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Mama - A Short Film
by Sarah Kovacs

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: ****
In the world of prostitutes, heroin addicts and men who don't care anymore, we see one woman's day unfold as she finds out how one day can really change everything.


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



MAMA - A SHORT FILM

INT. STELLA'S APARTMENT - MORNING
                                                            
The background music begins to play, at a loud enough volume
for the audience to hear ('Sick Boy' By Darnell Smith) The
words 'This is us' rings out. It goes until 1.11. We open on
a woman who opens her eyes as she takes a deep breath. Her
eyes are tired, cold, scared and confused. Her face is
filled with scratches and bruises, blood stains around her
thin nostrils and in the corner of her lips. We pan back
slowly, the camera following the important nuances of her
body. She's laying in bed, her body looking bruised and
scarred. She's thin. Sickly thin, with her skin so pale, you
can tell by looking at her that her skin is like ice. Her
skin is a porcelain white, like a doll from a shelf in an
antique store. Her face and hands are translucent, and the
veins on the back of her hands and along her arms, neck and
fingers, peer through her skin like the uninvited Romeo to
the Capulet party. The long grey shirt she wears is high in
contrast to the crimson stained sheets that she rests on.
The blood on the sheets is not fresh nor old, but an
unhealthy mix of both, and the room around the woman is
small. Her hair is a mess, some of her straw blond hair
drawn up in a bun, but some falling about; like she had been
in a fight with a tiger, and she scratches the back of her
neck as her other sickly hand reaches up to brush sweat from
her forehead. This is STELLA EVANS, our protagonist. She
swings her legs across to the edge of the bed and smiles as
she glances to a picture of a small girl, maybe three years
old. She opens the drawer next to her and pulls out a small
bloodied cloth, and wraps it gently around her bruised neck.
Closing the drawer, she stands up, walking herself over to
the window, the room filling with light as she opens the
blinds then continues to push up the window. Stella lets out
a small, satisfied sigh and steps out onto the fire escape,
the world around her filling with noise. She takes a deep
breath, and the voice over begins.
                                                            
Shaking her head softly, she reaches out to a plant and
takes one of the dead leaves in her hands. She studies it
for a moment,then encloses her hand around it, momentarily
then drops the now disintegrated leaf to the ground. Her
interest in the leaf diminishes as she notices a young woman
being pulled into the alley by a taller man who yells at her
in curses. The woman attempts to cry out, but there is no
use. Her vocal cords have been damaged by years of drugs,
abuse and torment. This woman is CLAIRE, a close friend of
Stella's. He glances both ways, his actions cynical and
evasive, and wretches her forward, with a snap that makes
Stella's bone ache. Stella watches intently, but shuts her
eyes as she watches the horrors unfold below.
                                                            

2.

                       STELLA (V.O.)
Mama, I'm in London now. It's
colder than you'd imagine. It
rains almost everyday. I think
I'll learn to like it here.
Remember I told you about those
men with the accents? Not as kind
as you'd think. Mama, you told me
I'd have a good life here with
him, better than whatever you
could give me. But the only time I
ever see him is when I'm working
and he wants his money. He comes
to the door and bangs on it until
he believes I'm not home.
                                                            
Stella quickly rushes inside, knowing if they cornered her
friend, they'd surely be looking into her afterwards. She
pulls out the drawers in a panic, the contents flying out as
soon as she touches them, sending bloodied wraps and
bandages across the room. She searches in a frantic manner
and her breathing becomes heavy as she knocks over lamps,
mugs and plates. She rushes to the bathroom, searching for
any money she could find. Rummaging through the cabinet, we
catch glimpses of children's tylonel, a small pacifier,
orange pill bottles from the pharmacy, and a seemingly
unscathed rubber ducky. She runs to through the small
apartment to the spare room, which contains only a white
dresser with red stains all over. She rips open a drawer and
sees some money and grabs it, counting out twenty five
hundred pounds in bills. The music stops suddenly when the
money is revealed.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Twenty... Forty... One hundred...
One fifty... Two fifty-
                                                            
Her mumbling and terrified chatter is hushed by the sound of
a knock coming from the door. The music hushes and she
stands, her body froze and unable to move. She grabs the
money, runs to her front door and slides it under the door,
stepping back quickly. Every bit of her body shakes and
shudders in fear of who's on the other side of the door. Her
breathing is one of the only things heard.
                                                            
                       STELLA (Crying)
There! That's it, twenty-five
hundred just like you wanted!
                                                            
