Exchanging Pleasantries Screenplay Written by ferf ziamond FADE IN EXT. CARTER BEND
An
intersection with a street sign reading CARTER BEND and TRENIS’
A
breeze brings movement to the leaves and trees on the road.
A bronze statue of a man sits in the
cul-de-sac at the end of the road. The
name VINCE CARTER is engraved on the
plaque.
A sign reads WELCOME TO TRENIS’ VILLAGE.
Beyond the sign a barber shop, gas
station, ice cream shop, grocery store,
library, and the coffee shack.
Friendly
faces pass on the street in front of the run down
coffee shack.
INT. COFFEE SHACK - DAY
Unkempt,
historic in appearance, a few scattered customers,
most of which are in their twenties.
Two
men in their seventies sit at a table, a checkerboard
between them.
The
grizzled old men, HARPER and GRUMP. Harper sits gazing out of a dingy window. Grump stares at the checkerboard mesmerized.
Grump shakes his head. He looks around the
room noticing the scattered
customers.
GRUMP
Whose turn is it anyway?
HARPER
Hell if I
know. My mind
got lost out the winda.
The
small window facing
and crust scattered along the panes. Weeds
grow outside obscuring most of the
view. A young woman walks to the door.
A brown door
chime rings as she enters. Harper lifts his
head.
HARPER (CONT.)
Mornin
Dangie.
Harper looks at the checker board shrugging
his shoulders.
HARPER (CONT.)
Am I red or black?
DANGIE, mid twenties, brunette, cute, walks
in unfolding dollar bills she pulls from
her purse.
DANGIE
Hi ya Harper.
She looks to the large man in a tank top
behind the counter. His hair and beard
are a greasy mess.
DANGIE (CONT.)
The usual Kamptin.
She lays two dollars beside the old
fashioned register, smiles.
KAMPTIN
Dangie.
Kamptin places
her cup of coffee on the worn counter. She
picks it up and walks past Harper and Grump’s
table.
DANGIE
Who’s winning?
She looks at the checkerboard and takes a
seat two tables back.
HARPER
I think I am.
Harper looks up as the chimes ring again.
HARPER (CONT.)
Oh, this character.
MORT, twenties, walks toward the counter.
Kamptin shakes his hand. They speak
then Mort heads toward Dangie, slows
down by Grump.
MORT
Black winning?
GRUMP
Black’s always losing in
my book.
Grump stares at Mort who takes a seat
across from Dangie.
Mort looks at Dangie, eyes glowing.
MORT
Hey Dangie.
DANGIE
Good morning. Starting in
all ready?
Mort lifts himself out of his chair a
fraction peering at Grump.
MORT
Candyland is friendlier!
He eases back down into the chair. Dangie
lets out a giggle, covers her mouth.
Grump looks back at Mort for a moment
before Harper interrupts.
HARPER
the street. He can get us
a refill.
GRUMP
Thank you young man,
you’re very enlightening.
Grump turns his head back to Harper and
whispers.
GRUMP (CONT.)
What the hell is
candyland?
The chimes ring again, another young man
enters and looks over. He has a bag
over his shoulder with a logo on it. TRENIS’ TIMES.
Harper holds his coffee cup up. Grump
follows suit.
HARPER
Hey
mind?
MC is his name but the guys call him Gladstone.
MC
Sure thing Harper, Grump.
MC looks back at Mort and Dangie.
MC (CONT.)
Hey Mort. I may have done
it!
He holds up a piece of paper then looks
back at Kamptin who places three cups
and a package of crackers on the counter.
Mort puts on a face.
MORT
He may have done it once
again. I may just pay a
newspaper to hire him at
this point.
DANGIE
That’s so mean. He tries
hard. And he’s so
adorable.
Mort’s straight face becomes a sarcastic grin.
MORT
Your brother.
MC balances three coffee cups on his way to
Harper and Grumps table.
MORT (CONT.)
Maybe now we’ll be able
to get his cell phone
number. Better yet, now
maybe he’ll stop talking
about that website he
puts his stories on.
MC stops by Harper and Grump. Harper hands
MC a dollar.
HARPER
Keep the change
MC
Thanks Harper.
He slips the bill in his pocket and sits
next to Mort.
MC (CONT.)
I’m out of here guys.
DANGIE
What do you mean?
MC
I got a call. It’s time
to move on.
MORT
On your
phone?
MC
This is the big time. New
DANGIE
Are you serious?
MORT
You’re really gonna go
down there? What’s wrong
with your Trenis’ Times
gig?
MC
Give me a break. The
biggest pay I ever got
for writing for them was
this bag.
He holds the bag up.
Grump turns around.
GRUMP
Them black kids’ll eat
you alive. You don’t
stand a chance.
He turns back around.
Dangie, MC and Mort laugh. Mort shakes his
head.
MORT
What is wrong with that
idiot?
DANGIE
You’d be a grump too if
your daughter in-law ran
off with your grandson.
MC
Even worse, not ever
meeting that daughter
in-law or grandson.
MORT
Better for the daughter
in-law and grandson. They
don’t need to know this
grouch of a granddad.
Mort laughs slightly.
MORT (CONT.)
I met the grandson once.
It’s no wonder Grump’s
son kept a lid on that
whole part of his life.
Grump never would have
approved. I could never
forget that kid.
MC
C’mon, he’s just an old
man. He
doesn’t realize
half of what he says. Do
you think I should worry
about the black kids?
DANGIE
I can’t believe you’re
actually considering
leaving us. What are you
going to do with Ferf?
MC
He’s coming with me.
DANGIE
That’s a long ride. It
might not be good for her.
MC
He’ll be fine.
DANGIE
She wasn’t so great last
time she was in a car.
MORT
Five years and neither of
you know the sex of that
damn cat.
He shakes his head.
At the same time Dangie and MC state their
beliefs.
DANGIE MC
She’s a girl! He’s a boy!
MORT
Exactly!
MORT (CONT.)
So, you’re really gonna
do this?
MC
I don’t have a choice.
Grump chimes in again.
GRUMP
Remember what I said when
you’re laying on the
ground somewhere looking
up at some black kid
begging for your life.
EXT.
COFFEE SHACK
From the window the group continues their conversation.
EXT.
Light rainfall glides against the tall
buildings. The streets are filled with
yellow taxis at red lights.
Pedestrians with umbrellas are on every
corner. The honking of car horns is
heard. This is lower
Between two fifty story buildings and off
to the side, a big gold and black store
sign sticks out. MARIGOLD CAFÉ.
INT. MARIGOLD CAFÉ
The inside of the café is a tremendous step
up compared to the coffee shack. The door
alone is made from the finest
materials. Walls and floors of marble, ceiling
fans, chandeliers, each modernized table and chair
set complete with its own internet connection.
Off to the side is a large shelf of exotic
cookies.
Patrons set up scattered offices sipping
from coffee mugs.
One customer stands out above the rest.
NED. Tall, thin, mid-thirties, short
blonde hair. He takes up two tables.
Laptop, latte, and newspaper on one. Briefcase,
cell phone, beeper, scattered folders, and pages
of notes on the other.
