should I, we have to put it up
every time, what about fucking,

(making quotes with his hands)

Equality dude. They want us to put
down the seat, but they want the
same salary as all us men. I mean
let's really add this up, really.
We do more fucking work then they
do. How many times do you put down
the seat yourself any given day,
honestly?
                                                            
                       JOE
I kept it up, I paid the rent.
                                                            
                       MARK
Well fuck you. Forget it, how
about the average good husband?
Say he pisses six times a day,
he's got to put it up six times.
Then if he's loyal to his wife
or whatever, he's got to put it
down six times. Multiply that by
however many of us there are in
the world. You got that figure?
You fucking have it? Well take
that and apply the quadratic
equation or whatever the fuck that
thing is and it's a fucking LOT OF
WORK. Jesus. We could power the
whole western hemisphere for like
a hundred years if we could
harness all that wasted fucking
energy. We could all fuck our
            (MORE)

14.

                       MARK (cont'd)
wives twice as much.
                                                            
                       JOE
Next time I ask you why your
relationships don't last just slap
yourself, remind yourself that
you're an idiot. Then quietly go
about your business.
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm unlocking the keys to
civilization, and you can't even
see it.

(takes a bite of his omelet)

This fucking omelet is amazing.
                                                            
                       JOE
Mark, I appreciate you coming out.
I can't go to the reunion. I can't
do it.
                                                            
                       MARK
Are you trying to upset me? This
thing is our last chance for that
high school glory everybody dreams
about. By the time the twenty year
comes up we'll both be dead. Look,
dude, your karma is about to turn.
I know you have a shitty job-
                                                            
                       JOE
What makes you think that?
                                                            
                       MARK
There isn't a girl, there
isn't any money. What the fuck
have you got to lose? Trust me, I
can see your karma about to turn
right there.
                                                            
Mark points at Joe's forehead.
                                                            
                       MARK
And me? I'm coming along for the
ride brother.
                                                            
                       JOE
All that shit you just offhandedly
listed. Those are all the reasons
I won't go to the reunion.
                                                            

15.

The waitress comes by and pours more coffee.
                                                            
                       MARK
Thanks sweetie, you're doing
great.
                                                            
He follows the waitress as she walks away seductively.
                                                            
                       MARK
I fucking love it when they want
it. You should buy some lottery
tickets. I'll stand behind you in
line and soak up some of that
excess karma.
                                                            
                       JOE
Speaking of buying. You're the one
who wanted breakfast so...
                                                            
                       MARK
It's cool. I have recently
acquired a shiny new credit card
with a rather generous limit. I'll
even tip.
                                                            
Joe pretends to be surprised.
                                                            
                       MARK
Aside from all that other shit.
                                                            
Mark finishes his omelet and sets his plate on the edge of
the table.
                                                            
                       MARK
You and I are both aware of
something else. Another reason why
you won't go. The chink in your
armor, if you will.
                                                            
                       JOE
I haven't had my teeth cleaned in
months, and that's a problem.
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm talking about James.
                                                            
                       JOE
I could of gone the rest of the
day without you saying that.
                                                            
Mark reaches into his pocket and pulls out a lighter, from
his breast pocket he pulls out a pack of cigarettes. He taps
them, shakes one out and lights up.
                                                            

16.

                       JOE
You can't fucking smoke in here
asshole.
                                                            
A couple in another booth look over at him. Mark stares at
them until they look away.
                                                            
                       MARK
We'll see. Hey you remember that
chick he was going out with? The
one you had a thing for. What the
fuck was her name?
                                                            
                       JOE
Alison. Alison Jordan.
                                                            
                       MARK
Alison Jordan. God she wore the
tightest jeans man. Like you could
see how perfectly formed her ass
was. It was like she wanted you to
hate yourself for not being able
to get her.
                                                            
They both stare off, remembering. Mark blows a few smoke
rings.
                                                            
                       MARK
Somebody at this table knows about
that.
                                                            
                       COOK
      (Latino accent)
It's no smoking in here cabron!
                                                            
Mark pretends not to hear.
                                                            
                       MARK
I hear she's a photographer now.
Supposedly doing pretty well.
Lives in New York.
                                                            
                       JOE
Manhattan.
                                                            
                       MARK
Well maybe I missed a few
geography classes, but isn't
Manhattan in New York?
                                                            

17.

                       COOK
      (louder than
       before)
It's no smoking here cabron!
                                                            
Mark turns around in the booth, shrugs at the cook.
                                                            
                       MARK
We're leaving right now! Deme el
cheque!
                                                            
                       JOE
They don't say it like that
though. I mean it's more specific,
you know, like you say the
borough, then the block and the
cross street. It's a pride thing.
                                                            
                       MARK
I think it was Hemingway who said
"fuck pride."
                                                            
                       JOE
No. That wasn't Hemingway.
                                                            
The waitress brings the check, Mark pulls out his credit
card and hands it to her.
                                                            
                       MARK
Keep the change sweetheart.
                                                            
She walks off to run the card.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hemingway shot himself Joe. That's
basically like saying "fuck
pride." And saying it with a
pretty vast conviction I might
add.
                                                            
The waitress returns, drops off the card and walks away.
Mark follows her one last time.
                                                            
                       MARK
Damn.
                                                            
Joe puts his head in his hands.
                                                            
                       JOE
I can't go to this fucking thing.
                                                            
 

18.

INT. L STREET APARTMENT LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
Mark is at the mail boxes as Joe crests the staircase with
his limp. Jimmy is at the far end of the hall again,
smoking.
                                                            
                       JOE
Did you just break into my
mailbox?
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm helping you out, just relax.
Calm, assertive.
                                                            
Joe unlocks the apartment while Mark goes through his mail.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Hey, Joe. How's that waiter job
treating you?
                                                            
Joe stops with the key inserted, stares at Jimmy. Mark looks
up from the mail noticing the exchange.
                                                            
Joe opens the door and enters the apartment.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (pointing at Jimmy)
He got a different job. A better
job. He's a limo driver now.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Well, at least he doesn't have to
find a new uniform, does he?
                                                            
Mark shrugs.
                                                            
Jimmy blows smoke into the hallway.
                                                            
                       MARK
You shouldn't smoke in here buddy.
Especially when you don't have an
ashtray.
                                                            
Jimmy looks around.
                                                            
Mark goes back to the mail, walks inside.
                                                            
Jimmy gives him the finger.
                                                            
 

19.

INT. JOE'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
                       MARK
How IS that waiter job treating
you?
                                                            
                       JOE
It's not, I got fired last night.
                                                            
                       MARK
You're kidding me right? You lost
your job and your girlfriend all
in one night?
                                                            
                       JOE
My cat too. My cat is missing.
                                                            
                       MARK
Holy shit, where is Willie Nelson
when you need him? You got a
bonafide country music hit on your
hands.
                                                            
Mark notices a bundle of paper on the coffee table. He picks
it up.
                                                            
                       MARK
What's this?
                                                            
                       JOE
My latest rejection letter.
                                                            
                       MARK
For the script? When did you get
this?
                                                            
                       JOE
Last night.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (laughing)
This is too good.
                                                            
Joe nods.
                                                            
                       JOE
Laugh it up.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (laughing)
You are so going to this reunion.
                                                            

20.

                       JOE
I was afraid of that.
                                                            
Mark sits on the sofa next to Joe, laughing hysterically.
                                                            
 
INT. 1972 CHEVY NOVA-MOVING - DAY
                                                            
The Nova doesn't look like it'll last much longer. Mark is
driving with Joe riding shotgun.
                                                            
                       JOE
This thing is a real piece, man.
                                                            
                       MARK
Yeah, it's a classic. Pretty sweet
man. The guy I bought it off, he
had a glass eye. It was fucking
weird.
                                                            
Joe is trying to roll down the window.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey don't do that. Trust me,
you'll never get it back up.
                                                            
Joe stops, begins to press buttons on the stereo.
                                                            
                       MARK
You'll be in a wind tunnel all the
way to Venice Beach.
                                                            
Joe stops with the stereo, picks a magazine up off the
cluttered floor boards.
                                                            
                       JOE
I really don't want to do this.
I'm in no mood to deal right now.
                                                            
                       MARK
Man up, fag. Where are your balls?
                                                            
                       JOE
When I find em I let you know huh?

(He looks down at the magazine)

This Rolling Stone is a year and a
half old Mark.
                                                            
                       MARK
I like to keep back issues. For
reference. It's a clerical thing.
Besides...
            (MORE)

21.

                       MARK (cont'd)

(he grabs the magazine)

Britney is on the cover. Hot.
                                                            
                       JOE
How ARE things at work man?
                                                            
                       MARK
Alright. I'm doing well for
myself, as you can see. Some of
these new bands are such
assholes.Thinking they're God's
gift. Most of these guys have
never heard Bob Dylan.
                                                            
                       JOE
Shut the fuck up.
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm dead serious man, I'm working
with so called musicians that have
never heard a Bob Dylan song, I
mean they might have heard one on
the radio or whatever, but they've
never sat down and listened to
him. You know?
                                                            
                       JOE
They should be shot.
                                                            
                       MARK
Listen, this thing thing will be
fine. At the very least we can all
use it as an excuse to get wasted.
                                                            
                       JOE
How long have we known each other?
                                                            
                       MARK
Fifteen years, why?
                                                            
                       JOE
In all that time have I ever
needed an excuse to get wasted?
                                                            
                       MARK
That's my boy. Now you're starting
to come around. We've got to stop
and pick Caster up on our way out
there. Maybe have a drink or two
at his place.
                                                            

22.

                       JOE
Is he still...

(makes a smoking motion)
                                                            
                       MARK
Fuck if I know. He's a lawyer,
he's probably on to bigger shit by
now.
                                                            
 
EXT. SUNNYSLOPE APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
                                                            
 
INT. 1972 CHEVY NOVA - DAY
                                                            
Mark is looking for the visitor parking. He pulls around and
finds what he's looking for. A large truck has parked across
two spots.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wow. Somebody knows how to park
like an asshole, huh?
                                                            
                       MARK
Evidently. You know what? Fuck
this.
                                                            
Mark pulls right behind the truck and shuts the Nova off.
                                                            
                       JOE
Man, you really love to push
buttons don't you?
                                                            
                       MARK
Me? Are you kidding? Look at this
asshole, he's the one who likes to
push buttons. I should key his
fucking car.
                                                            
They get out and walk towards the truck. Joe notices a
couple of stickers on the back window.
                                                            
                       JOE
Led Zeppelin. Grateful Dead.
Dylan. G and R. Well, we can't say
he doesn't know music.
                                                            
                       MARK
Fuck that. He probably bought it
used, those were already there.
Let's go.
                                                            
 

23.