She clamps a hand over her mouth to hide her terrified
cries, her eyes filled with fear. She presses her body
against the door, pushing. There is some shuffling outside
the door, and she backs up, her steps hard and sudden. We

3.

can hear the door handle being played with. She stumbles
back and her back hits a wall, and she takes in a sharp
breath. But the door opens and the small child from the
photo runs in, followed by a taller, attractive man who
picks up the money from the ground and looks at Stella, his
eyes disappointed.
                                                            
                       EMA
Mama!
                                                            
The child is only three years old and has blonde hair just
like her mothers. Stella looks up at the child, whose arms
reach out for her mother. EMA is a healthy looking child,
little baby fat still around her arms, but she is so
innocent that nothing she could do would ever be wrong. An
angelic child. Stella looks up at the man behind and lets
out a soft smile, then looks back at her daughter, Ema,
embracing her tightly, closing her eyes in the embrace, the
comfort flooding over her. She stands and holds her daughter
close in her arms.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Honey Bun, what're you doing here?
You've got daycare. Did you get
hurt? What happened?
                                                            
Stella checks over her child carefully, her eyes filled with
concern. She starts to say something to the attractive man,
but she can't manage the words out before her daughter
giggles.
                                                            
                       EMA
Mama, did you forget? It's my
birthday!
                                                            
                       STELLA
Oh - uh - Of course, how could I
forget? But your party isn't until
tonight, baby.
                                                            
                       NICK (Stepping through the door)
She kept talking about coming here
for her birthday party here with
us tonight. She's been so excited,
she wouldn't stop talking about
it. She refused and then threw a
fit if she didn't see you before
daycare.
                                                            
                       STELLA
You said that wasn't a good idea
last time.
                                                            

4.

                       NICK
It still isn't, but a daughter
needs her mother.
                                                            
The word's hit hard against Stella, and Nick knows it. She
gives him a pitiful look, and Nick raises a brow, knwoing
what he said hurt, but still had to be said. Nick pauses
before he continues. He touches Stella's forehead softly at
a bloody patch and then slowly traces his finger along her
face down towards her jaw, which is bloody and disfigured.
The same goes for her nose.Her skin is cold and this is
concerning for Nick. She winces at his touch and sends him
an ice cold glare.
                                                            
                       NICK (Quieter)
I thought you said you were going
to straighten your life up for
Ema's sake?
                                                            
Stella says nothing and kisses Ema's forehead quickly,
smiling. Ema seems very content, then her face goes into the
infamous sad child look; her lip extended and pouted plumply
with little sad eyes.
                                                            
                       EMA
Why are you sad, Mama? Did you get
hurt by the bad guys again? Daddy
told me you were a superhero who
fights crime so you can keep me
safe, but I can't tell anyone!
                                                            
Nick crosses his arms with his typical stone cold look, but
his eyes gaze over to the two girls, his eyes full of care
and hope. Stella looks over at Nick, smiling softly, and
looks back at her baby. Ema would never know what hell her
mother really went through everyday and if this is what she
needed to think so she could still love her mother, then
that would have to be the truth.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Um... Yes, babygirl. They wanted
to get to you and I made sure I
was going to keep you safe. They
always want something out of the
pretty girls like us.
                                                            
                       EMA
But my Mama's the prettiest and my
Daddy is the strongest, so no one
will ever hurt me, right Mama?
                                                            
Nick takes a few steps closer and places a hand on Stella's
shoulder, nodding softly.
                                                            

5.

                       NICK
Nobody is going to hurt you,
pumpkin. Mama and I love you very
much. But, I think there are some
cookies awaiting you in the
kitchen.
                                                            
Nick winks at his daughter, his face hiding the terrible
fear he has for his daughter's future. Ema's face lights up
and she bounds to the kitchen nods quickly as Stella puts
her down on the ground, watching her daughter scurry off to
the kitchen. Stella closes her and Nick takes her chin
softly in his hand, turning her to look at him. She opens
his eyes and he looks at her, concern filing his face.
                                                            
                       NICK
It's going to kill you.
                                                            
                       STELLA (With a smirk, almost smartly)
Not if he kills me first.
                                                            
                       NICK
You're sicker than you've ever
been! You have a daughter, Stella.
Ema needs a mother.
                                                            
                       STELLA
And her mother's a whore,
remember? How else do you expect
me to get money for my daughter.
Ema's all I've got to care for
since you left and took her along
with you.
                                                            
                       NICK
      (Holding up the
       money)
Slipping twnety-five hundred
pounds under the door for him
isn't the way you're going to give
Ema the life she deserves. You
were a danger to her and yourself,
I couldn't subject her to such a
cruel life.
                                                            
Stella pauses and takes his hand quickly, guiding him to the
spare room and opens the drawer cautiously, exposing at
least five hundred pounds. Nick's face goes blank and Stella
bites her lip gently as her eyes well up with tears.
                                                            
                       STELLA
I made sure I had enough for Ema.
She's my everything, Nick. You
used to be too, but like you said,
            (MORE)

6.

