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HAWAIIAN CRUSH
by Steve Kincaid (kincaid@san.rr.com)

Rated: G   Genre: Teen Movies   User Review: ***1/2
A 13 year old Hawaiian dancer asks God to make something special happen... He sends her a college boy!


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



HAWAIIAN CRUSH

FADE IN:

EXT. MOTHER EARTH FROM SPACE - DAY
                                                            
A satellite view of Mother Earth, all blue with white swirly
clouds. We zoom in and magnify on the Hawaiian Islands. We
hear light, Hawaiian music.

We move in to see the Island of Oahu. We travel over
Honolulu harbor, over Waikiki; we see the hotels and
beautiful beaches. We fly over Diamond Head Volcano and move
north.

We hear the sound of seagulls and light surf. We see Laie
beach, lava rocks and palm trees; we hear a young girl's
voice; a prayer...
                                                            
                       OKALANI (V.O.)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so
much for the early morning rain.
                                                            
We turn inland. We see a small Hawaiian town, neat streets,
lush evergreens, ferns and green grasses.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (V.O.)
      (continued)
Thank you for the Islands so
pretty and green. Thank you for
being there for me and riding with
me through life.
                                                            
We hear the 'PUTT PUTT' sound of a small engine.
                                                            
We see the back of a young girl riding an old VESPA scooter.
This is OKALANI; thirteen-year-old Hawaiian beauty. A sweet,
innocent child oozing with happiness, hair flying, white
dance skirt fluttering; She moves up a pretty landscaped
lane. In the background a beautiful white building against
lush green mountains enhanced by black volcanic rock.
                                                            

2.

                       OKALANI (V.O.)
      (continued)
I'm so thankful for being Hawaiian
and being so healthy and happy.
                                                            
She pulls up, stops and parks the scooter in front of a
large manicured grass area in front of a temple or church. A
MAN on a riding MOWER stops, turns off the ENGINE and
watches the girl. She runs onto the grass area; she twirls,
her arms out, smiling, grinning, we hear her GIGGLE...
                                                            
She falls onto her knees, clasps her hands together holding
them up to the heavens. We now know the sweet words are
coming from her lips...
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
Heavenly father, I am so thankful
for this pretty body, for my good
friends, for dance and my dance
teacher; and please, Heavenly
Father, please make something
special happen to me today.
                                                            
Then her speech speeds up adding...
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
Oh my gosh, I'm going to be late.
I love you so much, Amen!
                                                            
She runs up to the scooter, turns to the man on the mower,
giggles and waves. The man on the mower smiles and waves
back. Okalani pats the back seat on the scooter.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
Here, God. Sit here.
                                                            
She runs with the scooter, puts it into second and jumps on
as the ENGINE comes to life and off she goes. We follow her
through town. People in the neighborhoods wave and smile;
they all seem to know her. She smiles and waves back. She
makes her way through the quiet streets of Laie and up to an
old rundown, free-standing building.

A SIGN reads: "Valerie's Dance School". She parks the
scooter and runs up the old wood steps and into the
building.
                                                            
 

3.

INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY
                                                            
Inside we see the classic interior of an old dance studio
with traditional mirrored wall, a ballet bar and hula dance
posters.
                                                            
We find a dozen little girls in similar dance costume to
Okalani's. Ages 8 through 13, lined up in front of the dance
bar, giggling at the late student. Okalani comes in and
stops dead in her tracks. MISS VALERIE, a thin, late 40ish
Hawaiian dance teacher is standing with her hands on her
hips, tapping her foot and looking somewhat perturbed at the
late student.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
Well... Princess Okalani decided
to join us?
                                                            
Little girls laugh, whisper and quiet down once more as Miss
Valerie holds her hand up to quiet the girls.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, um, sorry Miss Valerie. I was,
um, at the temple, praying.
                                                            
Girls giggle and up goes Miss Valerie's hand. The teacher is
somewhat amused at this 'late reason' and decides to call
the girl on it.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
I see, and what by chance might
our little princess be praying
about?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (shyly)
Um, well, I thanked Heavenly
Father for this beautiful day, um,
for my "good" friends.
                                                            
Okalani gives the girls a teasing look of betrayal. The
little dancers get quiet with that comment as Okalani
continues...
                                                            

4.

                       OKALANI (cont'd)
And... I thanked Heavenly Father
for my great dance teacher who is
so 'patient' with me?
                                                            
Miss Valerie chuckles, turns and tries to control a smile
and holds her hand up once more as the little girls laugh.
Miss Valerie turns back and asks:
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
You actually prayed for your dance
teacher? For us at the Temple?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Of course. You're the best
"friends" and best dance teacher I
ever had.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
      (chuckles)
I'm the only dance teacher you
ever had... ok, ok, join the other
girls; God knows I need all the
prayers I can get.
                                                            
Okalani starts to walk past the teacher, stops and adds:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, and I asked God to make
something special happen to me
today.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
Well, He doesn't have much time
left, does He? And, you'd better
be careful what you pray for.
                                                            
Valerie points for Okalani to get into line with the other
girls and as Okalani passes in front of the teacher, Miss
Valerie gives Okalani a good swat on the bottom.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Ouchie!
                                                            
Okalani does a little hop and jump and hurries into the
dance line. Little girls giggle, Okalani rubs her bottom and

5.

does a fake pout, then puts her hands on her hips and taps
her foot at her little friends, imitating Miss Valerie. Miss
Valerie turns, puts the needle to the old phonograph and
some scratchy Hawaiian music starts. Then all together, like
a seasoned troupe of dancers, they all start Hawaiian
dancing in perfect unison.
                                                            
                                         END SCENE
                                                            
 
INT. DORM ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JIM, 19, is Scottish with a little Hawaiian blood. He is an
athletic young college student on the cute side of handsome.
He is friendly and outgoing. We find him sitting in a
college dorm room, studying at a small desk in front of a
window overlooking the quad. His roommate, TOM, 18, is
propped against the wall, sitting on a bed reading a
textbook. Tom is chunky but not fat. He is a mainlander from
San Diego, just a normal guy who would rather be doing
something else instead of studying.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'm falling asleep.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're always falling asleep.
                                                            
                       TOM
Reading always makes me sleepy.
You got the late shift today?
                                                            
                       JIM
Yeah, three to nine. Guess I'd
better go.
                                                            
Jim closes his book, organizes his desk.
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh, by the way, thanks for getting
me the job over at the Cultural
Center.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're turning into a great
mainlander dancer, Tom... a little
war paint and nobody will know you
            (MORE)

6.

                       JIM (cont'd)
don't have a clue as to what
you're doing!
                                                            
Tom throws a pillow at Jim.
                                                            
                       TOM
Thanks buddy, I'll get you for
that.
                                                            
Jim slips on a Hawaiian shirt, gives Tom the Hawaiian hand
sign (hang loose) and we follow Jim as he walks through the
college on his way to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC).
Students are smiling and waving at Jim, saying "hi". They
all seem to know him. Jim smiles and waves back, stops to
talk to several of his fellow students. One student walking
by makes a karate chop with his hand and a small karate
yell. Jim chuckles and points at him. Jim makes his way
behind one of the two-story classrooms and through the back
parking lot to a chain link fence and gate. A SIGN reads:
"Polynesian Cultural Center Gate C". A young guard on a
stool playing with his handcuffs greets Jim and lets him in.
                                                            
                       GUARD
Aloha, Jim. What's up?
                                                            
                       JIM
Oh, hey Roger, made any arrests
today?
                                                            
                       GUARD
      (chuckles)
No, it's been pretty quiet, want
to try my handcuffs on?
                                                            
Looking back Jim passes through the gate.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
No thanks Roger, maybe later...
don't lock yourself up?
                                                            
Both smile and wave at each other. We hear Hawaiian music
and the hum of voices... Jim walks through the back of the
park and then joins the hordes of tourists heading for the
canoe ride. He makes his way to the pole storage area and

7.

finds his favorite pole. He makes his way across several
outrigger canoe boats and pushes one over to the loading
area. EMILY, his co-worker helps load people onto the craft.
                                                            
                       EMILY
Right this way Ma'am. Watch your
step, sir... Hey Jim, have a good
nappy?
                                                            
                       JIM
Hey Em, you're looking fit
today... You got the best legs at
the PCC... Except for you of
course Ma'am!(old lady giggles).
                                                            
                       EMILY
      (blushing;
       chuckles)
Thanks, ran 10 miles yesterday,
what a rush!... Oh, right here
Ma'am, that's it. Watch your step,
sir.
                                                            
Once Jim's craft is filled with tourists, Emily moves to the
front of the craft.
                                                            
                       EMILY
Aloha, folks. thank you for
visiting the Polynesian Cultural
Center... This is Jim McDuff. His
dad is Scottish but he makes a
pretty Hawaiian boy, doesn't he
ladies? (Tourist ladies giggle.)
Anyway, he's a good guide; hasn't
had one guest drown this month!
(laughter) Enjoy your trip.
                                                            
Emily pushes off Jim's craft. He poles off, turns and gives
the folks a giant smile and the Hawaiian hand sign. (hang
loose).
                                                            
                       JIM
Folks, I would like to welcome you
to the Polynesian Cultural Center,
"A-L-O-H-A"!
                                                            

8.

Tourists in the boat all laugh and smile and repeat
"A-L-O-H-A".
                                                            
                                         END SCENE
                                                            
 
INT. DANCE STUDIO - NIGHT
                                                            
We return to the dance school; watch and listen to the end
of the last practice dance. Miss Valerie is very proud of
her class and excitedly gives the girls two thumbs up as the
music ends.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
Alright! Girls, that was perfect.
Now as you know, we have been
invited to perform at the Marriott
in two weeks. We get paid for this
one so there will be no dance
class dues for next month.
                                                            
Girls get excited, teacher holds her hand up to quiet girls.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
Now girls, we have one more
practice next Wednesday night at
our usual time... this is also a
dress rehearsal so bring your
grass skirts and don't be late.
                                                            
Teacher looks over at Okalani... All the girls giggle,
Okalani blushes.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
You are all excused.
                                                            
Girls run into a circle, all thrilled about the big night.
All excitedly talking at once (ad lib group chatter). We
meet Okalani's best friend MILANI,13, as cute as Okalani
with the same petite body.
                                                            
                       MILANI
And Okalani, don't be late!
                                                            
Girls all laugh, good-hearted fun. The group breaks up.
Girls run and pick up their bags and run out. Okalani runs

9.

up to Miss Valerie and gives her a hug and apologizes.
Milani waiting.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm so sorry for being late.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
It's okay sweetie, I was just
teasing you... Did you really pray
for your dance teacher?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (nods head)
Of course I did... You're the best
dance teacher ever!
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
You're such a sweetheart; but
don't be late next time, okay?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Okay, I promise.
                                                            
Okalani and Milani get their packs and run out, jump on the
scooter and take off. They make a fast stop at the ABC store
for two DING DONGS. They scoot through the streets and into
a giant parking lot with a large landscaped entry, the SIGN
over the gate reads: "WELCOME TO THE PLOYNESIAN CULTURAL
CENTER".

They move through the parking lot and up to a giant stand
of bamboo that the park did not fence. Parking between
several cars, the girls look around nervously to make sure
it's all clear. They run up to the stand of bamboo (still in
dance outfits) and struggle to squeeze into a small space
and work their way through the thicket.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Okalani, I can't believe you cut
some of this out.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
We're poor, how else are we going
to get in? Besides, this is
important. We're studying dance,
remember?
                                                            

10.

                       MILANI
I know, I know, we're dance
students. Students study.
                                                            
Hawaiian music playing in background. PA direction on
enjoying the Luau. Girls continue to struggle through the
giant bamboo.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
We got the time, yeah?
                                                            
                       MILANI
Not if we get stuck in here... We
could get lost and die in here you
know; years from now we could be
found as Hawaiian mummies!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giggles)
You're so dramatic, you should be
in a movie. (beat)
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (teasing; pointing)
Is that a spider on your neck?
                                                            
Okalani yelps and quickly wipes her neck.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (shivers)
Eewl! You're sooooo bad, you
shouldn't kid about spiders, yuck!
(beat) What's that on your chest?
                                                            
Milani squeals, they both giggle nervously. They continue to
fight through the forest of bamboo, squeezing through two
large pieces at the end of their trail, scrunching down
behind several big rocks and shrubs at the back of the
dining area.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Keep down, I hope we don't get
caught.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Me too.
                                                            

11.

They are looking over a large outdoor theater and luau area
that seats about 2000. It has a large wood roof but open
sides. There are hundreds of tables and two or three serving
tables with food piled high. Hundreds of tourists fill their
plates, moving back and forth. Lots of college-age servers
are moving food, drink and people. P.A. is going with luau
directions. We hear Hawaiian MUSIC.

The stage is volcanic, covered with green vegetation and
black volcanic rock. A water-filled moat separates the stage
from the audience with a small bridge. The stage is lit and
fog machines and special lighting add ambience to the scene.
Behind the stage 20 or 30 young dancers prepare in costume.

The girls don't see Jim, a young dancer in full war paint
and costume with binoculars spotting them. The girls chow
down on their ding dongs, their teeth covered in chocolate,
dark cake and whipped cream. As Jim makes his way through
the crowd, he picks up a bowl of mixed fruit. All of a
sudden, a figure off to the girl's side moves in close. When
they turn to notice him, he gives them a muted Hawaiian war
yell and sticks his tongue out. As they scream he says:
                                                            
                       JIM
Care for some Hawaiian ipao?
(fruit)
                                                            
Jim hands them a paper plate full of Hawaiian fruit, but the
girls are too scared to think about taking it.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh my gosh, you scared me so bad!
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (hands over mouth)
Me too!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (hand on heart)
I'm not used to having a boy in a
skirt sneaking up on me and
yelling in my ear!
                                                            
                       MILANI
Me too.
                                                            

12.

                       JIM
      (giggles)
I'm Jim. Welcome to the Polynesian
Cultural Center... I hope you are
enjoying your stay with us?
                                                            
Jim sets the bowl of fruit on the rock. He looks at the
FLOWER in Okalani's hair. C.U. flower.
                                                            
                       JIM
Very pretty... I have a sister
your age... I, um, I have to go,
dancing you know... Oh, what's
with the dresses?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
We just got finished with our
dance class... Thanks for the
fruit... Jimmy.
                                                            
Jim smiles down at the girls. Then he gives them another
war cry, sticks his tongue out once more. Girls scream, Jim
laughs and starts to leave, turns.
                                                            
                       JIM
Nice teeth!
                                                            
Jim chuckles and walks away. The two girls look at each
others teeth with terror. Their teeth covered with
chocolate, dark cake and whipped cream. They scream again,
crack up once more, hugging.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh my Gosh, he scared me so bad.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Me too, I guess he's not turning
us in. I was terrified!
                                                            
They laugh and dig into the fruit as the music deepens and
the lights dim. The noisy tourists quiet down. Fake fog
rolls across the stage as Okalani takes out a pen and paper.
She whispers to Milani.
                                                            

13.

                       OKALANI
I'm going to leave him a thank you
note and invite him to our dance
school.
                                                            
                       MILANI
You're kidding!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Maybe he can give us some dance
tips and I'll get to see him
again?
                                                            
                       MILANI
You're nuts... Think he'll come?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Not if I don't leave this note...
Shush.
                                                            
Okalani scribbles on the piece of paper, studies it.

CU of the note... at the bottom she has drawn a little
HEART. She folds the note and sets it on the rock, taking
some more fruit.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think I'm in love.
                                                            
                       MILANI
With the fruit?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
No, silly, with the boy in the
skirt!
                                                            
Juice runs down their chins...
                                                            
                       MILANI
It's just like you to fall for a
boy in a skirt!
                                                            
The volcano shoots flares into the air as the dancers run
onto the stage.
                                                            

14.

                       OKALANI
      (deep breath)
He's soooo cute, I think he likes
me?
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (cracks up)
With all that paint, he could be
50! I can just see you in twenty
years with five kids and an old
man in a walker.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You're soooo wrong. He is my true
love. And something special did
happen to me tonight. See, there
he is... The one in the grass
skirt; see?
                                                            
The girl's faces searching the stage. All the dancers
wearing grass skirts.
                                                            
 
INT. OKALANI'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Okalani drives up a dirt driveway and parks the scoot next
to an old rustic front porch, just big enough for two old
rockers. Her brother KONA, 21, a large Hawaiian boy sits in
one of the rocking chairs sanding a skeg from a surf board.
Kona stops sanding and watches his sister. She stops before
the first step and studies the stars and passing clouds.

She does a slow turn, touching the old stair railing. She
slowly moves up the steps. She stops in front of her
brother, takes a deep breath and pats him on the head.
                                                            
                       KONA
What's up with you?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I've found my true love.
                                                            
                       KONA
Oh, I thought you were sick.
                                                            

15.

She moves past the rockers and through an old creaky screen
door, through a very small living room sauntering into the
kitchen and sits at a small table. We meet Okalani's MOM
cooking at the stove; a plump but not fat Hawaiian mother in
her mid forties.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Smells great, Mommy.
                                                            
                       MOM
What's up, girl?
                                                            
Okalani slowly melts into her chair.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think God answered my temple
prayer today...
                                                            
                       MOM
You were at the temple?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Just out front on the lawn. I
asked Him for something special to
happen today.
                                                            
                       MOM
Well, it looks like it did. You're
all goo goo faced! What is it?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh Mom. (beat) But, well, I think
I'm in love!
                                                            
Okalani's eyes search the sky out the little fogged kitchen
window. Mom slowly turns her head to study her daughter.
                                                            
                       MOM
Well, when you were little, I
think you were six; you had a
crush on that little boy Timmy,
remember? And when you were eight,
you had a crush on Mr. Cliffton's
little kitten.
                                                            

16.

                       OKALANI
Oh Mommy, you remember too much. I
was little then. This is
important, it's a boy... Boy, is
it a boy!
                                                            
Mom looks concerned... Moves the cast iron pan to a
different burner and comes over and looks at the starry eyed
girl.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (teasing mom)
He wears a skirt!
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh my gosh girl, not one of those,
those um...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Cross dressers Mom, and no, he's
not a cross dresser. He dances at
the PCC.
                                                            
                       MOM
You don't date till your sixteen
little girl, and besides, if he
works at the PCC you have to be
eighteen to work there... That's
too old for you and what you doing
there?
                                                            
Mom puts her hands on her hips, starts tapping toe;
concerned.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I was watching the dancing with
Malani... Oh Mom, you're so old
fashioned. (beat) I'm not dating
him or anyone else... I am
perfectly happy waiting until I'm
sixteen or even older to date. I'm
saving myself for that special
someone (beat) and I'm pretty sure
this is him!
                                                            

17.

Completely distracted, Okalani's glassed over eyes wander
once more. She takes another deep breath, a little smile
fills her face as she looks out the window.
                                                            
                       MOM
      (hand under
       Okalani's chin)
You going to turn my hair white
little girl, why do you have to
become a teenager? Can't you just
stay my little girl a few more
years?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
It's too late Mommy, I'm so
happy... I've found my true love;
God sent him to me and he's
soooooo cute, even in a skirt!
                                                            
                                         END SCENE
                                                            
 
EXT. ON THE ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
We move in on Jim in costume (grass skirt and war paint)
rushing through the streets of Laie in an electric PCC
golf/work CART. People on the sidewalk waving and pointing.
People in cars are whistling and yelling at him.
                                                            
                       DRIVER 1
      (head out window)
Hey buddy, wanna drag?
                                                            
Jim sticks his tongue out and gives the guy a war cry, man
laughs and drives off.
                                                            
                       JIM
War cry
                                                            
                       DRIVER 2
      (head out window)
Where's the parade, Bro?
                                                            
Jim shrugs and whispers to himself.
                                                            

18.

                       JIM
Ya Ya, where's the parade? Hey,
what a great idea! A parade in
Laie.
                                                            
Jim drives into the dirt parking lot of the old dance
school. Chuckles at its run-down state.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (whispering)
What a great church or community
project; Paint and fix up this old
dance school?
                                                            
Okalani and her friend Milani were waiting at the door. Jim
sees ten or fifteen giggling little faces looking out the
window. Okalani runs down the wooden stairs and wraps her
arms around Jim, surprising him. He wasn't sure what to do
with his arms. Letting go of him, she blushes and whispers:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
I'm so happy you could make it...
You look great. You aren't going
to scare me again? Are you?
                                                            
                       JIM
I don't think so.
                                                            
Jim is surprised again when Okalani innocently takes his
hand and leads him up into the building.

SERIES OF SHOTS

CU-Holding hands.

CU-Jim looking at Okalani.

CU-Flower in her hair.

END SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
As they move into the dance room we see all the little
dancers in grass skirts; Jim lets go of Okalani's hand and
does a war cry and tongue sticking, slamming his feet down

19.

and apart in the traditional stance. All the little dancers
scream and giggle with delight. The teacher gets startled,
not expecting the show or noise.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (whispering)
I thought you weren't going to
scare me?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (shrugs)
Oh, um, sorry, tourette's!
                                                            
Okalani's expression confused, as if she didn't quite know
what tourette's was. Jim chuckles at her look as Okalani
introduces him to the teacher. Taking his hand once more she
tows him over to center of the room.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, um, Miss Cravens, this is
Jimmy, um?
                                                            
                       JIM
'Jim' McDuff, my dad's a scot,
Mom's Hawaiian... I came in
costume because I'm on stage
tonight for one of the Luaus._
                                                            
Miss Valerie notices Okalani hanging tight to Jim's hand,
swaying with happiness. The teacher smirks a little at how
'cute' it is.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
      (shakes hands)
Aloha, and thank you so much for
coming. We'll start the dance
practice and if you have any
suggestions, we would love to hear
them. Class, this is Mr. McDuff,
please welcome him.
                                                            
Girls all clap and giggle. Jim's trying to shake off
Okalani's tight grip, but she's got him now and not letting
go. Okalani finally relents, dropping his hand and clapping
with the rest of the girls, but first starts messing a
little with his grass skirt.
                                                            

20.