EXT. APARTMENT NUMBER 2112 - DAY
                                                            
Mark bangs on the door, a cigarette in his mouth. Joe stands
behind him, waiting.
                                                            
BANG. BANG. BANG.
                                                            
                       MARK
It's us!
                                                            
The door creaks open very slow. No one is there. Mark looks
back at Joe and shrugs. They walk in.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 2112 - DAY
                                                            
As they walk in, CASTER(28) is running down the hall into
the bedroom, bare assed.
                                                            
                       JOE
Jesus. Thanks a lot Caster.
                                                            
Joe and Mark look around. Super Mario Brothers is on the
T.V., paused. The place is a mess, Chinese takeout on the
counters, empty beer bottles all over, posters of playboy
bunnies are everywhere.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (yelling)
Dude, you play Mario naked?
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (from the bedroom)
I just woke up!
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Mark)
That's not an excuse.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (yelling)
No. that's not an excuse. Dude.
You play Mario naked?
                                                            
Caster comes out of the bedroom in sweatpants, shirtless.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Sorry about that guys. Joe what's
up man, it's been awhile.
                                                            
Caster makes a move to hug Joe. Joe moves away.
                                                            

24.

                       JOE
Man, I just saw you naked. A hug
right now would be a little too
weird okay. Let's just take it
slow Cass.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Hey, no problem. I like a little
candle lit dinner before I become
intimate. Maybe a couple draft
beers and some pizza?
                                                            
Caster winks at Joe. They shake hands.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (laughing)
How you been man?
                                                            
Mark sits down on the sofa, starts to play the video game.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Good. Kicking ass and taking names
brother. I'm doing mostly real
estate now. Better money.
                                                            
Mark throws his arms up as Mario falls into a hole.
                                                            
                       MARK
Damn.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You fucking fuck. That was my last
free man. And keep it down, my
roomates are still sleeping.
                                                            
                       MARK
Sorry, I have to get warmed up.
                                                            
Mark sees a pack of smokes on the floor. He steals one and
lights it up
                                                            
                       JOE
This place is a mess.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You should be a newscaster.
                                                            
                       JOE
Eat me. So, big shot real estate
lawyer. Why don't you get your own
place?
                                                            

25.

                       CASTER
Hold that thought. Papa needs a
brew.
                                                            
Caster goes into the kitchen, grabs three beers from the
fridge.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Mark)
Papa?
                                                            
Mark shrugs. He doesn't take his eyes off the screen.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Mark.
                                                            
Mark turns around as Caster tosses him a beer. Caster hands
one to Joe and sits on the arm of the Sofa. Joe sits down
next to Mark.
                                                            
                       MARK
What is this shit?
                                                            
                       CASTER
It's a micro brew. Drink it.
                                                            
                       JOE
Micro brew?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Only so many barrels made a year.
Micro brew.
                                                            
They all open their beers. Mark with the cigarette still in
his mouth.
                                                            
                       CASTER
So why don't I get my own place
Mark?
                                                            
                       MARK
He's afraid he won't get his
deposit back.
                                                            
Mark pauses the game and sips his beer.
                                                            
                       MARK
That's good beer.
                                                            
Joe takes another look around, then takes a sip.
                                                            

26.

                       JOE
I would say that's a good
possibility. Who cares? Eat it.

(looking at the beer)

Jesus. That is good.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I need to hire a houseman.
                                                            
                       JOE
A what?
                                                            
                       CASTER
A houseman, are you blind? A
fucking houseman. Someone to clean
up my mess.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah I heard you, but why a man?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I don't care if a fucking dog
cleans my place, as long as I
don't do it.
                                                            
Silence as Mark pilots Mario through a difficult task. Joe
looks around more and shakes his head. Mario falls into the
a crevasse.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You suck at this Mark. You play
like a two year old.
                                                            
                       MARK
Shut the fuck up.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I didn't expect to see you Joe.
Figured you'd bitch out on this
one considering.
                                                            
Joe takes a long swig, finishing his beer.
                                                            
                       JOE
Considering?
                                                            
                       MARK
      (cutting in)
Nothing. Look, Cass, he's here
man. He's fucking going. Drop it?
                                                            

27.

Caster shrugs.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hold on. Considering what?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Don't take this the wrong way man.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm completely open. Say what
you're going to say.
                                                            
                       CASTER
It's common knowledge haven't done
much since we graduated. Most of
us went to college, got careers.
You didn't.
                                                            
Joe is turned towards Caster now, tension building in his
body.

Mark pauses the video game and puts his head in his hands.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Some people had kids, got married.
Some of us made a hell of a lot of
money.
                                                            
                       MARK
Shut up Caster. Joe isn't in the
best of places right now.
                                                            
Mark turns to Caster and puts his fingers to his head.
                                                            
                       MARK
Mentally. Emotionally.
                                                            
                       JOE
Are you fucking kidding me?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I'm saying it seems like you
haven't really found any direction
man. That's all.
                                                            
Joe reaches over and takes Mark's beer, chugs it.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Thought you were gonna be a
playwrite or some shit. Now that
shit, that would be an
accomplishment. Fuck a degree.
FUCK a degree.
                                                            

28.

                       JOE
Mentally. And emotionally.

(pause)

And it was a screenwriter, dick.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (shrugs)
Sue me.
                                                            
Mark starts the video game up again. Joe and Caster watch in
silence.
                                                            
 
EXT. SUNNYSLOPE APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
                                                            
The three of them are walking towards the parking lot, Mark
with a cigarette in his mouth. Caster has a bag slung over
his shoulder. Joe is limping just behind.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Ankle still bother you huh?
                                                            
                       JOE
You shatter your ankle and tell me
how it feels.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Damn Mark. Could you park any
further from my front door? This
bag is heavy.
                                                            
                       JOE
That's what you get for packing
like a bitch.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Hey fuck you, all I've got is a
pair of slacks, some dress shoes,
and a giant box of condoms.
                                                            
                       JOE
There's no need for you to take
your lifetime supply Cass, we're
only going to be gone a day or
two. And we're not going to
Tiajauna this weekend are we?
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey, let's not rule that out
soldiers, all roads lead to
Tiajuana.
                                                            

29.

                       JOE
When you're driving.
                                                            
They come around a corner, the huge truck is still there. A
BLONDE CHICK with short shorts and a tank top is staring at
the Nova.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey sweetheart. In case you're
wondering, that's a classic.
                                                            
Caster lets out a half hearted laugh.
                                                            
The Blonde Chick turns around. She is spilling out of her
top. Joe and Caster both stop moving. Caster's jaw falls
open.
                                                            
                       BLONDE CHICK
I'm not your sweetheart smart ass.
                                                            
                       MARK
Yeah. It's a '72, that's right.
The rare four door model.
                                                            
                       BLONDE CHICK
I know what year it is. Maybe if
you painted the thing you'd get
laid once in a while.
                                                            
                       MARK
You can drive it if you want, I
don't mind.
                                                            
                       BLONDE CHICK
If you don't move it, I'm going to
DRIVE into it. I need to get to
work.
                                                            
                       JOE
You drive that?
                                                            
He points at the truck.
                                                            
                       BLONDE CHICK
Would you guy's move your fucking
car?
                                                            
The three of them open the doors and get in. Joe rides
shotgun, Caster in the back.
                                                            
Mark starts the Nova and revs the engine. It back fires. The
Blonde Chick shakes her head at them. Mark tosses the
cigarette out at her feet.
                                                            

30.

He sticks his head out the window.
                                                            
                       MARK
Dylan fucking rocks!
                                                            
He spins the tires. Joe turns around to see the chick
flipping them the bird.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's a good thing you brought
those condoms Cass.
                                                            
 
EXT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - DAY
                                                            
Joe and Caster are following Mark up the stairs to his loft.
They crest the stairs and stop to stare at the Pacific
Ocean. Mark continues to his door, not even noticing.
                                                            
                       JOE
Mark, you didn't tell me you
lived right on the beach.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Nice huh?
                                                            
                       MARK
You've been out of touch man.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's fucking amazing.
                                                            
Mark unlocks the door and steps inside. Caster follows. It
takes Joe a moment more, but eventually he enters.
                                                            
 
INT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - DAY
                                                            
Mark has his arms around a gorgeous brunette, SERA
SLADE(27). They embrace in a long, cinematic kiss. Caster
goes about making himself at home. He tosses his bag on the
floor and sits on the sofa.
                                                            
Joe stands just inside, watching Mark and Sera. The kiss
ends and Sera smiles at Joe.
                                                            
                       SERA
Hey Joe. How are you?
                                                            
                       JOE
Sera

(to Mark)

            (MORE)

31.

                       JOE (cont'd)
I didn't know you two were back
together.
                                                            
Mark walks into the small kitchen area and opens a cabinet.
                                                            
                       MARK
The blind man only knows what he
senses.
                                                            
Mark brings out a bottle of Scotch from the cabinet.
                                                            
                       SERA
Six months now.
                                                            
                       JOE
And you guys live together?
                                                            
Mark opens another cabinet and takes out four small glasses.
                                                            
                       MARK
Close enough. This winch won't
leave me alone, she doesn't pay
for a damn thing. Sits in front of
the mirror and puts make-up on all
day.
                                                            
Mark pours a couple ounces of Scotch in each glass.
                                                            
                       SERA
Screw you Mark.

(to Joe)

I haven't seen you in so long.
                                                            
Joe drops his bag and approaches Sera, gives her a hug.
                                                            
                       JOE
I know. Man, you look great.
                                                            
                       MARK
Keep your stinking hands off my
woman. Caster, get over here.
Let's toast.
                                                            
Caster tosses a magazine he's picked up onto the small
coffee table. All three of them walk over to the kitchen.
                                                            
Mark hands each a glass. He leans over and kisses Sera
again. Caster taps his lips.
                                                            

32.

                       CASTER
What about me big boy?
                                                            
                       MARK
Your lips are chapped.

(blows a kiss at Caster)

Alright guys, a toast.
                                                            
                       SERA
      (mocking)
Oooh. A toast honey? How classy.
                                                            
Mark ignores her. Caster holds his Scotch up to the light,
inspecting the color.
                                                            
                       MARK
Whatever has happened. Whatever
will happen. If our fucking
grandparents pass, or our cat
bites the bullet.
                                                            
                       JOE
Which, by the way, I think mine
has.
                                                            
Joe drinks his Scotch and slams the glass down. Everybody
looks at him, still holding their glasses in the air.
                                                            
Mark sets his glass down, pours Joe another portion, more
generous this time.
                                                            
                       MARK
Whatever happens, to always coming
back together. To our friend Joe.
Who has finally after all these
perilous years decided to grow a
pair. To a mother fucking good
time people.
                                                            
They all clink glasses and down the Scotch, Joe finishing
last with his giant portion. All four slam their glasses
down.
                                                            
Mark goes for the bottle again. He pops the cork in.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Mark)
Don't be stingy with that shit.
You said a mother fucking good
time.
                                                            

33.