                       STELLA (cont'd)
this life kills everything it
touches. Including little girls
hope and ideas of love and
happiness.
                                                            
Pulling Stella into a hug, Nick lets out a small sigh and
Stella almost lets herself get comfortable in his arms
again, but she suddenly winces at his touch once again. She
pulls away from him as we hear Ema squealing from the
kitchen.
                                                            
                       NICK
You need to get this stitched up
before tonight. It is your
daughter's birthday after all. I'm
getting the cake. Go down the
street East for six blocks and
you'll-
                                                            
                       STELLA
Get to the hospital, I know. I
will. Ema's turning four, I won't
just leave her like that. I'm not
going to follow my mother in dying
on her daughter's birthday, I
promise. She'll have a mother.
                                                            
As Ema squeals again from the kitchen, obviously getting
herself into the cookie jar, Stella lets out a soft smile,
and Nick chuckles, and for a moment, they forget how dire
their situation is. He pulls Stella into another embrace and
kisses the top of her head.
                                                            
                       NICK
We'll be a family again. Your life
will be what we always dreamt of;
a small house on a hill, Ema
growing up with an apple tree to
keep her safe, stars to keep us
company at night. Everything we
wanted.
                                                            
Stella closes her eyes and we switch to an image of what
they imagine their life to be. We see a house on a hill, a
small girl playing on a swing from a tree and she lets out a
laugh. The screen is in almost a haze, a dream sequence. We
see the back of a couple near the house, and the couple
embraces. The man calls out for his daughter and she rushes
up from swing and the father picks her up quickly. The
family looks whole and happy.


7.

Stella opens her eyes again, tears scattering her face. She
quickly wipes it away, and looks up at Nick.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Give me a year. I promise. I'm
going to make the perfect life for
Ema.
                                                            
                       NICK
I know you will, Stella. I know
you will.
                                                            
                       EMA
Mama! Daddy! Come here! The birdy
is singing happy birthday to me!
                                                            
The two adults walk to the kitchen and see Ema sitting on
the ground by the open window where there is a nest sitting
on the near by branch. Ema giggles happily and we pan around
the scene as Stella's voice over begins again.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
Mama, I wish I could tell you
that's how things would really go.
Who I am, and who I want to be are
two different people. My idenetity
is tainted with a sour facade and
I'm the only one buying into it.
                                                            
 
INT. STELLA'S APARTMENT - LATER
                                                            
The door closes and we see STELLA just standing with her
back against the door and locking it quickly. She turns and
looks back at her now empty apartment. She lets out a sigh
and goes to the washroom, turning the light on to reveal her
bloody and bruised face. Quiet, sad music plays in the
background ('What Is Love' Keisza) and she touches the spots
on her face that looked the most damaged. Her eyes fill with
tears and she slams her fist on the counter and lets out an
anguished filled cry. Pulling her face up to look in the
mirror again, she winces. She touches her face in the
mirror, not fully recognizing how damaged she really is.
Running her hand down to the tap, she turns it on grabs a
towel and wets it, and touches her face with it, wincing a
grimacing as she does so, attempting to clean the blood on
her face away. But to her dismay, it doesn't clear up. She
drops it and runs her hands along her face and hair in
distress while she lets out a real heartbroken sob. All
while this is happening, the following voice over comes on.
                                                            

8.

                       STELLA (V.O.)
Mama, you said love lasts. You
said one day I would be the
prefect mother one day, Mama, you
said my life over here would be
perfect. But, Mama, where were you
to teach me how to do that? My
life's a mess. Mama, what about
Ema? What will she do if I don't
become what she needs? Nick can't
do it alone, Mama. What if I
choose the addiction over her? I
wish you hadn't. Tell me what to
do differently to move past this.
Tell me how to stay alive. Help me
choose better than you did. For
Nick's sake. For my daughter's
sake.
                                                            