                       JIM
      (over laughter)
Call me Jim, Ma'am.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
      (over laughter)
Call me Valerie.
                                                            
Miss Valerie points for Okalani to join class, but before
she goes, Okalani raises up a good portion of his grass
skirt exposing his dance shorts and exclaims:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
See girls, told you he wore black
panties under his skirt!
                                                            
Girls all brake out in laughter and whispers.
                                                            
Jim grabs her wrist and pulls her hand down, still full of
skirt.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (looking into her
       eyes)
Becky! You want an Indian burn?
                                                            
Miss Valerie stepped in to stop probable bloodshed; giving
Okalani the look and pointing for her to get into line with
all the other dancers.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Who's Becky?
                                                            
                       JIM
Oh, uh, my little sister, let go
or die!
                                                            
Okalani releases her handful of grass skirt and briskly
joins the other girls as Miss Valerie pushes the button on
the old tape recorder and the MUSIC starts. Valerie points
to a chair centered in front of the class for Jim to be
seated. We see the girls, in two rows moving and getting
into sync with the music. Jim is amazed at how good they
are.
                                                            

21.

                       JIM
      (smiling in
       amazement.)
Amazing! They are great.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
      (beaming with
       pride, whispering)
Thank you.
                                                            
As the dance progresses, Jim gives them 'up' thumbs and 'ok'
signs. When the dance ends Jim gives them a standing
ovation.

The wall clock, we see the hands move forward 40 minutes. We
come back to the dance teacher.
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
Jim, thank you so much for the
suggestions. Class is almost over,
do you have time to dance the Love
and Honesty dance with one of our
students?
                                                            
The girls clap and jump up and down excitedly.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (excited at the
       idea)
Sure, that would be great!
                                                            
                       MISS VALERIE
Pick out one of the girls and I'll
get the tape ready.
                                                            
Jim nods yes and walks the front line pretending to look at
each different girl until he comes up to Okalani.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (winks)
What's your name, Missy? (teasing
Okalani).
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm Okalani, good sir.
                                                            

22.

Okalani curtsies and takes his arm. And like thousands of
other young men have done at dance school, he walks the
grinning little girl to the center of the room, facing the
teacher. Valerie pushes the tape deck (MUSIC) and turns off
several lights, adding ambiance to the room as the music
plays and the couple starts dancing.

All the little girls run round so they can see the dance
from the front. Okalani, of course, is falling deeper in
love.

At the end of the dance, our couple takes a few seconds to
study each other. Everyone thanks him. He gets a special hug
from Okalani, tears in her eyes. She puts a little NOTE in
his hand as we next see him hurrying through the streets
once more with one of the same drivers catching up to him.
                                                            
                       DRIVER 2
      (grinning)
Hey Bro, parade over?
                                                            
Jim nods a feeble yes as the driver laughs and speeds off.
Jim pulls over under a light and takes a second to read the
note from Okalani.
                                                            
                       JIM
Dear Jimmy. Why can't girls call
me JIM!
                                                            
Shakes his head, takes a big breath and continues. We study
the note as he reads.
                                                            
                       JIM (V.O.)
Dear Jimmy, Thank you for the
dance tips. I would like to invite
you to dinner Saturday night at my
house. 6pm. Please call to
confirm. (Mom knows you're
calling). Your best friend,
Okalani. 153 Moana Street.
555-5555 (HEART drawing once more
at bottom of note).
                                                            
 

23.

EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT
                                                            
It's dusk; we catch Jim walking along toward Okalani's house
with a bottle of sparkling cider in one hand and a small
package in the other. He's happy, he's enjoying the walk, he
WHISTLES. Jim stops to smell a flower: He picks it, then
looks around to see if anybody noticed. He stops in front of
Okalani's house and studies the address on the small note
and compares it to the rusty mailbox leaning next to the
dirt driveway.

Jim studies the little two-bedroom, wood-frame house. In
desperate need of paint and some TLC. Okalani comes out on
the front porch and sees Jim, her smile fills the front yard
as Jim waves a Hawaiian hang loose.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (yelling)
He's here, he's here.
                                                            
Okalani flies off the porch and down the driveway crashing
into Jim almost on the run. She gives him a big hug. He
looks surprised once more and perhaps a little embarrassed.
There are two big brutes on the front porch and Mom in the
doorway watching.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okalani, everybody's looking.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
Oh, pooh on them, I'm so happy
you're here. When Mommy told me
you called I almost burst.
                                                            
                       MOM
      (whispers)
Oh my gosh, he's beautiful!
                                                            
                       KONA
He's trouble, with a capital 'T'.
                                                            
Jim hands her the picked flower, she smiles widely and
replaces the one in her hair. Okalani takes a package,
taking Jim's free hand and slowly leads him to the house. On

24.

the porch one brother has crossed arms, the other has his
hands on his hips, neither looking very happy.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
This is Jimmy; he looks different
without a skirt and war paint.
                                                            
Mom comes out onto the crowded porch and shakes Jim's hand.
                                                            
                       MOM
Welcome... These are my sons, Kona
and Moroni.
                                                            
The boys are built like football players, faces stern and
not too friendly. MORONI, 22, shakes hands, clamping onto
Jim's hand like a vise, Jim increasing his hand power so as
not to have a crushed hand. Kona gets a hit on his arm from
Mom to shake hands; this time Jim was ready and matched the
crush. Okalani giggles and hits the shake several times to
get Jim's hand back in one piece. Okalani drills her finger
into Moroni and points at him.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Be good. My brothers are usually
really nice guys and everyone
likes them... Except me tonight.
                                                            
Jim and Okalani follow Mom into the HOUSE as the brothers
step aside a few inches to make way.
                                                            
We see a tiny living room; maybe eight by ten feet with a
DOOR lying on two SAW HORSES set for dinner. Okalani pulls
Jim into the kitchen and sits him down across from her at
the little kitchen table. Jim hands the bottle of cider to
Mom.
                                                            
                       JIM
It's cider.
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh, thank you, you didn't have to.
I'm sorry our home is so small.
You go to BYU? And work at the
PCC?
                                                            

25.

Okalani has her face in her hands, her elbows on the table,
grinning ear to ear... Her eyes studying every inch of him.
Two brothers standing in the doorway to the kitchen,
glaring.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (grins at girl;
       nervous.)
Home is only as big as your
heart... I think it's plenty big.
                                                            
Mom turns and smiles down at the boy, points at the two
brothers and waves them off. They move outside, one sitting
on the steps, one in a rocker, grumping.
                                                            
                       JIM
I've been going to college here
for about a year. Money was tight,
so I did a year in Jr. College.
The job at the PCC helps me pay
for school. Oh, Okalani, this is
for you. (he looks at Mom) It's
ok?
                                                            
Mom smiles and nods an ok. Okalani eagerly takes the
paper-wrapped package, grinning at Jim.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, thank you... What is it?
                                                            
                       JIM
It's just a little something from
the college book store... Open it.
My little sister Becky wears hers
for a night shirt.
                                                            
Okalani opens it, looking up several times at Jim as if she
had never received a gift before. Stands up and holds the
BYU t-shirt to her front.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
It's soooo cool, thank you soooo
much!
                                                            

26.

That said, she leans over and gives him a little kiss on the
cheek. Mom watches, Jim blushes and Okalani giggles. Jim
changes the subject...
                                                            
                       JIM
Where is Mr. Anui?
                                                            
                       MOM
He's a mason, you know, bricks and
rocks... not much work here these
days, but he's working on the big
island. Off and on. We are on a
tight budget, as you can see from
the house.
                                                            
                       JIM
Times are tough... I'm from the
Big Island too. I'll have to get
his number for my dad. Dad's in
construction and knows a lot of
people in the trades. Maybe he can
find some more work for your
husband?
                                                            
                       MOM
That would be great, I'll get you
the number before you leave. Thank
you.
                                                            
Okalani's smile leaves and she starts wiping a few tears.
Jim looks stunned. Mom pats Okalani's back.
                                                            
                       MOM
It's ok, sweetie... She misses her
daddy; it's been almost a year.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
A year too long. But I'm not going
to let that mess up today.
                                                            
Okalani wipes the last few tears and goes back to smiling
and staring at Jim.
                                                            
                       JIM
My little sister, Gosh I miss
her... Guess it's weird a big
brother missing his little sister.
            (MORE)

27.

                       JIM (cont'd)
But, we were close and did a lot
together.
                                                            
                       MOM
Okalani, stop staring, you're
making him nervous.
                                                            
They laugh, Okalani blushes and looks away. Mom chuckles and
goes back to cooking, soon Okalani is back studying him,
trying to be more discreet.
                                                            
                       MOM
Well, that's it, we're ready...
You kids help me take this to the
table.
                                                            
Okalani and Jim help Mom move the food to the dinning room
table. The brothers come in. The room is so small, the
brothers are sitting on the couch, the mom at the end of the
table in an old stuffed chair. Jim and Okalani bring in the
two kitchen chairs. The brothers dig in but Mom clears her
voice and they stop dead.
                                                            
                       MOM
Jim, would you be kind enough to
say grace?
                                                            
                       JIM
I'd be happy to. (beat) Dear
Heavenly Father, thank you so much
for this wonderful family. Please
bless MR. Anui with work. We are
all so grateful for this terrific
food, please bless it and help it
nourish our bodies. We are also
thankful to Mom for her efforts in
preparing this wonderful meal. In
Jesus's name, Amen.
                                                            
Brothers dive in once more. We see a giant bowl of white
rice and slices of chicken and a big bowl of cooked
vegetables. As a special treat Momma baked nice hot rolls
which the boys lathered with butter.
                                                            

28.

                       JIM
Um, Kona, what do you and your
brother do?
                                                            
Brothers stop in their tracks once more, and stare at Jim...
If looks could kill. Okalani tells the story...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
They are both bums, but Kona is
great with small engines; keeps my
Vespa running... He rebuilt it
from scrap, it's wonderful!
                                                            
Okalani shows pride in Kona. The two boys move down into the
sofa but both give Okalani the look that she went over the
line. But they are what they are. Okalani continues, showing
pride in the lost Moroni.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Moroni used to be great in church,
but he's kinda fallen away. I miss
him popping out with scripture
from the bible or the Book of
Mormon. It was terrific, he could
just do it.
                                                            
The boys were quiet and didn't jump to their defense because
they couldn't; facts were facts and they were freeloaders.
                                                            
                       JIM
Hey guys, this is an easy one...
                                                            
Jim puts his ten fingers onto Okalani's head as if he was
reading a fortune teller ball. Okalani is surprised,
giggling as he tells the fortune. Mom's laughing too as Jim
sounds almost excited as if he was really receiving some
kind of message...
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm getting something. Yes, I can
see it now, as clear as day.
(beat) Kona can start a scooter
shop! Laie needs a small engine
repair shop... The PCC has to take
all our lawn equipment over to
Honolulu. And Moroni, Yes, Moroni,
I can see that too. It's as clear
            (MORE)

29.

                       JIM (cont'd)
as daylight... With your
background, you will go on a
mission? It's amazing what little
girl's heads can tell.
                                                            
Mom and Okalani were giggling as Okalani fussed with her
hair. The two boys didn't take kindly to suggestions about
their bumness, and both tried to rise from the table,
getting their legs caught up on the door table top with the
mom motioning for the boys to sit down.
                                                            
                       MOM
Sit down. You boys are too
uptight! Jim, those are good
ideas; you should have seen that
little scoot when Kona first got
it. What a mess. Junk it was, all
rusted and, well, I just thought
he was nuts to try to fix it. I
was... I am so proud of what he
did, and then he turned around and
gave it to Okalani so she could
get to school and dance. And
Moroni is a good man, and he still
has that knowledge in him and some
day, I pray, Oh Lord, someday he
will put it all to good use.
                                                            
                       JIM
Moroni, it's ok, I'm going on a
mission soon myself.
                                                            
Okalani looks surprised.
                                                            
                       MOM
When do you go... on your mission?
                                                            
She catches Jim with a mouth full of rice; he hesitates to
answer, wiping his mouth with a paper napkin.
                                                            
                       JIM
This month, on the 27th. I get to
go home for two weeks, see Becky
and my folks. Then off to Utah and
the Missionary Training Center.
                                                            

30.

Okalani's face... Big tears, she climbs over Jim and runs
off down the hall crying. Everyone at the table is in shock.
                                                            
                       MOM
      (points at sons)
Oh that girl. I'll be right back;
be good.
                                                            
                       JIM
What happened... Was it me? What
did I say?
                                                            
Jim's looking around, has to get up and move the two kitchen
chairs so Momma can get through as she disappears down the
hall. We hear faint traces of Okalani crying.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (whispers; mad)
Why don't you mind your own
business? See what you did?
                                                            
                       MORONI
What a creep. I want to punch you
in the face. You're too old for
'O'. She's just thirteen! I told
you he was a pervert!
                                                            
                       JIM
Easy guys, what just happened?
                                                            
                       KONA
And he's clueless too.
                                                            
                       MORONI
You can't just make a girl fall in
love with you and spit her out.
What's wrong with you, creep.
                                                            
Mom comes back into the room and makes her way back to her
old big chair.
                                                            
                       MOM
You boys been good to our guest?
She'll be ok, just a little girl
trying to turn my hair white...
Like you boys been doing to me for
years... Why can't she just stay a
            (MORE)

31.

                       MOM (cont'd)
little girl?
                                                            
Jim sets up the two kitchen chairs once more and sits down.
Swapping plates with Okalani. Okalani comes back in looking
totally embarrassed.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (whispers)
I switched plates.
                                                            
Okalani wipes another tear and sits down next to Jim, slowly
looking into his eyes.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (Whispers)
I'm soooo sorry, I'm just getting
to know you and you're leaving for
two years.
                                                            
Okalani breaks out in tears once more but stays this time.
Moroni slams his fist onto the table and the two brothers
look at each other. Jim rises to the occasion, snatching a
fresh napkin and wipes Okalani's tears. Mom is impressed.
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm so sorry, will you be OK?
                                                            
Okalani takes the napkin, looking into his eyes and says
jokingly:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'll be ok. Did you know you look
much better without war paint?
                                                            
                       JIM
You look much better without ding
dongs on your teeth!
                                                            
Okalani breaks out in laughter, her brothers totally
speechless. Her mom surprised. Jim pats Okalani on the back
as she wipes tears and laughs.
                                                            
We move into the KITCHEN where Okalani and Jim chat while
washing dishes.
                                                            

32.

                       JIM
Are you really ok? You're quiet.
                                                            
Okalani wraps her arms around Jim and hugs him, weeps into
his chest.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm Ok. I just got to know you and
now you're leaving. It's not fair.
                                                            
                       JIM
I've still got a week. We'll see
each other again, I promise.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (looks up happy)
Tomorrow? How about tomorrow for
lunch? We have a picnic on the
beach every Sunday after church...
Please?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (surprised)
Um, that could work.
                                                            
Okalani gets that giant smile, wipes tears with the back of
her hand, runs out of the room and up to her mom. Jim
watches from the kitchen door. Okalani whispers into her
mom's ear... Mom looks surprised, but shrugs and nods yes.
Okalani hugs her, jumping up and down clapping, runs to the
kitchen and hugs Jim once more.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
It's ok. Mommy said you can join
us for lunch. We walk down to the
beach... Milani usually comes with
us. 12:30, is that ok?
                                                            
                       JIM
I usually have Sundays off, so,
well, that would be great...
Promise not to cry anymore? I
don't think your brothers are
going to like it.
                                                            

33.

                       OKALANI
      (chuckles)
Phooey on them, I promise not to
cry anymore. I'm really sorry I
made such a scene, what a goof
ball you must think I am?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
You're a very special little girl,
and I'm very happy to have met
you.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I may be a little girl, but I'm
going to wait for you. In two
years you'll be back from your
mission and I'll be two years
older, almost sixteen!
                                                            
                       JIM
Wow! Almost sixteen! that is old.
                                                            
Both chuckle. Jim looks at his watch. Okalani understands
and sticks her lower lip out in a pout, but takes the drying
cloth from his hand and hangs it on the sink, takes his hand
and moves him toward the front door. He stops and thanks
Mom.
                                                            
                       JIM
Gotta go... Thank you so much for
the wonderful dinner. And the
friendly home.
(He looks over at the brothers)
                                                            
                       MOM
You're very welcome. It's nice to
see Okalani making friends with
good people.
                                                            
                       JIM
Thanks again. So lunch tomorrow?
                                                            
                       MOM
Lunch at 12:30?
                                                            

34.

Jim nods yes. He goes over to Mom and gives her a hug.
Okalani takes his hand and leads him past the brothers who
are watching TV with Mom.
                                                            
They move down the steps out into the FRONT YARD by the
front gate. The two brothers are up and blocking the light
from the front door, watching. Jim wanted to give Okalani a
kiss on the forehead, but thought that might bring the
brothers down on him and really ruin the evening.
                                                            
                       JIM
Good night, Okalani. You OK?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm fine. Life is just not perfect
sometimes. I asked for something
special to happen and it did...
it's just I'm not going to get
spoiled... That's life. I'll
survive, and we still have
tomorrow? Promise? 12:30 right
here at the gate? No skirt!
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
And no war paint.
                                                            
There is an awkward moment, than Okalani gives him another
one of her famous hugs. She hands Jim the flower from her
hair and off he goes, both waving "hang loose" as he moves
down the street. Okalani still waving at the front gate as
he disappears into the distance.
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
We find Jim with a happy walk, carrying a bag of food from
the PCC in one hand and another bag in the other with chips
and dip. We find Okalani standing on a chair in her living
room looking through a window with an old pair of
binoculars. Her mom and Kona are watching from behind her.
                                                            
                       KONA
This isn't right. He's too old.
                                                            

35.

                       MOM
Oh shush, he's leaving soon so
just relax. You are too uptight.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You are both driving me nuts. It's
not like a date or anything. We
are just being nice to a college
student... A future missionary. We
have had missionaries here before
for dinner and they are all very
sweet boys. Just relax, you are
too uptight!
                                                            
                       KONA
Good grief! Two of you.
                                                            
Kona throws his arms up in the air and joins his brother on
the front porch.
                                                            
                       KONA (to Moroni)
They are nuts, inviting this creep
to our family lunch... What is he,
family now?
                                                            
                       MORONI
      (chuckles, smacks
       knuckles)
Just relax, besides,(whispers...
looks around) I've got it covered.
I've got a little surprise for our
child molester friend.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (high fives)
All right Bro... Hope it's a good
surprise?
                                                            
The two brothers grin maliciously at each other. We go back
to Okalani still searching the distance through the
binoculars.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh my gosh, there he is, he's
sooooo cute!
                                                            

36.

Okalani drops the binoculars into a basket of sewing doing
the girl dance on the old wood chair, clapping her hands and
grinning ear to ear. Mom reaches out to steady the girl. Mom
looks up and prays for help:
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh Heavenly Father, save me;
teenage boys were not this hard!
                                                            
Okalani, giggling, jumps down and gives her mom a big hug.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh Mommy, I'm so happy... How can
I be so happy when he's leaving?
Sometimes I don't understand
myself... He's soooo cute!
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT YARD - DAY
                                                            
Okalani runs out on the front porch and down the steps
sticking her tongue out at her brothers.
                                                            
We come back to Jim walking along. He stops and puts the
bags down and checks his watch. Adjusts his shorts,
straightens his collar and continues his happy walk,
investigating the flowers and sky along the way.
                                                            
                       MILANI (V.O.)
Jimmy, Jimmy, it's me, Malani.
                                                            
Jim turns to see Malani running at him. She gives Jim a big
hug... Then giggles, releasing him and shrugs, all red-faced
and confesses:
                                                            
                       MILANI
I'm sorry, I just had to try that.
Okalani does it so naturally and
it's always so cute, and you
always look so surprised, like you
do now.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (grins)
I don't know why I get so
surprised. I remember my little
sister doing that all the time;
            (MORE)

37.

                       JIM (cont'd)
not just to me but to other
people. It was sweet and I
actually need the hugs, being away
from home and all.
                                                            
Milani takes a bag and they walk along.
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (asks innocently)
Do you get homesick?
                                                            
                       JIM
All the time... I miss my mom and
dad, and home, but most of all I
miss my little sister Becky; who
would have thought?
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (asks innocently)
Do you cry?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
Let's not go there, boys don't
cry, remember?
                                                            
                       MILANI
Oh please.
                                                            
                       JIM
I hope her brothers are, um...
                                                            
                       MILANI
Nicer? (giggles) Oh, they're
alright. It's nice they are
protective of their little sister.
Weren't you?
                                                            
                       JIM
Ya, come to think of it. I was
pretty protective. (ponders)
                                                            
We see Okalani walking toward them.
                                                            

38.

                       MILANI
      (whispers to Jim)
Ready, gird yourself for another
hug.
                                                            
Jim chuckles. (beat) Milani yells out to Okalani.
                                                            
                       MILANI (cont'd)
Aloha, Okalani, look who I found.
                                                            
Okalani breaks into a run and plants a big hug and kisses
his cheek. Then pulls back to look at his face.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
Aloha, Jimmy, so happy you're
here.
                                                            
                       JIM
Thanks for inviting me... look, I
brought some pulled pork and stuff
from the PCC for your dinner
tonight. And some chips and stuff
for lunch.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You're soooo sweet, let's give the
dinner to Mom. You'll get some
extra points for this!
                                                            
Okalani takes a bag in one hand and Jim's arm in the other,
hugging it and whispers:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Can you leave your arm with me
when you go on your mission?
(beat)
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
I think I'll need it, sorry.
                                                            
Okalani smiles, shrugs and then takes his hand. Milani
taking his other hand and off they go. They get to the
driveway and go up the stairs, passing the brothers, both

39.

cross looking, Kona with his hands on his hips and Moroni
with his arms crossed.
                                                            
                       JIM
Hey guys?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Don't mind them; they've been
stuck in the mud for years now,
always so 'up-tight'.
                                                            
Milani giggles and pulls her shirt out at the brothers...
Boys don't respond. Mom greets him on the porch with a hug.
                                                            
                       MOM
Aloha Jimmy... um Jim. Step aside
boys, for 'our' guest.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha. Thank you so much for
inviting me... Brought you some
pulled pork and stuff from the
PCC.
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh my gosh, this is great! I won't
have to cook tonight. What a
treat! Well, we are ready to go.
Let's put this in the refrig and
load up the wagon.
                                                            
We next see the six of them walking the two blocks to the
beach, the two brothers up front, Mom and Milani in the
middle and Okalani and Jim bringing up the rear. Okalani
pulls a little red wagon in one hand (filled with an ice
chest and picnic items) and holds Jim's hand with the other.
                                                            
At the beach they find a picnic table and set up shop. The
boys sitting at another table talking and glaring. The table
set, the girls taking Jim in hand and walking to the water's
edge, not saying much. But the thought of Jim's leaving was
troubling Okalani. She finally spoke up.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I can't believe I just met you and
you are going to leave.
                                                            

40.

