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Tia Goodnight
by Nathaniel LaFaille-King (nlafaille21@gmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Drama   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

Tia a young photographer deals with being homeless and trying to go to school. She finally gets her scholarships to a school in New York which will change her life and then soon after find out she's pregnant.


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.



TIA GOODNIGHT

INT. THE MORNING - DAY
                                                            
Tia wakes up on the floor of a small room next to a bed. As
soon as she she is fully awake she looks at her phone and
see that she has little time to get ready and make it to
class, she rushes up gets in the shower and gets dressed to
get ready for her day. She quickly leaves the house in a
rush.
                                                            
 
INT. IN THE HALLS OF TIA'S SCHOOL - DAY
                                                            
Tia holding a camera and her books sits down in the Library
and starts to go through her camera. As her phone begins to
ring.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Tired Voice)
Hello
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Someone sounds tired.
                                                            
                       TIA
Long day and it only 3 O'clock but
hearing your voice makes it that
much better.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Smoothly says)
Look at you trying to make me
blush. Can I ask what making your
day long love?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Sarcasticly)
No, you may not!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Shocked)
Okay?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Laughingly)
Just playing, you know the usual.
                                                            
Tia make makes a face to let the viewers know she lying.
                                                            

2.

                       ANTHONY
Well the usual, I see. Let just be
happy that's almost done.
                                                            
                       TIA
Thank God!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Laughing)
Well that what hard work will do
to you.
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah, I guess but I have to study
maybe I'll see you after I leave
here.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Excited)
Okay baby, I love you. Bye!
                                                            
                       TIA
I love you too. Bye.
                                                            
Tia hangs up and goes back to doing her work.
                                                            
Tia friend Shanice walks up to her slowly and surprses her.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Starteled)
Oh my god!
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Laughing)
Hey girl!
                                                            
                       TIA
      (calmly)
Hey.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
      (Aggravatedly)
Ugh! It was such a long day today
with these classes getting harder
and harder by the day. I don't
know how long I can do this.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Aggravatedly)
And you think it's much easier for
me?
                                                            

3.

                       SHANICE
No! But, I'm just saying. Did you
find out anything about your mom
letting you back in.
                                                            
                       TIA
No, but I need to, I'm pretty sure
your mom isn't going to be happy
about me being there if she find
out you been sneaking me in. Plus
I need to focus on my portfolio.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
You need to talk to your mom, or
maybe if we tell my mom or Anthony
they could help you.
                                                            
                       TIA
My mom's not going to forgive for
smoking weed in the house and she
blaming it on Anthony to make it
worse, I don't want him to know,
so I don't know what I can do to
be honest.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
      (Aggravated)
Well trust me hiding it isn't
making anything easier.
                                                            
                       TIA
I know!
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Just call me so we can meet up
tonight.
                                                            
                       TIA
Okay I'll just call you.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Alright girl stay up...
                                                            
                       TIA
I will and thanks for trying.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
What friends are for.
                                                            
Shanice leaves and Tia focuses again on here work. Then
fades out.
                                                            
 

4.

EXT. ON THE HILL - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Tia sitting on the grass watching everything around her and
taking pictures. Behind her Anthony walks into frame with a
brown paper bag in hand.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Guess I knew where you would be.
                                                            
Tia gets up and gives him a hug and a peck.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Suprised)
Did you call me?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
No, just figured around this time
you would be around here taking
pictures.
                                                            
                       TIA
Guess you know me well.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
More than you'd think.
                                                            
                       TIA
So ummm? What in the bag?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Something that will make you
smile.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Questioning)
And that is?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Flirty)
Want to find out?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Playful)
Okay just tell me!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Your favoraite chicken and cheese
paties and some coke.
                                                            
                       TIA
Aww, thank you, but you didn't
have too.
                                                            

5.

