PEOPLE YOU HATE (THINGS YOU LOVE) By Joseph Robinson III

Based on the stage play, People You Hate (Things You Love), written by Joseph Robinson III Copyright © March, 2, 2017Cellphone: 630-303-0443 Email: josephrobinson@email.com

EXT. THE SUNROOM RESTAURANT - NIGHT

People walk past.

INT. THE SUNROOM RESTAURANT - SAME

MOM FRANK (50s), is calm, strong-willed, conservative,practical, and lives by the philosophy, "Be cool and getthrough it. Things happen all the time and good or bad weneed to be calm." Mom is at a table talking to JON WILL(30), who has the spirit of a kid who could do whatever hewants, cares deeply about everything, and is consumed by hisinterests such as Chinese food and popular culture. They arediscussing a job Jon has offered Mom. This is the first timethey have met in person.

JONSo, what do you think?

MOMI would say your offer is more thangenerous.

JONAnd the job?

MOMMore than doable.

JONGood. So, you’ll take it?

MOMYes.

JONWell, all I can do now is welcomeyou to the Wow Consulting Company.

MOMWonderful.

They shake hands.

JONNow, before we celebrate, I haveone question.

MOMMy name?

2.

JON(relieved)

Oh my god, yes.

MOMGo on.

JONOkay, your name is, "Mom Frank."

MOMMhm.

JONWhat is that about?

MOMWell, it’s a simple story.

JONUhhh, okay...go on...

MOMMy -

JONI mean, is it short for Moses?

MOMNo.

(beat)My parents were crack addicts.

(beat)They had a dealer, their favoritedealer as a matter of fact, who,he, by the way, went by the name,"Mother."

JONThey named you after him.

MOM(that’s right)

They named me after him.

JONYou’re a crack baby.

MOM(that’s right)

I’m a crack baby.

3.

JON(beat)

So, do you just have a giant scargoing across your soul?

MOM(amused)

No.

JON(how’s that possible?)

I mean, because your name is "Mom."

MOMNo, no scar.

JONKids in school didn’t make fun ofyou?

MOMThey did. To a point.

JONWhat point?

MOMOne day the teasing got bad enoughthat all I could do was feel bad.

JONHow bad?

MOMBad enough to say.

JONI’m sure.

MOM(as a matter of fact)

I’m certain.

JONWhat did you do?

MOMI used to shrug it off, but oneday, I decided to say something.

JONWhat did you say?

4.

MOMWell, trying to be funnier thanthey thought they were, I stood upin a group I was assigned to - andthese kids were especially cruel tome, so when it came to choosing ateam leader I stood up, crossed myarms, and, meaning myself, I said,"let your mother do it."

JONNo. Way.

MOMYes. Way.

Jon begins laughing. He laughs very hard.

JON(laughing)

And they just melted!

MOMYeah.

JONTell me something they used to say.

MOMThe reigning king was, "Mommy’sboy? Mommy is a boy!"

JON(laughing)

You killed it with that line!

MOMYeah.

JON(recalling Mom’s application)

What did you say in your coverletter?

MOM"I’m a good mom."

Jon laughs hard.

JONYou’re the only mom! Man mom!

5.

MOMYou’re such a kid.

Jon laughs.

JONI am. Listen, when I was inelementary school I was a chubbyguy. And the kids murdered me withjokes.

MOMHow awful.

JONListen, they’d say, "Oh here wego," and walk pressed up againstthe walls. Saying I was that fat! Iwasn’t that fat.

MOMHow fat were you?

JONI was fat enough to be concerned.

(beat)Maybe it was the only way theycould say, "Kid, you’re notalright." But it wasn’t my fault. Iwas responding to problems at home.

(beat)According to my therapist.

MOMSomeone read me the story you wrotein The Times about being bulliedand coming from a broken home.Tough stuff, Jon.

JONDid you read it yourself?

MOMEventually.

JONYeah, my life was a mess until Imoved in with my uncle.

MOMGerry.

6.

JONYes. Gerry was a vocal critic aboutmy life. He was right about the wayI lived.

MOMHow’d you live?

JONFat and sad.

(beat)Uncle Gerry helped me change mylife for the better. I mean look atme. I’m tall, weighted well,handsome. I can write in cursive.

Mom is amused by this.

JON (CONT’D)I mean...not a bad tool right?

MOMNot at all, Jon.

JONSee? You see.

MOMYeah. You know my wife has ayounger sister.

JONIs she tall, weighted well, andhandsome?

MOMYeah. And she can write cursive.

They laugh.

JONI...I might love you, Mom.

MOMEveryone should love their mother.

JONThese things with you, Mom. You’rea keeper.

MANNY CHRIS (20s), A small and nice man, Jon’s assistantenters with his wife OLIVIA CHRIS (20s), A small and nicewoman. Manny stops at Mom and Jon’s table.

7.

JON(happy to see Manny)

Manny!

MANNYHi, boss.

JONHaving dinner?

MANNYYes. It’s our anniversary.

JONWell, congratulations on one year.

MANNYThank you, sir.

JON(to Olivia)

Hi, Olivia.

OLIVIAHi, Jon.

JON(to Olivia)

Congratulations.

OLIVIAThank you, Jon.

JON(to Mom)

Mom, this is my assistant, Manny,and his wife, Olivia.

MOM(shaking Manny’s hand)

Hi, Manny.

MANNYHi, Mom.

MOM(shaking Olivia’s hand)

Hi, Olivia.

MANNY AND JONYou can call her, Vee.

8.

MOMAh, hello, Vee.

Olivia and Mom smile.

OLIVIAHi, Mom.

JON(to Manny)

Mom is working for The WowConsulting Company now.

MANNYOh, just great.

JONYeah.

MANNYWell, welcome, Mom.

JONHe’s taking Mark’s old job.

MANNY(to Mom, excited)

Mr. Executive!

MOMYes.

MANNYAgain, welcome.

JONOkay - okay - get out of here youtwo. Eat! Drink! Live!

MANNYAlright, boss.

(to Mom)It was a pleasure meeting you.

MOMSame to you, Manny.

(same)Olivia.

OLIVIA(same as Mom)

Mom.

9.

MANNYIs that short for Moses?

MOMNot at all.

MANNYOh.

JONYou two will have all the time inthe world soon to discuss anythingyou want, or can. Now, he’s mine.

MANNYOkay, boss.

JONBye.

MANNYBye, boss.

JON(to Olivia)

Bye.

OLIVIA(to Jon)

Bye.

MANNY(to Mom)

Bye, Mom.

JON(to Manny)

Alright, go. He’s mine.

A waiter approaches Manny and Olivia.

WAITERMr. Chris, your table is ready.

MANNYAlright.

WAITERThis way.

The waiter leads Manny and Olivia to a table not close toMom and Jon.

10.

MOMManny seems great.

JONI like him.

Mom’s cell phone buzzes. He pulls it out and reads thecaller ID.

MOMOh boy.

JONAnswer - answer!

Mom answers.

JON (CONT’D)Moms and cell phones.

MOMHello?

(beat)Yes, I’ll hold.

Mom waits with his cell phone at his ear.

JONYour wife?

MOMNo.

(beat)God.

Jon is struck baffled and overtaken by disbelief. He couldjust stare.

JONI’m sorry, what?

MOMOne moment.

(he speaks into his cellphone)

Yes?

Mom is speaking to GOD (N/A), who is happy, fun, and soundsas infinitely powerful as he actually is. During their phoneconversation, Jon watches on baffled and in disbelief.

11.

GOD (V.O.)Mom?

MOMYes?

GOD (V.O.)What are you doing?

MOMI’m in a meeting.

GOD (V.O.)With Jon Will?

