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The Lighthouse Club Hotel
by John Bennett (jb246424@muhlenberg.edu)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Drama   User Review: *1/2


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:

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
A tired looking woman is walking down a cold and empty
street as the credits roll. The woman opens the door to her
apartment to find, unexpectedly, many of her friends and
family there.
                                                            
                       FATHER
Julia, please don't leave. We're
all here to help you
                                                            
The door closes behind her. A title card comes up informing
us that the day is December 30th, 1999. We are taken into
the scene of the intervention.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JULIA
      (with anguish)
I wish you all hadn't done this,
everything is fine
                                                            
                       FATHER
Do you have a job?
                                                            
                       JULIA
No, but--
                                                            
                       FATHER
Do you have any money?
                                                            
                       JULIA
Dad, listen--
                                                            
                       FATHER
Is anything going your way right
now?
                                                            
                       JULIA
      (at a loss)
I--I--no.
                                                            
                       FATHER
That's why we're here. We want to
start making things good for you
again. I want that for you. Alex
wants that for you, your friends
want that for you.
                                                            

2.

                       FRIEND
Julia, you haven't been yourself
since you got hooked. We all
haven't seen you in so long.
Remember those long days when we
would get up early and go into the
city and shop all day. Remember
how fun those days were? Since
you've had you're...problem, we
don't have days like that anymore.
We want to help you have those
days again. We know you can do it
                                                            
As the friend begins talking, the camera pans along the
concerned faces of the friends before resting on Alex's. A
cut implies some time has passed.
                                                            
                       JULIA
Alex, come here
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yeah Jules?
                                                            
                       JULIA
You put this together, didn't you?
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (he pauses)
Yeah, I did.
                                                            
                       JULIA
Oh ALex, how could you do this to
me?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Jules, you needed help. You still
need help
                                                            
                       JULIA
Alex, I know I got myself into a
mess, but I sure as hell was
planning on getting myself out of
it without any help.
                                                            
                       ALEX
You're still helping yourself. We
were all just...facilitating the
process
                                                            
                       JULIA
      (quietly,
       frustrated)
Oh, you bastard I just can't
believe you did this to me. We
            (MORE)

3.

                       JULIA (cont'd)
respect each other, how could you
do this?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I respect you enough that I'm
trying to do what's best for you.
                                                            
                       JULIA
Well from here on out, what's best
for me is for you to leave me
alone. Go back to all your lawyer
bullshit and before you know it,
I'll be doing fine. Better than
you even. And maybe then we can
start negotiations on being
brother and sister again. But
until then we on't speak, do you
understand?
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (At a loss)
Julia, I don't know what to
say...I--
                                                            
                       JULIA
Before I go, here's your Christmas
present. Goodbye Alex.
                                                            
She gets into a car and drives off as Alex calls after her.
Their father approaches Alex.
                                                            
                       FATHER
You were right to put this
together Alex. She;s mad now, but
she'll forgive you.
                                                            
                       ALEX
I don't know about this time...
                                                            
                       FATHER
Well, the important thing is that
she'll start getting the help she
needs
                                                            
Alex is silent, still staring off after the car. There is a
pause between the two.
                                                            
                       FATHER
Are you going to come back to D.C.
for New Years?
                                                            

4.

                       ALEX
I don't think so dad, I'm gonna
spend a couple nights here. I have
a big case in New York next week
                                                            
                       FATHER
Worry about the case after New
Years Alex. We need you at home.
It was hard enough not having you
around for Christmas. Please come
home
                                                            
                       ALEX
I just can't. I'm behind on
research for the case as it is.
                                                            
                       FATHER
But all alone? On the last day of
the millennium?
                                                            
                       ALEX
It's just another cold day like
any other cold day. I'll be home
to ring in 2001. I promise.
                                                            
                       FATHER
I wish I could believe you. Things
would be easier if you were
around...Oh well. I'm going home
now. Happy New Year Alex.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Happy New Year, dad.
                                                            
They hug. He gets in a car and leaves
                                                            
 
EXT. STREETS AND BOARDWALK - DAY
                                                            
Alex, now alone, walks along the streets of the town before
arriving at what appears to be a boardwalk. The faint sound
of waves informs us that this is a beach town. He opens the
Christmas present from his sister. It's a nice watch. There
is a note attached that reads "Maybe this will help you
schedule yourself some free time--Jules" We see the
boardwalk; it is entirely empty. Alex looks around
contemplatively. He hears a voice.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (voice)
Hey, you!
                                                            

5.

Alex turns, somewhat startled, and looks around on the
deserted boardwalk. She is on a balcony of a hotel.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'm up here! Do you wanna get a
drink?
                                                            
                       ALEX
What?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
A drink, do you want one? I made a
bet with the management here that
somebody would actually be walking
on the boardwalk tonight in spite
of the weather and that I'd ask
the first person I saw to have a
drink.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Are you buying?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Only two moderately priced rounds,
I'm a little broke
                                                            
                       ALEX
Ok, you take the first two rounds,
and I'll cover every round after
that
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'll be right down
                                                            
Alex looks at the watch and note again as he waits. Adriana
is down shortly. She is beautiful in an earthy and wounded
sort of way. She has a dark scar that runs down her cheek.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'm Adriana by the way
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'm Alex
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Well it's nice to meet you Alex
                                                            
                       ALEX
It's nice to meet you too. Where
are we drinking?
                                                            

6.