 
INT. TRAUMA ROOM - AFTERNOON
                                                            
One final sob echoes through the screen as we cut to Stella
sitting on a hospital bed, her legs crossed and in a
hospital gown. Her face is still the same as before and she
holds her arms across her body, defensively. Her body is
tense and the room is possibly the most sterile thing she'd
ever seen in her life. Pristine white walls from floor to
ceiling, a fan in the corner and tools that she'd never seen
before scattered around the room. Stella sits on the bed,
not moving a muscle, almost as if if she did, everyone would
know her secrets. She takes a nervous, deep breath and a
doctor walks in. Stella quickly sits up straight and looks
to the doctor, her face unsure, but still attempting to be
strong.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (Looking at his
       clipboard)
Miss. Evans? Hello, I'm Doctor
Carters. What brings you in today?
                                                            
Stella says nothing and just looks at him with a dumbfounded
look. She slowly takes a hand and reaches up to the marks on
her face, grazing them gently with a soft touch. She can
feel his gaze on her and she avoid his eyes.
                                                            
                       STELLA
These.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Of course.
                                                            

9.

He says nothing more, taking the hint of silence and moves
his chair to Stella. He reaches behind her to a shelf where
rubbing alcohol is and he takes a cotton swab through it,
and cleans up the bloody patches.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Mind telling me how you got these?
                                                            
Stella's face goes white, like she's seen a ghost. The world
around her seems to grow cold, and she closes her eyes
remembering how it all went down earlier on that week. Her
chest tightens and her head begins to ache.
                                                            
 
INT. STELLA'S APPARTMENT - EVENING
                                                            
FLASHBACK
                                                            
The apartment is dark and Stella sits on her bed with the
woman who was seen dragged into the alley before. They both
look to be quite pale and distressed, but generally happy.
Their hair is a mess and they both have that sickly skinny
appearance to them. Claire, the woman with black hair and
sunken eyes, adjusts herself and laughs, pulling out a small
syringe from her purse. Stella lets out a laugh and grabs it
from her quickly, examining it carefully.
                                                            
                       CLAIRE
Your uncle's pretty good for a
lowlife dealer, you know. He gives
these out for free when you refer
people to him. Or if you let him
treat you for the evening.
                                                            
Claire lets out another laugh and Stella passes the syringe
back to her friend and shakes her head, laughing a little as
she did.
                                                            
                       STELLA
You let him take you out, and then
decided to tell me about the
disgusting evening? That's messed,
even for you, Claire.
                                                            
                       CLAIRE
I'll let him do whatever he want
if he's giving me this good, pure
stuff.
                                                            
                       STELLA (Chuckling)
At least you know who you are.
                                                            

10.

Claire lets out another laugh and holds up a couple small
bags of white substance. Stella raises an eyebrow and laughs
and pushes Claire's shoulder jokingly, and Claire falls
backwards onto the bed while Stella lets out a small sigh,
taking a cigarette from the back on the side of the bed,
lighting it up quickly. Stella and Claire have been friends
for years, meeting when she first came to this part of the
world. Claire was the go to girl when it came to knowing the
gossip on the street. She always knew everything.
                                                            
                       CLAIRE
It's a perfect opportunity. That's
how you become their favorite, you
know?
                                                            
                       STELLA (Taking a smoke)
I'm not going to sleep with my
uncle, if that's what you're
implying.
                                                            
                       CLAIRE
Not even for this godly stuff?
                                                            
                       STELLA (With a smirk)
Never. That's why I have you.
                                                            
Stella laughs again and pinches her friends cheek and the
two women hear a knock at the door. Their faces go cold and
they hush almost immediately. They look at each other,
terrified out of their minds and Stella slowly stands up,
handing the smoke to Claire. Walking to the door, her feet
making little to no noise, the knocks come louder and Stella
rushes back as the yelling begins. Stella looks back at
Claire and she whispers something to her.
                                                            
                       STELLA (Whispering)
It's him.
                                                            
                       EDWARD (Yelling)
I know you're in there, open up! I
want my money! You owe me.
                                                            
                       CLAIRE (Whispering)
Don't keep him waiting! Remember
what happened last time?
                                                            
                       STELLA (Whispering)
He almost found out about Ema!
                                                            
                       EDWARD (Yelling)
Come on, hurry up! I know you're
in there too, Claire!
                                                            

11.