MOMYes.

GOD (V.O.)(he sounds depressed)

Oh.

MOMWhat’s wrong?

GOD (V.O.)Well, I wanted to talk.

MOMOkay, then later?

GOD (V.O.)Okay. When will you be done?

MOMI’m not sure.

GOD (V.O.)I only ask to be considerate, but Iknow.

MOMWhen?

GOD (V.O.)Later.

MOM(amused)

Ha.

12.

GOD (V.O.)Yeah. Funny.

MOMWhat do you want to do later?

GOD (V.O.)We could go for a walk.

MOMThat’s fine. It’s Friday, so we cango walk as long as next Monday.

GOD (V.O.)Good. Are you drinking tonight?

MOMI plan to.

GOD (V.O.)Go for the red.

MOMOkay.

(he covers the cell phone andspeaks to Jon)

God said go for the red wine.

JONUh... Okay.

MOM(still speaking to a baffledand struck with disbelief Jon)

What’s wrong?

JONYou’re speaking to God.

MOMYeah...

JONMay I speak to God?

MOMLet me see.

(to God)God, Jon would like to speak toyou.

13.

GOD (V.O.)Did you just put me on holdwithout telling me?

MOMI did, sorry.

GOD (V.O.)(meaning himself)

Look at who’s "nobody."

MOMYou’re not "nobody."

GOD (V.O.)I mean, maybe say these thingsfirst. Here’s God on the phone witha guy who doesn’t consider himenough to say "dot dot dot I needto put you on hold."

MOMWe have a thing, I thought I wasgood.

GOD (V.O.)If you were in prayer and someoneknocked on the door to the roomthat you’re in, you wouldn’t go,"My father in heaven, dot dot dotsorry father I need to get this?"

MOMI... What’s happening?

GOD (V.O.)Ahhh, I’m messing with you, I know.You’re good.

MOM(relieved)

Good lord!

GOD (V.O.)He’s around.

MOMJesus Christ, God.

GOD (V.O.)(excited)

You remembered.

14.

MOMYes, God.

GOD (V.O.)You know, I walked the earth too?And he’s "The Guy." They say, "Wellhe’s God!" He’s a god. Not me,though. I’m dad, buddy boy.

MOMThat’s tough.

GOD (V.O.)Yeah. And he’s all smiles and

(playfully mocking Jesus)"Well, it’s your way."

(sarcastic)What a Christian, huh?

MOMWell...

GOD (V.O.)(mocking Mom)

"Well!"(done mocking)

Hey, did you say "Jesus Christ,God?"

MOMYes.

GOD (V.O.)That’s a swear.

MOMHm?

GOD (V.O.)Religious profanity. That’sblasphemy.

MOMCome on, God.

GOD (V.O.)Alright alright. Let me speak toJon Will.

MOMOkay.

Mom passes his cell phone to Jon who takes it.

15.

JON(in disbelief and fear)

Hello?

GOD (V.O.)Boo!

Jon drops the cell phone. God laughs.

MOMWhat happened?

JONHe - he said, "Boo!"

MOMOh god, give me the phone.

Jon passes the cell phone to Mom.

MOM(into the phone)

God, what was that?

GOD (V.O.)(laughing)

I bet... I bet he thinks you’renuts or he thinks he’s nuts. Ha haha! And he’s scared.

MOMGod, stop.

GOD (V.O.)(mocking him)

God, stop.

MOMStop.

GOD (V.O.)Stop.

MOMYou stop.

GOD (V.O.)You stop.

BOTH GOD (V.O.) AND MOM(God is still mocking Mom)

You stop.

16.

MOMI’ll hang up!

GOD (V.O.)I’ll use telepathy! (he laughsreally hard)

MOMYeah? Okay.

(Mom hangs up. frustrated)God.

Mom’s cell phone buzzes again. It’s God.

MOM(he answers his cell phone)

Yes?

GOD (V.O.)(like a child who didsomething bad. decidedlyfacetious and silly)

I’m sorry.

Mom hangs up. God calls back.

MOM(he answers. irritated)

Yes?

GOD (V.O.)(challenging him)

Do it again... Go on... Hang up,Mom. I dare you.

MOMWhat do you want?

GOD (V.O.)Let me speak to Jon.

(playful)Duh. God!

MOMFine.

Mom passes the cell phone to Jon who accepts it.

JON(speaking into the cell phone.still afraid)

Hello?

17.

GOD (V.O.)(playful)

Hi, Jon.

JONHi.

GOD (V.O.)This is God.

JONHi, God.

GOD (V.O.)Don’t fire Mom because of me, he’sa good worker.

JONI... Can we meet?

GOD (V.O.)Sure.

(this is funny to God)You bring the drinks and I’ll bringthe life.

JON(dumbfounded and struck withinterest)

Uh...

GOD (V.O.)Okay, my ball, kids these days -yes let’s meet. Bring nothing -bring you, though!

JONOkay, great.

GOD (V.O.)Oh, sorry about the "Boo!"

JONThat’s, that’s... I mean you scaredme.

GOD (V.O.)Ah meh, you’re just a baby.

JONI mean -

18.

GOD (V.O.)"I mean. I mean." How many timeshave you said "I mean" today?

JONI don’t know.

GOD (V.O.)(who really cares)

I’d say, but it’s not as wellweighted as you, my tall handsomefriend.

JONYou heard me say that?

GOD (V.O.)I know a guy.

JONWho?

GOD (V.O.)(simply put)

Me.

JONRight, right. Uh, should I takeyour number?

GOD (V.O.)I’ll call you.

JONOkay, okay that’s cool. Great.

GOD (V.O.)Great. Okay, great. Great greatgreat.

JON(amused)

Um...would you like to speak withMom again?

GOD (V.O.)No, he’s not cool, man.

JONRight. I guess this is goodbye?

19.

GOD (V.O.)Uh, no. I’ll see you soon.

JONNot that "goodbye."

GOD (V.O.)Oh, the "See you later" goodbye.

JONYes.

GOD (V.O.)(meaning Jon)

Funny guy here.

JONThank you.

GOD (V.O.)Whoa, humble yourself, boy.

JONOkay - right - alright.

GOD (V.O.)I hope not everything is good toyou.

JONHm?

GOD (V.O.)(a kind "we’re done)

Bye, Jon.

JONBye.

God hangs up. Beat. Jon, still dumbfounded and in disbelief,passes the cell phone to Mom.

MOMHe didn’t want to speak with me?

JONOr to you.

MOMOh.

20.

JONHe said you’re not cool.

MOMOh, whatever.

JONMom, don’t get hurt, I need you.

MOMAll is fine, he’s being silly.

JONHow’d you meet him?

MOMI -

LIONEL BUSH (20), who is content, happy, and a kid justdoing his job, enters, interrupting Mom’s story. Lionel is awaiter at The Sunroom Restaurant, a delivery man for asandwich shop, a delivery driver for a pizza company,and the co-founder and CEO of a software startup. He holds apen and small notepad.

LIONELHello, welcome to The SunroomRestaurant. My name is Lionel, Iwill be you waiter this evening.

MOMHello, Lionel.

JON(hello)

Lionel.

LIONELMay I start you off with drinks?

Jon get’s a text message. He grabs his cell phone and checksit.

MOM(to Lionel. buying time so Joncan check his cell phone)

Just a moment.

LIONELOkay.

The message Jon received is from God. After a quick beat,the message pops up on the screen.

21.

GOD’S TEXT MESSAGEHi, Jon, this is God. We just spokeon the phone... I don’t know howmany gods you know, so I needed tosay so. I’m the big guy. The bigHebrew God. Yahweh. I guess I’m thebig Christian god now.

