Creative Writings by Eliot Chayt (more to come)

AVANT TRAFFIC GUARD

(apologies to Hüsker Dü)

Raised on a steady diet of artificial light and freon,

we sit here at 3 am

wondering if this could be our moment in history.

In an attack of insecurity I conclude that I need to live in a paradox at all times,

and that I need to be more structured and more spontaneous.

So I pack all my belongings in a nylon carry-all

and hitchhike to the tallest flagpoles in the country.

The sound they make is almost Tibetan, but more metallic

and that gives me the idea to impose Buddhism on the left side of the periodic table.

But without an I Ching, I'll have to improvise.

Traffic lights are less majestic than flagpoles

but just as mysterious.

And the beeps and honks of the automobiles

indicate a certain insecurity

on the part of the drivers.

I also noticed today that people don't enjoy being filmed.

My rulebook is almost complete.

I'll simply work on the principle of even and odd numbers to divide my dual interests:

even- things I am in awe of

odd- things I can count on

Of course, the higher the number, the greater discipline involved to wrap my head around the topic.

So if I roll a five, that would indicate a lesson in mixolydian manipulation.

And if I roll a ten, well...I may have to jump off a cliff.

FADE IN:

EXT. RURAL HIGHWAY – DAY

Sisters HEATHER and KELSEY POLK, age 17, walk along a grassy shoulder by the side of a rural highway. There is garbage and litter scattered in the grass: pampers, fast food packaging, Big Gulps.

(Medium pan, C.U. on their legs, as they tread through the tall grass and debris)

CUT TO:

VACANT LOT

(Medium shot of vacant lot – hand-held follows)

Heather and Kelsey walk through a vacant lot. They stop to observe the rubble, picking up rocks, walking along the parking stones as if they were balance beams.

(Heather and Kelsey walk off shot, the camera pauses, then pans to follow Heather and Kelsey – the convenience store is visible, filling up the left half of the frame)

They approach a seedy convenience store. Bells on the door JINGLE as Heather and Kelsey enter.

CUT TO:

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE

The girls walk to the freezer section, each select an ice cream bar, and bring it up to the counter to pay. They are dwarfed by the fat shirtless man who stands in front of them in line. Kelsey empties a pocket full of change onto the counter.

We observe the intricacies of the convenience store: the many colorful inhabitants and quaint touches that make the area simultaneously attractive and disgusting- this is the underbelly that the bourgeois TV family America is trying to repress everyday. Children, barefoot, wander around, talking loudly, jumping up and down. A man is buying a six pack of Natty Ice. He is shirtless, blonde beyond belief, with Ray Ban sunglasses and a Tampa Bay Bucs baseball cap. He chats momentarily with the Pakistani shopkeep. There should be a crosscutting of Kelsey and Heather selecting fudge bars and the minimally verbal conversation between the clerk and the man, and the children, various other goings-on in the store.

The bells on the door JINGLE as they exit.

CUT TO:

EXT. DIRT ROAD – LATER

Heather and Kelsey finish their ice cream bars, which have melted in a chocolaty mess on their mouths and hands.

DEAD DOG

The girls stop in front of a bloody and badly mangled dog lying on its side. Both girls gasp.

(Beautifully composed shot of Dead Dog, bloody and mangled, predicting the mother)

HEATHER

Oh my god…Eww.

Heather and Kelsey exchanged a concerned look. The expression on Kelsey’s face changes to panic.

HEATHER

Kelsey, that’s not Thunder.

KELSEY

(distressed)

I told mama not to let wander out

The gate.

Kelsey quickens her pace to a fast walk, then starts to run toward her house.

CUT TO:

EXT. POLK HOUSE

The house, a rundown shotgun shack, sits on a bare lot of sand scattered with sparse patches of grass. Kelsey opens the screen door. The interior door is ajar and she slowly pushes it open.

KELSEY

Thunder…come’ere boy.

The house is dark and cluttered. A vase of dead flowers sits on a coffee table. Kelsey glances left and right.

KELSEY

Come’ere, boy.

Kelsey hears Thunder’s BARK from the back of the house. She walks forward, and THUNDER, a small yippy dog greets her. She falls to her knees and embraces the dog in a sigh of relief.

KELSEY

Come on, let’s get you a treat.

You’re a good boy.

Kelsey walks to the kitchen, passing the open bathroom door. She feeds a treat to Thunder, then walks back to the bathroom.

BATHROOM

MOTHER lies in the bathtub, arm draped over the side of the tub. Blood from the open gash in her wrist covers the tile.

Kelsey stares paralyzed for a moment. Urine soaks through her jeans.

She stumbles through the house to the front door.

INT./EXT.

Heather makes her way to the front door, but Kelsey obstructs her entrance by collapsing at her feet.

CUT TO:

THE SUN

Strange music swells.

CUT TO:

INT. REFRIGERATOR

A man’s arm reaches for a plastic pitcher of Tang. The refrigerator door SLAMS.

