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by Joseph Parascandalo (naykdpoet@outlook.com)

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Miscellaneous User Review: NOT YET
RATED
Marshall, a 51-year-old, single, gay male and, 24-year-old, attractive gay Justin while attending Marshall’s best friend Brad’s 50th birthday party, are soon to find their flirtatious gestures of mutual physical attraction harbours a 20-year-old surprise of unimaginable emotional consequence that neither could have possibly imagined.

RE-UNION

FADE IN:

INT. CONDO-APARTMENT – FESTIVE PARTY ATMOSPHERE - EVENING

Standing in the middle of the well-appointed living room,
surrounded by a small number of well dressed partier,
fifty-one year old Marshall, holding a bottle of beer,
congratulates Brad who is celebrating his 50th birthday

MARSHALL
(joyously)
Congratulations Brad, who'd of
thought we'd make it this far ah?
(pausing) The big five-0, damn!

            BRAD
      (sheepishly)
Thanks man, yah, who'd of believed
it. Frankly, I don't feel it – I
mean, in here (points to his head)
I'm still 20 years old
      (shakes his head,
       clinks glass to
       Marshall's bottle)
Thanks and thanks for throwing
the surprise party
      (drinks from his
       bottle)

Marshall drinks while scanning the room then pauses when he
spots an attractive young man (JUSTIN) talking to another
partier

MARSHALL
(inquisitively)
Brad, who's that hot look'n kid

Gestures with bottle in direction toward Justin

            BRAD
      (unawares)
Who, which guy? Coz, if he's
good looking he's mine! Remember,
it's my birthday party!
      (looks to
       direction pointed)
I don't know, I've not seen him
before,
he must have come with someone
but, if
            (MORE)

BRAD (cont'd)
he's not attached he's mine!

Both laugh at the speculation of who the young man is, walk
away in different directions

CUT

INT. KITCHEN CLUTTERED WITH BEER AND LIQUOR BOTTLE - MOMENTS LATER

Marshall walks into kitchen to get a beer from the fridge,
Justin follows behind and leans against the kitchen counter
next to the fridge.

            MARSHALL
      (surprised to see
       Justin)
Hi, how's it goin?

            JUSTIN
      (coyly and
       speculative)
Not bad, and you?

            MARSHALL
      (nervous tone)
Good, and you..
      (pauses)
I mean great!
      (pauses)
So you a friend of Brad's? I've
not seen you before, I don't
think..

            JUSTIN
      (confidently)
No, no I came with Angie
      (gestures with
       drink toward
       living room)
She and I were out for coffee this
morning and she invited me to come
along. Give me a chance to meet
some new people...

            MARSHALL
      (turning toward
       living room)
Yah, I know Angie. How did you
come
to know her. She's kinda old for
you isn't she (subtle laugh)

            JUSTIN
      (smiling at the
       comment)
No, no, she's just a friend. I met
her
at acting class. We had to do an
impromptu
together and we just hit if off –
she's great.
      (Turns to face
       Marshall)
How about you, what brings you to
Brad's birthday party?

            MARSHALL
      (leans against the
       counter next to
       Justin)
Who me, o shit, I've known Brad
for over twenty years now. We've
been to hell and back together.
(pausing) Frankly, we are both
surprised we're still kicking at
fifty.

            JUSTIN
      (flirtatiously
       questioning)
What, you fifty? Come on, you
don't look a day older than
forty-nine (laughing)

Marshall turns abruptly and feigns a punch to Justin's gut.
Justin responds by grabbing Marshall. The two jostle
playfully until Brad enters the kitchen

            BRAD
      (jokingly,
       questioning)
Ok you two, no fighting in the
Kitchen. I thought you two didn't
know each other; either
that or you're getting there
      (leans into
       Marshall's,
       whispering
       angularly)
I thought I told you he was mine!

Marshall shrugs his shoulders

            JUSTIN
      (confused by
       antics)
What, what's goin on between you
two?