                       MARK
Touche.
                                                            
Mark pops the cork. He begins to pour into Joe's glass.
                                                            
 
INT. SHARK'S POOL HALL - NIGHT
                                                            
Mark and Joe are at the bar. Sera and Caster are playing a
game of pool. The place is a little crowded, not too bad
yet.
                                                            
                       JOE
Now I need you to remind me of
something hotshot. Did you or did
you not say to me: I Mark Hunting
do solemnly swear never to be
seduced by the charm of Sera Slade
in this lifetime or the next?
                                                            
                       MARK
Were those my exact words?
                                                            
                       JOE
Yes. Those were your exact words.
What the hell are you thinking?
                                                            
                       MARK
Look here's the deal Joe. It's not
about what she did or didn't do to
me. It's not about the past with
me. It's about being happy man.
It's about going back to the place
you belong.
                                                            
                       JOE
And you're happy with her?
Because, and I could be mistaken
here, she did cheat on you, did
she not?
                                                            
                       MARK
It's about coming back Joe. Some
things you just have to let pass
man. Fucking let it pass.
                                                            
Joe takes a long gulp from a beer.
                                                            
                       JOE
Okay. Good for you. You can let it
pass, then good for you brother.
Personally I hold those close to
me to a little higher standards.
It's not okay to cheat on me. It's
            (MORE)

34.

                       JOE (cont'd)
not okay to blatantly ruin my
life. It's not okay to treat me
with disrespect. I fucking care
about the integrity of a
relationship.
                                                            
                       MARK
Joe. What I'm about to say I say
because I care about you.

(takes a swig off his beer)

So you're saying it's not
acceptable to make a mistake in
your world huh? Look at yourself
man, you don't let anybody in.
                                                            
                       JOE
What are you talking about? I was
with Jenna for two years.
                                                            
                       MARK
You shoulda married that girl six
months ago. But what did you do?
You ran and hid. You shut her out.
                                                            
                       JOE
That's bullshit.
                                                            
                       MARK
Bullshit? Look man I'll always be
your friend. I'll pick you up and
carry you brother. I fucking will,
whatever it takes. But, saying
that, you're scared man. All you
do is run scared from everything.
How many people do you have in
your life? Really, people that are
actively involved in your life?
Me? Not Jenna, not anymore.
Anybody else? I'm guessing the
answer to that is a big fat N-O.
At some point you have to stop
being scared. You have to say
"FUCK IT MAN." And then move on.
Live.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wait. You get back with Sera, the
girl who destroyed you, and I'm on
trial here for being introverted?
How the fuck does that make sense?
                                                            

35.

                       MARK
Fuck Sera. Fuck women. And you
know what? You are on trial Joe.
You're on trial with me. You're on
trial, and I'm charging you with
the worst crime a human being can
commit. The crime of not living up
to your potential. Every time I
talk to you it's something else.
My writing is horrible. I can't
write. Writers block. Too busy to
write. Fuck you Joe. I'm sick of
it man. If you want to write, then
write. If you want to bail and
jump off cliffs in Fiji, then
bail. Jump off cliffs in Fiji. But
don't keep saying, the airfare is
too much. I don't have a swimsuit.
I'm afraid of heights. You have
paper. You have pencils. What the
fuck is the problem?
                                                            
                       JOE
So what the fuck are you trying to
say?
                                                            
                       MARK
What am I saying? I'm saying, do
what you want to do. If you're
doing it, then you won't fucking
lament about this or that, the
shit you're not doing.
                                                            
Sera sticks her head in between them.
                                                            
                       SERA
What are you two loners up to?
Come play some pool with us, boys.
                                                            
Mark turns and kisses her.
                                                            
                       MARK
We're on the way baby.
                                                            
Mark gets up to follow Sera then stops.
                                                            
                       MARK
You can bet Cas is gonna have
something to say about this too,
and you better be ready. Cause if
you thought I was bad, he'll kill
ya.
                                                            

36.

Mark heads to the pool table. Joe waits a moment, then downs
the rest of his beer and walks over.
                                                            
 
EXT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - NIGHT
                                                            
Mark is carrying Sera up the stairs. Caster and Joe follow,
laughing about something. Everybody is a little buzzed, but
Sera is passed out.
                                                            
                       JOE
I know exactly what you're talking
about.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You know what I mean? Can I just
get a break. I shouldn't always
have to work so damn hard for the
loving. It's like shit woman, come
to daddy, I got love for you. I'll
take care of you.
                                                            
                       JOE
I hear ya man.
                                                            
Mark crests the staircase and looks down at Caster and Joe.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hurry the Christ up Joe. You've
got the keys.
                                                            
Sera starts to stir.
                                                            
                       SERA
Baby? Where are we?
                                                            
                       MARK
We're home baby. Don't worry, I'm
going to get you to bed.
                                                            
Caster and Joe make it to the top. Joe does an about face
and clicks his heels.
                                                            
                       JOE
Sir yes sir, I have the keys sir.
                                                            
Joe salutes Mark.
                                                            
                       MARK
Would you shut the fuck up and
open the door?
                                                            

37.

Caster starts to laugh but pulls himself under control. He
turns to Mark and clicks his heels. He salutes.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Sir. Your wish is our command sir.
We are here to please you sir.
                                                            
Caster and Joe both break up in laughter. Mark stands
patiently, Sera weighing him down. Joe walks over and
unlocks the door.
                                                            
                       JOE
Your humble abode masta.
                                                            
He waves them in. Caster darts inside. Marks carries Sera
over the threshold.
                                                            
                       MARK
Thanks for being my bitch.
                                                            
                       JOE
My tip?
                                                            
                       MARK
Try a different line of work.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm hearing that alot latley.
                                                            
 
INT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - NIGHT
                                                            
Caster is already going through the cabinets, coming out
with the Scotch from earlier.
                                                            
Mark is dumping Sera on the bed, trying to work the blankets
over her. Joe sits on the sofa and picks up a deck of cards
on the coffee table.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wow. These are sweet. Are they all
real porn stars?
                                                            
Mark finishes struggling with Sera. She is passed out in bed
now, he turns all the lights off around the bed.
                                                            
                       MARK
Am I the best looking guy in the
room?
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (pouring into
       three glasses)
If by best looking you mean ugly,
            (MORE)

38.

                       CASTER (cont'd)
then yes. You are undoubtedly the
best looking guy in the room.
                                                            
                       JOE
Why don't we ask these pretty
ladies?
                                                            
Joe fans out some cards and holds them over his head so the
others can see. All manner of obscene positions are exposed.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Poker, or Crazy Eights?
                                                            
He downs a shot of Scotch.
                                                            
                       MARK
I was thinking more along the
lines of Go Fish, I hear that's
what the privileged play.
                                                            
Mark walks over to Caster and helps him bring the Scotch and
glasses over. Joe begins to shuffle the cards.
                                                            
They set it all down on the table, Joe taking a glass.
Caster sits in a recliner to Joe's right. Mark pulls over a
folding beach chair, he sets up to the left.
                                                            
                       JOE
Straight Poker gentlemen?
                                                            
                       MARK
Straight Poker baby, like in the
movies.
                                                            
Each of them pulls out a wallet and tosses a dollar bill
into the center of the table. Joe starts to deal the cards.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Give me something good here Joe.
Don't be stingy with that shit.
                                                            
Joe finishes the deal and all three pick up their cards.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Atta boy. Now we're talking
ladies.
                                                            
Mark tosses in another buck.
                                                            

39.

                       MARK
Raise a buck gents.
                                                            
Caster tosses in a buck.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I see it.
                                                            
Joe follows suit.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'll stick around.
                                                            
Mark tosses one card on the table. Caster sets down three.
Joe tosses two down and deals each their replacements.
                                                            
                       MARK
Okay. I raise another buck.
                                                            
He tosses it in.
                                                            
Caster tosses in his dollar.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I see your buck and raise a side
bet.
                                                            
Mark and Joe stare at him.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Side bet? If I win this pot, Joe
here has to fix whatever is ailing
his ass by the end of this
weekend.
                                                            
Joe tosses his cards face down.
                                                            
                       JOE
Here we go, I fold.
                                                            
                       MARK
Cass, c'mon man. Just leave it
alone.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I'm tired of hanging with
quazi-fucking-modo all the damn
time. It's like trying to pick up
chicks with a retarded
Frankenstein floating around. It's
too much of a challenge for me. So
you lost your job. Deal with it.
                                                            

40.

                       MARK
      (to Joe)
I told you didn't I? I told you.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Dude, I mean for the last ten
years you've been moping around.
Doing this bullshit job, losing
that fucked up job. What gives?
                                                            
Mark lays down his cards.
                                                            
                       MARK
I call. Full house. Aces over
kings Cass.
                                                            
Caster lays out his cards.
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's special. But it's not
special enough to beat four hot
bitches.
                                                            
Caster rakes in the pot.
                                                            
                       CASTER
So spill, what the hell is wrong
with you?
                                                            
                       JOE
Everything and nothing.
                                                            
Caster waits for more and when it becomes obvious that Joe
won't offer anything else, he turns to Mark.
                                                            
                       MARK
You ask me it started with Alison.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Alison? You say that like it's
supposed to mean something to me.
                                                            
                       MARK
Alison Jordan. He tutored her in
high school.
                                                            
                       CASTER
This shit goes back to high
school? Where's a joint when you
need one?
                                                            

41.

                       MARK
So Joe is tutoring Alison and...

(to Joe)

I'm sorry did you wanna tell the
story?
                                                            
                       JOE
Na, keep going, you're doing fine.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Wait, wait, wait, should I get a
hanky for this?
                                                            
                       MARK
You wanna hear the story?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I apologize oh gracious one,
please continue.
                                                            
                       MARK
So, Alison was with James all
through school.
                                                            
Joe finishes his drink, pours another.
                                                            
                       JOE
Well, that doesn't mean she wasn't
also with somebody else.
                                                            
                       CASTER
What the fuck does that mean?
                                                            
                       JOE
Well I was her tutor. We spent a
lot of time...together.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Tutor for what?
                                                            
                       MARK
English.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Wait a fucking second, if we are
all such good friends, why the
fuck am I just now finding out
about all this?
                                                            
Joe and Mark exchange a look.
                                                            

42.

