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Lurch's Girl
by Larry Boodry (thebearsays@yahoo.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Teen Movies   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

A young girl's romance with a disabled boy is jeopardized by the cruelty of her peers and her mother's intolerance.


WGAe Registration #: 1256294



FADE IN:

INT. ERIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
ERIN, 12 and pretty, sprawls asleep on her bed.

A neat room, few girlish frills. A T.V. on her dresser, a
P.C. on her desk. On her bookcase, titles by Stephen King,
Ann Rinaldi, and L.A. Meyer.

She MOANS, rolls over, falls off the bed.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Real clever, Marzec.
                                                            
She looks around, face almost hidden by her hair, as her
mother ESTELLE yells from downstairs.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE (O.S.)
Erin, are you up yet? You're gonna
be late for school.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Actually, I'm on the floor, but
never mind.
                                                            
She jumps up, pirouettes around the room.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Alas, poor Erin, I knew her well.
                                                            
She pads barefoot into the bathroom across the hall. After a
moment, the SHOWER is heard.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - DAY
                                                            
A working-class neighborhood, PEOPLE astir to start the day.

Estelle, a waitress in her late 30s, picks up the morning
paper.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Erin enters from the hall, wrapped in a towel.

A cat sleeps on her pillow, school clothes and a bra on her
now-made bed. Erin picks up the bra.
                                                            

2.

                       ERIN
Nice try, Ma. Here, Kitty, you
wear it.
                                                            
She drapes the bra over the cat.
                                                            
 
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
KIDS at recess.

Erin bounces a rubber ball off the "No Ball Playing Allowed"
sign on the side of the school.

Her cousin DEWEY, 14, intercepts the ball as it comes back
to her.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
What's the matter, can't you read?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I read better than your dyslexic
ass, so give it here!
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Okay.
                                                            
He whips the ball at her.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
                                                            
KEVIN, 14, samples his lunch. He wears a metal leg brace on
one leg, sees the world through thick lenses.

Dewey sprawls in a chair next to him.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Hey Lurch, what's for lunch?
                                                            
He picks up a plastic juice bottle.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Look, fruit juice for the fruit!
                                                            
He takes a pen from Kevin's shirt pocket, punctures the
bottle with it, places the leaky bottle on Kevin's plate.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Enjoy your lunch, spaz!
                                                            
He tosses the pen in Kevin's lap, strolls off.
                                                            

3.

                       ERIN (O.S.)
My cousin's an asshole, so it's
probably best if you just ignore
him.
                                                            
Erin's next to the table.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You don't talk much, do you? So
what's your name? Mine's Erin.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Mine's Kevin.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Awesome! You can speak, and your
name ain't really Lurch. There's
hope for you yet.
                                                            
Erin tilts her head, hands on hips.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And you'd even be sorta cute if
you weren't so damn rude.
                                                            
Erin's friend SHEILA, 12, appears.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
What's up, Erin? I've been
waiting for you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Sorry, I was just talking to
Kevin, he's new here. Kinda shy,
too.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Whatever. Are you coming?
                                                            
                       ERIN
In a minute, quit being so
impatient. Nice meeting you,
Kevin.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Nice meeting you too. Will I see
you tomorrow?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Count on it, dude!
                                                            
 

4.

EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Erin appears, waves to her elderly neighbor, MR. LUCAS, who
waters his front lawn.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, Mr. Lucas!
                                                            
                       MR. LUCAS
Hiya, Erin! You look pretty as a
picture today, you sure do!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not sure what picture you mean,
but I'd burn it if I was you.
                                                            
She runs up the steps, lets herself in the house.
                                                            
PORCH
                                                            
Erin comes out in ragged clothes, skips barefoot down the
steps.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - DAY
                                                            
A dive, scarred wooden booths along the wall, LOUD MUSIC on
the juke.
                                                            
CARL, 40, serves a beer to Estelle.
                                                            
                       CARL
So, darlin', when you gonna move
in with me?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
When I'm single and we're married.
                                                            
Estelle's husband BRIAN exits the men's room, joins her at
the bar.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
I heard that, you two. Don't
worry, 'Stelle, you'll get your
wish soon enough.
                                                            
                       CARL
Ready, Bri?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Always.
                                                            
Carl draws a fresh beer. Erin enters via the back door.
                                                            

5.

                       BRIAN
There's my girl!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, Daddy!
                                                            
She pecks his cheek. Carl pours her a soda.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
How was school, sweetheart?
                                                            
                       ERIN
There's a new kid, Dewey picked on
him cause he wears a metal thing
on his leg.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
You mean a leg brace. Well, leave
it to Dewey to make fun of a gimp.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
A gimp? Christ, now I know where
the kid gets it. Must come from
your side of the family.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What? He's like those kids on the
Jerry Lewis thing every year, he's
a gimp.
                                                            
Erin bites her lower lip.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I called Dewey an asshole earlier.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
That's okay, kiddo, Dewey is an
asshole.
                                                            
Carl pours two shots.
                                                            
                       CARL
Dewey? Who the hell is Dewey?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
'Stelle's nephew, kid wouldn't
know enough to sit down if his ass
was on fire.
                                                            
He downs his shot, winks at Erin.
                                                            

6.

                       BRIAN
C'mon, sweetheart, let's play some
pool.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Only if I get to break!
                                                            
 
INT. DEWEY'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
The place is filthy. Dewey struggles with homework, while
across from him, his mother NORA, 30s, drinks a beer.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Goddamnit!
                                                            
                       NORA
You should get Erin to help you
with that reading.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
I'd rather fail than ask that
little bitch for anything.
                                                            
                       NORA
Watch your goddamn mouth! I won't
have that kind of language in my
house.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Do as I say, not as I do?
                                                            
                       NORA
Goddamn right! I swear, ever since
you been hangin' with that Rican
down the block, your mouth keeps
getting worse.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Angel ain't Rican, Ma, he's
Mexican.
                                                            
                       NORA
A wetback, huh? Why can't you
find friends who are more like us?
                                                            
                       DEWEY
You want I should wear a white
sheet?
                                                            
 

7.

EXT. ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
SOPHIE KALECK, 40s, exits the clinic, Kevin in tow. Kevin's
leg brace is gone.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Jeez, I can't believe it! All
I need is a lift in my shoe, and
I'll be as good as new.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
I'll believe that when I see it.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Kevin watches Erin paint her toenails.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
My mom still can't believe that
none of my other doctors ever
measured my legs.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm glad this one did. When will
the heel-lift thingy be ready?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
We pick it up next week.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Can I come with you?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I'll ask my mom.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You think she'll let me?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Why wouldn't she?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cause she's a mom.
                                                            
 
EXT. ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
Sophie, Kevin, and Erin exit the clinic.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
How does it feel? Does it hurt
your foot?
                                                            

8.

                       KEVIN
Feels fine, Ma.
                                                            
He takes a few steps past a window, eyes his reflection.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I love it!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh Kev, that's awesome!
                                                            
She hugs him.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Did you tell your girlfriend about
the party?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
No. And she's not my girlfriend.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What party?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Kevin turns fifteen soon, I
thought it'd be nice to have a
party.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Don't mind a party, just not at
home.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Well, fine. I'll talk to my dad,
we'll have it somewhere else.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Erin watches T.V. Her cell phone RINGS, she answers.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hi Trace!
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
Hey, Erin. What's up?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not much. I was watching the
Cubbies, but they suck, so I
changed it.
                                                            

9.

                       TRACEY (V.O.)
Figures. You going tonight?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Course I'm going, goof.
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
What about Sheila?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Doubt it. I asked her, but she
just laughed at me.
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
We don't need her whiny ass,
anyway.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Be nice. I'll see you tonight.
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
Not if I see you first, Marzec!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Bye, smartass!
                                                            
She flips her phone shut. Her brother TOM, 17, pokes his
head in.
                                                            
                       TOM
Was that Sheila?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not your business, but no. Trace
and me were talking about Kev's
party later. You're welcome to
join us, you know.
                                                            
                       TOM
Please. Last thing I wanna do is
hang out with you little rejects.
                                                            
Erin flings her pillow at him.
                                                            
 
INT. MARZEC'S DINER - NIGHT
                                                            
At the counter, Brian serves coffee to Sophie. In a booth,
Kevin, Erin, TRACEY, 12, and VINCE, 17.

Fifteen candles flicker on a cake decorated with little
plastic baseball players.

10.


The group SINGS "Happy Birthday" to Kevin.
                                                            
                       GROUP
"Happy Birthday to you!"
                                                            
                       ERIN
I hope your wish comes true!
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Me, too.
                                                            
He blows out the candles. Sophie approaches, knife in hand,
removes the candles and baseball figures.
                                                            
She divides the figures among Erin, Tracey, and Vince.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Hey, I wanted those!
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Don't be selfish. Your friends
were nice enough to come celebrate
with us, it's the least you can
do.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
But, Ma!
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
No buts, young man! Now here, can
I trust you to cut the cake
without hurting yourself?
                                                            
She hands Kevin the knife, heads back to the counter. Erin
takes the knife from Kevin.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'll cut the cake.
                                                            
She puts her baseball figures in his hand.
                                                            
The door flies open, Estelle marches up to Brian at the
counter, SLAMS down a pile of mail.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Mailed it last week, you said.
Can't squeeze blood from a turnip,
you said. You lying bastard!
                                                            
                       BRIAN
'Stelle, it's the kid's birthday
for Christ's sake.
                                                            

11.

                       ESTELLE
So what? Maybe next time you'll
mail the goddamn check on time,
instead of letting your children
starve!
                                                            
Erin jumps to her feet.
                                                            
                       ERIN
We are not starving! Daddy, don't
listen to her!
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Stay out of this, you!
                                                            
She leans close to Brian, bares her teeth.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Hear what I'm saying, Brian
Marzec, cause two can play games
as easily as one, and you and that
mouthy daughter of yours will find
that out soon enough!
                                                            
She storms out. Erin hurries to lock the door behind her.
                                                            
 
EXT. MARZEC'S DINER - NIGHT
                                                            
The lights shut off. Erin, Tracey, and Brian exit the diner.
Brian fiddles with his keys, locks up.
                                                            
The girls embrace. Erin follows Brian to his car, Tracey
enters the door to upstairs.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Brian's car pulls up in front. Erin gets out, reaches the
porch, waves.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Bye, Daddy!
                                                            
Brian honks the HORN, the car pulls away.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The muted T.V. provides the only light as Erin lets herself
in. She kicks off her sneakers, spies Tom slumped on the
couch.
                                                            

12.