He takes his eyes away from the laptop as a
waitress passes by. Her name tag
reads ANN.
Ned holds up his cup.
NED
Another Fratte latte
Ginger.
She has a perturbed look.
ANN
Ginger hasn’t worked here
in months.
She walks to the counter and whispers to
another waitress.
ANN (CONT.)
He’s such an asshole.
The other waitress, cute and quiet, DABNI.
She laughs and hands Ann a cup.
DABNI
One fratte latte.
ANN
I hope he chokes on it.
DABNI.
You’re too much.
ANN
His arrogance is too much.
Ann brings the cup to him as a phone rings
behind the counter.
ANN (CONT.)
You got that Dabni?
Dabni picks up the phone.
DABNI
Daddy I miss you! How are
things at home?
INT. KITCHEN
In a
small town outside of
fifties, a short, well groomed, pleasant
man sits in a
cozy, brown and white, neatly furnished
kitchen.
Scattered pictures held by magnet ornaments
fill the
refrigerator door. Dabni can be seen in a
couple of
the photos. A sign on an ornamental chef
reads, “No
bitchin in Ginny’s kitchen.”
On a windowsill sits a small birdhouse with
a fake
parakeet sitting on a perch.
Her dad has an enormous smile.
INTERCUT
DAD
Come on home baby. I can
set you up with your own
place if you’re ready.
DABNI
You know I’d love that
daddy, but this just
isn’t the time. Besides,
when it is time, I’ll be
setting myself up.
DAD
I know you will honey.
Some rattling is overheard in the
background.
DAD
(CONT.)
Oh wait baby.
DABNI
Daddy?
She becomes concerned.
DABNI (CONT.)
Is everything okay?
DAD
I have to go for now baby.
He is distracted.
DAD (CONT.)
You’re mother just
spilled some coffee on
herself. I have to clean
her up.
DABNI
Is she all right?
DAD
I’ll give you a call
later.
DABNI
Dad?
DAD
She’ll be fine sweetheart.
Ann looks to Dabni as she puts the phone
down.
ANN
Is everything all right?
DABNI
It always comes down to
coffee in my life.
They both have a relieved look.
EXT. COFFEE SHACK -
DAY
Dangie
and MC stand facing one another. Dangie’s dungaree
jacket is two sizes too big. MC’s hooded sweat
jacket is rather snug. The wind messes their hair
slightly.
DANGIE
How are you going to
break it to little
Francis that you’re
leaving? He’ll be
crushed.
MC looks
at her.
MC
Oh c’mon. Little Francis?
How long has it been?
Little Francis is not
little anymore and I
haven’t done Tag Along
since he turned sixteen.
DANGIE
I guess.
MC
Why are you reaching for
this stuff? It’s not
making my situation any
easier.
DANGIE
Having a brother like you
don’t make my life any
easier either. I have a
situation too you know.
MC
What situation is that?
DANGIE
I could have a situation.
MC
Can you get on with it?
I’m tired of the word
situation already. And
stop calling me your
brother!
DANGIE
You might as well be.
MC
Why is that?
DANGIE
What other reason could
you have for not sleeping
with me?
MC
Don’t do this to me again
Dangie.
He tries to change the subject.
MC (CONT.)
How’d you get such a
silly name anyway? Dangie?
DANGIE
You’re the bozo that gave
me that name. My name is
Angie, not Dangie.
MC
Oh
yea.
MC walks down the sidewalk. Dangie follows.
MC (CONT.)
Look, it’s not gonna be
forever. And it’s not
even that far.
DANGIE
Can I visit you?
MC
Let’s not push it.
DANGIE
I always wanted to see
MC
I probably won’t have
room for guests.
DANGIE
never sleeps.
MC
Sleeping arrangements
might be tough.
DANGIE
They say it’s the
greatest city in the
world.
MC
I’ll give you a call
after I settle in.
Dangie pulls a photo out of her purse.
DANGIE
At least hold onto this.
It is a picture of Dangie sitting on a
large rock in front of a lake.
DANGIE (CONT.)
Look at it when you miss
me.
A clanging sound comes from up the block.
They look at each other.
MC DANGIE
The Angel of The Angel of
lost parts. lost parts.
An old blue Buick comes creeping down the
street backfiring. A closer look
reveals two different color blue
paints, bald tires, no side view mirrors, scuff marks, a missing head lamp, and a dangling license plate.
Behind the steering wheel sits a proud
Mort. He rolls down the window with
great difficulty.
MORT
She’s still breathin.
MC coughs and waves his hand.
MC
Breathin with emphysema.
MORT
What do you say, one last
ride for the city boy
before his departure?
MC and Dangie climb in. Smoke blows from
the tail pipe.
EXT.
Smoke flows from a manhole on the avenue. A
constant stream of yellow cabs drive
through the cloud and continue to the
next traffic light. A policeman waves the
automobiles on.
Crowds form on the corners waiting to
cross. Three white boys’ ages twelve to
thirteen run between the cars. The
policeman hollers.
The boys laugh, continue running. The
smallest of the three, CLETTA, turns
around to give the officer the finger.
The officer steps forward, hesitates, steps
back.
Cletta turns around, hurries along, slams
into a large woman in a flowery dress.
He hits the floor as the other two boys
pause to laugh.
The woman clenches her pocket book. She
notices the laughter, swings the pocket
book at Cletta, misses. Her belongings
fly out of the bag.
Embarrassed, she bends down to pick up the
items. The boys continue running. The
police officer grins.
The boys stop in front of the Marigold
Café.
One of the boys
looks to Cletta
BOY ONE
Whatta ya say Cletta,
steal a drink to get
refreshed?
CLETTA
Let’s check it out.
The
other boys look up to Cletta.
INT.
MARIGOLD CAFÉ
They enter. The customers become quiet. Ned
continues to type away. He takes up
two tables, his belongings sprawled
around. He’s in mid conversation on his cell phone.
NED
Oh yes. I just finished
crushing another dream.
Wait till this amateur
reads my review of his
rubbish.
He continues to type.
NED (CONT.)
What’s another word for
extremely bored?
He waits as Cletta stands nearby at the
cookie display.
NED (CONT.)
That’s it!
Ned hollers.
NED (CONT.)
I am exceedingly depleted,
the ramblings from page
one to page twenty-one
exasperated my every
ounce of energy.
Cletta pockets a package of cookies without
anyone noticing. He walks to the
refrigerator where the other boys stand.
A beautiful young woman in her early
thirties, MONIQUE the shop manager,
approaches.
MONIQUE
Can I give you any
assistance gentlemen?
Cletta grips the cookies in his pocket.
CLETTA
You sure can.
He is obviously smitten.
MONIQUE
Okay
little man, you can
take it back out on the
street now.
She is polite and displeased.
Cletta makes his way toward the exit, the
other two follow.
CLETTA
Could you show us your
boobs first?
Cletta walks faster. Most of the patrons
look on in disgust. A random coffee
drinker lets out a chuckle.
MONIQUE
That’s enough. Keep
walking.
She walks behind them. They make their way
back on to the sidewalk. The door shuts.