(God ends the message with ayellow smiley face emoji)

:)

Beat. The message goes away. Jon is knocked out byamazement.

MOM(Mom notices Jon’sdisposition)

Is that him?

JONYeah.

MOMTell him I said -

JON(his cell phone buzzes fromanother message from God)

Hold on, I have another message.(he checks it)

It’s him.

MOM(to Lionel)

Just a moment.(to Jon)

What did he say?

JON(reading the message)

He said, "I already knew what Momwas going to say before he said itand I’ll say it first. (In amocking voice), ’Leave him aloneand let us eat, guy. Seriously.From Mom... Love Mom.’" Smileyface. And then he said, "Listen,Jon, this is what I heard from thatstatement from Mom, ’Blah blahblah,’ tell Mom to shut his face orto the moon!"

(beat. Jon looks at Mom)So, are you friends?

22.

MOMYes.

JONI can’t wait to meet him.

MOMI believe that.

JONGood. I’m terrified and excited bythis.

Jon’s cell phone buzzes. God has sent him another text. Hechecks it. God’s text message pops up on the screen again.

GOD’S TEXT MESSAGEEAT, BOYS! EAT!

Beat. The message goes away.

JONOkay, let’s eat!

MOMDid he say to eat?

JONYes. He said, "EAT, BOYS! EAT!"

MOMAll caps?

JONYes.

MOMDo not forget to respond.

JONRight!

(he types into his cell phoneand sends a message)

Thank you, Mom.

Jon’s text message to God pops up on the screen.

JON’S TEXT MESSAGEWe will! Thank you.

JONOkay, Mom, let’s order.

Beat. Mom and Jon look at Lionel.

23.

JON(to Lionel)

Okay, we want something red - winespecifically.

LIONELOkay. We have wine by the glass andthe bottle.

JONAlright, give us a rundown.

LIONELOkay. We have,Abbot, Abouriou, Abrusco, AlicanteGanzin, Alvarelhão, Ancellotta, Aramon, Argaman, Argant, Arrouyanoir, Aspiran, Auburn, Avanà, Avarengo, Barbaron, Barbera, Barberadel Sannio, BarberaSarda, Barsaglina, Bogazkere, Bombinonero, Botanico, Bonaria Piemontese, Bonda, Gondola, Bouchalès, Bouteillon noir, Bovale, Bracciolanera, Brachetto, Braquet, Brugnola, BrunArgenté, Cabernet Dorsa, CabernetFranc, Cabernet Gernischt, CabernetMitos, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caiñotinto, CalabreseMontenuovo, Caladoc, Calitor, Catawba, Celanese Comune, César, Chancellor, Chats, Chelois, Cienna, Ciliegio, Cinsaut, Clinton, Colombananera, Colorino, Complexa, Domina, Dornfelder, Doucenoir, Douce Noiregrise, Drneku[U+009A]a, Dunkelfelder, Duras, Enfarinénoir, Frappato, Freisa, Frontenac, FrühroterVeltliner, Garantier, Girò, Gougetnoir, Graciano, Grand Noir de laCalmette, Grenache, Grignolino, Grisanera, Grolleau, Groppello, Helfensteiner, Heroldrebe, HondarribiBeltza,

Mom and Jon look at one another. Their thought is, "How longis this wine list?" Beat. They look at Lionel, who neverstopped naming wine choices.

LIONEL (CONT’D)Horn, Incrocio Manzoni2.14, Incrocio Manzoni2.15, Isabella, Ives noir, Jaéntinto, Coubertin, JuanGarcía, Kadarka, KalecikKarası, Kotsifali, KrasnostopZolotovsky, Kratosija, Lacrima, Lagrein, Lambrusco, Landalnoir, Landot noir, LéonMillot, Liatiko, Limnio, Listánnegro, Madrasa, MagarachRuby, Magliocco Canino, MaglioccoDolce, Malbec, Mammolo, Mandataria, Manseng

24.

LIONEL (CONT’D)noir, Mantonegro, Maratheftiko, MarechalFoch, MarechalJoffre, Marselan, Marzemino, Mauzacnoir, Mavro, Mavrodafni, Merlot, Migrant, Mission, Molinari, Mondeusenoire, Monica, Montepulciano, Montepulcianod’Abruzzo, Montù, Moreto, Moristel, Mornennoir, Morrastel Bouschet, Mouriscotinto, Mourvèdre, Mtevandidi, Nebbiolo, Negoska, Negrara, Négrette, Negroamaro, Nerello, Nero d’avila, Nielluccio, Noiret, Pais, Pallagrellonero, Pamid, Papazkarası, Parraleta, Pascaledi Cagliari, Petit Bouschet, PetitRouge, Petit Verdot, Piccolanera, Piedirosso, Pignolo, Pineaud’Aunis, Pinot Meunier, Pinotnoir, Pinot NoirPrécoce, Pinotage, Pione, Piquepoul, Plantet, Plassa, PlavacMali, Polleranera, Portan, Raboso, Lamisco, Refosco, Refoscodal PeduncoloRosso, Rimava, Roesler, Romé, Romeiko, Rondinella, Rosette, Rossignola, Rossolanera, Rosolino nero, Rotberger, Rougedu Pays, Royalty, RubyCabernet, Ruché, Rufete, Salvador, SanGiuseppenero, Sangiovese, Saperavi, Schioppettino, Schönburger, Sciacarello, Souson, Sousón, Souzão, St.Laurent, Stanu[U+009A]inaCrna, Sumoll, SusacCrni, Susumaniello, SwensonRed, Syrah, Téoulier, Termarinarossa, Teroldego, Terrano, Terretnoir, Tibouren, TintaAmarela, Tinta Barroca, TintaCão, Tinta Carvalha, TintaFrancisca, Tinta Miuda, Tinta NegraMole, Touriga Francesa, TourigaNacional, Trepat, Tressot, Trevisananera, Uva di Troia, Uva Rara, UvaTosca, Avallino, Valdiguié, Valentinonero, Fermentino nero, Vespolina, Viende Nus, Vitisrotundifolia, Vranac, Vuillermin, Wildlacher, Xinomavro, [U+008E]ametovka, Zaryasevera, Zinfandel, and Zweigelt.

There is silence for a few beats. Jon reaches into hisjacket pocket and pulls out a pen and notepad. Beat.

JONWill you repeat that?

Beat.

FADE TO:

25.

INT. THE SUNROOM RESTAURANT - A FEW MOMENTS LATER

Mom and Jon sit in silence waiting for Lionel to return. Thesilence is long. At times they adjust in their seats, takesips of water, acknowledge one another, and begin to saysomething but decide against it. Eventually, Lionel enterswith a bottle of the house Merlot. He presents it.

LIONELHere we go.

JONWhere is it from?

LIONELCalifornia.

JONGreat. What year?

Th year of the wine is the present year, so this line, andany other uses of the year should be changed depending onwhen this script is filmed

LIONEL2017.

JONThis one!

LIONELYes.

JONAnd what a year!

MOM(to Lionel)

He just met God.

LIONELThe God?

MOMYes.

LIONELWell, wonderful!

MOMYes.

26.

JONIndeed.

(to Lionel)Okay Lionel, get a bottle of theCalifornia Merlot, 2017.

LIONELOkay.

JONNow, food. What do you recommend?

LIONELSomething beautiful. Spaghetti ConLimone with blistered cherrytomatoes and parmesan.

MOMThat sounds yummy.

LIONELIt is. It’s light and citrusy.

JONMom, I think we’re having that.

MOMFine, it sounds great.

JONMore than great, Mom.

MOMOkay, son.

(to Lionel)We’ll have two of those.