                       ADRIANA
There's a great dive bar about a
block inland. Let's go
                                                            
 
INT. BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
The two are making their way to the bar
                                                            
                       ALEX
Is this the only place that was
open?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
One of the only places
                                                            
                       ALEX
This town really closes down in
the winter, doesn't it?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
It would appear that way
                                                            
                       ALEX
I've never seen a town so deserted
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
The fact that it's the holiday
season helps. The few residents
there are all go to their
relatives' homes this week anyway
                                                            
                       ALEX
But it can't be this depressing in
the summer...
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Don't worry, it is. Just in a
different sort of way. This is an
old, sad town. Vacationers are
starting to grow few and far
between.
                                                            
                       ALEX
How anyone could end up here is a
mystery to me.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
And yet here we are. How did you
end up here if I may ask?
                                                            

7.

                       ALEX
I...eh...I came to see my sister.
She's been having a hard time.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
You have a sister here? Maybe I
know her, what's her name?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Julia Vance
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Oh...
                                                            
                       ALEX
Do you know her?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (Hesitantly)
No, I...don't recognize that name
                                                            
                       ALEX
Well, either way, I saw her and
I'm staying here until New Years
and then I'm going up to New York.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
For what?
                                                            
                       ALEX
My job
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
What do you do?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'm a malpractice attourney
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
You don't say?
                                                            
                       ALEX
What about you? Why are you at the
beach in the middle of winter?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (reluctantly)
Well...I came here in the summer
to think about some things, and
I'm not done thinking about them
yet, so I'm still here.
                                                            

8.

                       ALEX
What do you need to think about?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (with pause)
Personal matters
                                                            
                       ALEX
I see
                                                            
They pause briefly. The two are clearly tired. Not just
physically tired after a long day, but emotionally tired
after tiring past experiences.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Are you going to be around for New
Years?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Yes, I am. I'm having a hard time
getting past the thought of living
in a whole new millennium.
                                                            
                       ALEX
It's just a night like any other
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
No!
                                                            
                       ALEX
No?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (half-serious)
No, it's unchartered territory!
That's what scares me about it!
Never again will anyone live in a
year beginning with one, we're all
bounding recklessly into our
futures.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Well, chartered or unchartered
territory, how are we going to
spend the last few hours of these
1000 years beginning with a one?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Why don't we spend them together
and well-lit?
                                                            

9.

                       ALEX
Sounds perfect, but before I get
anymore well-lit. I should make my
hotel arrangements. It's getting
pretty late.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Where were you thinking of
staying?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I figured something oceanfront
would be nice for the next few
nights.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Well, you don't have much choice
there. The Lighthouse Club Hotel
is the only open hotel on the
boardwalk. That's where I'm
staying.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Adriana brings Alex into the hotel lobby. It has old,
slightly decrepit Victorian architecture, but has a certain
warm charm. An older woman is behind the desk. Adriana
approaches her in recognition
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Velma, I've brought you another
guest!
                                                            
                       VELMA
Well, that brings the total to
three. That's the most guests
we've had here on New Years Eve
since 1994! How many nights are
you here for?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Just two
                                                            
                       VELMA
Two nights it is. I'm assuming you
want a room that faces ocean-side?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Preferably
                                                            
He gives her a credit card, she looks at it
                                                            

10.

                       VELMA
Ok Mr. Vance, I'm gonna give you
room 203 then. Let me find the
key.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Oh Alex, that's not far from me!
I'm going to head back up to my
room, but I'll see you later.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Ok, sounds good.
                                                            
She begins to ascend the old staircase. He calls after her
                                                            
                       ALEX
Adriana...
                                                            
She, already halfway up he staircase, turns and looks at
him, smiling slightly
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'm glad we met.
                                                            
She smiles warmly and sadly, and, without speaking, goes
back up the stairs
                                                            
                       VELMA
Here's the key
                                                            
                       ALEX
Thanks. So this is the only hotel
on the boardwalk that operates in
the off-season?
                                                            
                       VELMA
      (attending to some
       chores behind the
       counter)
Sure is. That's my business model.
What I lose in slow summers I make
up for by being the only
ocean-front game in town for the
weary folks who pass through here
in the off season. I've had this
hotel for fifty two years and
we've never been closed. Somebody
always needs a place to stay where
they can hear the waves.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Is it alright if I come down to
the lobby to do some work?
                                                            

11.

                       VELMA
Of course! I'll be up looking at
the books and making a cake for
tomorrow morning's continental
breakfast. That starts at 8:00 by
the way.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Ok, thanks.
                                                            
 
INT. HELEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Another young woman enters a darkened room. She is breathing
heavily. She paces her dark room before checking a suitcase.
She pulls out a big wad of cash and counts it and puts it
back. Some frilly white fabric can be seen at the corner of
the case. She shakily pulls out a big bottle of vodka. She
takes it out on the balcony where waves can be heard in the
background. She pours herself a shot before accidentally
dropping the bottle. It shatters; the woman begins to become
more panicky now. After a few seconds, there is a knock on
the door.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Who is it!?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (voice)
I heard something break, I just
wanted to see if everything was OK
                                                            
Helen checks the peephole to verify the voice, and then lets
Adriana in.
                                                            
                       HELEN
It was a bottle of vodka.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
A whole bottle?
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (a little calmer,
       but still on edge)
That's right.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
And it's just you here?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Yes
                                                            

12.