Frustrated and slightly amused, Monique
walks toward Dabni at the counter.
DABNI
You handled that well.
MONIQUE
Not as well as I would
have liked to.
DABNI
I guess you have to cut
some slack to children
these days.
MONIQUE
I’d like to cut more than
slack on that little wise
ass.
EXT.
MC’s HOUSE – EVENING
Mort’s Angel of lost parts sits smoking and
sputtering even though the car is
turned off. MC’s red Mazda is close by
in front. It is filled with bags and boxes.
MC places a final box in the back seat,
Mort and Dangie look on.
MC
Well, I guess this is so
long for now.
MC looks inside the pet carrier on the
passenger seat. The eyes of his grayish, black Ocicat, Ferf, from the darkness.
Dangie pulls MC to her and holds onto him.
DANGIE
You take care of yourself.
Call us. Even if it means
using your Boston Herald
phone.
She takes a step back. Mort shakes his
hand.
MORT
Later man.
MC pulls him in closer.
MC
It’s been a load of laughs.
He walks around the car to the driver’s
side.
He pulls away, his hand sticks out of the
window waving. His mom and dad are at
the front window with their arms around
each other. Mort looks to them, smiles,
and then back at Dangie.
The red Mazda gets further down the road
and disappears. Dangie
and Mort stare at one another.
The red Mazda
makes its way onto the highway.
INT. MC’S CAR
Music plays
softly, MC talks to himself.
MC
I had to tell
them I was
called. It’s
the only way
I could have
left with
any pride.
He grips the
steering wheel.
MC (CONT.)
So what if
I’m not really
working for
Newsday? So
what if I
told everyone my
dream of
writing is coming
true? So what
if that dream
has become a
fairy tale?
He taps the
steering wheel and nods his head to the music.
MC (CONT.)
Besides,
they’re offering
me something
no one in
their right
mind could
turn down. A
raise, a
months paid
rent in an
upscale
apartment complex,
and a chance
to experience
city life.
He glances out the
passenger side window at the cows.
MC (CONT.)
Mooooooooo!
He chuckles. Ferf
is becoming restless.
MC (CONT.)
You like that
Ferf?
He taps the pet
carrier.
MC (CONT.)
Maybe
place to
discover
whatever it
is that I
need to
discover.
Ferf becomes
louder and louder.
MC (CONT.)
Come on Ferf.
We still
have a long
ride ahead.
He raises the radio
volume.
Outside pastures, horse ranches, farms, and an occasional house.
MC (CONT.)
This is my chance to lie
about my life in a
positive way. Maybe
Newsday will give me a
shot.
He sings along with the music while Ferf sounds
like he is being tortured.
EXT. MC’s CAR -
NIGHT
Darkness falls. The white lines on the
highway are all that is visible under
moon light. Ferf’s cries are loud.
INT. MARIGOLD CAFÉ –
MORNING
As the sun rises Monique opens. A heavy set
African American woman is the first
customer. She makes her way to a table
as MC’S car pulls up outside.
Monique brings the woman a cup of coffee as
MC walks to the entrance.
MONIQUE
Here you go Maisy.
Careful. It’s hot.
MAISY
Thanks
Maisy opens her newspaper.
MAISY (CONT.)
I may need your umbrella
again hun. It looks like
the clouds are coming
back.
MONIQUE
No problem.
Dabni straightens out the counter and runs
around making sure all of the coffee pots
are set up correctly. The sounds of
brewing coffee and the smell of twenty
flavors combined smacks MC in the face as he
walks through the door.
Monique grabs a newspaper and heads to her
office. She winks at Dabni.
MONIQUE (CONT.)
Go easy on him. He looks
like an out of towner.
Dabni smiles as Monique enters her office.
DABNI
Good morning. Welcome to
the Marigold Café. May I
help you?
She gives MC a big smile.
MC continues to stare at the office door.
MC
Uh, yea, I think so.
He seems dumbfounded.
MC (CONT.)
Regular, cream and sugar.
Dabni seems a little confused.
DABNI
Sure, what flavor?
MC
Flavor? Coffee. You said
this is a café, right?
DABNI
I know coffee but what
kind? We have lattes,
coolatas, Mocha chinos,
cremalinas, frappaccinos,
creamy dippen frattas.
MC
I don’t understand. What
is all of that?
Dabni tilts her head to the side and
smiles. She has a cute look.
DABNI
Monique said you were an
out of towner.
MC’s face lights up.
MC
Who’s Monique? The woman
that went in the back?
DABNI
That’s the manager,
Monique. The thirty one
year old princess of the
East side.
She looks to the office door and then back
at MC.
DABNI (CONT.)
So out of towner, where
you from?
She pours a cup for him.
MC continues to stare at the office door.
MC
You probably never heard
of it.
We have regular coffee up
in those parts.
She hands him the smoking cup.
DABNI
This is as regular as we
get here. Lemme know if
it needs more cream or
sugar.
He takes a small sip.
MC
It’s good.
He blows on the cup.
MC (CONT.)
Different, but good.
DABNI
So, what do you do in
Beverly Massachusetts?
MC
That’s what brought me
to
has an office way up
north that is downsizing.
They offered me an
incredible deal to come
down here. I had to take
it.
DABNI
I guess you’re very
valuable to the company.
MC
I don’t know if I’d say
that.
Dabni speaks with a convincing tone.
DABNI
They seem to have wanted
to keep you.
At first MC has a happy, proud look. Then
it changes.
MC
Unless it was a mistake.
DABNI
I have family near
They call to scare me
sometimes. My mom can’t
seem to hold a coffee cup
like she used to.
She catches herself.
DABNI (CONT.)
Sorry, sometimes I just
keep yapping if no one
stops me.
MC
I like it. You’re a good
yapper.
DABNI
Sometimes when I miss her
I’ll send
some
refrigerator magnets or
kitchen ornaments. See?
There I go again. So how
far is
probably pass it on our
trips to
His eyes bulge a bit.
MC
It’s quite a hike north
of
He has a look of achievement.
MC (CONT.)
I know
trying to get a job at
the Herald.
DABNI
Photographer?
MC
Writer.
He grins.
MC (CONT.)
Well, part time, hoping
to become a writer.
DABNI
Oh, you should meet.
She pauses.
DABNI (CONT.)
Oh never mind.
MC
Meet who?
DABNI
I just thought of a guy
Ned that spends his life
here. He’s a writer, but
the girls seem to dislike
him.
She makes a face.
MC
You just reminded me of a
friend of mine, Dangie.
DABNI
How funny, my name is
Dabni.
MC
Isn’t that something?
He looks back at the office door.
MC (CONT.)
Well, her name is
actually Angie. I just
called her damn Angie so
many times that Dangie
became her name.
DABNI
That’s funny.
The office door suddenly opens a crack.
MONIQUE
Ann here yet Dabni?
Dabni looks out the window. On the corner,
Ann waiting for the light.
DABNI
She’s right across the
street.
MONIQUE
The rush should be
beginning soon.
Monique sticks her head out. MC looks
frozen. After a moment he waves.
MC
Uh.