CUT TO:

INT. GRANDMOTHER BETTY’S KITCHEN

DOUG, Heather and Kelsey’s uncle, pours two glasses of Tang and carries them out to the living room.

CUT TO:

LIVING ROOM

The sitting area is quaint and neat, decorated with paraphernalia of different eras. Kelsey and Heather sit on the couch. BETTY, the girls’ grandmother, works on a crossword puzzle in an adjacent chair.

Doug sets the glasses on the coffee table, where a game of Chinese checkers is in progress. Heather and Doug resume their play. He passively watches a ball game on the television.

While Betty speaks, Kelsey’s eyes dart back and forth from different items in the house, assigning them an eerie quality- a FELIX CLOCK in the kitchen; a PICTURE of an old relative in hunting garb, holding up his game. Victorian FIGURINES, A mounted BASS, PORCELAIN DOLLS, a ROMANCE NOVEL on the coffee table, etc.

Although she addresses the girls, it’s as if Betty speaks to herself. Her conversations always lead to some illogical religious conclusion.

BETTY

You know…school starts in just a

few months, and you’re going to meet lots of new friends, maybe joinsome clubs. The Church Youth Group—oh that would be fun, don’t you think? Your momma was a Girl Scout. Did you know that?

(E.C.U. on Betty’s face)

Yes sir, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Now he has brought you here to be with your grandma Betty and your Uncle Doug, and if you haven’t figured it out yet, you will soon: he’s just gonna keep on workin’ his will in your lives. There is no reason to fear, for He will never leave us nor cause us harm.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXT. BETTY’S HOUSE – MORNING

TITLE: SUNDAY

The sun is low over Betty’s House, a small rural wooden house with a porch swing, and an American flag flying. The mailbox is shaped, strangely, like a fish, a remnant of Betty’s deceased husband and his favorite sport. There is a carved name that says “The Lunds.” The camera lovingly caresses each detail of the house in quick shapshots, acting as a metanomy not only for the house, but also for what it represents: the values of Betty and idealism and “innocence.”

BETTY’S ROOM

(Mirror image)

Betty stands in front of her dresser, looking into a mirror, wearing a flowered print dress. She hums a hymn off-and-on as she fixes her hair, and puts on her jewelry—a simple gold cross, pausing to smile. She reaches into a purple purse, and looks into it, confused. She eventually pulls out a subtle lipstick, which she applies. She looks at her self approvingly and smiles.

BETTY

(putting out her hand to the mirror)

Well, How do you Do?

CUT TO:

BATHROOM

(also at the mirror)

Doug, wrestling with his slight weight problem, and slightly too-small clothes, ties his tie in front of the mirror, creating a red face. He dips a comb in water,combs his hair back, loosens his tie. He combs his mustache, releases his tie is too tight, and reties the tie. He slaps on cologne, patting his jowls quickly. He combs his hair once more

CUT TO:

HEATHER AND KELSEY’S ROOM

(medium shot, taking in Heather and Kelsey’s beds, a small closet and dresser, lamp, and a vanity in the right corner of shot)

Heather is wearing a summer dress with thin straps. Her almost bare shoulders have a tan. She sits at a vanity, applying lipstick and eye makeup. Kelsey, still in her underwear, stares at a red fish in a bowl sitting on a table by her bed, on the opposite side of the bed. Heather’s eyes never leave the mirror.

HEATHER

Kelsey, what are you doin’? Why is it that I’ve had to guide you through every activity since we got here? We’re leaving for church in ten minutes. And I don’t know about you, but when I go out, I like to look like presentable.

KELSEY

(staring at the fish)

We’re going to church, Heather.

HEATHER

Kelsey, Grandma Betty needs to feel secure, and the only way that’s gonna happen is if we look “purty” at her church. She cannot have the congregation thinkin’ that her granddaughter Kelsey has taken up the “evil ways” of her daughter, which is exactly what they’ll do if you show up without brushin’ your hair. They’re liable think you’re demon-possessed if you just sit and stare without a smile and a “purty little dress.” You know you can wear one of my dresses any time you like.

Kelsey drops a few flakes of food into the bowl and watches the fish eat.

HEATHER

So, Kelsey. What are you wearing?

KELSEY

(uninterested)

I don’t know.

Heather sighs, and leaves the vanity for a moment to pull a plain dress from the closet. She throws it onto Kelsey’s bed, then returns to the vanity, fixing her eyes on the mirror again.

HEATHER

Wear that. If you don’t want to look good, you should at least look normal.

Kelsey stands up and mechanically puts the dress on and lies directly back on her bed.

HEATHER

(without averting her eyes)

(ironically)

Whadda you know, it looks better on you than me.

Kelsey rolls her eyes.

HEATHER

(brushing her hair)

Now, I don’t wanna sound condescending, but you just ain’t doin’ right by Grandma Betty or me these last few weeks. Grandma’s getting’ old despite her sunny-side, and she shouldn’t have to drag herself and you through every new day.

KELSEY

(looking serious)

Heather Polk. We are now orphans.

