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Divine Intervention
by Anita Louis (anita_louis2000@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG   Genre: Comedy   User Review: ***1/2
An angry young woman at the end of her rope gets an e-mail from God. Then all hell breaks loose.


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.



DIVINE INTERVENTION

INT. SAMANTHA'S STUDIO APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
A small space, far from luxurious, but vibrant, filled with
beautiful things.

In the background, a sewing machine hums.
                                                            
A bed that has been slept in.
                                                            
In one corner stands a table with a sewing machine, sewing
equipment and a dress form.
                                                            
At the sewing machine, SAMANTHA WILSON, late 20s, sits
sewing. She is still in her nightclothes.
                                                            
She removes the garment from the machine and holds it up. It
is a jacket, beautifully made.
                                                            
She drapes it over the dress form, and looks over it with a
critical eye.
                                                            
It is complete except for the hem, which is held together
with straight pins.
                                                            
The sharp tone of a cell phone pierces the air.
                                                            
She absently looks at the text she has received.
                                                            
The message is from MISS PRESCOTT.
                                                            
ON HER CELLPHONE SCREEN:
                                                            
"Where are you? Clients arrive in 20."
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Oh, shit!
                                                            
She looks over at her clock. 8.10 a.m.
                                                            
She grabs the phone and texts back:

"I'm on my way."
                                                            
She flies around the room. Tries to get organized, get
dressed.
                                                            
Pulls clothes out from the closet.
                                                            
Compares two skirts. Chooses one.
                                                            

2.

                       SAMANTHA
I hate this job ...
                                                            
Her cell phone rings again, this time with the ring tone she
has set for her mother:
                                                            
CELL PHONE RING:
                                                            
"It's your mother! Pick up, darling! I know you're there!"
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Oh, Jeez, Mom!
                                                            
CELL PHONE RING:
                                                            
"It's no use! I know where you live!"
                                                            
Samantha reaches over and hits the "ignore" button.
                                                            
There is a sharp knock at the door.
                                                            
And another.
                                                            
Samantha runs over and yanks the door open. Her mother
stands there.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (cheerfully)
I really do know where you live,
you know.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mother, I'm late for work.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
It's after eight!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
If you know what time it is,
Mother, why are you here?
                                                            
Samantha's mother breezes past her into the apartment.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
You know, of all my kids, I pray
for you the most.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Here we go.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I say, "Please, Lord, help my poor
Samantha".
                                                            

3.

                       SAMANTHA
Well, then you must know that He
never answers.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Now, don't you say that! He
answers you before you even ask,
you know that?
                                                            
Samantha begins to get dressed.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Oh, yeah? Would it kill Him to
let me know what He decides?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Now, where would the surprise be
in that?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I don't like surprises. He should
know that. Being God and all.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Oh, stop. Now have you finished--
                                                            
Mother catches sight of the jacket.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Oh, dear mother of God!
                                                            
She walks to the dress form, captivated by the jacket.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
It's absolutely ... divine!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
It's a jacket, Mother, not the
baby Jesus.
                                                            
Samantha's mother smacks her reprovingly.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Be that as it may. It's divine!
                                                            
Samantha grabs her mother by the arm and herds her to the
door.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I want to see you in it!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Later.
                                                            

4.

                       MOTHER
Call me, now.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Yes, yes. Love you bye.
                                                            
She pushes her mother out the door.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Love--
                                                            
Samantha closes the door in her mother's face.
                                                            
She is dressed except for a jacket. She pulls one off a
hanger in the closet. She is about to put it on when she
notices a stain on it.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Dammit!
                                                            
She catches sight of the jacket on the dress form.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Ok, God - let's see if my Mom is
right. How about a little help
here?
                                                            
She pulls the jacket off the dress form.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
So far you've been making a liar
out of her. Just so you know.
                                                            
With swift, practiced fingers, she pulls out the pins from
the hem and tapes it down with fabric tape.
                                                            
She puts the jacket on and looks at herself in the full
length mirror beside the dress form. She looks stunning.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
My life sucks!
                                                            
She grabs her keys, and heads out the door.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMANTHA'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Samantha comes up to roadwork and traffic is stalled.
                                                            
She hits the steering wheel in frustration.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Samantha 1. Mom 0.
                                                            

5.