                       ADRIANA
Packing for the war?
                                                            
                       HELEN
What?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Never mind.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Could you help me clean all this
up?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Sure thing. Do you have a broom or
a dustpan?
                                                            
                       HELEN
I'm afraid not.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Oh god. Well, I'll go get Velma to
get one out of the closet.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Thank you.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
No problem, I'll be right back.
                                                            
She leaves. Helen slowly approaches the mess, kneels beside
it, and begins to cry a little. When Adriana reenters, she
composes herself.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
This should do the trick
                                                            
                       HELEN
Thank you for helping me. I really
appreciate it.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
No problem. If you hold the
dustpan, I can sweep the glass up.
Is it just out on the porch?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Yes, I believe so.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Well, it could have been worse I
suppose. How did it break?
                                                            

13.

                       HELEN
I...I dropped it.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
How did you do that?
                                                            
                       HELEN
I was...I was panicing a bit
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Panic and a full bottle of vodka,
huh? That's a pretty suspicious
combination.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Yes I imagine it is.
                                                            
The two are now in the process of sweeping up the broken
glass and wiping up the vodka.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Should I be suspicious?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Please don't be. I've been having
a month more miserable then anyone
could imagine, I just need to be
around some nice people. You've
been nice so far and I'd like you
to stay that way.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (with a lightly
       incredulous face
       that Helen
       doesn't see)
I'll try.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Thank you, I appreciate it. What
is your name by the way?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
It's Adriana
                                                            
                       HELEN
It's nice to meet you Adriana. I'm
Helen.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
It's nice to meet you to Helen.
Even if it is under...suspicious
circumstances.
                                                            

14.

Adriana laughs a little to herself.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Oh, please don't joke like that.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'm sorry. I'll stop.
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (after taking a
       deep breath)
Oh I never thought I'd be spending
a holiday night alone in a cold
hotel room on a frozen beach. It's
amazing how an entire life can
change so completely in just a
matter of days.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I understand
                                                            
                       HELEN
Has something like that ever
happened to you?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Something not unlike it has
happened.
                                                            
                       HELEN
I just feel like nothing can ever
be the same for me after this past
month.
                                                            
Adriana has begun to finish cleaning the mess up
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Do you want to tell me what
happened?
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (considering it)
Well...no, no I can't. Not right
now.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Does it have anything to do with
that big open briefcase of wads of
cash you have in there?
                                                            
Helen, realizing that she has left the money out, storms
into the hotel room and packs it all up.
                                                            

15.

                       HELEN
      (a little frantic)
You cannot tell anyone you saw
that, I mean it.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Don't worry. I agreed to be nice,
remember? That's all cleaned up
out there. I'm down the hall in
room 315 if you need anything
later.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Thank you.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
No problem. Good night.
                                                            
Adriana leaves. Helen returns to the balcony and collapses
in a chair. She accidentally gets a small cut from a piece
of glass that wasn't cleaned up. She tiredly wraps her
finger and turns the lights out.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Alex is doing work for his case as Joe, a tall lanky
menacing looking man walks up to the desk.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Can I help you?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (sliding some cash
       on the desk)
I'd like a room for the night.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Just for the night or for the
week?
                                                            
                       JOE
Just for the night for now. I'll
decide tomorrow whether I'm going
to stay for longer.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Do you want a room facing the
ocean?
                                                            
                       JOE
Yes.
                                                            

16.

                       VELMA
Alright, I'm putting you in 411.
Have a good night Mr...
                                                            
                       JOE
Prokovny
                                                            
                       VELMA
Have a good night Mr. Prokovny.
                                                            
Joe casually wanders away from the desk as Velma busies
herself and sees Alex immersed in his work.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Alex)
I thought this place would be
totally empty.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (looking up)
What?
                                                            
                       JOE
I said I thought this place would
be totally empty. I'm Joe by the
way.
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'm Alex. And no, there are at
least four of us now.
                                                            
                       JOE
Four?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yeah, there's you, me, a young
lady, and I think I heard the
manager say that there was someone
else.
                                                            
                       JOE
That's a lot of people by
themselves for such a big night
coming up
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yeah, I suppose it is. But is it
such a big night really?
                                                            
                       JOE
Most people say it is.
                                                            

17.

                       ALEX
Well I don't buy it. I'll have the
same life, same job, same
responsibilities in 2000 that I
had in 1999.
                                                            
                       JOE
What's your job?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'm a malpractice attourney.
                                                            
                       JOE
What an upstanding occupation.
Would you like a drink?
                                                            
He pulls out a big flask
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yes please. I like to think it is.
What do you do?
                                                            
                       JOE
It's hard to give an exact title
to what I do, but I like to think
of myself as a "professional
friend"
                                                            
                       ALEX
Is that what you put on your tax
returns?
                                                            
                       JOE
Taxes aren't necessarily part of
the professional
friend's...purview.
                                                            
                       ALEX
What is part of your purview then?
                                                            
                       JOE
I just do favors for others.
Things that they aren't entirely
willing or able to do themselves
                                                            
                       ALEX
Hm
                                                            
                       JOE
What do you think of that job
description?
                                                            

18.