                       STELLA (Whispering)
Get out! Go through the fire
escape! Go!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I want my money for the shit I
gave Claire. Now either you open
this fucking door, or I'll kill
you both.
                                                            
                       CLAIRE (Whispering)
No I'm not leaving-
                                                            
                       STELLA (Whispering)
Claire, go! I'm not giving you a
choice!
                                                            
And so, Claire dashes out the window, giving Stella one last
sympathetic look. Stella turns back to the door, where she
knows her uncle stands. She swallows hard and opens the
door, where her uncle darts in screaming as he holds a
butchers knife. He's obviously a little intoxicated, but not
enough to not know what he's doing. Stella pushes herself
out of the way and against the wall. Edward looks around the
room, then looks back at Stella, with a glare like ice.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You. You told her to leave, didn't
you?
                                                            
                       STELLA
Please, I didn't, she was never
here!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Of course she wasn't. She never
is, is she? Since she isn't here,
then you give me the money.
                                                            
Edward pushes Stella up against the wall, the blade to her
throat. She barely breathes and tears fill her eyes. Edward
laughs at his pitiful niece and pulls the blade away only
slightly, just so he can smack Stella so forcefully that she
land on the ground with a solid thud. He places a foot on
top of Stella and spits on the ground beside her.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Let me guess. You don't have the
money, do you? Ah, covering for
your little friend all the time
has its downfalls, now doesn't it.
                                                            

12.

                       STELLA
Please, I can explain, give me
time to get it to you.
                                                            
Stella shuffles back and Edward grabs her by the hair and
yanks her up. She lets out an agonizing scream, smashing her
against the wall, then dropping her as she lets out groan in
agony. He scoops her up in his arms, almost lovingly if you
didn't know their situation, and drops her beneath the
stove.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Please! I can get it to you by
tomorrow, I don't have all of what
she owes! You give her all the
business these days! Please, give
me a day!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
A day? You think I have a day?
Please, your dealer doesn't wait
for us like I've been waiting on
you. You used to be the best, what
happened to you?
                                                            
                       STELLA
Please, I'm sorry! I'll work
harder!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Isn't that what you said last
time? This time you need some
reminders when you look in that
mirror.
                                                            
With that, Edward glances around the room, trying to find
something to cause her harm when his eyes settle on a small
picture frame, coloured worse than most would. It's Ema's
gift to her, from last mother's day. It's a photo of Nick,
Ema and Stella, all happy and cheerful. He picks it up
gingerly and smirks.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
A daughter? I almost forgot about
the little baby whore. Didn't you
end up falling for the man too? A
bachelor party four years ago
right? Now, was he the best man,
or the groom? No, it was the best
man, you're not that much of a
bitch.
                                                            

13.

                       STELLA (Crying)
Please! They've done nothing!
Don't harm them.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Them? Why would I care about them?
I'll only care, if I don't get at
least half tonight and the rest
tomorrow. But until then, let me
remind you why we don't lie to
your family.
                                                            
Stella lets out another scream as we hear a bottle smash and
we shoot to the doctors office once again.
                                                            
                                         END OF FLASHBACK
                                                            
 
INT. TRAUMA ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
We are back in the doctors office, a close up on Stella's
face. There are tears streaming down her face, and a
stressful look is upon her. Stellla grimaces, and pulls a
fake, cheery smile.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Just a little trip down the
stairs. Oops, clumsy me.
                                                            
The doctor takes another look at the woman and begins
stitching her up, looking at the small stitches that can
still be faintly seen on her top lip. He raises an eyebrow
and glances into the woman's eyes, taking a step back.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
I've stitched you up before,
haven't I?
                                                            
Stella looks back at the doctor, startled at his knowledge.
But she lets out a small sigh and nods softly.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Once or twice. It's not him this
time, I promise.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
You all think doctors don't see
through those lies? Well, I can
only refer you to someone, I can't
force you to go, though.
                                                            
                       STELLA
I don't have the money.
                                                            

14.

                       DOCTOR
I'll personally pay for it. I've
got money, let me help you.
                                                            
Stella stands up quickly and nods then shakes her head. She
knows exactly what would happen if this all went through.
She'd be dead in a week, if that.
                                                            
                       STELLA (Begging)
I appreciate it, sir. I do. But
please, I can't. You need to know
this. Please.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (Standing)
Ma'am, let us help you.
                                                            
                       STELLA
You're not helping! You think you
are, but you're really not. This
is my life, this is who I am, I
can't change.
                                                            
Stella runs out the door and past the nurses station, where
the Doctor stands and whispers to one of the nurses to call
an officer to follow her.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Call Detective Duskin, we've got a
situation.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Sir?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Just do it.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
Mama, my fate is sealed. Who I'm
supposed to be for Ema is who I
will never be. I can not be a
mother.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - BUSY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Intense music begins ("California Dreamin'" Sia) Stella is
finally away from the hospital, her mind racing and her eyes
stinging with tears. She looks from street to street in a
panic. The street is busy, loud and frightening. People
shove past her, everyone not caring if they bump into her
really. A few men call out to her, all seeming to want a
piece of what she has to offer. She becomes uncomfortable,