Monique gives a wiggling finger wave to
him.
MONIQUE
How ya doing doll?
She steps back into the office as MC
continues to stare. A few customers
make their way in. Ann follows them.
DABNI
Good morning Ann. Monique
was asking for you.
ANN
I’m five minutes late
again.
DABNI
By the way, this is.
Dabni looks over at MC who can’t keep his
eyes off of the office door.
DABNI (CONT.)
I’m sorry. I didn’t get
your name.
He comes out of his trance, looks back at
Dabni.
MC
Sorry? Monique?
DABNI
Your name.
MC
I’m sorry. It’s MC.
He smiles at Ann who puts on an apron.
Dabni counts out some singles from the
register.
DABNI
So, whatta you do for fun
up north?
MC
Funny but we spent most
our time around a coffee
place up there too.
He laughs slightly.
MC (CONT.)
The shack it’s called.
Dabni smiles at him while in the middle of
counting, her lips moving.
DABNI
Oh yea?
MC leans on the counter.
MC
Not as fancy as your
place. Or should I say
Monique’s place?
He can’t help but smile when saying her
name.
MC (CONT.)
I used to belong to an
organization called Tag
Along.
DABNI
What’s that?
MC
I would act like a big
brother or older cousin
to a kid. His name is
Francis.
DABNI
Like Big Brother.
MC
That’s what I said.
DABNI
You said like a, big
brother. Not Big Brother.
MC
What’s your point?
DABNI
There is an organization
down here called Big
Brother. You help nurture
kids who don’t have any
family.
MC
That’s what Tag Along is.
DABNI
Glad we established that.
She lets out a small laugh.
DABNI (CONT.)
I belong to Big Sister.
MC
I guess that’s the girl’s
version.
He’s obviously being cute.
DABNI
Funny. You should look
into it down here.
MC
I would, but what if
they
give me a
black kid?
He has fear in his
eyes. Maisy cannot take her eyes off of
MC. Her mouth is wide open. Nothing comes out.
DABNI
Excuse me?
MC is nervous and
embarrassed.
MC
I gotta check on my cat.
He walks to the door, everyone watches him
leave.
He holds the door for Ned who enters.
INT.
APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
MC
walks through a revolving door into a lavish and luxurious
A pretty blonde WOMAN with half a smile
greets him at the desk.
WOMAN
May I help you?
MC puts the pet carrier down. Ferf is still
loud and disturbing.
MC
Shhhhh. We’ll be home in
a minute.
He pulls out his work ID and apartment
paperwork.
MC (CONT.)
Yes ma'am. My job made
arrangements for me here.
As the woman snickers and hands the papers
back to him she puts two fingers over
her mouth.
WOMAN
This is not where they
made the arrangements.
I’m sorry.
MC
No?
WOMAN
What you want to do is go
two blocks south.
She points. MC studies her eyes.
WOMAN (CONT.)
Make a left, and it is on
the next corner. It’s the
Brolstar, not the Borellis.
MC takes the papers back.
MC
Sorry. My mistake.
He makes his way out of the Borellis. She
calls after him.
WOMAN
Have a nice evening.
He waves a hand up while approaching the
revolving doors.
EXT. STREET
Out on the street MC zips his jacket up.
His car is parked next to a homeless
shelter.
MC
I better leave the car
there. I’m not searching
for a spot for another
hour and a half.
Annoyed, he walks the two blocks south. At
the next corner a HOMELESS MAN stops him
with his hand out. The man wears rags. He
can barely complete a sentence.
HOMELESS MAN
Pom a dollar. Pom a
quarter. Bar since. Car a
home.
MC places Ferf’s carrier on the ground and
pulls a few bills out of his pocket.
MC
I’d like to give you two
dollars but I only have a
single and a couple of
fives. I don’t suppose
you have any change?
The man stares at
MC. MC stares back for a moment. He looks down at the money. He hands over a five.
HOMELESS MAN
Mmmm, non pel. Dank
you.
The man makes some noises and MC hurries
off. He finds himself under an awning
that reads, THE BROLSTAR.
INT. APARTMENT –
LATER
MC sits on a large bed staring at Ferf who
is finally out of his carrier.
MC
It was a rough ride boy.
He takes a closer look at the cat.
MC (CONT.)
Girl. Whatever you are.
Ferf jumps off the bed. The three room
apartment appears to be more than the
two of them need. Fine oak furniture, a
large ceiling fan, modernized kitchen, and
a balcony.
MC (CONT.)
I won’t take you in the
car ever again. I promise.
MC falls back on the bed. His hands cover
his eyes and slowly move down to his
mouth and chin.
MC (CONT.)
I can’t believe how
stupid I was at that café.
What
a fool I am. How
could I talk down about
black people when I never
really got to know one of
them? It’s all that idiot
Grumps fault.
He points the remote control at the
television.
MC (CONT.)
Football. Maybe I should
join that Big Brother
thing. I could start fresh
with another kid like
Francis. We could throw a
football around.
He turns to the side.
MC (CONT.)
Big Brother organization.
EXT. STREET - DAY
DREAM SEQUENCE
There is a SWOOSH, as if a ball is being sucked through a vacuum chute. The swoosh
is followed by a TWELVE YEAR OLD
AFRICAN AMERICAN BOY’S voice.
DREAM CHILD
Not what you were
expecting?
MC and a child stand side by side. Only
their heads turn to speak to one another,
they never make eye contact. MC is taken
aback by the boy’s appearance.
MC
You’re the one assigned
to me?
They
appear to be walking down the middle of a busy
HOMELESS MAN
Mmmm, non pel. Dank you.
Pom a dollar. Pom a
quarter. Bar since. Car a
home.
MC looks down toward the Dream child.
MC
No, not exactly.
DREAM CHILD
Cause I’m black!
MC
You are black.
DREAM CHILD
It’s African American
asshole!
MC
I apologize.
DREAM CHILD
You think we coloreds are
good at football. That’s
all we’re good for right?
Dream child becomes angry.
DREAM CHILD (CONT.)
Well you can blow it out
your fat white.
MC is awakened by a referee’s whistle on
the television.
MC
Damn that Grump.
MC rolls over again.
INT.
COFFEE SHACK – DAY
Kamptin walks away from Harper and Grumps
table after bringing them two cups of
coffee. They are in the middle of a game
of checkers. Harper stares out the window.
HARPER
Thank you.
The door chimes ring as Mort and Dangie
walk in together. Mort laughs. Dangie
looks at the newspaper.
MORT
He would have liked that.
Writers wanted.
Dangie folds the newspaper and rests it
under her arm.
Harper
takes his attention away from the window and watches
the two of them speaking to Kamptin who hands them
each a cup of coffee. Mort pays and they walk towards
Harper and Grump. Dangie smiles at them.
DANGIE
Who’s winning?
HARPER
I probably am. I can’t
even tell if he’s awake.
Harper nods in Grump’s direction.
Mort looks at Grump.
MORT
He’s smarter when he’s
sleeping.
HARPER
Where’s
traveling in your circles
anymore?
MORT
He’s a big city boy now.