                       ALEX
To give you an honest answer I
might have to have another drink.
                                                            
                       JOE
Be my guest!
                                                            
He pours Alex another drink. Alex takes a sip.
                                                            
                       ALEX
To be perfectly honest it sounds a
little shady.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (almost too
       friendly)
Alex, I appreciate you honesty.
But can helping those in need
really be considered shady?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Well...
                                                            
                       JOE
And what is "shady" anyway? Many
things most people would see as
shady end up being the most noble
causes. The word shady itself
seems to fit its own definition.
                                                            
                       ALEX
That's an almost convincing way of
phrasing things.
                                                            
                       JOE
Almost convincing?
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (smiling)
I'm a lawyer pal, I have a finely
tuned sense for what counts as
convincing and what counts as
almost convincing.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (pausing and
       smiling
       menacingly at
       Alex)
I heard we might get a little snow
tomorrow.
                                                            

19.

                       ALEX
      (getting up)
I wouldn't mind getting a little
snow. It could make things seem a
little more cheery around here.
                                                            
                       JOE
Maybe...maybe
                                                            
                       ALEX
Alright Mr...Novotny was it?
                                                            
                       JOE
Prokovny. And please, call me Joe.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Alright Joe, it's getting late and
I'm exhausted. I'm gonna hit the
hay.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Good night.
                                                            
Alex ascends the stairs as Joe stares out at the water. Joe
speaks after Alex is gone.
                                                            
                       JOE
Good night.
                                                            
 
INT. ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Alex is in bed. Papers are scattered about his room. He
hears a knock and sleepily rouses himself.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Who is it?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (she opens the
       door slowly)
It's Adriana.
                                                            
                       ALEX
What time is it?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Late.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (still sleepily)
What are you doing here?
                                                            

20.

                       ADRIANA
I wanted to see you again.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Couldn't you have waited until
morning?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (moving down next
       to him)
No.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Oh, this is all so strange.
                                                            
They look at each other for a long dark moment and then
kiss. There is a fade to black. The camera fades back in
with Alex staring at the ceiling and Adriana asleep beside
him.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Adriana?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (sleepily)
Yes?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I had a case one time. I
represented two parents whose
kid's appendix ruptured. The
doctor didn't diagnosis it right
and once it ruptured it was too
late...God, they would just cry
and cry. And all because of an
appendix. We don't even use the
appendix for anything. It was such
a waste. It is such a waste.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (still sleepily)
Why are you telling me this?
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (he pauses)
I don't know.
                                                            
Fade to black
                                                            
 

21.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
Velma is laying out the breakfast in the lobby as the sun
shines brightly but coldly through the lobby's several
ocean-front windows. Adriana comes down the stairs.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Good morning, Velma.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Oh good morning Adriana. How did
you sleep?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Very well, thank you. I'm the
first of the three to be down I
see.
                                                            
                       VELMA
First of four. A man came after
you went up for the evening.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Oh really?
                                                            
                       VELMA
Yeah, he stayed up talking to your
friend for a while. Did you meet
the woman down the hall from you?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I did.
                                                            
                       VELMA
      (getting quieter)
What did you think?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
She seemed very nervous to me.
                                                            
                       JOE
That's the exact impression I got.
Could you do me a favor?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
What is it?
                                                            
                       VELMA
Would you mind keeping an eye on
her for me? I have to run a few
errands and I don't know if I can
trust her.
                                                            

22.

                       VELMA
Thank you. Breakfast will be ready
soon.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Ok
                                                            
Helen descends the stairs next, clearly calmer than she was
the previous night, but also looking very exhausted
                                                            
                       HELEN
Good morning
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Good morning
                                                            
                       HELEN
I wanted to apologize to you for
how I acted last night. I'm not
normally that nervous.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
It's no problem. I'm glad I was
there to help you out.
                                                            
                       HELEN
I'm glad you were there too. It
mean a lot to me, it really did.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Any time
                                                            
Velma reemerges with two mugs of coffee and two plates of
fruit.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Here you go. How do you two want
your eggs?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'll take scrambled
                                                            
                       HELEN
Can I have mine poached?
                                                            
                       VELMA
Sounds good. I'll be right back.
                                                            
Velma returns to the kitchen. As Helen and Adriana resume
their conversation, Helen puts four or five large spoons of
sugar and a lot of creme in her coffee while Adriana just
takes a small amount of cream.
                                                            

23.

                       ADRIANA
Shall we make a toast?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Over coffee?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I like to make toasts over any
shared food or beverage.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Very well, what shall we toast
too?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Let's toast to both being alone on
New Year's Eve 1999 on an empty
boardwalk on a freezing beach.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Cheers
                                                            
They clink glasses pleasantly and sip the coffee. Adriana
takes a big gulp where Helen immediately pulls away in
protest of the coffee's temperature.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Do you have any New Year's
resolutions Helen?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Yes...to get away. To get as far
away from my consuming problematic
past as possible and to begin
again with a clean slate, tabula
rasa...Adriana?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Yes?
                                                            
                       HELEN
I'm not going to lie to you, I am
in a bit of trouble. I can't tell
you exactly what kind of trouble,
but trouble all the same.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
And?
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (more nervously)
I'm leaving here very early
tomorrow morning. Should I find
myself in any
            (MORE)

24.