15.

but the men don't seem to really care. MAN 1 is very creepy
and almost as foul as he smells. MAN 2 is an attractive
business man but you can tell what he's into and it's not
pleasant.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
Hello there, love. Care to come
show me how sweet you can be.
                                                            
Stella says nothing and Man 1 gets visibly upset.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
Look here, doll. I don't have
money, but I can show you a good
time. Be worth your while.
                                                            
                       STELLA
I'm sorry but I really must be
off.
                                                            
Man 1 grabs Stella's hand and she shoves him off as he tries
to pull her into an alley. She shrieks words like "Get off
of me" and "Let me go". Man 2 sees this and runs into the
street where this is happening, tearing the man off of
Stella and pulling her into a hug.
                                                            
                       MAN 2
How dare you touch my dear Elisa
like this! Be gone before I call
the police!
                                                            
Man 1 runs off and Man 2 looks down at the woman, and
smiles. Letting go of Stella, he lets out a smirk and
touches under her chin after she speaks.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Thank you, sir. You're quite good
at thinking on your feet. I don't
know how I could repay you-
                                                            
                       MAN 2
I can help you there. A man like
him would never be any good for
you, and well, as you can see, I'm
much more well suited to your
needs.
                                                            
                       STELLA
      (Stepping back)
Sir, please, I don't know what you
mean-
                                                            

16.

                       MAN 2
      (Getting angrier)
Oh please, you think I don't know
who you are? The black haired girl
already told me about your lives.
                                                            
Man 2 grabs at Stella and she runs back out into the street
trying to avoid the man who she had just met. After a
moment, she bumps into another man. This is DETECTIVE
DUSKIN, the one the doctor had called for earlier. He looks
at Stella, then looks behind at the man trying to get to
her, then looks back at her terrified face. He gives her a
small smile and nods, pulling out his badge from his pocket.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
I'm Detective Aaron Duskin, come
with me, I'll keep you safe. I
promise.
                                                            
Stella looks at the man skeptically. Her eyes narrow and he
lets out an agitated sigh and holds out his hand, looking
back at the man who seems to draw closer every moment.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Miss. Evans, if you don't come
with me now, no one might ever
hear from you again. Come on,
let's go.
                                                            
Stella finally nods and the two rush off down the street.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
I don't know who I am anymore.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE DEPARTMENT - LATER
                                                            
Walking inside, Stella and Duskin both make their way down
the hall, music continuing. Stella a few paces behind.
Stella gets a few awkward stares from people around her and
then she stops in her tracks. She knows what was happening.
She already looked uncomfortable but this just threw her
over the edge. Her chest gets tight, and her face is pale
again. Duskin turns over his shoulder to look at her and he
lets out a sigh, reaching back to take her hand again.
Stella's pale face goes a shade of red and slowly her
breathing begins to quicken. Her whole body tenses up and
she looks at Duskin with fear in her eyes.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Stella, listen, you're safe. We
just want to talk.
                                                            

17.

Stella shakes her head rapidly and big security men grab her
and help her sit down. A nice looking lady brings a glass of
water and places it down quickly, then gives off a look of
disgust. The detective squats a little down in front of her
and smiles up at her, taking one of her hands in his, he
seems almost convincingly genuine.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
It's alright. We just want to ask
some questions, so we can better
protect you in the future.
                                                            
                       STELLA
They're all staring.
                                                            
We pan around the room and people, whisper. The place is
filled with pale faced people, and those who look like
they're headed through withdrawl. It's painful to see.
Stella makes eye contact who looks on the brink of death.
The woman has a dead face and it's almost like looking in a
mirror. Finally their gaze breaks and she's looking back at
the detetive.
                                                            
                       STELLA
I'm not dangerous.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
People are scared of what they
don't understand.
                                                            
                       STELLA
They're scared what happened to me
could happen to them.
                                                            
The Detective looks up at the two men and nods to both of
them.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Let's get you to a private room
where we can ask you some
questions, alright?
                                                            
 
INT. AN OFFICE - THE DETECTIVE'S - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The music has hushed now, and the two are in silence. Stella
is seated in a nice chair in a fairly well groomed office,
and she glances around, estimating how much money it must've
taken to make things look so congruent. Duskin is pouring a
glass of water for her and then moves to his own. He then
sits in his chair across from her, behind the desk and he
pulls himself in quickly, before clearing his throat.
                                                            

18.