                       ANTHONY
No I did. Wanted to make you feel
better.
                                                            
                       TIA
Well you here definitly helped out
big time.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Smiling)
Good! Any ideas on the portfolio.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Sadly says)
I wish, dont remind me.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Well you should go home and sleep
on it. Want me to drive you.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (With Long Pause)
Okay, thats what imma go do. But
I'm ok its nice out I think imma
walk and think.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Ok but don't stress yourself out
too much, your really talented at
this picture thing anything you
come up with will be good.
                                                            
                       TIA
... I won't.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
You know i love you right?
                                                            
                       TIA
Ofcourse and I love you too!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Good! Just call me tonight.
                                                            
                       TIA
Aight baby!
                                                            
Anthony gives her a big hug and kiss then walks out of frame
Tia take picture Anthony direction and the frame fades with
a flash.
                                                            
 

6.

INT. LAST NIGHT - EVENING
                                                            
Scene opens with Tia sitting on Shanice's bed looking
through her camera. Shanice walks in.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
My moms cooking if you want some.
                                                            
                       TIA
I'll be okay, for now.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Aight just let me know.
                                                            
Shanice walks over to dresser.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Did you see my new earrings?
                                                            
                       TIA
Oh yeah sorry, I wore them today.
                                                            
Tia takes them off and gives them to Shanice. Shanice takes
them and gives a glance to Tia. When Mrs. Jackson walks in.
                                                            
                       MRS. JACKSON
Shanice you coming to eat? or...
                                                            
Mrs. Jackson looks over at Tia.
                                                            
                       MRS. JACKSON
      (Suprised)
Oh, Hey Tia?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Shocked)
Hey miss.
                                                            
Shanice looks over at both her mom and Tia
                                                            
                       MRS. JACKSON
Didn't see you come in I wish i
knew you was here would of made
you a plate.
                                                            
                       TIA
It's okay. I was just getting some
work done.
                                                            
                       MRS. JACKSON
Okay well there extra if you want.
(To Shanice) you mind coming out
in the hallway to talk.
                                                            

7.

                       SHANICE
Sure.
                                                            
Shanice looks over at Tia, and goes out into the hallway.
Tia continues to look in her camera for a few minuets till
Shanice comes back.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Confused)
What happened?
                                                            
                       SHANICE
She said she doesn't want anyone
over right now. You really should
tell her or talk to your mom or
Anthony now.
                                                            
                       TIA
I don't want her to think bad of
me. Your mom goes hard. I have to
find somewhere to stay.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
You sure you going to be okay.
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah. Thanks alot, I'll find
somewhere don't worry
                                                            
                       MRS. JACKSON
No problem, try Anthony you know
he'll let you stay.
                                                            
                       TIA
Hr going to ask why tho. Just
trust me I'll find some place.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Okay be safe girl.
                                                            
                       TIA
I will.
                                                            
Tia gets her stuff together in a dufflebag and gives Shanice
a hug then leaves.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOMELESS - NIGHT
                                                            
As Tia is walking through Boston she take picture of the
things going on around her with duffle bag on her shoulder
and camera held tightly at hand. She walk till she reaches a

8.

liquor store where she sees a few guys with bottles at hand.
One of the guys cut her off to talk.
                                                            
                       T
Damn, how you doing girl.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Softly not even
       looking at him.)
Good...
                                                            
Tia keeps walking. T walks in front her path and she stops.
                                                            
                       T
I see you a photographer. Well you
know I'm a rapper you should take
a picture with be before I'm
famous.
                                                            
                       TIA
Oh no, Im Good.
                                                            
                       ALL THE THUGS
Oh shit! How you going let her do
you like that T!
                                                            
                       T
Damn, you a hard one i see.
                                                            
                       TIA
I guess.
                                                            
                       T
You got a man?
                                                            
                       TIA
Ofcourse I do.
                                                            
                       T
He must not be putting it down on
you right with all that aditude
you got we see he aint putting it
down on you right.
                                                            
                       TIA
Better than you can!
                                                            
                       ALL THE THUGS
Damn! She giving you the guns!
                                                            
T quickly snatches the camera out her hand. She tries to
fight and get it back.
                                                            

9.