Our father abandoned us, and Mama told us never to go see him agin.

And now Mama is dead. We ain’t got no money or nothing except an’ old women without a shred of sense who actually told us that this was all part of God’s plan. I’m sorry if I haven’t adjusted to all this as quick as you, but “lookin’ purty” is pretty much the last thing I’m worried about right at this time.

I’m worried that my life, which wasn’t that great to start off with, has suddenly become a bad ep’sode of “Touched By an Angel” and the woman that raised us from children and told us all about the world apparently didn’t know nothin’ about the world cuz nobody nowhere sends off her daughters to get icecream and then…

Kelsey is interrupted by a KNOCK on the dooor.

Heather pulls on a sweater.

HEATHER

Come in.

DOUG sticks his head through the doorway.

DOUG

(uncertain. He must have heard Kelsey break the silence)

You girls ready? Your Grandma’s waiting downstairs.

Kelsey, not still not completely groomed, follows Heather downstairs.

CUT TO:

EXT. DRIVEWAY - MORNING

It’s now raining. The girls run out to the car, and Doug walks Betty to the front passenger door under an umbrella.

CUT TO:

INT. BUICK

Doug begins to back the car out the driveway.

BETTY

So, Doug, I guess you didn’t get a

chance to bring the trash cans in

yesterday like I asked you to.

That’s alright. I’ll do it later.

DOUG

I’m sorry, Momma, I musta forgot.

I did mean to do that.

BETTY

Well, don’t worry. We can’t do

anything about it now.

Betty reaches to the backseat and hands Heather a tissue.

BETTY

Hunny, why don’t you wipe some of

that lipstick off.

HEATHER

But I’ve hardly got any on.

BETTY

We go to church to exalt the Lord,

dear, not ourselves.

Heather, who was trying to do right by Betty, begrudgingly wipes off the lipstick. Kelsey watches raindrops collect and trickle down the window.

BETTY
Kelsey, did you fix your hair

today?

Kelsey obviously has the “just rolled out of bed” look. She does not respond, she’s somewhere else.

BETTY

Kelsey, don’t ignore me.

KELSEY

What, Grandma?

BETTY

Heather, would you do something

with your sister’s hair, please?

HEATHER

What?

BETTY

Doug, if you stay in this lane,

we’re going to be late.

DOUG

I can’t change now, Mother.

BETTY

Well, that’s fine, We’re just going to have to sit in the balcony, and I can never see from up there. But it won’t be

the first time.

DOUG

We have plenty of time, momma.

BETTY

But with all the rain, parking is

gonna be a mess. You’re gonna have

to drop me off first. That

pavement gets slick when it rains.

DOUG

That’s fine.

BETTY

Well, you know what, don’t worry

about it. There’s only one

umbrella, and if I take it, you’ll

get soaked. And without it, my

hair will be a mess by the time I

get from the car to the door.

DOUG

You can take the umbrella.

BETTY

You’ll be soaked. It gets cold in

the building.

DOUG

Fine.

BETTY

I don’t know why they keep that

building so cold.

There is a brief moment of silence at a STOPLIGHT. The windshield wipers swish back and forth.

BETTY

Is that the blue tie you’re

wearing?

DOUG

No, Mother.

Betty takes a closer look at the tie with a puzzled expression.

BETTY

Well, yes it is.

DOUG

I guess you’re right, Momma.

CUT TO:

EXT. CHURCH

They pull into the church parking lot. Doug exits the car with the umbrella and escorts Betty to the entrance. Heather and Kelsey run beside them.

CUT TO:

INT. CHURCH

Betty, Doug, Kelsey, and Heather enter the sanctuary. An organ plays. As they make their way to an open pew, Betty exchanges smiles with friends. The congregation settles into their seats as the service begins.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. HEATHER AND KELSEY’S ROOM – NIGHT

Kelsey wakes up in the darkness. She stares at the ceiling for a moment, then turns on the lamp. She looks at Heather, who is sprawled out on her bed, sleeping. Kelsey walks downstairs. A light glows from the kitchen. She hears gospel music and an electric mixer intermittently.

CUT TO:

INT. BETTY’S KITCHEN

Kelsey enters. The room is dimly lit. Betty pours a cup of coffee from a freshly brewed pot. The counters are covered trays of muffins, mixing bowls, muffin pans, flour, and other baking ingredients. Betty doesn’t notice Kelsey’s entrance. She sings along with the gospel tape and bakes in a frenzied trance.

Kelsey drowsily opens the refrigerator and pours herself a glass of Juice. She sits at the table, observing Betty’s routine. Betty removes a pan of muffins from the oven and sets it on the table. She screams when she sees Kelsey.

BETTY

Oh my goodness, you startled me.

Betty acts embarrassed, as if she has been caught doing something shameful. She wipes her hands on her apron, and wipes the flour off her face with a hankerchief. Kelsey does not respond.

BETTY

I just decided to get a head start

on my baking. “Whatever your hand

finds to do, do it with your

might.”