                       JIM
What's great is being with your
family today... I'm so tired of
college students and college talk.
And college food. It's so nice of
you and your mom to have invited
me.
                                                            
                       MILANI
I think you got lots of points
with that bag of food.
                                                            
They all grin at each other. Mom calls for lunch and the
three race back, the brothers already digging in.
                                                            
The two brothers finish up their plates with sandwiches,
chips, and a Hawaiian Punch and go off to another table. The
rest fill their plates and sit around the table, Okalani a
little too close to Jim with Milani giggling. Mom smiling.
Seagull SOUNDS and SURF fill the air.

After lunch we watch from a distance as Jim teaches the
girls a few karate holds on the beach. They walk again along
the water's edge. Just before the surf, the girls surprise
Jim when they run for the water, peeling off their wrap
skirts and t-shirts, letting them fly into the air. The
girls hit the light surf wearing just Hawaiian Print
Bikinis. They splash and play in the water calling Jim to
join them, finally coming to him, grabbing his hands and
pulling him toward the surf.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Come on, come on.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Karate is fun but the water's
great! Come on in.
                                                            
                       JIM
Ok Ok, let me put my stuff down,
my watch!
                                                            
Jim takes off his shirt and puts it on the beach with his
watch, wallet and sandals, as the girls study his chest and
giggle with delight. Even at thirteen they know he's a
beauty! Jim takes a run for the surf with the two girls in

41.

chase. They splash, swim and body surf for quite awhile. Jim
takes a moment to look way down the beach; it looks like the
brothers are drinking beer. Rain falls and spoils the late
afternoon fun as the girls and Jim scramble from the surf.
                                                            
 
INT. MOM'S KITCHEN - LATER
                                                            
Okalani, Milani and Jim in the kitchen, finishing up hot
chocolate.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Will you promise to visit or call
before you go? On your mission?
                                                            
                       JIM
I promise. I'll call or visit.
                                                            
Jim looks over at Mom standing in the doorway. Mom smiles
and nods yes.
                                                            
                       MOM
Of course, please do. And thank
you for the dinner.
                                                            
                       JIM
My pleasure. Thanks again for
lunch. I had a great time.
                                                            
Jim peels Okalani from his last hug and looks into her eyes,
bending down somewhat to complete the task.
                                                            
                       JIM
See Okalani. Mom says it's ok.
I'll call or try to stop by. I
promise. Ok?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (teary eyes,
       choked voice)
Okay Jimmy, Please.
                                                            
Jim gives Okalani another little hug, then wipes a tear from
Milani's cheek.
                                                            

42.

                       JIM
Nice seeing you again, Milani.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Me too.
                                                            
 
EXT. FIGHT - LATER
                                                            
We next see Jim walking quickly along as the sun sets and
the sky darkens with nasty clouds once more. We hear the
rain and a car screeching in the background. The rain
increases as Jim hunkers down. Just then in the darkening
street, an old pick-up truck speeds to a stop, blocking
Jim's way. The two brothers jump out.
                                                            
                       JIM
Hey guys.
                                                            
                       MORONI
You're a creep! Don't you know
you're too old for her? She's not
even thirteen, freak.
                                                            
                       KONA
Who do you think you are telling
us to start a scooter shop or go
on a mission. You're a frigging
child molester!
                                                            
Kona gives Jim a good shove. Just then Moroni's fist finds
the side of Jim's face and he goes down into a fresh puddle
of mud. Jim's hand goes up to his face and he spits out
blood...
                                                            
                       JIM
Cool it, guys. She's just a
friend. It's not like that!
                                                            
A homeowner in a house looks out the window from behind a
curtain. Just than Moroni's foot finds the side of Jim's
face and he does a quick flip onto his other side. Moaning.
Kona is slapping the back of his head...
                                                            

43.

                       KONA
You're sick, you pervert. Leave
our 'little' sister alone!
                                                            
Jim gasps for air as Moroni's foot finds his rib cage and
he's flipped over once more.
                                                            
                       MORONI
You're a pervert. We're your age
you freak. We know what you want
for God's sake. You're sick.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okay okay, you're right. I know
that. I mean not that I'm a
pervert, but that I'm too old for
her. I know that.
                                                            
Moroni kicks Jim another good one in the side then finishes
the boy off with a good downward slug to Jim's right eye.
Jim's face hits the slush as Moroni puts his foot on Jim's
head and pushes it into the mud.
                                                            
                       KONA
You're disgusting. Go on your
mission and molest some little
French girls... you creep.
                                                            
                       MORONI
Creep! Stay away from our sister
or you'll get more of this.
                                                            
Jim's having trouble breathing, his face pushed into the mud
by Moroni's foot. Jim decides these guys might just kill him
so he jumps up, in a fighting stance. He's surprised to find
them already in the truck and speeding away. He staggers and
tries to find his balance. We meet the Japanese man in the
house, FRANK, early 50's, who runs out and takes Jim's arm,
steadying him.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You all right. Should I call the
police?... An ambulance?
                                                            
Jim spits blood, staggers more, regains his balance. Tries
to shake the beating away.
                                                            

44.

                       JIM
No no, I'm ok. It was just a
misunderstanding. They were right.
I'm too old for her. She's too
young.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I think you need help, boy. What
if they come back? You should have
a doctor look at that.
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm okay. I'll have the nurse at
the college take a look... It's
free and I'm feeling better,
thanks to you. Um, what's your
name?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Frank, call me Frank. You sure?
How about I give you a ride back
to the college? That's a good
idea, right?
                                                            
                       JIM
Mr. Frank, you're a life saver.
That would be great. Thank you so
much.
                                                            
Jim spits more blood, steadies himself and tries to get a
grip as Frank backs an old KAISER down the driveway and
opens the door for the kid, handing Jim some paper towels.
                                                            
                       JIM
Oh, thanks.
                                                            
They speed off.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's it all about, boy? They
gave you quite a thrashing!
                                                            
                       JIM
      (tries to laugh)
They did, didn't they? Had me
worried at the end there. When I
decided to get up and fight them
            (MORE)

45.

                       JIM (cont'd)
off, they were gone. Guess I
scared them off!
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (laughs)
Well, boy, you at least still have
your sense of humor. What was it
all about?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (wiping face)
They thought I was interested in
their little sister. She's just a
friend... But in the end, they
were right... Not to beat me up,
but right that I'm too old for
their sister. They were just being
stupid drunk... They smelled like
a brewery, and, well, protective
of their little sister. If they
weren't so right I might call the
cops on them; I'm just glad I'm
going home for a few days and then
on my mission.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You Mormon?
                                                            
                       JIM
No, I'm Jim (chuckles at his lame
joke) Ya, I'm LDS. You?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Presbyterian... Inactive actually,
but my wife's active Mormon and
she drags me to church from time
to time.
                                                            
                       JIM
This building right over here,
it's my dorm.
                                                            
Jim moans, holds his side as he gets out. Shakes hands with
Frank.
                                                            

46.

                       FRANK
You promise to see the nurse?
                                                            
                       JIM
I promise. Thank you so much for
all the help. You Presbyterians
are okay in my book... Have you
got a Book of Mormon by chance?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (laughs)
Good one boy, think your feeling
better; but see the nurse, pronto!
                                                            
Jim walks to the dorm, turns in pain, tries to smile a big
grin for Frank and gives him the "hang loose" sign.
                                                            
 
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
                                                            
Old lady tourist sits next to our bandaged up Jim on the
airplane to the big island. She settles in, looks over at
the poor boy.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
What happened to you... Dare I
ask?
                                                            
                       JIM
It's ok, I'd be curious
too...(holds his lip) Two brothers
tried to convince me not to see
their sister.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
What did you do?
                                                            
                       JIM
I left.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
      (chuckles)
Sounds like a good idea. Still
love her?
                                                            

47.

                       JIM
No, never did, she's just a
friend... That's all.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
Multiply the hours you spent with
her, by the number of minutes you
think about her (beat) and you'll
know if you love her or not... I
used to be a math teacher.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
What kind of math... math for
lovers?
                                                            
They both laugh.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOORWAY - DAY
                                                            
                                         ONE WEEK LATER
                                                            
Mom is standing in the doorway of the little house. We look
over her shoulder. We see a very upset Okalani pacing by the
front gate.
                                                            
                       MOM
Poor, poor Okalani, she's soooo
sad.
                                                            
Okalani sits down on an old cinder block next to the old
mailbox. Elbows on knees and hands cradling her face; she
wipes tears. Momma takes a big breath.

We watch Okalani suffering on the cinder block as we hear
her mother's voice.
                                                            
                       MOM (V.O.)
I'm truly worried about Okalani. I
was against this little romance or
crush... Sure, Jimmy is a nice
boy, a real nice boy. But he is
nineteen and Okalani is just a
little girl with a big heart... a
broken heart.
                                                            

48.

                       MOM (V.O.)
She is so mad at that boy for not
calling or saying goodbye. She
cried for almost a week now. I
couldn't even get her to school.

Milani, bless her heart; brought
Okalani's homework home so she
wouldn't fall behind. Every day
after school Milani would come
over and spend time with O'.
Look at her, Heavenly Father,
still moping around. At least the
tears are almost gone. Poor
child's lost six pounds and she's
so small anyway.

I called the doctor; he said to
watch her close and try to get
some food into her. Even if it was
ice cream and Ding Dongs. (beat)
But she's so mad at, so
disappointed in that boy for not
saying goodbye. Kona and Moroni
were pretty upset too and haven't
been too helpful and have pretty
much disappeared. They didn't like
the boy at all... They might be a
little overprotective of their
little sister. It's so sweet of
them to care, but Jimmy was a nice
boy.

Funny thing, Heavenly Father, Kona
actually started talking about
starting an engine and scooter
shop and more surprising still,
Moroni was reading the Bible and
Book of Mormon... As if he was
going to die tomorrow. Moroni
actually went in and talked to
Bishop Harper about something
troubling him. What is the world
coming to? Dear, Dear, Heavenly
Father, please help Okalani to get
over this boy so she can go back
            (MORE)

49.

                       MOM (cont'd)
to being happy again... And so I
don't get white hair. Amen.
                                                            
 
EXT. ICE CREAM SHOP - DAY
                                                            
                                         ONE WEEK LATER
                                                            
We find Jim sitting at a picnic table in front of an ice
cream stand, enjoying an ice cream cone with his little
sister. BECKY, thirteen, Cute and grinning ear to ear at her
big brother Between licks.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
I missed these little outings with
my big brother.
                                                            
                       JIM
I missed these outings with my
little sister.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (teary eyes;
       choked voice)
You know, I've got a big crush on
you. Most brothers don't want
anything to do with their
sisters... All of my friends fight
like cats and dogs with their
brothers... And well, I love you
soooo much for it. Why, um, why
did you spend so much time with
me? How come we got along so good?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (wipes her tears)
I think I just appreciate girls
more than most boys do. I've
always enjoyed the fact that girls
are, well, different than boys. I
mean, you know, how they move and
talk. You're a great species!
                                                            

50.

                       BECKY
      (giggles)
We're not aliens you know.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
I'm not so sure. I do think men
are from Mars and girls are from
Venus? Or is it the other way
around? I had a girl in my 12th-
grade drama class, Debbie Travis.
I couldn't take my eyes off of
her. She was like the best ever
girl, except for you of course.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (grins)
Did you ever ask her out?
                                                            
                       JIM
No, but I did send her flowers
once. She told me she liked them.
But, well, I was too shy to ask
her out. Later I saw her in a
convertible with a sailor.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (shakes head)
You boys 'are' from Mars... And
you were always shy. Did you get
over that? It's been two years.
                                                            
                       JIM
Ya, a little. But I still don't
date much. The girls like me now
but with dance and teaching and
study, I don't have much time.
                                                            
                       BECKY
You had time for Okalani?
                                                            
Jim turns his head sideways, physically upset at the name.
                                                            

51.

                       BECKY
Oh my gosh, you are totally in
love with her... How much time did
you spend with her?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (defensive)
I am not, no way, she was just a
friend. You can't fall in love
with someone in what, maybe I knew
her for... seven or eight hours?
                                                            
                       BECKY
Oh, please. Is she pretty? (he
nods yes) Is she cute? (he nods
yes) Did you watch her like you
did Alice? (he nods yes) You
danced the Love and Honesty dance
with her. Did you feel anything?
                                                            
                       JIM
Stop... I don't love her. Gosh
Becky, she's only thirteen, your
age. It was stupid of me to go
visit her those two times...
(laments) It was soooo stupid.
She's only thirteen for goodness
sakes.
                                                            
                       BECKY
Girls get crushes on older boys
all the time. It's kinda like
puppy love with us. I had a crush
on Mr.Palmer last year. He was
soooo cute! My best friend Stacy
has a crush on a neighbor boy
who's twenty-one She sits in her
window seat for hours, studying,
so she might see him coming or
going. It's really improving her
grade point average! (beat)
                                                            
Both giggle. Jim says 'Ouch' and holds his lip, Becky taps
it with an ice-cream-laden paper napkin. Looks at the
napkin.
                                                            

52.

                       BECKY
Jimmy, it's still bleeding, just a
little.
                                                            
                       JIM
Why can't girls call me Jim?
What's so hard and wrong with just
plain old Jim?
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (giggles)
You're not old and you're not
plain. You're special; It's a form
of endearment... Like a nick
name... Did 'you know who' call
you Jim or Jimmy?
                                                            
Jim looks at Becky funny. She cracks up.
                                                            
                       BECKY (cont'd)
See, she's from Venus too. All us
girls from Venus add an 'E' onto a
name; Blankie, Dolly, Jimmy...
See, it's a pet name.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're so bad. Please try to call
me Jimmy, I mean Jim... Please?
                                                            
                       BECKY
Ok Ok, relax. I'll try to call you
Jim. (silence, licking, Becky gets
serious) Jimmy? Do you think Mommy
and Dad believed that stupid story
about your face and ribs?
                                                            
                       JIM
Why wouldn't they?
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (giggles)
Because it was soooo lame.
                                                            
                       JIM
It was the truth!
                                                            

53.

                       BECKY
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
Oh please, a couple of surfers
beat you up. Give me a break. I'm
not six years old any more, you
know... As a matter of fact, I've
been having breast dreams lately.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (says too loud)
Breast dreams!
                                                            
People sitting around stop licking and look at them. Jim and
Becky turn their heads and giggle.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (giggles)
Mom says when a girl starts
dreaming about breasts they start
to grow. What do you think?
                                                            
Becky pushes out her chest; turns side to side.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (looking
       embarrassed)
Becky! People are watching. You're
such a little tease, just like
Okalani.
                                                            
                       BECKY
There you go... You just said her
name again. See, you think about
her all the time.
                                                            
                       JIM
I don't!
                                                            
                       BECKY
You do. I've heard you say her
name about a thousand times since
you've been home. Then you look
all goo-goo eyed and look out the
window and your mind wanders, back
to Mars or maybe Laie?
                                                            

54.

                       JIM
      (tears in his eyes)
I don't... And she's just a little
girl. That's all, so drop it...
Please?
                                                            
Becky wipes his tears, shakes her head back and forth
slowly. Smiles sweetly.
                                                            
                       BECKY
You are so nuts for her, it's good
you're going on your mission. Now
tell me, to change the subject,
how did you get the face? or I'll
convince our folks that you lied
to them.
                                                            
                       JIM
You wouldn't?
                                                            
                       BECKY
You promised me we'd share
'everything'. Are you going to lie
to me too?
                                                            
Jim puts his head down on the table in utter astonishment,
then lifts it slowly.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're blackmailing me?
                                                            
                       BECKY
Of course I am, I'm your 'little'
sister and that's what little
sisters do. Besides, if you keep
it inside of you, you'll have to
live with all this on your
mission... You need a clear mind
to do a good job... So tell me,
tell me now.
                                                            
Jim hugs Becky.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're so sweet. Okalani's really
sweet too, really innocent. I
think that's, well, why I was so
            (MORE)

55.

                       JIM (cont'd)
taken or interested in her; she is
a lot like you.
                                                            
                       BECKY
You are soooo in love.
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm not!
                                                            
                       BECKY
Oh please. Tell me everything or
I'm going to tell Mom.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okay okay, you little
blackmailer... (beat) Um, well...
Her brothers beat me up.
                                                            
Becky's eyes got as big as saucers.
                                                            
                       BECKY
You're kidding. How many brothers
does she have? Ten? Are they big?
Are they all dead?
                                                            
Jim looks down, embarrassed to say, ice cream dripping down
his fingers. He crushes his cone just a little.
                                                            
                       JIM
I didn't fight them.
                                                            
                       BECKY
Oh my God, oops, sorry God... You
let them beat you up?
                                                            
Jim nods yes.
                                                            
                       BECKY
What's the point of ten million
dollars worth of Karate lessons if
you don't defend yourself?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (looks up)
They were right. I was, I am, too
old for their sister. Their minds
            (MORE)

56.

                       JIM (cont'd)
were in the gutter too. But they
couldn't understand she's just a
friend.
                                                            
                       BECKY
So you let them beat you up...
That's brave, (beat) I think.
                                                            
                       JIM
I couldn't hurt them.It would
cause so much trouble for that
family. Okalani would be so mad at
them. The brothers were just being
protective. I'd do the same to
protect you.
                                                            
Becky smiles proudly at Jim and pats his back.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
And poor Okalani, I told her I'd
call or stop by to say goodbye.
But I couldn't do that looking
like this, and I felt I should
just, well, forget her and leave;
cause they were right and I was
way wrong. And now (big tears) I
feel so guilty for not saying
goodbye to that sweet little girl.
I promised her and I broke my
promise and now I feel like dirt.
Tom told me to stay away. He said
he'd bring me cigars in prison.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (chuckles)
I'm sorry, you guys are so funny
sometimes. Okalani knows you're an
older boy and just got busy and
left. Guys do that kind of stuff.
You know 'Jim', we still have a
few hours before dinner... Maybe
you could send her a note or a
little gift. She'd like that?
                                                            
Jim looks into Becky's eyes with a big grin on his face.
                                                            
 

57.

EXT. OKALANI'S MAIL BOX - DAY
                                                            
We find Okalani's brother Kona at the old rusty mailbox out
in the front yard. Kona opens it and reads some envelopes
and finds a smallish PACKAGE.
                                                            
                       KONA
Creep!
                                                            
Kona turns around and puts the box behind his back and on
his way back to the front porch he gives the box a good toss
under the house. We watch the box in SLOW MOTION roll
through the dirt, slamming into a post and coming to rest in
a puff of dust.

CU HANDWRITTEN PACKAGE ADDRESS.

from Jim McDuff
3302 Manukas,Kailua-Kona
Island of Hawaii, Hi 96740


To: Okalani Anui
153 Moana Street
Laie, Hawaii 96762
                                                            
 
EXT. FRENCH FLOOD - DAY
                                                            
                                         MONTHS LATER, FRANCE
                                                            
We find our two missionaries working their way through a
flood zone (looks like war zone), mud, debris, damaged and
destroyed homes or just foundations. Cars upside down,
smashed. Our two warriors are wearing their dark dress pants
and white shirts, a yellow vest and black ties, the
traditional Mormon Missionary badge. Sweaters tied around
their waists both with heavy back packs. Mud covers their
pants. We meet JACQUE, nineteen year-old French boy, cute
with a nice build. He is working hard to get his foot out of
the mud with the shoe still attached. They look frustrated.
Jacque's back pack has a military shovel tied to it. Jim
carries his shovel and a small piece of paper. He studies
the paper, looks around. We see a few people standing like
zombies, their homes lost or destroyed. Our two young men
study a dead dog six or eight feet up in a tree.
                                                            

58.

NOTE: The dialogue in this scene is English. When noted in
French, it will be subtitled in English. Jacque speaks with
a heavy French accent and is always subtitled.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
What a mess. I thought we were
suppose to be passing out
blankets. (beat) No Jim, leave it.
                                                            
                       JIM
Can't leave it, Jacque; John Wayne
wouldn't have left it... Remember
in 'The Longest Day', John Wayne
cut down the paratroopers? And
that's man's best friend up there.
                                                            
Jacque shakes his head in disbelief. We look down the
street, two houses are left on the left side. A little girl,
ELLA, maybe eight years old in a very muddy dress with
ripped and torn black tights. She's crying but also zombie
like. She's interested in what the young men are doing with
the dead dog. A dazed man, ELLA'S FATHER, 40'S, leans on
what must have been the front porch of the little girl's
house.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
These people are in real trouble
and then there is a cold front
coming in... Some, a lot are not
going to make it. Leave it, it's
dead.
                                                            
Jim rests his shovel and backpack against the tree and
climbs up to the dog. Girl and man still watching. Girl
stops crying. Jim gets the dog free and brings it down by
its collar.
                                                            
                       JACQUE (cont'd)
We're on the right street. Only
thing standing is that darn street
sign. But, well, let's ask the
girl or that man where this
address is. How can we help if we
can't find the addresses?
                                                            

59.