                       DUSKIN
So, Miss. Evans how-
                                                            
                       STELLA
How'd you know my name?
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
I'm sorry?
                                                            
                       STELLA
How the hell do you know my name?
I'm fairly certain I never told
you it.
                                                            
Duskin lets out an awkward chuckle, rubbing his neck then
running a hand through his hair. He leans back and smiles
softly.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
You don't miss anything, do you,
Stella?
                                                            
                       STELLA
I asked you a question.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
You really want to know?
                                                            
                       STELLA
I need to know.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Why?
                                                            
Stella gives him a look of, 'don't even ask', her eyes like
daggers piercing into her skin. Duskin backs off. He nods
slowly and shrugs.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Doctor Carters orders through
Nurse Carol.
                                                            
                       STELLA (Mumbled)
Bastards.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
May I continue?
      (STELLA nods)
How old are you, Miss Evans?
                                                            
                       STELLA
Twenty-three
                                                            

19.

                       DUSKIN
Is that so?
                                                            
                       STELLA
Why would I lie? If you don't
mind, this is a very important day
for my daughter and-
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Tell her happy birthday from us
then. Have you gotten her a card
yet, with all your running around
today?
                                                            
                       STELLA (Embarrassed)
How did you... No... I... I
haven't.
                                                            
Detective Dusking searches through his drawer and finally
pulls out a card with a cat on it. He nods at it and slides
it over the desk.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Here.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Thank you...
                                                            
Stella takes a pen from the cup on the desk and scribbles
down some words and she looks back up with a small smile.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
So, now that I've done something
for you, do something for you. Or
rather, answer something for me.
What's your line of work?
                                                            
                       STELLA
I'm not at liberty to say.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
I do hope you know we aren't here
to judge or take you in for
anything. As much as the others
think that you're a lowlife, I
don't believe it's true. You've
been playing the game with the
cards you've been dealt, just like
everyone else. You've just been
given a bloody awful hand this
round.
                                                            

20.

                       STELLA (Sneers)
Maybe it'll be better next time.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Who're you working for?
                                                            
Stella say nothing. The detective lets out a sigh and raises
an eyebrow.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
I'm not going to let him hurt you.
I promise.
                                                            
                       STELLA
You can't promise it.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Please, let us help you. We know
who it is. Edward Evans, right? Do
you know what he does to the rest
of the girls? I spoke to your
friend Claire a week ago, he beat
her in the streets this morning,
right? I was called to the crime
scene this morning. She didn't
have the money. He took the blade
slit her throat this morning. I
can't let him hurt you. He's
killed all the girls who don't
give him what he wants. You know
this, don't you?
                                                            
Stella's eyes begin to fill with tears and she covers her
mouth with her hand, holding back the heart breaking sobs.
We see a flashback of Claire and herself.
                                                            
 
EXT. STELLA'S APPARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
FLASHBACK
                                                            
We see Claire laughing at a table filled with other women,
taking a swing of her drink and then blowing out the cake
with a candle on it, while others sing happy birthday to
her. She laughs and grabs a piece and throws some across the
room at each of the women, each one disappearing once it
happens, leaving just Claire and Stella sitting on her bed
from the night Stella got hurt. As they both take a final
hit of the drugs, Stella looks up from her arm and suddenly
Claire is gone too.
                                                            
 

21.

INT. AN OFFICE - THE DETECTIVE'S - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Stella lets out a few tears and bites her lip hard, slamming
her eyes shut, not letting anything else come out.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Please, sir, I'm sorry, I can't
speak anymore.
                                                            
Duskin sighs and pulls open a drawer, taking a card with his
number on it out. Taking a pen, he underlines his number and
slides it back across the table.
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Use this. I'll be right here to
help you. You're not alone, we can
protect you.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Just like you did for Claire?
                                                            
The Detective says nothing and stands up quickly, opening
the door for Stella.
                                                            
                       STELLA
Wait, Detective.
                                                            
Duskin turns to look at her, his eyes and face sullen with
the reality.
                                                            
                       STELLA
If I go ahead and do something
stupid, can you make sure my
daughter and Nick are protected?
She's a little girl and I don't
want anything-
                                                            
                       DUSKIN
Yes. Stella, we've been watching
your daughter for months. She's in
good hands. And you, you are a
good mother. You're more than your
addiction.
                                                            
Stella smiles softly, a final tear falling down her face.
She places a hand on the door and walks out, not turning
back to look once. Once the door is closed, Duskin sits down
at his desk, elbows on the desk and his head in his palms.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
Thank you, Detective Duskin. You
meant what you said.
                                                            
 

22.