Kelsey finishes her drink. Betty stands awkwardly in front of her for a moment.

BETTY

…They’re for the bake sale. Edna’s

making brownies, Sharon’s bringing

apple pies, and I’m making

muffins. I haven’t made muffins in

years. I suppose other people will

be bringing things too, but better

safe than sorry. Anyway, people

like muffins…I guess I better get

back to work. Idle hands…

KELSEY

(interrupting)

Good night, Grandma.

Kelsey exits the kitchen. Grandma reaches for a muffin, then stops herself.

BETTY

Well, just one.

She lustfully sinks her teeth into the muffin.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. BETTY’S KITCHEN – MORNING

Heather enters wearing her work uniform—typical of fast food employees. The counters are covered with muffin trays stacked on top of each other. Betty cracks two EGGS into a bowl. She hums and buzzes busily around the kitchen. Kelsey sits at the table, biting an apple.

HEATHER

What is all this?

Betty, obviously preoccupied, delays her acknowledgement of Heather’s question.

BETTY

(startled)

What’s what dear?

Heather gestures towards the stacks of muffins.

BETTY

Oh…muffins. What with Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Wells pulling out of the bake sale at the last minute,I wanted to make sure that we had enough. I was happy to volunteer. Sometimes a good servant has to carry more than his load. Besides, I’m almost finished. I’ve just got to start on the banana muffins.

Heather grabs for a blueberry muffin, and Betty slaps her hand.

BETTY

These are for the church, honey- if you want one, you can come to the bake sale. Of course that would mean sacrificing a little of your social time, and taking some interest in the things of God. A Christian’s duty goes beyond Sunday morning.

Heather sighs, gives an annoyed look toward Kelsey, grabs an apple and runs out the door with her keys.

CUT TO:

EXT. DRIVEWAY - DAY

Heather walks out to her car, a beat-up HONDA. Neighborhood children play in the yard. A toothless, shirtless boy waves a stick at her. She unlocks the door of the car and gets in.

CUT TO:

INT. HONDA

Heather impatiently waits for the children to get out of the way. She speeds out of the driveway and off to work.

CUT TO:

INT. BETTY’S KITCHEN

Betty peels and mashes bananas. Kelsey still sits at the table. The phone RINGS twice. Kelsey looks at the telephone. Betty makes a big show of putting down what she’s doing.

BETTY

I’ll get it, you just stay put.

Betty wipes her hands on her apron and picks up the phone. Her tone immediately transforms to a bright and cheery one.

BETTY

Hello?…Becky, I’m so glad you called…I’ve been baking all day, I

just hope it’s enough…Well, I can’t wait to try those famous turnovers of yours. I bet they’ll just blow my muffins right out of the water (laughter)…Hey, why don’t you come over. Doug’ll be coming home for lunch soon. I’ll fix something, and we can all eat together…Wonderful, I’ll see you soon, then sweetheart.

The prospect of receiving this guest sends Betty on a renewed frenzy. She resumes the business of mashing bananas.

BETTY

Kelsey, Becky’s gonna be here in

an hour to eat lunch with Doug,

and I need to finish this batch,

and then fix something to eat. Why

don’t you set the dining room

table for me. We can use the dishes I bought last year-

they’re just covered with beautiful sunflowers. Now, Where did I put them?. Maybe the garage. Why don’t you check the garage for me, hunny?

KELSEY

Maybe they’re in with the…

BETTY

Please hurry, dear. I’d do it myself but these muffins aren’t

going to bake themselves. And I haven’t even got an idea what to do for lunch yet.

Kelsey walks to the garage. Everything is tidy and very well organized, except for a corner stacked with cardboard boxes of various sizes. Each box has a label revealing its contents.

Kelsey sorts through boxes labled X-MAS LIGHTS, SWEATERS, BABY CLOTHES, BOOKS, etc. She comes across one labled CHINA. She opens the box. Inside are various photo albums. She takes one out. There are pictures of people she doesn’t recognize. Some are all dressed up for some unknown formal events a long time ago. Kelsey hears Betty call from the kitchen. She puts the album back into the box and goes inside.

CUT TO:

INT. BETTY’S KITCHEN

BETTY

I found them. They were in the China cabinet with the

Christmas dishes. You can just set

them out after you put the table cloth on. I’m going to go pick something up for lunch.

Betty takes her purse and walks out. Kelsey sets the table. When she’s finished, she goes back to the garage.

CUT TO:

INT. GARAGE

Kelsey picks up the box of photo albums. Excited by the prospect her new-found treasure, she ventures up the stairs to her room.

CUT TO:

INT. KELSEY AND HEATHER’S ROOM

Kelsey lies on her bed leafing through the photo album. She sees pictures of her grandfather and grandmother when he was in the service. She sees herself and Heather at the age of four and five. She marvels silently. She sees her father dressed in a tuxedo. She is intrigued. There is a slip of paper with the words BOB DEAN POLK 1857 HWY 75.

KELSEY

Daddy.