                       T
Woah! Calm down! You can have that
but I think I can make a few bills
with this.
                                                            
                       TIA
I aint in the mood for this shit
don't fuck with me!
                                                            
                       T
      (Talking to his
       boys)
What this bitch bout to do?
                                                            
Out the car next to the guy walk a big black guy.
                                                            
                       JAMES
Yo nigga what going on here!
                                                            
                       T
This bitch over here trying to
stunt on me!
                                                            
                       JAMES
What the fuck you mean (To Tia)
What good with you girl?
                                                            
James walks over to T snatches the camera out his hand and
walks toward Tia.
                                                            
                       JAMES
So you some short of Photographer
huh?
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah... Why?
                                                            
                       JAMES
You over here acting like the shit
with your camera... You know what
you don't you take a picture of
us?
                                                            
James gives Tia the camera.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Scared)
Okay
                                                            
                       JAMES
You better have a nigga looking
good too, since you think you the
shit.
                                                            

10.

James stands over next to his boys and T. Tia takes the
picture.
                                                            
                       T
So what the word shorty how I
look?
                                                            
T takes the camera from Tia.
                                                            
                       JAMES
I see you bitch got some talent,
huh?
                                                            
                       T
      (Laughing)
Guess so see I could use a girl
round me to take some pictures.
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (Laughing)
Like a photoshoot? Aye that what
you into?
                                                            
                       TIA
Can I get my camera back now?
                                                            
                       JAMES
You know what? I got you this
time, next time I see you we gone
have to have a private photo shoot
though.
                                                            
Gives Tia the camera
                                                            
                       T
(Laughing)
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Scared)
Thank you.
                                                            
Tia walks away from the guy as she turns back to make sure
there not following her. She walks until she get to a ATM
pulls out her wallet and swipes her card then enters and
sits on the floor. As shes looking through her camera her
phone rings.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Tired sounding)
Hey you!
                                                            
                       TIA
Hey
                                                            

11.

                       ANTHONY
How's everything?
                                                            
                       TIA
It's great! Actually i figured it
out.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Figured what out?
                                                            
                       TIA
My portfolio subject.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Oh really! What you doing it on?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Stalling)
Ummmmm... Yu going to have to wait
and see.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Don't do me like that. I thought I
was VIP.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Laughing)
No, no backstage passes over here.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Laughing)
Well i cant wait to see it.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Sarcasticly)
Yeah... me either. Yous sound
tired.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Long day working.
                                                            
                       TIA
Damn!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
what wanted you to stay up with
me. I don't think I can sleep.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Why is that?
                                                            

12.

                       TIA
Excited I guess but, baby just
call me in the morning.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Ok babe, you sound like you had a
long day yourself.
                                                            
                       TIA
Whats new?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Laughing)
You right, love you though.
                                                            
                       TIA
Love you too, Goodnight!
                                                            
Tia hangs up them attempts to get some sleep.
                                                            
 
INT. FEW DAYS LATER - DAY
                                                            
Tia in the computer lab working on some pictures. Get's a
call.
                                                            
                       TIA
Hello!
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Hopes this doesn't mean you mad at
me.
                                                            
                       TIA
Never that! I just only had a few
days to work on this portfolio
sorry I never called you back.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
I know tonights the big day I hope
you had enough time with what your
going through and I know you
started late.
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah it good!
                                                            
                       SHANICE
      (Laughing)
Oh shoot! Look at you super women!
                                                            

13.