                       JIM
The policeman said a man and kid,
and a house. If I could bet I'd
say that's them.
                                                            
Hands dog down to Jacque who leans its stiff body against
the tree. Stands back and studies it as if it were a piece
of art.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in French)
Wish it was a hydrant!
(beat)Please tell me we're not
going to bury it, Pilgrim?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
No, you did a good job propping
the poor thing up. He deserves to
stand awhile. Let's go talk to the
petite fille (little girl).
                                                            
The two missionaries move through the debris and stop short
of the girl. Jim holds out the note; Looks at the girl, then
the man, then back to the girl.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (In French)
Hello, we are from the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Catholic Relief Society sent
us... We are looking for 273 Rue
Pomme? Do you know where it is?
                                                            
Little girl wipes tears and points at her house.
                                                            
                       JIM
OH Good!
                                                            
Jim yells too loud, girl jumps; starts to cry again.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (in French)
Oh, sorry. Try this, sweetie.
                                                            

60.

Jim rifles through his backpack and finds a Hershey Kiss and
hands it to the reluctant girl. She takes it quickly and
struggles to unwrap it with her cold hands... She gives up
and eagerly puts the foiled candy into her mud-stained face.
We see cold air now coming out of their mouths as it gets
colder. Jim is a bit taken back by the foil going into the
girl's mouth.
                                                            
                       ELLA
Mommy, Mommy?
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (Looks at dad; in
       French)
We were sent to help you... Can we
help? Where is the girl's mother?
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (in French)
Out there, somewhere out there,
washed away two nights ago...
That's why she cries, (beat)
that's why she cries. (Man starts
to sob)
                                                            
                       JACQUE
It's hopeless, France is a
disaster!
                                                            
                       JIM
No, it's just the lowlands; people
in Paris didn't miss a beat except
for a few puddles. We just need
time and lots of missionaries and
God's help. Where's your faith,
Brother?
                                                            
Jim picks up the shovel and backpack in one hand and works
his way toward the front door and past the man. To Jim's
surprise he feels a very cold little hand slide into his. He
stops and looks down at the little girl. Picks her up and
into the house they go. There is two feet of mud, now hard
packed in the house, but still sticky on top. Jacque
follows. The father stays where the front porch must have
been. Jim moves into the hall and checks out the first room.

61.

Was a bathroom. He goes down the hall to another room.
It's pink.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (in French)
Your room?
                                                            
The girl nods yes, almost a smile. She sticks her thumb into
her lips and sucks. Jim goes back into the bathroom and sets
the little girl onto the bathroom counter. Her feet just
touching the top of the mud. Jim sticks his finger into the
girl's mouth and retrieves the foil. Unwrapping another
kiss, Jim puts it into the girl's mouth. Jocque watches this
with interest as he put his sweater on.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (In French)
It's getting colder. What do we
do?
                                                            
                       JIM
What would John Wayne do? Look,
all the windows are broken, the
door's broken or gone. These two
are broken spirits and the frost
is coming.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
Ok, then what do we do?
                                                            
                       JIM
Exactly what John would do...
Fortify the location! And we start
at the window.
                                                            
Jim sets his backpack next to the girl and slips his shovel
into the sand and mud close to the window. It slips in easy
enough but gets stuck and fights not to release. With some
effort Jim gets a shovelful and drips a load of wet mud out
the window.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
You have to be kidding me, what's
the point?
                                                            
Jacque shrugs but starts digging anyway.
                                                            

62.

                       JIM
We'll dig them out a fox hole, one
shovel at a time, one foot at a
time, one room at a time. Jacque,
you'll have to find us some boards
to cover the floor and a door or
something to cover the doorway and
the window. We'll dig out the
chest of drawers or maybe the girl
or her father knows a cabinet that
has blankets in it. They'll be wet
but we have four hours before it
gets dark. Maybe we can wash them,
or at least dry them out for
tonight. I'm staying here, you're
going back and to let them know
we're safe.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
Safe! Oh man, I don't know.
They're going to kill me if I go
back without you. You shouldn't
stay... It's really nice of you,
but you're just a missionary, like
me. We're still kids... We'll come
back tomorrow Jim, tomorrow is
better?
                                                            
                       JIM
Keep digging Kid, or go ask the
man where his wife kept the extra
blankets.
                                                            
Jim mucks his way over to the little girl. Opens up his
backpack and takes out two waters. Gives one to the girl and
hands one to Jacque.
                                                            
                       JIM
Give this to the dad and ask him.
                                                            
Jacque rolls his eyes but takes it and leaves. Jim gets out
another water and washes the girl's arms and legs. Jim is
busy washing the little girl's face when Jacque comes back
and watches.
                                                            

63.

                       JIM
      (in French)
Amazing, there is a very pretty
little girl under all that dirt...
I thought you were a stinky boy!
                                                            
Little girl giggles. Jim gives her a protein bar and steps
back to study his piece of art.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in French)
You're going to make some kid a
good father.
                                                            
                       JIM
I hope so.
                                                            
Jim washes the little girl's hands and thumb, spilling some
water.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (in French)
Oh Oh, spilled some! Should I
clean it up?
                                                            
Girl starts to giggle, then starts to cry. Jim hugs her,
kisses her forehead, then gets back to digging. Girl drinks
water and consumes the protein bar. Sobs in between, a
little crying, digging sounds, crying, digging.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
She's driving me nuts.
                                                            
                       JIM
My heart's breaking... What did
the dad say?
                                                            
                       JACQUE
He's toast. But, I found some
stuff outside to put over the
window, and an old broken door
that should cover up this bathroom
door.
                                                            
Jim and Jacque keep digging and have a pretty good foxhole.
Jim's busy digging out the cast-iron bathtub.
                                                            

64.

                       JACQUE
What's the trench under the tub
for?
                                                            
                       JIM
Trench warfare! I'm going to put
the girl in the tub and bake her!
                                                            
                       JACQUE
It's good you said that in
English!
                                                            
Both laugh. Little girl is still crying from time to time.
Both missionaries jump when the dad looks in.
                                                            
                       FATHER
      (in French)
What can I do?
                                                            
Boys look surprised at each other.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (In French)
Collect all the dry wood you can,
inside the upper walls, the lath.
Jacque, give him a hand for five
or ten minutes... see about those
blankets, coats whatever... Then
you go.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
Really Jim, you should come back
with me... what if we try to take
them with us?
                                                            
                       JIM
Jacque, you know the shelters are
full and miles away. In their
shape and condition, I don't think
they could make it... You'll have
a hard time and the church can't
come looking for us. There's only
one way. You've got to go back,
rest, sleep and eat, and then come
rescue us tomorrow. We built a
good foxhole, buddy. John would be
            (MORE)

65.

                       JIM (cont'd)
proud of us.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in French)
I'm not sure... I just don't know.
                                                            
We look over Jacque's shoulders and into the bathroom with
piles of wood. The window is covered with a pallet and
plastic bag. The sink is covered with supplies from both of
the backpacks. The dad, in the foxhole that has wood planks
and a hole in the floor to drain. A little fire is under the
tub with boards across it with some old damp coats drying
out. A warm and happy little girl is inside the tub enjoying
the warmth and her new bed.
                                                            
The two missionaries hug, Jacque slips the busted-up door
into a trench at the bathroom threshold and plugs a couple
of holes with old wet papers, giving the "hang loose" sign
to Jim before he stuffs the last hole. Jacque stands looking
at the door for the longest time.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in French)
I don't know buddy, I just don't
know... But God be with you.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (in French)
God be with you my friend... Until
we meet again.
                                                            
MUSIC; 'Until We Meet Again'.
We watch Jacque reluctantly leave the home and struggle
through the rubble and disappear into the cold.
                                                            
 
INT. THE FOX HOLE - DAY
                                                            
                                         NEXT MORNING
                                                            
The next morning we find Jacque and four or five other
rescuers pulling back the door boards to find Jim in the
foxhole with the little girl tucked under his arm. The dad
working a little fire under the tub. All is well.
                                                            

66.

                                         END SCENE
                                                            
 
EXT. BACK STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Several months before Jim's return we find Okalani in
costume, standing backstage with the other performers at the
PCC, just before the 7 o'clock Luau. The audience is busy
filling plates with pulled pork and the luau fixings and
finding their seats. Okalani is in the dance line primping,
adjusting her costume and notices a young man dancer in war
paint studying her. She rolls her eyes and tries to ignore
him. As she fusses with her outfit we hear her VO.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (V.O.)
I love dancing here at the
Polyonesian Cultural Center. When
I was little my mom sometimes had
to force me to go to dance
class... but now I understand how
important it is to share our
culture, and keep it alive... so
it doesn't die away like the
Marquesans; they have no dance,
they have no language. They lost
it all because they didn't see how
important it was... I love
Hawaiian dancing and dancing here
at the PCC. Except for rude boys
staring at me!
                                                            
Okalani finally looks over at the boy still eyeing her.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Sorry, not interested.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (chuckles)
You're Jim's Okalani, right?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (stops dead)
How do you know that name?
                                                            

67.

                       TOM
Jim told me about you... And I
figured you'd show up someday.
You're with the Hawaiian dance
school?
                                                            
Okalani looks puzzled, nodding yes, then remembers she hates
Jim.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He's a stupid boy and I hate
him... He never said goodbye.
                                                            
                       TOM
Your brothers beat that goodbye
out of him.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
My brothers might have been rude
to him, but he never said
goodbye... He's a chicken.
                                                            
Okalani squats down, her hands under her arm pits and she
does the chicken dance.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Bawk bawk bawk, bawk bawk bawk.
                                                            
Other dancers in line stop to look, chuckle. Tom cracks up.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (laughing)
You are a piece of work; he said
you were.
                                                            
Okalani stands up and puts her hands on her hips.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He's a stupid chicken boy, never
said goodbye... (beat) Um, what
did you mean, beat it 'out' of
him? They just were rude to him?
                                                            
                       TOM
Sure sure, just rude to him... I'm
his best friend. I'm the guy that
took him to the nurse for X-rays
            (MORE)

68.

                       TOM (cont'd)
and stitches... thought he had a
broken rib where they kicked him.
He had a black eye and a busted
lip... you're right, they were
just rude to him.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (shocked; a quiet
       voice)
He still didn't say goodbye. He's
a stupid chicken boy.
                                                            
                       TOM
      (laughs)
He's a black belt! He taught
Karate here at BYU. First and only
student that ever taught a class
without a degree. (pride) He could
have wiped the beach with both of
your brothers and ten of their
friends... At the same time!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He never told me he knew Karate,
although he taught me some Karate
on the beach. So I could protect
myself against aggressive boys...
He taught me your soft spots.
                                                            
Okalani's eyes move to the front of his grass skirt. Tom
chuckles but moves back a step or two.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
He still didn't say goodbye; he
could have called?
                                                            
                       TOM
Oh, he wanted to, leaving you like
that. But he couldn't talk for a
few days with the busted lip and
stitches. And he didn't want you
to see him like that and cause
trouble for your family. He
wouldn't admit it, but I think he
had a crush on you. And he knew
your brothers were right. He was
            (MORE)

69.

                       TOM (cont'd)
nineteen, and you were what,
twelve or thirteen?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Almost fourteen!
                                                            
                       TOM
      (giggles)
Oh my gosh, (lowers voice) you're
not sixteen yet? How'd you get
here?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (whispering)
My mom signed the consent form,
then I changed the age to sixteen.
                                                            
                       TOM
You're a rocket you are.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (whispering)
You won't tell? I'll be sixteen in
a few months.
                                                            
                       TOM
No, you're secret's safe with me.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He really liked me? A lot?
                                                            
                       TOM
Yes, a lot, but like I said, he
wouldn't admit it. But you don't
like stupid boys?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (big tears)
He's not so stupid, It's my fault,
I'm just so little. (sobs)
                                                            
Tom takes her to him in a soft hug, pats her back. Mr.
Wilson, the show manager is looking on, concerned.
                                                            

70.

                       TOM
Easy sweetheart, if it's to be, it
will work itself out in the end.
He's coming back in a few months
for a semester; maybe you can say
Hi?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
No, he hates me now. I never wrote
to him, not once. I was so mad.
(Sobs).
                                                            
                       TOM
He doesn't hate you. He's been in
touch.
                                                            
Okalani wipes tears, steps back from the embrace.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       TOM
No, I already said too much. Jim's
going to kill me and trust me, he
can do it... Although as you know,
there isn't a mean bone in the
guy.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You tell me now or I'll kill you
myself... I'll show you what Jimmy
taught me on the beach!
                                                            
                       TOM
      (steps back)
You wouldn't?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Stupid boy taught me how and I'm
good at it too!
                                                            
                       TOM
Ok Ok, take it easy. But don't let
him know I told, please?
                                                            

71.

                       OKALANI
Whatever. Tell me now!
                                                            
                       TOM
Well, he's been writing to your
mom... And, he set this dance
thing here with the PCC and your
dance school.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He did, and my Mom?
                                                            
                       TOM
He wrote to her to apologize, you
know, for upsetting your family
and reassuring her of your virtue
and that your brothers were right,
it was wrong of him to spend time
with you.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He never ever tried anything. He's
such a stupid boy.
                                                            
Okalani breaks out in tears once more. Sobs into her hands.
Tom hands her another tissue and pats her back. Mr. Wilson
finally comes over.
                                                            
                       WILSON
Tom, everything okay? You okay
Okalani?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm fine, Mr. Wilson... I just
found out I'm still in love with
Jimmy and it's all a big mess. But
I can still dance. I'll dance for
Jimmy and cry some more later.
                                                            
Mr. Wilson holds her hand and nods an Ok. The lights dim,
the volcanos blast and the troupe runs out onto the stage.
Okalani and three other girls cross the bridge over the moat
and take their spots front stage. Tears streaming down
Okalani's face, she manages a little smile for the audience.
                                                            
 

72.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
We find Mom looking out the front door searching the night
and worrying about her daughter, hands on hips. Kona
standing behind her...
                                                            
                       MOM
      (upset, worried)
That girl is going to turn my hair
gray.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (pats mom on back)
She's ok mom, just a little late.
                                                            
                       MOM
She always calls. Not like you
boys... Somethings not right; it's
an off day.
                                                            
                       KONA
Just relax, you're too uptight
                                                            
Mom turns toward Kona with a frown on her face. Kona takes a
couple of steps back, then points.
                                                            
                       KONA
Look... See, you have to learn to
relax.
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh, thank God... With you three, I
won't be able to relax until I'm
dead and in heaven.
                                                            
We see a single headlight moving down the street and turn
into the driveway and up to the house. Okalani, still in
costume, parks the scooter and storms through the screen
door. Mom is expecting a hug but there is fire coming from
Okalani's ears.
                                                            
                       MOM
You late Okalani!
                                                            
Before Mom could say more, Okalani makes the cross sign at
her mom... Okalani huffs into the kitchen and paces back and

73.

forth, ready to fight. Okalani gives Kona several nasty
looks. He steps back, looking at the exit.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh no you don't, you traitor!
                                                            
Okalani advances up to Kona, stands on her toes to look him
in the eyes.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You traitor! I thought you loved
me? We're family you oaf. I was
going to go to your wedding
someday... Maybe be a bridesmaid,
but forget it! You big traitor,
you're a Benedict Arnold. Owl!
                                                            
                       KONA
What did I do?
                                                            
Okalani turns and starts pacing once more, her body stiff
with rage. Before Mom can talk Okalani holds up the cross to
Mom once more. Mom decides to wait with her words, even take
a step back.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (eyelids go up)
I met Tom today... (looks at Mom)
Nice boy dancer at PCC, (looks
over at Kona) Jim's roommate? And
best friend?
                                                            
Kona steps back, wants to shrink, looks at the front door
once more. Okalani points at him and yells:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
STAY!... Do you know what Tom told
me about Jimmy not saying goodbye?
                                                            
Okalani staring at Kona, looks at her Mom, then back to
Kona. Kona almost in tears. He decides to come clean, he
loves his little sister so much and this is going to mess up
everything.
                                                            

74.

                       KONA
I'm soooo sorry, Okalani. We kinda
got carried away, and, well, he's
too old for you. It's no good.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
It's no good now, he probably
hates me. You traitor!
                                                            
                       MOM
      (concerned;
       confused)
What happened? What happened?
                                                            
Mom puts hand on Okalani's arm. Okalani pushes it off and
looks deep into Mom's face.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You, you are a traitor too! I
thought you were my mom; you are
all aliens from Uranus! Taking
over my loved ones... The people I
thought loved me. (raises voice)
What happened? What happened? Kona
will tell you what happened.
Confess Kona Arnold, or die!
                                                            
Kona's eyes searching for cracks in the floor to escape
into.
                                                            
                       KONA
Well, um, Moroni and I were, well,
drinking beer... Maybe too much, I
think way too much. Well, Jim made
us so mad; giving advice and well,
wanting to, um, well, we followed
him that Sunday, and well, we
roughed him up a little and, um,
told him not to see...
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh Kona, you didn't.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Roughed him up! (looks at Kona)
Busted his lip... Stitches! (looks
at mom) Black eye and damaged
            (MORE)

75.

                       OKALANI (cont'd)
ribs! (looks back at Kona) Roughed
him up!
                                                            
                       MOM
      (disappointed)
Oh, Kona.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (tears in his eyes)
He was chicken, too, didn't even
try to fight back!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He's got a black belt! He teaches
karate at BYU. Tom said he could
have killed you both and twenty of
your friends... with one arm tied
behind his back (beat) and one leg
cut off!
                                                            
                       KONA
      (more tears)
Black belt?
                                                            
                       MOM
Kona, you're such a bad boy. I'm
so disappointed in you.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (whispers to
       Okalani)
Okalani, I'm soooo sorry... But,
well, it's worse.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Worse, how can it be worse than
that?
                                                            
Kona still backed against the wall, wiping tears, his mom
shaking her head in disappointment.
                                                            
                       KONA
He, um Jim, sent you a little
box... About a week after he left.
                                                            

76.

Okalani's eyes get as big as saucers.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
A box!
                                                            
Kona nods yes, a sour look on his face.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
And? You took it out of 'our' mail
box and threw it, away?
                                                            
                       KONA
Um, kinda (wipes tear). I threw it
under the house.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (looking down at
       floor)
It's been under my feet all this
time... Nineteen months! Do you
torture animals, too? (two beats)
                                                            
                       KONA
I'm so sorry, Okalani. I think it
was wrong. (beat)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Wrong! You think it was wrong?
(looks over at Mom)...(comes up to
Kona on toes to look him in the
face) You think it was wrong?
First off, don't ever use my name
again, you Benedict Arnold animal
torturer. And second, you crawl
under this house right now and get
that box or I'll call the post
office and have the Attorney
General arrest you for mail
fraud... Go get it, get it now!
                                                            
Kona scampers out the front door as Okalani studies her mom.
Kona runs back in and gets a flashlight. Looks at Okalani.
                                                            
                       KONA
It's dark?
                                                            

77.

                       OKALANI
Take that flashlight and get it
NOW! Owl.
                                                            
Okalani yells and stamps her foot like a very mad Shirley
Temple. Kona rushes out of the room. Okalani turns her
attention to Mom. Mom moves back against the wall.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
And you, my own mother, writing to
my true love, writing to my Jimmy
and not telling me he's okay, not
telling me what he's doing? You're
a traitor too; my own mother a
traitor to her only daughter...
You, the one that said we would
always tell each other
everything... I thought that went
both ways. You're not my mother.
You were taken by evil aliens,
brainwashed and brought back to
earth to torture me...we, we?
                                                            
Okalani breaks out in tears.
                                                            
                       MOM
I'm so sorry, sweetie, but you
hated him. You told me every day
you hated him... But I didn't know
the boys... Oh my gosh Okalani, it
sounds like they beat him up so
bad. I didn't know, honest...
                                                            
Okalani moves slowly over to the couch and plunks herself
down and crys. We can hear Kona moving about under the
house, banging his head on the rafters and moaning and
saying 'ouch'. Mom comes over and sits next to Okalani and
hugs her. Tears flow from Mom and Okalani bawls.
                                                            
                       MOM
Can I still call you Okalani?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (chuckles; more
       tears)
This whole thing is a mess... I'm
so mad at Kona and Moroni, even
            (MORE)

78.

                       OKALANI (cont'd)
you. (tears)
                                                            
                       MOM
Let's pray that the box is still
there, and that Kona finds it
without swearing and that someday
you forgive him so he can call you
Okalani? (beat)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh Mom, I love you so much... Are
you going to let me read them? The
letters?
                                                            
Mom nods yes, wipes some of Okalani's tears with a tissue
from her apron pocket. Kona bumps his head again, but this
time yells a muffled yell.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (thump! head on
       rafter)
"CRAP"! Oh, Sorry.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He's such a moron; I've got morons
for brothers. (beat)
                                                            
                       MOM
What they did was very wrong. It
was terrible... But why they did
it was to protect you. They really
do love you.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm not sure being loved by morons
is a compliment?
                                                            
                       KONA
I got it! I found it!
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh thank God. You see, Kona's not
a real moron.
                                                            

79.

                       OKALANI
      (shakes head;
       wipes tears)
I'm not convinced.
                                                            
We can hear Kona bumping his way under the house and he runs
into the living room covered in dust and cobwebs with a big
grin on his dirty face. Mom and Okalani are already on their
feet as he runs in, skidding on a living room throw rug. He
hands over the small bug-eaten package.
                                                            
                       KONA
Can I call you Okalani now?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Not for a few weeks, you oaf.
                                                            
Okalani studies the dusty, dirty package, gift-wrapped paper
peeking through the holes, almost afraid to touch it, to
handle it...
                                                            
                       KONA
Go ahead Oka, um 'O', I found it.
I'm really sorry. Open it, please?
                                                            
Okalani looks into Kona's tear-and-dust-stained face, then
over at Mom's tear-streaked face. She reluctantly takes the
little package. She sits down, Mom follows and Kona takes
the chair across from them. Okalani runs her finger over
Jim's name and slowly peals back the bug-eaten paper. She
opens the top of the cardboard box wiping tears as she goes.
She pulls a little white box out and holds it in her hand
and studies it for the longest time. (beat)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm afraid.
                                                            
                       MOM
It's ok. You know Jimmy has been
good for this family. Even Kona
and Moroni know that now... It was
always us that made it wrong.
Jimmy is such a sweet boy, and
except for you sweetie, we all
didn't trust him... It was us that
made this whole thing bad... We'll
make it up to him when he comes
            (MORE)

80.