                       HELEN (cont'd)
more...trouble...today, could you
help me, protect me?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (a little
       surprised, but
       also genuinely)
I'll...I'll try Helen
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (whispering in
       relief)
Oh, thank you
                                                            
Just as Helen says this, Velma reenters with the breakfast.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Here ya go ladies, one scrambled,
one poached.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Thank you Velma.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Would it be alright if I were to
take mine on the beach?
                                                            
                       VELMA
      (Incredulously)
Out in the cold, alone?
                                                            
                       HELEN
If it's not too much trouble. I'll
bring the plates back to the
kitchen when I'm finished.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Suit yourself.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Thank you.
      (to Adriana)
I just need a little air. I'll be
back in. Thanks again.
                                                            
Helen leaves with her food. Velma leans in to Adriana.
                                                            
                       VELMA
      (quietly)
She underestimated how thin these
walls are. I heard your whole
conversation.
                                                            

25.

                       ADRIANA
I think she's harmless, Vel. She
just sounds like she's had a rough
time.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Well keep an eye on her anyway.
                                                            
As they have this brief exchange Alex descends the stairs.
Adriana lights up.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Good morning, Alex
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (Smiling)
You got up early.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
What can I say, I'm a morning
person.
      (She laughs a
       little)
This one time when I was staying
in Baltimore I...
                                                            
                       VELMA
What can I get you boys to eat?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'll have two fried eggs and bacon
please
                                                            
                       JOE
      (voice only, not
       down stairs yet)
I'll just have some toast and
coffee please
                                                            
Adriana looks up in immediate fearful recognition at the
voice. Joe comes into view. The two share brief, flashing,
and furious glares of recognition. Alex notices this
exchange, but doesn't think anything of it.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Oh, Adriana, this is Joe. He got
here after you went up last night.
                                                            
Joe approaches her as if they have just met even though
their faces inform us that they have obviously met before.
                                                            
                       JOE
It's nice to meet you Adriana
                                                            

26.

                       ADRIANA
      (barely concealing
       fear and anger)
It's...nice to meet you too
                                                            
                       ALEX
Sorry, I interrupted you, what
were you saying about Baltimore?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (a little
       disoriented)
What?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Baltimore, you were talking about
Baltimore.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (knowingly, a tone
       he maintains for
       the rest of this
       conversation)
Oh, what part? I know Baltimore
pretty well.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
It was Essex.
                                                            
                       JOE
Ah, Essex. Is that to the East or
West of the city?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
The East.
                                                            
                       JOE
Oh, that's right. I'm sorry,
please continue.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (after momentarily
       glaring at Joe,
       then returning to
       Alex)
I was in Baltimore and I was
staying with my Aunt Lucy. She
lives on a river, and I got up so
early one day that I finished all
the household stuff I was supposed
to take care of before she even
woke up. So I took her boat out
for a spin, and when she woke up
she thought someone stole the boat
            (MORE)

27.

                       ADRIANA (cont'd)
so she called the police.
                                                            
Velma reenters with the food. She sets it down and goes
behind the desk in the lobby preparing to leave for an
errand.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (laughing a little)
Did the police catch you?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Yeah, they did. I was taking the
boat out on the river when next
thing I know two police boats
flanked me.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Were you arrested?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
They took me to the precinct, but
when Aunt Lucy found out it was me
all charges were dropped.
                                                            
                       JOE
Did they add it to your record,
Adriana?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
What record, what are you talking
about?
                                                            
                       JOE
Just asking!
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
No, they didn't add it to my
record.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Alright everyone, I have to run a
few errands. I'm gonna trust you
with the hotel for awhile. There's
nothing here valuable enough to
steal anyway.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'm going to go too. I want to
walk around the town a little.
Alex, will you come with me?
                                                            

28.

                       ALEX
Sure, do you wanna come Joe?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (just as Adriana
       begins to protest)
No, I'm going to stick around. I
have some business I need to take
care of.
                                                            
The camera cuts to him pulling a manila envelope out of his
briefcase with a picture of Helen paper-clipped to it.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BOARDWALK, THE CEMETERY - DAY
                                                            
Alex, Adriana, and Velma all leave the hotel and go out onto
the boardwalk. The camera follows Velma as she splits away
from Alex and Adriana and makes her way to a tired and small
car. She drives through the nearly-deserted town to a
cemetery and marches to a certain grave as if its the
thousandth time she's done it. She lays a modest bouquet on
the grave.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Happy 2000 Albert, you old
bastard. Here's to a happy New
Year.
                                                            
She makes her way sitting down beside the grave with much
huffing and puffing. She pulls out a flask and takes a
generous sip. At a closer distance, one can see that her
name, with her birth year and a blank space, is also on the
grave. After sitting there for a wistful moment, she
struggles back up, walks back to her car and drives away.
She proceeds to drive to an ordinary-looking office
building.
                                                            
 
INT. THE BANKER'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Velma goes up a flight of steps and goes into an office,
where a man is sitting at his desk.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Mr. Monterey?
                                                            
                       BANKER
Ms. Baum?
                                                            
                       VELMA
That's right.
                                                            

29.

                       BANKER
Come right in Ms. Baum, make
yourself at home.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Thank you. For seeing me on the
holiday Mr. Monterey.
                                                            
                       BANKER
It's no problem Ms. Baum, I was
planning on coming in today
briefly anyway.
                                                            
                       VELMA
Did you get a chance to look
through my file?
                                                            
                       BANKER
I did.
                                                            
                       VELMA
And?
                                                            
                       BANKER
Ms. Baum, I'm afraid we can't
refinance the hotel.
                                                            
                       VELMA
I figured that would be the case.
And I guess I also can't take out
another mortgage?
                                                            
                       BANKER
It doesn't look like it.
                                                            
                       VELMA
      (letting this sink
       in for a moment)
So how much longer do I get to
keep it for?
                                                            
                       BANKER
Well, Ms. Baum, you and your
husband were very loyal and
consistent customers for a very
long time, so we're going to give
you one more summer season to try
and turn it around.
                                                            

30.

