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B E A T R I C E (Short)
by Shawn Smith (shawn30able@gmail.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

A cancer patient name Beatrice meets an artist with drawers block who has the ability to change her life forever. Almost reaching the end of her life, she seeks longevity.


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.



B E A T R I C E (SHORT)

FADE IN:

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
Once upon a time I was in love.
Love so strong, so fierce I didn't
care. Taking on the world was such
a task. At the moment I'm laying
next to a business man, my husband
rival. I know what your thinking.
Am I some slut? Some bitch on
heat. Those weren't the case.
                                                            
We're in the middle of a hot steamy session. Hand grasping
the buttocks of a mans. Follow by GROANS and MOANS for the
climax.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
I just wanted to feel loved.
                                                            
In middle of it the woman's wig slips. She places it back
on.
                                                            
RICHARD, 30s and charming carries 2 glasses and GIVES one to
a half naked witty and sentimental BEATRICE. They lay and
enjoy the night.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Richard, I need to borrow 20
thousand dollars.
                                                            
RICHARD and BEATRICE LOOKS at each other.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL/CANCER WARD - DAY
                                                            
Chemo pumps into Beatrice as she reads vanity fair. Her
nerve wrecking husband sits beside her holding her hand.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
I can beat it. I will beat. Why
me? Try me. You know with this
condition, you have to stay
strong. That's how I'm able to
function.
                                                            
 

2.

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Beatrice opens her eyes. Gets out of bed to a sleeping
husband. She stretches with a smirk on her face.
                                                            
 
INT. RECREATIONAL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Beatrice does pilates
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
                                                            
Beatrice performs a workout program from the television.
                                                            
 
INT. BATHROOM - DAY
                                                            
A cucumber lies on the sink. She takes it and enters the
shower. The curtain closes.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
Don't Judge. It's my story, I can
do whatever the hell I want.
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE LOOKS down at her carpet. She STANDS over two
LIFELESS bodies of business officials.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
      (Shrieks)
AGHHHHHH!!!!
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
Except this.
                                                            
 
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
Raymond decide to go off on my
offer. You know getting out of the
house. But The Forbes, seem to be
more important than me.
                                                            
BEATRICE and RAY are having dinner. Both BITES into their
steak without a word. Only the sound of the clinging of
silverware. Ray Reads Forbes Magazine.
                                                            

3.

                       RAYMOND
Darling, you sound quiet as church
during prayer.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Well you know Ray we wouldn't
know. We don't go to church.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
I spoke with the doctor. He's
willing to give you fake breasts
for bra inserts. Its quite fair,
don't you think?
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Well you know Ray, whats fair is
me being in charge of my body. Not
you nor Dr.Campbell.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
I was just saying. There's an
option.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Last time I knew I didn't have
one.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Look, it's just. titties okay.
Titties.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Ray, you have some nerve. I'm
going through a life changing
experience and all you could think
about is my titties?
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Beatrice, It's hard to explain.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Is that so? Well let me explain
this. You eat alone.
                                                            
BEATRICE walks up and leaves.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Sweetie?
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Jeez.
                                                            
 

4.

INT. ANOTHER FANCY DINNER - NIGHT
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
I went off on Richards offer. You
know also getting out of the
house. And you know what?
Fantastic.
                                                            
BEATRICE and RICHARD has dinner at a fancy restaurant. She
devours her steak follow by a sip of her wine. She DANCES in
a slow and inviting way. RICHARD GAZES at her with a smile.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
What got in to you gorgeous?
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
I enjoy spending time with you
Richard Caldwell. You're gonna be
a terrific investor.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
And I want you by my side.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
      (giggles)
Oh Richard.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
RICHARD is DEADPAN.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
I need for you to get rid of Ray.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Get rid of? What you mean get rid
of?
                                                            
                       RICHARD
I need him to be out your life.
Permanently.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Easier said than done Richard.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Well, what if "I" said? From the
bottom of my heart.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Than I would say...turn off the
news and watch more Star Trek.
                                                            

5.

