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Post by Dale on Jan 28, 2010 7:25:13 GMT -5
Electric Ladyland
By Laurie Acker
Part 1 FADE IN ON: A small club, it’s dim and the air is filled with cigarette smoke. A quirky looking man takes the stage, bow tie and all.
Presenter
Now folks, are first act tonight is a spiritual band that knows the way of rock, please give a big warm hand for The Jesus Christ Blues Explosion!
The band takes the stage, they’re shaggy and in their late twenties. They begin with a horrible re-working of Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan), then ease their way into a less tragic version of Use Somebody (Kings of Leon). After their stink fills the air, the band leaves.
Presenter
Alright, alright. Now our next act is homegrown from Sundance herself, please welcome Alice Eissen!
She arrives on stage with an acoustic in hand. Alice has short curly red hair, a minor amount of freckles and wears a light blue wavy dress that goes to her knees. She just smiles and looks at the crowd: they’re filled with curiosity but mostly just look buzzed.
Alice Eissen
Um, I’m Jewish and here I go!
Alice attempts to chuckle, but it comes off as a cough and just adds more tension to the moment. She begins with a lovely cover of Castles Made Of Sand (Jimi Hendrix). Then follows it up with From Fear Through The Eyes of Madness (Coheed and Cambria). While prepping for the next song, she notices someone in the crowd. A woman with long straight blonde hair in a blood red shirt with jean shorts. This woman glows in the crowd, which is dominated by black dresses that cut off far too short and half thrown-together suits. This beauty stands by herself, Alice looks directly at her and they share a moment.
Alice Eissen
This is for you girlie!
Alice starts up Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (The Beatles). It rocks and since it’s a fairly popular song, the crowd actually knows it and gives off a load of claps. She takes a bow and the quirky man returns.
Presenter
Thank you so much, now our next-
CUT TO: Backstage. Alice walks in among a large crowd of people who partake in conversations concerning healthcare, the birds that shit on everything in Sundance and jazz. But one figure dominates the room: Joel. The tall man with slicked back dirty blonde hair, a porn moustache, and a shot glass in hand looks onto his crowd of followers.
Joel
The fucking Jesus Christ Blues Explosion are the worst thing to be here in Sundance. I mean, the town isn’t the greatest place for music but we get some good gigs here. However, those fucking chuds that walked up on stage and managed to rape both Bob Dylan and Kings of Leon within one show, fuck ‘em to hell just for the irony of it. I don’t even like Kings of Leon but goddamn! The only salvation to the slaughter was Alice, I mean, she’s got some work to do but she was quite good, especially for girl with an acoustic, of which we’ve seen enough of.
Joel takes the shot. He turns around to see Alice.
Joel
Speak of the devil!
Alice blushes and makes her way forward, shaking Joel’s hand.
Alice Eissen
I’m Alice Eissen.
Joel
Yeah, I know. Listen kid, it was a great show but what was with that intro?
Alice Eissen
I get nervous and say cringe-worthy things.
Joel
I’ll say and oh: who was “girlie”?
Alice Eissen
I don’t know, just another cringe-worthy thing.
Joel
Anyways, thanks for making this night not entirely a suck-fest. Oh, I’m Joel by the way, local music critic.
Alice Eissen
Cool, cool. Hay, do you know where the bathroom in this place is?
Joel
Yeah, to the right I believe.
Alice Eissen
Cool, thanks.
CUT TO: Alice leaving a stall, the bathroom is bright white and she makes her way to the sinks to wash her hands.
Lucy Benz
That was a good show tonight, ay?
Alice turns to see the girl.
Alice Eissen
Oh thanks.
Lucy Benz
I’m Lucy Benz.
Alice Eissen
Cool, cool.
Lucy extends her hand for, Alice quickly finishes up washing hers and then they give eachother a warm handshake.
Lucy Benz
Shall we continue this meeting somewhere else?
Alice Eissen
Um… sure!
CUT TO: The rooftop. It’s fairly empty, minus a few drunks who babble around. Alice and Lucy look down at the moon-struck city.
Lucy Benz
God Sundance is lovely.
Alice Eissen
Sure is, I’ve lived here all my life and still find something incredible about it.
Lucy Benz
So, when you were doing the show, and you called out to “girlie” then played “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”, was that to me?
Alice Eissen
Yeah.
Lucy Benz
How did you know my name was Lucy?
Alice Eissen
Actually, I didn’t. Lucky guess.
Lucy Benz
I’ll say.
Alice Eissen
So Lucy… what are you in Sundance for?
Lucy Benz
I had a nasty split and wanted to get away from it all.
Alice Eissen
I’m sorry.
Lucy Benz
That’s not true. I moved here because I lost my job and apartments here are cheaper then where I was.
Alice Eissen
Oh. But are you single?
Lucy Benz
Yeah.
Alice Eissen
Then do you want to go and grab a beer?
Lucy Benz
I don’t drink.
Alice Eissen
Me either.
Lucy Benz
Really?
Alice Eissen
Yes… You think I’d li-
Lucy Benz
-no, no. It’s just, I don’t know.
Alice Eissen
Oh.
Lucy Benz
What do you do for a living?
Alice Eissen
Music.
Lucy Benz
Well, I feel stupid now.
Alice Eissen
No. It’s alright. To be truthful I can’t just do music to live, so I take up a few different jobs every now and then to help out.
Lucy Benz
Like what?