                       ERIN
What's wrong? How come you're in
the dark?
                                                            
                       TOM
Waiting for you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Why?
                                                            
                       TOM
Look in your room. You'll see why.
                                                            
ERIN'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Erin flips on the light, her eyes go wide. Her computer and
T.V. are gone.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What the hell, Ma!
                                                            
She brushes away sudden tears.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Erin confronts Tom.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Where is she? And where's my
stuff?
                                                            
                       TOM
Ma's at work. Your stuff is in the
basement, right next to mine.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What about Kitty?
                                                            
                       TOM
Kitty's off hiding somewhere.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Lucky for Ma. And what, no family
meeting this time? She seems to
really enjoy those.
                                                            
                       TOM
Tomorrow, when she gets home.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Maybe by then I won't feel like
clawing her eyes out.
                                                            

13.

ERIN'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Erin, hunched over her desk, works on a sign for her door.
LOUD MUSIC plays on her radio.
                                                            
Erin's hand draws a screaming, bloody smiley face.
                                                            
TOM'S BEDROOM
                                                            
Tom reads in bed. Erin barges in.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Come look at my door!
                                                            
                       TOM
I've seen your door.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Smartass. Come look at the sign I
made.
                                                            
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
                                                            
Tom and Erin, outside her bedroom door.
                                                            
                       TOM
That's really good, make me one!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Sure. What do you want it to say?
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Erin's curled up on her bed, tear-streaked face, still in
the clothes she'd worn to Kevin's party. Tom KNOCKS, enters.
                                                            
                       TOM
Morning. You wanted me to wake you
before Ma got home.
                                                            
Erin GROANS.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What time is it?
                                                            
                       TOM
Almost noon.
                                                            
                       ERIN
How long until I have to be
presentable?
                                                            

14.

                       TOM
An hour, if you're lucky. Way you
look, an hour won't be enough.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ha, ha. Now go away. I need to
shower.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Erin enters in a simple, short blue dress, barefoot, her
hair damp and uncombed. Tom gives a low WHISTLE.
                                                            
                       TOM
Wow, you should probably dress
like that more often. My little
sister, not so little anymore.
                                                            
Estelle appears briefly in the doorway, doesn't even glance
Erin's way.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I'll be down after I change.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Grrrr!
                                                            
                       TOM
Can't believe you're still pissed.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You weren't there! You didn't see
the look on Daddy's face when she
lit into him.
                                                            
                       TOM
Okay, but how you gonna be when
she actually talks to you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'll be fine.
                                                            
She grabs a wine cooler from the fridge, opens it, downs
half in one swig.
                                                            
                       TOM
Ma's gonna tan your hide.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not this time, she ain't.
                                                            
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
                                                            

15.

Estelle's in front of Erin's door.

Erin's sign reads: "Erin's Room" across the top,
then a screaming, bloody smiley, then "Abandon Hope All Ye
Who Enter Here."

Estelle moves to Tom's door.

Tom's sign reads: "Tom's Room" across the top, then a
skull-and-crossbones, then "Something Wicked This Way
Comes."
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I have such happy, well-adjusted
children.
                                                            
KITCHEN
                                                            
Estelle glances from Tom to Erin.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Do either of you have any
questions before we get started?
                                                            
                       TOM
Not me, but Erin has a couple.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Really, Erin? Usually you just sit
there and pout.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, really. And usually you have
the family meeting before you flip
out over something stupid.
                                                            
Erin downs the rest of her wine cooler.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I don't remember saying you could
have one of my wine coolers.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I needed to calm down, didn't feel
like arguing.
                                                            
Erin throws away her empty, perches on the kitchen counter.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
My very own wild child. What's
going on, Erin? This is a side of
you I've never seen before.
                                                            

16.

                       ERIN
I can't explain it, Ma. I just
don't wanna be like I was before.
                                                            
                       TOM
I like this new Erin much better.
The old one was a real pain in the
ass.
                                                            
Erin sticks out her tongue, as Tom goes to the fridge for a
beer.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Grab me one, too. I had a rough
night.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You had a rough night? What about
me?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I'll give you that one. What say
you, Tom? Should we let her have
another wine cooler?
                                                            
                       TOM
Don't see why not. Lord knows they
don't seem to affect her.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Go ahead, then. But remember, I
won't have you getting sloshed
when I'm at work, y'hear?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Fine, I'll only get sloshed when
you're home.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Very funny. So here's the plan.
Cable stays, but no internet or
cell phones until my hours pick
up, or your dad learns to manage
his money better. If you need to
go online, there's always the
library.
                                                            
Erin opens her mouth, closes it.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Don't be shy. Spit it out.
                                                            

17.

                       ERIN
Well, when your hours do pick up,
maybe we should get our cell
phones back, instead of internet.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Fine by me, but there'd be no
data, and possibly no texting.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Already figured that. Can I say
something else?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What now?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Just this. It ain't right, how you
shamed Daddy in front of my
friends, and it ain't right how
you made Tom suffer 'cause I took
Daddy's side.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Look, if your dad cared that we
might lose this house at any time,
I wouldn't have to shame him.
                                                            
                       ERIN
He does care! And we ain't gonna
lose the house.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Erin, you're just a kid! How could
you possibly understand?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm twelve, Ma. And I understand
plenty.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Meaning?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Meaning I see how Daddy tries his
hardest for us, but it ain't never
enough, all you do is cut him down
like a damn dog. And now you're a
liar, too.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Enough, you!
                                                            

18.

                       TOM
Let her talk.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Fine, she's got our attention. I'm
curious where this leads.
                                                            
                       ERIN
It was something Daddy said right
before he moved out. He told her
not to worry, the house was paid
for, and so she had one less thing
to bitch about.
                                                            
Erin sips her wine cooler, gazes at Estelle.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm surprised you forgot that
part, all them times you reminded
us how poor we are.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Great news, if it's true, but I
have no memory of that
conversation.
                                                            
                       TOM
I believe her. Good job, Erin!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Thank you.
                                                            
Erin puts her hands on Estelle's shoulders.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ma, I do love you, but don't be
mad cause I love Daddy, too.
                                                            
She perches on Tom's lap.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And you, you'll never know how
much you helped me last night,
when all I wanted to do was scream
and smash things.
                                                            
Erin kisses him on the cheek.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm going to bed now.
                                                            
ERIN'S BEDROOM
                                                            

19.

Erin sleeps in an over-sized t-shirt, her dress wadded up on
the floor.

T.V. and DVR back on Erin's dresser, Tom works to reconnect
her computer. Erin stirs, sits up.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       TOM
Hooking up your P.C., genius.
What's it look like I'm doing?
                                                            
                       ERIN
But why? We don't have internet
anymore.
                                                            
                       TOM
Don't need internet to play games
or listen to music. Ma apparently
forgot about that last night.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Or didn't care.
                                                            
Erin jumps up, stretches, hangs her dress in the closet.
                                                            
                       ERIN
She's not mad at me, is she?
                                                            
                       TOM
No. Not sure how you did it, Miss
Alkie, but I think you actually
impressed her.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ha! Not enough to make her quit
lying to me.
                                                            
                       TOM
How so?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cause there's no way in hell she
forgot what Daddy told her that
time. She must think we're both
stupid.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Erin carries two cups of coffee to the table, backpack slung
from her chair.
                                                            

20.

Tom, shirtless, watches her stir powdered cream and sugar
into her cup.
                                                            
SUPER: "Three Years Later."
                                                            
                       TOM
Want some coffee with that?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Got coffee, just can't drink it
straight like you do.
                                                            
                       TOM
You should, it'll grow hair on
your chest.
                                                            
                       ERIN
It will?
                                                            
She peeks down the front of her blouse.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not sure I want hairy tits, but at
least there'd be something growing
there. In your case, though, I'd
say you ain't drinking enough, so
here.
                                                            
She pushes Tom's cup toward him. Estelle storms in.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Damnit, Erin, you're gonna be late
again!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Told you before, Ma. I have study
hall first period, they don't make
us go.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Well, you know how the buses run
sometimes.
                                                            
She flicks at Erin's hair.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
And would you please do something
about this mop? Just once I'd like
to look at you without wondering
what color your eyes are.
                                                            
Erin shakes back her mop.
                                                            

21.

                       ERIN
They're the same as Daddy's, Ma.
                                                            
She swings her backpack over her shoulder.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - BUS STOP - DAY
                                                            
A city bus pulls to the curb. Erin gets off, heads for the
school entrance. Sheila joins her.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
There you are. What, no Kevin
today? Or is he just being his
usual unfriendly self?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Don't start, Sheila.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Well, it's true! The boy barely
speaks, except when he's with you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
He's just shy, is all.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
So that's why you spend more time
with him than you do with me.
Because he's shy.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Maybe I like shy better than I
like jealous.
                                                            
Sheila stops, as does Erin.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
I am not jealous! I just can't
figure out how you can constantly
hang out with someone so weird.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Kevin is not weird. And you like
Dewey, so shut up, why don't you?
                                                            
Erin continues toward the school. Sheila doesn't follow.
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY
                                                            
Scattered STUDENTS eat breakfast.
                                                            

22.

Erin sips a chocolate milk. Tracey SLAPS her backpack down.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Hey, Erin.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Uh-oh, you sound down. Fight with
your mom again?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Sort of, but nothing I ain't used
to. This time it's Kev I'm worried
about.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
How come?
                                                            
                       ERIN
His mom was ragging again last
night when I called, yelling shit
at him in Polish.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Always thought Kev and Sophie got
along.
                                                            
                       ERIN
They did, until he turned
eighteen. It's like, now that he's
an adult he shouldn't care about
the same stuff he used to.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Like you, maybe?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Bite me, Shannon. Maybe it's about
me, but I doubt it. I dunno, I
just think she pushes him too
hard.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Yeah, moms are good at that. Is
yours still pushing you to find a
job?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Only when Daddy's child support is
late, but he's been doing better.
Sad thing is, she don't realize
how bad I want to work, and get
            (MORE)

23.