                       MOM (cont'd)
home, when he comes back to us,
you'll see. Open it.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh Mommy, I'm so disappointed in
everybody... I don't understand.
(tears) And Jimmy and me, we're
both nice kids. He's such a
gentleman, old for me I know, but
nice and sweet and pretty too...
We were just friends Mommy (looks
over at Kona) and, I'm the one
with the crush.
                                                            
                       MOM
Can I hug you?
                                                            
The two ladies hug, Kona rolls his eyes.
                                                            
                       KONA
Can we have less hugging and more
box openings, please?
                                                            
The two girls chuckle and separate as Okalani slowly opens
the little box. Kona leans in to see as Okalani's eyes get
as big as saucers and she breaks out in tears, sobbing into
her mother's chest. The box falls to the living room floor
and rolls over to Kona's feet coming to a stop, the top
still open. Kona reluctantly picks it up as if it were a
bomb ready to go off.
                                                            
                       KONA
What is it?
                                                            
                       MOM
It's a custom pendant of the
little heart Okalani always puts
at the bottom of her letters.
                                                            
                       KONA
What's so sad about that? (beat)
Well, the guy's got style, I'll
give him that. And, well, I owe
him my business, and I really do
like him, honest. And when he gets
back, well, maybe we could work
            (MORE)

81.

                       KONA (cont'd)
something out, like chaparones or
something, so you could see him
and spend some time with him...
That could work?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Chaparones?
                                                            
                       MOM
That's a good idea, Kona. I could
live with that.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
After all this, and the way 'my'
family has treated him, he'll stay
a million miles away from me. I
just know it.
                                                            
                       MOM
He always asks about you... in his
letters to me. He says he thinks
about you always and hopes you'll
someday forgive him for not saying
goodbye. He still likes you, I'm
sure of it.
                                                            
                       KONA
Read the card 'O'.
                                                            
Okalani opens the little card and reads.
                                                            
INSERT - THE NOTE, which reads:
                                                            
                       OKALANI (V.O.)
Dear Okalani.
I hope you'll forgive me for not
saying goodbye.
I'm so sorry for not having done
that. You are a good friend and
I'll carry you in my heart
forever.
Your best friend, Jimmy.
                                                            
BACK TO SCENE
                                                            

82.

                       OKALANI
      (hugs and crying)
Oh Mommy!
                                                            
                       KONA
I need to go... shoot myself. Too
much drama for me. And 'O', I'm
really sorry I was... we were such
jerks...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Go ahead and go... I promise to
forgive you both, in twenty years.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRENCH STREET - DAY
                                                            
We see a small French street scene. Almost an alley. A two
table outdoor cafe on the right side. People on the small
sidewalk. Funny French car drives by, than a Vespa. We see
Jim step into the scene. He watches the scooter drive up the
street and disappear. He stops at a wall-mounted post box
next to his front door and collects the mail for his room.
He goes through the mail...
                                                            
                       JIM
Jacque... Robert... Jim, hum, from
my mom. Robert, Jacque, Jim
from...
                                                            
Jim freezes on sight. Even drops a letter or two.

CU the letter

Jim stands there trance-like, looking at the letter for the
longest time. The letter has a little sticker of a Hawaiian
dancer cartoon. Two cute French school girls come by and
pick up the dropped letters for him.
                                                            
                       STUDENT 1
      (in French)
Monsieur, you dropped this,
Monsieur?
                                                            

83.

                       JIM
      (snaps out of it)
Oh, oui, oui, Merci... Do you need
a Book of Mormon?
                                                            
Girls giggle and walk off quickly.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (waves goodbye; in
       French)
Aurovoir... Okay then, let me know
when you want your copy.
                                                            
Jim enters an old door next to the mailboxes and starts up
the stairs, tripping once as he studies the envelope. He
moves into a small apartment the four missionaries share and
sits down at the kitchen table in a daze. A few minutes
later Jacque comes into the room, notices Jim's funny look.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in French)
What's up?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (in French)
Oh, you've got mail.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in English)
No, what's that?
                                                            
                       JIM
It's a letter from Okalani.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
That little girl from Hawaii your
in love with? It's been what,
almost twenty-three months... Why
is she writing now? A Dear Jim
letter? (beat)
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm not in love with her. We're
just friends, or um, we used to be
friends.
                                                            

84.

                       JACQUE
Are you going to open it?
                                                            
                       JIM
I don't know... I should probably
just throw it away, if I was
smart.
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (teasing)
It could actually be from her
brothers? Maybe they know you are
coming home in a few weeks?
It could be a mail bomb, maybe
they want to take you out? (beat)
                                                            
Two more missionaries come in and stop. They study Jim
sitting still looking at the envelope. They watch Jacque
studying Jim. Jacque hands out the letters from the kitchen
table. It's silence.
                                                            
                       MISSIONARY 1
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       JACQUE
      (in French)
Love letter from Okalani.
                                                            
                       JIM
It's not a love letter, she's just
a friend.
                                                            
                       MISSIONARY 2
So what's the big deal. Open it.
                                                            
                       JIM
Well, okay, here it goes...
                                                            
The room is totally quiet as the three missionaries watch
with anticipation. Jim slowly slips his finger into the top
of the envelope and rips it open. He blows into the envelope
to open it and looks in. He waits, studies it. One of the
missionaries puts his hands on his hips; the other taps his
foot and they look at each other.
                                                            

85.

                       JACQUE
      (whispering)
It's Ok Jim, it's not a bomb. Go
ahead, take it out?
                                                            
                       JIM
You guys are terrible.
                                                            
Jim turns the envelope upside down, a folded piece of pink
paper and one of Okalani's old hair flowers falls onto the
table. He picks up the flower and ponders it. He looks at
the pink card with the coconut sticker.
                                                            
                       MISSIONARY 2
That's really cute Jim, that
little coconut there, but open
it, please?
                                                            
                       JIM
Okay, okay. Relax.
                                                            
Jim's finger slicing the coconut sticker in half and opening
the letter. There is nothing on it except the little Okalani
heart drawn at the bottom of the note.
                                                            
                       MISSIONARY 1
It's empty.
                                                            
                       MISSIONARY 2
There's nothing there!
                                                            
                       JIM
      (in French/tears
       in eyes)
You guys are going to have to
learn how to read between the
lines.
                                                            
 
EXT. KONA'S ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
We find Jim walking down a Laie street taking in the sights
and sounds. He stops and smells a flower, and ponders it.
He walks down a grass-lined alley with two tire tracks built
into the grass turf. He stops at the back gate to a small
business and studies it. It's a small old wood garage or

86.

storage shed, maybe 10 x 20 feet. The back of the building
has an old wood garage door, opened. There are several old
scooters and lawnmowers parked out back. Jim can see a
figure moving about inside the structure who eventually sits
at a desk.
Jim reluctantly moves into the lot. Kona slowly turns and
sees Jim. Kona hesitates, slowly gets up and moves to the
back door. They stand looking at each other for the longest
time.
                                                            
                       KONA
I'm surprised. Didn't expect to
see you here... Are you here to
kill me? (beat)
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
No, I've got no hard feelings. You
and your brother were right.
                                                            
                       KONA
Maybe right about your age... But
not right about beating you up...
are you really a black belt?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (laughs)
I've had a couple of lessons.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (steps a few feet
       closer)
I'm actually happy to see you; I
wanted to apologize, officially.
I'm really sorry, haven't touched
a beer since.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (steps closer)
Apology accepted.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (Steps closer)
And, well, I'm really sorry about
the package... I've apologized to
Okalani a million times but I
don't think she'll ever forgive
            (MORE)

87.

                       KONA (cont'd)
me.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (steps up to Kona)
I forgive you for that too...
maybe I can talk to her, see what
I can do?
                                                            
                       KONA
Have you seen her yet?
                                                            
                       JIM
Not yet, I want to surprise her.
                                                            
Kona comes up to Jim and gives him a bear hug.
                                                            
                       KONA
I've really messed this whole
thing up... When you don't have
God in your heart, your world gets
all messed up.
                                                            
                       JIM
Kona, that's deep!
                                                            
Kona breaks the hug and steps back, both grinning at each
other.
                                                            
                       KONA
Did you know that the day Okalani
met you, she had prayed to God
that something special would
happen to her? She's convinced you
were the answer to her prayer.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're kidding... that's deep too!
                                                            
                       KONA
That's top secret information. But
you know Jim, she might be right.
Look what's happened because she
met you: I've got a great little
business going. Who would have
ever thought. And Moroni felt so
bad that he stopped drinking and
            (MORE)

88.

                       KONA (cont'd)
started re-reading the Bible and
the Book of Mormon and now he's on
a mission, doing great.
                                                            
                       JIM
Amazing, and you Kona, look at
this, it's so cool!
                                                            
Kona steps beside Jim and they both study the site. Kona's
pride almost bursting from his chest.
                                                            
                       KONA
I'm not making a lot, not yet, but
I've been able to give some money
to Mom to help out a little. I
spend a few nights here so that
Okalani can have some friends
over, you know, for a sleepover.
                                                            
Jim chuckles and nods a knowing yes and pats Kona on the
back.
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm really proud of you buddy...
and I want you to know that I'm
not really interested in your
sister, not like that. She's just
a friend.
                                                            
                       KONA
Sometimes our brains don't know
what our hearts are doing.
                                                            
Jim looks puzzled at Kona's depth of thought. Kona shrugs.
They both laugh.
                                                            
                       JIM
Speaking of hearts... Your mom
wrote that you've got someone
special in your life.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (blushing;
       chuckles)
Olani. First new scooter I sold
was to this really cute girl at
            (MORE)

89.

                       KONA (cont'd)
BYU. Her dad bought it for her to
get around Laie and college. She
had a scooter in high school and
was actually called scoot. We're
kinda a thing. I call her scoot
too. (still grinning ear to ear) I
wouldn't even have met her if it
wasn't for you.
                                                            
                       JIM
Not me Kona. I've been gone for
two years... Kona and Scooter
girl. Hum, sounds good.
                                                            
                       JIM
Speaking of girls. I want to
surprise Okalani tomorrow at the
beach. I'd like to meet your
scooter girl too. Will you help?
                                                            
                       KONA
Absolutely... Okalani loves
surprises
                                                            
 
EXT. RED WAGON ON SIDEWALK - DAY
                                                            
It's early Sunday afternoon. We find Kona and his scooter
girl, Olani, holding hands and walking toward the beach with
Mom and Okalani not too far behind. Okalani is pulling the
little red wagon with the ice cooler and all the fixings for
their traditional family picnic.
                                                            
                       MOM
      (to Okalani)
You are awfully quiet.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I've been thinking about Jimmy. Do
you think he will still like me
when he comes back. They say most
missionaries mature quite a bit
and he went through that storm and
all.
                                                            

90.

                       MOM
Sweetie, he was a man when he left
and he'll be ok when he comes
back. But you must know he is a
lot older than you... He's a man
and you're just a little girl.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh Mom, I'm almost sixteen... I'm
growing up you know, if you
haven't noticed.
                                                            
                       MOM
You're getting too old. I want to
shrink you down.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm already too short... I think
you're slipping me something in my
milk to make me shrink. Maybe
Jimmy is too tall for me? And my
butt, it sticks way out. (beat) I
think it's too big?
                                                            
                       MOM
      (chuckles)
You're too cute, that's your
problem... And your bottom is just
right. Oh my gosh, I am going to
get white hair. Do you see any?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Your hair is very pretty, Mommy...
I know he said he would come and
see me when he gets back, but I
bet Kona will keep him away? Maybe
Jimmy will stuff Kona and hang him
on a fence, turn him into a
Hawaiian mummy. (beat)
                                                            
                       KONA
I heard that. Besides, Mom said in
his letters he forgave Moroni and
me.
                                                            

91.

                       OKALANI
Well, if he comes back I might
just ask him to turn you into a
mummy... How's that oldie go?
(sings) My boyfriend's back and
he's go'in teach you? Do da Do da,
my boyfriend's back... is that it?
                                                            
                       SCOOT
      (Sings)
Okalani's boyfriend's back and
he's going to teach Kona... Do da
do da, o's boyfriend's back!
something like that.
                                                            
They all laugh and sing the song as they disappear toward
the beach. Scene moves to the beach where we see and hear
light surf... The family finds their picnic table and Mom
and Okalani make busy setting up the table cloth. We see a
stack of paper plates, plastic cups and plastic containers.
From the ice cooler: sandwiches, potato salad, root beer and
Hawaiian Punch. Kona and Scoot are busy at the fire pit
lighting coal. Okalani plunks herself down and starts to
cry, her face falling into her hands on the table. Kona and
Scoot look over, look at each other.
                                                            
                       SCOOT
      (whispering)
Poor Okalani, she's so in love.
                                                            
Mom comes over and pats her daughter's back.
                                                            
                       MOM
It's going to be ok, honest,
sweetheart.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I should have written to him, and
asked him to write back... At
least that way I'd know.
                                                            
                       MOM
I know that he will show up any
time now, and he will still like
you.
                                                            

92.

Okalani's head comes out of her hands and Mom wipes her
tears. Mom gets up and sets a fifth plate on the table as
Kona flashes a flashlight down the beach. Okalani is
watching Mom set a fifth place setting.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Really Mom, you really think so?
What's with the 5th plate,
Milani's not coming?
                                                            
Kona points down the beach.
                                                            
                       KONA
Who's that? I don't recognize him.
                                                            
                       SCOOT
Some bum I bet, or a lost
mainlander.
                                                            
Okalani follows Kona's finger down the beach. Mom studies
her daughter as Okalani slowly stands and studies the figure
of a young man walking toward them in the light surf.
Okalani takes the tissue from Mom and wipes her eyes and
takes a few steps toward the figure. She squeals and starts
to run, but stops and turns and asks:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giant smile)
You all knew, didn't you?
                                                            
Kona, Scoot and Mom all grinning, nod yes. Kona is flashing
a flashlight at Okalani.
                                                            
                       KONA
Pretty good surprise, huh?
                                                            
Okalani grins bigger if possible, but turns and runs as fast
as she can down the beach... Jim sees her speeding toward
him.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (whispering to
       himself)
She's just a friend, she's just a
friend, that's all, she's just a
friend.
                                                            

93.

Jim waves, standing in about a foot of water. Okalani runs
at him not stopping the least as she jumps into him. He goes
over backwards into the surf. Okalani giggling and laughing
on top of him.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh my gosh. I can't believe it's
you... You still love Okalani?
                                                            
She plasters him with kisses right there in the surf.
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh my gosh, Kona, she's going to
kill me. I just know it... Run and
save her and the poor boy...
Hurry, I don't think there's much
time! (beat)
                                                            
                       JIM
Easy girl, easy, your mom and
Kona?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh phooey with them... I'm so
happy your back... And you still
love Okalani? (bats her eyes)
                                                            
                       JIM
I love you like a sister, and I'm
happy to see you... I saw Kona
yesterday, but I haven't seen your
mom yet, or met Scoot. Will you
introduce me, please?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Alright, alright. What's so wrong
with being really happy to see
you? It's been two years. Look.
                                                            
Jim finally gets her up and off of him. He looks at the
little 'Okalani' heart on her wrist...
                                                            
CU - Okalani showing Jim the heart bracelet, beads of salt
water all over her face and of course her giant smile...
More eye batting. Kona walks up with Scoot in tow.
                                                            

94.

                       KONA
Hey you two, Mom's getting
uptight. Easy Okalani, you'll
scare the poor boy off.
                                                            
                       SCOOT
So Okalani... This is the pretty
boy you told me all about? Yes, I
think he's a keeper!
                                                            
Jim blushes, Okalani and Scoot giggle. Kona rolls his eyes
as Okalani takes Jim's hand and pulls him along.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, this is Olani, Kona's best
half. We all call her Scoot.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (joking)
Nice to meet you Scoot... So, you
really like Kona?
                                                            
                       KONA
Hey!
                                                            
                       SCOOT
      (giggles)
He's got some rough edges... but
between you and me, the rough
edges are being rounded off quite
nice. Thanks for your help.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Kona is making hot dogs and are
you sure you don't want to beat
him up? It would be fun to see and
he could use it... He was a pretty
bad boy you know? Mail fraud and
all!
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
Maybe later. I'm starved after all
that swimming.
                                                            
They all have a good laugh.
                                                            

95.

                       SCOOT
Hear that, Scooter Boy. He never
kills people on an empty stomach!
                                                            
                       KONA
Very funny... Okalani, should you
be, um, holding his hand? Mom's
right there?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm never letting it go. (hugs
Jim's arm)
                                                            
 
EXT. ON THE BEACH - DAY
                                                            
                                         WEEKS LATER
                                                            
We find Okalani and Jim walking Laie beach. We hear the
sound of SURF, SEAGULL sounds and perhaps even the sound of
wind in the palm trees that line the beach. Okalani is
wearing her little Hawaiian wrap skirt and carries her
sandals in one hand.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm soooo happy you're back.
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm happy to be back... I loved my
mission, but this is home to me...
I've got school, dance and Karate,
and you, you know, your family.
                                                            
Okalani giggles and takes his hand. A FAN attacks Okalani's
hand.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (squeals; yells
       out)
Okay, Okay, good grief!
                                                            
We pull back and see Mom walking behind the two, escorting
them.
                                                            

96.

                       OKALANI
I'm sixteen now, a teenager. You'd
think my mom would trust me.
                                                            
                       MOM
You're fifteen and that's why I
don't trust you.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm almost sixteen! I don't know
if I can survive six months of
this... (looks at Jim) Are you
really going to leave Okalani
again?
                                                            
                       JIM
I've got to go to BYU Utah in the
fall. It's my destiny.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I hate destiny. Well, at least
I'll have you for the next five or
six months.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT YARD - DAY
                                                            
Jim pulls up in front of Okalani's house driving a little
electric truck from the PCC loaded with lumber and paint. He
stops and studies the little rustic house with Kona and Mom
standing and waving. Jim takes a picture of the house.
Okalani flies through Mom and Kona, running at Jim once
more. She's wearing bright red SHORT-ALLS. She bounds into
Jim, plastering him with hugs and kisses. Mom sends Kona to
save them.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
What are you up to?... What's with
the wood? You and Kona are up to
something? He said to wear work
clothes. What do you think? (She
gives him a slow 360 turn)
                                                            
Kona comes to find out what's going on.
                                                            

97.

                       JIM
You're too cute... The red HAIR
FLOWER works great. Hey, Kona.
                                                            
                       KONA
Mom sent me to save you... I got
the hammers and nails. What's up?
                                                            
                       JIM
Surprise for Mom... New porch? I'm
pretty sure we can do it in a day,
paint and all.
                                                            
                       KONA
Oh my gosh, Mom's going to be so
happy. Go tell her, maybe ask her
if it's ok?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
Good idea.
                                                            
Okalani in hand, Jim walks up to Mom and gives her a big
hug.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha, Mom, how about a new front
porch?
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
Mom bursts out in tears, hugging the boy too hard. Next we
see the little porch gone and Mom standing in the door
looking concerned.

We see the girls, Milani, Scoot and Okalani painting away at
a half-finished porch, as the boys finish the other end;
hammering and cutting away.

We catch Jim looking up at Okalani painting on a ladder.
She grins back.

Okalani watching Jim (Jim now without a shirt) mixing
cement. (Jim grins back)

Kona shaking his head at the two grinners, as he finishes up

98.

the framing for new cement steps.

The six of them standing in a line all dusty, bandaged, and
paint splattered, looking at the new front porch. Mom is
wiping tears.
                                                            
END SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
We move behind the six of them standing looking at the new
porch. Mom holding Jim's arm. Okalani is holding Jim's hand,
looking up at him.
                                                            
                       JIM (V.O.)
I was really surprised at how so
much value and happiness could be
added to a run-down property...
For such a small amount of money.
I think I'll get a fixer-upper
once I'm ready to buy my first
house.
Of course, after the new porch,
Mama fell in love with me and
actually started to let Okalani
and me bum around together
un-escorted. At least for little
short trips.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT OF STORE - DAY
                                                            
We find Okalani and Jim on a picnic table outside of the
'ABC store' eating an ice cream bar. It's sprinkling on
them. Okalani has wet spots on her face and dew drops on her
hair flower. After a beat or two, they talk softly.
                                                            
                       JIM
Do you know what Laie needs?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
A cultural park with over a
million visitors a year?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles; rolls
       eyes)
No.
                                                            

99.

                       OKALANI
      (teasing)
A beautiful temple and pretty
beaches?
                                                            
                       JIM
No.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
How about one of the best colleges
on the Islands?
                                                            
                       JIM
No... What we need here, no
offense to ABC... What we need
here is a real ice cream shop with
frosties!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Ooh, that would be soooo cool!
                                                            
                       JIM
I wonder what an old frosty
machine costs? What if we put it
on a little trailer and once or
twice a week you could pull it
behind your scoot, park it
someplace, plug it in and sell
frosties?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You're such a businessman.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
That's what America's all about...
taking an idea and making it work.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (thinking)
Hum, the dance studio has a
kitchen and a front storage
room... Would have to put a little
window in it?
                                                            

100.

Two old people at another table are overhearing. Nod their
heads in agreement to Jim, the man gives Jim a thumbs up.
Jim smiles back.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (softly)
I love this.
                                                            
                       JIM
The ice cream?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (gives him love
       look)
Noooo, being with you.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (blushes)
You're such a flirt... Promise me
you'll date, after I leave?
                                                            
Big tears fill Okalani's eyes.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
Oh no, don't do that, please? I
hate it when you cry. (Wipes her
tears with napkin)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'll try not to cry. I try all the
time not to cry, but you make me
sooooo happy... and sad at the
same time. It's soooo confusing.
And don't say it. You always say
maybe we shouldn't be friends.
Everyone says we shouldn't be
friends... Even Milani. Everyone
thinks you're too old for me, it's
not fair!
                                                            
Okalani gets up and starts marching around, angry and
confused. Venting her frustration.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
It's just not fair. Why would God
bring us together, why would God
have us love each other but our
            (MORE)

101.