Alice Eissen
I’d rather not-
Lucy Benz
-it can’t be that bad.
Alice Eissen
Well, I did sell a bit of weed.
Lucy Benz
Do you have any on you now?
Alice Eissen
Nope. Did you want some?
Lucy Benz
Not really.
Alice Eissen
A lot of people would assume that I’d be rich because I’m Jewish.
Lucy Benz
I didn’t.
Alice Eissen
I never really got to know my parents. You know those infomercials where they talk about how kids without parents go onto doing drugs and stuff to null over the lack of support?
Lucy Benz
Yeah.
Alice Eissen
I always thought that’d happen to me and when I did sell and use weed, I don’t know why but I felt this overwhelming feeling that I was failing. But the weed made me feel better and all, but I quit it and regret that for some reason. With this career choice, I mean, I never did finish college. I’m risking it and need for it turn out good.
Lucy Benz
It will. These things always turn out good.
Alice Eissen
I hope so.
Lucy Benz
Do you want to go to Alducci?
Alice Eissen
Do you have reservations for that?
Lucy Benz
Yeah.
Alice Eissen
Then yes.
CUT TO: A long line out of the Alducci, an Italian restaurant straight out of a Godfather film. The sky is now pitch black; Lucy and Alice are near the end of the line.
Lucy Benz
Fuck it’s crowded tonight.
Alice Eissen
And it’s soooo cold.
Lucy Benz
I should have gotten reservations.
Alice Eissen
Wait: you don’t have reservations?
Lucy Benz
No.
Alice Eissen
Why the hell not?
Lucy Benz
I don’t know.
Alice Eissen
You told me that you had reservations!
Lucy Benz
Would you have not come with me if I didn’t?
Alice Eissen
It’s not you. It’s just the goddamn Alducci where you can’t even get to the door without a reservation.
Lucy Benz
I really like you and wanted to impress you, I just heard someone freely mention the Alducci at a train station and thought it sounded cool.
Alice Eissen
You don’t have to do this to impress me.
Lucy Benz
Oh.
Alice Eissen
Lucy, I’ve been spending the last three months carrying my clothes in a suitcase sleeping in closets at gigs, I’ve played at Sports Bars for Christ’s sakes. I haven’t had sex in nearly 2 years, I’m close to getting carpal tunnel from masturbating so much. My life is reaching an astounding low, you’re awesome and have hugely impressed me with how cool you are tonight: you didn’t need fucking Alducci reservations to impress me.
Lucy Benz
Oh wow. Listen, do you want to go back to my place instead?
Alice smiles warmly.
CUT TO: Lucy’s apartment. Alice grips her hands into Lucy’s head by her hair, pushing Lucy’s face further into her lap as Lucy gives her oral sex. Alice closes her eyes and shouts as she climaxes.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN ON: Lucy and Alice lay completely naked in bed, with their arms around eachother: Alice’s hand plays with’s Lucy’s hair, Lucy’s fingers massage Alice’s stomach, etc. “Soldier’s Poem” by Muse plays on a radio in the apartment as they explore each other’s bodies.
Alice Eissen
You know I got that gig by pure luck?
Lucy Benz
Really?
Alice Eissen
Yeah. I bumped into the owner while taking my laundry to the cleaners; I overheard him complaining about a band that canceled. So I rushed to him and started talking about doing it and I got it.
Lucy Benz
That’s pretty lucky.
Alice Eissen
It’s more then that. I was only cleaning one shirt, which had a bit of wine spilt on it from my brother. He bought the wine with some loose change in his car. He also spilt the wine because of a loud bang that occurred on the TV, it was playing some war movie. Now that I think of it, of how if my brother hadn’t found that change, or that movie hadn’t been on TV or how I didn’t overhear the owner complaining: it scares me how close I would have been to not to meeting you.
Lucy Benz
That’s… that’s so wonderful yet so frightening.
Alice Eissen
Were we happy before we found eachother?
Lucy Benz
No.
Alice Eissen
I’m not sure what to say about this.
Lucy Benz
I know it’s such a cliché but… you don’t have to say anything.
Alice turns to look Lucy deeply in her eyes; they begin to kiss in such a strong way they cry. They don’t stop.
To my own Lucy ---- ORCUS
By Pelé Hearne
Part 2 ---- Junction
By Daz Murrell
Part 3 FADE IN:
EXT. ROAD SIDE
TITLE: "JUNCTION"
A WOMAN. Around 25 trudges on the road
side. Heavy snow fall covers the pathway. A blanket of white.
She struggles, pulling along a suitcase. a suitcase that has
seen better days. The handle haphazardly taped together after
breaking a long time ago it would appear. The zipper on the
bag threatens to burst, stuffed like a Christmas turkey,
ready to pop open at any moment.
The handle snaps, leaving the suitcase to go tumbling into a
puddle of sludge.
The girl sighs, her breath visible in the bitter winter air.
Her cheeks red from the wind, her lips chapped and her hair
blowing across her face.
She's not dressed for winter weather, wearing a jumper that
looks like it might belong to a boyfriend or older brother, holes in the sleeves that her thumb seems slotted through. The sleeves, altogether frayed, victims of a nasty chewing habit by the looks of things.
She appears entirely dishevelled.
She watches as car after car pass her by, nobody stopping.
She is ZOE.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- DAY
A man, early 30's, Shadow, wearing comfortable clothes
including a jacket with holes in the sleeves.