Remember? He took off for
Harper thinks for a moment.
HARPER
That’s right.
Grumps eyes open, he looks at Mort.
GRUMP
Them black kids eat him
up yet?
Mort adds some sarcasm.
MORT
He lives!
DANGIE
We haven’t spoken to him
since he left, but I’m
sure no one has given him
a hard time.
Grump laughs lightly. He becomes insistent.
GRUMP
Give it a little time.
Them black kids’ll get
him.
Mort sits down at the table two back.
Dangie follows after smiling at the
men. She takes the seat directly across
from Mort, looks deep into his eyes.
INT. SUBWAY CAR –
DAWN
MC sits on the subway. He has on a suit,
tie, and sneakers.
There are only two others in the car. One,
a BUSINESS MAN in a suit, he wears a
pair of dress shoes. The second, an
older woman, close to Harper and Grump
in age. She is dressed in rags like the homeless
man. She has a pushcart in front of her.
MC chooses the BUSINESS MAN to speak to.
MC
This thing going near
Wall Street?
The man lifts his eyes over his newspaper.
After a moment he mumbles.
BUSINESS MAN
Ten more stops or so.
MC
Thanks.
BUSINESS MAN
Uh huh.
MC
Not as friendly as up
north.
At the next stop, the express pulls up
beside them. The business man jumps up
quickly. He exits MC’s train and hurries
for the one across the platform. The older woman
also gets off at the same stop. She makes her way
down a stairway. MC is alone.
Two young African American teenage boys,
KARU’L and JAMES get on the train and
look at MC. KARU’L mumbles to JAMES.
KARU’L
Boy must be lost or
something.
They both laugh loudly and JAMES opens the
sliding door leading to the next car.
They exit.
MC becomes relieved.
MC
Maybe I should have taken
Grump more seriously.
These black kids may want
to kill me.
He stares at the sliding door as it opens
again.
In walks Cletta and his two buddies. The
three of them stop in front of MC and
stare him down. He is nervous.
Cletta slaps one of his friends in the
chest.
CLETTA
What’s this clown doing
in our car?
One of the boys grabs MC by the shirt and
pulls him up. MC makes two fists. Before
he can use them the other kid rushes
into him and knocks MC’S head against the
door causing him to fall down. He is out cold.
The three kids become scared. They aren’t
sure what to do.
One of them kneels down and fumbles through
MC’s pockets, grabs his wallet. Cletta
decides it is time to get away from the
scene.
CLETTA (CONT.)
Drop that and let’s move.
He heads to the sliding door as the others
follow. The wallet is tossed next to
MC. The cash is gone.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
MC lies in the same position as in the
subway car. This time he is on a worn
dark green carpet next to a tan sofa
equally tattered. A coffee table is off to the
side. It seems to have the same appearance as the wood from the coffee shack. MC’s eyes begin to blink open and shut. From a blur, two faces come
into focus. They are Karu’l and James.
MC’s face is pale and overcome with fear.
He yells loudly begging for his life
just as Grump said he would.
MC
No please! Don’t kill me!
Please!
An older African American man, CARTER BELL,
comes running in from another room. He
stops and stares down at MC. After a
moments pause he looks to Karu’l and James.
CARTER
I told you boys he ain’t
dead.
Carter laughs and puts his hand out to help
MC to his feet. While still holding
his hand, he introduces himself.
CARTER (CONT.)
Carter Bell. Welcome to
our home.
His smile is warm and hospitable.
CARTER (CONT.)
These my boys. Karu’l and
James.
MC trembles when the young men extend their
hands.
MC
You ain’t gonna kill me,
right?
Carter puts his hands on his hips. He
smiles.
CARTER
Why would we kill you
boy?
MC looks at the man with fear. He stutters
for a moment.
MC
J-just something an old
man from back home said.
He stops himself.
CARTER
Where you from boy?
MC
Beverley Massachusetts
sir.
CARTER
They still got prejudice
up there? That’s not
supposed to be.
MC
I guess you can say that.
They are two harmless old
men though.
Carter takes a seat on the sofa. He extends
his hand for MC to take the seat next
to him.
CARTER
Have
a drink son?
MC is surprised.
MC
Who me?
CARTER
Karu’l lemme have a gin.
Carter waves his son into the kitchen.
CARTER (CONT.)
Yes you.
MC
I guess I’ll have a glass
of water.
CARTER
Karu’l, make that two
gins.
He turns back to MC.
CARTER (CONT.)
I know what happened.
Carter appears friendly. He places his hand
on top of MC’s.
CARTER (CONT.)
Some old fool told you
that the colored folk
will get ya. Let me tell
you something. It ain’t
the colored folk that’ll
get ya, hell, it ain’t
the white folk that’ll
get ya either. It’s not
the Chinese, the Arab,
the Muslim, the Jew folk.
It’s the rotten folk and
the rotton folk only
that’ll get ya. And them
folk come in all flavors.
You gotta be wise enough
to see under the wrapper
boy.
MC stares mesmerized. Karu’l sets two
glasses of gin down on the ragged
coffee table and leaves the room with
his brother.
Carter looks at MC.
CARTER (CONT.)
You got some place to be
boy?
MC continues to stare.
MC
Carter? That’s the same
name as Carter Bend.
Vince Carter.
The words just fall out of his mouth
without any explanation.
CARTER
What you know about Vince
Carter?
MC
Just that they named a
road and a statue after
him.
CARTER
I figured as much. Vince
Carter built something.
Built something amazing.
As years pass, amazing
turns into forgetfulness.
My daddy didn’t forget.
He named me Carter for a
reason.
MC returns to Carter’s previous question.
MC
I guess I should be
getting to work.
CARTER
Where’s that?
MC sits in an office cubicle. The walls are
a bluish grey. A black computer,
matching phone, calculator, and pencil
tin sit atop his metallic shined desk. He pulls
a small calendar off the wall and proceeds to cross
off the first day of September with a slash mark.
He writes across the boxes of the last two weeks in big letters. FIND AN APARTMENT.
A large man in a suit, MR. GOHNZ stands
over him.
MR. GOHNZ
Not a big deal that
you’re late. I’m
surprised you made it at
all.
Mr. Gohnz shakes his head while letting out
a short cackle. He has somewhat of a box
head with short hair and glasses.
MC taps his pen on the computer unit.
MC
What would you like me to
begin with Mr. Gohnz?
Mr. Gohnz steps back.
MR. GOHNZ
We’re just going to give
you some space to get
yourself settled today.
He continues to walk off.
MR. GOHNZ (CONT.)
Call me if you need me.
He takes another four or five steps before
an attractive young woman hurries over
to him flapping pages in his face.
MC leans back.
MC
Wow, another one.
He is impressed. He picks up his phone and
dials. At the same time he logs onto
his favorite website.
MC’s
eyes raise as the phone stops ringing.
MC (CONT.)
Hey Mort!
INT. MORT’S
APARTMENT – DAY
INTERCUT
Mort sits in his sloppy apartment at a desk
on the phone. His sneaker covered feet
are up on the desk. A photo of Mort, MC,
and Dangie as children on a night stand.