The SLAM of a door interrupts her trance.

Betty’s voice in heard muffled from downstairs.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

EXT. “SPARKY’S”—a hole in the wall stand-alone fast food independent. Probably a converted Dunkin’ Donuts, or Taco Bell. The exterior does not match the “Cajun” fare offered.

INT. “SPARKY’S”

Heather stands listlessly behind the counter. LOURICE, a large black girl, works in the back. The place is dead.

Finally a customer walks in, and walks up to the “Sparky’s” stand. Here is a short, middle-aged man (ROBERT) with a sketchy mustache.

ROBERT

(to Heather, with a wave)

Hey there.

HEATHER

(obviously not paying attention to the customer, and sneering)

Can I help you?

ROBERT

Yes. I think I’ll have Cajun fried chicken, a side of…hush puppies …and…do you have corn bread?

HEATHER

No, we got biscuits…

LOURICE

(coming from the back, incensed)

Corn bread? This is Sparky’s. What you think this is? Soul food?

ROBERT

Just biscuits, then.

HEATHER

That’ll be 9.98 with tax. It’ll be

About five mintues.

Robert takes out a money-clip, gives a ten, waits for change, is handed a number, and looking puzzled, walks into the bathroom.

Three clean-cut looking teenagers walk in, and stop at the counter. One is CHERISH, a small girl with freckles, red curly hair, overalls, and too much gold jewelry than is appropriate for her outfit. The other two are BRIAN and CHAS. Brian has a shaved head and a “soul-patch.” CHAS wears Ray Bans and slurps a soda he quickly “re-fills” from an old purchase.

CHERISH

Heather! I didn’t know you worked here.

(CHERISH would have no other reason to be here. This is a clearly ironic and insane comment)

HEATHER

Yeah. Well, it’s just for the summer.

CHERISH

Sorry to hear that you’re switchin’ schools in your senior year. You comin’ this weekend at least?

HEATHER

(looking at Chas)

I don’t know. Who’s this?

CHERISH

My cousin Chas…he’s visiting from Tennessee.

HEATHER

Hey, Chas.

CHAS
Hey.

HEATHER

(doing a Marilyn Monroe)

How you liking it here so far? Real exciting isn’t it?

CHAS

It’s not too bad, I guess.

HEATHER

(seeming very interested)

They taken you to the Flapjack House yet?

CHAS

Uhh…

HEATHER

(all of a sudden

straight)

I’m just kidding, there ain’t much else to do here.

BRIAN

We’ll give’em something to do this weekend.

CHERISH

So what’s the deal, Heather, you coming or what?

HEATHER

Yeah, I’m comin’.

BRIAN

Grandma givin’ you a hard time?

Gotta go to Sunday school?

HEATHER

Go to Hell. I bet you used to sing in the choir.

I’ll be there.

(looking at Chas)

(Southern accent)

How long you sticking around, Chas?

CHAS

(fiddling with lighter)

Couple weeks. Shit…I don’t even know. I’m just taking a vacation from my family and my sister.

HEATHER

(taken slightly aback)

Well, listen, if you wanna have a good time you’re gonna have to ditch these guys.

CHAS

So you gonna show me a good time?

BRIAN and CHERISH laugh.

HEATHER

(to Brian and Cherish)

Fuck you.

(to Chas)

Don’t listen to them, Chas… Well, I’m about to take off guys. You better go, or you’ll have to stay all night long.

CHERISH

Ok, girl. We’ll see you.

HEATHER

(making a little wave)

Take it easy, guys.

The Crowd departs.

Heather takes off uniform, revealing revealing clothing underneath. She breathes a long sigh.

HEATHER

(in the direction of the bathroom)

You OKAY in THERE??

CUT TO:

Sidewalk in front of SPARKY’S. Heather is walking to her car, parked in an adjacent lot, and the camera pans with her. Various people pass in front of the camera, and we see Heather’s reactions to them before and after they pass. Suddenly, as she reaches her car, an obnoxious cell phone rings.

Heather stops, and picks it up.

HEATHER

(into phone)

Hey, Kelsey.

CUT TO:

C.U. of Kelsey on white receiver. A door in BETTY’S HOUSE is seen slightly out-of-focus beyond her.

KELSEY

(excited)

You’re never gonna believe this, but I found out where Daddy is.

CUT TO:

C.U. of Heather

HEATHER

(obviously surprised)

Daddy?

(pauses a few seconds, thinking)

Listen, Kelsey. Pack up a suitcase with some clothes and meet me in half an hour…Umm…I’ve got the car…Do whatever you have to…Take Bob’s Taxi and meet me at the front of the mall. We’re gonna tell Daddy we ran away from home…no…that Grandma threw us out…and we have to stay there for a little while.

KELSEY

What are you gonna do? Why can’t you come and pick me up?

HEATHER

I’m got some things to do.

EXT. HIGHWAY

HEATHER’S HONDA is driving down the highway.