He sits at the driver's seat, eyes focused on the road.
Loud ROCK MUSIC plays in the background.
His name is CHRISTOPHER.
As he continues to drive, he spots Zoe on the side of the
ride, struggling with her suitcase. He hesitates for a Beat,
asking himself if he should pull over or nor.
At the last moment he opts to pull over and lend a hand to
Zoe.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD SIDE -- MOMENTS LATER
She looks more than cold as the winter the weather appears to
have gotten the best of her, the sleeves of her jumper damp
and wet after fishing her suitcase out of the snow.
ZOE
Thanks for picking me up.
CHRIS
No problem.
Chris looks down the road, as he waits for Zoe to enter the
vehicle.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Where are you heading?
She hesitates.
ZOE
Sundance.
CHRIS
You're in luck. That's were I'm
going. You're welcome to tag along
if you want.
Zoe nods her thanks, sliding her suitcase into the back seat.
She enters the vehicles, taking a seat besides Chris.
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- CONTINUOUS
Zoe makes herself comfortable, strapping her seat belt around
her. She smiles at Chris appreciatively.
Chris turns the key in the ignition, puts his foot down and
the pair get on their way.
Zoe enters the vehicle, shivering slightly. She sits in the
passenger, slightly bundled up, half trying to stay warm, and
half because she's not exactly in the mood for company.
CHRIS
All the airlines cancel their
flights on you because of the
weather?
Zoe does not speak, answering his question with a slight nod.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Me too. Luckily, I love to drive...
Zoe isn't sure if Chris is being sarcastic or not and again
just nods.
Chris continues to try and make conversation.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Sundance is a ways away.
She nods. She's all to aware of that fact.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Like a two day drive.
Zoe nods, a sadness and familiarity in her eye and voice.
ZOE
I know.
Chris picks up on it...
CHRIS
You going home?
ZOE
Yeah.
Chris nods his head and focuses on the road.
A BEAT passes as Zoe sits uncomfortably in her chair. Clearly
she's not comfortable talking about her home.
CHRIS
So what brought you all the way out
here?
Zoe skirts around the issue for a moment. Pausing to see if
not answering the question will make it go away.
She chews the sleeve of her two times to big for her
sweatshirt.
She opts to give a vague answers in hopes it will satisfy
Chris' curiosity.
ZOE
I -- things didn't work out back
home I guess.
CHRIS
Well, join the club on that front.
Moved out when I was sixteen, ain't
be home since.
Zoe nods, she's not interested and has no desire to chit
chat.
Nodding is the politest way of ignoring him she can think of.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
You got a name?
Zoe places her hands to the heater, her fingers almost frozen
in place from the cold outside.
She barely hears Chris' questions and once again considers
not answering the question. As she sees Chris looking her
way, expecting an answer she gives him one...
ZOE
Zoe.
It doesn't occur to her to ask his name. She just wants to
get through this journey as quickly and quietly as possible.
Chris seems intent on making conversation.
CHRIS
I'm Christopher, by the way. Or
Chris, if you like.
Zoe nods again, Chris takes note of her talkative attitude.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
So ...
Zoe, sensing another question about her personal life
redirects it back at Chris.
ZOE
Is this your first time? Going to
Sundance I mean.
CHRIS
Yeah.
She realizes she doesn't really have a follow up and quickly
tacks on...
ZOE
You should go to Alducci's. It's an
Italian Restaurant. It's really
good there...
CHRIS
Thanks for the tip. Maybe I will.
Zoe smiles briefly at Chris before turning away.
A tension lingers in the car. Zoe rests her head on her hand
as Chris focuses on the road ahead.
He glances over periodically, seeing how tense and quiet she
is acting.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Are you Ok?
Zoe attempts to brush it off.
ZOE
Yeah...
CHRIS
Do you want to listen to some music
or -- anything?
ZOE
No, I'm Ok.
Chris nods, "fair enough".
The tension remains.
CHRIS
You don't talk much do you?
Zoe doesn't answer. She just relies on the same smiling and
nodding routine.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
You wanna stop?
Zoe rolls her eyes, he just won't take a damn hint.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Get something to eat? A hot drink
maybe. You look like you could use
warming up.
Zoe considers saying nothing once again. But her grumbling
stomach will not allow her to do so. Besides, stopping will
allow her to get away from him.
ZOE
Sure. Whatever.
Chris takes her answer to be an enthusiastic yes, least ways
judging from the eager look on her face.
Zoe is both hungry as hell and looking for an excuse to end
the conversation as quickly as possible.
CHRIS
Alright. Stopping it is.
CUT TO:
EXT. DINER - PARKING LOT -- LATER
The sun begins to set over the snow covered roads and
surrounding area.
Chris pulls his car into the parking lot, haphazardly parking
it in a spot.
After a moment both Zoe and Chris exit the vehicle.
CHRIS
You might wanna --
To late.
Zoe slams the door shut and is off to the races, making her
way to the diner, striding with purpose in her step.
Chris having heard the door slam, turns to see the source. He
watches Zoe heading to the diner entrance; not sure what to
make of her.
CUT TO:
INT. DINER -- LATER
Zoe and Chris sit on opposite sides of a table.
Zoe hastily eats the food provided, not caring that her hair
sees to be falling in her face and the tips dragging through
the food on the plate.
Opposite her, Chris watches curiously, a mug of coffee held
closely in his hand.