            BRAD
      (looking directly
       at Marshall)
Oh nothing, nothing..just a
private joke
      (reaches hand out
       to Justin coyly)
So, my name is Brad, I am the
birthday boy. And who might you
be? (extends hand-shake)

            JUSTIN
      (shaking Brad's
       hand)
I'm Justin, I came with Angie.
We..

MARSHALL
(turning to Justin)
Oh, right.. I never did introduce
myself

Brad abruptly leaves the kitchen pissed at Marshall who
introduces himself to Justin in the background

CUT

INT. APARTMENT-CONDO – LIVING ROOM COUCH - LATER

The party has ended leaving Marshall and Brad sitting next
to each other on the couch each holding a drink. Music
playing softly in the background offsetting the mild air of
jealous hostility between the two friends

            BRAD
      (annoyed,
       sarcastically
       inquisitive)
So you, Justin; seems you both hit
it off. You gonna be seeing more
of him?

            MARSHALL
      (apologetic)
Look Brad, I'm sorry. I know it's
YOUR birthday and I know YOU'RE
upset with me but, shit man, I
            (MORE)

MARSHALL (cont'd)
didn't expect that to happen. It
just did. And no, I mean I don't
know if he's truly even
interested. I mean he's just a
twenty-four year old kid, what
would he want with an old-fart
like me? But, I'd be lying if I
didn't say it wouldn't be great
but…(pauses and embraces sulking
Brad)

CUT

INT. MARSHALL'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Marshall, asleep in his bed, gets abruptly woken by the
sound of his cell-phone ringing. Looking at the alarm clock
reading 9:30 he becomes annoyed at being woken so early
after such a late night before.

MARSHALL
(pissed)
Yah, who is it…what do you want?

            JUSTIN
      (voice:nervous,
       apologetic)
Oh, sorry, did I wake you? It's me
Justin

            MARSHALL
      (surprised,
       attentive)
Oh, Justin, hay sorry for that,
it's just that I got home late and
hoping to sleep in…sorry. So, how
are you? How'd you get my number
by the way? (laughs)

JUSTIN
(apologetic)
Sorry Marshall, shou, should I
call back? (pauses)

MARSHALL
(calmly, happy)
No, no it's ok Justin, so…

JUSTIN
(mildly anxious)
I got your number from Angie, I
hope you don't mind??

MARSHALL
(slightly elated)
No, no problem, in fact it's good
to hear from you, I'm glad you
thought to call even if it is
early. So, what's up?

            JUSTIN
      (mildly
       flirtatious)
Well, I was thinking, especially
now that I've got you up; you
wanna get some breakfast? I know a
great little spot – Dunk'n cafe'.
You know it?

MARSHALL
Yah, 31st and Queen right?

JUSTIN
(excited)
Right, for eleven, I'll meet you
there?

MARSHALL
(elated)
Sounds good, see you there, at
eleven!

Marshall leans back into the bed pausing to take in what
just happened then, looking at the alarm clock, realizes he
better get moving. Joyfully jumps out of bed for the
bathroom.

CUT

EXT. OUTDOOR – CAFE' PATIO - LATER

Marshall, greeted by the Hostess, sees Justin waving, walks
to his table trying not to look outwardly as excited as he
felt inside. He couldn't help but notice Justin's stunning
blue eyes. His wearing a tight-fitting, robin-egg blue
T-shirt, making them even bluer. Fidgeting, he tried
desperately to conceal his joy in having met such a good
looking young man who, apparently, wants to get to know him
better.

Marshall's last relationship of ten years ended just two
years prior and figured at fifty-one, the likelihood of ever
meeting someone and falling in love was unlikely if not
improbable. Especially with someone as young and wholesomely
good looking as Justin.