LIONELOkay, sirs. I’ll put your order in,and grab your bottle of merlot.

JONGreat!

Lionel takes Mom and Jon’s menus, and with the bottle ofwine, exits.

JONSo... God...

MOMWait until you meet him.

27.

JONI’m excited.

(a quick beat)Is he great?

MOMHe’s -

Mom is interrupted by the buzz of his cell phone. It is amessage from God. He reads. Beat. The message from God popsup on the screen.

GOD’S TEXT MESSAGEStop talking about me! Mucho homo,hombres!

The message from God goes away. Mom looks at Jon who staresback.

MOMGod said, "Stop talking about me.Mucho homo, hombre!" Exclamationpoint.

JON(laughing)

Who is this guy?

MOMThe guy.

JONI mean...

MOMLet’s do as he says.

JON(very happy)

Fine. So... What should we talkabout?

MOMTell me what your favorite part ofyour company is.

JONWell...

Lionel enters and places two red wine glasses down. One infront of each person. He exits.

28.

JONMy favorite thing is ourmission. So our mission is, "Thepurpose of Wow Consulting is to,and only is this, to enrich thelives of all living creatures ofEarth and one day, if so being areality, the universe. Earth andHeaven and what we do not know. Tobring all living beings togetherfor one purpose: Harmonious unityin perfection. Our goal is to findthe right path so we may all walkin the same direction. The rightdirection. Good and forwardforever."

MOMWhat a statement.

JONMom, we want to build something.One world, in glory. Our companyculture expresses this purpose fromthe open spaces with great scenes,murals, and landscapes, to themeticulously chosen minimalistfurniture. Remember "The SpaceRoom?"

MOMI do.

JONWonderful, right?

MOMYes. It can be dangerous, though.

JONHow?

MOMBecause it’s - I noticed - so welldone. You might not leave. You’dthink, "Let’s stay here instead ofgoing anywhere else."

JONI know! But whatever, we’re notopen 24/7.

29.

MOMSo people have to go home.

JON(agreeing)

So people have to go home.

MOMGood.

JONYeah. Look, I was thinking maybe,one of the first projects you couldwork on is us.

MOMDesign?

JONYeah. As you know, we have agoverning body over all executivescalled, The Court. And so they wanta bigger space, so, we are going toknock down a wall and open up theircurrent one. It will be a bigroom with a wall that is parallelto the wall with the main door thatis all glass. It should bebeautiful, so I want you to work onthat.

MOMCertainly.

JONYou know what? I just had athought. Do you care that you’reover twenty years older than me?

MOMNo, not at all.

JONGood. The guy before you - I tellyou what, quit, because, and Iquote, "Some punk fatty kid fromManhattan with some childish hopeis my boss."

MOMWow.

30.

JONYah. And he said it with disgustand disappointment.

(beat)I am glad you’re here.

(beat)I’m glad you’re here and notagainst me.

MOMHe really said "fatty?"

JONSadly yes. He read my life storythe same as you. That prick of hiswas from my past. Look, I know I’mjust a kid, but I built a finebusiness.

MOMYou have.

JONAnd you know what else?

MOMWhat?

JONI am a kid! And so? I like Chinesefood, popular art, not beingsick...uh...the mind... Space! AndI treat people fairly. Mom, I knewa guy who was a beast! Just mean,and, cruel for no reason. I’m notlike that.

MOMI see that.

JONIt was my dad.

(amazed at how bad his dadwas. he was impossibly bad)

What a guy! He’d hit everyone andeverything. And spit. And stink!God the smell! I couldn’t eat athome because of the smell...but Idid. So what? I was sick. I ateeverywhere because the smellof food was the best smell I knew.So good.

(with disdain)

31.

JONMy dad...mean and ugly. I wrote ashort piece about him. Would youlike to hear it?

MOMYeah.

Jon pulls out his cell phone and opens a document. He clearshis throat. He reads.

JON(reading)

"This guy sucks!" The end.(beat)

Good right?

MOMThat was something from yourTwitter feed, right?

JONYeah.

MOMIt’s a heavy statement.

JONYeah. It could have been more, but,that was enough.

MOMYeah, clear. Unmissable. Clean. Alot of heart.

JONYeah, you hear me. You hear wellold man.

MOMWhoa! Buddy, don’t say call methat.

JONOh. Sorry, Mom.

MOMWe’re okay.

JONGood. Here is a mental note: "Donot call Mom ’old man.’"

32.

MOMYou called your mom an old man?

They laugh.

JON(beat)

I do like you! You can call me kid,though.

MOM(amused)

You know what? You can say "oldman."

JONWoo! Ha ha! You know what we need?

MOMWhat?

JONThink.

Mom thinks.

JONSay it with me and you win.

BOTH(beat)

Wine!(beat)

Waiter!

INT. THE SUNROOM RESTAURANT - A FEW MINUTES LATER

Jon sits alone at the table. He checks his phone for a fewbeats. Mom enters then sits.

JON(still looking at his cellphone)

Nice restrooms huh?

MOMYeah.

Jon puts his cell phone away and looks at Mom.

JONYou could sit inside there for awhile.

33.

MOMYeah.

JONLook around.

MOMMhm.

JONIt’s modern and nice.

MOMYeah, TVs right in front of youwhen you’re at the urinals.

JONWas the news on?

MOMYeah. Nice weather for the rest ofthe day.

JONGood, they said we might get rain.

MOMNo rain.

JONI was so depressed when I heardthere might be rain.

(how he currently feels)Now? I’m all good buddy.

MOMGood.

Lionel enters with a bottle of red wine and shows it to Jon.

JONGreat. Let’s see it.

Lionel opens the bottle, places the cork in front of Jon,and pours a bit in his glass. Jon picks up the glass andswirls it for a beat. He smells it, then tastes it.

JON(pleasant due to the goodtaste)

Yum.

34.

MOMWonderful.

JON(Lionel)

This is good. Fill us up, my man.

LIONELYes, sir.

Lionel goes on to fill Mom’s glass, then Jon’s. He leavesthe bottle on the table and exits. Mom and Jon swirl theirglasses for a beat. They drink.

BOTHAhhh.

JONTo life.

MOMTo life.

They cheers then drink.

JONNow, more about the company. Ourroof is a great place also.

MOMDid you choose the location?

JON(asking Mom why he asked thequestion)

The view?

MOMYes, sir.

JONGreat, I know. I chose thebuilding.

MOMWhat a call.

JONHopefully, you actually see what Isee, because it means so much.

35.

MOMIt’s across from your uncle’s oldbuilding.

JONYes. It means a lot. And you knowwhat?

MOMHm?

JONWe just bought his old building.

MOMOh?

JONYes. We’ll be tearing down one ofthe major facade walls of bothbuildings and connecting the two.Building a pond too.

MOMI really like what you’ve done withthe current building, and I hopeyou keep up with such greatdesigns.

JONYou know,

(he drinks)I had final say over all designs.

MOMFor?

JONFor our current building.

MOMGood choices.

JONGreat choices. I went to school forarchitecture.

MOMI know.

JONIt will be the same idea.

36.

MOMUnless there is some great feat indesign that shows up.

JONTrue. But, though, we need to keepin mind we are pointing tosomething.

MOMThe great city in the sky?

JONThe great city in the sky. Righton, Mom.

They drink. Beat. Silence begins to set in as theycontemplate the great city in the sky.

MOMHere, ask me anything you want.

JONAnything?

MOMYes.

JONAbsolutely anything?

MOMYes.

JONAbsolutely absolutely anything.

MOMYes, go on.

JONOkay... Why not have kids?

MOMBecause my wife and I were happywith just us.

JONDid God say anything about it?

MOMNo. He said for us, it didn’tmatter.