Zoe senses his glance and tries to avoid eye contact. Her
intermittent checks to see if he is still looking her way are
soon her undoing as he catches her eye.
Zoe, feeling defeated pushes her plate forward, brushes her
hair out of her eyes and sits up in her chair, opening up to
conversation. Her body language says "asks your question" and
Chris doesn't hesitate to do so.
CHRIS
So, why you heading home?
Zoe, not feeling as open to conversation as she had thought
she was quickly attempts to back track.
ZOE
Do we have to talk about it?
Chris shrugs.
CHRIS
Only if you want to.
Zoe cannot help but wonder why he is so keen on making
conversation with her.
ZOE
Why are you so interested?
CHRIS
Why wouldn't I be interested? Girl,
walking long the highway in the
middle of nowhere, clearly doesn't
wanna be going where she's going.
Makes me question why'd she be
dragging a suitcase through the
snow to get there.
Zoe puts her guard up.
ZOE
Who says I don't want to get there?
CHRIS
Well your face and that sleeve
you've been chewing on for the past
half hour for a start.
Zoe quickly puts her arms underneath the table, hiding the
frayed sleeves that she has nervously been chewing on all
day.
ZOE
But they say home is where the
heart is.
Chris laughs.
Zoe is taken aback by the sound, as if it were a foreign
noise or one she has long forgotten.
CHRIS
Home may be where the heart is, but
it's not where your heart is. And
it hasn't been for a long time I'm
guessing.
Zoe hangs her head, defeated once more. Curse this observant
good samaritan.
ZOE
Right...
CHRIS
Besides, we've got a long way to
go. Gonna be awful quiet if you
don't wanna talk.
Zoe nods and smiles, the first genuine smile she's given
Chris.
Having been quizzed by Chris, she looks to turn the tables on
him.
ZOE
So, why are you heading to
Sundance?
Chris this time puts his guard up, he's more subtle about it
that Zoe and hides it far better, but there's something in
his answer that he'd rather not touch upon.
He deflects the questions.
CHRIS
Maybe we should save the answer to
that. In case we run out of other
topics to talk about.
He smiles at Zoe and she responds much the same way, warming
to Chris despite his inquisitiveness.
Zoe turns back to her food now, looking down at the plate as
she shovels it into her mouth. Very unladylike.
With Zoe pre-occupied, an expression of sadness spreads
across Chris' face.
He drinks deeply from his mug...
CUT TO:
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- NIGHT
Zoe is asleep in the passenger seat, head resting against the
window.
Chris courteously turns off the radio, allowing her to sleep
in peace.
He can't help but glance over at her as she sleepily brushes
the hair out of her face. For the first time she looks at
ease.
Chris pulls over, onto the side of the road. He reaches over
Zoe, opening the Glove box and removing a brown paper bag.
EXT. CHRIS' CAR -- CONTINUOUS
Chris steps out of the vehicle, onto the icy path.
He wraps his jacket around himself tightly, his breath
visible, even against the dark night sky.
The endless snow flakes falling from the heaven's now lightly
drop onto his face.
With the bag still in hand, he takes a seat on the hood of
the car, brushing away a layer of snow as he does.
From the bag he withdraws a bottle of whiskey. He sips from
it slowly, a far away look in his eye as he stares at the
stars above.
Sullenly he finishes off the bottle, his demeanor a stark
contrast to the talkative Chris that picked up Zoe earlier.
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- CONTINUOUS
Zoe stirs from her sleep.
She looks out ahead, through the windscreen and sees Chris.
As he gets back to his feet outside, she tightly shuts her
eyes, not wanting him to know she has awoken.
EXT. CHRIS' CAR -- CONTINUOUS
Chris lets the paper bag fall to the floor.
It gets caught in the night breeze and blows away like a
feather on the wind.
Chris returns to the car.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- MORNING
Both Zoe and Chris sleep in the front of Chris' car.
Heads resting on windows, now layered with ice and frost.
The car remains parked where it had been the previous night,
on the side of the road.
A Car's HORN rings out startling both Zoe and Chris awake.
Zoe immediately raises her hand to her neck, cranking it
after sleeping in the cramped vehicle for most of the night.
As she turns her neck, she sees the brown paper bag that had
contained Chris' bottle of whiskey the night before, now
empty laying on the back seat.
She looks over at Chris, almost cautiously. Not sure what to
make of him or what she saw the previous night.
Glancing past Chris, who yawns and collects himself after
being woken. Uncharacteristically, she initiates the
conversation.
ZOE
Where are we?
Chris responds, with half a laugh.
CHRIS
Still a hell of a long ways away
from Sundance. That's where we are.
Zoe glances back at the empty bag in the back seat. After
being "interrogated" much of the previous day, it's her turn
now.
ZOE
We didn't drive much through the
night?
Chris is taken aback by the question at first but soon
collects himself.
CHRIS
No. I was pretty tired. Didn't want
to fall asleep at the wheel.
Zoe nods.
ZOE
Fair enough.
Zoe pulls the seat belt across her chest, buckling up as the
pair prepare to set off once again.
ZOE (CONT'D)
Do you think we're gonna make it
today?
CHRIS
If the weather clears up, we may.
If not, we might find ourselves in
each other's company for a while
longer.
This isn't a prospect Zoe's particularly looking forward to
facing.
She forces a smile.
ZOE
Ok.
Chris, clearly not a morning person appears entirely
disheveled and all together out of it.