She sighs, peels out of the line of cars, and makes a
u-turn.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Deep breath. It'll be ok. It'll
be ok.
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Samantha, MR. WOODSBURROW, 70s, the client, frail and aided
by a cane, and his assistant, EDNA, late 40s, mousy and
meek, stand at the end of the conference table. Files are
scattered on it.
                                                            
Mr. Woodsburrow punctuates his points with sharp blows of
his cane on the floor.
                                                            
                       MR. WOODSBURROW
Rubbish! Hooey! Absolute drivel!
I wait for twenty minutes for
this...this--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mr. Woodsburrow--
                                                            
                       MR. WOODSBURROW
My father did business with this
company. My grandfather!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mr. Woodsburrow, please, I can--
                                                            
                       MR. WOODSBURROW
We're done here. Let's go, Edna.
                                                            
Mr. Woodsburrow limps to the door, but Edna slowly moves
over to Samantha.
                                                            
                       EDNA
      (whispering)
That's a beautiful jacket. Where'd
you get it?
                                                            
                       MR. WOODSBURROW
Edna!
                                                            
Edna, chastised, walks to the door.
                                                            
                       MR. WOODSBURROW
      (to Samantha)
Miss Prescott will hear of this,
make no mistake!
                                                            
 

6.

INT. SAMANTHA'S CUBICLE - LATER
                                                            
A file slams onto a desk. Samantha is at her desk. HARRY
WADE appears beside Samantha.
                                                            
                       HARRY
How'd it go?
                                                            
Samantha glares at him.
                                                            
                       HARRY
That bad, huh?
                                                            
Harry looks at her compassionately.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He wouldn't even listen to what I
had to say, Harry!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Well, you did keep him waiting.
                                                            
Samantha glares at him.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I'm just saying.
                                                            
Her glare intensifies, and Harry's look softens.
                                                            
                       HARRY
You look terrible -- I mean you
look terrific, but -- what
happened?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Shit happened, that's what, Harry.
Shit! What always happens to me!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha, you've been like this
for weeks. What's going on?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I've been like this my whole damn
life, Harry, but thank you for
asking.
                                                            
Harry looks at her for a moment.
                                                            

7.

                       HARRY
Hey, I have a joke--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (sharply)
Not now!
                                                            
                       HARRY
For God's sake, Samantha, I was
just trying to help!
                                                            
Samantha turns on him.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Don't you bring him into this!
                                                            
                       HARRY
What?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Don't you bring God into this.
                                                            
                       HARRY
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You know what he's doing?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Who?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
God! Aren't you listening to me?
                                                            
Harry stares at her, flummoxed.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Nothing! He does nothing!
                                                            
Samantha is now out of her cubicle and closing in on Harry,
who is backing away, looking startled.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I bet he knows every damn thing
that's going on.
                                                            
                       HARRY
You're not having a nervous
breakdown, are you?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He's got it all up here.
                                                            

8.

Samantha taps her head. Harry continues to back away as she
advances on him.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He probably has all kinds of
wisdom as to what I should do to
get out of this crap. But does he
let me in on any of it?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Yes. You're having a nervous
breakdown.
                                                            
Samantha brings her hand down loudly on a desk.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Hell, no!
                                                            
Harry looks around in embarrassment.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I think you need some time off.
Maybe you better ...
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (overlapping)
I have this stupid, dead-end job
that I hate. Hate!
                                                            
                       HARRY
... take the day off.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
But I don't know what else to do!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Shh!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I don't know what to do! About
anything! Do you?
                                                            
Harry takes a breath to say something, but Samantha cuts him
off.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
But I know who knows what to do!
                                                            
                       HARRY
You do?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Oh, yeah, I do. You know who?
                                                            

9.