37.

JONHm. I -

Jon is interrupted by the buzz of his cell phone. It is amessage from God. He reads. Beat.

JON (CONT’D)God said, "Stop talking about me.Mucho homo, guys!" Exclamationpoint.

MOMHe should see that restroom.

Both of their cell phones buzz. They both received the samemessage from God.

BOTHGod said, "I did see that restroom,dot dot dot, wow, dot dot dot,leave me alone!" Exclamation point.

They laugh for a beat. Then both of their cell phones buzz.They check. They look at one another.

BOTHGod said, "LOL."

They laugh for another beat. Then both of their cell phonesbuzz. They check. They look at one another.

BOTHGod said, "Seriously, boys, I’m ina meeting, leave me alone, dot dotdot, exclamation point."

JON(laughing. asking Mom alegitimate question)

Do as he says?

MOMYes.

JONFine.

MOM(beat)

Now, what about you?

38.

JONKids?

MOMYes.

JONI want kids.

MOMSo I should be in expectation?

JONYeah, we’re trying. It’ll happenwhen it happens. If it happens.I’ll quote you, "Be cool, no matterwhat."

MOMGood call.

JONHere’s a good call,

(quoting Mom)"Let’s say this: Buy a giant boat,throw a fundraiser like younormally do and go out to sea.Attach a net to the back of theboat and fish while you hold yourevent. Gather tons and tons of fishand then sell it. Make money andmoney and see what happens." Yousaid that.

MOMI did.

JONThey did that.

MOMThey did.

JONIt’s not something you hear everyday.

MOMIt’s not.

JONThey made so much money. That’swhat I want, something different.

39.

MOMI will do my best.

JONGood. I’m also happy about all ofthe accounts coming with you. I’msitting on a good number myself,and here comes you with over doubleof what I have.

MOMI’m also over twenty years olderthan you.

JONYeah, but you kept all of youraccounts after all this time.

MOMTrue.

JONHonestly, we’re looking good withyou.

Mom smiles.

JONSeriously. And you know what else?

MOMHm?

JONLet’s drink.

MOMLet’s.

They drink. Lionel enters with their food on a food tray. Hehas a food tray stand with him also. He sets the stand downfirst, and then the tray on top of that. He places theirplates in front of them.

JONWonderful.

MOM(meaning how good the foodlooks and smells)

Look at this.

40.

LIONELAwesome, yes?

MOMYes.

JONHis eyes know well.

LIONELYes, sir.

MOMMy nose too.

JONPerfect.

(to Lionel)Alright, Lionel, just great.

LIONELGreat. Would you fellas likeanythings else?

BOTH MOM AND JONI’m fine.

LIONELOkay. Enjoy.

Lionel exits.

BOTH MOM AND JONLet’s eat.

Mom and Jon prepare to eat. They mirror one another.Theytake their napkins and place them on their laps, take adrink, then grab their silverware and eat. Beat. They stopand look at one another.

BOTHSo good.

They eat. A few beats pass.

JONOkay. too good. It should beillegal.

Jon continues to eat.

41.

MOMYeah.

They eat for another few beats.

MOMThis restaurant is one of youraccounts, right?

JONYeah, Mom.

MOMDo you get a discount?

JONThey offered, but I turned it down.

MOMWhy?

JONSome discounts I turn down. Just afeeling.

MOMOkay.

JONThink I’m dumb?

MOMYou’ve built a great business, I’mnot nearly as rich as you -

JONSo my decisions are gold.

MOMFor now.

(he drinks)jon

You know what we should do?

MOMI don’t know, boss.

JONI believe we should, and this isjust me, Uber to pier 15 and walkaround.

42.

MOMI’m in.

JONGreat.

MOMGreat.

JONHow about before we leave we eachhave a slice of, "The BestCheesecake Ever!"

MOMWhat’s that?

JONThe best cheesecake ever.

MOMCan you really say that?

JONIt’s the brand name.

MOM(amused)

Ahhh.

JONYou’ve never had it?

MOMNo.

JONUh-oh, no culture.

MOMI’m fired.

JONYou’re fired.

MOMFine.

JON(beat)

Still want cheesecake?

43.

MOMYeah.

JONOkay.

They eat.

MOMDo you need a consultant?

JONYeah.

MOMOkay.

(beat)Am I hired?

JONYou’re hired.

MOMGreat.

JONThe last guy was so old.

MOMWell, I hope he still did his best.

JONMhm.

They eat for a couple beats. Jon stops eating.

JONOkay, it’s time for cake.(calling Lionel)Waiter!

INT. THE SUNROOM RESTAURANT - SOMETIME LATER

Mom and Jon are in the same places as before. The table hasbeen cleared of everything except for the wine and thecheesecake. They eat their individual pieces of cheesecakewhile doing business on their cell phones. This goes on forsome time in silence. They eat, they drink, they type.Occasionally they look up and acknowledge one another.Lionel enters with their bill.

44.

LIONELHello, sirs, there is no rush but Ihave your bill.

JONI’ll take that.

LIONELOkay.

(he hands the bill to Jon)If you need anything I will be

(gesturing to a waiterstation)

Over there.

JONGreat.

MOMGreat job, Lionel.

LIONELYes, sir. Thank you.

JON(to Lionel)

Great job.

LIONELYes, sir. Thank you.

Lionel exits. Mom and Jon go back to what they were doingbefore he entered. This goes on for some time. Eventually,Mom looks up.

MOMJon, are we still headed for thepier?

JON(he looks up)

Yes.

MOMOkay.

They go back to their cell phones. Beat. Mom looks up and atJon.

MOMShould I request an Uber now?

Jon looks up and at Mom.

45.

JONYeah, that’s fine.

They go back to their cell phones and do business for acouple beats. The screen goes black. "Who Are You" by TheWho plays. The song plays through the opening credits.

FADE IN:

TITLE CARD:

People You Hate (Things You Love)

FADE IN UNDERNEATH:

Written by Joseph Robinson III

FADE TO:

Directed by ___________________

OPENING CREDITS:

Pictures, home movies, etc., of the main cast of characters,Mom, Jon, CASEY FRANK (30s), Mom’s loyal, and loving wife.Casey is like Mom, a calm, strong-willed, conservative, andpractical person who lives by the philosophy as Mom, "Becool and get through it. Things happen all the time, andgood or bad we need to be calm," CHARLES FRANK (50s), Mom’syounger brother, a calm, strong-willed, conservative, andpractical man. Charles lives by the same philosophy that Momdoes, "Be cool and get through it. Things happen all thetime, and good or bad we need to be calm," SUNNY DAY (40), asmart, frazzled, and frustrated man, Lionel, and JOSEPHROBINSON III (20s), Mom’s client at The Wow ConsultingCompany, and a writer who is worried about his work notbeing good enough, is seen with the opening credits. We seetheir lives past, present, and future. We see them inbraces, at their graduations, at family dinners, withfriends, etc.

INT. HALLWAY OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER - AFTERNOON

We see a sign that says, "A.A. Group 1A" outside a meetingroom. A man walks inside. After a few beats Mom walks up tothe door and stops. He pulls out his cell phone and checkshis messages. He receives a text message from his brother,Charles. The text message from Charles pops up on thescreen.

CHARLES’ TEXT MESSAGECome in, brother. I’m by thedonuts.

46.

Mom responds to the message. We see him type and send it.

MOM’S TEXT MESSAGEOf course you are.

Mom enters the meeting room and walks over to Charles, whois standing by the donuts.

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM - SAME

There are members of Alcoholics Anonymous standing aroundtalking to one another.

CHARLES(greeting and happy to seeMom)

Brother.

MOM(greeting and happy to seeCharles)

Charles.