He shakes away the sleepy cobwebs, clearing his head.
ZOE (CONT'D)
Ready when you are...
Chris picks up on her meaning and slowly turns the key in the
ignition.
The car's engines begin to rev as Chris turns on the heater,
warming his hands for a moment.
Soon enough, Chris pulls out onto the road, the duo heading
off once again.
INT. CHRIS' CAR --LATER
Chris remains somewhat despondent behind the wheel, barely
making a sound.
Zoe watches him intently, both happy that she's not being
asked twenty questions and worried that her companion and
driver seems to have suffered a complete personality change
over night.
She can't help but voice her concern.
ZOE
Is everything alright?
Chris shrugs.
CHRIS
Why wouldn't it be?
Zoe motions with her head and shoulders, her body language
saying "you tell me"
Chris chooses not to, saying nothing.
ZOE
It's just, you haven't talked much
today.
Chris glances over towards her.
CHRIS
I guess I woke up on the wrong side
of the car.
Zoe lets out a half hearted laugh. The double entendre in
Chris' joke (with Zoe and Chris switching roles - Zoe the
question asker, Chris quiet and reluctant to answer them) is
not lost on her.
ZOE
Yesterday, you wanted my life story
like you were producing a feature
for the Biography channel. And
now...
CHRIS
I'm fine.
Zoe's not buying it.
She stays quiet, not wanting to get on Chris' bad side in
case she loses her ride.
A silent, uncomfortable, lingering beat passes. Finally Zoe
speaks.
ZOE
Last night...
CHRIS
What about it?
ZOE
Why we stopped.
Zoe pauses, cautiously she continues.
ZOE (CONT'D)
And the drinking...
Chris, eyes glued to the road, not even flickering Zoe's way
for a split second responds. Somewhat forcefully, clearly
wanting to change the subject.
CHRIS
We need supplies.
Zoe picks up on his real meaning and immediately ceases
pushing him.
ZOE
Ok.
Chris slumps back in his seat a little. He seems to regret
being so short with Zoe.
Zoe resumes chewing on her sleeve, her nervous, twitchy
traits returning.
CUT TO:
INT. CONVENIENCE STORE / RESTAURANT -- NIGHT
At what appears to be a truck stop, Chris makes his way
through the aisles of a small convenience store, off to the
side of a greasy diner type restaurant.
Zoe looks over at the TRUCKERS in the Restaurant portion of
the building, who watch as she enters.
She averts her eyes, sticking close to Chris.
CHRIS
Why don't you pick out some stuff
you want.
ZOE
That's OK. I'm broke, so...
CHRIS
Don't worry about it. I got ya
covered. Now go on, pick something
out.
Zoe smiles her thanks and heads off in search for what else?
Chocolate.
As she searches through the racks off foodstuff, she can't
help but take notice of Chris, looking at several bottles of
liquor.
She watches as Chris heads to the counter, paying for his
selection. She picks up the nearest candy bar before
cautiously approaching.
The CASHIER behind the Register hands a bag, much like the
one sitting on the back seat of Chris' car.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Thanks.
Zoe hands over the candy bar to Chris and he places it down
on the counter.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
And this.
The Cashier rings it up. Chris hands over some change, paying
for it.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Keep the change.
Chris and Zoe prepare to leave, however something on the
TELEVISION catches Chris' attention.
A map graphic can be seen, with clouds and snow graphics
overlay it.
WEATHERMAN
And we can expect blizzards and
heavy snow fall over the region
later on today...
Chris sighs.
He turns to Zoe.
CHRIS
Come on. We gotta get moving.
Zoe nods in agreement and the pair hurry off.
CUT TO:
EXT. TRUCK STOP -- MOMENTS LATER
Chris and Zoe head to the car. Chris walks briskly, Zoe
struggling to keep up behind him.
CHRIS
Come on. We wanna gain some ground
before the blizzard hits.
Zoe can only nod as she rubs her upper arms, freezing in the
winter air.
Chris unlocks his vehicle and the pair enter the car.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- NIGHT
Snow falls heavily on the roads in front of them. Snow covers
the windscreen as the wipers work over time, trying to clear
Chris' view.
Zoe sits huddled in her seat, shivering in the cold weather,
Chris slaps the heater with his hand, which does not seem to
be working.
CHRIS
Come on...
He continues. Apparently physicality and technology don't go
well together.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Damn thing.
Zoe looks over at him.
ZOE
I don't want to push my luck. But
I'm not much looking forward to
spending the night in here.
Chris can't help but laugh.
CHRIS
Me neither. We'll find somewhere to
stop.
Zoe nods thankfully.
A beat passes, the scrapping of the wipers across the
windscreen can be heard in the back ground.
Zoe looks out of the snow covered windows, tapping her foot
impatiently.
She tries to refrain from asking the question she wants to
ask. She fails.
ZOE
Soon?
Chris chuckles.
CHRIS
Soon as I find a place.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHRIS' CAR -- NIGHT
The snow storm outside has intensified.
Zoe remains in the car, attempting to stay as warm as
possible, hugging her knees, rubbing her arms, wearing
numerous layers of clothing etc. etc.
She watches Chris, forcing his way through the snow as he
makes his way back to the car.
He opens the door, leaning in and taking hold of Zoe's bag
and his own rucksack.
CHRIS
They only had one room left. Seems
a bunch of people on the road had
the same idea as us.