                       ERIN (cont'd)
the hell outta Dodge.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
You should get your dad to hire
you at the diner. That would shut
her up.
                                                            
                       ERIN
No, it wouldn't.
                                                            
PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASSROOM
                                                            
Among the STUDENTS, Kevin and Erin. MRS. PERRY, the teacher,
scans the class.
                                                            
                       MRS. PERRY
We have time for one more. Any
volunteers?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I'll do mine.
                                                            
Kevin walks to the podium, speech in hand. Erin crosses her
fingers as he surveys the room.
                                                            
                       MRS. PERRY
Anytime you're ready, Kevin.
                                                            
Kevin starts to read.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Being physically challenged can be
a pain, cause right away some
people think you might also be
mentally challenged.
                                                            
Nervous LAUGHTER from the class. Erin jumps up.
                                                            
                       MRS. PERRY
Erin, dear, you've already given
your speech. Please sit down and
allow Kevin the same courtesy.
                                                            
Erin complies, embarrassed.
                                                            
                       MRS. PERRY
Thank you. Please continue, Kevin.
                                                            

24.

                       KEVIN
So anyway, most girls won't even
look at you, they'd rather hang
with the jocks, who really are
mentally challenged.
                                                            
More LAUGHTER. Erin slouches in her seat, stares at Kevin
through her hair.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Now let's say you actually find a
girl who doesn't care what her
friends think, a girl who might
even like you. What happens? You
can't afford to take her anywhere,
because you can't find a job.
                                                            
Kevin pauses for breath, continues.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
See, most bosses, they see a kid
like me and it's like better luck
next time, son, don't let the door
hit you on the way out. Then,
since you can't afford wheels, you
walk home.
                                                            
The bell RINGS. Erin gathers her books, runs out.
                                                            
ERIN'S LOCKER
                                                            
Erin SLAMS books into the locker. Kevin jogs up.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
What's wrong, Erin? Why'd you take
off so quick?
                                                            
                       ERIN
You made them laugh at you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
They were laughing cause my speech
was funny.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Bullshit! They were laughing
cause you gave them an excuse.
It ain't like all of a sudden they
like you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Says who, you? And what do you
know about it, anyway? Hell, you
make friends like that, while I'm
            (MORE)

25.

                       KEVIN (cont'd)
lucky if some asshole asks me what
time it is.
                                                            
Nearby STUDENTS watch them argue.
                                                            
                       STUDENT
Hey dude, what time is it?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Kev, I'm not blind. I see the way
people look at your leg when we
walk by, like maybe it's gonna rub
off on them.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Hell, if being my friend is that
damn hard, then walk away. You
can't fix anything, anyway.
                                                            
He storms off.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
Vince works under the hood of his car, RADIO loud. Inside
the car, Kevin pounds his fist on the dash.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Easy on the dash, I just bought
this heap.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Like I give a shit.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Watch it, buddy. You diss my car,
you ride the bus.
                                                            
He SLAMS the hood, slides in behind the wheel.
                                                            
                       VINCE
What's up, bro? You been acting
like a dick since I got here.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Erin's mad at me.
                                                            
                       VINCE
No shit? Dude, that girl worships
the ground you limp on. What'd you
do?
                                                            

26.

Kevin takes out his speech, hands it to Vince.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I read that in Speech.
                                                            
Vince reads to himself, hands it back.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Hell, no wonder she's mad. I know
you didn't mean to, but it's like
you were making fun of her for
liking you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
What should I do?
                                                            
                       VINCE
Call her and apologize. She'll
probably just hang up on you, but
at least you tried.
                                                            
 
INT. KEVIN'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Sophie sips tea as Kevin makes a call.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Calling that girlfriend of yours
again?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Her name is Erin, Ma. And I keep
telling you, she's not my
girlfriend.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Estelle fixes dinner. The phone RINGS.
                                                            
INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Hello?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Hi, Mrs. Marzec. Is Erin there?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
She's here, but she's busy.
                                                            

27.

                       KEVIN
Oh. Well, oould you tell her I
called, and that I hope she's not
still mad?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Yes, I'll tell her. Bye, now.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Erin's there, face cupped in her hands. Estelle opens the
door.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Dinner's ready.
                                                            
Erin doesn't reply.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Now, Erin.
                                                            
She returns inside. Erin SIGHS, follows.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin sips coffee, Estelle does dishes.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ma, I'm gonna go see who's down at
the Bear's Den, okay?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Honey, why don't you stay home,
you could read, or watch T.V.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cause Dewey's here.
                                                            
She sips her coffee.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Please? Tom's probably still
there, and I promise not to be out
late.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Oh, all right, go. But be careful,
y'hear?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I will. Thanks, Ma!
                                                            

28.

Dewey saunters in from the living room, mimics her.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
"Thanks, Ma!"
                                                            
He grabs a beer.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Tell your douchebag boyfriend
Dewey says hey.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Kiss my rosy red ass, Dewey!
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Erin, watch your tongue. After
all, Dewey is our guest.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Guest, my ass. He only comes over
whenever Aunt Nora kicks him out,
then acts like he lives here.
                                                            
A scathing glance at Dewey, then she's gone.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
So tell me, Dewey, why does my
sister grace us with your presence
every week?
                                                            
                       DEWEY
New guy paying the bills. They're
probably over there swapping spit.
                                                            
LIVING ROOM
                                                            
Dewey watches T.V. Estelle, on her way out, pauses at the
door.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I'm off to work, I hope you can
fend for yourself until Erin and
Tom get back.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
No sweat.
                                                            
When Estelle's gone, Dewey deadbolts the door, closes blinds
and curtains, then takes out a meth pipe and a baggie.
                                                            
 

29.

EXT. BEARS DEN BAR - PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
On the back stairs, two BLACK MEN pass a bottle back and
forth. One grins as Erin crosses the lot toward the back
door.
                                                            
                       BLACK MAN
Hey, baby, how 'bout a kiss for me
and my homey Jerome?
                                                            
She pretends to consider it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Maybe in my next life. And only if
you're good!
                                                            
Kevin exits the back door.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Hey, Erin.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey.
                                                            
She fidgets, unable to meet his gaze.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm sorry about earlier. I like
being your friend, and I've been
miserable since you said walk
away.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I'm sorry too. You still mad?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Don't be silly. You know I can't
stay mad at you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I tried calling earlier, your mom
said you were busy. I figured you
didn't want to talk to me.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Don't ever think that! I will
answer your call always, no matter
how pissed we are at each other,
or how much my mother lies.
                                                            

30.

                       KEVIN
My mom's pretty devious, too. I
think it's a conspiracy to turn us
all into zombies.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Zombies, my butt. How 'bout we
start our own conspiracy, just you
and me? That way I'll have your
back, and you'll have mine.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I hope I always have yours anyway,
even without a coonspiracy.
                                                            
Erin kisses him on the mouth.
                                                            
                       ERIN
That's for being my friend.
                                                            
Another kiss.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And that's my promise to always
have your back, Kevin Kaleck. Now,
let's go inside and make my
brother buy us some soda.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom's there, pitcher of beer in front of him. Kevin racks
for a game of pool against Erin.
                                                            
                       TOM
You're letting my sister break?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Yeah. She said once I have a
tighter rack than she does.
                                                            
                       TOM
I'll bet she did. And I sincerely
hope you were talking about pool.
                                                            
Erin chalks her stick, BREAKS. Several balls drop.
                                                            
                       TOM
See? You might as well have a seat
and hope she misses one.
                                                            
SERIES OF SHOTS
                                                            

31.

Erin makes a shot.

Erin makes another shot.

Erin sinks the eight ball.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin cuddles with Kevin, takes his hand.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Thanks for walking me home. That
was really sweet of you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Hey, it was the least I could do,
after letting you beat me at pool.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, you let me win, did you? I
don't think so!
                                                            
                       ERIN
I let you break, didn't I? Same
difference. Where'd you learn to
shoot like that?
                                                            
                       ERIN
My dad, mostly.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Is your dad good?
                                                            
                       ERIN
You wouldn't ask me that if you
ever seen him play. Maybe someday
you will.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
That'd be cool.
                                                            
She rests her head on his shoulder.
                                                            
                       ERIN
One time Daddy took me to the bar,
plopped me on a stool, and said
"Watch." He put up his last two
quarters, didn't lose once and
drank free all night. Then Ma
showed up and made me go home.
                                                            
She glances at her watch.
                                                            

32.

                       ERIN
We should probably get you home. I
don't want your mom to bitch.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Let her, it'll be worth it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Aw, you're a sweetheart.
                                                            
She snuggles closer, Estelle watches from the front window.
                                                            
 
INT. KEVIN'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Sophie sips tea, the apartment door CREAKS.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Kevin? That you?
                                                            
Kevin enters the kitchen.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Yeah, it's me. Who were you
expecting?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
It's almost one in the morning, so
don't be funny.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I'm eighteen. You don't have to
wait up for me.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
I don't care how old you are,
you're still my son.
                                                            
She sips her tea.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
What was so important, that you
couldn't make it home at a decent
hour?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I ran into Tom at the bar, then
Erin showed up. I walked her home.
                                                            

33.

                       SOPHIE
Erin, huh? Well, I'll say one
thing. That girl certainly has you
wrapped around her little finger,
doesn't she?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Walking her home was my idea, Ma.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
My point still stands.
                                                            
She gets up, pours herself more tea.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
And don't think I'm gonna keep
giving you money so you can stay
out all night like a bum.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Give it a rest, Ma.
                                                            
Kevin leaves, Sophie pulls out a bottle of brandy, spikes
her tea.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Erin, cross-legged on the bed, reads a book. Estelle comes
in, an edge to her voice.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Don't wait up for me, I pulled a
double shift.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ma, how come you never told me
Kevin called yesterday?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Because I didn't want you
traipsing off with him, that's how
come. And don't think I didn't see
you out there, hanging all over
him like a common whore.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Don't call me a whore, Ma.
                                                            

34.

                       ESTELLE
Didn't call you a whore, just said
you were acting like one. Boys his
age only have one thing on their
mind, you know that.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And boys my age don't?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Beside the point. I just don't
want you hurt by any boy.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Kevin's a gentleman, he wouldn't
hurt me, ever.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
He wouldn't? Boy, are you naive.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Maybe I am. Least I don't bitch
all the time like you do.
                                                            
Estelle checks her watch.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Let's not argue, okay? I have to
run.
                                                            
She exits, closes the door. Erin stares after her, book in
hand.
                                                            
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
                                                            
Estelle walks away, the book BANGS off the inside of Erin's
door.
                                                            
 
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Debris swirls on a stormy, windy afternoon. Erin and Tracey
sit their bikes, barefoot, jackets tied around their waists.
                                                            
                       ERIN
So why did her highness summon us,
anyway?
                                                            
                       TRACEY
She has a message for you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, joy.
                                                            

35.