Clothes draped over chairs and an exercise machine.
A pizza box lies on his bed. Sun shines through
his window, the shade sits raveled on a dresser.
MORT
MC? Ho-ly cow!
Excitement is in his voice.
MORT (CONT.)
How is the big city boy?
MC sits swinging his swivel chair back and
forth.
MC
I don’t know where to
begin. So much happened
on my first day. Let me
just say that the ladies
are incredible.
MORT
It makes me real happy to
hear you say that.
Mort has a tremendous grin.
MORT (CONT.)
In love again?
MC
This one girl at the
coffee shop, she is the
most beautiful woman I’ve
ever seen.
MORT
Every woman is the most
beautiful woman you’ve
ever seen.
MC
The one that served me
wasn’t. She was cute,
but she was no Monique.
MORT
Monique?
MC
The manager. She’s thirty
one, has an apartment on
the East side, she likes.
MORT
Oh, yea, you’re not in
love again.
MC
I also had a mishap on
the subway.
MORT
Did Grump put a jinx on
you?
MC is distracted by what he reads on his
computer.
MC
You son of a.
MORT
What?
MC changes the subject.
MC
Remember that website I
entered some of my
writing on?
Mort comes off with a bit of a sarcastic
tone.
MORT
How could I forget?
MC has a look of disappointment.
MC
Oh yea, you rather not
discuss my writing.
Mort leans his head back and then pretends
to care.
MORT
You know I’m just kidding.
What happened on the
website?
MC reads quickly to himself. He’d rather
not share his sad news.
MC
It’s nothing. Don’t worry
about it. Just seems like
some guy wasn’t so
impressed by one of my
short stories.
Mort feels he has to pretend a bit more.
MORT
Oh c’mon, I’m sorry.
What’d the asshole say?
Mort’s doorbell buzzes.
MORT (CONT.)
Oh shoot. Who could that
be?
MC
The door?
MORT
I wasn’t expecting anyone.
He takes his feet off the desk.
MC
Go get it. I have work to
get to anyway.
MORT
Really? Okay man. Take it
easy.
Mort quickly hangs up and walks to the
door. Dangie stands there as cute as can
be. They both soak each other in for a
moment.
INT. MC’S CUBICLE –
DAY
MC stares at his computer screen whispering
a paragraph.
MC
I am
exceedingly depleted.
The ramblings from page
one to page twenty-one
exasperated my every ounce
of energy. The catastrophic
disarray entitled “Sirens
in the sky” is nothing short
of a jumble of muddled
unintelligible situations
rolled into a major disaster.
A tear falls from MC’s cheek. He quickly
signs off the computer, his hands shake. He musters up a trifle of energy to get from his desk to
the men’s room.
INT.
MORT’S APARTMENT – DAY
Dangie sits at Mort’s desk, Mort rubs her
shoulders. Her eyes are shut, her
smile beams.
Mort hesitates, then speaks.
MORT
That was MC on the phone.
Dangie opens her eyes, looks excited,
pauses, and then acts cool.
DANGIE
How is he doing?
MORT
He got some feedback on
his writing.
DANGIE
How was it?
MORT
Not sure. That’s when you
came in.
DANGIE
How did he sound?
MORT
He’s not gonna make it
down there.
Dangie seems concerned and protective.
DANGIE
Aw, that’s mean.
MORT
Whatta ya still have a
thing for him?
Dangie changes the subject.
DANGIE
Let’s get a cup at the
shack.
Mort throws his denim jacket over her
shoulders.
MORT
Sure.
EXT. MARIGOLD CAFÉ
MC stands in front of the café peeping
through the window.
Inside Dabni organizes coffee pots and
pastries.
MC
No Maisy. I guess it’s
safe to go in.
He walks in.
INT. MARIGOLD CAFÉ
Dabni takes one look at him. She is not
pleased.
DABNI
Oh you.
MC approaches her.
MC
Please let me explain.
Dabni walks from the counter to a table.
She sprays it and wipes it with some
paper towels.
DABNI
Explain that you are a
racist?
MC steps closer and puts his hand on the
spray bottle.
MC
Maybe it looked like that.
It’s just that someone
from up north drilled
some negative thoughts
about certain people in
my head before I came
down here.
He holds the spray bottle. Dabni lets go.
She looks into his eyes.
DABNI
Up north huh?
MC
Your home town too.
DABNI
It’s beautiful, but some
people are set in their
ways. I know how that can
be.
MC has a look of relief.
MC
So, this Big Brother
organization. Where can
I find it?
Dabni pulls out her pad and pen. They sit.
DABNI
It’s simple.
She begins to write as the door opens.
Maisy walks in.
MAISY
Hi Dabni.
She takes a closer look at the two of them.
MAISY (CONT.)
Oh, it’s Mr. Klux of the
Klan.
MC quickly stands up.
MC
Maisy. I’m awfully sorry.
See, I’m new in town
and.
She cuts him off.
MAISY
Save it Klux. I’m just
here
to return Monique’s
umbrella.
She places the umbrella next to the counter
and turns back for the door.
MC tries once again to apologize. Before he
can get a word out Maisy holds up her
hand.
MAISY (CONT.)
You heard me.
She walks out.
MC sits down across from Dabni.
MC
I wish there was something
I could do.
Dabni shows her cute smile.
DABNI
She likes Fief Te’ Loo.
MC
Who’s he? A chef?
DABNI
It’s a perfume silly.
MC
I thought I smelled
something.
Dabni laughs. MC didn’t mean to be funny.
She looks closer at him for a moment then
he directs his attention down to
where she’s writing.
DABNI
What you want to do is
take this Avenue right
here.
INT. POLICE STATION
– DAY
Cletta sits at a sloppy desk in a
DE MEECO
You’re not as lucky as
your buddies. No mom and
dad to come down and bail
you out.
DeMeeco smirks while jotting down some
notes.
Cletta attempts to sound hard.
CLETTA
You can’t keep me here.
A man walks by in cuffs with two officers
shoving him along. He is at the brink
of tears. Cletta’s eyes follow every
step.
CLETTA (CONT.)
Can you?
DeMeeco appears triumphant.
DE MEECO
We can’t. But we’ll hold
you until they get here.
CLETTA
Who are they?
DeMeeco laughs.
EXT. SIDEWALK
MC holds the piece of paper from Dabni.
Both of his hands grip the edges as he
stands on the sidewalk in front of a
building. He looks at the paper, 24442. He looks
at the building, 24442. Again at the paper, BIG BROTHER. Again at the building, a sign in the window, BE A BIG BROTHER. Another, EVERYONE NEEDS A
COMPANION.
MC walks in. A woman behind the desk greets
him. Her tag reads, TANYA.
TANYA
Hello sir. What can I do
for you today?
MC looks around the office and then at
Tanya’s silk blouse.
MC
That is a beautiful shirt.
She is taken aback for a moment. She
smiles.
TANYA
Thank you. It’s a blouse
not a shirt.
MC
Oh, sorry.
TANYA
That’s fine.
MC looks at one of the posters behind
Tanya. It is a small boy, a puppy,
and a father figure all running in a
field of grass. The boy holds a kite string.