ZOE
At lest there was one left.
CHRIS
'Spose so.
Chris pulls out the bags.
Zoe looks on, as if building up the nerve to brave the cold
weather conditions outside.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
You coming?
Zoe rolls her eyes, sighs deeply before exiting the vehicle.
EXT. MOTEL -- CONTINUOUS
Zoe and Chris rush across the parking lot of the motel,
skidding and slipping on the ice as they do.
Finally they reach the entrance to their room. Chris unlocks
the door and the pair enter...
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Chris chucks the bags across the room where they land on a
chair.
Chris looks out of the window, peering past the moth bitten
curtains to the blizzard outside.
CHRIS
This storm's gonna hold up a while.
ZOE
So I guess we'll be spending
another day in each other's company
after all.
CHRIS
Looks that way.
Chris smiles Zoe's way.
She returns it, a lot less wary of Chris now than when he
first picked her up.
ZOE
It's OK. You're more likeable when
you're not asking me a hundred and
one questions.
Chris gives her a "very funny" type expression as Zoe heads
into the bathroom across the room.
She looks into the mirror, seeing her dishevelled worn
appearance. She brushes her wet hair back, looking at the
split ends...
ZOE (CONT'D)
Why didn't anybody tell me I look
this bad?
Chris laughs to himself as he unzips his rucksack.
He reaches in and pulls from it the brown paper bag from the
convenience store. He pauses momentarily as he withdraws
it...
As he stares at it, thoughtfully and almost regretfully, Zoe
re-enters the room.
She pauses at the sight of Chris, bottle in hand.
CHRIS
Drink?
CUT TO:
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- LATER
Zoe and Chris laugh giddily. The bottle from Chris' bag now
more than half empty.
And another sits on the side table beside the only bed in the
room, completely drained of its contents.
Chris takes a sip from the bottle.
ZOE
I think you've had quite enough of
that mister.
Zoe takes the bottle from Chris.
CHRIS
On the contrary. Maybe I haven't --
haven't had -- had quite enough.
Both Zoe and Chris are tipsy, not enough to break into song
and fall flat on the face attempting to walk. But enough to
be more jovial than they have allowed themselves to be in
each others company thus far.
ZOE
I'm starting to think you have a
drinking problem Mr. Driver.
CHRIS
It's West. Chris West.
Chris takes the bottle back from Zoe. He looks at it deeply
for a moment, sloshing the liquid from side to side.
He stares thoughtfully.
Zoe's smile and bright body language soon becomes more
serious, intrigued by Chris.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
And drinking isn't the problem. The
problem is why I drink. But I don't
know what the problem is.
Chris tries to sound up beat as he speaks, but a sadness,
loneliness creeps through.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Itchy feet I guess. I get bored, of
places. Of people.
ZOE
So you don't have any friends? Or
family?
CHRIS
No.
Zoe sees this an almost unfathomable idea.
ZOE
Don't you get lonely?
CHRIS
No. I --
Clearly this is the first time he's actually verbalized this
to anyone. The words and implications of them hit him hard as
he speaks.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
I'm just alone.
Now he is saying it aloud, he finds it difficult to stop.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
It's my own fault. Really. I move
around a lot, but I never settle
down. I've never really had a home.
But I'm still trying to find one...
Zoe sits on a bed.
She stares at Chris, seeing him in a whole new light.
Something soon dawns on her...
ZOE
You weren't really heading to
Sundance, where you?
Chris shakes his head.
CHRIS
I wasn't heading anywhere. It just
seemed like the time to move on.
And then, here you were. You were
my compass.
Zoe splutters out a laugh, not impressed with Chris' cheesy
compass line.
Chris laughs along with her however it soon settles, the mood
having changed within the room.
The pair lock eyes, gazing at one another across the room. A
moment between the two.
A beat passes, neither one looking away.
Finally Chris breaks it, placing the bottle down on the
table.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
What about you?
The single question sends Zoe right back into her shell. She
hunches her shoulders and once again begins biting on her
sleeves.
ZOE
What about me?
CHRIS
Why don't you want to talk about
your home?
Zoe stares at her feet, not wanting to answer.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Why don't you want to talk about
it?
Although, after Chris shared with her his feelings, she feels
almost obligated to do the same.
ZOE
It's complicated.
CHRIS
Whose life isn't?
Zoe still remains reluctant. She plays the last excuse card
she has left in her hand.
ZOE
I don't know you.
CHRIS
Who better to tell, than the person
that's gonna drive out of your life
tomorrow and never see you ever
again. Unburden yourself.
Reasonably put, and so very tempting. The walls have been
broken down but still Zoe remains quiet on the subject.
Chris continues to probe.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
If you hate home so much --
ZOE
I don't hate home.
CHRIS
Then what?
Zoe continues to ignore the vital questions.
Zoe gets to her feet, turning her back to Chris.
She appears angry, but at the same time disappointed in
herself that she can't allow herself to be open with Chris.
ZOE
Why are you so interested in my
life?
Chris replies earnestly.
CHRIS
Cause mine sucks. When I saw you on
the side of the road, you looked --
well you looked worse off than me.
ZOE
Thanks.
CHRIS
I was intrigued. My life is a mess.
I don't know why. I don't know how
to fix it.
ZOE
And you want to fix me. Is that it?
CHRIS
Maybe. I don't know. But you
interest me. And it's been a while
since anything -- anyone has.