Lightning startles them. Sheila skids her bike to a stop.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Just the two I wanted to see.
Erin, I need to talk to you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
So I heard. What's up?
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Just this, okay? We're all tired
of you sticking up for Kevin.
Watch yourself, Erin, or you won't
be so popular anymore.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Like I'm so popular now. And why
should I care what Dewey and his
dipshit buddy think?
                                                            
                       SHEILA
It's not just them. Either you end
it with Kevin, or I end it with
you. It's that simple.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Simple for you, maybe.
                                                            
Erin ducks her head, eyes wet behind her hair.
                                                            
                       ERIN
We were like sisters once, but
that don't matter anymore. Maybe
it never did, cause I was just a
stupid little fool.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
What's that supposed to mean?
                                                            
                       ERIN
You made me choose, damn you, so I
did. Figure it out for yourself.
                                                            
She whips her bike around and pedals away.
                                                            
 
INT. CITY BUS - DAY
                                                            
Erin and Tracey board a crowded bus, pay their fares.
Kevin's right there.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, Kev!
                                                            

36.

                       KEVIN
Oh, hi. Hey, Tracey.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Hey, yourself.
                                                            
Erin fingers Kevin's tie.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Where you off to all dressed up?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Some guy downtown wants to talk to
me about a job.
                                                            
                       ERIN
That's awesome! Where downtown?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Some fancy burger joint down on
Clark. They're hiring for a
management-trainee program. How
'bout coming with me?
                                                            
Erin looks askance at Tracey.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Go. You and me can hang out
anytime. Good luck, Kev!
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Thank you.
                                                            
The bus lurches. Erin grabs the overhead bar to keep her
balance. Her blouse gaps away from her shorts.
                                                            
Kevin tries not to stare at her bare navel.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
Aw, look, he's blushing!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, he must have a tummy fetish,
or something.
                                                            
Kevin pretends to ignore them.
                                                            
 
EXT. RESTAURANT ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
Erin and Kevin, hand-in-hand, reach an expensive-looking
restaurant.
                                                            

37.

                       KEVIN
Wish me luck.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I always do.
                                                            
She kisses him.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Now you go in there and show 'em
who's boss!
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Actually, Erin, the guy I'm here
to see is the boss.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You know what I mean.
                                                            
INT. RESTAURSNT MANAGER'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
The MANAGER looks over Kevin's application.
                                                            
                       MANAGER
Well, everything appears to be in
order. When can you start?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
You mean I'm hired? Cool. How long
does the management-trainee
program last?
                                                            
                       MANAGER
Um, actually you'll be starting in
the kitchen, I can't put you in
our training program until you
graduate.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
You want me to flip burgers? I
should've known.
                                                            
                       MANAGER
Not if it's beneath you. Thanks
for stopping by.
                                                            
Kevin realizes his mistake too late.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Sir, I'm sorry for sounding that
way, it's just that most times,
when I don't get hired, it's
because of my leg.
                                                            

38.

The manager limps out from behind his desk.
                                                            
                       MANAGER
Believe me, son, your leg had
nothing to do with it. Look, call
me in June in case someone drops
out.
                                                            
EXT. RESTAURANT ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
Kevin comes out.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Well, that really sucked.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You didn't get it.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
No. Dude said I can't do the
management-trainee thing until I
graduate, and I'm too qualified to
flip burgers.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Too qualified, or too proud?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Both of the above?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Uh-huh. Kev, I know you too well.
You need to forget about your leg,
and quit worrying over what your
mom might say.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
My mom?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah. What would happen if you did
get a job flipping burgers?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
She'd shit a brick.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Exactly. But at least you'd have a
job. Now come on, let's get back,
last one at the bar buys the pop.
                                                            

39.

                       KEVIN
Okay, but first I wanna stop home
and change.
                                                            
 
INT. KEVIN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Erin's next to Kevin on the couch, sneakers off.
                                                            
                       ERIN
So your mom's out of town, huh?
No wonder you wanted to
stop back here with me.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
She almost didn't go, she was
afraid I'd have a wild party and
trash the place.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ha!
                                                            
                       KEVIN
What's so funny?
                                                            
                       ERIN
You, throwing a wild party. We
oughtta do something while she's
gone, though. I know! I'll take
off my shirt and dance on the
table, and you can throw money at
me.
                                                            
She undoes several buttons of her blouse.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Whoa!
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm kidding, okay? I have other
ways to seduce you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Sometimes I wonder about you.
                                                            
He touches her thigh, fingers the frayed edge of her shorts.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Sometimes I wonder why you even
like me.
                                                            

40.

                       ERIN
Because you were there for me when
shit went bad between my folks,
and lots of other times, too.
                                                            
She lets her hair shadow her face.
                                                            
                       ERIN
The thing is, Kev, I do like you,
maybe more than you know, and I
always hoped you liked me, too.
                                                            
She gazes at him, wide-eyed. They kiss, make out.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - DAY
                                                            
Carl serves a beer to PETE, an off-duty cop. Erin and Kevin,
cuddled in a booth, share a pitcher of soda.
                                                            
Kevin removes his crucifix, offers it to her.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I want you to have this.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Kev, it's beautiful! But I can't
accept that.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Yes you can. C'mon, I'll put it on
for you.
                                                            
She leans forward. Kevin, distracted by her half-open
blouse, fumbles briefly with the chain.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
There. I hope you like it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I love it! Thank you.
                                                            
They kiss, as he caresses her thigh.

Dewey saunters in, with his friend ANGEL.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Look, there's Lurch! Let's
initiate some shit.
                                                            
Kevin spots them, tries to take his hand off Erin's leg, but
she doesn't let him.
                                                            

41.

                       ERIN
Leave it. I like when you touch
me, and it ain't Dewey's concern
any damn way.
                                                            
Dewey and Angel reach the booth.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Damn, if it ain't Beauty and the
Beast, acting all snug and cozy.
                                                            
Angel ogles Erin's blouse.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Yeah, goddamn Lurch, slumming with
your foxy little cousin. Ain't
that a bitch.
                                                            
Erin gives him the finger.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cut the crap, Dewey.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Or what, Erin? Huh? What's a
slutty little piece like you gonna
do, anyway?
                                                            
Kevin jumps up, Dewey's hand slides into his pocket.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Don't, Kev! He's got a knife.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Uh-huh. And his buddy backing him
up. Screw it, Erin. I'm outta
here.
                                                            
He heads for the back door. Angel follows, CLUCKS like a
chicken, kicks him in the rear to help him along.
                                                            
Erin turns on Dewey as Angel checks out the pool table.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You are such a prick!
                                                            
She puts her head down. Dewey sprawls across from her, helps
himself to some soda.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Shit, this is warm.
                                                            

42.

He twirls the mug on the table, WHISTLES the "Addam's
Family" theme. Erin raises her head.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Can't you ever, just once, leave
me alone?
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Wonder what your Ma would say, she
saw you frenching with Lurch,
showing off what little you got
under that shirt?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm just living up to her
expectations anyway, so why should
you care? Just be glad I ain't
told nobody about the meth pipe
you left stashed in our sofa the
other night.
                                                            
Dewey splashes the pitcher of soda in Erin's face, grabs her
by the hair.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Listen up, bitch. If you ever say
shit about that to anyone, so help
me I will bust you up so bad even
Lurch won't wanna look at you.
                                                            
Carl's next to the booth, baseball bat held ready.
                                                            
                       CARL
What the hell is this shit?
                                                            
Dewey lets go of Erin's hair, leans back.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Nothing, man. Just a little family
quarrel.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You ain't family, you're just
trash!
                                                            
At the bar Pete takes out his gun.
                                                            
                       PETE
Bring his happy ass over here,
Carl, I'll show him how to run
with the big dogs.
                                                            

43.

Angel sees the gun, tosses down his stick and beats it out
the back door. Dewey looks around.
                                                            
                       CARL
Your boyfriend left, dickweed. Now
get the hell out of my bar before
we carry you out.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Time to blow this place, anyway.
                                                            
He strolls to the door, glances back at Erin.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Mind what I said, girl.
                                                            
 
EXT. LIQUOR STORE ENTRANCE - NIGHT
                                                            
Kevin waits. A middle-aged MAN exits the store, glances
around, hands him a bottle in a paper bag.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Took you long enough.
                                                            
                       MAN
Hell, kid, next time get it
yourself, huh?
                                                            
Kevin opens the bottle, drinks.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin, damp and disheveled, makes a call from her cell phone.
                                                            
                       ERIN
C'mon, Kevin, answer your phone.
Damnit!
                                                            
She flips the phone on the bar.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom eats a sandwich. Erin comes in, frantic.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Did Kevin call?
                                                            
                       TOM
Thought he was with you.
                                                            

44.

                       ERIN
He was. Come on, we gotta find
him.
                                                            
 
EXT. VACANT LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
Kevin pees on the side of a building, fumbles with his
zipper. Dewey's van pulls into the lot. Dewey and Angel get
out.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Hot damn, look who's here!
                                                            
Dewey pulls out his blade, clicks it open.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Man, put that shit away before the
cops come!
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Sure, after Lurch here kneels and
says he's sorry.
                                                            
He puts the knife to Kevin's throat.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Kneel, goddamnit!
                                                            
Kevin kneels, almost topples over.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
All right, Lurch!
                                                            
Kevin attempts to get up, Dewey pushes him back.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Stay there, we ain't done with you
yet.
                                                            
A BLOCK AWAY
                                                            
Tom's car cruises slowly.
                                                            
INT. TOM'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Tom and Erin look for Kevin.
                                                            
                       TOM
Tell me again why you think he'd
be up this way.
                                                            
They pass the vacant lot.
                                                            

45.