MC
I’m from up north. I used
to belong to an
organization called Tag
Along.
Tanya smiles.
TANYA
Up in
right?
MC
That’s the one.
TANYA
Are you interested in
participating in Big
Brother of
MC
That’s why I’m here.
Tanya waits for MC to produce his ID.
TANYA
MC, I have to run a
background check. Some
people like to do this to
meet young boys.
She has a disgusted look.
TANYA (CONT.)
As sickening as that may
sound.
MC
I understand. Actually,
I don’t understand. I
don’t understand why they
keep sending those kind
of people to overstuffed
jail cells when there is
so much room at the
bottom of the ocean.
Without words, her expression shows
agreement.
INT. POLICE STATION
– NIGHT
In a dimly lit, cement walled basement room
Cletta sits on a raunchy, splintered,
wooden bench in the same
DeMeeco’s face appears in the small window.
He watches for a moment, then grins. A
lock turning brings Cletta to his
feet. DeMeeco enters.
They look at one another.
DE MEECO
They’re upstairs.
They walk out together.
MS. GARRANIET, 50’s, grey business suit,
hair in a bun, sits at the desk. Her
Department of social services I.D.
hangs from a chain.
MS. GARRANIET
Hello young man.
CLETTA
Hello ma’am.
She smiles and puts out her hand.
MS. GARRANIET
You can call me Ms.
Garraniet. I will be
making a file for you
down at my office.
CLETTA
I’m Cletta.
He shakes her hand.
INT. MC’S APARTMENT
– LATER
MC sits in his apartment on his computer
while watching Ferf dart around the room.
The moon is big and bright, shining in
the sliding glass door along side his
desk.
MC reads a note from another member of what
used to be his favorite web-site.
MC
MC, I cannot thank you
enough for the kind words
you used to describe my
simple short synopsis of
“A Day in
Yours were the kindest. I
almost threw my hopes of
writing in the trash can
along with my admiration
of this web-site after
one overly critical note
and one unnecessary
mauling of my work.
Anyway, I just wanted to
say THANKS. Josene.
MC has a proud and sympathetic look.
MC (CONT.)
Wow, deep. I’m not alone.
He begins to talk softly to himself while
typing.
MC (CONT.)
Josene, your work deserved
a flattering note. It is
obvious you put time and
effort into spilling your
feelings on paper as you
did. Even if your trip was
not the main interest of
another reader, someone
like myself takes the time
to fall deep into your
journey to become part of
it. I did enjoy it. If I
didn’t I certainly wouldn’t
maul it. It appears that
this site attracts a small
percentage of immature
writers who tear apart works
like ours in hopes of making
theirs seem better. Yes, I
was slammed also, and if
you have time, read “Sirens
in the Sky” and let me know
if you think I received a
fair assessment. Thanks MC.
Ferf is finally tuckered out and sprawled
on the bed.
MC (CONT.)
Good idea little guy,
girl, whatever.
MC lies next to Ferf, flips on the
television and closes his eyes.
Once again the SWOOSH, as if a ball is being sucked through a vacuum chute. The swoosh
is followed by the same Dream child’s voice.
DREAM CHILD
Second thoughts Grump?
EXT. STREET
DREAM SEQUENCE
Just like the night before, they appear to
be walking down the middle of a busy
MC
I’m not Grump. I left him
back in
DREAM CHILD
You sounded just like him
at the Marigold, Klux.
MC
Have you been speaking to
Maisy?
Dream child sounds distant. They still do
not make eye contact.
DREAM CHILD
Nope.
MC
Carter? Karu’l? James?
DREAM CHILD
Those are some people you
should be a friend to.
Carter can sense things
boy. Did you realize they
are black?
MC
I know they’re black.
DREAM CHILD
It’s African American
asshole!
MC notices Dabni standing in front of a
nameless coffee shop. He warns Dream
child to be nice.
MC
She is special. Don’t say
the wrong thing.
DREAM CHILD
I got ya lover boy.
MC
I’m serious.
MC walks in front of Dabni. The wind blows
by both of them. His voice is echoed.
MC (CONT.)
Dream child. This is a
very good friend of mine.
Without her, you and I
wouldn’t have met.
MC looks down at the top of Dream child’s
head.
MC (CONT.)
What do we say to a lady?
Dream child smiles. He looks up at MC not
making eye contact, then at Dabni.
DREAM CHILD
Get your ass in the
kitchen!
MC is shocked. He runs to cover Dream
child’s mouth and falls flat on his face.
He wakes with a start. He rolls over,
looks at the television and makes out the picture
of a kitchen design show.
Early in the morning, MC walks into the
apartment fitness center. He is in
wrinkled sweat pants and a sweat shirt
that doesn’t match. The room is small but well
equipped. There are four treadmills, and a number of benches, free weights, and universal exercise machines.
TEE, 20’S, beautiful, walks very fast on a
treadmill, her ponytail bouncing in
time to her breasts. An overweight man
sits on a bench. Sweat drips on the towel
around his neck. An overweight woman picks up her
empty drink bottle and walks toward the door. MC soaks it all in, holds the door for the woman, then stares at the beauty queen who works up
quite a sweat. Her shorts hug her
well rounded figure.
MC takes the treadmill on the opposite end
less than twenty feet from the
beauty. She takes her eyes off of the
television in the corner for a short moment to notice
MC.
MC glances over at her machine. The
overweight man notices and shakes his
head with a slight smile.
MC finally gets his machine moving the way
he wants. It is obvious that he hasn’t
been in a gym for quite a while. He
looks at the woman.
MC
Good morning.
She looks back, out of breath, with a
slight smile.
TEE
Morning.
MC
That is a beautiful
blouse.
Tee shakes her head and smiles. She wears a
tank top.
TEE
Thanks.
The man shakes his head again as MC stares
at the television.
MC’S VOICE
There has to be something
I can strike up a
conversation about.
Please give me an in.
The television news goes to a commercial.
It is a cat food ad. A large black and
white Balinese leaps across the screen and down to the floor to find his
Tristies waiting for him. The glamour
beauty sees this and smiles.
MC thinks for a
moment, then blurts out.
MC
My cat looks just like
him.
She can tell instantly what his agenda is.
She joins in the game.
TEE
Oh really, what’s his
name?
MC not expecting a response fumbles over
his tongue.
MC
Far.
He pauses for a second.
MC (CONT.)
Ferf. His name is Ferf.
TEE
Oh that’s cute. Did you
name him?
She feels her thighs to make MC aware that
the treadmill is serving its purpose.
Although Dangie helped with the name, MC
takes credit.
MC
I sure did. Thanks.
He is even happier than when he received
the smile from Monique.
INT. MORT’S
APARTMENT - MORNING
Mort lies in his bed a few minutes before
MORT
What the heck?
He pushes the blankets off revealing his
ripped sweat pants, red socks, and
tank top. The phone is just in arms
reach. He extends himself to pick it up on the eighth
ring.
MORT (CONT.)
Hello?
INT. MC’S OFFICE
INTERCUT
MC sits at his cubicle. He slashes another
day off the calendar. His computer
screen shows the normal writers website.