            MARSHALL
      (nervously putting
       napkin on his lap)
So Justin, surprise! I didn't
expect to hear from you so soon,
and I don't just mean early
(laughs nervously)

JUSTIN
(confidently)
Yah, sorry about that. It's just,
I enjoyed meeting you yesterday,
and, so I hope you don't mind?

MARSHALL
(accepting)
No, not at all. If anything, I
should be grateful. Besides being
a beautiful sunny morning, I get
the pleasure of breakfast with a
good looking young man!

JUSTIN
(bashfully)
Well thanks, and I with a hot
looking man.

Waitress appears at the table, pours water in water glasses
and hands the two men each a menu.

            MARSHALL
      (hands back menu
       to waitress)
That's fine I'll have the
breakfast special with egg's sunny
side up and coffee please...

Waitress writes down order and turns to Justin

JUSTIN
(accepting)
I'll have the same but eggs
scrambled please and yes, coffee
would be great
(looks at Marshall and smiles)

Waitress smiles and leaves with menus

FADE OUT

INT: BRAD'S APARTMENT - SAME TIME

Brad is calling Marshall's cellphone to see where he is at
and if he'd mind to help cleanup from the party. Marshall
doesn't answer so Brad leaves a message on Marshall's voice
mail

BRAD
(bit annoyed)
Hi Buddy, I was hoping you might
be willing to come over and help
me clean up this mess. Who know
those dizzy queens from last night
could be such slobs.. and it's
supposed to be MY birthday..go
figure! Anyway if you could it'd
be much appreciated..luv you -
call me or just show up..where are
you anyways???? (hangs up with
curious look on his face)

FADE IN

RETURN SCENE TO MARSHALL AND JUSTIN JUST FINISHING BREAKFAST

Marshall and Justin exit the Cafe patio and pause on the
street carrying on their conversation

MARSHALL
(shyly questioning)
So Justin, that was great. So,
what's up for the rest of this
glorious day?
(cellphone rings but he lets it go
to voicemail)

            JUSTIN
      (non-committal)
Well, not really sure. I promised
Angie I'd help get her new
apartment organized. (laughing)
The price I have to pay to get
your number out of her.

I promised I'd do anything she
asked
to get it. But it's been well
worth it!

(appreciative)

            (MORE)

JUSTIN (cont'd)
I hope I'm not being too forward?

Justin reaches forward to embrace Marshall taking him a bit
by surprise. While there Justin gives him a slight kiss on
the cheek before pulling away

            JUSTIN
      (sheepishly
       hesitant)
So, can we see each other again?
I'd really like to if you do?

            MARSHALL
      (trying to hide
       enthusiasm)
Great! Yah, I'd like that,
anytime. Give me a call and we can
set something up.

Justin turns to walk away, pauses, then turns back, facing
Marshall, slight hesitation, gives a quick kiss on the lips,
pauses, looks into Marshall's eyes for a reaction, turns and
walks away smiling. Marshall, a bit dumbfounded sheepishly
waves goodbye, watches Justin walk away. Takes his cellphone
out to check his voice mail as he walks away.

CUT

INT. BRAD'S APARTMENT – MESSY CLUTTER – LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

Brad and Marshall in process of clearing litter from living
room still cluttered with empty bottles, plastic cups and
other post party litter.

BRAD
(appreciative)
Thanks Marshall for showing up. I
can't believe the mess just ten
people can create after just a few
drinks. I mean look at this place…

(scans the messy apartment)

            MARSHALL
      (poking through
       the clutter)
Not a problem Brad, the least I
can do since we couldn't do it at
my place

10.

BRAD
(interrupts)
Right, I know, the renovations.
When's that shit gonna be
finished?

MARSHALL
(shaking his head)
Yah, I know, seems it's been going
on forever but look, I need to
talk to you about that kid Justin,
he..

BRAD
(interrupts)
What? Don't tell me, not already?
You just met the kid last night
and there's already drama?

(continues cleaning, shakes his
head)

MARSHALL
(perplexed)
Well no! There is no DRAMA. It's
just that I really don't know how
to react to him.