Harry shakes his head uncertainly.
                                                            
                       HARRY
God?
                                                            
Samantha speaks so loudly she startles Harry.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
God! He knows what to do about
everything! But is he giving out?
Oooh, nooo.
                                                            
                       HARRY
You haven't been drinking, have
you?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
It's some kind of biiiig,
hush-hush secret.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Let me smell your breath.
                                                            
Harry moves toward Samantha to smell her breath.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I have a phone.
                                                            
Samantha whips her phone out of her pocket and thrusts it at
Harry's face, wiggling it.  Harry jumps back.  
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You can find me on the internet
...
                                                            
All the time, she is advancing on him.  
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I have three ...
                                                            
Samantha thrusts three fingers under Harry's nose.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
... three email addresses ...
                                                            
                       HARRY
What?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Does he think to use any of them?
                                                            
                       HARRY
What are you talking about?
                                                            

10.

Samantha bangs a nearby desk so hard its occupant jumps.
Several people look over their cubicles.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
God! What do you think I've been
talking about?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha ...
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He could email me ...
                                                            
                       HARRY
This is crazy.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
... send me a text message.
                                                            
                       HARRY
You need to calm down.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He could friend me!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha, I am this close to
calling in professional help.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I mean, you'd think he could do
that, right? After all, he's God!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Once ... just once ... it would be
nice to hear from him, know what
I'm saying?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha ...
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Get his take on things, you know?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha, calm down!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (Yelling)
I am calm, dammit!
                                                            

11.

The entire office goes quiet, and many more heads pop up
above cubicles.
                                                            
DERRICK comes up to Samantha and Harry. He looks from one
to the other.
                                                            
                       DERRICK
Harry.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Derrick.
                                                            
                       DERRICK
Hey, Sam. What's going on? How
did the presentation go this
morning?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (still fuming)
Fine!
                                                            
                       DERRICK
Good, good. Good to hear that.
Nice jacket.
                                                            
He slaps her on the shoulder and is gone before she can
respond.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (Calling loudly
       after him.)
It's Samantha, actually.
                                                            
Derrick keeps walking without looking back.
                                                            
                       HARRY
He just made VP, you know.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I know.
                                                            
They both look after him.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What a weasel.
                                                            
Harry looks back at Samantha.
                                                            
                       HARRY
You alright?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Fine.
                                                            

12.

                       HARRY
I'm right across there. If you
need me.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Sure.
                                                            
He turns and leaves for his cubicle.  Samantha goes to her
desk and sits down.
                                                            
An email message alert sounds on her computer.  
                                                            
ON THE MONITOR

An email alert appears:

"You have a new email from Lucy Prescott."
                                                            
Samantha clicks on the window.
                                                            
ON THE MONITOR
                                                            
Miss Prescott's email message appears:
                                                            
"I'll be back at the office in a few minutes. I want a full
update on how the presentation went."
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Oh, great!
                                                            
Samantha sighs deeply, and just as she is about to reply,
another email alert pops up.  Her eyes go to it
automatically, but then she does a double take.  
                                                            
ON THE MONITOR
                                                            
An email alert appears:
                                                            
"You have a new email from God."
                                                            
Samantha clicks on the window and looks at the message.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (reading)
"Chill. What's the worst that
could happen? Love, God. P.S.
Sorry I took so long to write."
                                                            
Samantha stares at the message for a moment, and then
snatches up her phone, and punches two numbers.  A phone
rings across the room, then gets picked up.
                                                            

13.

INTERCUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION
                                                            
                       HARRY
Harry in IT, h--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What are you trying to do, Harry?
                                                            
                       HARRY
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
It's not funny.
                                                            
                       HARRY
What?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I don't know how you did it, but
it's not funny.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I didn't do anything!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I just got an email.
                                                            
                       HARRY
An email. You called me to tell
me--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I just got an email from God.
                                                            
                       HARRY
What?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
From God! I just got an email
from God!
                                                            
                       HARRY
From God?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Yes!
                                                            
                       HARRY
You mean the real--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
The one true, yes!
                                                            

14.

                       HARRY
God?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
God, dammit! Now you tell me
that's normal!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Uh--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You're the only person I know who
would pull something like this.
                                                            
                       HARRY
What does it say?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (incredulously)
What?
                                                            
                       HARRY
What does it say?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
It says "chill"!
                                                            
                       HARRY
Chill?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Yeah. Chill!
                                                            
                       HARRY
God said "chill"?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Chill! I'm looking at it right
now!
                                                            
                       HARRY
I've never known God to talk like
that!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I've never known God to talk at
all! Never mind send emails!
                                                            
                       HARRY
I'll come over and have a look at
it.
                                                            

15.

Another email alert sounds, and Samantha looks over at her
computer.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Wait, wait, wait. Here's another
one.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I'll be right there.
                                                            
Harry rushes over to Samantha's desk.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He just friended me.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Damn! Go to His profile!
                                                            
Samantha goes to God's profile.  
                                                            
ON THE MONITOR
                                                            
God's profile picture is of clouds with a ray of light
shining through them.
                                                            
                       HARRY
      (Reading)
God. Creator of the Universe.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
He's got 7 billion friends.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Check out his status!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (reading)
"Had a spare moment this morning,
so invented a new law of physics."
                                                            
Samantha stares at her computer screen with a blank look on
her face.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
This is ridiculous. I mean, how
does anyone do this?
                                                            
She looks at Harry with a serious expression.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You promise it's not you playing a
trick on me?
                                                            

16.

Harry looks back at her sincerely.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I promise.
                                                            
Another email alert.  They both look at the computer.
                                                            
ON THE MONITOR
                                                            
An email message appears:

"You have a new message from God."
                                                            
                       HARRY
Open it!
                                                            
Samantha opens the message.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (Reading)
Psalm 46:10.  
                                                            
Harry has already taken out his phone and is looking up the
reference.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Got it! Got it!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What does it say?
                                                            
                       HARRY
      (Reading)
"Be still and know that I am God."
                                                            
Samantha turns very quiet.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Be still -- Chill.
                                                            
                       HARRY
What?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
That's what He said ... "chill".
                                                            
                       HARRY
Now wait a minute ... you don't
think that it is--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I don't know what I think.
                                                            

17.

The phone on Samantha's desk rings, startling them both.
They look at the phone, and then at each other.
                                                            
Harry nods gravely at Samantha.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Go on. Answer it.
                                                            
Samantha picks up the phone.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Hello?
                                                            
Her expression quickly turns to one of exasperation.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mother!
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT (O.S.)
Miss Wilson!
                                                            
MISS PRESCOTT stands over Samantha and Harry. She is an
elegant woman in her late sixties. It is obvious that at
this moment, she is highly displeased.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Miss Prescott.
                                                            
                       HARRY
      (overlapping)
Miss Prescott.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (into the phone)
Mother, I'll call you back.
                                                            
She hangs up.
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
Miss Wilson. I heard about your
... presentation this morning.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Yes, Miss Prescott.
                                                            
Miss Prescott's frigid gaze traverses towards Harry.
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
Do you not have something to do,
Mr. Wade?
                                                            
                       HARRY
Uh--yes, ma'am.
                                                            

18.