                       JOE
Well for one you weren't exactly
all there in school, if I remember
right.
                                                            
                       CASTER
What the hell does that mean?
                                                            
                       MARK
You were a pot head.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Dude, you don't have be so vulgar.
I'm actually kinda hurt by that
remark.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey brotha, I call 'em like I see
'em.
                                                            
                       JOE
So anyways, I was Alison's tutor
for English.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I don't get that.
                                                            
                       MARK
You know, you don't listen for
shit.
                                                            
                       JOE
Easy tiger, what don't you get big
boy?
                                                            
                       CASTER
How can people fail their native
language? It's like, you know how
to speak the language. You can
write, you can read the language.
What the Christ is the problem?
Fuck.
                                                            
                       MARK
Amen, preacher.
                                                            
Mark finishes his glass of Scotch, sets it on the table. He
picks up the cards and starts to shuffle.
                                                            
                       JOE
So I tutored her for about six
weeks. At her house. In her room.
                                                            

43.

                       MARK
In her bed.
                                                            
                       CASTER
If you're hittin' that, how did
she end up with James at the prom?
                                                            
                       MARK
You can remember that far back?
                                                            
Mark stops shuffling and starts to deal.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I have my moments, bitch.
                                                            
                       JOE
I was the tutor, not the
boyfriend.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I might be missing something. Who
really cares about that simple
high school bullshit? So, you
teach Alison a few lessons. No
wait. Alison teaches you a few
lessons, you're both real quiet
because Mom, Dad, and the family
dog are downstairs. Big fucking
deal. She goes to Prom with James.
Fuck Alison. She's a bitch. If I'm
you I'm like shit, I got mine, to
hell with it. You'll see her again
at this thing, ask her if she
wants to do a little dance for old
times sake, if you know what I
mean, wrap it up, be done with it.
Literally.
                                                            
Caster stands up and walks over to the kitchen. Mark and Joe
each throw in a dollar.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I mean, It's not worth ten years
of regret, is it?
                                                            
                       JOE
It's not regret dude it's...
                                                            
Caster throws his glass it crashes against the wall.
                                                            
                       CASTER
What? What the fuck is it? Jesus
fucking Christ, what the fuck is
it? What is it that made you
            (MORE)

44.

                       CASTER (cont'd)
basically give up on your life?
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey, Jesus, Cass, take it easy.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hey, contrary to popular belief I
am not a fucking baby, I can take
care of myself. You know you guys
act like I'm not trying here, but
there's a difference between
quitting and things not going your
way.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You know what, you're right, there
is a difference. I may not be part
of the bromance you two got going
on, but I know the difference when
I see a loser and someone whose
lost. And my friend, you fall in
that first catagory.
                                                            
                       JOE
And how the fuck do you see that?
                                                            
                       CASTER
You're a screenwriter right, or
you were if the birdies are
correct, you get one rejection and
you're done, your dream is dead.
So what do you do, you go get a
job where you drive people around
whose dreams have come true, what
are you waiting for their luck to
rub off on you?
                                                            
Joe and Mark exchange a look.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's a living. Wait what are you
talking about? I'm not a driver.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (to Mark)
I thought you said he was a limo
driver?
                                                            
                       MARK
Yeah, sorry about that. I was just
fucking around.
                                                            

45.

                       CASTER
It doesn't fucking matter. You see
things in your head with those
screenplays no one else can, they
are fucking symphonies, and
because one person didn't like it
you gave up and you settled for
the next thing that came along.
Your a fucking loser dude.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hey guys, lets just play cards.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I don't want to play. I want to
know why my friend here, has spent
ten years of his life in utter
fucking misery. Consumed by this
chick. Because seriously Mark, she
wasn't that hot.

(to Joe)

Give me some barely legit reason,
I'll let it go. I'll even support
you in your great dream to be
miserable and unlucky. Something.
                                                            
                       JOE
What is it to you Cass. Really,
what the fuck do you care? You
haven't for the last ten years,
why now?
                                                            
                       CASTER
'Cause someday you gonna look in
the mirror and your gonna have to
come to terms with yourself and
what you've done with this life.
                                                            
He opens the fridge and starts to pull things out.
                                                            
                       CASTER
What the hell is Hommus?
                                                            
                       MARK
It's made from Chick Peas. Would
you stay out of my fridge man?
                                                            
Caster closes the fridge and takes a bag of potato chips
from the counter. He brings them over to the table and sits
down again. Caster tosses a dollar into the pot.
                                                            

46.

                       CASTER
Joe, listen to me. Shit happens.
People do shit.
                                                            
Caster takes a handful of chips and munches on them.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (through chewing)
All I'm saying is make sure you
don't waste what you have on the
shit you can't change.

(looking at his cards)

I'll raise a dollar.
                                                            
Joe antes up, so does Mark.
                                                            
Caster throws down one card. Mark replaces it for him. Joe
doesn't want to trade in.
                                                            
Mark drops two of his own and replaces them.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You gonna retort?
                                                            
                       JOE
Not now.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (shrugs)
I raise you guys a twenty.
                                                            
Joe tosses his cards on the table.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Pussy.
                                                            
Joe glares at Caster. Caster is oblivious, his eyes are on
Mark.
                                                            
Mark gives Caster the eye.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I might not have it Brother. Why
don't you find out?
                                                            
                       MARK
You're an asshole Cass. You always
have to push.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Stick to the game.
                                                            

47.

They eye each other.
                                                            
                       MARK
Let's party.
                                                            
The two of them lay their cards out at the same time.
                                                            
Joe looks over at Mark's.
                                                            
                       JOE
Three of a kind.
                                                            
Joe and Mark both study Caster's cards.
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's three pair. For a set of
mathematicians you two sure can't
add.
                                                            
                       JOE
You have six cards asshole.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (looking at Mark)
Well who's fault is that?
                                                            
Mark shrugs. He takes a twenty from his wallet and tosses it
into the pot.
                                                            
 
EXT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - DAY
                                                            
Joe is outside the loft, staring at the ocean. He has a cup
of coffee in his hand. The front door opens and Sera steps
out, wearing only a long t-shirt. She has a cup of coffee as
well.
                                                            
                       JOE
Morning.
                                                            
                       SERA
Morning. I love it out here. Every
morning I do this.
                                                            
They watch the ocean together for a moment. Sera turns and
leans against the railing.
                                                            
                       JOE
How you feeling? You drank like a
faucet last night.
                                                            

48.

                       SERA
Not bad. I wasn't wasted or
anything.

(pause)

I wanted to talk to you about
something.
                                                            
                       JOE
Okay.
                                                            
                       SERA
What I did to Mark back then. It
was wrong, and I know that. I've
never made any excuses about it.
                                                            
                       JOE
Mark and I have been friends for a
long time. If he loves you, he
wants to be with you, then so be
it. I'm just under the impression,
and it could be wrong, that what
happens once will happen again.
                                                            
                       SERA
I understand your thoughts about
it. I love him. I know that's
something you understand
completely.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah. It is.
                                                            
They drink their coffee in silence for awhile.
                                                            
                       SERA
I wasn't asleep last night when
you guys were playing Poker Joe. I
heard most of what you guys said.
And um.

(long pause)

I wanted to tell you that it's
okay. Whatever it is it's ok.
                                                            
The Nova RUMBLES to a stop below the balcony.
                                                            
Caster jumps out and looks up at them.
                                                            

49.

                       CASTER
What's up ladies. I've got a
surprise.
                                                            
He pulls a small bag out of the car and jogs up the stairs.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (holding the bag
       to Joe's face)
Smell it. I mean really smell it.
                                                            
Joe sniffs.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wow.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Breakfast burritos baby.

(to Sera)

Sera, darling, could you excuse us
for a minute.
                                                            
                       SERA
If I must.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Oh you must, you must.
                                                            
Sera gives a slight bow, takes her burrito, and heads in the
house.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You know, in Mexico, when a man
gives another man a burrito it is
considered a peace offering.
                                                            
                       JOE
Really?
                                                            
                       CASTER
No not really, I just knew of this
kick ass burrito place and figured
it was better than nothing.
                                                            
                       JOE
You're such a dick.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Yes but I am a friendly dick, I'm
like Casper, only I am Casper the
friendly dick, I please both
women, literally and men,
            (MORE)

50.

                       CASTER (cont'd)
figurlitivly.
                                                            
The two share a laugh.
                                                            
                       CASTER
So we ok?
                                                            
                       JOE
Not if you keep hording that
burrito.
                                                            
 
INT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - DAY
                                                            
Caster is on the sofa, chowing down. Mark is still in bed,
but Caster has put one of the wrapped burritos on his chest.
Sera sits next to Caster and opens a burrito. Joe sits in
the recliner and does the same.
                                                            
                       CASTER
These things are amazing.
                                                            
Mark wakes up and takes the burrito off his chest as he sits
up in the bed. He walks over to the beach chair and sits.
Mark takes the wrapping off the burrito and digs in.
                                                            
 
EXT. VENICE BEACH - DAY
                                                            
Caster and Joe walk through heavy crowds. Street performers
line the sidewalk. Women in scant clothes are everywhere, a
vast mix of people move all around them.
                                                            
                       JOE
If you get something, make sure
the guy can fucking draw.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Most tattoo artists can draw
buddy.
                                                            
                       JOE
You think that. I know you think
that, but the work I've seen.
Whoo...
                                                            
They stop to watch a break dancing street performer.
                                                            
                       JOE
How much do you think they make?
                                                            

51.

                       CASTER
      (slapping Joe on
       the back)
More then you my friend. More then
you.
                                                            
They move on.
                                                            
                       JOE
You think Mark and Sera will last?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Does it fuckin' matter?
                                                            
Caster stops at a honey stand.
                                                            
                       JOE
Well yeah, she's fucked him over
once already.
                                                            
Caster picks up a bottle.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Jesus, is this how you think dude?
No wonder you're so fucked up.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm just saying, she's done it
once.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Dude, she fucked up, she said she
was sorry. Get over it. Mark did.
                                                            
Caster pulls the top off and sticks his finger in. He tastes
it.
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's good.

(puts the top back on)

Dude you really need to stop being
such a little bitch.
                                                            
                       JOE
You know what? I'm really gettin'
tired of hearing you say that.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Really?

(puts the honey back)

            (MORE)

52.

                       CASTER (cont'd)
Now that's what I wanna hear. I
wanna hear a man, not a little
girl.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck you.
                                                            
Caster steps to Joe puts his arm around him and leads him
into the crowd.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Listen to me dude, the sooner you
stop living in the past and live
for now the quicker shit will turn
around.
                                                            
Caster lifts in apple from a stand.
                                                            
                       CASTER
In the end though, no one cares.
You think Mark and I are riding
your ass because of what people
think? Fuck no dude. Fuck all
these people.
                                                            
An old woman walks by hears Caster's remark. She scoffs at
him.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Especially her. Like she's never
taken it in the ass.
                                                            
                       JOE
What's wrong with you?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I don't know, I think it has
something to do with my dad being
Irish.

(he bites into his apple)

Anyways, you start manning up.
Good shit will follow.
                                                            
                       JOE
Who made you the authority?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Me of course, cause I don't give a
fuck.
                                                            

53.