INT. HONDA

HEATHER

OK. Sometimes I’m glad you’re useful for something besides tests. Where the hell did you find out about this anyway?

KELSEY
Grandma occasionally speaks to me

at least. I…sometimes I can get some information from her when

She’s busy baking.

HEATHER

But the topic of Daddy has always been off-limits. She always starts a-cryin’ and a-prayin’.

KELSEY
I’ve been thinking ‘bout that. I was gonna tell her that it was a sin not to let us see our own Daddy, and if anybody would know right from wrong, and show him the error of his ways, it’d be me, cuz of the good Christian up-bringing she gave us.

(looking into the distance)

But then, I didn’t have to.

HEATHER

What do you mean?

KELSEY

I found his address in a box marked “China.”

EXT. HIGHWAY

The Honda turns off, and pull into a dirt lot in front of a small Baptist Church off the highway.

EXT. BOB’S CHURCH

Heather and Kelsey see their father’s name (BOB DEAN) above “PASTOR” on the sign in front of the church.

HEATHER

This juss’ keeps getting better and better.

CUT TO:

INT. BOB’S CHURCH – DAY

Heather and Kelsey sit on two chairs in the hallway outside an office. Kelsey stares at various announcements on a bulletin board. The office door swings open and Pastor BOB DEAN dismisses a man dressed in a suit.

Heather stands up and pulls Kelsey out of her chair. Pastor Dean greets them with a smile.

BOB

What can I do for you, girls?

Heather looks at Kelsey, who is visibly shocked.

HEATHER

Well what do you know, Kelsey, old

Daddy here is a preacher man.

Bob gives them a questioning look. When he realizes who the girls are, his jaw drops.

BOB’S OFFICE

Heather and Kelsey sit on two leather armchairs in front of a desk. Bob paces back and forth for a moment. Kelsey looks at Heather for direction. Bob composes himself and puts on his “preacher” persona.

BOB

I suppose I have a lot to explain…

People can change. I’ve left a lot

behind, a lot of darkness…the

flesh is weak. There is

redemption- not by anything we can

do, but by the grace of God, and

God has brought me here…and God

has brought you here…and He has

brought us together again now.

HEATHER

Actually, Grandma threw us out.

BOB

Sometimes God speaks to us

through others.

HEATHER

Well, I don’t know what God told

Grandma, but Grandma told us that

she was changing the locks.

BOB

I’m not sure I understand.

HEATHER

You know, I can’t say I do either.

We’re not that much of a bother.

Don’t eat much, don’t take up much

space…

Bob stands with his arms crossed, as if he were intent on what Heather was saying.

HEATHER

(gesturing toward Kelsey)

…don’t make much noise.

Bob sits down in his seat behind the desk.

BOB

Well, now let’s just wait a second…

Heather stands up and picks up a picture frame from the desk. It’s a picture of Bob, a woman, and a teenage boy. She smiles with false surprise.

HEATHER

This must be our stepmommy and…

little brother? Big brother? He

doesn’t look like you.

BOB

Listen, we all have a lot to catch

up on…now that we’ve finally been

reunited, and that’s great…that’s

wonderful. But your grandmother

is worried, I’m sure. And whatever

went wrong, we can all sit down

together and work it out.

Heather stares firmly at her father.

HEATHER

Daddy, we’re not going back to

Grandmas’s house. We’re here to be

with you. It’s a miracle.

Bob leans toward them and takes on a sympathetic tone.

BOB

This is, this is wonderful. I am

so grateful. My soul is at rest

now, you’re back. But you have a

place where God has put you to

serve a purpose, and…

HEATHER

Daddy, you can’t turn us away now.

Not again.

BOB

Now, listen, I did not…

HEATHER

Would a congregation really

believe that its leader had

truly repented…if he commits

the same sin twice.

Bob pauses in thought. Kelsey looks up at him, lacking any particular expression. A woman wearing a fitted skirt suit, LINDA, walks into the office. She speaks casually, unaware of Heather and Kelsey’s presence.

LINDA

I called First Baptist in Lakeland

to see…

Linda sees the girls, pauses, and puts on a fake smile.

LINDA

Excuse me, I wasn’t aware you had

guests.

Heather and Kelsey look up at the woman. It’s the woman from the picture on the desk. Heather stands up and extends her hand.

HEATHER

Oh, it’s no trouble at all. Such a

pleasure to meet you.

Linda looks at Bob for a clue.

LINDA

It’s lovely to meet you… I’m

Linda, Pastor Dean’s wife.

HEATHER

(sweetly)

I know. I’ve just now learned

that- a stepmother, and such a

beautiful one.

Bob walks calmly up to his wife and places his hand on her shoulder.

BOB

(tenderly)

Darling, you know how I’ve always

talked about…my daughters. And how

I’ve prayed for so many years that

God might reunite us…

Linda covers her mouth with her hand and looks at the girls.

LINDA

(under her breath)

Oh sweet, Jesus.

She takes her hand away from her mouth and smiles softly.

LINDA

Well that’s just incredible.