Harry exchanges a look with Samantha, then leaves.
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
Miss Wilson, there is no excuse
for your performance this morning.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Miss Prescott, I can--
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
Inexcusable. Did I not make
myself clear?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Miss--
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
You are hereby relieved of your
duties. You may pack your things
and leave.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What?
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
You are fired, Miss Wilson!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Miss--
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
Miss Wilson, don't think I haven't
thought about this. I have. Long
and hard. I believe I'm doing you
a favor.
                                                            
She is about to leave, and turns back on an afterthought.
                                                            
                       MISS PRESCOTT
By the way, that is a rather
lovely jacket you have on.
                                                            
Miss Prescott leaves Samantha looking after her in abject
dejection.
                                                            
 
EXT. SAMANTHA'S EX-OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
Samantha drops a box on the passenger seat of her car.
Throws her jacket over the box. Slams the door. Rather
harder than necessary.
                                                            

19.

                       HARRY (O.S.)
Samantha!
                                                            
She turns.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I'm sorry.
                                                            
She walks over to the driver's side.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Samantha.
                                                            
She looks up at Harry. Angry. Closed.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I know you think all of that was a
prank. The emails and all.
                                                            
She waits. Lips tight.
                                                            
                       HARRY
But I saw ... I think ... there
was ... He was right, wasn't he? I
mean, whoever it was?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You're not the one out of a job.
                                                            
Harry looks at her, pained.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You're not the one standing here
wondering what the hell you're
going to do next. Are you?
                                                            
                       HARRY
But Samantha ...
                                                            
Samantha glares at him.
                                                            
                       HARRY
... that's the surprise isn't it?
                                                            
She flings open the car door.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I mean ... now you get to do
anything you want.
                                                            
Samantha looks off into the distance for a moment.
                                                            

20.

                       SAMANTHA
You're right, Harry.
                                                            
She looks back at him, her face grim.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
It was all a prank.
                                                            
She gets in. Slams the door and screeches off.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMANTHA'S CAR - LATER
                                                            
Screech to a halt. Same roadwork.
                                                            
A member of the road crew looks through the passenger
window. His name tag reads "CHUCK".
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You can't go any further, ma'am.
                                                            
Samantha slowly turns to look at him.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
This road is blocked to you.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
You. Are the reason I lost my job
today.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You will have to find another way.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
This roadwork ... I ... had enough
time ... and then this ...
roadwork!
                                                            
She hits the steering wheel. Hard.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
And now I've lost ...
                                                            
BANG!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
... this stupid ...
                                                            
BANG!
                                                            

21.

                       SAMANTHA
... dead-end ...
                                                            
BANG!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
... underpaid ...
                                                            
BANG!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
... fucking job!
                                                            
She stares at Chuck. Angry tears well up.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I needed this job.
                                                            
 
EXT. SAMANTHA'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Chuck looks up above Samantha's car.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Ma'am.
                                                            
Another car. Traveling fast. Heading for Samantha's.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
There is still time.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE OTHER CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
A couple. A heated argument. The driver enraged,
oblivious.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMANTHA'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I don't know what else to do.
                                                            
She looks at Chuck. Tears on her face.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I mean, what the hell do I do now?
                                                            
Chuck looks at her.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What happens now?
                                                            

22.

Chuck looks past her through her window at the oncoming car.
Then back at her.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Now comes the surprise, Samantha.
                                                            
In that moment she looks at him in confusion, and then--
                                                            
 
EXT. SAMANTHA'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
In one fluid motion, Chuck stands and leaps backwards.

The oncoming car smashes into Samantha's.
                                                            
 
INT. STARK WHITE EMPTY ROOM - LATER
                                                            
Samantha opens her eyes and blinks against brightness. She
is lying on a table.
                                                            
She slowly gets up. Everything is deathly quiet.
                                                            
She ventures forward into the room.
                                                            
                       CHUCK (O.S.)
So. You chose this.
                                                            
Samantha turns when she hears the voice to one side of her.
                                                            
Chuck stands there. Samantha gapes at him in utter
incomprehension.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR (O.S.)
      (shouting)
We're losing her!
                                                            
Samantha whirls back toward the table. But where there was
just the table she was lying on, now there is--
                                                            
 
INT. OPERATING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
--an operating room, and she sees an entire medical staff
working in a frenzy over a body on the table.
                                                            
Voices are raised in urgency, and a heart monitor is
bleeping with ever decreasing regularity.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Defibrillator!
                                                            
Samantha watches as a pair are handed to him.
                                                            

23.