BRAD
(questioning)
What do you mean, he is coming on
to you I'd say go for it! It
isn't every day a hot young guy is
gonna want to jump those old bones
(laughs)

MARSHALL
(sarcastic)
Ha, ha, ha.. have your laugh. No,
really it's more than that. Look,
we met for breakfast this morning
– his idea not mine. Well, when
we're saying our good-byes sort of
thing; he up and kissed me on the
lips..

BRAD
(slightly jealous)
So! What's the big deal? The kid
obviously likes you.

11.

MARSHALL
(questioning)
Well it's just that; when he
kissed me, something about it
seemed kinda of strange.

BRAD
(questioning)
What? It has nothing to do with
his being part Black is it? I
mean...

            MARSHALL
      (annoyed at the
       suggestion)
No, obviously not! Nothing like
that. No it was almost like I had
been kissed by my brother or
something, I don't know..

BRAD
(authoritative)
What then? Get a grip man, you've
just been on your own for a little
too long and you're scared. Maybe
you just have to take the lead and
slow him down a bit. I know if it
were me, he'd be knowing the
colour of my bed-sheets by now.

MARSHALL
(flustered)
Again, very funny. Well, whatever
it is I know there is something
odd about this whole thing.

BRAD
(supportive)
Bottom line: do you like him? And
if you do I'd say; just go with it
and see what happens. After all he
is just twenty-four and you could
just be the sex d'jour

MARSHALL
(sarcastically)
Thanks! You've been a great help..
Bastard!

CUT

TWO WEEKS LATER....

12.

INT. MARSHALL'S RENOVATED LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Marshall in the process of unpacking boxes of things in his
newly renovated living room when the his cellphone rings

MARSHALL
(answers cellphone)
Hello...

JUSTIN
(anxious)
Hi Marshall, what are you doing
tonight?

MARSHALL
(quick)
Hi Justin, yah, well I'm just in
the middle of unpacking...

            JUSTIN
      (slightly
       apologetic)
Oh, sorry.. it's just that I was
hoping you might be able to come
over later tonight

MARSHALL
(flustered)
Justin, we were just out last
night?

JUSTIN
(teasing)
I know but I've got a bit of a
surprise for you.. And no it's not
that… (sexy, mischievous laugh)

MARSHALL
(coyly expectant)
Justin... what you up to??

JUSTIN
(bit disappointed)
Ok, then tomorrow night! Be here
for 8 sharp. Promise??

            MARSHALL
      (shaking his head
       in disbelief)
Ok, fine. Yes,promise.

(hangs up still shaking his head
in disbelief)

13.

CUT

NEXT DAY:

INT. JUSTIN'S APARTMENT HALL DOOR - EVENING

Marshall arrives at Justin's apartment to find an envelope
tacked to the door with his name on it. He opens the
envelope to find a note: " MARSHALL, surprise: the door's
unlocked, come in, follow the arrows Love Justin"

Marshall opens the apartment door only to find post-its
stuck to the wall. Each note has a cute salutation in a red
heart. Marshall pulls each from the wall as he follows the
trail eventually leading to Justin's bedroom

JUSTIN'S BEDROOM DOOR IS SLIGHTLY AJAR

Marshall cautiously pushes open the door to a dark but
candle-lit room, just light enough to see Justin laying
naked on the bed.

JUSTIN
(soft and sexy)
SURPRISE! Now come here you big
hunk of man

Marshall moves toward the bed while taking off his clothes
and for the first time, joins Justin; the two passionately
embrace..

A SHORT-TIME LATER

Marshall and Justin naked, making out but Marshall visibly
having difficulty and after a while rolls away from Justin

            MARSHALL
      (troubled,
       flustered)
Justin, stop for a minute, wait..