Caster notices a tattoo shop.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Let's go in here.
                                                            
 
INT. TATTOO PARLOR - DAY
                                                            
A couple girls are getting work done. A TATTOOED GUY walks
up to the front.
                                                            
                       TATTOOED GUY
What's up?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Hey man, I want to get something
done.
                                                            
                       TATTOOED GUY
Nice. You have something in mind
or you want to look at some books?
                                                            
Joe goes off and looks at the drawings on the walls.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I ain't gonna look at no fucking
books, I know what I want.
                                                            
                       TATTOOED GUY
Ok. I can take you right now.
                                                            
Caster walks to the back.
                                                            
                       JOE
So I'll see you in an hour huh?
                                                            
Caster waves from the chair.
                                                            
 
INT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - DAY
                                                            
Sera has just finished putting a black cocktail dress on.
She looks at her self in a mirror sitting on the dresser.
                                                            
Caster and Joe are on the sofa, in suits. They are both
reading magazines.
                                                            
Mark comes out of the bathroom, a tie draped around his
neck.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wow. Were you shaving your legs or
your face?
                                                            

54.

                       MARK
Keep your panties on, dick
                                                            
He fumbles with his tie.
                                                            
                       MARK
Can somebody knot this tie for me?
                                                            
                       CASTER
You put up with this Sera? You
know, daily?
                                                            
                       SERA
Try hourly.
                                                            
She takes the tie from Mark and drapes it around her own
neck. She begins to tie the knot.
                                                            
                       SERA
He's not pretty, but he's
something.
                                                            
                       MARK
On the contrary, I'm a damn fine
looking man if I don't say so
myself.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Do us a favor buddy. Don't say so
yourself.
                                                            
Sera finishes the tie, makes some adjustments. She takes it
off and hands it to Mark, gives him a kiss.
                                                            
Mark tightens the tie. He searches for the keys, finds them
on the coffee table, while simultaneously slapping Joe's
feet off.
                                                            
                       MARK
I've never had this finished, keep
your damn feet off.

(walking to the door)

You jokers ready?
                                                            
                       SERA
Jokers?
                                                            
                       MARK
Not you baby. You're a queen.
                                                            
Joe and Caster stand up. Joe slaps Caster on the back.
                                                            

55.

                       CASTER
Fuck! You asshole, that hurts man.
                                                            
                       JOE
And you call me a bitch?
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (rubbing his
       shoulder)
Fuck you, ass.
                                                            
They all walk out onto the balcony.
                                                            
The door is locked from outside.
                                                            
The phone RINGS four times.
                                                            
The BEEP of the answering machine.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (recorded)
It's a damn shame I missed your
call. I understand that MY time is
valuable. To expedite your call,
please pay close attention. This
menu has changed. For past
girlfriends and sexual history
press one. For legitimate gripes
and concerns press two. For
monetary concerns of which I am
the payee press three. For all
other inquiries...

(pause)

Fuck off.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (over phone)
Hello? I'm not sure I have the
correct number but...

(pause)

This call is for Mark Hunting. Joe
Sullivan, a tenant of mine left
your number as an emergency
contact. The reason I'm calling,
well, I'm trying to locate Mr.
Sullivan. The building where he
rents his apartment has burned
down. Unfortunately nothing can
been salvaged. Please if you're
able, I'd appreciate it if Mr.
            (MORE)

56.

                       MAGGIE (cont'd)
Sullivan would get into contact
with me, and you could let him
know that. Have a nice day.
Goodbye.
                                                            
BEEP of the answering machine.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL - NIGHT
                                                            
The school is dressed nicley. Around it's doors are banners
and balloons. Swanky dressed guests hover around the
building.
                                                            
 
INT. CHEVY NOVA - NIGHT
                                                            
Mark is driving. Sera rides shotgun with Joe in the seat
behind her. Caster next to him. They pull onto the hotel
drive.
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm thinking valet ladies.
                                                            
                       SERA
I know you're kidding me. In this
thing?
                                                            
                       MARK
Baby, this is a classic.
                                                            
                       CASTER
In that case, definitely valet.
                                                            
They pull under the hotel awning. Their doors are opened by
swift moving hotel staff.
                                                            
Mark hands the valet a twenty.
                                                            
                       MARK
She's my baby. Don't move the
fucking seat or I'll ask for
change.
                                                            
The valet hops in and drives off.
                                                            
All four stand abreast and stare at the hotel entrance.
                                                            
                       JOE
Ten years. You think we'll have
anything to talk about?
                                                            

57.

                       SERA
Too much.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Nothing we'll want to talk about.
                                                            
                       MARK
Don't worry. That's why they have
an open bar. Stay away from the
margaritas, those things spell
trouble.

(pause)

That means you Joe.
                                                            
A doorman ushers them in.
                                                            
 
INT. HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
SERIES OF SNAPSHOTS:
                                                            
Joe at the bar raising his hand to the bartender, people all
around him.
                                                            
Caster leaning close to a pretty woman.
                                                            
Joe gulping down a mixed drink.
                                                            
Mark and Sera talking with another couple.
                                                            
Joe with a shot and a beer in front of him.
                                                            
Caster toasting with a different woman.
                                                            
Joe with another mixed drink in his hand.
                                                            
Mark and Sera laughing at the bar.
                                                            
Joe, still alone, finishing off another drink.
                                                            
                                         FADE TO BLACK
                                                            
 
INT. HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL MEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe is standing in front of the mirror. A half a glass of
booze on the counter. He takes some water from the sink,
splashes it on his face.
                                                            

58.

                       JOE
What is your problem?

(he leans closer to the mirror)

She left. She ain't coming back.
Forget about it. Go have a good
time.
                                                            
Joe leans back, takes his suit coat off and drapes it over
his arm. He uses one hand to straighten his tie, adjust his
shirt.
                                                            
                       JOE
You look fine. It's not like
you're at a fashion show or
something. Who are you trying to
look good for anyhow?

(pause)

What if you see someone important
though? What then? If you don't
look good you'll regret it. I need
a new suit.
                                                            
Joe takes the coat and puts it back on. Adjusts the fit
while he talks.
                                                            
                       JOE
What do I need a new suit for?
What do you need a new suit for?
You have a wedding to go to or
something?
                                                            
Joe laughs out loud.
                                                            
                       JOE
Maybe a funeral. Yeah. I think a
funeral is more my speed. Maybe
even my funeral? Whatever suits
you I guess. Whatever suits your
suit.
                                                            
He looks down at his drink.
                                                            
                       JOE
Whatever suits your suit.
                                                            
Joe takes a drink.
                                                            

59.

                       JOE
But right now, we're about as far
from a funeral as you can get.
Maybe you just need to shut the
fuck up Joe. Has that thought ever
crossed your mind? Take that and
swirl it around for a second.
Maybe they're all right. Shut the
fuck up and get busy living.
                                                            
Joe turns the sink on, and again splashes water on his face.
He looks at himself and nods.
                                                            
 
INT. HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe walks towards the bar. Before he can make it Mark grabs
him and drags him into a group of people.
                                                            
                       MARK
Guys. You remember Joe?
                                                            
Five people stand in a semi-circle around Joe and Mark, two
guys and three women. The guys are in suits, the women all
have cocktail dresses on. They all have name tags. Everybody
nods.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Joe, this is Kevin-
                                                            
                       JOE
      (finishing)
Albert, Mona, Jenny, and Megan?
                                                            
The last woman speaks up.
                                                            
                       MEGAN
I'm Albert's wife.
                                                            
                       JOE
Nice. it's good to see you guys.
Jenny, you lost a lot of weight.
                                                            
                       JENNY
Well thank you Joe. I did, I lost
almost a hundred pounds.
                                                            
                       JOE
Incredible. It almost looks like
you had a face lift.
                                                            
SILENCE. All the women look down at the floor.
                                                            

60.

                       JENNY
Thanks. Thanks a lot Joe. You look
great too.
                                                            
Silence continues.
                                                            
                       ALBERT
Well Joe, it was good to see you
man, we're going to go-
                                                            
                       MARK
Mingle.
                                                            
                       MEGAN
That's right. You got it. Mingle.
                                                            
They all walk off into the crowd. Jenny is the last to
leave. She stares at Joe, then finally leaves.
                                                            
                       MARK
That was completely inappropriate
man. Seriously egregious.
                                                            
                       JOE
How so? She lost weight, her face
looks thinner. That's all I'm
saying.
                                                            
                       MARK
Face lift Joe. That's what you
said.
                                                            
                       JOE
Shit. It looks like she got a face
lift.
                                                            
                       MARK
That's because she did get a face
lift.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck. And it's bad to point that
out?
                                                            
                       MARK
It's probably not the most social
way to put it. Look, you know when
you're shopping with your
girlfriend and she asks you if the
jeans she's trying on make her ass
look big? Even if they do, you say
no?
                                                            

61.

                       JOE
She should wear a sign around her
neck or something. Yes, I've had a
face lift, please don't mention
it. How am I supposed to know?
                                                            
                       MARK
Fuck. You just failed the kindness
lesson.
                                                            
                       JOE
Are you the authority on the
subject? Mister swinging dick in
the diner. Checking out a nineteen
year old girl.
                                                            
                       MARK
You had your eyes on her too.
Besides she could have been in her
twenties.
                                                            
                       JOE
Eventually.
                                                            
Caster makes his way to them through the crowd.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Guys, what's up?
                                                            
Mark and Joe shake their heads.
                                                            
                       MARK
Captain Obvious and his offending
adventures, that's about it.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Hey, you guys remember Blimpy
Jenny? I saw her. Dude someone
lost some weight. I could be wrong
but, it looks like a face lift to
me.
                                                            
                       JOE
Did you tell her that?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Fuck no dude, that's rude.
                                                            
                       JOE
But calling her Blimpy Jenny is
acceptable?
                                                            

62.

                       CASTER
You have much to learn my friend.

(scans the crowd)

Let's hit the bar again. I'm
starting to lose my buzz.
                                                            
Mark, Joe, and Caster start towards the bar, talking
throughout.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You guy get your names in for the
raffle?
                                                            
                       JOE
What raffle?
                                                            
                       MARK
They're giving away a free
vacation for two. Guess where?
                                                            
They get to the bar and sit down.
                                                            
Caster waves at the Bartender, who comes over.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Three Margarita's.
                                                            
                       MARK
Guess where?
                                                            
                       JOE
I don't know. Tell me.
                                                            
                       MARK
Cancun, Mexico.
                                                            
                       JOE
That's great. Perfect.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Why is this significant?
                                                            
                       JOE
Senior trip. Cancun, it's where we
went.
                                                            
                       MARK
Where Joe and Alison
got...friendly.
                                                            

63.