                       DOCTOR
Clear!
                                                            
The violent punch of the equipment sends a jolt through the
body on the table.
                                                            
There is no change in the bleep of the monitor.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Again!
                                                            
The doctor moves slightly, and in that tenth of a moment,
Samantha sees the person lying on the table. It is her.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Clear!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Am I dead?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Not yet.
                                                            
The sound of the paddles discharging reverberates around the
room like a shot.
                                                            
The heart monitor bleeps once more, then falls into the
abyss of a flatline.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
No.
                                                            
Tears well up in her eyes.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
No! No!
                                                            
                       CHUCK
There was no other way.
                                                            
She tears her eyes away from the body on the table.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What are you talking about?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
That was the only way.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
But why?
                                                            
Samantha looks back toward the table.
                                                            

24.

                       SAMANTHA
Why that?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
So you could hear me.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
So--
                                                            
She turns to look back at Chuck.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
So now I'm--
                                                            
She spins to look back at the table--
                                                            
 
INT. STARK WHITE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
There's nothing there. No medical team. No equipment. No
body. She spins back to face Chuck.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Who are you?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You said you wanted me to talk to
you ...
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What is this place?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
... so here I am ....
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Why am I here?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
... talking to you.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Who are you?
                                                            
Chuck leans in, close to her. Looks straight and deep into
her eyes.
                                                            
His words are firm but gentle.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Don't you know, Samantha?
                                                            
Samantha steps back, afraid.
                                                            

25.

                       CHUCK
Don't you?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
No ...
                                                            
She takes another step back.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
... you can't be ...
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Who else would I be, Samantha?
                                                            
He relentlessly holds her eyes with his.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
I've been here, close to you, all
the time ... always talking with
you.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
But ...
                                                            
                       CHUCK
There has never been a time that
you've been alone.
                                                            
Samantha opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You are never alone.
                                                            
In a sudden yet gentle gesture, Chuck grabs both Samantha's
hands.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Know that, Samantha.
                                                            
The moment his hands touch hers, Samantha's eyes open wide
in a jolt of recognition.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Now go do something extraordinary.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
What?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Go do something you love!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
But...I'm dead!
                                                            

26.

                       CHUCK
Oh ...
                                                            
Chuck makes a dismissive gesture, but his eyes hold a
mischievous humor.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
... that might have been a little
... premature.
                                                            
BLEEP! Samantha spins around at the sound of the heart
monitor.
                                                            
 
INT. OPERATING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
                       NURSE
Doctor!
                                                            
BLEEP!
                                                            
The doctor stops mid-stride on his way out of the room and
returns to the operating table at a run.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Defibrillator! Quick!
                                                            
Chuck turns to leave.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
      (to Chuck, alarmed)
Where are you going?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You have to go now.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
But ... what will I do?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You'll know, Samantha.
                                                            
Chuck turns to leave.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Wait! Don't leave--
                                                            
The loud thump of the paddles discharging.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Samantha's eyes fly open and she sits up abruptly in bed.
                                                            

27.

                       SAMANTHA
--me!
                                                            
Samantha's MOTHER hurries across the room to her, and gently
takes hold of her hand.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Baby, baby. I'm here. I'm here.
                                                            
Samantha looks at her mother, disoriented.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mom?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (voice catching)
I'm right here, sweetie. I won't
leave you.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mom!
                                                            
Samantha throws her arms around her mother. Her eyes fill
with tears.
                                                            
Samantha's mother holds her for a time, and when Samantha
releases her, gently eases her back onto the pillow.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (voice catching)
The doctors said you were gone --
                                                            
She struggles to control her emotions.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I thought I'd -- you've been
asleep for three days. You took
quite a crack to your head!
                                                            
Samantha smiles through tears.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I guess that was lucky, huh? I
might have died otherwise.
                                                            
They both laugh. And cry.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Mum -- when I spoke to you last --
                                                            
Her mother begins to shake her head.
                                                            

28.