Zoe turns, meeting Chris' gaze.
The stare is electric, Zoe can quite literally feel the hairs
on the back of her neck stand up...
CHRIS
So tell me. Why are you heading
home, now? What changed?
How can she not answer now?
Somehow Zoe keeps her lips tightly shut.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Did you need money, or ...
She has reached breaking point...
ZOE
God -- Nothing like that.
She sighs, still not completely sure of what she's about to
say.
Finally, she just blurts it out.
ZOE (CONT'D)
My sister, Ok.
Chris makes himself comfortable in his chair. Listening to
what Zoe has to say.
At first she walks around the bed, continuing to fidget with
her sleeves uncomfortably as she speaks.
ZOE (CONT'D)
My sister. She took me to see her
friend Alice Essien play. She's a
musician. They went to school
together.
Zoe sits on the edge of the bed, farthest away from Chris.
ZOE (CONT'D)
I was sixteen, she snuck me into
this club Alice was playing at. My
sister ... Jean. Everyone called
her Jeanie. She got totally drunk
and couldn't drive. So I -- It was
winter, it was dark and there was
ice -- ice everywhere. Like it is
now.
Chris sees where the story is heading. He leans forward in
his seat, looking intently at Chloe he looks down, letting
her hair fall in front of her, masking her face from view.
ZOE (CONT'D)
I saw something, in the road -- a
Rabbit I thing. And I swerved. Lost
control, the car flipped -- so many
times. I thought I was dead. But
only my wrist was broken. My
sister, she -- she passed away.
Zoe's voice begins to break.
Her lip quivers as she chews on the sleeve of her jumper. She
fights back tears as she remembers...
She takes a breath. Trying to compose herself.
ZOE (CONT'D)
And it was my fault. My parents,
they never said it, but they blamed
me. And they were right too.
Something in Zoe's voice suggests that she doesn't believe
that's completely true. But has somehow convinced herself.
ZOE (CONT'D)
I got out of there as soon as
possible. I tried to move on with
my life...
Zoe falls silent.
Chris speaks for the first time in a while.
CHRIS
And now?
ZOE
It's her birthday. My sisters. My
mothers, she asked me to come
home...
Chloe breaks down, no longer concerned with whether or not
Chris sees her tears.
ZOE (CONT'D)
I'm at a Junction in my life. If I
don't go home, then my parents have
lost two daughter, and I would have
pushed away the only family I have
left.
Chris continues to listen.
ZOE (CONT'D)
But I don't know if I can face
them...
Chris gets to his feet, making his way towards her.
He sits by her side, pulling her into a tight embrace. He
holds her closely as she sobs into his chest. Visibly shaken
at recounting the memories of her sisters death.
Chris strokes her hair, comfortingly, protectively. Lovingly.
CHRIS
It's Ok. It wasn't your fault.
After a moment, Zoe looks up.
She takes solace in his eyes as she looks up. For some reason
she believes his words and a weight, for the moment at least,
is lifted off her shoulders.
She leans in, kissing Chris softly.
He hesitates, not wanting to take advantage of his vulnerable
companion.
ZOE
What is it?
Chris wants to turn away, to have an answer to her question.
He can't on both counts.
He returns the kiss...
CUT TO:
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- MORNING
Chris lays fast asleep, face down on top of the bed.
The covers are crumpled, the now empty bottle of booze lays
beside him.
Zoe dresses hurriedly across the room. She takes a last look
at Chris before quietly sneaking out of the room, stepping
carefully, trying not to make a sound, or slip on the snow
outside.
She closes the door behind her and it clicks into place.
EXT. MOTEL -- CONTINUOUS
Zoe approaches Chris' car, slotting a note under the
windscreen wiper.
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Chris stirs, waking up from his drunken haze.
He looks around, looking for his travelling companion.
CHRIS
Zoe?
He pulls himself off the bed, sending the bottle hurtling to
the floor. It shatters.
Chris treads carefully, attempting not to not to stand on the
shattered glass.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Zoe?!
Chris heads for the modest little bathroom off to the side of
the room.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - BATHROOM -- CONTINUOUS
He opens the door, stepping inside.
Zoe is nowhere to be seen.
Chris turns on his heel and prepares to leave. As he does, he
takes note of himself in the mirror.
Seeing his rough appearance, he can't help but grimace.
He heads back into the Motel bedroom...
INT. MOTEL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Chris looks from left to right.
You wouldn't even know Zoe was there. Any sign of her
clothing, vanished without a trace.
The suitcase she has carted along on her journey conspicuous
by its absence.
He rushes to the door...
EXT. MOTEL -- MOMENTS LATER
Zoe, with her Suitcase, once again struggling in the snow
makes her way towards the road side.
A car pulls in, picking her up.
DRIVER
Where are you headin' sweetheart?
Zoe hesitates before responding.
ZOE
Nowhere in particular.
DRIVER
You're in luck darlin'. Nowhere is
where I'm heading.
He pushes open the passenger door and Zoe enters, struggling
with the suitcase in the process.
Zoe slams the door shot behind her.
Chris, barefoot, runs through the snow outside, making his
way towards the car.
CHRIS
Zoe!
To late.
The car pulls away. Zoe raises her hand, masking her face
from Chris' view as the car heads off.
Chris, defeated, walks back to the Motel Room. He notices the
note underneath the wiper on his car.