                       OKALANI (cont'd)
ages be wrong. It's just not
right.
                                                            
She throws her fudgebar onto the blacktop and jumps up and
down on it five or six times, looking very undignified
especially wearing her BLACK MARY JANES and LACY ANKLE
SOCKS.
                                                            
The two old people at another table watch all this in
amazement. They finish their animal cookies and figure it's
a good time to make their escape. They get up and leave. Jim
is shocked and surprised by what Okalani just did and
somewhat amused.

Okalani stops, looking down at the smashed fudgebar, then
slowly looks over at Jim... She jumps into his arms and
cries.
                                                            
                       JIM
Easy, sweetie... That's why I
think you should date. You're
sixteen now... You can write to me
and tell me all about it. (beat) I
don't think you should be sitting
in my lap.
                                                            
Okalani cuddles up, wrapping her arms around his neck,
pushing her head into his chest and squirms a little.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (takes deep breath)
I know, I think I've always known.
                                                            
                       JIM
What's that? That you shouldn't be
sitting in my lap?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
No, he's testing us. God is
testing us to see if we're going
to be good honest people... You
called me sweetie! You really do
love Okalani, don't you?
                                                            

102.

                       JIM
      (chuckles)
I think you need another fudgebar.
Somebody had a tantrum on yours.
                                                            
He stands her up, holding both of her hands as she stands
before him blushing. She turns and looks at the smashed
fudgebar.
                                                            
C.U. smashed fudge bar.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Did that look childish? It did
look pretty childish, didn't it?
                                                            
Swaying her body, sticking out her lower lip.
                                                            
                       JIM
I think I like you being childish,
being yourself.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think that's a compliment, isn't
it? Milani said I should lose the
lace ankle socks because it makes
me look too young.
                                                            
                       JIM
I love the ankle socks.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Milani told me to give up the Mary
Janes. She said I need to look
older for you.
                                                            
                       JIM
I love the Mary Janes.
I love you the way you are. It's
your style.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You just said you love me?
                                                            
                       JIM
You know what I meant. Do you want
another fudgebar, Sweetie?
                                                            

103.

Okalani grins up at Jim. Sits back on his lap.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (softly; hugs him)
No, I just want to be with you.
                                                            
 
INT. OKALANI'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
We find Okalani dragging Jim down the hallway and into her
bedroom. Jim stops dead in his tracks at what he sees.

It's a very small room, divided down the middle by a clothes
line and blanket held on with clothes pins. We see several
posters of Hawaiian Dancers tacked to pink walls. A small
bed and small little study table against the wall; it's
tidy. The other side has faded blue walls and is an utter
mess.
                                                            
                       JIM (V.O.)
One Sunday afternoon after lunch,
Okalani took me in to see her
bedroom...with her mother's
permission of course...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
That's Kona's side. This is mine.
Isn't it nice?
                                                            
                       JIM
It's great, I like the posters...
You study over here?
                                                            
Jim moves over to a small desk below a small window.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I like the light from the window
and at night I can study while
Kona snores.
                                                            
Jim looks out into the overgrown weed-covered back yard. We
see an old, wood, single-car garage.
                                                            
                       JIM
What's that?
                                                            

104.

Okalani comes over to the window. There isn't much room.
She moves close to Jim, really close. She smells his neck
and slowly wraps one of her hands around the small of his
back. She inhales, closing her eyes.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okalani! You're hopeless. You need
a convent.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (almost panting)
Oh, give me one, quick, before I
faint.
                                                            
Jim takes her head between his hands and forces her face to
look outside.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (softly)
Concentrate, you little flirt.
                                                            
She finally comes to and sees the little building.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, that's an old storage shed...
full of junk.
                                                            
Jim rushes out of the bedroom. Okalani sits on the bed in a
daze. Jim rushes past Mom in the living room, past Kona
sitting on the front porch with Scooter Girl. He runs around
the house and pulls back the half garage door and looks in.
It's got a dirt floor and light streaming in from the spaces
between the outside wood boards and knot holes.
Kona and Scoot follow him to the shed. Okalani, still in a
daze, comes out and sits in a rocking chair as Mom leans out
over the front porch railing watching Jim with interest.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Are my cheeks red... I feel like
I'm coming down with something,
maybe a temperature?
                                                            
                       MOM
What's up with Jim? (looks at
Okalani) They are red. (feels her
forehead) What's going on?
                                                            

105.

                       OKALANI
I think I know why teenage girls
get into trouble.
                                                            
                       MOM
      (looking concerned)
How so?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Because they get too close to
their boyfriends. (pats her own
cheeks/fans her face with her
hand)
                                                            
                       MOM
Better go get some air girl, and
find out what's going on?
                                                            
Kona comes up and stands next to Jim.
                                                            
                       KONA
What's up? It's our old storage
shed, full of junk.
                                                            
Jim looks back at Kona, gives Kona a little grin. (beat)
                                                            
                       KONA
      (grins; points at
       Jim)
I know that look... You're
thinking again.
                                                            
                       JIM
Say Kona, what if we fixed this
up? You know cleaned it out, put
some pallet wood down for a floor,
ran an extension cord out here.
What a great bedroom for the Kona?
                                                            
                       KONA
You gotta be kidding me? (beat)
Say, Okalani would have her own
room; she could have real
sleepovers.
                                                            

106.

Kona jumps into the shed and eagerly starts throwing stuff
out. Okalani comes up next to Scoot.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
What's going on?
                                                            
                       SCOOT
Don't know... What's with your
face? You're flushed!
                                                            
                       JIM
Kona's got a great idea. Stand
back.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Kona, what are you doing?
                                                            
Kona stops, looks at Okalani with a giant smile on his face.
He hurries and kisses her. Kisses Jim on the cheek, then
runs down the driveway to his mom and whispers into her ear.
Mom grins and nods yes while the others watch. Kona runs
back into the storage shed and starts pulling stuff out with
vigor; pulls out an old set of rusty bed springs.
                                                            
                       KONA
Here Jim, pull this around to the
side... We'll put some stuff over
there and throw it away later.
Should have been cleaned out a
long time ago.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
What is it, what's going on?
                                                            
Kona stops once more and grinning at Okalani he whispers
into her ear.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (whispering)
Your boyfriend thought this would
make a good bedroom for the Kona,
what do you think?
                                                            
Okalani's eyes get as big as saucers... Then she breaks out
in tears, running to Jim and throwing her arms around him,
kissing him.
                                                            

107.

Mom yells at Kona... Scooter Girl giggles.
                                                            
                       MOM
      (Mom yells)
Kona, Kona!
                                                            
                       KONA
Oh Mom, relax, he's a saint you
know, give the poor guy a break.
Okalani, how about you and Jim go
throw my stuff into some boxes?
I'm moving in today!
                                                            
Old rags and stuff fly out the shed doors. Okalani slowly
pulls Jim down the driveway. Stopping to look at him several
times, tears running down her face.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (whispering)
I can't believe you're leaving in
a week... Six months sure flew...
You know, if you don't marry me,
I'll still love you, forever...
And never ever forget you.
                                                            
She pulls him up the stairs. Mom gives him a big hug and
whispers into his ear...
                                                            
                       MOM
      (whispering;
       Kisses his cheek)
You are a saint. Thank you so
much.
                                                            
We see Jim and Okalani looking into the garage. We see an
old carpet on the dirt floor, extension cord through a knot
hole to an automotive repair light dangling from one of the
old 2 x 4 rafters. His desk in one corner and Kona sitting
in an old stuffed chair with Scoot on his lap and a root
beer in one hand.
                                                            
                       KONA
Life is good.
                                                            
 

108.

INT. INSIDE CAR - DAY
                                                            
                                         WEEK LATER
                                                            
We find Jim driving a borrowed car through the streets of
Laie trying to whistle one of Okalani's oldies but goodies.
He's very happy as he drives to Okalani's house for his
goodbye breakfast. He pulls into her dirt driveway and up to
the house. We see Okalani on the front porch. She gives him
a little sad wave. He stops and gets out of the car and
talks with her over the car.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Nice car.
                                                            
                       JIM
Was nice of Tom to loan it to us.
You've been crying?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Mommy told me you'd notice... I
can't seem to stop. I've been
drinking lots of water so I don't
get dehydrated and die.
                                                            
Jim chuckles but looks down, trying to hide his smile with
the car.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
It's not funny... You're all happy
to be leaving. I'm so sad my heart
is breaking... It's the second
worst day of my life.
                                                            
                       JIM
The second?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
The first was the last time you
left and didn't say goodbye.
                                                            
                       JIM
Well, this time I'm saying
goodbye... And we are leaving each
other really good friends. But,
you promised not to cry.
                                                            

109.

                       OKALANI
I promised I'd try.
                                                            
Jim comes around the car and walks up to the middle step. He
looks deep into her eyes.
                                                            
                       JIM
Your eyes are bloodshot. I really
don't want you sad on my last
day... I'll feel bad for weeks.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Me too.
                                                            
She breaks out in tears, putting her hands around his neck
and hugging him. Softly she speaks.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
I'm so sorry, I tried so hard not
to be sad. I want to be happy on
your last day. You'll always
remember me sad and crying; I just
know it.
                                                            
Mom comes out and stands behind Okalani and pats Okalani's
back, then pats Jim's shoulder.
                                                            
                       JIM
No, I will always remember you
happy... Walking on the beach with
a pretty flower in your hair.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You promise?
                                                            
                       JIM
Absolutely!
                                                            
He wipes a tear from her face and kisses her gently on the
lips.
                                                            
                       MOM
Your last day Jimmy. You excited?
                                                            

110.

                       JIM
Yes, but I'm worried about
Okalani.
                                                            
                       MOM
Me too. She didn't do good last
time you left.
                                                            
                       JIM
Well, she promised to be happy and
do some dating. She's got the
Junior and Senior proms.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You two know I'm here, Right? And
yes, I promise to date, and I
promise to be happy, see. (She
smiles happily)
                                                            
Jim hugs her once more. She bursts out in tears. Kona comes
out of the garage and studies what is taking place on the
porch.
                                                            
                       KONA
Okalani, you promised, and the
pancakes are good at the Marriott.
                                                            
Scoot rides up on her scoot, parks it and stands behind
Kona, wrapping her arms around his tummy.
                                                            
                       SCOOT
Okalani, you promised, and the
pancakes are...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I know, I know; pancakes are good
at the Marriott. (All laugh)
                                                            
Okalani giggles and wipes a few tears with her hand.
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
The five of them; Mom, Okalani, Kona, Scoot and Jim are
singing oldies but goodies in the car on the way to
breakfast.


111.

Eating breakfast at the Marriott.

Okalani and Jim parking the car at the university.

END SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            
Jim and Okalani walking to the beach. Jim has a small camera
around his neck, and he's wearing a Hawaiian shirt.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giggles)
You look like a tourist with that
camera.
                                                            
                       JIM
Well, now that I am officially out
of college, I guess that does make
me an official tourist. (beat)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Thanks for taking my family to
breakfast. The pancakes were good.
                                                            
                       JIM
It was my pleasure. Thanks for
being my friend. (beat) Will you
do something for me, before we get
home?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Give you a really good kiss? You
have to give me something to
remember you by too.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're incorrigible... What you do
need is a good spanking!
                                                            
Okalani breaks out in front of him, turns, walks backwards
and teases...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh yeah, and who's going to give
it to me?
                                                            

112.

                       JIM
      (teasingly;
       serious)
I'm going to ask your mom to give
you one, and I'll tell her why you
need it.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (not sure he's
       kidding)
You wouldn't really, would you?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
Will you do something for me
before I take you home?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (stops.)
Of course, almost anything.
                                                            
                       JIM
I like that, almost anything...
How about playing in the surf for
me, one last time?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Will you go in with me?
                                                            
                       JIM
No, I want to sit on a rock and
watch you play in the surf...
That's the way I always want to
remember you. (touches camera)
                                                            
Okalani's eyes fill up with tears.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
No you don't. You promised.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Okay, okay, but let's run... And
I'll play in the surf and look
cute for you and not cry... And if
I do, you won't be able to tell.
                                                            

113.

She takes his hand and they run off toward the beach.
                                                            
MONTAGE - JIM AND OKALANI AT THE BEACH
                                                            
We see Jim sitting on a rock waving and taking a few
pictures of Okalani swimming.

Okalani diving off of some rocks.

Jim taking a picture. He stands up, gets concerned because
she is still under water. He's about to jump in.

Okalani comes up with a big fish, (a really big fish) models
with it, gives it a big kiss (sticks her tongue out at Jim),
throws it back in.

Jim taking pictures.

Okalani splashing at Jim... Throwing water up in the air.

She runs up to him and gives him a kiss on the lips, smiles
and sits down, just grinning at him. We study her happy,
salt-water-covered face, the flower still in her hair.
                                                            
END MONTAGE
                                                            
 
INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT
                                                            
We find Jim sitting in an airplane reading a note from
Okalani and looking at the picture of Okalani playing in the
surf and holding the fish. Clouds pass the rain-streaked
window. He wipes a tear. The old lady next to him notices
and asks:
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
You Okay?
                                                            
                       JIM
Yeah, sorry... I'm leaving two
sweet little girls back home; I'm
off to college at BYU.
                                                            
Hands the picture to the lady. She studies it.
                                                            

114.

                       OLD LADY
Oh my... A Hawaiian princess.
(chuckles) Looks like a Chamber of
Commerce ad for Hawaii.
                                                            
Lady hands picture back.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (laughs)
Guess it does... She just jumped
in, swam around for a minute or so
and came up with that fish. I was
blown away, still am.
                                                            
Jim wipes another tear.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
Parting is such sweet sorrow...
You look familiar?
                                                            
                       JIM
You look familiar too. You haven't
been to the Polynesian Cultural
Center? I dance there.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
ten years ago. I doubt you were
there.
                                                            
                       JIM
No, I was too young.
                                                            
                       OLD LADY
Time flies... Maybe the girls will
wait for you?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (whispers)
Maybe.
                                                            
Jim reopens Okalani's note, studies it... Then pulls out a
little pamphlet. "TEACHING AT BYU."
                                                            
 

115.

INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - NIGHT
                                                            
A disk jockey is on the stage playing music. Students are
dancing, moving about. We find Okalani and Milani all dolled
up standing at the refreshment table tasting punch.

CU Okalani's "NECKLACE"... The custom heart. Milani smiles
at Okalani fingering it.
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (grinning)
Jimmy's been gone for eight months
now. I'm so happy you're keeping
your promise to him and going out.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
My promise to Jimmy was to go on
dates to dances.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Well... You had four or was it
five boys ask you to the dance?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
It's not fair to them. Boys got
ideas and I'm in love with someone
else... It's like cheating.
                                                            
                       MILANI
You're so silly... but, this is a
good idea. You promised them all
dances; you're making them all
happy. Think about it... This is a
win-win for everyone. You want to
be class president you'll have
four or five boys voting for you
instead of just one date.
                                                            
Two nice-looking boys come up to the girls.
                                                            
                       BOY ONE
Aloha, girls. Gosh, Okalani, you
really look pretty tonight.
                                                            
Okalani blushes but does a cute little curtsy.
                                                            

116.

                       OKALANI
Why thank you, Roy... I'd bet you
boys would like a dance?
                                                            
                       BOY ONE
Yes please, shall we go?
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (giggles)
See, two more votes. You're a
shoo-in!
                                                            
Girls put down their cups and slip their arms through the
boy's arms and move to the dance area. Three boys against
the back wall are sneaking drinks from a flask. JAYSON
BLINKLE, a bit of a school and community troublemaker
whispers to his two buddies:
                                                            
                       JAYSON
      (snearing)
I'd like to find out what that
Okalani girl is all about.
                                                            
His two mates snicker. We watch Okalani and Milani dance
happily as Jayson and the two wall boys continue to whisper
and take hits from the flask. They hide the flask when a
teacher, MR. PALMER, comes along and gives them the eye.
                                                            
                       MR. PALMER
Good evening, boys. Mr. Blinkle,
are you behaving yourself tonight?
                                                            
                       JAYSON
Oh, yes, Mr. Palmer. Lovely
evening, isn't it?
                                                            
                       MR. PALMER
      (suspicious)
Yes, Mr. Blinkle, it is.
                                                            
Mr. Palmer walks away slowly, looking back. Jayson gives a
little salute. Then he goes back to watching Okalani
enjoying the dancing. We watch with Jayson as the girls'
escorts return them to the punchbowl and leave. The girls
pick up their cups and continue their conversation as
another tune fills the air.
                                                            

117.

                       MILANI
Too much punch, I gotta go.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh good, you go to the bathroom
and I'll hit my locker... I gotta
pick up a book. We'll meet in the
middle.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Okay, good.
                                                            
The girls split up, Milani fast-stepping straight for the
restroom and Okalani heading out into the hall and down
toward her locker. There are several couples in the hall
whispering, standing close to each other, kissing. One boy
is at the bubbler taking a drink. Okalani moves down to the
end of the darkish hall and works on her locker combination,
opens it. She is rummaging around when Jayson comes up
behind her, wraps his arms around her and cups her breasts.
                                                            
                       JAYSON
Hey little darlin', got anything
yet?
                                                            
Okalani yelps. Several other students turn and watch.
Okalani takes one of the boy's hands and twists it, turning
her body as the boy yells in pain.

His two buddies jump back and watch in amazement as Okalani
slams Jayson into the lockers. A student runs into the dance
to get a teacher. Three or four students are watching,
concerned for Okalani, but it looks like she's got it under
control.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Jayson Blinkle, that's the last
time you do that to me or any
other girl at this school.
                                                            
Mr. Palmer, several students, and Milani come running out
into the hall just as Okalani drives her knee three times
into Jayson's privates. He screams, goes down in a pile,
clutching his family jewels. The room breaks out in applause
as Okalani dusts off her hands and turns to face Jayson's
two comrades.
                                                            

118.

                       OKALANI
Who's next?
                                                            
Jayson continues to moan as his two back-up men back up a
step... but it's too late. Okalani throws up on them! She
did it with such vigor and precision that you might suspect
she had practiced. But it was just the reaction to the
adrenalin and fright.

Mr. Palmer runs up and sets his foot on Jayson. He raises
Okalani's hand in the air.
                                                            
                       MR. PALMER
The winner in one round, Okalani.
(more applause)(he whispers:) you
Okay, girl?
                                                            
Okalani wipes some stuff from her lips and chin.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think so. What happened? Guess I
won't be getting any kisses
tonight? (wipes her chin)
                                                            
Laughter, more clapping. There are now twenty or thirty kids
in the hall. Mr. Palmer pulls Jayson up and hauls him away.
Okalani staggers but Milani catches her.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Oh, my gosh, Okalani, you took out
Jayson Blinkle... What a hoot! Are
you okay? Here's a tissue. Let's
hear it for next year's class
president, Okalani!
                                                            
More cheers. A whole bunch of students come up to Okalani
congratulating her.
                                                            
                       STUDENT 3
He groped me last week, creep...
Guess if you can take him out, I
can at least tell the principal.
Say Okalani, how did you learn to
do that?
                                                            

119.

                       OKALANI
I did do that, didn't I? Gosh,
Milani, guess those karate lessons
on the beach with my Jimmy work.
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (chuckles)
Guess so. That Jayson's not having
babies for thirty years.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I hope not, creep! I think I'm Ok,
except for a crumpled Dixie cup!
                                                            
 
EXT. COLLEGE MALL - DAY
                                                            
Next day phone call to Jim. Jim takes the call as he walks
through the college mall. Okalani is in Milani's room
wearing the old BYU t-shirt and tights and placing a pretty
flower in her hair. Milani's closet is open and we see a
pretty WHITE EYELET DRESS hanging there. Okalani's voice
sounds tight, even scared.
                                                            
INTERCUT - COLLEGE MALL/MILANI'S ROOM
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha Okalani. I got your message.
Whats up?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Aloha Jim, um, have you got a
minute? I just wanted to thank
you.
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm on my way to class, but I've
got maybe five minutes... Or I can
call you back? Are you Okay? You
sound upset.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
No, I'm OK, just the after-fight
jitters.
                                                            

120.

                       JIM
You got into a fight?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Well, kinda, but not really.
There's a guy at school that likes
to, um, how do you say it, um,
well he likes to check out a girls
chest size.
                                                            
                       JIM
Creep... I'm getting on a plane
right now and going to take him
out!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giggles)
No need for that... Kona wants to
do that. Mom and I are holding him
back.
                                                            
                       JIM
That stupid kid, if Kona gets to
him... I should know.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (chuckles; rolls
       eyes)
I took care of him just like you
taught Milani and me on the
beach... Remember?... I gave him a
good twist to the wrist and three
good ones to his boy parts and he
was down for the count. Mr. Palmer
hauled him away.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okalani, you took him out?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I sure did... Listen to this, I
was so upset, I threwup on his two
buddies. It must have been pretty
funny but I almost can't remember
it. Weird, huh?
                                                            

121.

                       JIM
Not at all. Are you sure you're
okay? I'm so proud of you. Did
other people see it so you don't
get into trouble... you know, for
beating up little boys?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giggles)
A whole bunch of kids saw it, so
it's cool. Milani says I'm the
talk of the town.
                                                            
                       JIM
Good, and what's going to become
of this creep?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
This is really funny... Rumor has
it that since he seems to be so
interested in girl clothes, his
parents are making him dress up in
a prom dress, stand on the country
club wall, and apologize to the
city of Laie and all of its
people; you know, how sorry he is
and how he embarrassed himself,
his family, his school and his
town. Pretty good punishment, huh?
                                                            
Cut to Jason standing on the country club wall wearing a
prom dress and apologizing to Laie and its people. Small
group of people; laughing, pointing and clapping.
                                                            
                       JIM
That is funny, but is it enough?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Probably... He's just a stupid boy
with too many hormones. You
remember those, don't you? You
still have them?
                                                            
                       JIM
You're getting soooo feisty in
your old age. I hope you are
talking about hormones and yes
            (MORE)

122.