JUSTIN
(confused)
What, what's the problem Marshall?
Is it too soon? I know you wanted
to hold off but,

MARSHALL
(apologetic)
No, no, it's not that, truth: I
don't know, something else. Give
me a minute….

14.

JUSTIN
(questioning)
It's not because I'm black is it.
You've never been with a black guy
before right? Is that it??

MARSHALL
(adamant)
Of course not, don't be silly,
it's nothing like that No, no,
it's not that, truth: I don't
know, something else. Give me a
minute….

Marshall pulls a bed sheet around his waist and goes out the
bedroom. Justin sitting up in the bed, looks confused and
left wondering what was wrong. Marshall exits bedroom and
walks to the living room. As he passes a bookshelf he sees a
picture of a women. Taking a closer look, the women seems
strangely familiar to him. Taking the picture back to the
bedroom.

            MARSHALL
      (inquisitively,
       holding the
       picture up)
Justin, who is this picture of?

JUSTIN
(confused)
That's my mother, she's living in
Winnipeg, why?

MARSHALL
(curious)
But she looks too young to be your
mother

JUSTIN
(still confused)
No, that's my mom's college
graduation picture. She's much
older now. But, why? What does she
have to do with how you're acting
all strange like??

            MARSHALL
      (increasingly
       anxious)
What's your mother's name?

15.

JUSTIN
(still confused)
Rachel. Why? Marshall what's goin
on? Tell me

Marshall does not reply, places picture on night-table, puts
on his clothes and abruptly leaves. Justin jumps out of bed
chasing after Marshall to the front door

            JUSTIN
      (pleading, naked,
       running)
Marshall? What's going on, what
did I do?
      (naked, crying,
       stands at hallway
       door watches
       Marshall leave.)

CUT

INT. MARSHALL'S CLUTTERED STORAGE CLOSET - LATER

Marshall rummages through old boxes, pulls out an old
picture album dated 1990-95. Scouring through pages – comes
to a picture of him and the beautiful, young black girl he
met during a business trip to Winnipeg. Peeling the picture
from the album he then turns the picture over to see
written: Me & Rachel – Winnipeg – 1991'

MARSHALL
(crying)
SHIT! Shit, shit, shit…

(slams the album shut)

CUT

NEXT DAY:

INT. SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD GAY BAR - EVENING

Marshall standing next to the bar commiserating over a drink
while waiting for Brad to join him

MOMENTS LATER:

BRAD shows up and take place next to Marshall at the bar

16.

MARSHALL
(thankful)
Ha Brad, thanks for coming, what
can I get you?

BRAD
(supportive)
A friend in need. And let me
guess.. A Heineken...

Marshall orders two Heineken from the bar tender

            BRAD
      (continues
       sarcastically)
... tell me it's nothing to do
with Justin

Bar tender drops two beers, Marshall and Brad clink beers in
their familiar manner before continuing..

            MARSHALL
      (frustrated)
ok..Cut it out, shut-up, and just
listen: without going into all the
sorted details, I think I know
what's holding me back with Justin
      (pauses, gazing
       forward)
He is my son!

BRAD
(shocked reaction)
What! What the fuck are you
saying? How do you know this? He
is also Black! How could you have
a Son who is obviously of Black
parents?

Marshall pulls picture from pocket, throwing on the bar in
front of Brad

            BRAD
      (picks up the
       picture)
Wow, you were pretty good looking
back then, what happened?
(laughs)So, who is the women?

            MARSHALL
      (sullen)
The girl in the picture is
Justin's mother – Rachel, the same
Rachel I had sex with while on a
            (MORE)

17.

MARSHALL (cont'd)
business trip to Winnipeg back in
the early nineties.

BRAD
(perplexed)
Holy shit man, fuck! Are you
certain? How could that be? I mean
what the fuck are the chances?
Besides you're GAY!

            MARSHALL
      (remorseful,
       perplexed)
Beats the fuck out of me! But I
guess I'm just gonna have to find
out!