After all these years.

She looks around the office and down the hall.

LINDA

Why don’t you take the girls out

somewhere…to get something to eat…

some ice cream or something. You

don’t have anymore appointments,

you can just close the office for

the day.

HEATHER

That’s all right. I’m sure we’ll

have plenty of chances to go out

together while we’re here

Linda looks at Bob.

LINDA

Oh, are we visiting for a while?

BOB

We’re gonna talk about that.

HEATHER

I never thought I would get to live with my father again. My

father and the new mother God

has given us.

INT. DINER – SAME

Bob and Linda sit across from Heather and Kelsey at a booth. Heather looks at her father, Linda looks at Bob, Bob looks at his hands folded on the table. Kelsey watches the door as customers enter.

HEATHER

When do we get to meet our new

Brother? We’ve always wanted

a brother. What’s his name?

Linda looks away from the table. Kelsey watches a young WOMAN with stringy hair and faded blue jeans enter. She carries a sleeping infant on her hip and holds a little BOY by the hand.

BOB

We are so happy to have you…

Heather and Kelsey, but your

grandmother needs you back.

HEATHER

(sternly)

We need you now, Dad. Daddy…

you’re not ashamed of us are you?

Kelsey watches the woman as she settles into the booth across from them. The little boy complains that he’s hungry. His mother tries to persuade him to be patient. He begins whining and slamming his fists on the table. The baby wakes up and starts to cry.

BOB

No. No, dear, of course not. It’s

just that some people don’t understand these things. They

question things. As a pastor, it’s my job to protect the faith of my congregation. If they doubt me, they may doubt the gospel.

The woman tries to comfort her baby, but the baby continues to wail loudly. The boy becomes more and more unruly. She pleads with the boy to be quiet. Linda shoots an annoyed glance at the woman.

HEATHER

Oh,believe me, I know not everyone can handle the truth. We better come up with something, then. If

they start questioning your past- God knows what might come of that. And we definitely wouldn’t want them to get wind of you turning away your own daughters- I mean, you know how stories get changed. People talk.

The WAITER approaches the table. He sets down an ice cream sundae in front of Heather and a milkshake in front of Kelsey. Heather smiles at the waiter.

HEATHER

Thank you.

WAITER

Can I get you folks anything else?

Heather pulls the cherry off the stem with her teeth.

HEATHER

Extra cherries?

WAITER

(reluctantly)

OK.

The waiter walks away. At this point the chaos at the table across from them has escalated to an unavoidable commotion. Everyone in the restaurant stares at the mother. Kelsey focuses in on the woman’s watering eyes.

LINDA

I just don’t understand how she

can let them carry on like that.

BOB

No discipline. No discipline and

no respect.

The waiter shows up with a small bowl of cherries. Heather smiles flirtatiously at him.

HEATHER

Thank you.

WAITER

It’s my pleasure.

LINDA

Excuse me, would you please do

something about that noise.

WAITER

(sweating)

Of course, ma’am, I’m so sorry about that.

FADE OUT

FADE IN

INT. BOB AND LINDA’S BEDROOM.

A fairly plain, small bedroom in the small house behind the church. Bob and Linda are lying in bed. A Cross hangs on the wall. Linda is in a skimpy nightgown with a heart amulet. Bob, in white underwear and a gold chain, sits up, sweating profusely.

BOB

Honey. What are we going to do?

I’ve been in silent agony all these years wondering what would happen to my beautiful girls. I was young and our parents matched Shelly and myself. We were both Christians. Betty, Shelly’s mother…she was so good to me. But, then…we failed each other.

LINDA

You never told me this. I knew you were divorced, and she had custody. But you said they were in another state. And it hasn’t even been that long.

BOB

No. But they’ve changed so. In such a short time. I can feel them going down the path of sin. How could I sit there and listen to Heather’s sick allogations. I was so full of the guilt of…abandoning them. But I didn’t know what else to do. Their mother was going down the bad path of drugs, and I just had to get away to find JESUS again. Now I think that girl Heather may be influenced by dark forces—by the sin of pride. And no matter what I say, I can’t lie. I have to face the fact that I was a coward. I just couldn’t stand it in the courtroom when their mother was spreading all those lies about me. Her twisted mind…made me sound like a monster. But I’m not a monster. I’m just a coward. I left them all. (starting to cry) And I never even went to my own wife’s funeral.

LINDA

Jesus forgives all sinners. Let’s just hope you can learn to forgive yourself. Lord knows I’ve had my own problems to deal with with Brian, and his father. I don’t even know where he is. But, I think you can’t let all this interfere with your ministry, Robert. Your own selfish fears are starting to get the better of you again. You help so many people learn the love of Jesus. How can we teach Heather and Kelsey this love?

CUT TO:

INT. BOB AND LINDA’S HOUSE—LIVING ROOM.

The Door SWINGS OPEN, and a staggering shadow (BRIAN) starts in. Kelsey and Heather, on the floor in sleeping bags, awaken suddenly.