                       ERIN
Oh my God, it's him!
                                                            
Tom hits the brakes. Erin grabs his crowbar from under the
seat.
                                                            
                       TOM
What's that for?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cause Dewey carries a knife. Come
on before they hurt him.
                                                            
                       TOM
Christ, now you're Rambo.
                                                            
VACANT LOT
                                                            
Erin comes up, Tom right behind her.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Back off him, Dewey!
                                                            
On the ground, Kevin's passed out.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Shit, girl, we were just messing
with his drunk ass. Maybe you want
a real man, huh?
                                                            
He grabs for the crowbar. Erin nails him on the arm.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Ow, you bitch, you broke my arm!
                                                            
He starts for Erin again, Tom steps in front of her.
                                                            
                       TOM
Try it, you little shit! I won't
need a crowbar to kick your ass,
or yours either, cuz.
                                                            
Dewey, stunned by Tom's boldness, backs off. He and Angel
get into the van.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
This ain't over, y'all!
                                                            
The van backs out of the lot. Erin drops the crowbar, kneels
by Kevin, tries to slap him awake.
                                                            
 

46.

INT. DEWEY'S VAN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dewey drives, Angel clutches his arm.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Oh, that bitch. Man, I need to go
to the emergency room.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Screw that, my mom'll fix you
right up.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Lesbo Nazi? Dude, she don't like
spics like me.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Ah, she's okay. All that white
power bullshit stopped when
the old man went to the joint.
You'll be fine as long as she
don't sit on you.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin and Tom enter from outside, with Kevin between them.
The screen door BANGS shut.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Shit, Ma's gonna wake up for sure.
                                                            
They stretch Kevin out on the couch.
                                                            
                       TOM
Stay here while I get a blanket.
                                                            
Erin perches on the armrest of the couch. Tom returns,
covers Kevin.
                                                            
                       TOM
There, he should be okay until
morning. You might wanna button
yourself before Ma sees you.
                                                            
Estelle enters.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What's going on, you two? And
who's that on the couch?
                                                            
                       ERIN
That's Kevin, Ma.
                                                            

47.

                       ESTELLE
I see. But what were you all
drinking? It smells like a brewery
in here.
                                                            
                       ERIN
We weren't drinking. Kev was like
that when we found him.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
And you brought him here? Christ,
Erin, I can just imagine what the
neighbors must think!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Nobody saw us.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Thank God for that.
                                                            
Her gaze falls on Erin's blouse.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I'd ask why your shirt is open
like that, but God forbid you
should think I'm calling you a
whore.
                                                            
She goes out.
                                                            
                       TOM
Damn, she really busted you that
time. No pun intended.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, shut up.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Erin's at the table in her nightgown, half-asleep, hair in
her face.
                                                            
Kevin enters in a robe, just out of the shower.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Morning, Cousin It.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And good morning to you, Lurch my
dear.
                                                            

48.

                       KEVIN
Mind if I have some coffee? I
could use it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Help yourself. Your clothes are in
there, on top of the dryer.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Thanks.
                                                            
He pours himself a cup.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
You're not upset about last night,
are you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not at you. I was more worried
than anything.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Uh-huh. I could tell by the way
you kept slapping me that you were
very worried.
                                                            
Kevin comes behind her, rubs her neck.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ooh, that feels good.
                                                            
He slips the straps of her nightgown down, works on her
shoulders.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, God.
                                                            
                       TOM (O.S.)
When she starts to purr, run.
                                                            
Tom leans against the counter. Kevin removes his hands from
Erin's shoulders.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Pervert!
                                                            
She SMACKS Kevin.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And who said you could stop?
                                                            
 

49.

EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Estelle sits on the steps. Sophie appears.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Excuse me, is this where Erin
lives?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Depends. What'd she do?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
What? Oh, nothing.
                                                            
She hands Estelle Erin's school I.D.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
This is hers, I found it in my
sofa several days ago.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
When did she lose this?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
I'm not sure. Perhaps when I went
to Rockford to see my sister.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Ah, so you weren't home when Erin
was there?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
What, you don't trust my son to
behave properly around your little
girl? Ha! He was raised better
than that, believe you me!
                                                            
She starts to speak, hesitates.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Was there something else?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Yes. I don't know your daughter
that well, as Kevin is not usually
one to bring his friends home. But
from what he's told me of her, I
think you should be very proud.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I am, mostly. Thank you for
bringing the I.D.
                                                            
 

50.

INT. ERIN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Erin, sprawled on the couch, watches T.V. Estelle enters.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Who were you talking to?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Kevin's mother. She brought you
something.
                                                            
She flips the I.D. onto Erin's chest.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cool, I've been looking for this.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Erin, we need to talk about you
and this Kevin boy.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What about us?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Well, first you and Tom bring him
here too drunk to stand, and now I
find out you were alone with him
at his place, doing God knows
what, while his mother was in
Rockford.
                                                            
                       ERIN
We were just hanging out. He's my
friend, and we're sort of seeing
each other.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
That's what I was afraid of. My
God, what do you see in him?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I just like him. He's a misfit
like me.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
You're not sleeping with him, are
you?
                                                            
Erin jumps to her feet.
                                                            

51.

                       ERIN
No, Ma, I'm not! I'm not sleeping
with anybody, which is more than
you can say.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What the hell does that mean?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I know about you and Carl. I know
he was here last night, and I know
what y'all were doing, too.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
You do, huh? Let me tell you some-
thing, Erin. Who I fuck or when I
fuck is nobody's goddamn business,
least of all yours!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Like you're trying so goddamn hard
to keep it a secret.
                                                            
Erin goes to the window, looks out, calms herself.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Mrs. Lucas came up to me earlier,
all nosy. She goes "Oh, Erin dear,
was that your Uncle Carl I saw
leaving your house this morning?
He's so handsome!"
                                                            
She places her hand on Estelle's shoulder, meets her gaze.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I told her I don't have an Uncle
Carl.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Kevin, head down, hands in pockets, passes a group of
HISPANIC KIDS who play football in the street.

One younger BOY, about 10, mimics Kevin's walk.
                                                            
Kevin glances up. The boy, frightened, runs back to his
friends.
                                                            
                       BOY
Paco, Paco!
                                                            

52.

                       KEVIN
Ah, hell.
                                                            
He starts toward them. PACO steps forward.
                                                            
                       PACO
Hey, man, why you wanna mess with
my little bro, huh? He's just a
kid.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I wasn't messing with him. He was
making fun of my limp. When I saw
him he got scared.
                                                            
Paco SMACKS his brother.
                                                            
                       PACO
You did that? Mama taught us
better. Sorry, homey, my brother's
an idiot. Hey, wanna play some
ball? We need a slow white guy to
fake people out.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
No, I gotta get somewhere.
                                                            
                       PACO
Maybe next time, then.
                                                            
 
EXT. ERIN'S PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin and Kevin sit close.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I can't believe I stood up to
those guys. I thought they were
gonna kick my ass.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Well, they didn't. Paco ain't one
to go off for no reason, anyway.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
You know him?
                                                            
                       ERIN
He lives down the street, we
talk sometimes.
                                                            
She touches his arm.
                                                            

53.

                       ERIN
You seem awful quiet tonight. Even
for you.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Ah, I'm just tired of spinning my
wheels looking for work. It's like
that stupid speech I gave is
coming back to bite me in the ass.
                                                            
                       ERIN
At least you're trying. And your
speech was only right about the
job part, and the car part.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Not about the girl part?
                                                            
                       ERIN
That's me, and I have a plan.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
You do?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Sure, let me show you.
                                                            
She kisses him, a tender kiss which grows more
passionate.
                                                            
                       PACO (O.S.)
So that's where you were going, eh
bro? To steal my girl Erin away
from me.
                                                            
Erin's glad to see Paco, Kevin's not.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Paco! We were just talking about
you.
                                                            
                       PACO
Uh-huh. I like that you and blanco
know each other, but you sure as
hell weren't talking, eh?
                                                            
Paco notices Kevin's unease.
                                                            
                       PACO
Relax, bro. If you ever need a
favor, just ask. Erin knows where
to find me.
                                                            
 

54.

INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Erin, perched on the counter in her nightgown, sips coffee.
On the wall next to her, the house phone RINGS.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hello?
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
Hey, Erin, it's me. Get your butt
down to the diner, your dad just
put up a "Help Wanted" sign.
                                                            
                       ERIN
He did? Cool, I'll get dressed and
head over there. You gonna be
home?
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
I've got some errands to run for
my mom, I should be back by the
time you get hired, though.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, don't jinx it! Listen, let me
let you go so I can get ready.
                                                            
                       TRACEY (V.O.)
No problem. Good luck, girlfriend!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Thank you. And thanks for letting
me know. I'll catch you in a bit.
                                                            
She hangs up.
                                                            
 
INT. MARZEC'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
Erin, at the counter, sips a soda. Brian appears from the
back.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, Daddy!
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Erin! My God, it's been a while,
hasn't it?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, it has.
                                                            

55.

                       BRIAN
Is your mom keeping you away from
me again?
                                                            
                       ERIN
No, but I'd still come visit you.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
I appreciate that.
                                                            
He pours himself some coffee.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Does she ever talk about me?
                                                            
                       ERIN
She says you stopped being my dad
the day you walked out on us.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
She's been saying that, that I
deserted you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Uh-huh. I always wondered how much
of it was true.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Well, for one thing, I didn't walk
out on you. She was the one who
asked for the damn divorce, not
me.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What! You left cause she made you?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Yup. She went to court and tried
to say I was a bad influence on
you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I was twelve! How could you be a
bad influence?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Hell, you know how she is. Anyone
who doesn't agree with her views
is a bad influence.
                                                            

56.

                       ERIN
There must be a lot of you. And
what about Tom? Weren't you a bad
influence on him, too?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Who ended up being a little pool
shark just like her old man?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Okay, fine. But who spent all her
time trying to beat me? Ma.
                                                            
She SUCKS the last of her iced-tea through the straw.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Now, let's talk about that job.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
You'd work here over your mother's
objections?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Are you kidding? I've dreamed of
working here since I was a little
girl. Ma knows what she can do
with her objections.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
I like your feistiness, but all I
can offer you is noon 'til eight
on Saturdays, at least until
school lets out. Is that okay by
you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
That's fine.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
I'll grab the paperwork. I just
hope 'Stelle goes along with this.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I can handle her.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
If she won't budge, we'll let the
lawyers handle it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I met Ma's lawyer once. He's a
wuss.
                                                            
 

57.