                       VELMA
      (stoically)
I see. Well, thank you Mr.
Monterey, I really do appreciate
it.
                                                            
                       BANKER
You're welcome Ms. Baum. I'm sorry
we can't do more to help you out.
                                                            
                       VELMA
We all have to do what we have to
do Mr. Monterey, that's something
I learned a long time ago.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE STREETS OF THE OCEAN TOWN - DAY
                                                            
Alex and Adriana are wandering aimlessly through the streets
of the town, past other old hotels, tacky beach novelty
shops, homespun food stores and other closed beach
attractions
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (breathily)
Oh my...
                                                            
                       ALEX
Is there anything wrong?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
No...well...yes, I suppose there
is
                                                            
                       ALEX
What is it?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (tenderly)
I'm just a little afraid.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Afraid of what?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Just afraid of it all. I don't
know where I want to go or what I
want to do. How do you think I
ended up here? I'm here because
it's cheap and I really don't have
any other place to be.
                                                            

31.

                       ALEX
Where are you from, couldn't you
go back there?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'm from Reading, Pennsylvania,
and no, I can't go back.
                                                            
                       ALEX
You don't have family or friends
there?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I never had a family or a home in
the traditional sense of the
words. You know, I liked to think
of my home as school. I really
liked school and I really liked
teachers. But after school I'd go
back to a home where my parents
may or may not have been there, or
if they were there, sober. And the
lights may or may not have been on
depending on if the bill was
payed. I learned to be a mediocre
chef at a pretty young age.
                                                            
                       ALEX
And friends?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
My friends are one night friends I
meet in bars and hotels and cheap
restaurants. And I like to get to
know them as best as possible
before I'm whisked away to meet
the next set of one night friends.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Can I ask you a personal question?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
You might as well, you've been
cross-examining me for the past
five minutes Mr. Alex Vance
esquire.
                                                            
                       ALEX
How did you get that scar?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (smiling
       mysteriously)
I got it making some bad
            (MORE)

32.

                       ADRIANA (cont'd)
decisions, Alex, and I don't
regret it. I'm smarter now and I
think that's worth something...I
think its worth a lot actually.
Was that a satisfactory answer?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Objection
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Overruled
                                                            
                       ALEX
The prosecution rests
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Thank you.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (after a pause)
I am too
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
You are what too?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Scared
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
What do you have to be afraid of?
Your life has direction at least.
You have a career.
                                                            
                       ALEX
I'm afraid that's all there is for
me. I'm afraid for my family too.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Not wife and kids family, right?
Because if you cheated on a wife
with me I'd pack up and leave the
hotel right now.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (smiling)
No, I don't have a wife or kids.
But I have a mom who's not around
a lot, a dad who's trying to have
me around too much. And a sister
who's having a lot of problems of
her own.
                                                            

33.

                       ADRIANA
Julia?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yeah, that's right. I tried to
help her out recently, and I can't
tell if it did more good then
harm. And you know what, I'm
scared of a new millennium too.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
And I thought you said you didn't
believe in that stuff!
                                                            
                       ALEX
I don't actually believe that. I'm
a lawyer. I do my job better when
I tell myself to believe
something. And I wanted to believe
that.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
That doesn't seem like a healthy
way to approach things
                                                            
                       ALEX
What can I say? It works for me.
                                                            
The two see a young woman walking in the street. As they get
closer Alex discovers that it's his sister, who recognizes
both Alex and Adriana.
                                                            
                       JULIA
Well here are two people I'd never
thought I'd see together. Hi
Adriana.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (reluctantly)
Hi Julia
                                                            
                       ALEX
You two know each other?
                                                            
                       JULIA
Adriana, you haven't told him what
you do for your hotel bills yet?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Julia, stop
                                                            

34.

                       JULIA
And Alex, you didn't tell Adriana
about the little party you threw
for me?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Julia, I thought you were going
back to D.C.
                                                            
                       JULIA
      (fiercely)
And I thought you were going to
leave me alone. So Adriana, when
did you two meet?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Last night
                                                            
                       JULIA
So you two have known each other
for a whole twelve hours and I've
clearly not been a topic of
conversation. Adriana, because of
the drugs you sell to me at very
competitive prices Alex here had
to have a little intervention for
me.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (looking at
       Adriana in
       disgust)
Oh god, I thought you said you
didn't know her!
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Alright, so I lied! We had just
met, and I was going to tell you
but, I just didn't think it
would...
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (growing confused
       and angry)
God, I just can't believe this.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
I'm sorry Alex, I didn't mean to
hurt you at all, it's just that...
                                                            
                       ALEX
Is that what you do for a living?
Is that what you're doing in this
pathetic town in the dead of
            (MORE)

35.

                       ALEX (cont'd)
winter? Selling drugs to
vulnerable people? That's just
pathetic Adriana.
                                                            
Alex begins to double back and storms away from the two
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Where are you going?
                                                            
                       ALEX
I don't know...back to the hotel.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Wait, listen!
                                                            
He doesn't respond
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (whispering
       frustratedly)
Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit.
                                                            
                       JULIA
I wouldn't worry about him
Adriana, he can be a prick.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
You shut up! Your brother is a
nice guy, the first nice guy I had
met in a long time, and it wasn't
fair of you to say those things.
                                                            
                       JULIA
He really screwed me over last
night, Adriana.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
It sounds like he was trying to
help you out to me! It sounds like
he was trying to pull you out of
this shitty place.
                                                            
                       JULIA
I wanted to get out of here on my
own terms. And besides, it sounds
like you're the one who wanted him
to whisk you away to bigger and
better things.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (almost to herself)
Oh, Julia, I wish we didn't run
into you. I wish you had just left
            (MORE)

36.