                       JIM (cont'd)
little miss, I do have some...
hormones.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You're not mad at me, are you?
                                                            
                       JIM
No, I'm just teasing... But, well
I was going to tell you this next
week, but I have a big surprise
coming your way.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (getting excited)
Oh goodie, are you coming to
visit?
                                                            
                       JIM
No, sorry, I wish I was... Opening
Karate store number three, on the
other side of Salt Lake.
                                                            
MONTAGE - JIM OPENS NEW STORE

Front of new store. Jim cutting ribbon with onlookers.

Little boys in karate outfits practicing inside.

END MONTAGE
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Gosh, you're such a tycoon!
                                                            
                       JIM
Well, I don't know about tycoon
but I am making some money. Funny
huh, not even out of college and
I'm making money. What's the world
coming to? Okalani, I'm so proud
of you but I have to go... I'll
write and tell you more about the
surprise. Send me a note with what
happened. I'd like to share that
with my girls' karate class here
at BYU. And don't be mean to the
            (MORE)

123.

                       JIM (cont'd)
boys... Love you. Aloha, Okalani.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Aloha, Jimmy.
                                                            
Okalani hangs up the phone. Looks surprised, almost stunned
at Milani.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Say, did he just say "Love You"?
He did say "Love You". I bet that
was his subconscious talking. YES!
Life is good. (high fives with
Milani)
                                                            
 
INT. JIM'S KARATE CLASSROOM - DAY
                                                            
Jim and his assistant in karate costumes. Assistant is
standing off to one side, Jim is seated on a stool.
thirty-five to fourty students in costume are filtering in
from a door that says 'WOMEN'S LOCKERS'. They are in costume
also.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha, students. Welcome to your
first day of class. I am Jim
McDuff, your karate instructor.
This man to my right is my
assistant, Mr. Moto.
                                                            
Mr. Moto looks surprised.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
      (chuckles)
Actually, his name is Randy
Johnstone, but doesn't Mr. Moto
sound much more, um, well, karate?
                                                            
Class claps and laughs as Mr. Moto does a stand and puts his
fists together and gives a karate yell.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
BYU felt that it was important for
our girls...um, for our young
ladies, to have some proficiency
            (MORE)

124.

                       JIM (cont'd)
in self defense... To protect
yourselves from all those
returning missionaries. (laughter)
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
Before we get started, here's a
letter from a young student of
mine in Hawaii. She is almost
seventeen and is very petite. Mr.
Moto here is passing out a copy of
her story for you to stick on your
bathroom mirror, to remember how
empowering it is to have some self
defense capabilities. This is what
happened to her several weeks ago
and I'll read her story for you
now.

Dear Jim:
I wanted the girls in your classes
to know how important self defense
is and how it helped me.

At a school dance a boy came up
behind me and grabbed my chest and
whispered something nasty in my
ear.

Without thinking, I grabbed his
wrist as you had taught me, spun
my body around and gave him three
quick knees to his boyish pride
(class laughs)

He fell to the floor and was
taken away by the teachers, never
to have babies or hurt girls again
in the future. (class laughter)

Thank you so much for being so
patient with me. Self defense
really works. Yours Truly, Okalani
(beat)(Jim looks up)

What a great story and I hope none
of you ever have to use it; but,
            (MORE)

125.

                       JIM (cont'd)
by the end of this semester you
will be able to defend yourselves
from brothers and angry little
gnomes! (laughter)

Where is my smallest pupil? There.
Good. Your name? Natalie, come on
down... (Natalie stands up and
starts to come down) You are the
perfect size for a gnome attack.
(laughter) Let's show you
Okalani's defensive move. Everyone
pay attention and watch... Then
we'll pair up and all give it a
try.
                                                            
 
EXT. COLLEGE QUAD - DAY
                                                            
Jim standing in the quad at college, returning Okalani's
tear-drenched message from Milani's house. Milani answers,
also in tears...
                                                            
INTERCUT - COLLEGE QUAD/MILANI'S ROOM
                                                            
                       MILANI
Hello.
                                                            
                       JIM
Milani, it's Jim.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Oh Jimmy, it's terrible. Here's
Okalani.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
(crying into phone) Oh Jimmy, the
dance school is going broke...
(sobs) Mrs. Valerie hasn't been
able to pay the rent and she says
she's tired so she's going to
close... (sobs)
                                                            
Okalani puts the phone on speaker and throws it on the bed.
                                                            

126.

                       JIM
I'm so sorry to hear that... But,
well, um, let's try to figure this
out. You know in business
sometimes adversity can be an
opportunity.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
How can the dance school closing
be an opportunity? (sobs)
                                                            
                       JIM
Let me think. (beat) I got it!
Oh my gosh, I can see it clear as
day. It's no problem. You're smart
and one of the best dancers I
know... You're already teaching
the little ones; take it over!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
What?
                                                            
                       JIM
Take over the dance school... I
can see the sign: Okalani's Dance
Studio.
                                                            
There is dead silence for the longest time, then you could
hear Okalani say to Milani;
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (to Milani)
Did you hear that?
                                                            
                       MILANI
Take it over... Gosh, Mom would
never let me, but you could do
it... You already know the
landlord, Mr. Fujikawa.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh Jimmy, do you think it's
possible, I'm only sixteen. But
I'm getting older every day!(beat)
                                                            

127.

                       JIM
You can do it. Think about it...
You don't need the kind of profit
that Valerie did... She had house
rent. You don't. She had a car and
food to buy and you don't. You
just need the rent for the dance
building and none of those other
expenses... Get people involved,
like Mr. Wilson from the PCC or
folks from church. Fix that old
building up and save the dance
school... You can do it. Think
big, go for it!
                                                            
Okalani picks up the phone.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You know, I could do it...I can do
it! Can't I? I just need to talk
to Mr. Fujikawa and see if it's
possible...
                                                            
Okalani throws the phone back on the bed and we hear the two
girls doing the happy dance. Jumping up and down and
squealing with delight. We see a look on Jim's face as he
listens and grins along. Okalani picks up the phone once
more.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Jimmy, you are soooo smart in
business... I still love you, you
know? (beat)
                                                            
                       JIM
I know.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm not a little girl anymore
Jimmy. I'm getting bigger.
                                                            
                       JIM
...I know, I love you too, but,
like a sister.
                                                            

128.

                       OKALANI
Someday you'll love me. I know
that in my heart.
                                                            
                       JIM
You're a true optimist. Okalani...
put that optimism to work and see
if you can take over the dance
studio... Maybe you can even make
a few dollars every month...
Wouldn't that be something?
Oh, and I'll pay for the new
sign... "Okalani's Dance Studio"!
                                                            
Okalani giggles through the phone.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm going to call Mr. Fujikawa
right now and ask for a meeting.
                                                            
                       JIM
That-a-girl. Go for it.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Bye for now.
                                                            
                       JIM
Bye for now.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Aloha, my Jimmy.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha, Okalani.
                                                            
Jim turns off the phone and puts it in his pocket. Looks up.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
Heavenly Father, she's a
sweetheart. Maybe you could give
her a hand on this one. Amen.
                                                            
 

129.

EXT. GRASS PARK - DAY
                                                            
We see Okalani's scooter parked at the curb. Okalani is
making her way up the expansive grass lawn in front of the
temple and up to the man on the riding mower. Okalani is
wearing a pretty little white eyelet dress. He smiles and
turns off the engine; he sits and studies her as she makes
her way up the grass yard.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Mr. Fujikawa, I'm Okalani. (She
gives him a sweet curtsy). I
didn't know you worked here.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm a volunteer. Mowing lawns is
very therapeutic... Gives a person
time to contemplate... I am
contemplating your suggestion of
you becoming a businesswoman.
(Okalani giggles)
Let's move over to my office.
                                                            
He takes Okalani's hand and leads her to two plastic CHAIRS,
a small plastic TABLE, and an UMBRELLA set up on the lawn.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Mr. Fujikawa, you have a very
lovely office. What a beautiful
view.
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (chuckles)
Yes it is, thank you... Here, sit
here, young lady. As you know,
Kona rents that little garage from
me... He's done a wonderful job
fixing up that old property. Kona
is turning into quite the young
businessman. He repairs all the
garden equipment here at the
Temple. He does a good job and we
don't have to take them to
Honolulu.
                                                            

130.

                       OKALANI
Kona is growing into a real man.
Thanks for helping him out.
                                                            
On the table we see two plastic see-thru cups and a bottle
of water.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Water, my dear?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Yes, please. Thank you.
                                                            
                       FRANK
This is not a tea party.
                                                            
Frank pours the water, all the while studying Okalani. Hands
her a glass.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
Thank you, Sir.
                                                            
                       FRANK
You are a very impressive young
lady. Are you not afraid?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Mr. Fujikawa... There are
twenty-seven little girls in this
town who will not have a dance
school if I fail... That's what
scares me.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yes, that is very commendable...
But what makes you think. How old
are you, dear?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Sixteen... going on seventeen?
                                                            
                       FRANK
      (chuckles)
Yes, alright Miss
Sixteen-going-on-seventeen. What
makes you think a sixteen-year-old
girl can make a go of a business,
            (MORE)

131.

                       FRANK (cont'd)
and pay the rent?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Mr. Fujikawa, I live at home with
my mom and Kona. I don't have rent
or food to buy and my scoot gets
100 miles to the gallon... I don't
have the overhead that Miss
Valerie had. Plus, I've got a few
ideas for that building that might
bring in a few extra dollars. So
there is less risk of me not being
able to pay the rent.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I see. May I ask what you have in
mind?
                                                            
Okalani grins at the man... Takes out a little piece of
paper from the pocket in her dress. Grins at him some more.
Unfolds the little piece of paper.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I have a business major at BYU
Utah that is advising me...
Although, if we can make this
work, I would love to have your
ideas too, Mr. Fujikawa.

First off, I plan to paint and fix
up the building and repaint the
floor. Fixing up the property will
increase its value for you, yes?
                                                            
                       FRANK
Yes, good, that's true. Go on.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
With the front yard cleaned up and
the building spruced up I might be
able to get some other groups to
rent the building. I mean, if we
clean up the kitchen a little,
maybe some local clubs or
organizations could meet there.
Maybe we could rent it out for
            (MORE)

132.

                       OKALANI (cont'd)
wedding receptions and parties.
The back yard could be used for a
day-care. There are a few moms in
town that could use that. I was
thinking about other dance
classes, you know, for ballet or
whatever? Oh, and folks from the
church and Mr. Wilson from the PCC
said he'd help. And the kids from
school would help clean it up too.
How's that sound?
                                                            
Frank stands up, studies her some more... Contemplates.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I'm impressed... I've contemplated
enough. Tell you what. You fix up
and clean up the building, and we
keep the rent the same. First
month free. Here are the keys. You
start now, and, you are now
officially a businesswoman!
                                                            
He throws the keys to Okalani. Okalani looks at the keys in
amazement. She jumps up almost knocking over her chair and
table. Runs and gives Mr. Fujikawa a big hug.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You won't regret this. Thank you
soooo much!
                                                            
She kisses his cheek and runs off giggling and twirling, her
dress and petticoats flying through the air. Mr. Fujikawa
chuckles, shakes his head. Mounts the mower and STARTS it
up; he sits watching her. When Okalani gets to the scooter,
she turns and waves at the man on the mower. He smiles and
waves back.
                                                            
 
EXT. DANCE BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
We find Okalani calling Jim on a cell phone. She is out
front on the street looking at the dance school building
crawling with people. They are painting, gardening, pulling
weeds, and spreading gravel.
                                                            

133.

INTERCUT - JIM'S OFFICE/FRONT YARD DANCE STUDIO
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Aloha, Jimmy. It's me, Okalani.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha, Okalani... I've been
waiting for your call.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
It's all so wonderful. There must
be a hundred people here. Mr.
Wilson and some folks from the PCC
are dumping and spreading several
big trucks of crushed rock on the
old dirt parking lot.
                                                            
                       JIM
Good for him and the PCC. You're a
good source for future dancers and
students for the college.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I'm using Tom's cell phone. he's
here with some kids from college.
He put up a poster for volunteers
and about twenty kids showed up.
People are being soooo nice.
(tears)
                                                            
                       JIM
Now don't go crying... What's Tom
doing? Do I get to talk to him?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (wipes tear)
Oh yes, I'm going to take the
phone around and let everyone say
hi. Here's Kona, he's hanging that
great sign you got for us. Thank
you so much.
                                                            
She hands the phone to Kona who is hanging the dance sign.
                                                            

134.

                       KONA
Aloha, partner. Say, sold another
one of your scooters yesterday...
we are getting rich! This sign
looks so cool. Wish you were here
for this... it's amazing Bro, and
you would be so proud of Okalani;
she might become a tycoon, too.
Oh, she wants the phone back. See
ya.
                                                            
                       JIM
See ya, Kona. Say hi to Scoot for
me.
                                                            
                       SCOOT
      (yells out)
Aloha, Jimmy.
                                                            
Okalani takes the phone and walks toward the building,
passing folks from the PCC and church throwing shovels of
rock.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (whispering)
You should see your Tommy. It's
disgusting. He's making goo goo
eyes at Milani!
                                                            
Tom is up on a ladder grinning at Milani and Milani is
grinning back at Tom. Okalani gives a funny look at Milani.
Okalani rolls her eyes and hands Tom the phone.
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (whispering)
He's soooo cute!
                                                            
                       TOM
Jim, it's great. Okalani
recruited half the town to help
clean up this place. She's got
some great ideas to increase the
revenue and I'd bet some extra
take-home pay.
She's amazing, and, um, well her
friend Milani is amazing too!
                                                            

135.

                       JIM
Now Tom, don't be messing around
with little girls, you creep.
She's way too young for you.
                                                            
                       TOM
I can't help it. She's soooo
pretty!
                                                            
Okalani takes back the phone and gives Tom the look. Milani
is blushing and grinning ear to ear.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
This is very disturbing! You
better have a good talk with Tom.
I'll work on Milani, he's much too
'old' for her. Oh, here is Mr.
Wilson.
                                                            
                       WILSON
Aloha, Jim. She's something else.
I think she's talked me into
sponsoring her dance school. We
get a "sponsored by the PCC" sign
on the building and we get to give
her money to bring the kids out to
dance at the center once a month.
What a wheeler-dealer we got here!
Miss you, take care and here's
your favorite little dancer back.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha, Bill, and thanks.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Isn't he great? I'm going out the
back door now. You should see the
back yard. Mr. Fujikawa is mowing
the entire yard and it's just
beautiful and a bunch of men are
putting together playground
equipment for a day care center.
(tears) This is all because of
you, Jimmy.
                                                            

136.

                       JIM
Okalani, it's all because of
you... You're the one that brought
me home and beat up by your
brothers, or none of it would have
ever happened.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (laughs)
You are so noble and humble, and
pretty funny too. Will you come
and visit someday, someday soon? I
miss you soooo much.
                                                            
                       JIM
I've only got this summer and a
semester left... You promise to
send lots of pictures?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I promise... I'm back in the
kitchen now. Here's Mom.
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh, Jimmy, it's all so wonderful
and there are so many people here
to help. Okalani's already making
more money than before and she
hasn't even opened yet. We miss
you. Come home soon... Aloha.
                                                            
                       JIM
Aloha, Mom...
                                                            
News truck from Honolulu pulls into the front yard.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (tears)
The truck from the news is here
and the lady from the paper. They
are doing stories on the "little
girl starting her own business."
Tom's idea. I gotta go... I love
you. Aloha, my Jimmy.
                                                            
(possible flash here to the 'evening news'???)
                                                            

137.

                       JIM
Love you, too, Okalani. Aloha. Oh!
I forgot... that surprise is on
its way. Keep an eye open. Bye.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (Hangs up;
       startled)
Bye... He just said 'I love you
too'! I wonder if he knew he said
that?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (startled)
Did I just say 'I love you'? Oh
no, she'll get the wrong
impression. I can't believe I said
that. I'm such an oaf!
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT YARD SURPRISE - DAY
                                                            
We find ourselves out front with Okalani. She's pacing her
front yard. Moves over and dusts her scooter with a rag.
Walks around. She's waiting, waiting. Kona is sitting on the
front steps with Scoot behind him, her arms around his
tummy, tickling him. Mom is in a rocker on the front porch.
                                                            
                       MOM
I wonder what that boy is up to.
                                                            
                       KONA
      (louder)
Interesting how a guy that is
"just a friend" sends you stuff
from time to time. Notice that,
Okalani?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
He loves me and doesn't know it.
He is stupid and immature like
Kona.
                                                            
                       KONA
Oh, man.
                                                            

138.

                       SCOOT
      (chuckles)
Okalani's right... Boys are
immature. You're a perfect
example, isn't he, Mom?
                                                            
Mom chuckles, a big freight truck slowly drives past the
house, stops and backs up. Driver gets out. Okalani goes out
the GATE to see if the driver needs directions.
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Aloha sweetheart, are you the
pretty girl out front?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
What?
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Shipping document says. 153 Moana
Street, "Pretty girl out front."
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giggles)
Guess that's me... Is it from
silly boy in Utah?
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
That's it, where do you want it?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I don't know what it is. It's a
surprise?
                                                            
Kona and Scoot come down and join Okalani. Driver runs the
lift down, climbs on and runs lift up...
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Gift, huh? You must be pretty
special. (beat) It's a pony!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
A pony!
                                                            
Kona and the driver laugh. Kona turns and yells at his mom.
                                                            

139.

                       KONA
Hey Mom, it's a horse!
                                                            
Scoot cracks up as Mom jumps up and yells back...
                                                            
                       MOM
A horse!
                                                            
                       KONA
For the weeds out back Mom, and
fertilizer, lots of fertilizer.
You can start a business, you
know, selling the stuff. You can
be a businesswoman. You can bag it
up and sell it out front at the
dance school.
                                                            
Scoot is in stitches. Okalani is giggling but they all stop
when the driver brings out a big cardboard box on a pallet
the size of a washing machine. Time stops as the driver
lowers the lift and puts a handcart under the box.
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Where do you want it, Missy, the
pony?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Very funny. There aren't even any
holes in it.
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Holes in it!
                                                            
The driver has to put the cart down and belly laughs over
the pony box.
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Give me a break! A comedian and a
dirt driveway on my last
delivery... Life is good. Where do
you want the horse, Missy?
                                                            
The driver takes a box cutter out of his shirt pocket and
cuts a corner out of the top of the box.
                                                            

140.

                       OKALANI
What's that for?
                                                            
Kona cracks up, turns away and tries to hold back laughter.
The driver cracks up and spits out...
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
So the pony can breathe... Where
do you want her? She's a girl
pony! (beat)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Very funny. Over here, please, by
the side of the house... What is
it really?
                                                            
                       KONA
      (laughing)
It's a big phone.
                                                            
                       MOM
If it's really a horse send it
back.
                                                            
                       TRUCK DRIVER
Sign here before I wet my pants?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Why do I kinda want you to?
                                                            
Okalani signs and the truck driver, still laughing, jumps
into his truck, waves and drives off. Okalani gives Kona a
slug to the arm and stands looking at the giant box. Kona
goes into his garage and returns with a hammer, big
screwdriver and a box cutter and goes to work.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Be careful, you could hurt the
pony!
                                                            
Scoot and Okalani are giggling now.
                                                            
The three kids crack up. Mom puts her hands on her hips and
taps her foot.
                                                            

141.

                       KONA
Oh, listen to this... Hey Mom,
maybe it's a bird bath or
fountain?
                                                            
                       MOM
What's Okalani need a fountain
for?
                                                            
All three are giggling now. Kona finally gets the wood
protector boards off the sides and top. He cuts the
cardboard around the bottom and lifts the cardboard box off.
They all gasp. The three of them walk around to the other
side.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (tears)
I can't believe this.
                                                            
FLASH BACK

Okalani and Jim on a picnic table outside the ABC eating an
ice cream bar.
                                                            
                       JIM
You know what Laie needs?
no offense to ABC, but what we
need is a real ice cream shop with
real frosties!
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Ooh, that would be soooo cool!
                                                            
END FLASH BACK
                                                            
Okalani's dream is interrupted by Mom's question and Kona's
reply.
                                                            
                       MOM
What is it?
                                                            
CU Frosty machine with a painting of a little hula girl
holding a frosty and the words: "MISS FROSTY".
                                                            

142.

                       KONA (V.O.)
It's not a horse, Mom. It's a
frosty machine!
                                                            
 
EXT. MISS FROSTY GRAND OPENING - DAY
                                                            
We find Mr. Fujikawa up on a ladder putting the finishing
touches of paint on the MISS FROSTY SIGN over a new little
window. Okalani is out front taking pictures. There is a
line of people waiting for frosties.

We see two or three large round electrical spools being used
for tables, and umbrellas and plastic chairs. One table is
filled with little Hawaiian children enjoying the ice cream.
We follow a very proud Okalani inside. Mom is busy washing
a tray in the kitchen. Okalani moves into the converted
storage closet. Milani is busy making cones and happily
talking to the patrons.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Milani, you were born to be Miss
Frosty.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Holy cow, Okalani. I didn't expect
it to be this busy on our first
day. Don't the aprons Kona had
made for us look great?
                                                            
Shows front of the apron with the picture of Miss Frosty.
                                                            
                       MILANI
      (continuing)
My sweet Tommy thinks I look cute
in it.
                                                            
                       TOM
Somebody special call my name?
                                                            
                       MILANI
Oh Tommy! (they hug)
                                                            

143.