                       CASTER
My man.
                                                            
Caster raises his hand for a high five. Joe stares at him.
                                                            
                       MARK
Remember what I said about karma?
It's a sign.
                                                            
                       JOE
What is?
                                                            
                       MARK
The fucking Cancun thing man. It's
a sign.
                                                            
The Bartender comes back with the drinks. They each take one
and have a drink.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I bet these are better in Cancun.
                                                            
                       MARK
Oh much better.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck man. If I put my name in will
you shut the fuck up?
                                                            
                       MARK
Maybe. However we can't guarantee
anything. That my friend, would be
reckless.
                                                            
Joe walks away shaking his head.
                                                            
                       JOE
Friends my ass.
                                                            
 
INT. HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe, Mark, and Caster are back at the bar. They turn around
as JOHNATHAN(28) gets up on stage and takes the microphone.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
If I could get your attention
people. Put the drinks down
please.
                                                            
Scattered LAUGHTER in the crowd.
                                                            

64.

                       JOHNATHAN
First, I'd just like to thank
everybody for making it out.
                                                            
APPLAUSE.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
Yeah. That's right. It's good to
see everybody. For those of you
who don't remember me, which is
probably nobody, I'm John, your
humble and great looking
valedictorian. And yes, I am as
successful as you all thought I'd
be. Kudos to you all for your
foresight.
                                                            
Scattered BOOS in the crowd.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Fucking guy.
                                                            
                       JOE
He's a prick.
                                                            
                       MARK
A Harvard educated prick.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
I'm kidding. Relax people. Okay,
so we're doing a drawing. The
prize,

(mock game show host)

a nostalgic trip to the sandy
shores of Cancun, Mexico. Of
course, all inclusive for two
people.

(drawing from a glass
container)

And the winner is Vince Favaru.
                                                            
Scattered gasps in the crowd.
                                                            
Caster starts laughing.
                                                            
                       JOE
What's so funny?
                                                            

65.

                       MARK
      (to Caster)
You son of a bitch.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
Come on up Vince.

(waits a second)

Anyone seen Vince?
                                                            
                       A VOICE FROM THE CROWD
He's dead.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
He's dead? How did his name end
up....

(looks at the container)

Well we'll have to draw again.
                                                            
Draws from the container again.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
And the winner is Joe Sullivan!
                                                            
Joe's jaw drops. Caster watches Mark. Mark jumps up and
down, goes crazy.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
Is Joe alive?
                                                            
                       MARK
Yeah! Woooo! Karma baby! That's
what I'm talking about, karma!
                                                            
Joe gets on stage, Johnathan hands him an envelope.
                                                            
APPLAUSE.
                                                            
                       JOHNATHAN
Congrats Joe.
                                                            
                       JOE
Thanks a lot.
                                                            
Joe turns to leave the stage then stops.
                                                            
ALISON JORDAN(28) with a drink in her hand, is smiling up at
him. She has bright eyes and classic features. Her cocktail
dress hugs her curves.
                                                            

66.

                       JOE
      (into the
       microphone)
Well fuck me.
                                                            
The APPLAUSE dies down. The crowd, not sure how to react,
falls silent.
                                                            
                       MARK
Get off stage man. Take the
envelope and get off stage.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Karma! Yeah baby! Karma!
                                                            
Joe looks back at Jonathon. Jonathon shrugs.
                                                            
Joe looks back to the crowd, the dress and Alison are gone.
                                                            
Joe heads back to Mark and Caster, scanning the crowd as he
goes.
                                                            
                       CASTER
What did we tell you, you lucky
muthafucker!
                                                            
                       MARK
What's up dude?
                                                            
                       JOE
I saw her, I saw Alison.
                                                            
                       MARK
Really? Did she look good?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I told you she wasn't that hot
back then...holy shit.
                                                            
Caster is staring past Joe, both Joe and Mark turn to meet
Caster's gaze. Alison is walking through the crowd towards
the boys.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I take back every negative comment
I've said about her.
                                                            
                       ALISON
How ya doing Joe?
                                                            
                       JOE
I just won a trip to Cancun,
pretty damn good right now.
                                                            

67.

                       ALISON
I bet.
                                                            
                       JOE
Umm, you remember Mark and...
                                                            
Joe turns to introduce his friends only to see them bolting
to the dance floor.
                                                            
He turns to Alison.
                                                            
                       ALISON
I do, some things never change
huh?
                                                            
                       JOE
I second that, you did though, I
think you look better now then you
did back then.
                                                            
                       ALISON
No school dress code, thanks
though.
                                                            
                       JOE
Can I get you a drink?
                                                            
                       ALISON
No actually, I've got a long drive
back. Thanks...again.
                                                            
                       JOE
So where...
                                                            
Joe is interrupted by Beth Ross (27) she is pretty if she
works at it.
                                                            
                       BETH
Alison you'll never believe who
got a facelift.
                                                            
                       ALISON
No I probably wouldn't. Beth you
remember Joe Sullivan don't you?
                                                            
                       BETH
Joe Sullivan?
                                                            
She is quiet for a while, trying to place him. She is
muttering to herself.
                                                            

68.

                       JOE
What's wrong, all that makeup too
heavy for your mouth?
                                                            
Alison stifles a laugh.
                                                            
Beth extends her hand which Joe reluctantly takes.
                                                            
                       BETH
Well I'm sure you two have lots of
catching up to do, but Alison I
have more people you need to see,
nice seeing you again Jeff.
                                                            
Beth takes Alison's hand and begins to drag her away. Alison
shrugs at Joe as she leaves with Beth.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'll catch up with you later?
                                                            
Alison does not respond. She dissapears into the crowd.

Joe watches helplessly, a drink in his hand.
                                                            
Mark and Caster appear over Joe's sholder.
                                                            
                       MARK
Just like old times huh Buddy?
                                                            
                       JOE
Eat me.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You know there's only one way to
get over a rejection.
                                                            
                       JOE
We're already drinkin'.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I'm not talking 'bout drinking.
I'm talking about our aged old
remedy. Guarenteed to make you
forget your problems and ease your
mind.
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck are talking about?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I still know how to get into the
coaches office.
                                                            
 

69.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
Caster, Mark and Joe are walking down the hallway. Pushing
each other into lockers.
                                                            
                       MARK
What makes you think they haven't
figured out your trick to get into
the office?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Because nobody but me has the
balls to go the way I know.
                                                            
                       JOE
How do you get in there?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Trade secrets my son.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck you.
                                                            
They arrive at the coaches office.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Now, if you'll excuse me.
                                                            
                       MARK
Please. By all means masta Casta.
                                                            
Caster bows. He promplty turns abd begins down the hall.
Then spins around to face the boys.
                                                            
                       CASTER
No peeking now, fellas. You stay
where you're at.
                                                            
                       JOE
Just get the fucking ball, you
dick.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Ok ok, calm yourself.
                                                            
Caster turns and heads down the hall. He dissapears around a
corner.

Joe and mark exchange a look.
                                                            
They sprint down the hall stpping at the corner.

Joe peeks around the corner. A door is CLOSING.

70.


Joe motions for Mark to follow. They head to the door.
                                                            
The door is the entrance to the GILR'S LOCKEROOM.

Joe and Mark exchange a look.

Joe reaches for the door. Just as his nand touches the door
the handle the door flies open.
                                                            
Caster steps out with a basketball in his hands.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You sneaky little bastards.
                                                            
                       MARK
You're calling us sneaky bastards
look at you, going through the
girls locker room.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I told you nobody else had the
balls. her door is always unlocked
into the locker room.
                                                            
                       JOE
You're sick you that?
                                                            
                       CASTER
You little bitches wanna play or
what?
                                                            
BASKETBALL GAME HERE, A LITTLE SOUL BEARING.
                                                            
 
EXT. WEST HOLLYWOOD HOTEL - NIGHT
                                                            
Caster and Joe are at the Valet stand waiting for Mark and
Sera to show.
                                                            
                       JOE
He said ten minutes. What the
fuck?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Jesus buddy, what are you, the
fashion police?
                                                            
Joe gives Caster a "what the fuck?" look.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I don't know man. That's the booze
talking. What can I say?
                                                            

71.

Joe shakes his head.
                                                            
The lobby doors open. JAMES(28) comes out. Over his suit he
wears a letterman's jacket covered in patches.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Hey, look who it is.
                                                            
Joe looks.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Isn't that?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (finishing)
Alison's high school boyfriend.
                                                            
James hands his ticket to the Valet, he runs off.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Caster)
Watch this.

(speaks louder)

Hey. What the fuck is this guy
wearing? I bet that'll get him a
date.
                                                            
                       JAMES
You guy's say something?
                                                            
                       JOE
It was more cumulative then
"something".
                                                            
Caster steps towards James and puts his hands on his hips.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Excuse me sir. I am required by
federal law to inform you that you
are in felonious violation of
fashion law THX 1138 section 1971.
We're going to have to take you
down to the station.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fashion police huh?
                                                            
Caster and Joe both laugh.
                                                            

72.

                       BETH
That's pretty funny man. You're a
funny guy. Hey, I bet you became a
comedian right?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Real estate lawyer.
                                                            
                       JAMES
That's too bad. What a waste of
talent.
                                                            
                       CASTER
We're kidding man. We've just. Had
a few.
                                                            
                       JAMES
A few?
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah, you got a problem with that?
                                                            
                       JAMES
No problem, don't worry about it.
I can see you guys are cool.
                                                            
                       JOE
Cool? Cool? We're smoking buddy.
You know what? You were always
such an asshole man. I remember
the time this guy threw Mikey G.
in the pool.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Yeah me too. Hey Joe. It's cool
man, don't worry about it.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Caster)
Fuck that.

(to James)

You slashed Miss Nelson's
tires too. Huh? I remember because
everybody talked about it. I
thought it was an asshole move. My
own personal opinion of course.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Joe. That's enough.
                                                            

73.

                       JOE
      (to Caster)
You wanna back the fuck up?
                                                            
Caster steps back.
                                                            
                       JAMES
Anything else you fucking punk?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (moving closer)
I can come up with a few more, but
I don't think I need to.
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (backing down)
No you don't.
                                                            
                       JAMES
That was a long time ago. I'm not
proud of who I was back then. But
I've changed.
                                                            
                       JOE
Oh really?
                                                            
                       JAMES
Yeah. There's life outside high
school Joe. I don't live in the
past.
                                                            
Joe is quiet. Caster steps in front of him.
                                                            
                       CASTER
So what is it you do now James?
                                                            
                       JAMES
I work in Hollywood. I'm an agent.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Really? You rep anyone we heard
of?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Really, that's ironic cause my
friend here, the one who tried to
lay you out, is a screenwriter.
                                                            
                       JAMES
Is that so? Who are you repped by?
                                                            

74.