EXT. MARZEC'S DINER - SIDEWALK - DAY
                                                            
Erin, at the door that leads upstairs, rings a BUZZER.
                                                            
After a moment, the door is opened by Tracey's mom, MRS.
SHANNON.
                                                            
                       MRS. SHANNON
Hi, Erin. Tracey isn't home right
now, but you're welcome to wait.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Actually, Mrs. Shannon, I came to
see you.
                                                            
                       MRS. SHANNON
Oh, okay. Come on up.
                                                            
 
INT. SHANNON SPARE BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
A small room, furnished simply.
                                                            
                       MRS. SHANNON
The room is yours as long as you
want it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, Mrs. Shannon, thank you! This
is perfect! I'll give you fifty
bucks a week starting in June.
                                                            
                       MRS. SHANNON
No you won't. You'll put that
money away for college. If you
ever want to make this your room
year-round, we'll talk rent then.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Estelle drinks coffee, Erin enters.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I have something to tell you.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What now?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I got a job.
                                                            

58.

                       ESTELLE
Where?
                                                            
                       ERIN
At the diner.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Like hell!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Why not? Cause you don't like
Daddy? That's bullshit!
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Erin, I've spent the last three
years busting my ass to support
you and Tom, and what do I get?
Nothing but grief.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I know you've been busting your
ass, now you won't have to worry
so much about mine. This is my
chance, Ma, and I'm taking it.
                                                            
 
INT. MARZEC'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
Business is slow. Erin works the counter alone, hair tied
back. Her name-tag reads "Marzec."

Brian appears from the back, JINGLING his car keys.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Kiddo, I've got to run to the
bank. Think you can hold the fort
while I'm gone?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm a Marzec, ain't I?
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Well then, Miss Marzec, the fort
is yours. Call me if you have any
trouble.
                                                            
He goes out, holds the door for JOSIE, 21, a harried office
girl with her hair twisted into a tight bun.

She perches at the counter, takes out her laptop.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Is the coffee any good?
                                                            

59.

                       ERIN
Yes, ma'am. I just made some.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Then what are you waiting for?
Bring me a cup. And a menu, too.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Menus are right there, behind the
napkins. I'll get you your coffee.
                                                            
Erin pours a cup, starts to set it down. Josie reaches for a
menu. Coffee spills.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
You clumsy oaf, look what you did!
Now clean that up and bring me
another cup. What kind of place
has this become, anyway?
                                                            
Erin opens her mouth, shuts it. She wipes down the counter,
makes no move to replenish the coffee.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Why are you just standing there?
Are you stupid as well as
uncoordinated?
                                                            
Erin flushes, her fists clench. Nearby CUSTOMERS watch.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Listen, you. I'm sorry about the
coffee, even if the only clumsy
oaf here ain't me. I'll bring you
a refill, and I'll take your order
if you still want food.
                                                            
She leans in close.
                                                            
                       ERIN
But if you say one more rude thing
to me, or talk shit about this
diner again, the next coffee I
spill won't be no accident.
                                                            
Josie loses her attitude. She notices Erin's name-tag.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Marzec, huh? This your daddy's
place?
                                                            
Erin nods.
                                                            

60.

                       JOSIE
I thought you looked familiar. You
don't remember me, I used to eat
here a lot when I was your age.
You were a little girl then,
sitting here at the counter
coloring while your daddy worked.
                                                            
Josie shakes her head in disgust.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Damn job's turned me into a shrew,
and now I'm taking my crap out on
you. I'm sorry. And I'd be honored
to have you serve me.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Then I will. But y'know, if I had
a job like yours, I'd quit.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
I'm Josephine, they call me Josie.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm Erin. They call me lots of
things.
                                                            
Josie reaches back, loosens her hair so it falls over her
shoulders.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You look much prettier that way.
But won't your job get mad when
you go back?
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Who says I'm going back?
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY
                                                            
Sheila eats alone. Erin comes up to her.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I need to talk to you.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
So talk.
                                                            
                       ERIN
It's about Dewey, he's into some
heavy shit and you need to be
careful.
                                                            

61.

                       SHEILA
I knew it! He already told me you
might try to spread some pathetic
lie about him smoking meth.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ain't a lie! I found his damn pipe
buried in our couch after he
stayed with us this last time.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Maybe one of your mom's boyfriends
left it there.
                                                            
                       ERIN
There's only one, you little
twerp, and he don't sleep on the
couch.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
I don't like you, and now that
we're not friends I don't have to
listen to you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I don't like you either, not sure
why I'm wasting my breath. You'll
learn soon enough.
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Sheila talks with Dewey after school. They see Erin enter
the girls' washroom.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Hey, there's the little snitch
now. You should go say hi.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
I will. Give me your knife.
                                                            
GIRLS' WASHROOM
                                                            
Erin splashes her face with water. Sheila comes up from
behind, grabs her by the hair.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Dewey said to say hi.
                                                            
Erin struggles, almost gets away.
                                                            

62.

                       SHEILA
No you don't, Erin.
                                                            
Sheila punches Erin in the stomach, knees her in the face as
she doubles over.
                                                            
Sheila holdss Erin up by the hair, bloodies her nose.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
How's it feel? Maybe when I'm done
with you, you'll be pissing your
sheets at the goddamn hospital!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Go to hell.
                                                            
Sheila hits her some more, fingers still tangled in Erin's
hair, until Erin is almost limp in her grasp.

She clicks open the knife, uses the blade to pop the buttons
off Erin's blouse.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
Consider this a warning, cause
next time you won't get off so
goddamn easy.
                                                            
She pricks the skin between Erin's breasts, draws blood,
leaves without another word.

Erin staggers to the sink.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Next time, bitch, I'll see you
first.
                                                            
 
EXT. BUSY CITY STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin walks, backpack over her shoulder, blouse knotted into
a halter. PEOPLE stare at her battered face.
                                                            
A WINO pushes his SQUEAKY, junk-filled cart.
                                                            
                       WINO
Girl, you got any change? I need a
drink bad.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I might.
                                                            
She fishes in her pocket, pulls out a five.
                                                            

63.

                       ERIN
Nope, all I got is this.
                                                            
                       WINO
That'll do.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm sure it will. Can I go through
your stuff?
                                                            
                       WINO
How much you gonna give me?
                                                            
Erin holds up the five.
                                                            
 
EXT. DEWEY'S PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Sheila's on Dewey's lap.
                                                            
ACROSS THE STREET
                                                            
Erin crouches behind a parked car, pulls an empty bottle
from her backpack.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Get off on this, why don't you?
                                                            
She throws the bottle.
                                                            
DEWEY'S PORCH
                                                            
The bottle SHATTERS on the railing, showers Dewey and Sheila
with glass. Dewey touches his bloody ear.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Goddamn!
                                                            
A chunk of metal BANGS off the mailbox. A sawed-off table
leg BREAKS a window.

Dewey and Sheila dive for cover.
                                                            
ACROSS THE STREET
                                                            
Erin stares at them, walks away.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Estelle chats with Carl. Her cell phone RINGS, she answers.
                                                            

64.

                       ESTELLE
Hey, Nora.
                                                            
                       NORA (V.O.)
Goddamnit, where is she?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Where's who? Erin?
                                                            
                       NORA (V.O.)
Yes, Erin! Stupid little bitch hit
Dewey with a goddamn bottle, he's
gonna need stitches in his ear!
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Nora. My daughter is not, as you
so delicately put it, a stupid
little bitch. Call her that again
and I'll come over there and knock
you on your fat ass.
                                                            
Erin enters from outside.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Listen, Nora, I gotta go. She just
walked in.
                                                            
Erin lets her hair hide the bruises on her face.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, Ma.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Hey.
                                                            
She notes Erin's knotted blouse.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
If you're gonna insist on wearing
your shirt like that, can't you at
least wear something underneath?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, cause God forbid the
neighbors might talk shit about
me. Was that Aunt Nora?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
It was. Erin, what's going on? She
said you hit Dewey with a bottle,
he's gonna need stitches!
                                                            

65.

                       ERIN
I was trying for Sheila, but I
missed. Shit happens.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I don't believe this! You
could've really hurt someone, and
you're not even sorry!
                                                            
Erin shakes back her hair.
                                                            
                       ERIN
See this, Ma? Sheila did this to
me.
                                                            
She leans forward, shows Estelle the cut on her chest.
                                                            
                       ERIN
She did this, too, with Dewey's
knife.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
But why? Didn't you all used to be
friends?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Me and Sheila were, once.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Then why'd she do that to you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Cause I was Kevin's friend, too,
and she didn't like him. After a
while she decided not to like me,
either. But then, why should
anyone like me, when you don't?
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
And why should I? I've raised you
the best I know how, and for what?
Half the time I don't know what to
do with you anymore.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ain't nothing you can do. This is
who I am, whether you like it or
not.
                                                            

66.

                       ESTELLE
Maybe so, but I still have some
say in your life. Like having you
work for your father. I could
still fight that, you know.
                                                            
                       ERIN
And I'd be gone. You'd never see
me again. As it is I'll be staying
at Tracey's the nights I work
late. Her mom already said I could
live there permanent if I want to.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
My God, you've really been
thinking about this, haven't you?
Planning your goddamn escape.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ma, I've been planning my escape
since I was twelve.
                                                            
Carl takes one look at Erin, pours her a shot. Erin looks
askance at Estelle.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Go ahead, you look like you could
use it. Carl, pour me one, too.
                                                            
He does. Mother and daughter down their shots.
                                                            
 
EXT. SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - DAY
                                                            
Dewey crouches behind the back wall of the schoolyard. Kevin
appears in the alley.

Dewey pops up, whips a flattened beer can which slices
through Kevin's upper lip.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Got you, damnit! Let's see you
kiss Erin now, you little prick!
And tell that punk-ass bitch she
ain't the only one who can throw
shit!
                                                            
He takes off.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Eat shit and die, Dewey!
                                                            

67.

He pulls a handkerchief from his back pocket, puts it to
his bloody mouth.
                                                            
 
EXT. DEWEY'S PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Sophie and Kevin climb the steps, his upper lip stitched and
swollen.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
This is a waste of time.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Let me be the judge of that.
                                                            
She POUNDS on the door. In a moment, Nora opens the door,
beer in hand.
                                                            
                       NORA
Who the hell are you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I am Sophie Kaleck, this is my son
Kevin. Your boy gave him this lip.
                                                            
                       NORA
Oh, yeah? Well, unless you can
prove it in court, lady, you ain't
gettin' a dime outta me. So get
the hell off my porch!
                                                            
She SLAMS the door.
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - ERIN'S LOCKER - DAY
                                                            
Erin's there, her bruises almost healed. Kevin appears.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, Kev. Jesus, what happened to
you?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
It was an accident.
                                                            
Dewey and Angel saunter up.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Bullshit, Lurch, tell her what
really happened, huh?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Tell her yourself, asshole.
                                                            

68.