BEATRICE LAUGHS as RICHARD awkwardly GRINS.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL/ CANCER WARD - LATER
                                                            
A very well dressed man STANDS in place and looks at us as
if he's about to deliver the burden of bad news. He FIXES
his tie. UNROLLS his cuffs. CLEARS his throat.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
It's hard....ah... I can't witness
the destruction of someone I love.
And to put one I love so dearly.
It's running my wallet and it's
going to destroy me. I mean us,
financially. So ... I want to
introduce you to my litigator.
Harvey Cortes.
                                                            
HARVEY CORTES comes into FRAME and EXTENDS his hand.
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
Pleasure to meet you. Harvey
Cortes. And you must be?
                                                            
We now get a SIGHT of the person whom they are TALKING with.
A bald cancer patient with a look of a bull.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Our litigator?
                                                            
HARVEY RETRACTS his hands.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Counselor, it's been hard for me.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Ray, what the hell?
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
It's only common courtesy.
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
Your husband is going through
great pain and suffering.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
I can't be apart of this Sweetie.
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
And do you blame him? I certainly
don't.
                                                            

6.

                       RAYMOND
Not at all.
                                                            
BEATRICE is PERPLEXED of the bullshit.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Um... Okay. You hired our attorney
to divorce me because your
suffering from pain and misery?
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
Gee Ray I thought it wouldn't be
as easy as you made it out to be.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
First... Harvey shut up. And Ray,
how dare you blame me for your
pain and suffering. Your not the
one who's suffering. You making
this out to be some attention
seeking predicament for your self.
All you ever cared about was
yourself. This is reality Ray. We
get sick eventually. Remember,
death do us part? Didn't you get
the memo?
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Honey.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
And Harvey you been a good friend
of the family for years. But you
decided to take his side. You
bitch.
                                                            
                       RAYMOND
Honey I can't go through with
this. Your changing... Your...
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
...Bald? Well Ray I was gonna cut
my hair in the fall but looks like
I got a head start.
                                                            
RAY CRIES on Harvey's shoulder.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Just hand me the papers.
                                                            

7.

BEATRICE SNATCHES the papers from HARVEY. She writes but not
of her name. Beatrice gets up from her seat and SHOVE the
paper on RAY'S chest. Ray VIEWS the document and it writes.
"PUSSY"
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
HARVEY, RICHARD and BEATRICE sits beside each other on the
sofa. HARVEY FLIPS pages through a document, while BEATRICE
EAGERLY awaits. RICHARDS shows CONFIDENCE.
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
Your Husband is declaring an
annulment from the Church
tribunal. Several steps are
involved. It would be that your
marriage between your husband and
yourself never even existed.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Never existed?
                                                            
BEATRICE jaw TIGHTENS.
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
It's a lengthy procedure.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
I don't care Harvey.
                                                            
HARVEY and RICHARD stands up.
                                                            
                       ATTORNEY HARVEY CORTES
Lets just hope the tribunal can
process this long enough for you
to see the light of day. Enjoy the
rest of your day Beatrice.
                                                            
HARVEY and RICHARD is about to make an exit. BEATRICE TAKES
a crowbar and BLUDGEONS the both in the back of the head.
                                                            
 
INT. RICHARD'S HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
RICHARD traverses through his home to a LOUD knock at the
door. He opens the door for a distraught BEATRICE. BEATRICE
MASCARA runs down her face and is in a TOTAL WRECK.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Beatrice, My God. What happen to
you?
                                                            

8.

                       BEATRICE
      (Cries)
I don't know why. I snapped. I
didn't want to do it. But I did. I
didn't want to. Richard, I didn't
want to.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Come in the house.
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
                                                            
RICHARD and BEATRICE sits in SILENCE.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
I can't be apart of this and you
know it. When I said to get rid of
Ray, I never meant murder him. Did
you call the police?
                                                            
BEATRICE GLARES at RICHARD.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Oh right.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
I'm scared Richard.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Okay, listen Beatrice. You can't
stay here. I can't be caught
harboring a fugitive. I'm an
investor, I can't be apart of
this.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
What am I gonna do? I have no one
to turn to.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Alright here.
                                                            
RICHARD picks up a bag and hands it to BEATRICE.
                                                            
BEATRICE opens it and sees money.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Oh Richard.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
20,000 dollars. You take it, I
have to let you go. I wish their
was more I can do. All I can do is
            (MORE)

9.