They hug.

CHARLESHow long has it been?

MOMToo long.

CHARLESToo long.

MOMIs it us, or our age?

CHARLESWhat?

MOMWe’re getting fat.

CHARLES(who cares)

Yeah? Well, why not?

MOM(amused)

Ha!

47.

CHARLESI’ve been sucking in my gut for awhile now.

MOMI gave up on that.

CHARLESWhy?

MOMI’m not as strong as I used to be.

CHARLES(amused)

Ha ha!

Mom smiles.

CHARLESSo, how are you?

MOMI’m well.

CHARLESHow’s Casey?

MOMAlways awesome.

CHARLESGood.

MOMHow are you?

CHARLESI’m happy.

MOMGood.

CHARLESMy anniversary is in a week.

MOMAre you going to Liz’s gravesite?

CHARLESNot this year.

48.

MOMWould you like to come over?

CHARLESNo.

MOMAre you almost over it?

CHARLESAlmost. The A.A. groups occupy alot of my time.

MOMWhat do you do outside of it?

CHARLESI drink.

MOM(beat)

A lot?

CHARLESNo. Just enough.

MOMWhat’s "enough?"

CHARLESWhat’s not?

MOMHow many groups do you lead?

CHARLESEight.

MOMOkay. Are you anyone’s sponsor?

CHARLESNo. I drink too much.

MOMGod, Charles.

CHARLES(meaning God)

How’s he by the way?

49.

MOMTall and impressive as usual.

CHARLESInvite him next time.

MOMFine by me.

CHARLESGood.

(beat)Listen, I drink because I likealcohol...not because I’m analcoholic. Most times I’m not evendrunk. I’m dead to it.

MOMIt just tastes good?

CHARLES(simply put)

Yeah.

A couple beats pass as they take one another in.

MOMSo, are you leading today’s group?

CHARLESYes.

MOMMay I sit in on this meeting?

CHARLESWhy?

MOMWhy not, Kid?

CHARLESAlright, but you need to saysomething.

MOMFine.

CHARLESAlright.

50.

MOMI’ll tell them what you do outsideof A.A. to occupy your time.

CHARLES(meaning Mom)

Funny guy here.

MOMAnyway, it’s good to see you.

CHARLESMust be since you said it twice.

MOMWell, now I mean it.

CHARLESLook, I can handle myself.

MOMI know.

CHARLESThen let’s get a beer later.

MOMAlright.

CHARLESSo, would you like a donut?

MOMMay I have a donut?

CHARLESYeah.

Mom grabs a white powder donut and takes a bite. It’sdisgusting. He spits it up on to the floor.

CHARLESThat bad?

MOMWhere are these from?

CHARLESWould you hate me if I said theywere here when I got here...

51.

MOMWhat?

CHARLESTwenty minutes ago?

MOMGod.

CHARLESYeah.

MOMI’m throwing these out.

CHARLESDo it.

MOM(gathering the donuts. upset)

Just awful.

CHARLESI went to the donut shop, you know,the one that gives you pink to-goboxes -

MOMThe ones from the movies?

CHARLESYeah. And I said, "Give me whateveryou think we’d like."

MOMWere you talking to a guy who wasquitting?

CHARLESNo.

MOMTell them these are gross.

CHARLESI can take them back.

MOMWere they free?

CHARLESYeah.

52.

MOM(checks his watch)

You don’t have time. Call them andhave them deliver new ones.

CHARLESFree ones?

MOMNo. Fresh ones.

CHARLESOkay.

MOMI’ll buy them.

CHARLESThat’s a lot of donuts.

MOMHow many more meetings do you havetoday?

CHARLESSix.

MOMHow many people will be herethroughout the day?

CHARLESAbout a hundred.

MOMThat’s fine.

CHARLESI need your card.

Mom takes out his wallet a pulls from it a credit card. Hegives it to Charles.

CHARLESOkay.

MOMMake sure they know they may have abad batch of donuts.

CHARLESOkay.

(he begins to dial the donutstore)

53.

Are you still throwing those out?

MOMYes.

Mom takes the bad donuts and exits.

EXT. FACADE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER - SAME

LONG SHOT: BACK AREA OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING

Mom opens a back door leading to garbage dumpsters. He propsthe door open. A man stands outside smoking a cigarette. Momwalks to the dumpsters and throws the donuts away. Hereenters the building, closing the door behind him. Beat.

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM - SAME

Mom enters. He walks over to Charles who hands him hiscredit card. Mom puts his credit card back inside hiswallet.

CHARLESThe worst thing you ever ate?

MOMI’d say your wife’s vanilla icecream was.

CHARLES(very true)

Yeah.

Beat.

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM - SAME

The Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is in session. They sit ina circle. There are ten people, including Mom, DENIS (30s),a handsome and kind man, LACY (20s), a woman who is pretty,and wanting, NIGEL (30s), a blue-collar man, who is veryangry, and JAKE (20s), a quiet and sad man, who has nothinggoing on, sitting in the circle. Charles sits holding theA.A. big book.

CHARLESAlright, guys. It’s time we go overone of the 12 steps of A.A.

(he opens the book. he reads)Step 2. We came to believe that apower greater than ourselves couldrestore us to sanity. Who remembersstep 1?

54.

Denis raises his hand.

CHARLESDenis.

DENISWe admitted we were powerless overalcohol - that our lives had becomeunmanageable.

CHARLESCorrect. So, with thatunderstanding, that we arepowerless over alcohol, that ourlives have become unmanageable,would it only make sense to seek ahigher power to help us expel ourobsession?

THE GROUPYes.

CHARLESMy parents were drug addicts. Theyhad a debilitating dependence oncrack-cocaine. It tore our familyapart - it killed my grandfather.Many bad things happened because ofa lack of a power greater than whatwas present. But, as we know, we’rehere to gain control. Who wouldlike to tell us about how thesecond step applies to them?

Nigel raises his hand.

CHARLESGo ahead, Nigel.

NIGELI was drinking one day, I wasangry, and I started a fight with agroup of guys at a local bar. Ibeat them up pretty badly - but inthis blind spot, where I wasswinging and hitting and breaking,I came an inch away from awaitress. I froze an inch away andlooked into her eyes and I knew...I knew, "Whatever power there isout there moving me, alcohol andwhatever else, is too much for meto handle." I knew I needed help. I

55.

NIGELneeded a "higher power," to breakme out of the corner I was in. So,I’m here.

CHARLESWe’re glad you’re here becauseyou’re right, this place is a giftfrom a higher power.

LACYThis group is a form of a higherpower.

DENISGiven to us from a higher power.From above.

NIGELFrom above?

LACYYou heard him.

NIGEL(amused)

I did. I’m just angry.

CHARLESWhy?

NIGELI just - still can’t get over thefact that he’s out there and I’m inhere.

LACYWho?

NIGELGod.

DENISGod works in mysterious ways.

NIGELThis isn’t a game show.

Beat. Nigel’s statement grabbed everyone’s attention.

NIGEL (CONT’D)There’s no mystery here. Somepeople are just born to die.

56.

CHARLESNow wait a second, where are yougoing with this?

NIGELHow can a person be born with sucha bad hand and not be born to die?Is it funny to God? Hm? They livemiserable lives, and they diemiserably. That really happens,Ace. The worst thing some otherpeople go through is witness otherpeople’s misery. They sit aroundcounting the bodies...

DENISWhat about us?

(beat)Were we born to die?

NIGELWe’re the people who had a choice.We could die. But we saw the light.We saw alcohol choke us out. Weaccepted our trouble and went homeand tried to clean up. We coulddie. We can’t, we haveresponsibilities. It’s like thatkid,

(to himself)What’s his name?