Erin advances on Dewey.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, Dewey, you tell me. This is
between us, anyway, ever since we
were little it's always been
between you and me.
      (pushes him)
Talk to me, Dewey! Tell me again
what a little bitch I am.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Bite me, Erin.
                                                            
She SLAPS him. Dewey backhands her across the mouth.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Screw this.
                                                            
Kevin lunges toward Dewey. Angel pins him against a locker.
                                                            
                       ANGEL
Easy, man, less you wanna get
hurt.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Hold him. What's up, Erin? You had
enough, or do you want some more?
We can do that, too.
                                                            
Erin spits blood in his face.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Oh, babe, now I am really gonna
enjoy this.
                                                            
He raises his hand to hit her again, someone grabs it.

Paco, his friends spread out behind him, has a firm grip on
Dewey's hand.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Who the hell are you?
                                                            
                       PACO
Friends of theirs.
                                                            
Paco glances at Angel.
                                                            
                       PACO
What say you let go of him now,
eh, bro?
                                                            

69.

Angel releases Kevin, who moves to Erin's side.
                                                            
                       PACO
Listen up, dudes, cause next time
maybe you don't see us. Just the
gun, man, pointing at you.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
So what do you want from me?
                                                            
                       PACO
Leave my friend alone, and his
lady Erin, too. Be cool, man, or
we'll take you out. Pow! Pow! Pow!
                                                            
HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
                                                            
Erin, Paco, and Kevin eat together.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Paco, thanks again. You saved my
ass.
                                                            
                       PACO
Ah, those guys are wimps. Blanca
here had it covered. So dude, you
still need a job?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, he does!
                                                            
                       PACO
Well, listen up, cause my Uncle
Rigo is hiring at his carniceria.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Carniceria?
                                                            
                       PACO
Grocery store. Man, I gotta teach
you white folks everything.
                                                            
 
INT. RIGO'S CARNICERIA - DAY
                                                            
A bright, clean store, crowded with SHOPPERS. Kevin
approaches a CHECKOUT GIRL.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Excuse me, I'm looking for Rigo
Montoya.
                                                            

70.

                       CHECKOUT GIRL
The office is over there.
                                                            
STORE MANAGER'S OFFICE
                                                            
RIGO MONTOYA, 50's, smiles at Kevin.
                                                            
                       RIGO
My nephew, he told me about you,
he says I should give you a job.
How you feel about that?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I think you should give me a job,
too.
                                                            
                       RIGO
Then we all agree. I will let
you stock the shelves, and maybe
one day I will train you on the
registers. Can you start Monday?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Sure!
                                                            
 
INT. RIGO'S CARNICERIA - DAY
                                                            
Kevin stocks shelves. Rigo appears.
                                                            
                       RIGO
You are doing well. Any questions?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
No. This has been easier than I
thought it would be.
                                                            
                       RIGO
Many things are like that, it is
only later that we wonder why we
were afraid.
                                                            
 
EXT. RETAIL SHOPPING AREA - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin and Kevin hold hands as they window-shop.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
What are you gonna do, now that
you know what really happened with
your folks?
                                                            

71.

                       ERIN
Dunno. I'm so pissed at my
mom right now I could scream, but
Daddy made me promise not to say
anything.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
You gonna tell her he hired you?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Already did. She wasn't thrilled.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I didn't think my mom would react
well, either, but she seems okay
with me working at Rigo's.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'm glad, I thought sure she'd
give you grief. Now, shouldn't we
do something to celebrate?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Like what?
                                                            
Erin kisses him.
                                                            
NEARBY INTERSECTION
                                                            
Dewey's van waits for the light, STEREO loud.
                                                            
INT. DEWEY'S VAN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dewey and Sheila. She hits the meth pipe, passes it to him.
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Hey, there's Erin, with her fag
boyfriend!
                                                            
He floors the accelerator.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
What the hell you doing?
                                                            
                       DEWEY
Payback for my goddamn ear.
                                                            
RETAIL SHOPPING AREA
                                                            
The van veers toward the sidewalk, where Erin and Kevin
admire a lighted store display. Its headlights wash over
them.
                                                            

72.

                       KEVIN
Christ, Erin, get down!
                                                            
He pushes Erin down. The van hits him, knocks him through
the store window, comes to rest with front wheels inside the
display.
                                                            
Sheila staggers from the van, unhurt. She sees Dewey
unconscious in the van.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
This isn't good.
                                                            
She looks down, sees Kevin motionless in a pool of blood,
head at the feet of a mannequin, lower body under the van.
                                                            
                       SHEILA
This isn't good at all.
                                                            
She runs.
                                                            
UNDER THE VAN
                                                            
Erin, dazed and bloody.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, Kev, there's glass all over
you, and blood.
                                                            
She hooks her fingers in Kevin's belt, pulls herself
forward. The van's bumper, inches above his shoulders, stops
her.
                                                            
She hugs him tight, sobs.
                                                            
RETAIL SHOPPING AREA - SCENE OF CRASH
                                                            
PARAMEDICS work on Kevin, a COP escorts Dewey to a paddy
wagon. A CROWD gathers.
                                                            
In the back of a squad car, Erin trembles under a blanket.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - KEVIN'S INTENSIVE CARE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin's next to Kevin's bed.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I know you can't hear me, but I
had to see you.
                                                            
She takes his hand, presses it to her cheek.
                                                            

73.

                       ERIN
You gotta get better. For me, and
especially for your mom. I'll help
you.
                                                            
A NURSE pokes her head in.
                                                            
                       NURSE
I'm sorry, miss, but visitors are
not allowed on this end of the
floor.
                                                            
Erin glances up, nods, gazes once more at Kevin.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I love you, Kev.
                                                            
WAITING ROOM
                                                            
Erin, slouched in a chair, waits with Tracey, Tom, and
Vince. Estelle talks to a DOCTOR.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Are you sure she'll be all right,
Doc? Shouldn't you admit her
just in case?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Don't worry, Mrs. Marzec, your
daughter will be fine. It's her
friend we're worried about.
                                                            
He hurries off. Brian appears, Erin rushes into his arms.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, Daddy!
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What the hell are you doing here?
Come on, Erin, we're going!
                                                            
                       ERIN
No we're not! Daddy's here cause I
called him.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
You called him? You know how I
feel about that!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Don't care.
                                                            

74.

                       BRIAN
Lay off, 'Stelle! I'm here because
Erin needs me. For once in your
goddamn life can't you think of
someone other than yourself?
                                                            
The doctor returns. Down the hall, Sophie grieves.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
I'm sorry. We did what we could,
but the loss of blood was just too
great.
                                                            
Erin cries out, backs away, runs.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin stumbles, falls to the grass, sobs her heart out.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Tom, in a suit, drinks a beer. THUNDER rumbles outside.

Erin enters, short skirt, denim jacket over a blouse.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Okay, I'm ready.
                                                            
                       TOM
You're gonna wear that?
                                                            
                       ERIN
My dress was too tight. And Kev
always liked when I wore this
skirt.
                                                            
                       TOM
Erin, we're going to a wake,
people won't understand.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I know where we're going, damn
you! And everyone can just kiss my
ass!
                                                            
She runs out, front door SLAMS. Tom SIGHS, grabs his car
keys off the table, heads out after her.
                                                            
 

75.

INT. FUNERAL HOME - FOYER - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin, on a couch. Sophie sits next to her.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
You're Erin. I haven't seen much
of you lately, but Kevin spoke
very highly of you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh, Mrs. Kaleck, I'm so sorry!
Please don't hate me for being
with him.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
My Lord, child, I don't hate you.
You made his life better, for that
I thank you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
He made me a promise once to
always have my back, and he did,
right until the end. I just wish I
coulda had his.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Nonsense. No one but God could
have saved my son in that moment,
and He must have been busy
elsewhere. Now here, I have
something that might help.
                                                            
Sophie pulls a flask from her purse, hands it to Erin.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Try some of this, it will calm
your nerves.
                                                            
Erin takes a sip, coughs.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Jesus, what is this stuff?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Brandy, child. Consider it
medicinal.
                                                            
                       ERIN
If you say so.
                                                            
She offers the flask back.
                                                            

76.

                       SOPHIE
No, keep it. I have to get back to
the other old fogies in there, and
it wouldn't do to be tipsy.
                                                            
Erin sips again, Vince enters from outside.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Hey, Erin.
                                                            
He sits, notices the flask.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Where'd you get that?
                                                            
                       ERIN
From Kev's mom. Here, try some,
then we'll go in.
                                                            
He takes a swig, hands it back. Erin slips it into her
inside jacket pocket.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Good stuff. Sophie always did like
her brandy.
                                                            
                       ERIN
But why is she being so nice to
me? All she ever did before was
bitch.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Because you were his friend, you
accepted him the way he was. I
don't think Sophie ever figured
out how to do that.
                                                            
                       ERIN
What'd he ever do, huh? What'd he
fuckin' do, that made God take him
from us?
                                                            
She sobs, Vince hugs her.
                                                            
KEVIN'S PARLOR
                                                            
Most MOURNERS are older. A framed portrait of Kevin
rests on a chair next to the closed coffin.
                                                            
Erin kneels by the chair and talks to the photo.
                                                            

77.

                       ERIN
Hey, Kev. So many things I wanna
share with you, like this feeling
inside me that I can't let loose,
cause if I do I'll scream, and I'm
afraid the scream would never
stop, and then where would we be?
You'd still be dead, and I'd be
locked in a psych ward somewhere.
                                                            
She picks up the photo.
                                                            
                       ERIN
So no, I'll be a good girl, and
leave you with this, one final
kiss to remember me by.
                                                            
She kisses the picture, sets it down, lipstick print on the
glass.
                                                            
                       PACO (O.S.)
Even now, amiga, you talk and then
you kiss. Some things never
change, eh?
                                                            
Paco's there. He puts a hand on her shoulder, she clutches
it, bursts into tears.
                                                            
FOYER
                                                            
Erin and Paco sit on the couch. She offers him the flask.
                                                            
                       PACO
I think maybe you need that more
than me.
                                                            
Erin takes a swig.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Heard anything about Dewey?
                                                            
                       PACO
That maricon? I heard they are
having his trial soon. Will you
go?
                                                            
                       ERIN
No. I'd try to hurt him in front
of the judge.
                                                            

78.