                       ADRIANA (cont'd)
tonight
                                                            
                       JULIA
Well you don't have to worry about
me anymore personally or
professionally because I'm going
to New York tomorrow morning. I'm
starting new up there. I don't
need you and I don't need Alex. I
can do it myself.
                                                            
As she says this, Adriana looks achingly and longingly in
the direction Alex left.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BOARDWALK - DAY
                                                            
Helen is walking on the boardwalk. She is simultaneously
reading a book and looking in the windows of all the closed
shops. She walks past a corner that Joe is standing behind.
She doesn't see him at first. After she is a few feet in
front of him he comes up from behind her. And puts a hand on
her shoulder.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hello Helen.
                                                            
Helen screams and turns around. The expression on her face
is pure fear. She is at a loss for words for a while before
finally expressing complete thoughts.
                                                            
                       HELEN
You! How could you have...How did
you find me?
                                                            
                       JOE
It's my job, Helen, it's my job!
And I'm very good at my job.
                                                            
Helen, in a moment of fight or flight, does both. She gives
Joe a well aimed gut-punch and then runs away from him. He
is surprised by the force of the punch, but is easily able
to catch up to and stop her.
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (frantic, as she
       will remain for
       the rest of this
       exchange)
Let go of me, please let go of me!
                                                            

37.

                       JOE
Not so fast Helen, we have some
business to take care of!
                                                            
                       HELEN
Business?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (maintaining an
       attitude of
       menacing glee)
Yes, business! Your former
husband-to-be told me that you
have a little bit of money that
belongs to him and his family. In
fact it's more than a little bit
of money, it's my understanding
that it's actually quite a lot of
money! How much was it again?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Stop, please stop!
                                                            
                       JOE
How much was it, Helen? I heard it
was $50,000 in cash! That's a lot
of money for a girl to spend all
on her own!
                                                            
                       HELEN
I...I don't know what you're
talking about!
                                                            
                       JOE
Helen, Helen, I understand you're
in a stressful situation but is
the "I don't know what you're
talking about" defense the best
you can come up with?
                                                            
                       HELEN
Oh, God, what do you want from me?
                                                            
                       JOE
What I want is for you and the
briefcase full of money you have
stashed away in your hotel room to
come back with me.
                                                            
                       HELEN
Take the money, just the money. I
can pay you! I can make it worth
your while!
                                                            

38.

                       JOE
I'm afraid you were part of the
package. And I know you can't give
me nearly as much as your former
husband-to-be. Besides, Helen, I
have my loyalties to think of!
What kind of friend would I be if
I just sold my services to the
highest bidder?
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (almost to herself)
I was so careful, I was so quiet
about it. How did you find me?
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm not going to bore you with the
details, but you left a bigger
paper trail than you thought you
did. Why did you do it Helen.
Getting cold feet on your wedding
day I can maybe understand, but
isn't stealing $50,000 from the
fiancé your about to jilt adding a
little bit too much insult to
injury?
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (a little defiant
       now)
Ah, but the game changes when the
marriage is more out of
convenience to one spouse than it
is out of love, doesn't it.
                                                            
                       JOE
I was told that...
                                                            
                       HELEN
Shut up and let me finish. That
marriage would have been to keep
money between businesses. It's
like something they would do in
the middle ages. And it would have
been forever! I would have been
trapped! Do you have any idea how
long forever is? Longer than you
or I could ever imagine, and I
would have had to have lived that.
We're in a new millennium now and
I'm going to live like it is or
die trying.
                                                            

39.

                       JOE
But you're forgetting that we
still have few hours left where we
still share a millennium with the
folks in the middle ages! And even
when we won't be, I'm afraid I
would still need to bring you and
your suitcase back with me.
                                                            
                       HELEN
      (her confidence
       now deflated)
Oh Jesus
                                                            
                       JOE
      (looking around)
I tell you what, how would you
like a chance of getting out of
here?
                                                            
                       HELEN
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       JOE
See that ring toss game on the
boardwalk over there? I'll give
you three chances to make the toss
on the highest bottle up there. If
you make it, I'll claim I lost
track of you and give you a fair
24 head start in any direction of
your choosing.
                                                            
Joe, with his hands on her shoulders, guides the silent and
resigned Helen over to the ring toss. She grimly picks up a
ring and makes a toss and misses. She tries this two more
times and misses twice more.
                                                            
                       JOE
Aw, too bad Helen! Now let's go
back to the Hotel and celebrate
the New Year and get some rest. We
have a big day ahead of us
tomorrow!
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - EVENING
                                                            
It's getting late now Alex has returned and is in his room.
Adriana is in the lobby. Joe and Helen walk in together,
under Adriana's watchful eye. Helen dejectedly walks up to
her room as Joe stays behind to talk with Adriana.
                                                            

40.