                       JOE
Umm, don't really have an agent
per say. More struggling than
anything.
                                                            
A silence falls over the threesome.
                                                            
                       JAMES
Here

(he hands Joe a card)

Send my office what you have. I'll
take a look. If I like what I see,
we'll talk again.
                                                            
                       JOE
You serious?
                                                            
                       JAMES
Like I said, I don't live in the
past. If I remember right you were
a kick ass writer back in the day.
                                                            
James car pulls up. Before Joe can respond. James is in the
car and gone.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Joe. What the fuck?
                                                            
                       JOE
Was that manning up enough for
you?
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's not quite what I had in
mind.
                                                            
                       JOE
Next time be more specific.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I didn't say it was bad.
                                                            
Caster grabs the card from Joe's hand.
                                                            
                       CASTER
But it'll do.
                                                            
Mark and Sera come out the doors.
                                                            
                       JOE
Finally. Ten minutes?
                                                            

75.

Mark hands his ticket to the valet.
                                                            
                       MARK
Give or take.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Our boy is growing up.
                                                            
Caster hands Mark the card.
                                                            
                       MARK
Wait. Wait a minute. James is a
Hollywood agent?
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's right. And he wants to
represent Mark Twain here.
                                                            
                       MARK
You gotta be shitting me.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah, that was the oddest
conversation of my life. One
minute I'm ready to go blows, the
next I'm being offered a job.
                                                            
The Nova pulls up.
                                                            
                       MARK
Should we call an ambulance?
                                                            
                       JOE
I should be fine, thanks.
                                                            
                       SERA
Can we go please?
                                                            
They start piling into the car. The valet holds the door for
Mark.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (handing over a
       bill))
You didn't fucking move the seat
did you? I'll come back here.
Believe me I will, I've done it
before.
                                                            
                       SERA
Get in the car.
                                                            
Mark spins the tires as they drive off.
                                                            

76.

                       MARK
Yabba dabba doo.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE YUCCA PUB - NIGHT
                                                            
The parking lot is empty. The four of them are walking
towards the entrance.
                                                            
                       MARK
Can't believe this place is still
standing.
                                                            
                       JOE
It couldn't shut down, this is
probably still where everyone goes
after the games.
                                                            
Mark lights a cigarette as he walks. Sera and Caster stop at
the entrance. Joe is lingering behind.
                                                            
Mark stops Joe.
                                                            
                       MARK
Hang with me a sec?
                                                            
Joe nods.
                                                            
                       MARK
      (to Sera)
I'll be in a sec, baby.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Make it fast ladies or I'll be
drunk by the time you get in.
                                                            
Sera and Caster disappear inside.
                                                            
                       JOE
Isn't he already drunk?
                                                            
                       MARK
When isn't he?
                                                            
                       JOE
Very true.
                                                            
 
INT. THE YUCCA PUB - NIGHT
                                                            
The place is a dive. A small dance floor off to the right
with an ancient jukebox. A pool table next to that, with a
group of women shooting. Pictures of movie stars are all

77.

over the walls, some signed.

The bar itself is nearly empty. An old man with a cowboy hat
is at the bar nursing a glass of Scotch.

Caster and Sera walk in. Sera to the restroom Caster to the
pool table.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Ladies, how may I be of service to
you tonight? Or better yet how may
you service me?
                                                            
                       BETH
The only servicing I see you doing
tonite is on yourself, stud.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Careful with this one, Beth, he's
a quick one.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Well fuck me, if it isn't
Cinderella herself.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Cinderella, good one. Good to know
somethings never change.
                                                            
                       CASTER
No no no seriously, you are my
freind's Cinderella.
                                                            
                       ALISON
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       CASTER
My lady if you follow me to the
bar, I would be more than happy to
explain it to you.
                                                            
Alison looks to Beth who shakes her head, Alison begins to
follow Caster.
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's what I'm talking about.
                                                            
Alison and Caster sit at the bar, a couple of stools down
from the old man.
                                                            
The BARTENDER drifts over.
                                                            

78.

                       BARTENDER
What can I make for you?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Ladies first.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Can I have a whiskey and coke?
                                                            
                       CASTER
I'll stick with a Scotch on the
rocks.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
No problem.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (taking out a
       credit card)
Will you throw everything on this,
and keep it open for me?
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
You got it.
                                                            
Caster turns his attention to Alison who is looking around
the bar.
                                                            
                       CASTER
So what's up Cinderella?
                                                            
                       ALISON
This is gonna be a short
conversations if you keep that up.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Whoah, my bad.
                                                            
They are quiet for minute.
                                                            
                       ALISON
What did we ever see in this
place?
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (points to the
       pictures)
Look at the walls. John Wayne.
Bogart. Shit, Costner even.
                                                            
The Bartender sets the drinks on the bar.
                                                            

79.

                       CASTER
The service is excellent. Very
speedy. And they don't check I.D's
remember?
                                                            
                       ALISON
Yes, I do.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I rest my case.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Well in that case, no pun
intended.
                                                            
Caster smiles at her through his glass.
                                                            
                       CASTER
And so it goes.
                                                            
                       ALISON
And so what goes?
                                                            
                       CASTER
The story of our lives. Joe is
going to write it all down and
make us famous. You and he, the
leads.
                                                            
The Old Man perks up and begins to listen.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Why would you say that?
                                                            
                       CASTER
There's something you don't know
about Joe, Alison. My good friend
Joe.
                                                            
                       ALISON
And what is that?
                                                            
                       CASTER
The truth is, he's lost without
you.
                                                            
Caster sees Sera exit the restroom.
                                                            
                       CASTER
      (under his breath)
Shit.
                                                            

80.

                       ALISON
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       CASTER
Yes darling, I would never lie to
you. The truth is this: Joe has
been waiting for this since the
day he met you. It is what we in
the human race business call,
Love. At. First. Sight. And this
is no illusion my dear, it is pure
fact.
                                                            
Sera approaches Caster and Alison. Caster rises.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Alison, this is Sera. Sera this is
Joe's Alison. She'll fill ya in.
                                                            
Caster turns from the bar to the pool table.
                                                            
The Old Man watches Caster walk to the ladies.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Hey Karl.
                                                            
The Bartender turns in the Old Man's direction.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
      (points over his
       shoulder to
       Caster)
Whatever that young man wants,
it's on me.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
You got it hoss.
                                                            
Sera sits in Caster's seat facing Alison.
                                                            
                       SERA
You're Alison? Joe's Alison?
                                                            
                       ALISON
I'm not sure exactly. Who are you?
                                                            
                       SERA
Sera Slade, Mark Hunting's
girlfriend. What did Caster tell
you?
                                                            

81.

                       ALISON
I actually have no idea. Something
about Joe being lost without me?
                                                            
                       SERA
Oh wow. Umm well as much as I hate
to agree with him, he's kinda
right.
                                                            
                       ALISON
How is that possible? I haven't
seen Joe for ten years.
                                                            
                       SERA
Well, I'll tell you what I know.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE YUCCA PUB - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MARK
Listen man, I wanted to say
something but I didn't want to say
it in front of Caster.
                                                            
                       JOE
Ok, shoot.
                                                            
                       MARK
I know you feel like you missed
your chance with Alison tonight
and I know it's probably fucking
you up inside
                                                            
Joe begins to interrupt.
                                                            
                       MARK
Just lemme finish. In a way I
agree with what Caster said the
other night. Not about you being a
loser but that you've let this one
incident shape who you are and
what you're doing with your life.
                                                            
The door opens a drunk couple stumble out. They are giggling
and talking in Spanish. As they pass Joe and Mark the man
says something to the woman who in turn laughs hysterically.
Mark lets out a laugh as well.
                                                            
                       JOE
What'd they say?
                                                            
                       MARK
They say we make a good couple.
                                                            

82.

                       JOE
Maybe they know something we
don't.
                                                            
                       MARK
Maybe. Anyways, so what I'm trying
to say is maybe somebody or
something is trying to tell you
something.
                                                            
                       JOE
Listen, I appreciate this, I
really do. But I think I'm done
taking advice.
                                                            
                       MARK
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       JOE
I mean I think it's time I get my
ass back in the game. I've waited
long enough...I think it's time.
                                                            
                       MARK
Really? Well that's my boy, that's
what I'm talking about. What about
Alison?
                                                            
                       JOE
What about her? It's like you
said, I had my chance. There are
no second chances right?
                                                            
                       ALISON
Sometimes there is.
                                                            
Mark and Joe turn and find Alison standing by the door of
the bar.
                                                            
                       JOE
How long have you been standing
there?
                                                            
                       MARK
I would guess long enough.
                                                            
                       ALISON
That would be a good guess.
                                                            
                       JOE
Thought you were leaving tonite.
                                                            

83.

                       ALISON
I thought I was too. Beth
convinced me to stay a day or two.
                                                            
                       MARK
Way to go Beth.
                                                            
There is a silence as Joe and Alison lock eyes. Mark is the
third wheel.
                                                            
                       MARK
Excuse me I think I swallowed a
bug.
                                                            
Mark gives Joe and look then enters the bar.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Met some of your friends inside.
                                                            
                       JOE
Talked to Caster did ya?
                                                            
                       ALISON
And Sera. Very nice girl, and she
had some..interesting things to
say.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm sure she did.
                                                            
                       ALISON
I asked you a question earlier Joe
and now that I think about it, I
don't think you were honest with
me.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Don't be sorry Joe, just don't
lie. I asked you how you were,
remember?
                                                            
                       JOE
I do.
                                                            
Alison waits for her answer.
                                                            
                       ALISON
So how are you?
                                                            

84.

                       JOE
Truthfully?
                                                            
                       ALISON
MMM, what do you think?
                                                            
                       JOE
I have days I can't eat because my
stomach is in butterflies thinking
about what I would say to you if I
saw you again. Some nights I don't
sleep because I can't get your
face out of my mind. I don't date
much because every girl I go out
with I compare to you and they
don't match up. I don't write as
much as I used to because I always
end up writing a letter to you, I
hate my job but it pays my bills
and just last week I lost my
fucking cat and I think he might
of got lucky with the neighbor cat
and moved in with her. Is that
what you wanna hear?
                                                            
                       ALISON
Was that an honest answer?
                                                            
                       JOE
I think so, yeah.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Then that's what I wanted to hear.
                                                            
                       JOE
Do you ever think about us?
                                                            
                       ALISON
Truthfully?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (laughs)
What do you think?
                                                            
                       ALISON
No Joe I don't. I gave up thinking
about you a long time ago. Right
around 6 months after...
                                                            
                       JOE
Don't say it.
                                                            

85.