                       OKALANI
Oh my gosh, customers, customers!
Tom, I thought you were paddling
boats at the PCC today.
                                                            
                       MILANI
She's a slave driver.
                                                            
                       TOM
In an hour... I just had to come
and see if you needed any help?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh sure... Well, wash your hands
and put on that APRON and give
your little hula girl a hand.
                                                            
                       TOM
Cool!
                                                            
                       MILANI
Oh goodie!
                                                            
Okalani giggles, rolls her eyes... Walks over to the back
window overlooking the playground equipment. We see Kona and
Scoot and four or five children playing. Okalani says a
prayer:
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (tears)
Thank you, Heavenly Father for all
the riches you bring to me and
please look after 'my sweet Jimmy'
and bring him home to me... Amen.
                                                            
 
INT. JIM'S OFFICE - NIGHT
                                                            
We find Jim sitting at a desk at one of his karate schools.
We look over his back at the computer screen. He's typing a
short letter to Okalani. All of a sudden arms come up behind
Jim and wrap around his neck. Blond hair comes into view and
a pretty face nuzzles up against his. We meet Joyce San
Mateo. Granddaughter of the famous hotel chain. Mid
twenties, slim and quite pretty.
                                                            

144.

                       JOYCE
Another letter to your little
girl?
                                                            
                       JIM
One to Becky and one to Okalani...
I try to write once a week.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
      (kind of teasing)
How come you never write to me?
                                                            
                       JIM
Because, you keep me too busy... I
don't have time to write.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
      (annoyed)
You've got time for her! Did she
get the ice cream machine?
                                                            
                       JIM
Last week. She's already installed
it.
                                                            
Jim hits a few buttons on the computer and a picture of the
dance and ice cream shop pops up.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
      (still annoyed)
How quaint.
                                                            
Jim spins around in his computer chair; Joyce sits in his
lap and kisses his neck and pets his hair.
                                                            
                       JOYCE (cont'd)
How come you never bought me an
ice cream machine?
                                                            
Jim chuckles and holds up her hand. We see a pretty big
diamond ring on her finger. CU RING.
                                                            
                       JIM
Because... After this, I was
broke!
                                                            

145.

                       JOYCE
It's a nice engagement ring... Did
you tell her yet?
                                                            
                       JIM
No, it's going to break her heart.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
      (with disdain)
Poor thing.
                                                            
Joyce admiring ring. Kisses Jim's neck.
                                                            
                       JOYCE (cont'd)
You better tell her soon.
You ready to go meet Daddy?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (big breath)
I feel like I'm going to an
interview with IBM.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
It's almost that important...
After we're married he'll have a
nice spot for you at the San
Mateo.
                                                            
                       JIM
I think I should go with IBM in
Denver.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
      (kissing his neck)
Oh sweetheart, you think we should
go to Denver? Please, darling.
Besides, I've still got a semester
to go on my doctorate and you've
got all these cute little karate
shops. Salt Lake would be best.
(beat) Let's have you meet my dad
first.
                                                            
Joyce gives him a couple of kisses.
                                                            

146.

                       JIM
      (getting up to go)
What if he doesn't like me?
                                                            
                       JOYCE
He will... I told him to.
                                                            
                       JIM
That's reassuring.
                                                            
 
INT. BECKY'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Becky sitting on her bed crying. Her MOTHER, mid 50's, comes
in and sits next to her, pats her back.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (crying)
Letter from Jim. Did you know he
asked that Joyce girl to marry
him? He's asking me how he should
tell Okalani. (sobs)
                                                            
                       MOTHER
He asked me too. Love is so
wonderful and sad at the same
time. Okalani is just his friend
and she knows she's too young for
him.
                                                            
                       BECKY
She's almost eighteen! Like me.
I'm his sister and I feel
terrible. Okalani is going to be
heartbroken. (sobs)
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (wipes tears)
It's just the way life is. I
didn't marry my true love.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (chuckles)
You're true love was eleven!
                                                            

147.

                       MOTHER
He was mature for his age. (beat)
Even though he was a year younger
than me.
                                                            
                       BECKY
Oh, Mom. I thought he was smarter
than this. Just because Joyce has
money and is smart and pretty.
He's forgetting that he loves
Okalani... It's just not right.
(sob) I've gotta do something.
(sob) I've just gotta do
something.
                                                            
 
EXT. OKALANI'S ICE CREAM SHOP - DAY
                                                            
Okalani drives her scoot into her dance/ice cream shop
parking lot. A young girl about Okalani's age is the only
customer sitting at one of the outdoor tables. The girl,
eating ice cream, stands and watches Okalani disembark her
scoot. Okalani studies the girl as she walks up the stairs.
Mom is waiting on the porch, wearing one of the ice cream
aprons.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Who is she?
                                                            
                       MOM
Don't know. She asked about you.
Came on the bus.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think this is important.
                                                            
Okalani hands Mom her backpack and walks down to the table.
The two girls stand looking at each other for the longest
time.
                                                            
                       BECKY
You're beautiful, just like your
pictures.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Um, thanks... Who are you?
                                                            

148.

                       BECKY
I'm the other girl that loves our
Jimmy. (beat) I'm Becky.
                                                            
Okalani's eyes get as big as saucers.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh my gosh! Becky!
                                                            
They embrace, both have tears.
                                                            
                       BECKY
We got trouble. I had to come.
I've kinda run away, and my mom's
going to kill me when she finds
out.
                                                            
The two girls sit down facing each other, holding hands.
Becky wiping her tears.
                                                            
                       BECKY (cont'd)
I don't want to scare you... But
it's our Jimmy. Some girl's got
her fangs into him. (beat beat)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (wipes tear)
I knew something was up. His
letters have dwindled.
                                                            
                       BECKY
He usually writes more, and when
he does, it's all about this Joyce
girl... um, woman.
                                                            
Okalani breaks out in tears, the two girls sobbing together.
Mom sticks her head out the little ice cream shop window
looking concerned.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
But, but why do you care?
                                                            

149.

                       BECKY
Oh Okalani, I know so much about
you. I think Jimmy told me more
about you than I know about
myself. (Both giggle)
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think I know more about you than
myself too. He's always talking
about you.
                                                            
                       BECKY
If Jimmy gets married, he needs to
marry you. I just know it here in
my heart.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
But I'm here and Jimmy's there, a
million miles away. The only
chance I've got is if it's
supposed to be. It's up to the
three of them... Jim and God and
fate. (beat)
                                                            
                       BECKY
You're so brave. (beat) But, well,
I do trust God. I don't trust
Jimmy... Boys are so immature. And
I'm not so trusting of fate. But,
I do trust my plan.
                                                            
 
INT. JIM'S KARATE CLASS AT BYU - DAY
                                                            
We see Jim entering his afternoon karate class. There are
twenty-five or so students sitting in chairs in front of a
wheeled blackboard. Mr. Moto (in costume) is standing next
to the blackboard with an interesting look on his face. He
takes the piece of chalk that Mr. Moto offers him and slowly
turns to view the class. Jim's mouth drops open when he sees
a girl in the front row. The piece of chalk drops from his
hand. (Class giggles).
                                                            
                       JIM
Okalani! Is that you?
                                                            

150.

                       OKALANI
      (grinning ear to
       ear)
It's me, Jimmy.
                                                            
Class giggles. Jim walks up slowly and kneels before her, he
takes her hands. Okalani is a total mess and very tired,
almost to the point of passing out.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
Becky said I needed to come and
save you from the Wicked Witch of
the East. (class laughs)
                                                            
Jim chuckles too, opens his arms to her as she falls into
his chest for his hug.
                                                            
                       OKALANI (cont'd)
      (crying)
I'm soooo tired. Do you know how
many different forms of
transportation it takes to get to
BYU? (Class laughs, all nodding
yes)
                                                            
Jim picks her up into his arms, her head on his shoulder.
                                                            
                       JIM
Mr. Moto, will you take over
please?
                                                            
                       MR. MOTO
      (hang loose sign)
I've got it.
                                                            
Jim carries Okalani from the classroom and out onto the
quad. She's asleep in his arms. He looks around like he's
not quite sure what to do with her. Students are walking by
looking.

It's a nice warm afternoon so he finds a sunny piece of
grass and lays her down, her head in his lap. She cuddles up
in the fetal position. Jim pulls her skirt over her legs and
primps her hair. He studies her, watching her sleep. Jim
takes out his cellphone and makes a call.
                                                            

151.

INTERCUT - JIM CALLED HIS MOTHER
                                                            
                       JIM
Mom, it's me, Jim.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Jim, you Okay? You sound funny.
                                                            
                       JIM
It's Okalani. She's here.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
      (yells for Becky)
Becky McDuff! Get your little butt
in here right this minute. (Back
into phone); Is she alright?
                                                            
                       JIM
She's sleeping on the grass by my
classroom. She's so tired from
traveling, poor thing.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Guess you're going to have to 'man
up' and tell the poor girl.
                                                            
                       JIM
Geez Mom, I was going to put that
off forever.
                                                            
Becky shyly moves into the room.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
I know. Oh, lookie here who just
decided to meander in. (talking
to Becky) Okalani is in Utah...
With Jim! Now how do you suppose
she got that idea?
                                                            
                       JIM
What's going on?
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Your 'little' sister decided to
run away last week, to pay a visit
to Okalani.
                                                            

152.

                       JIM
You're kidding me... Okalani and
Becky together. Wow, I'd like to
have seen that. My two favorite
girls together.
                                                            
                       BECKY
      (yells)
You're two what?
                                                            
                       JIM
My two favor... It.
                                                            
                       BECKY
See!
                                                            
                       MOTHER
It's not good. I'm sure that's the
reason for your little visitor.
                                                            
Becky yells out so Jim can hear;
                                                            
                       BECKY
You belong with Okalani. That's
the way it's supposed to be!
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Get in your room, young lady, and
consider yourself grounded for
another two years! (to Jim) Your
sister is driving me nuts... What
are you going to do? With Okalani?
                                                            
                       JIM
I don't know. I'm like still in
shock.
                                                            
                       MOTHER
Well, put her up in a Bed and
Breakfast or the girls' dorms...
Get an escort or something, I
don't think she's eighteen yet. Be
careful.
                                                            
Becky comes back in and yells. Mother points her finger at
Becky.
                                                            

153.

                       BECKY
Dump the wicked witch or I'll
never forgive you!
                                                            
                       MOTHER
You take care of Okalani and I'll
take care of Becky... I'm so mad
at her!
                                                            
                       JIM
Okay Mom, love you... Bye
                                                            
Jim puts phone into his pocket. An older professor, George
Goble, late 50's, comes up and stands next to Jim. They
both watch Okalani for a few beats.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
What's this?
                                                            
                       JIM
Princess from my past.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
Wow... How are you going to
explain this to Miss San Metao?
                                                            
                       JIM
I don't even want to think about
it... Do you ever feel like
running away?
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
Not since fifth grade. Well, maybe
when my wife's mother comes to
visit! (beat) Oops, that's a
mother-in-law joke, isn't it? Ya,
we're not supposed to laugh at
those any more... Are all the
girls in Hawaii that pretty?
                                                            
                       JIM
I'd forgotten how pretty she is.
Last time I saw her she was about
sixteen.
                                                            

154.

                       PROFESSOR G
You could marry Joyce and adopt
this one.
                                                            
                       JIM
That's what I like about BYU...
we're always thinking outside the
box.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
Well, you going to keep her or
send her back?
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm going to call your wife.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
Tell her my mother-in-law joke?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
No, you're safe. I think I'm going
to have to put her up for a few
days. Do you think your wife would
want to open that Bed and
Breakfast you're always talking
about?
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN BAR - MORNING
                                                            
Okalani in pajamas sitting at the kitchen bar in Professor
G's house. Playing with a spoon in her cereal. Mrs. G is
buttering a piece of toast. Professor G comes into the room,
kisses Mrs. G. Studies Okalani as he bites a piece of toast.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
You can stay here, forever. We'll
adopt you?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (giggles; looks up)
Thank you so much for taking care
of me... But, I've got little
dancers to teach, and ice cream to
sell. And... (breaks out in
            (MORE)

155.

                       OKALANI (cont'd)
tears).
                                                            
                       MRS. G
      (hugs Okalani)
It's okay honey. I'll take good
care of her and Jim will be here
soon.
                                                            
Professor G kisses his wife goodbye and gives Okalani a
little kiss on the forehead.
                                                            
                       PROFESSOR G
I miss our daughters... You really
can stay if you want.
                                                            
Okalani smiles at the man and watches him leave. Mrs. G pats
Okalani's back, breaking the hug.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
You're so lucky... He's got to be
one of the nicest men I've ever
met.
                                                            
                       MRS. G
He is special... Now, let's get
you something special to wear for
your tour with Jim today and
dinner with Joyce tonight... And
stop crying, you'll make your eyes
all puffy.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I think I've had puffy eyes every
day since I met Jimmy.
                                                            
                       MRS. G
Boys can do that to you.
                                                            
We watch them walk down the hall and disappear.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                                                            
We find Okalani and Jim seated at a table at a nice
restaurant.
                                                            

156.

                       OKALANI
Why is meeting Joyce so scary?
                                                            
                       JIM
I'm sorry I took so long telling
you about her. I didn't want to
hurt you.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I kinda knew. But I haven't given
up you know. I'll never give up on
you.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okalani, the eternal optimist.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
I can still bat my eyes?
                                                            
                       JIM
      (chuckles)
I've noticed. You've been doing it
all day, on purpose.
                                                            
Okalani blushes. Jim stands when he sees Joyce walking
toward them. Joyce is all dressed up, hair, nails done and
to much perfume. She hugs and kisses Jim. Okalani stands up.
                                                            
                       JIM
Hi Joyce, um, this is Okalani...
Okalani this is Joyce San Mateo.
                                                            
Joyce hands Okalani her hand a little too high. Okalani
wasn't sure if she should kiss it or spit on it. She decided
to shake it.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Nice to meet you.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
So you're Jimmy's little friend?
How cute.
                                                            
Jim helps Joyce with her chair. They all sit. Joyce's
interest is in Jim and she is showing a little indifference
towards Okalani.
                                                            

157.

                       JOYCE
Thank you for meeting me. I've had
such a busy day. So, Okalani, how
was the tour today?
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (enthusiastic)
Oh, it was great. We got to see
the whole campus and a couple of
Jimmy's Karate schools and temple
grounds. We had lunch at... (voice
tapers off noting Joyce's
disinterest)
                                                            
                       JOYCE
Oh yes, the grounds. And Jim, do
you want to become a tour guide
now?
                                                            
                       JIM
I don't think I'm the tour guide
type, but we had a good day. It
was fun, huh?
                                                            
Okalani nods yes.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
Have you ordered for me?
                                                            
                       JIM
Yes, I just have to give the
thumbs up. (thumb up to waiter,
waiter thumbs up back)
                                                            
Joyce, her back almost to Okalani, turns a little and speaks
to Okalani.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
Cute outfit, sweetie.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
Oh, thank you. Had to borrow it
from Mrs. G. She had three
daughters.
                                                            

158.

                       JOYCE
Yes, three daughters.
                                                            
Joyce puts her hand on the table in front of Okalani. An
obvious attempt to show off her ring and make a statement.
Okalani sees it and fights back tears. Jim notices all this,
his heart breaking not being able to hug Okalani. He is also
a little perturbed at Joyce.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT WITH JOYCE - EVENING
                                                            
Weeks later. Jim and Joyce at a table in a different
restaurant. It's quiet, a little tension in the air. Jim
plays with his dinner, not too interested in Joyce.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
Have you heard from that Okalani
girl?
                                                            
                       JIM
She got home alright... Haven't
heard from her in three weeks.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
This is ridiculous... Ever since
she left you've been in a daze.
You really do love her, you know.
And you're decision to run off to
Denver with IBM, after Daddy
offered you that nice job?

Listen. (beat, beat)

You better go get her before
someone picks her off... And you
regret it the rest of your life.
                                                            
That said, Joyce stands up. Takes off the ring and puts it
on the table before Jim.
                                                            
                       JOYCE
It was too small anyway.
                                                            
Joyce kisses his forehead and walks out. As he watches her
leave her words ring out over and over in his head.
                                                            

159.

                       JOYCE (V.O.)
"You better go get her before
someone picks her off and you
regret it the rest of your life.
And you regret it the rest of
your life."
                                                            
 
EXT. BACK STAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
We find Okalani and Milani both back stage at the Polynesian
Cultural Center with the other dancers getting ready for the
evening luau dance. We see tourists getting seated or
standing in the luau lines. Hawaiian dance music is playing
on the PA system with an occasional interruption for
directions or a welcome from the MC. We see Mr. Wilson
hurrying through the crowd and back stage. We follow him as
he comes up to the girls.
                                                            
                       WILSON
Girls, Aloha.
                                                            
                       MILANI
Thanks for calling me up Mr.
Wilson. It's the first time
Okalani and I have gotten to dance
at the same time.
                                                            
                       OKALANI
What's up?
                                                            
                       WILSON
Well, that's the exact reason I'm
here. We have to run to the office
and have you two sign dance
papers. You know, for under-age
visitors... Insurance reasons.
Let's hurry.
                                                            
The girls rush off with Mr. Wilson, their grass skirts
blowing in the light air. They rush into the office and
start signing papers as the door closes behind them. The
luau sounds stop. We move back to the Luau and pan the
tourists.

We stop to notice some familiar faces. Mom and two

160.

brothers, all dressed up. Mr. Fujikawa joins the group with
his plate piled high, with Becky close behind.

Soon Jim's mom and dad join the party along with Scoot who
slides in next to Kona, giggles and kisses him. There are
people from BYU Hawaii, BYU Utah. Even Jocque is there.
Something is up. The Master of Ceremonies comes onto the
stage.
                                                            
                       MC
Aloha, folks... Please stop what
you are doing for just a few
seconds. Quiet please, quiet...
Thank you. (starts to whisper)
Occasionally, some of our young
people here at the Polynesian
Cultural Center fall in love and
get married. Tonight, one of those
young men will propose to his true
love. This has not been rehearsed
so we really don't know what the
young lady will say. You dancers
back stage, please keep this quiet
so this goes off without a hitch.
Please go back to your dinner and
enjoy the luau and the show. Thank
you, Aloha.
                                                            
Tourists go back to what they were doing, excitedly talking
about what they were about to see. The girls finish up
signing the bogus papers and rejoin the dancers back stage
just in time for the show to start. The lights dim as Mr.
Wilson rejoins the party.
                                                            
                       WILSON
If she says no, there will be a
lot of disappointed people.
                                                            
                       MOM
If she says no, I will kill her.
(party laughs)
                                                            
The music fades and we hear a rumbling noise as the last
tourists take their seats and the show is about to
start. Bang!


161.

The tourists all jump and laugh as the volcano blows, and
red light and sparks shoot up from the pretend volcano and
vents. Fog rolls across the stage which is covered with
black volcanic rock and lush green plants... Music starts
off slow and builds with drums as Okalani, Milani and two
other girls in grass skirts and costumes run out onto the
stage. They cross a bridge and begin dancing as the stage
fills with the remaining dancers.

At the end of the performance a young dancer in grass
skirts and war paint runs out onto the stage, gives a war
cry, runs across the moat and up to Milani; he war cries in
her face. All, of course, unrehearsed. Milani almost
faints... The lone dancer runs up to Okalani and gives her a
war cry and than kneels. Finding a mic in the bushes, he
looks up, taking her hand.
                                                            
                       JIM
Okalani, will you marry me?
                                                            
She does not react, not really recognizing Jim.
                                                            
                       JIM (cont'd)
Okalani, it's me, your Jimmy!
                                                            
Audience laughs. Okalani faints on the spot! As she falls,
Jim swings her down onto the stage. The entire luau gasps
and stands up. Our proposal party all jump up, wide-eyed,
some holding each other.
                                                            
                       JIM
      (still into the
       mic)
Okalani! Okalani! I've killed her!
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh no. What happened to my
Okalani?
                                                            
                       KONA
Fainted, Mom. She'll be okay, just
fainted.
                                                            
The MC runs out onto the stage, takes the mic from Jim.
                                                            

162.

                       MC
Are there any doctors in the
house? Come up to the stage,
please.
                                                            
Two doctors from the audience run up on stage. The first
doctor kneels down and pats her cheeks as Okalani comes out
of it... She wobbles up onto her feet, looks over at a
frightened Jim. Still dazed and not recognizing him, she
pushes Jim into the moat that surrounds the stage. We see
him in SLOW MOTION flying backwards into the murky water. He
struggles to emerge from the blackish water as Okalani yells
at him...
                                                            
                       OKALANI
      (yells)
You could have killed me you
stupid boy!... (her voice softens)
Is it really you, Jimmy?
                                                            
                       JIM
It's really me, Okalani... You're
not a little girl any more and I
love you soooo much. Marry me!
Please?
                                                            
Okalani jumps into the moat and they kiss and kiss and of
course she cries. Milani is jumping up and down, the cast
clapping.

We see the volcano go off again and bathe our lovers, Jim
and Okalani, in a red glow. The audience and our proposal
party roar with joy, What a great show!
                                                            
THE END
                                                            
 
EXT. POSSIBLE CREDITS SCENE - DAY
                                                            
We see a large manicured grass area in front of a temple or
church. We hear the putt putt of a small engine and a man on
a riding mower stop and turn off his engine. He watches as
Jim in a grass skirt and coconuts on his chest chases a
little girl in a grass skirt, maybe three years old. She's
giggling and pretending to run away. The little girl holds
Jim's finger as she twirls and twirls; her grass skirt

163.

blowing in the warm afternoon air.

We pull back and see a young woman sitting with a
one-year-old wearing a grass skirt. It's Okalani with her
baby.

Okalani sees the man on the mower, smiles and waves. The man
on the mower smiles and waves back. She holds the little
child's hand and waves it at the man on the mower. We see
the back of the child's diaper which reads: ALOHA!

We move back to see the Temple grounds and than Laie beach.
We hear the sound of surf and sea gulls. We watch as the
beach gets smaller and smaller, we see the island of Oahu
and than the Hawaiian Islands, than the round blue world...
Another day has passed, in Hawaii.
                                                            


THE END


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From Thomas John Stevens Date 12/28/2013 ***1/2
It's a little long, but a perfect teen movie. Keep going, and never give up.


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