He taps a pen against a coffee cup.
MC
Sounds like someone had a
rough night.
Mort clears his throat.
MORT
Hey city boy. What’s up
in the big apple?
MC
What apple?
MORT
That’s what they call New
MC
Why? And Who are they?
MORT
I don’t know.
He rolls over to put his elbows on the bed
to hold himself up.
MORT (CONT.)
How’s the love life with
all the new babes.
MC
Oh man I’m glad you
brought it up.
MC’s eyes light up.
MC (CONT.)
I met the most gorgeous
woman on earth this
morning at the gym.
Mort holds back a laugh.
MORT
What the hell were you
doing at a gym?
MC
All right. Very funny. I
went there because it is
included in my new
temporary apartment.
He makes a muscle and pokes at it with
three fingers.
MC (CONT.)
You wouldn’t believe this
girl.
MORT
What happened to Mona, or
Monica, whatever her name
is?
MC
Monique. If it doesn’t
work out with Tee, I’m
still going to try for
Monique. But I think Tee
likes me.
Mort is slightly sarcastic.
MORT
I’m sure she does.
His doorbell buzzes.
MORT (CONT.)
I better see who that is.
MC sits, Mr. Gohnz stands over his
shoulder.
MC
Yea, you get that. I have
a lot of business to
attend to.
He puts the phone down.
MC (CONT.)
Hello Mr. Gohnz. I
didn’t see you there.
He pretends that he was getting off the
phone anyway.
INT. MORT’S
APARTMENT
Mort opens his front door. Dangie stands on
the opposite side.
INT. MC’S OFFICE
Mr. Gohnz is especially nice.
MR. GOHNZ
That is quite all right.
Stay on the phone as much
as you like.
He pats MC on the back.
MR. GOHNZ (CONT.)
How are you enjoying your
new apartment?
MC
It is spectacular. I wish
it was permanent.
MR. GOHNZ
That would be nice. But
before you go looking for
something permanent come
see me. I know some people.
MC
Thanks sir. That is
awfully nice.
MC changes the subject.
MC (CONT.)
Do you have anything for
me to do today?
MR. GOHNZ
Relax kid. Take some time
to learn your way around.
Don’t worry about work.
Explore the internet.
Mr. Gohnz heads back to his office.
MR. GOHNZ (CONT.)
Take an extended lunch.
He waves his hand over his head. The same
attractive young woman hurries over
to Mr. Gohnz flapping pages in front of
his face again.
MC spins back around, reads Josene's
response.
MC
Hi MC. It seems you always
know what to say. Thanks
again. I found “Sirens in
the Sky” and I read it.
And no, it did not receive
a fair assessment. There
are some things I would
change about it, but all
in all I really enjoyed
it and it was very well
written. So what is your
age/status? Josene.
He smiles to himself.
MC (CONT.)
Wow, another woman to
romance. I should tell
her I’m available, but
I shouldn’t sound
desperate.
He stops and rests his head on his fist.
Seconds pass, he raises his head.
MC (CONT.)
Or, this is an
interesting idea.
He whispers to himself while typing.
MC (CONT.)
Hello again Josene. First
off, thank you for the
comments regarding “Sirens
in the Sky”. And please,
if you think you have
ideas for it, give it a
re-write and maybe you can
enlighten me. As far as my
age and status, I came up
with something interesting.
Tell me how you feel about
this. We each write a story.
Yours about how you picture
me. A day in the life sort
of thing. I’ll do the same
about you. When we’re done,
we’ll put them together.
Maybe we could enter it in
the contest. MC.
He sits back with his arms folded, a look
of achievement.
He pulls out a scrapbook and writes some
notes.
INT. MS. GARRANIET’S
OFFICE
Cletta sits at a desk across from Ms.
Garraniet. Her office is dimly lit.
Two neat stacks of paper sit beside a
computer monitor and a phone. Various framed photos
of children decorate the book shelf behind her.
She fills out paperwork while he fiddles
with a desk ornament, a playground
with fake snow circulating as he shakes
it. Her glasses sit at the end of her nose as
she looks at Cletta.
MS. GARRANIET
You’re only thirteen and
you’re attempting to mug
undercover subway
officers?
Cletta puts the ornament down and looks at
her with sorrowful eyes.
CLETTA
He looked like a bum.
MS. GARRANIET
That doesn’t make it any
better.
Tanya
knocks on the half open door.
TANYA
Ms. Garraniet? Is this a
bad time?
MS. GARRANIET
No. Come right in. He is
yours.
She walks over to where Cletta sits
nervously.
TANYA
Hi, you must be Cletta.
She offers her hand. He hesitates then
shakes it.
CLETTA
Hi.
MS. GARRANIET
Cletta, Tanya. Tanya,
Cletta.
Ms. Garraniet hands some forms to Tanya.
TANYA
We have a big brother
waiting for you Cletta.
Cletta looks up at Tanya with a half smile.
He seems pleased.
INT. MARIGOLD CAFÉ
Over
at the Marigold, Dabni pours a cup for Maisy who
sits at her usual table. Ned also takes up his usual
two tables with his belongings spread out behind him.
Dabni and Maisy talk.
DABNI
It’s not like I have a
thing for him. There is
just something appealing
about him.
Maisy motions for Dabni to stop pouring.
MAISY
That’s enough girl. I got
to get back to work.
She looks in Dabni’s eyes.
MAISY (CONT.)
Once a racist, always a
racist my daddy taught me.
DABNI
Maybe you should give him
a chance.
MAISY (CONT.)
Mmmmm
Hmmmm. I ain’t
disrespecting my daddy
like that. The day I give
someone like Klux a
chance is the day I have
my own umbrella and stop
using Monique’s. Be a
love and give this back
to her.
Maisy holds up the umbrella again.
MAISY (CONT.)
It seems to be clearing
up.
DABNI
That’s another part of it.
He has a thing for Monique.
He wouldn’t give me a
second look.
MAISY
And Monique wouldn’t give
him a second look.
She lifts herself from the seat.
MAISY (CONT.)
I’m just gonna run to the
ladies room.
Dabni wipes the table as Maisy walks toward
the back.
MAISY (CONT.)
Once a Klux, always a
Klux.
She reaches the bathroom door.
MC walks in the front door towards Dabni.
Monique walks out of her office with
her eyes glued to a booklet. MC stares
at Monique and becomes distracted as
Dabni turns, they bump into one another.
DABNI
Oh Klux!
The cup crashes to the floor sending coffee
everywhere.
DABNI (CONT.)
I mean MC, sorry.
MC
Don’t you mean klutz?
He bends down to pick up the cup.
Monique looks over angrily at Dabni, then
back at her booklet. She pours a cup
and turns back toward the office door as
Dabni apologizes loud enough for her to hear.
DABNI
My fault sir!
Monique walks back into her office.
MC
That was too nice of you.
I should have taken the
blame for you. You could
get fired.
DABNI
But I know you don’t want
Monique to think you’re a
klutz.
MC
How’d you get that
impression?
She bends down to wipe the floor.