He pulls it free and reads the two simple words written on
the page;
"I'M SORRY"
Chris sighs deeply, realizing Zoe has chosen not to head
home.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE
- Chris returns to his Motel Room, gathering his things,
readying himself to leave. As he lifts his back pack from the
floor, the last remaining bottle of liquor falls onto the
bed. He picks it up from the mattress, holding it in front of
him. He turns, leaving the motel, placing the bottle on the
table beside the door as he does.
- Zoe sits in the passenger side seat of her new companion's
car. She rests with her head against the window, watching the
world drift by.
- Chris unlocks his car and enters. He takes his time
starting the vehicle before pulling out of the motel, pausing
at the exit. After a moment, he turns right...
- A tear streams down from Zoe's eye. A single tear at first,
cascading down her cheek, followed slowly by more and more.
The floodgates are opening. She wipes her eyes with the
tattered sleeves of her sweat shirt.
DRIVER
Are you OK darlin'?
- Zoe doesn't answer.
- Chris pauses a sign as he continues on his journey. The
sign reads "Sundance".
END MONTAGE
CUT TO:
EXT. ZOE'S HOUSE -- EVENING
Chris pulls up outside a house. He exits his car and looks at
a scrap of paper and cautiously approaches the house.
Chris pauses as he raises his hand to the door, not knowing
whether he should knock or not.
He lowers his hand, seemingly choosing not to.
He begins to leave however the door swings open and a WOMAN,
who appears to be in her 50's.
She has the same hair as Zoe, same colour, same shape. And
her eyes. There is no doubt...
This is Zoe'S MOTHER.
ZOE'S MOTHER
Can I help you?
Chris pauses.
To late to turn back now.
CHRIS
Yeah.
Chris turns back towards the house, walking forward with
purpose in his step.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
I --
Chris has no idea how to word what he is about to say. He
stops himself, thinking through his forthcoming sentence
extremely carefully.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Do you have a daughter. Named
Zoe...
Zoe's Mother is almost lost for words. She is able to mutter
one singular word.
ZOE'S MOTHER
Yes.
CHRIS
And another ... Had another. Named
Jeanie.
Zoe's Mother clasps her hand to her mouth...
ZOE'S MOTHER
Who are you?
Zoe'S FATHER, a tall, proud looking man appears in the door
way. He places his hand around his wife's shoulders.
ZOE'S FATHER
What's going on?
Chris addresses him.
CHRIS
Sir. My name is Chris. I was
driving your daughter Zoe home.
ZOE'S MOTHER
Where is she...
Chris looks at the ground. This is harder than he thought.
CHRIS
She couldn't face you.
Zoe's Mother begins to sob, her heart breaking in front of
Chris' every eyes.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
But -- I thought you'd should know.
You should know how much she cares
-
Zoe's Mother nods. It's of little comfort.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
She -- she thinks you blame her.
And she carries that guilt around
Zoe's Mother continues to sob as Chris looks at his feet.
Maybe this wasn't for the best after all.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
Zoe's Mother is a broken woman.
Zoe's Father approaches him. He places his hand on Chris'
shoulder respectfully.
ZOE'S FATHER
I think you better go son.
Chris nods, turns and walks back to his car.
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- CONTINUOUS
He sits, fully intending on driving off, wiping this moment
from his memory with as much alcohol as he can get his hands
on.
He starts the ignition...
He can't bring himself to drive away.
Chris pauses, he lets his body fall forward, head resting on
the steering wheel. More invested in Zoe and her family than
even he realized...
CUT TO:
INT. CHRIS' CAR -- LATER
Chris remains in his car
SLAM
The sound of a car door slamming reverberates throughout the
street.
Chris looks up...
EXT. ZOE'S HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Zoe stands by the side of the Driver's car. Suitcase in hand,
sleeve between her teeth, chewing more nervously now than
ever.
Zoe staggers forward through the snow, her suitcase getting
caught along the way.
She abandons it now as she strides towards Chris who exits
the vehicle.
Zoe flings her arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder.
ZOE
I'm so sorry.
Chris holds her tight in his arms... at long last he's at
home.
ZOE (CONT'D)
I shouldn't have left.
Chris lets her unburden her self.
ZOE (CONT'D)
I don't know what I was thinking.
CHRIS
It's OK. The important thing is,
you came.
The hug breaks as Chris and Zoe look each other straight in
the eye.
Both freezing, their breath visible in the air as they
exhale.
ZOE
I am so cold.
Chris responds, half laughing.
CHRIS
Me too.
Chris nods towards the door to Zoe's home.
She looks at it, although it's only a few feet away it seems
like a mile.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Are you going in?
ZOE
Yes. I just need a minute.
Chris outs his arm around her.
ZOE (CONT'D)
Can I ask you something?
He nods - "Yes."
ZOE (CONT'D)
Why did you come?
CHRIS
I told you, I move around a lot,
never had a family or a place to
call home. You have a home, waiting
for you right here. I couldn't let
you throw it away. You parents love
you, no matter what happened in the
past. And they needed to know you
cared, even if you couldn't tell
them face to face.
Zoe smiles at him warmly.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Why did you come?
Zoe shrugs...
ZOE
I don't know. It just felt right.
This is where I belong.
Zoe and Chris stand almost face to face.
Chris can feel her warm breath on his face.
CHRIS
I know just what you mean.
Zoe leans in, and the pair kiss, passionately as snow falls
from the heavens.
FADE OUT:
THE END |
|