(beat. to the group)There’s this kid named, JonnyB-Good.

LACYThe musician.

NIGELRight.

CHARLESWhat about him?

NIGELHe said, one day he was walkingwith his friends, and he startedhearing them talk when they weren’tactually speaking. And when theydid speak, he’d hear them say more.He heard two things as if theyspoke from two mouths. He said, "Atfirst it was awesome and cool and

57.

NIGELfun and funny." Then one day, theyasked him to quit the musicbusiness. That was tough for him tohear.He asked them why he shouldquit the music business and theysaid, "Because we don’t see youanymore." Well, one guy said whateveryone else was thinking.

MOMHow’d he ask?

NIGELHe said he started to say twothings at once like them. He saidhe’d say something like, "I loveyou, Sarah," and he’d also say,"Know." When he did, Sarah smiledand they walked into the sunset. Hesaid whether or not his friendsknew that they were saying twothings at once, he was alwaysright.

DENISWhat does that have to do withresponsibility?

NIGELHe said, their double talk, as hecalled it, brought them closertogether. So, he felt a greatresponsibility to them - To be withthem. He loved them. He knew thathis work was hurting the bestrelationships he had ever had.That’s like us. We have aresponsibility to people so wedrink.

JAKEAnd it’s not so stressful that weneed to drink.

ALL EXCEPT FOR MOM AND CHARLES(assorted synonyms of "that’sright")

Right.

JAKEBut something says, "Why not?" Sowe do.

58.

CHARLESIt’s only troubling and trouble tohear a statement such as, "Somepeople are born to die..." Iunderstand your point, Nigel. I do.To say, "God works in mysteriousways," could be hurtful. Where’sthe mystery in our pain? We’rehurt.

NIGELRight.

CHARLES (CONT’D)The thing is, though, no matterwhat, we may not stop fighting thegood fight. What’s the "Goodfight?"

MOMDon’t die.

CHARLES"Don’t die."

Beat. The room is silent as the people take in thestatement, "Don’t die." Charles looks around at each persontaking in their reactions. A few beats pass.

MOM(to Nigel)

Nigel?

NIGELHm?

MOMThat musician. Did he quit themusic business?

NIGELNo.

Silence as Mom reflects.

EXT. THE COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT - SAME

Mom walks Charles to his car. Beat. Charles unlocks his carand opens the driver’s door. He puts his things inside thenturns to Mom. They stare for a couple beats, taking oneanother in.

59.

MOMWhen we were younger, did you everfeel like you were born to die?

CHARLESMom, I still do.

MOM(beat)

I used to.

CHARLESEvery chance I get to be happy,it’s taken away. My wife’s deathreally proved what I had alwaysthought. "You can’t have here, sowhy are you here?"

MOMAre you suicidal?

CHARLESNo. But I’m suffering.

Beat. Mom and Charles take one another in for a couplebeats. A man walks past with a cup coffee in hand. Mom andCharles watch the man with the cup of coffee walk past andaway. Beat. Mom and Charles want coffee now.

CHARLESDo you want coffee?

MOM(absolutely)

Yes.

CHARLESLet’s go, big brother.

Charles closes his car door and locks the car. They walkaway.

EXT. A FOOD TRUCK - SAME

Mom and Charles walk up to a food truck. There are a fewpeople forming a line to the food truck in front of them.They get in line. Beat.

MOMDo you think, that when you’re bornthe way we were, in a badsituation, and maybe we shouldn’tbe alive because life will only be

60.

MOMbad for us, maybe, there’s thisunspoken thought that, we mustexpect to be given specialtreatment?

CHARLESSo people don’t care about us?

MOMYes.

CHARLESLike we expect some privilege of agood life because our parents werecrack addicts?

MOMYes.

CHARLESAnd that’s why we lose?

MOMYeah.

A couple beats pass as Mom thinks. At this point, Mom andCharles are at the order window of the food truck. Momcontinues to think while Charles orders two coffees. Beat.Charles pays for the two cups of coffee and is given the twocups of coffee by the cashier. Charles turns and hands oneto Mom who continues to think. They walk away. We see themwalk away for a couple beats.

EXT. CHARLES’ CAR - SAME

Charles is in his car, ready to drive away. His window isdown and he speaks to Mom who stands beside his car holdinga cup of coffee.

CHARLESSo.

MOMSo.

CHARLESSee you in a week?

MOMYeah.

61.

CHARLES(beat)

What if... What if our parentsdidn’t deserve to live, and theworld kicked them out but neededtwo bodies to take up space...

MOMThen we’re okay.

CHARLESRight.

MOM(beat)

Cool.

CHARLES(amused by Mom’s choice ofwords)

Cool.

MOMWell, I’m hip.

CHARLES(amused)

You are, you middle-aged man fromAmerica.

Mom laughs. Beat.

CHARLESHey, big brother... Are you sureyou don’t want to go get a drinkwith me?

MOMI’m sure I would love to... I justcan’t.

CHARLESWork?

MOMYeah.

CHARLESAlright.

(beat)Bye, buddy.

62.

MOMBye, buddy.

Charles drives away as Mom watches. A couple beats pass thenMom get’s a call from Casey. Mom answers his phone.

MOMHi, Casey.

CASEY (V.O.)Hi, sweetie.

MOMWhat’s up?

CASEY (V.O.)I was thinking I would make a cake.

MOMOkay. Do you need to know which oneto make?

CASEY (V.O.)I just need to know which one tomake.

MOMDouble chocolate.

CASEY (V.O.)Okay.

MOM(beat)

Bye?

CASEY (V.O.)(yes)

Bye.

MOMBye.

CASEY (V.O.)Bye.

Mom ends the call and puts his cell phone away. Beat. Hetakes a deep breath and exhales. Beat. He walks away.

63.

EXT. A WOODEN DOCK AT A LAKE SOMEWHERE IN NEW YORK - DAY

Mom and Jon are sitting at the end of a wooden dock fishing.They each have a fishing pole. There is a small coolerin-between them. A couple beats pass as they fish.

JONYou know what? My father never tookme fishing.

MOMHave you ever gone?

JONNo. My uncle was allergic.

MOMYou know what -

JONHm?

MOMYou can call me dad if you like.

JONOh, shut up, Mom.

Mom laughs.

JONI hope you fall in.

MOMC’mon, kid, be nice.

JON(leading Mom to something)

Be nice toooo...

MOM(trying to guess what he’sbeing led to)

Tooooo...?

JON(leading Mom to something)

Your...

MOM(he has no idea)

Your...?

64.

JON(leading Mom to something)

El...

MOM(he has no idea what he’sbeing led to)

Jor El...?

JON(as if speaking to a child whoneeds special attention)

Your elders.

MOMOh, whatever.

JONFunny, though, right?

MOMYeah, kid.

JONSo anyway, I just never did.

(unbelievable to him)I never went fishing.

(beat)Nuts, huh?

MOMWhy?

JONAll the money in the world, andnever this. I missed out big time.

MOMDon’t say that. The world is a bigplace, and with such great size,there are many things you may notget to do in your lifetime.

JONBut fishing is like hotdogs at abaseball game. Who hasn’t had one?

MOMDo you believe in this idea:"Things happen for a reason?"

65.

JONThings are consequential. Yes.

MOMNo. Higher than that. Higher thanman.

JONOh.

(he is not well versed on thissubject)

I need you to say more.

MOMWell, let’s say, as we live, wehave this silent conversation withGod.

JONOkay.