                       TIA
      (Laughing)
Well... you have to see it to get
it i guess.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Well I'll wait till then. Did you
ever telll Anthony?
                                                            
                       TIA
No, I hope he doesn't find out, I
don't want him mad at me.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
He loves you don't worry.
                                                            
                       TIA
I know he does!
                                                            
                       SHANICE
I think your luck is turning
around.
                                                            
                       TIA
Hopefully that helps me so I can
impress someone with my work.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
They will trust.
                                                            
                       TIA
Thank you! But lemme finish up
here I'll see you tonight.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
See you then, good luck!
                                                            
                       TIA
Thanks love!
                                                            
Tia hangs up the phone contintues her work
                                                            
 
INT. BIG NIGHT - NIGHT
                                                            
In a room where Tia art work is set up Tia is standing.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Preying)
Dear God, I know I made decisions
that made my life harder for
myself just please bless me and
help me get this. Amen!
                                                            

14.

White man walks over.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (walks up)
Tia Goodnight?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Suprised)
Yes?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hello, I'm Chris Fisher from New
York Institute of Photography.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (shaking hands)
Oh, sorry. Nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You too. I'm actually long time
friends with your professor Julie
Davis she told me good things
about you.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Laughing)
I always liked that lady.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (Laughing)
Well you should of seen her
college days. But, I do trust her
opinion she told me you have alot
of natural talent and good
direction.
                                                            
                       TIA
I like to thing so and only think
i can get better also.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Well... I do like the picture you
are displaying at the moment. May
I ask what your theme is?
                                                            
                       TIA
Well it's hard to say but through
the past week I've been living
homeless and trying to display the
nights I experienced with just my
camera.
                                                            

15.

                       CHRIS
Very good! I think yuor trouble
over this time helped your
artistic mind.
                                                            
Tia grabs her stomatch.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Are you ok?
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah, it's just I haven't been
eating the best. Can I come back
in a secound.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yes I'll be right here waiting for
you.
                                                            
                       TIA
Thank you.
                                                            
Tia hurries to the bathroom.
                                                            
 
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Tia runs into the stall and goes to the toliet to throw up.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
      (Outside the
       stall.)
Tia.
                                                            
                       TIA
Yes?
                                                            
                       SHANICE
      (Concerned)
It's me Shanice. You okay?
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah. maybe just ate something
bad.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Mad)
Don't be crazy!
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Hope you okay.
                                                            

16.

                       TIA
I will be.
                                                            
Tia get out the stall goes to the sink and start to clean
her self.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
I just talked to Anthony he said
go to his house after.
                                                            
                       TIA
Isn't he coming now?
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Something came up he'll see you
there.
                                                            
                       TIA
Woe, missing my big night.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Sure he has a good reason.
                                                            
                       TIA
Sure he does.
                                                            
                       TIA
I have to go talk to this guy come
with me.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Alright.
                                                            
They leave the bathroom back to Tia portfolio.
                                                            
                       TIA
Sorry I took so long.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
It's perfectly fine. But I was
admiring your work and I think we
would love to have you study in
New York on a scholarships.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Shocked)
Wait? Really?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (Laughing)
Ofcourse! Your clearly have the
qualities that we like are student
to have.
                                                            

17.

                       TIA
Oh my god! Thank You!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
It no problem here my card just
call me on Monday well start the
enrollment process.
                                                            
Hands Tia the card.
                                                            
                       TIA
Thanks so much!
                                                            
Shanice walks in.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Hey Tia!
                                                            
                       TIA
      (to Chris)
Sorry about that I just need to
talk to her for a secound.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
It's fine you have my information
just make sure you call Monday
there alot of people who would
love to have this position.
                                                            
                       TIA
Thanks alot.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Anytime, enjoy the rest of your
show.
                                                            
Chris leaves.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Did I hear correctly?
                                                            
                       TIA
Yes! He offered me a scholarships
for NY.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Oh my god! Congrats!
                                                            
                       TIA
I know thank you!
                                                            

18.