                       ADRIANA
Joe, what's going on?
                                                            
                       JOE
I have to escort this young lady
and some money that doesn't belong
to her back to the rightful
owners...It's an awful lot like
our last encounter, isn't Adriana?
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
Joe, listen to me. If that girl is
going through half of what I went
through when you had to track me
down, you should feel very sorry
for her.
                                                            
                       JOE
I don't get payed to feel sorry
for people.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (pleading)
Joe, it's not about the money!
This is about being human. I don't
know what she did, but please,
leave her alone. Pretend she got
away and you couldn't find her.
                                                            
                       JOE
Sorry, I'm being payed to bring
her back avec cash and that's
exactly what I'm going to do.
Having someone kicking and
screaming in the back seat is
gonna bring back old times
Adriana.
                                                            
She slaps him squarely in the face. He isn't especially
phased.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (quietly, but
       intensely)
Oh god, I hate you, I hate you,
you bastard. You're everything I
hate about people.
                                                            
                       JOE
The only reason you hate me is
that you fucked up and I had to
clean up the mess, your mess. And
I had to clean it up in a way you
            (MORE)

41.

                       JOE (cont'd)
didn't find satisfactory.
                                                            
Alex somberly descends the stairs unseen.
                                                            
                       ADRIANA
      (more fierce now)
It wasn't a mess you
son-of-a-bitch. I was trying to
get out of what I had to then to
make ends meet and because of you,
I'm still doing it now. I can't
have a decent life because of you!
      (now indicating
       the scar)
And because of you I can't even
have a decent face. God, I hope
you rot in hell.
                                                            
                       ALEX
You two know each other too?
Jesus, I guess when you're in a
town with just 10 fucking people
everyone's bound to everyone
sooner or later.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Alex,
       warningly)
It's best if you stay out of this
                                                            
                       ALEX
Stay out of this? It seems a lot
to me like you're terrorizing the
two ladies staying in this hotel.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm warning you to stay out of
this, it's in your best interest.
                                                            
                       ALEX
I knew from the moment we first
met that there was something I
didn't like about you. It's easy
to be a big man when all your
dealing with are two helpless
young ladies.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (getting angrier)
Watch it pal!
                                                            

42.

                       ALEX
Or else what?
                                                            
Joe pulls a gun on Alex, Adriana gasps a little and backs
up.
                                                            
 
INT. BAR - EVENING
                                                            
The remainder of the scenes will be summarized in detail. At
this point, Joe, enraged by Alex's defiance, takes him at
gunpoint to a bar. There, they talk about Adriana and Helen
and what he plans to do with them. Meanwhile, in the same
bar, Velma is boozing with an old friend talking about the
hotel's golden age, and how those days are gone. Back to Joe
and Alex, the two leave the bar to head back to the hotel
lobby.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
                                                            
Adriana tries to make a plan with Helen to escape. Adriana
takes the keys to an beach amusement park Velma keeps behind
the desk in the off-seaon. They plan on creating a
diversion, and leaving in the night. Joe and Alex return too
soon, however and intercept them. As things between the four
begin to escalate. Velma, fairly drunk, enters the lobby
like a dream and unlocks a cabinet containing champagne to
give to the four. The new year is rung in, and it has a
haunting, silencing effect on all characters. Eventually,
Joe notices the keys Adriana is trying to conceal. He, at
gunpoint, decides that the four will be spending the first
few hours of the new year at the deserted amusement park.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE AMUSEMENT PARK - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe, has everyone turn on the rides and lights with the keys
from Velma's desk. The four wander the amusement park
exhaustedly, all trying to reason with one another about the
lies, histories, and unkept promises between them. Alex and
Adriana get on the ferris wheel and talk out Adriana's
connection to both Joe and Julia. She apologizes to Alex and
Alex, recognizing her hopeless situation, forgives her.
While they are at the height of the second rotation of the
wheel, they hear a shot fired. They wait for the wheel to
get to the bottom and rush to the noise. Helen, who has been
hiding a gun, has shot Joe in the chest. Helen and Joe have
switched roles now, with Helen acting defiant and malicious
and Joe becoming a scared shell of his menacing self. Helen
grabs her money and disappears in the night. The police,
seeing the rides turned on, come to investigate where they
find the three remaining characters. Alex and Adriana,

43.

defending the now-gone Helen, tell the police that the
gunman escaped. They are taken to the precinct for further
questioning.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BOARDWALK - MORNING
                                                            
Alex and Adriana check out of the hotel. Velma informs them
that this will be the hotel's last season and that it will
close after summer. Adriana and Alex walk on the boardwalk.
Alex, having realized the night before that he loves
Adriana, invites her to come to New York with him. She says
that had he asked yesterday during the day, she would have
said yes. Now, however, she realizes that he, as a dedicated
lawyer, and she as a girl with a dubious past and no
reputable marketable skills, would not work out together.
She tells him she hopes they will meet in the future, gives
him a gentle kiss on the cheek, and says goodbye. She leaves
him alone on the cold boardwalk holding the watch his sister
gave him and looking out at the waves. The credits come up.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From John Bradley Date 11/29/2012 *1/2
Instead of "is walking" put "walks". Try to eliminate the words "is", "starts", "begins", etc... In the second paragrapgh of your direction look up the rules on superimposition, you have it all wrong. Capitalize camera movements. Instead of "a pause" put "a beat" Character descriptions need work. Break up your direction more, espeacially at the end. 19 straight lines is way too long. Try to find natural breaks in the action. You're off to a good start, just read as much as you can on formatting rules.


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