                       RICHARD (cont'd)
provide. Take the money and do
what ever you please, but for the
right reasons.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Thank you Richard.
                                                            
BEATRICE PECKS RICHARD on the cheek.
                                                            
                       RICHARD
Now go.
                                                            
BEATRICE walks out with the bag. Leaves RICHARD with his
thoughts.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL/CANCER WARD - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE continues with her chemotherapy. A bag sits besides
her. She opens the bag to find her money running low. She
looks away SADDEN.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE sits in the kitchen and drinks her coffee. She
STARES off into space. An INSTANT flash of the body enters
her mind. BEATRICE SHAKES the thought away.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE (V.O)
You know, I've been craving sweets
for some time now. If I'm bout to
hit the bucket I would rather
enjoy the rest of my life tot he
the fullest. But first What I'm
really craving is a croissant with
a special chocolate exotic tea,
homegrown with honey, delicate and
sweet to help the croissant with a
spoonful of raspberry madame
butterfly jam with fruit tea in a
glass ball jar.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRENCH BAKERY SHOP - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE STROLLS by the Dumase bakery and POKES her head
inside and finds a man DRAWING while the others bake and
serves customers.
                                                            
BEATRICE eyes are GLUED to the young artist. The artist does
the same. Their GAZE LOCKS.
                                                            
 

10.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
BEATRICE WATCHES old french films. She's BUNDLED in
blankets. The light of the television screen illuminates her
JUBILANT face.
                                                            
 
INT. RECREATIONAL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Beatrice recites french from a book.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Beatrice opens a oven. She has on a toque chef hat. She
inhales the scent of her pastries. She takes out the pan and
places it on the table.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
      (excited)
Attention, René, je viens ici
(subtitled)
Watchout Rene, here I come.
                                                            
 
INT. CAFE - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE approaches RENEE working on his drawing. RENEE
looks up at BEATRICE and gives her a KIND and POLITE smile.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE ENJOYS her croissant with a glass of tea on the
side. She's in ECSTASY.
                                                            
 
INT. DUMASE BAKERY - DAY
                                                            
RENEE extends his hand to BEATRICE. She accepts the
handshake. FLATTERED.
                                                            
                       RENEE
My names Renee. I have never seen
you in here before.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
I couldn't help but follow that
delicious scent. I've lived here
for awhile and never went inside.
                                                            

11.

                       RENEE
And? What did you think? You
ordered a croissant with the
family tradition raspberry madame
butterfly jam. Did it satisfy you?
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Extremely.
                                                            
                       RENEE
Then hopefully I can satisfy you
with my life story. Yes?
                                                            
BEATRICE sits across from RENEE.
                                                            
                       RENEE
I'm an artist, as you can see. I'm
kind of having trouble coming with
new art. I wonder is the
environment is reason to blame.
Then I wonder a break is reason to
blame. Then I wonder is love is
the reason to blame. So I find
worthy and willing women. I draw
their portrait. Then something
transcends into something
spectacular. Longevity, fame, and
beauty. Anything from your past
doesn’t matter. My art washes all
that away.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
That sounds amazing Renee. How
would you feel to draw my
portrait?
                                                            
 
INT. DUMASE BAKERY - LATER
                                                            
RENEE METHODICALLY draws BEATRICE with CONCENTRATION.
BEATRICE doesn't move a muscle.
                                                            
RENEE sets his utensil down and presents BEATRICE her
portrait.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
It's beautiful Renee.
                                                            
 
INT. DARK ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
We SPIRAL around a portrait of BEATRICE.
                                                            
 

12.

INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
                                                            
BEATRICE STARES in the mirror and TAKES her wig off. NEW
hair forms. BEATRICE is BEWILDERED.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOOD ON CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Romantic night in the park. BEATRICE and RENEE LAYS beside
each other. RENEE speaks INAUDIBLY. BEATRICE is DRAWN to him
like moth to a flame.
                                                            
 
INT. DUMASE BAKERY - DAY
                                                            
RENEE draws BEATRICE portrait.
                                                            
 
INT. DARK ROOM - DAY
                                                            
We again spiral around BEATRICE finished portrait.
                                                            
 
INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
                                                            
BEATRICE STARES in the mirror and HOLDS a guitar pick.
                                                            
 
INT. CAFE - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE PLAYS the guitar and sings.
                                                            
 
INT. DUMASE BAKERY - DAY
                                                            
RENEE draws BEATRICE portrait again.
                                                            
 
INT. DARK ROOM - DAY
                                                            
SPIRAL around Beatrice portrait.
                                                            
 
INT. IN FRONT OF A BACKDROP - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE with FULL set of MAKEUP and STYLISH clothes whips
her hair in front of a giant fan in SLOW MO. She POSES for a
photo shoot.
                                                            
 

13.

INT. DUMASE BAKERY - DAY
                                                            
RENEE is UNDER THE WEATHER. BEATRICE JOYFULLY walks over
and takes a seat beside him.
                                                            
                       RENEE
Your absolutely stunning.
                                                            
BEATRICE only smiles.
                                                            
                       RENEE
Lets begin. Yeah?
                                                            
BEATRICE nods.
                                                            
 
INT. DUMASE BAKERY - LATER
                                                            
RENEE draws BEATRICE portrait. He is hesitant and
distracted. BEATRICE raises an eye. RENEE puts down his
utensil.
                                                            
                       RENEE
I don't know if I can do this
anymore.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
No, no what are you talking about.
You have to.
                                                            
                       RENEE
I can't
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
No. You need to.
                                                            
                       RENEE
Do you care about me?
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Renee, I....
                                                            
                       RENEE
Do you? It's a simple yes or no.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
Yes.
                                                            
                       RENEE
I don't think you do. I don't even
know your name.
                                                            
BEATRICE gulps.
                                                            

14.

                       RENEE
I'm going to discontinue our
services.
                                                            
RENEE gets up. BEATRICE stops him.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
No!
                                                            
BEATRICE kisses RENEE hard on the lips.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
I care.
                                                            
RENEE shakes his head and grabs his utensils.
                                                            
                       RENEE
Take care.
                                                            
 
INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
                                                            
BEATRICE is in terrible condition. Sandbags for eyes. Hair
falling off.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL/CANCER WARD - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE gets pumped with chemo. She looks of a waterboarded
soul.
                                                            
 
EXT. DUMASE BAKERY - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE enter the cafe only to find Renee talking with
totally different woman. BEATRICE frowns and walks out.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
                                                            
BEATRICE LOOKS on while eating buttered croissants. She
CRIES after each bite.
                                                            
 
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE goes on a dating site. She VIEWS a profile of a
black man. It READS "Looking for a woman with intelligence
and a degree. She CLICKS on it and SMILES.
                                                            
 

15.

INT. CAFE - DAY
                                                            
BEATRICE STANDS in the door way of the cafe and SEES her
date already seated.
                                                            
Her date is talking with a bystander.
                                                            
                       JAMAICAN MAN
This chick Beatrice looks hot my
dude. She extremely smart with a
masters in respiratory. She has
the finest body. She seem like she
been through a lot, you know?
Hopefully she's not semiconscious
about her condition. You know me,
none of that shit matters. I'm
gonna treat her right.
                                                            
BEATRICE surprisingly APPEARS next to the man. The man
BEWILDERED at her sudden appearance.
                                                            
                       JAMAICAN MAN
I was just talking about you.
                                                            
BEATRICE and the man SHAKES hands.
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
You must be Howie?
                                                            
                       HOWIE
Beatrice?
                                                            
                       BEATRICE
I am.
                                                            
                       HOWIE
Its funny. I was just talking to
my boy here about you.
                                                            
BEATRICE takes a seat. Both gets handed the menu. BEATRICE
looks through it.
                                                            
                       HOWIE (O.S)
      (Jamaican Patois)
You gonna live till they sun you.
(SUBTITLED)
You're going to live for a long
time.
                                                            
BEATRICE takes her head away from the menu. Howie Has her
attention.
                                                            
BEAT.
                                                            

16.

                       BEATRICE
      (Bold)
Thank you and God bless you too.
                                                            
Her eyes gazed like topaz stones. Her GRIN like the MORNING
STAR.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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