Both Marshall and Brad contemplate the situation in silence

CUT

NEXT DAY:

INT. MARSHALL'S APARTMENT - COMPUTER ROOM - EVENING

Marshall doing a facebook search on laptop Rachel Dawson,
Winnipeg, Man.'. Rachel Dawson profile picture same as
Justin's picture. Makes a phone call

MARSHALL
(nervous tone)
Hello, is this Rachel Dawson?
(pauses)

RACHEL
(voice over phone)
Yes, whose calling? Hello..

            MARSHALL
      (hesitant, voice
       cracking)
Hello Rachel (pause) I don't know
if you'd remember me but, back
(pausing) god, years ago
we met, there in Winnipeg. It's me
(pause) Marshall, Marshall Hewitt.
Do you recall?

            RACHEL
      (unusually calm
       pause)
Marshall? (pause) How could I
            (MORE)

18.

RACHEL (cont'd)
forget? (pause) (questioning)
But why, why now, after what:
twenty or more years ago?

            MARSHALL
      (hesitant, voice
       cracking)
Well Rachel, it's hard to explain
over the phone but,(pause)I need
to talk to you about something
important (pause) and, and if you
don't mind, I'd like to come to
Winnipeg.

MARSHALL
(confused)
You? Winnipeg? Marshall, what
could be so important that you'd
have to come all the way here?
Please, Marshall what is it you
want?

MARSHALL
(nervous, reserved)
Well I guess (pauses)let me just
say it has to do with us, back
then, that night, we met and…,
well, you know, we had sex and..

RACHEL
(sullen, whispered)
I see, I see. (pauses) So when?

MARSHALL
(relieved, excited)
The next possible flight. Don't
worry I will call you when I
arrive and we can set up a time a
place to meet. If that sounds
alright with you? (pauses)

RACHEL
(resigned)
I guess. Let me know. (click of
phone hanging up)

CUT

TWO DAYS LATER:

19.

INT. WINNIPEG - SMALL DINER - RESTAURANT BOOTH - AFTERNOON

Marshall anxiously awaits Rachel whom, to recognize has only
his and Justin's picture of when Rachel graduated college
some year prior. Rachel enters the Diner, Marshall
surprisingly, instantly recognizes her, greets her by
getting from the booth and embraces her without saying
anything first, a friendly kiss on the cheek. They both sit
across from each other - nervously…

MARSHALL
(nervous smile)
So good.. (takes her outstretched,
cupped hands)

RACHEL
(nervous smile)
You too... how...?(smiles shyly)

MARSHALL
(growing anxious)
Sorry Rach…, as you can guess I'm
pretty nervous..

            RACHEL
      (calming,
       reassuring)
Relax (pauses) I'm a mess inside
too.. After so many years (pauses)
your call, it conjured up thoughts
I'd thought long forgotten. So…

MARSHALL
(slightly relieved)
Right? So. So, yah well, where to
start.. Let's see, Justin! Yah,
Justin, why don't we start there?

            RACHEL
      (surprised,
       confused)
Justin? (pause) What, what do you
know of Justin, my son? (hesitant)

MARSHALL
(stifling anger)
Don't you mean OUR son? (pauses)
OUR son! You? Me? That night?
(pauses) The night we had sex.
(long pause)
Why didn't you tell me you
became pregnant, had a boy, MY
boy!

20.

Rachel growing increasingly distressed and tearful as she
listens to Marshall's outcry

            RACHEL
      (outwardly
       disturbed)
What are you saying? (pauses) How
do you know this? How do you come
to know Justin? (tearful pleading)

MARSHALL
(cathartic)
We. He. (pauses)We met at a
friends birthday party. (pauses)
My best friend Brad.(reflective)It
was his 50th birthday and it seems
Justin knows a mutual friend of
Brad's. That's when I first met
him...(sullen)

            RACHEL
      (confused,
       questioning)
So, so you met Justin there? But,
how did you come to find out
(pauses)think, that he was my son
(pauses) Your son?