                       PACO
What about Angel? Maybe he should
suffer, eh? I have a cousin who
could make it happen.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Leave him alone. Without Dewey
he's just a toad.
                                                            
                       PACO
Si, un sapo. So, chica, he shall
not suffer, unless you change your
mind.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I won't. Too much suffering
already.
                                                            
Erin sips again, slips the flask inside her jacket.
                                                            
                       PACO
Would you like me to walk you
home?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'd like that very much. Wait here
while I find Kev's mom to say
goodbye.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - DAY
                                                            
Erin plays pool alone, hair lank and unwashed, her movements
charged with controlled rage.

She makes a shot, then another. Her third one misses, the
cue ball ricochets off the table, rolls away.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Fuck!
                                                            
Pete retrieves the ball, places it in her hand.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I miss him.
                                                            
 
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL/FIELD BEHIND STADIUM - NIGHT
                                                            
There's a bonfire, PARTYING STUDENTS, everyone's got a
drink. Erin's on Vince's hood.
                                                            
J.C., long hair and a goatee, appears among them.
                                                            

79.

                       VINCE
That's J.C., he's the one to see
if you're into chemical
dependency.
                                                            
J.C. lifts the flap of his jacket pocket to reveal a row of
joints.
                                                            
                       J.C.
Anybody for some weed?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Sure, dude, twist my arm.
                                                            
She swipes a joint.
                                                            
                       J.C.
A girl after my own heart. Now if
ya'll will excuse me, I gotta go
tend my flock.
                                                            
                       VINCE
Didn't know you toked.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Didn't used to, before. Now I do.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIN'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Estelle sips coffee, Tom reads the paper. Erin enters, goes
to the fridge for a soda.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Well, hallelujah, look who decided
to honor us with her presence for
a change.
                                                            
                       TOM
Ma, maybe you should lay off.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
I will not! It's time she snapped
out of it and rejoined the real
world.
                                                            
                       ERIN
This is the real world, or as real
as it gets for me, but that's
okay.
                                                            
She sips her soda.
                                                            

80.

                       ERIN
One thing bothers me, though, and
I'm not gonna keep it inside
anymore.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
What might that be?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I know you lied, Ma. All those
times I had to hear what a bastard
Daddy was for leaving, you lied.
But that's okay, too, cause deep
down I didn't believe you.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Your father had no right telling
you anything.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Course not, it was only my life
you were fucking with.
                                                            
Estelle opens her mouth to speak, Erin puts a finger to
Estelle's lips.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Shhh. I'm not trying to fight with
you. Hard enough that Dewey
murdered Kevin over me, I'm done
fighting a battle I can't win.
                                                            
                       ESTELLE
Erin, I'm sorry for making you
feel that life with me was a
battle, and that I misled you
about the divorce. And for what
it's worth, I'm terribly sorry
about your friend.
                                                            
Erin and Estelle, both teary-eyed, embrace.
                                                            
                       TOM
This ain't real life, it's a damn
Afterschool Special.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Erin chats with Josie, Carl's new barmaid. Josie scratches
her shoulder.
                                                            

81.

                       JOSIE
Damn bra keeps itching me.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You should just take it off.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Good idea.
                                                            
Josie reaches inside her blouse, wiggles out of the bra,
tosses it aside.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Ah, much better. So how you
holding up, kid?
                                                            
                       ERIN
I still miss him, Jos, but no one
wants to talk about it anymore.
Hell, Trace is the only one
who'll even listen if I mention
Kev's name.
                                                            
Josie fills a pitcher of soda for Erin.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
On me. You talk, I'll listen.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - DAY
                                                            
Behind the bar, Carl finds Josie's discarded bra. Erin
perches on a stool, sets her backpack down.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Morning, Carl. Nice bra.
                                                            
Erin opens her backpack, pulls out a small potted plant.
Carl sets a soda down, notices her plant.
                                                            
                       CARL
What the hell is that? It's
not for me, is it?
                                                            
                       ERIN
No, silly, it's for Kevin's grave.
His birthday's coming up.
                                                            
Next she takes out several college brochures, spreads them
on the bar.
                                                            

82.

                       ERIN
I called some places like you
said, these came today. I thought
you could help me pick which ones
look good.
                                                            
                       CARL
You got it. Just don't tell your
mom I'm helping you, she'd have my
ass.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Ain't your ass she's after.
                                                            
 
EXT. CEMETERY/KEVIN'S GRAVE - DAY
                                                            
Erin kneels at Kevin's grave, places the plant in various
spots, finally finds one she likes.
                                                            
                       ERIN
There, perfect.
                                                            
She brushes grass off her bare legs, slings her
backpack over her shoulder.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Be happy, Kev.
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
                                                            
Erin eats lunch. Paco appears, talks to her, hands her
something. Erin goes rigid, jumps to her feet, gazes around
the room.

She spots her target, pushes aside those in her way.
                                                            
SHEILA'S TABLE
                                                            
Sheila chats with FRIENDS, looks up as Erin approaches in a
pure rage.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You were there.
                                                            
Sheila opens her mouth to speak, Erin's SLAP shuts it, loud
enough to silence the rest of the cafeteria.
                                                            

83.

                       ERIN
You were in the fucking van when
Dewey ran us down, but you didn't
do shit to help, you just ran like
the little bitch you are.
                                                            
Again Sheila starts to speak, again Erin SLAPS her.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Shut your mouth! You ran, but you
left something behind.
                                                            
She SLAMS Dewey's meth pipe on the table.
                                                            
                       ERIN
When you visit Dewey in jail, tell
him Erin said hey.
                                                            
 
INT. MARZEC'S DINER - DAY
                                                            
Brian's busy with a Saturday LUNCH CROWD. Erin approaches
the counter.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hi, Daddy. I'm ready to come back.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Are you sure, kiddo? You've been
through a lot lately.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Yeah, I'm sure.
                                                            
                       BRIAN
Well, alright then. Let's put you
to work.
                                                            
 
INT. KEVIN'S APARTMENT BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Erin, at Kevin's door, KNOCKS, then KNOCKS again.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE (O.S.)
Hold your horses, I'm coming.
                                                            
A RATTLE of locks as Sophie opens the door.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Erin, what a nice surprise. How
are you, child?
                                                            

84.

                       ERIN
Okay, I guess. I hope I'm not
bothering you.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
No, no, please come in, it's no
bother.
                                                            
 
INT. KEVIN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Sophie and Erin, on the couch. On the coffee table, an old
photo of Kevin and Erin, and a newspaper open to the obits.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
What brings you here, when you
could be out gallivanting on this
beautiful day?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Not sure what that means. I came
because today's his birthday and
you're here all by yourself.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Thank you, Erin, you're sweet
for caring.
                                                            
She hands Erin the photo.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
I was just in his room, packing
things away. He had this on his
nightstand.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I remember this! It was his
birthday, you gave him a cake with
all these baseball players on it.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Yes, and then I gave them all
away. I never heard the end of it.
                                                            
Erin sets the photo down, notices the newspaper.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You read it?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Yes, dear, I did. It was the best
birthday present you could have
given him.
                                                            

85.

                       ERIN
I wanted so much for you to like
it.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Thank you, child. You made today a
little more bearable for me.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Then I'm glad I came.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
You must visit more often, there's
so much you could tell me about my
son. God knows, he wasn't one to
talk much about his life.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I'd like that very much. And you
could tell me about when he was a
little boy.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
I shall look forward to your
visits. Was there something of
Kevin's I could give you as a
keepsake?
                                                            
                       ERIN
No, thank you.
                                                            
She fingers the crucifix.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I already have something.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Ha! I should have known.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Known what? This is the crucifix
Kevin gave me. He didn't tell you?
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
No, child. He told me he lost it.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Oh.
                                                            
She starts to unfasten the chain, Sophie stops her.
                                                            

86.

                       SOPHIE
What, now you don't want it? I
know it must mean a lot to you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
It does.
                                                            
                       SOPHIE
Then keep it. There's no one else
I'd rather see wearing it.
                                                            
Erin's eyes tear up.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Wasn't gonna cry, damnit, but that
means a lot to me. Thank you.
                                                            
She gives Sophie a fierce hug.
                                                            
 
INT. BEAR'S DEN BAR - DAY
                                                            
The bar is crowded, Carl and Josie both busy. Tracey, Tom,
and Vince sit in a booth decorated for Kevin's birthday.

Erin jogs up.
.
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hey, guys!
                                                            
                       TOM
About time. We almost toasted
without you.
                                                            
                       ERIN
You wouldn't dare! Now scoot over.
                                                            
Josie appears with a fresh round of drinks.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
Hi, Erin! Diet Pepsi, right?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Uh-huh.
                                                            
                       JOSIE
See, I know my customers!
                                                            
                       VINCE
Josie ain't senile, like Carl.
                                                            

87.

                       TOM
Or half as ugly.
                                                            
Carl takes the ribbing in stride.
                                                            
                       CARL
Very funny, you assholes.
                                                            
Josie collects their money, moves off. Tom pokes Vince.
                                                            
                       TOM
You gonna make that toast, or
what?
                                                            
                       VINCE
Not my job. Erin, is there
anything you'd say to Kevin if you
had the chance?
                                                            
                       ERIN
Just that his mother loves him,
even if she did give away all his
baseball men that time.
                                                            
                       TRACEY
I remember that!
                                                            
                       ERIN
Hush, you. I wasn't done.
                                                            
Erin takes a slip of paper from her pocket.
                                                            
                       ERIN
I put this in the paper for Kev's
birthday. His mom really liked it.
                                                            
She takes a breath, reads.
                                                            
                       ERIN
"In memory of Kevin Kaleck. A good
friend is hard to find, and
even harder to forget. Kev, you
were our friend, and you know
we'll never forget you. Happy
Birthday, and love always, Erin."
                                                            
She shares a look with Vince, who nods. Four glasses are
raised in toast.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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