HEATHER

(to Kelsey)

(whispering)

Did you hear that?

KELSEY
Who could that be? I heard a key in the lock.

The shadowy figure, moves silently on tip-toe, until suddenly tripping on Kelsey.

BRIAN

Oh! I’m sorry! Who’s down there?

KELSEY

Who’s up there? This is Kelsey Polk.

BRIAN

Who? I’m Brian. This is my house.

Heather reaches a lamp, and flips it on.

HEATHER

Well…Ain’t this a cozy little surprise! You, my tall young handsome prince, must be our big brother.

BRIAN

Brother? What are you talking about?

HEATHER

I’m Heather and this here’s Kelsey. We’re the reverend’s secret little brood! And we’re gonna be spending a little time with you.

Brian looks a little puzzled.

BRIAN

You mean…you’re the Spawn of Bob!

That holy phony. I knew there was

Something up his glorious sleeve this whole time. Don’t get me wrong, you understand, he and my maw are two pees in a pod…Say, you girls like beer? I’ve never met a better ice-breaker or something to take the pressure off of an awkward situation…(trails off)

HEATHER

Sure.

KELSEY

I guess.

HEATHER

I’m sure we’ll get along just fine, though. I’m a real people person. Just ask any of my friends or colleagues at Sparky’s. Kelsey, on the other hand…well she gets along OK when people confuse her with me! But whoever in the hell would confuse her with me?

BRIAN

Ain’t you identical? I mean…

HEATHER

But just look at her hair.

BRIAN

It ain’t that bad. I kinda like the natural look. Shit. I gotta

hot couple of sisters. This just must be my lucky day. First I stumble on an honest-to-goodness parté in the woods, and then I come home to my own private fantasy.

(Brian is already clearly sloshed, and drunker the more he speaks)

KELSEY raises her eyebrows.

HEATHER

Shit! I totally forgot it was Wednesday. Cherish will probably think I chickened out.

BRIAN

(slurring his words)

Cherish Love? You mean, you were gonna be at the party tonight? That is too weird.

HEATHER

Who’s idea do you think it was, sugar?

KELSEY

What’s wrong with you? Why are you slurring your words? And did you just make the most casual pass in the world toward both your newly discovered step-sisters?

BRIAN

Honey, you got a lot to learn. First of all, I’m sorry I’m slurrrring my words, but you better get used to me soon, or you’ll be up in arms more than you like. It’s bad for the nerves. See, I don’t exactly see eye to eye with my mother or REVEREND BOB. (Brian takes out a chapstick and starts applying it generously). I have a more humanistic code of ethics, if you know what I mean.

Besides, you’re not really my sisters. We’re in no way related by blood and we just met. Besides, those nightgowns look like they were designed for 12-year-olds.

What the hell do you expect?

KELSEY

I just kind of wanted to finally meet my father. Heather here is the mastermind. I’m going back to sleep, and I’m pulling on an extra sweater.

Kelsey rolls over, and clicks off the light.

HEATHER

So, Brother Brian. How ‘bout that beer?

FADE OUT

FADE IN

“KELSEY’S DREAM SEQUENCE”

INT. MOTEL ROOOM

This is an anonymous Floridian motel room. Nightime. The pastels of the beach paintings are muted and obscured. There is a loud air conditioning unit by the window that blows the curtains around.

KELSEY is lying on the bed. She feels that the A/C is cold, shivers, and pulls up the blanket to cover herself. She looks over to the other bed and sees HEATHER having sex with BRIAN. Slowly, the door from the bathroom creaks open, and BLOOD starts dripping out the open door. It rises into a puddle. Suddenly, it stains the bed of Brian and Heather. Kelsey starts shaking—then stands up and screams—now nude.

KELSEY

(distraught)

What are you doing?

BRIAN and HEATHER pay her no mind.

KELSEY

Do I really have to listen to your

Moans of pleasure?

C.U. on HEATHER and BRIAN—eyes rolled back. Heather is lascivious—a wanton woman.

CUT TO:

HEATHER, lying on the bed in white underclothes—underwear and a white shirt, gyrating on the bed.

CUT TO:

KELSEY, lying in a sandy beach at night, the waves loudly CRASHING.

CUT TO:

C.U. of KELSEY’s eyes opening.

INT. HEATHER’S CAR

HEATHER is driving and KELSEY is in the passenger seat

KELSEY

Heather, do you mind if I ask you,

What the hell is going on?

HEATHER

Whadda ya mean?

KELSEY

Doesn’t it strike you that all of

A sudden you’ve gone completely

Insane? I just can’t figure out

What you’re thinking anymore. I

Thought you were all set to settle

In with Grandma, and now…naw,

That’s over, we’re just gonna

Treat our longlost father like a

Dirty lyin’ dog.

HEATHER

I thought this was what you wanted. How else are we gonna meet our daddy? He is a dirty lyin’ dog.

KELSEY

(putting her fist to her head)

Nothin’ makes sense anymore. And how can you just act so casual about everything.