MARSHALL
(reserved)
Well, first, what you don't know
Rachel (hesitates)after us
(pauses)I came out; I'm Gay.

Rachel lets out a quiet, sardonic quip of laughter

            MARSHALL
      (questioning, hurt)
What are you smirking at?
(spiteful) And so is your son!
There, smirk at that! Yah! Your
son, OUR son. Is Gay! And, and
he,he's in love with me (pauses)
his father though he doesn't know
it (pauses) Yet!
      (sullen, sad,
       reclining)
There! Have your little laugh.

            RACHEL
      (quietly crying)
I'm sorry Marshall (gestures out)
How, why, what are you saying?
First, I know Justin is Gay and,
            (MORE)

21.

            RACHEL (cont'd)
(slight laugh)I, after we met,
thought you might be too.
      (hesitates for
       reaction)
Frankly, that is why back then I
saw no point in contacting you, to
let you know I was pregnant with
Justin.
      (remorseful,
       introspective)
Too, the fact that I was Black
(pauses) well you know on top of
everything, I thought it just best
to say nothing and raise Justin on
my own.(pauses) I know that's hard
to understand and now, looking
back, maybe, was selfish of me,
but..

MARSHALL
(regretful)
What?! Why??

            RACHEL
      (calm, explanation)
I thought then you might be Gay.
That you wouldn't want the burden
of knowing.
      (sad, apologetic,
       questioning)
I'm sorry! I guess I have been
wrong. But, you say Justin is
in-love with you. How? You and
Justin?

MARSHALL
(calm, explanation)
Well, as you can imagine, when I
first met him I had no idea of any
of this.(pauses)He was just this
good looking boy, young man,friend
of friend and, well we got to meet
and things kind of happened.
(subtle guilt)

RACHEL
(concerned)
You've slept with…

            MARSHALL
      (interrupt, slight
       disgust)
No! No! We, he, well, it seemed we
            (MORE)

22.

MARSHALL (cont'd)
had immediate chemistry. I mean as
much as I was attracted to him I
knew, I knew something was not
right about it. I had no idea it
would be something like this...

            RACHEL
      (calmly
       inquisitive)
So, when did you realize, think he
was my son, our son?

            MARSHALL
      (pondering,
       introspective)
I saw your picture, at his
apartment.He planned a
surprise.(hesitates) It was to be
our first time. (pauses) I
couldn't. He had your picture on a
shelf. I wasn't sure
it was you 'til I asked your name.
I found the picture we took that
night. (pauses) Though it seemed
to be, I had to call you,just to
make sure.

RACHEL
(quiet, apologetic)
I guess I owe you an apology

MARSHALL
(tearfully glib)
Big time!

Marshall and Rachel reach out over the table, cupping hands
stare into each others eyes with mutual understanding and
sadness

CUT

A WEEK LATER:

INT. BRAD'S APARTMENT-LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

Marshall is telling Brad of his experience with Rachel. Brad
is sitting on the couch,drink in hand while Marshall sits
across from him, drink from a bottle of beer.

23.

            BRAD
      (anxious,
       inquisitive)
So, how did it go with her;
Rachel?
Is it true? Is he your son?

MARSHALL
(resigned)
Yaup! Seems it's true! Justin's my
boy!

BRAD
(sarcastically)
Ho-ly Shit! Marshall – a dad and
with his little…

            MARSHALL
      (interrupt,
       slightly angered)
Don't! Don't you. It's bad enough
without you mocking the situation.
You think I want this? You don't
know the half of it!

            BRAD
      (remorseful,
       apologetic)
Sorry man. It just seems like out
of the Movies. (pauses) So what
are you gonna do? Are you going to
tell him?