                       SHANICE
      (Looking at
       Portfolio.)
But Tia whats this?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Scared to say.)
Well I been sleeping outside
                                                            
                       SHANICE
      (Mad)
What your crazy, if you couldn't
find somewhere you could of ask me
I would of tried.
                                                            
                       TIA
I know but im fine.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Your lucky, you could of talked to
your mom or Anthony something.
                                                            
                       TIA
I know but atleast it inspired me
to do this.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Your lucky that's all it is. If
Anthony fines out you in trouble.
                                                            
                       TIA
He wont though.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
He's going to see your portfolio
some time.
                                                            
                       TIA
He didn't come thats on him.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Whatever you say.
                                                            
                       TIA
Thank for caring means alot
though.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
What I'm here for. After go talk
to Anthony and tell me how that
goes.
                                                            

19.

                       TIA
Okay I got you.
                                                            
                       SHANICE
Okay see you later.
                                                            
Shanice leaves and Tia looks back at her pictures.
                                                            
 
EXT. ANTHONY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Tia sitting on the porch as Anthony pulls up with is car.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
What a nice suprise.
                                                            
Walks up to give Tia a hug and a kiss but Tia doesn't kiss
him back.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Are you still mad at me that I
didn't come to the show?
                                                            
                       TIA
Why wouldn't you come?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Well talk inside.
                                                            
                       TIA
Well I got a scholarships to go to
New York for school.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Oh damn New York?
                                                            
                       TIA
Yeah and I guess I got something
to tell you myself.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Okay lets go.
                                                            
They walk in the house and into Anthony's room. They both
sit on the bed.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
So can we talk?
                                                            
Tia pulls a book out here bag and show Anthony the pictures.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Is the your portfoleo.
                                                            

20.

                       TIA
Yeah, It is.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (As if he was
       hiding something)
Let me tell you I already know.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Confused)
About?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
You not telling me your homeless.
That why I didn't go, I'm not
going to support someone who can
sit here hiding shit from me.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Shocked)
How do you know?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Shanice and me talked.
                                                            
                       TIA
No! Why would she do that?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
You lucky she cares about you she
wanted you to stay with me until
you get everything handled. I told
her we gotta talk first. So what
the hell going on?
                                                            
                       TIA
My mom kicked me out last month.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Angry)
What you mean? A month? You could
of stayed here. I just found out
today.
                                                            
                       TIA
I didn't want your mom thinking
bad about me. I stayed with
Shanice until last week.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Well even then how am I suposed to
trust you if you hiding things
from me?
                                                            

21.

                       TIA
I don't know. But you know I love
you.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
I love you too... That's beside
the point right now.
                                                            
                       TIA
      (cuts Anthony off)
My mom kicked me out she wanted me
to leave you because she caught me
smoking she think your a bad
influence.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Well I feel bad but still isn't
right though.
                                                            
                       TIA
Anthony
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Yes?
                                                            
                       TIA
I have to tell you something.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
What's that?
                                                            
                       TIA
      (Looks around)
I'm pregnant!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
What!
                                                            
                       TIA
I took a test it says I'm
pregnant.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Damn babe.
                                                            
                       TIA
Damn babe WHAT?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
It's not like that. I'm kinda
happy we sharing our first child
but... when you think about it you
can't go to New York with our baby
            (MORE)

22.

                       ANTHONY (cont'd)
for college.
                                                            
                       TIA
Maybe we can jusr move there?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
You know we can't.
                                                            
                       TIA
I'll work! You can get a job and
I'm not paying for school we can
do it.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
My family's here. My jobs here.
I'm doing good you can't have your
family and go for a dream.
                                                            
                       TIA
What you mean I can do both.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Look! Clearly your not thinking
straight! I need my job it's
helping us and helping my family
and it will help us have a child,
we can get a apartment and work
but if you rather have your dream
then your not having my kid and
your not staying here.
                                                            
                       TIA
I can't make a decision like that.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Well you have to.
                                                            
Tia pulls Chris' card out her pocket and looks at it and the
scene fades out to Tia sitting with her camera taking
picture camera does croos cut to Tia's baby.
                                                            


THE END


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