EXT. STREET - EVENING
                                                            
Music begins again ('Bird Set Free' Sia) Stella walks down
the street, looking down at the card, then she puts it back
into her bag. She continues walking, looking at the time on
her watch and it reads 6:10pm. She sighs softly, and the
alley where Claire died catches her eye. She stops quickly
and takes a moment.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
Claire, I'm sorry I couldn't save
you. Maybe you'll see me soon.
                                                            
Stella continues down the street until she reaches her
apartment and she climbs the stairs and puts the key in her
lock, but before she does, she hears a knife being drawn.
And before she can react, the cold blade of the knife is
pushed against her throat.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Where you been, bitch? I wanna
know.
                                                            
She turns the key quickly and Stella kicks Edward back and
she stumbles into the house, her purse spilling its contents
as she rushes to the kitchen, ripping open a drawer and
grabbing the closest knifew for protection. Edward storms
into the house and makes eye contact with Stella who stares
back, terrified of him. The knife glistens, but reminisce of
what looks to be blood can be seen and Edward smirks. Then
we zoom in on the card, which has caught his eye, then gets
picked up by Edward and he shakes his head in
disappointment.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You'll work harder, you said? This
doesn't seem like working harder;
it seems more like throwing the
man who raised you from the age of
three under the bus and trying to
get away with being called the
victim. You wanted this life! You
begged me to help you!
                                                            
                       STELLA
I'm sorry! Please, I don't want to
do this. We're family!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Family doesn't do this.
                                                            
Edward lunges at Stella with the knife extended and Stella
ducks out of the way and throws down a bookcase to keep him

23.

from getting her. He stumbles over it, his face enraged with
anger, and Stella heaves a hefty sigh. The intense music
helps to amplify the unfortunate circumstances that engulph
them. Stella's voice over begins now and she runs at Edward,
making a few good slashes at him.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
This is for Ema. All for her. I am
her mother. I am more than my
addiction. I will overcome this. I
am strong. I will win. For Ema.
                                                            
It takes a little more of stage choreography to end off
their fight and Stella winds up on the ground, her back
against the wall, her apartment a mess now. Edward twirls
the knife in his fingers and he laughs, grabbing her
shoulders.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You will never win.
                                                            
Now in the silhouette of the sun setting, we see Stella's
body fall limp and Edward walks to the door. And we now scan
over the scene. Stella is gasping for breaths and the
apartment just seems to fade around behind her.
                                                            
                       STELLA
      (Gasping)
Ema..
                                                            
 
INT. WHITE PLACE - DAY
                                                            
The music has changed to something happy and angelic feeling
('Disconnected' Molotov Cocktail Piano). The scene of Ema,
Nick and Stella from before plays again. Stella waves
goodbye to her family who leave the white place in the end
and we then switch to Stella embracing Claire, Claire in
white and Stella in what she died in. We then see Stella's
mother, a young woman who is bald, come from no where and
she just smiles and nods, walking up to her daughter.
                                                            
                       STELLA
I'm sorry, mama.
                                                            
                       MAMA
All is forgiven, my child. You did
what you had to for your child.
She will understand, one day.
                                                            
 

24.

INT. STELLA'S APPARTMENT - EVENING
                                                            
We see Stella's lifeless body, with the window to the fire
escape blowing in the breeze due to it being open, and the
house is quiet and dark. The knife was left beside her body
and the card from the Duskin was left out of her purse. And
the last thing we hear before we cut to a black screen is a
knock and then
                                                            
                       EMA
Mama?
                                                            
BLACK SCREEN.
                                                            
The birthday card from before appears back on the screen and
it opens and we hear what is written.
                                                            
                       STELLA (V.O.)
Hello, my dear. I'm sorry, baby.
I'm sorry you have to see this. I
love you so much and I hope one
day you can understand what has
happened. You are so loved, and so
special. The bad guys got me this
time, but I promise, they will
never get you. Happy birthday,
Ema. Mama loves you so much.

-Mama
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Timothy Hames Date 4/9/2018 ****
Sara, I appreciated the level of detail you spent on direction. It provides the reader with a clear picture of your vision. Additionally I was wondering if you might be willing to look over something I’m working on. If you are interested email me at: timothy.hames@gmail.com Thanks

From carolina campbell Date 2/3/2018 ****
oh my gosh i loved it so much i was holding back tears at the end

From rose Date 8/21/2017 ****
great


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