            MARSHALL
      (explaining)
Well therein lies the rub.(pauses)
Rachel filled me in on what Justin
was like without a
father.(thoughtful) She never
spoke of it but Justin always
questioned it. He grew to resent
and bad-mouth even the idea of a
father. She knew
it was his way to deal with the
emptiness. On top of my being his
absent father, I am also White!
      (pensive pause)
But, regardless, I'm gonna have to
face up to it all, to tell him,
either way.

24.

BRAD
(sullen)
Yah. I guess your right. Sorry!

Both sit quiet and contemplative of the situation -

CUT

INT. MARSHALL'S LIVING ROOM - LATER

Marshall sits hesitant on the couch contemplating how he is
going to deal with Justin. Taking up his cellphone he calls
Justin

JUSTIN
(answers cellphone)
Marshall, hay, good to hear you.
How was your trip? Did you get
your work done?

MARSHALL
(anxious)
Hi, Justin, yah, no problem. The
trip went well. Hay, look what are
you doing tonight?

JUSTIN
(jokingly)
Hmm, let me see I think I have
a date with a hot man… hold on, oh
yah, I'm Talking to him now!
Hello… (laughs)

MARSHALL
(impatient, abrupt)
Ha, ha, ha, very funny. Well look
then; let's meet up at Dunk'ns,
say seven? Good?

            JUSTIN
      (surprised,
       curious)
Sure seven, good but, what's up?
You
sound a bit upset. Is everything
alright?

MARSHALL
(consoling, abrupt)
Yah, fine, no problem – see you at
seven

25.

Marshall ends the call, starring out, contemplating what is
to come and how he hopes to deal with telling Justin

CUT

INT. DUNK'N CAFE - PRIVATE BOOTH - EVENING

NO DIALOG IN THIS SCENE - VISUAL COMMUNICATION OF EVENTS

OVERLAY MUSIC: FAKING THE BOOKS BY LALI PUNA

Marshall and Justin sit in a quiet section of the Cafe' in a
private booth. As Marshall explains the situation Justin
becomes increasingly upset by what is said. The more
Marshall details, the more angry and upset Justin becomes.
Crying and angry Justin physically lashes out at Marshall
and storms out not looking back. Marshall, embarrassed,
remains. Other patrons looking toward the booth and
commotion.

CUT

ONE WEEK LATER:

INT. JUSTIN'S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON

Marshall arranged for Rachel to come to Toronto to help
resolve the situation with Justin. Although Justin had
talked to Rachel about Marshall, he does not know she would
be arriving that day.

There is a knock at the door... Justin goes to answer it..

JUSTIN
(surprised)
Mom! Holy shit, oops sorry but,
what are you doing here?! Why
didn't you tell me you were
coming?

Rachel hands Justin her suitcase and walks in, into the
living room while taking off her coat

            RACHEL
      (matter of
       factually)
Well I think you know the answer

JUSTIN
(angry)
MARSHALL!!

26.

RACHEL
(sternly, motherly)
Yes, Marshall – YOUR father!
Whether you like it or not. In a
way this is really all my fault; I
should have told you about him
long ago but, frankly, never in my
wildest dreams would I have
thought all this to happen. But,
it has and now it's my time to set
things straight (slight laugh) no
pun intended

MOMENTS LATER: KNOCK AT DOOR

Justin opens the door to find Marshall waiting, both return
to living room where Rachel greets Marshall with a hug and
both turn to Justin who is looking a bit perplexed by it
all. Then all three have a group hug

FADE OUT TO CLOSE

CLOSING VIDEO MONTAGE:

MUSIC OVERLAY: MUSIC '95 AKA MAKE THINGS RIGHT LEMON JELLY

Series of short clips reflecting the aftermath of the
reunion between Rachel, Justin and his new and accepted
father Marshall. Then enters Brad who has always had his
sights on Justin and is now striking up a friendship. All
live happily ever after

THE END - PRODUCTION CREDITS

FADE OUT.

THIS SCREENPLAY MAY NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED

WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

FADE OUT.

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