                       ALISON
You didn't call. No letters.
Nothing. I waited and waited and
nothing.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       ALISON
I am too. Because now, in this
moment, I think of what we could
have been. It makes me sad. But
what makes me mad is how you've
handled the whole situation.
                                                            
                       JOE
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       ALISON
Why did you wait ten years, why
not just pick up the phone and
call me?
                                                            
                       JOE
No number I guess.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Don't insult me Joe. You had
options. You were scared.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah, I was scared. I knew I had
fucked up, and I knew what I
wanted to say I couldn't say on
the phone. So I waited, and I
waited. Then I thought I waited
too long and I let it go.
                                                            
                       ALISON
But you didn't?
                                                            
                       JOE
No I did, I let the situation go,
I never let you go.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Ten years? On a woman?
                                                            
                       JOE
I never set a date, I never said
that I would fix everything in ten
years. It just went by so quick.
When I got the reunion card I
            (MORE)

86.

                       JOE (cont'd)
figured it was time.
                                                            
                       ALISON
So what did you think, we were
just gonna hop on top of a car and
go at it?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (laughing)
Of course not.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Then what?
                                                            
                       JOE
I don't know. I was thinking maybe
a dance.
                                                            
                       ALISON
I'm sorry I can't do that.
                                                            
                       JOE
Wow. This is not how I pictured
this.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Not yet anyway. See I might have
broken your heart Joe, but you
broke mine as well. You're not
gonna get off that easy.
                                                            
                       JOE
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       ALISON
I mean I'm hard to get Joe. If you
want me you have to say it.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's that easy huh?
                                                            
                       ALISON
It's not gonna be easy Joe, we're
just talking about dancing right
now. It's gonna be a long and
winding road. Are you ready?
                                                            
                       JOE
I think so.
                                                            

87.

                       ALISON
You think? I'm sorry that's not
good enough. I want more than a
memory, Joe.
                                                            
Alison turns from Joe and heads towards the door.
                                                            
Joe hangs his head.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to himself)
No.
                                                            
Alison stops. She turns towards Joe.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Did you say something?
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah, I said I'm ready. Is that
enough for you?
                                                            
Alison sees the determination in his eyes.
                                                            
                       ALISON
Alright. Good. Let's dance.
                                                            
 
INT. THE YUCCA PUB - NIGHT
                                                            
Caster and the Old Man are at the bar talking, both with
drinks. The Old Man has a fresh glass of Scotch, Caster has
a beer.

Mark and Sera and Joe and Alison are slow dancing near the
pool table.
                                                            
                       CASTER
It's never been about what I want.
It's always been about what
everybody else wants from me.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
People who are close to us usually
don't realize the pressure they
put us under. They just want good
things to happen to us.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I know. But sometimes I just want
to say fuck it. I feel like I
could just get on a plane, or a
bus, I could ride a bus, and just
take it to wherever it stops. I'd
            (MORE)

88.

                       CASTER (cont'd)
get off there, and start new.
Preferably somewhere with exotic
women.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
What do you want to do with
yourself? Besides the exotic women
thing.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I've never told anyone.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
When you tell somebody, that's
what makes it real.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I don't even think I've ever said
it out loud.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Make it real. Right now.
                                                            
Caster sits in silence.
                                                            
The Old Man looks at him.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Not yet. Not yet, Blue. Soon, very
soon, but not now.
                                                            
The Old Man nods and polishes off his scotch.

Caster spins in his chair to watch the couples. He takes a
swig of his beer. He holds the glass up and studies it. He
smiles.
                                                            
 
EXT. SUNNYSLOPE APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
                                                            
INT. CHEVY NOVA - DAY
                                                            
Caster is driving, Joe rides shotgun. Sera has her head on
Mark's lap in the back seat, she is asleep.
                                                            
                       MARK
Careful when you park. The front
end is longer then you think.
                                                            
                       CASTER
That's what she said.
                                                            

89.

                       JOE
There's that truck from the other
day.
                                                            
The yellow truck is parked in the same manner as before. The
Blonde Chick is outside, about to get in.
                                                            
                       BLONDE CHICK
What's up asshole?
                                                            
They pass her.
                                                            
                       CASTER
You see what happens when you
don't establish a positive first
impression Mark? That's how people
treat you.
                                                            
                       JOE
I think she thought you were Mark.
                                                            
                       CASTER
What? Fuck that. That's great, the
one hot chick in my complex and
you find a way to make her think
I'm an asshole.
                                                            
                       JOE
Think? She would have found out
that you are an asshole sooner or
later.
                                                            
                       MARK
Probably sooner. Rather than
later.
                                                            
Caster shakes his head.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Fuck it. I'm going to move
anyways.
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck. Just the other day
you said you were thinking about
hiring a houseman.
                                                            
Caster pulls the Nova into a spot.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I think I'm headed another
direction.
                                                            

90.

                       MARK
Enlighten us.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I'm going to brew beer. I need to
buy a house so I can brew beer.
                                                            
                       JOE
Cool. I'll help you drink it.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Fuck it. Do what you love, right?
                                                            
                       JOE
That's what you keep saying.
                                                            
                       CASTER
I definitely love beer.
                                                            
Caster, Joe, and Mark get out of the Nova. Mark is careful
not to wake Sera.
                                                            
 
EXT. SUNNYSLOPE APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
                                                            
Mark hands Caster his bag.
                                                            
Mark shuts the back door. He gives Caster a hug. Caster
looks over at Joe.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's still a little too close to
the whole naked thing.
                                                            
                       CASTER
Suit yourself. Later guys.
                                                            
He heads towards his apartment.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hey what about that tat you got?
                                                            
Caster stops. He drops his bag and lifts his shirt. On his
shoulder is a tatooed fetus.
                                                            
                       MARK
What the fuck is that?
                                                            
                       CASTER
It's a fetus.
                                                            

91.

                       MARK
Why the fuck would you tattoo a
fetus on your body?
                                                            
Caster looks back to them and smiles.
                                                            
                       CASTER
When you figure that out, give me
call, but not before. If you do,
no beer.
                                                            
He pulls his shirt down, grabs his bag and starts walking.
                                                            
                       MARK
Later you fucking wierdo.
                                                            
                       JOE
Bye. Asshole.
                                                            
Caster flips them off over his shoulder as he walks.
                                                            
 
INT. CHEVY NOVA - DAY
                                                            
Mark pulls the Nova to the curb in front of Joe's apartment
building. He shuts off the car and they both get out,
leaving Sera asleep.
                                                            
 
EXT. L STREET APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
They look up at the remnants of a massive fire. Everything
is black and burnt. Caution tape blocks what was the door.
                                                            
                       JOE
What the fuck?
                                                            
                       MARK
This my friend is what we call a
sign. A symbol if you will.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's not a fucking sign Mark.

(points to a billboard
across the street)

That, is a fucking sign!

(looking back at the
building)

This is my apartment burnt to
            (MORE)

92.

                       JOE (cont'd)
hell!
                                                            
                       MARK
That is a valid description, I'm
going to have to give you that.
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck!
                                                            
Sera leans out the window of the Nova.
                                                            
                       SERA
What happened?
                                                            
                       JOE
Somebody got hungry for some
goddamn smores and used my house
as fire wood.
                                                            
                       SERA
Really?
                                                            
Joe gives Mark a "what the fuck" look. Mark shrugs.
                                                            
                       MARK
What now?
                                                            
                       JOE
I bend over, that's what now.
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm kinda hungry.
                                                            
                       JOE
You thinking eggs?
                                                            
                       MARK
I'm thinking eggs.
                                                            
All three stare up at the building.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to himself)
Fuckin' Jimmy.
                                                            
 
INT. VENICE BEACH LOFT - DAY
                                                            
Joe opens his eyes. He has been sleeping on the couch. He
sits up and looks over at Sera and Mark asleep in bed.
                                                            
 

93.

INT. BALCONY - DAY
                                                            
Joe is leaning against the railing. He watches the waves
crash on the beach.
                                                            
Mark opens the door to the loft and comes outside. He hands
Joe a cup of coffee.
                                                            
                       JOE
I could get used to this.
                                                            
                       MARK
How'd you sleep?
                                                            
                       JOE
Like a six foot guy on a five foot
couch. How do you think?
                                                            
                       MARK
You know, it's really not a big
deal man. You'll find more stuff.
                                                            
                       JOE
Well, you might be right. But it
doesn't help I'm probably going to
lose my job.
                                                            
                       MARK
You're a fucking limo driver, who
gives a shit?
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm a waiter.
                                                            
                       MARK
That's right. I made the limo
driver thing up, didn't I?
                                                            
                       JOE
At least I'd have a car if I was a
limo driver.

(takes a drink of coffee)

Don't you ever go to work?
                                                            
                       MARK
I've got a session I need to go to
later.
                                                            
Mark takes something from his pocket. He holds a closed fist
out in front of Joe. He opens his fist.
                                                            

94.

A set of KEYS dangle from his palm.
                                                            
                       JOE
I know I don't have anything to
do, but if you think I'm going to
wash your car you can go fuck
yourself.
                                                            
                       MARK
The only thing I want you to wash
is your mouth. Use soap.

(spins the keys on his finger)

Go on take the keys.
                                                            
                       JOE
Where am I supposed to go?
                                                            
                       MARK
I want you to take the keys. I
want you to get in the car. I want
you to drive East. Don't stop
until you get there. Not even for
bathroom breaks.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (laughs)
I can't just go.
                                                            
                       MARK
What? Do you have to pack?
                                                            
                       JOE
Fuck you. No seriously, we're
taking it slow.
                                                            
                       MARK
Fuck slow, full speed ahead.
                                                            
                       JOE
What are you going to drive?
                                                            
                       MARK
That's a really trivial thing to
ask. Who gives a fuck. Although,
if you must know, I'll drive
Sera's car.
                                                            
There is silence.
                                                            
                       MARK
Joe, take the keys.
                                                            

95.

                       JOE
We have to do something first.
                                                            
 
INT. SWINGERS LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
Joe and Mark walk into the store.
                                                            
                       MARK
What the hell are we doing here?
                                                            
                       JOE
You told me to buy a lottery
ticket, remember?
                                                            
They stand at the counter. Joe in front Mark in the rear.
                                                            
                       JOE
One ticket please, the five dollar
one.
                                                            
                       MARK
Just one?
                                                            
                       JOE
If I'm as lucky as you say I am
I'll only need one right?
                                                            
                       MARK
That's a good point.
                                                            
Joe gets the ticket. It's a scratcher. Three separate boxes
to scratch. He scratches off the first one; 10 thousand
dollars.

He does the next one; 10 thousand dollars.

Joe looks over his shoulder to Mark. Mark nods towards the
ticket.

Joe begins to scratch the last box.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO BLACK
                                                            


THE END


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From Erick Sanchez Date 8/10/2008 **1/2
To be honest I only got as far as page 25. If I took my DVDs of "40 Year Old Virgin","Old School" and "Knocked Up" and put them all in a blender,the result would be "The Last Hello"!


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