                       SAMANTHA
I was horrid to you.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (overlapping)
Shhh.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I'm sorry.
                                                            
Samantha catches sight of something behind her mother.
                                                            
Her mother follows her gaze.
                                                            
It is Samantha's jacket, on the dress form.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I thought you would like to see
that when you woke up.
                                                            
She looks at Samantha seriously.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I never understood what you were
doing in that job. But this ...
                                                            
She indicates the jacket.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
... this is just ...
extraordinary.
                                                            
At her mother's words, Samantha's eyes flick from the jacket
to her mother.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I can see the love that went into
it, Samantha.
                                                            
Samantha is unable to take her eyes from her mother's.
                                                            
                       HARRY (O.S.)
Samantha!
                                                            
Samantha and her mother look to the door. Harry is standing
there.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Harry!
                                                            
                       MOTHER
He's been here every single day.
                                                            

29.

She looks between Harry and Samantha, who are still looking
at each other.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I think I'd like a cup of coffee.
It's been a long three days.
                                                            
She leaves the room.
                                                            
Harry comes in and sits on the side of Samantha's bed.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I was so mean to you.
                                                            
Harry shakes his head in dismissal.
                                                            
                       HARRY
I'm just glad you're back.
                                                            
He takes her hand. Samantha returns the squeeze. They
remain holding hands, and sit quietly for a minute.
                                                            
                       HARRY
When this is over, Samantha ... I
mean ... when you're feeling
better ...
                                                            
He hesitates awkwardly.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Would you like to ... I mean,
could we--
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Yes.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Really?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Yes.
                                                            
Harry relaxes, and smiles.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Hey, I bought a new phone. I
wanted to show it to you ...
                                                            
He takes out his phone.
                                                            
                       HARRY
And I have a joke.
                                                            

30.

Samantha groans.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Does God have a cell phone?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Harry, I already died this week
and now you're killing me.
                                                            
                       HARRY
No, he doesn't. And he also gave
away his tablets. Get it? Moses
... tablets.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I'm asking God for patience right
now.
                                                            
                       HARRY
Not strength?
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
No. If He gave me strength I'd
kill you.
                                                            
                       HARRY
You would not!
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I so would!
                                                            
                       HARRY
So ... What do you think you will
do now?
                                                            
She looks at the jacket for a long moment.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
I think ... I'll do something I
love for a change. Something ...
                                                            
MONTAGE - SAMANTHA'S FUTURE CAREER
                                                            
-- She sketches drawings of models and clothes.
                                                            
-- She is measuring, pinning and tacking, looking to see how
a garment looks on a dress dummy.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA (V.O.)
... extraordinary.
                                                            
-- A model is walking down a catwalk, wearing Samantha's
creation.
                                                            

31.

                       HARRY (V.O.)
Think God will text me on this
phone?
                                                            
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY - PRESENT DAY
                                                            
Samantha catches sight of "Chuck" at the door. He smiles at
her and winks.
                                                            
                       SAMANTHA
Well ... I've known Him to email.
                                                            
Samantha is smiling, and her eyes wander off to contemplate
the jacket.
                                                            
Unseen, in the background, "Chuck" smiles and walks away.
                                                            


THE END


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From Siobhan Tebbs Date 9/1/2013 ****
I don't believe in God but I thought this was a neat little story with a great message, and I could see it working well on screen.

From Glenn Griffiths Date 8/27/2013 ***
Overall a good short. Nice to see someone writing God as a positive as there is so many people who write the negative and can be quite incorrect and hateful. I would ask that you go back as you have made a very big beginners error. When you have actions like (hesitating) (smiling). Remove all of those which are NOT needed, and instead let your dialogue and actions show this instead.


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