MOMEach and every day, we do thingsbased on two things, what we want,and what he wants. You wake up inthe morning and he goes, "Well,Jon, there’s this guy named, Markwho needs a boost. He’s sad. If hegets sad enough he will take it outon other people. He has a gun andhe says to himself, ’I know how touse it.’ He will really hurt peopletoday if he doesn’t get thatboost." You say, asking for moreinformation, "Well what do you knowabout this?" God says, "He is sadbecause his wife left him and hisboss suspended him for mistreatinga customer." You say, "Why did hemistreat that customer?" God says,"Because his wife left him and hewas angry. Now he’s murderous. Heneeds a boost. He needs to knowlife is good." You go, "What doeshe need?" God says, "He needssomeone to buy him a drink and benice. He needs someone to introducehim to a new path that will leadhim to a better life. He needs you.He needs you to help make him abetter person. He needs you to showhim a better day." You say, "Andthis will save lives?" God says,

66.

MOM"Yes of course." You say, "What’sthe worst that could happen?" Godsays, "Well, that is the thing...If you do this - and keep in mindyou’re the only person who can dothis - based on your location andcharacter type. So, if you do this,you’ll save the day." You say,"What’s the problem? If there isone." God says, "If you do thisthing, you can’t do that thing thatkeeps you going. You’ll need towait another year before you can dothat thing. You’ll need tosacrifice something. I know itcould be tough but I’ll make you adeal. If you do this I will makesure you’re okay. I will move youand you will be well, and you mayget triple if not just double ofwhat you would have had. Will youdo this?" You say, "No. I do notwant to wait for what I have to do.No matter if you’ll take care ofme. Those people can die, and youknow what I think? You’re wrong forasking me to skip my thing fortheirs. Sure, I could wait anotheryear, and yeah, maybe I’d be morethan okay because you’re here, butI refuse. This is done." God says,"Fine."

JONWhoa.

MOMLet’s define that person, the guywho said "No" to God. If we decidehe is a foolish man, then, whenwhat a foolish man is paid for thelife he lives is given to him, aswages, we just go, "Well, you askedfor it." We’re asking for whateverwe get. It’s fair, I believe. Butit’s hard when someone like you hasto wait because of someone else’smistakes or choices. Take yourfather, for example, he never tookyou fishing, and your uncle wasallergic, what do you think you’reupset about? It’s because your

67.

MOMchildhood was awful, and because ofthat, you had to wait to have thisthing done. It doesn’t seem right,but what about that conversationwith, God? Maybe you agree withhim, that now, fishing with me, wasthe best time ever. You are herenow because you should be. Right?

JONRight.

MOMDo not forget, that if thingshappen for a reason, and sometimesthings may seem unfair, you willalways be in the right place at theright time. And you should feelfortunate, because you have so manyways now to do whatever you want. Ilook into your eyes and I see, "Youthink you could probably dowhatever you want." It really helpsthat you’re not a bad person,though.

JONI do feel that way.

(beat)Would you like to know what I hate?

MOMYes, boss.

JONBeing Charles Foster Kane. Rosebud.Do you know what that is?

MOMThe character from the movie,"Citizen Kane."

JONRight.

MOMWhat is your, Citizen Kane?

JONWhat is rosebud?

68.

MOMIt’s his sled from childhood.

JONSay more.

MOMThe first time we see CharlesFoster Kane, he is playing.

JONWith himself.

MOMRight.

JONCompletely in control of hisimaginary world.

MOMAnd he’s told to grow up, though intime, he goes back to thatimaginary world where he was incharge.

JONHe just about always did whateverhe wanted.

MOMYeah.

JONHe ruled his day!

MOM(agreeing)

He ruled his day.

JONRosebud is that world he hadcontrol over. He’s his own man nomatter what. Like him, I want that,but like him I know that when I dodo whatever I want, people couldhate me. Because I’m too much andnot enough. I’m outnumbered. Ifollow their rules but I knowthere’s more. But I keep in mindwhat I know, that I’m outnumbered.So I sacrifice things I want to doto their freedom so I can at least

69.

JONbe free to do some of the things Iwant to do. Sure I get to do somethings I want to do, but it’s underthe rule of their freedom, not myfreedom. The thing is, the things Iwant to do are called bad.

MOMSo you’re saying, if you could bebad, you would.

JONMom, I am bad. I’m just outnumberedso I can’t do what I want.

MOMWhat’s bad?

JONIt depends. To someone out there, Iam because their king said so. It’sCatholic versus Protestant really.

MOMDefinitely.

JONThey’d lock me up if they could.

MOM(absolutely)

They’d lock you up.

JONIf they would just let me rule theworld - I would.

(beat)But anyway...I meet God tomorrow.

MOM(beat)

Dot dot dot.

JONYeah.

They fish in silence.

MOMLet’s say you had gone fishing whenyou were a kid, do you think itwould have been good?

70.

JONLive now and let tomorrow go?

MOMYeah.

JON(beat)

Did you fish when you were a kid?

MOMI did. But it was always a coverfor my parents.

JONWhat, did they fill in for theirdealer?

MOMAs a matter of fact. It was filledwith paranoia, scratching, and alot of "Oh boy’s."

JONIt was always a bad scene?

MOM(absolutely)

It was awful!

JONWell, is it good now? Us I mean.

MOMYeah, boss.

JON(joking)

Good, I’m insecure.

MOMThat’s a lie.

JONYep.

There is a long silence as they fish.

JONWould you like to know what I love?

71.

MOMYeah.

JONA good watch. Timing is everything,and since we need to know time, Ithink, "Let’s go with somethingstylish." Nice is nice.

MOMI have only three watches. Gold,black, and a silver Apple.

JONI’m sitting at five Apple’s, sixRolex’s, four -

MOMAnd so on and so forth?

JONYah.

(beat)I also love art. In my house it’swall to wall.

(of course)But perfectly placed, of course.

MOMHow perfect is it?

JONThere’s an intentional andunintentional scheme. Sometimes Irun into great coincidences. Youknow when you’re in a bar and theyhave music playing and soundlessTVs going?

MOMYeah.

JONSometimes the action on the TV andthe music syncs up perfectly.

MOMYeah.

JONWell, I’ll have you know, I have apainting of myself that hangs whereas soon as you walk in the front

72.

JONdoor you can’t miss it. After thatabout five feet there hangs amirror you can’t miss. I always seemyself.

MOMWhat do your guests see?

JONIt depends. If they have the samespirit as me, themselves. Or, whatthey’re not.

(beat)In my bedroom, I have a Smith andAndy painting. The one with thegiant arrow. It hangs on the wallby the entrance of my closet. Thearrow is actually pointing to mycloset. Now, because of it I alwaysremember to hang my clothes. I walkin my bedroom and boom, there itis. The law. I used to forget. Thenone day, someone gave me thispainting. They said, "Do as youwish, your eye is better thanmine." I said to myself, "Well howabout I hang it in the bedroom bythe closet and that’s that." Ilooked up one day and boom! Syncedwith the song of my life. I used totake my suits and throw them on thefloor. I needed a maid. My housewas so clean, but my bedroom was amess. I named it, "Always A Mess."

MOM(amused)

"Always A Mess."

JON(amused)

"Always A Mess."(beat)

Sub-conscience? Coincidence?(no matter what)

No matter what...A good thing!

MOM(agreeing)

A good thing.

73.

JON(beat)

Would you like to know what I lovethe most?

MOMChinese food?

JON(oh my god)

Dude, it’s so good! It smells sogood. It comes in many shapes andsizes.

(beat as he reflects)Did you know Chinese food has theworld’s biggest variety of flavors?

MOMI did not.

JONIt has five key flavors made totraditional Chinese medicinalorder. I think, "Sweet, sour,salty, bitter, and spicy, dot dotdot, ’awesome!’" When you told meto bring a cooler I said "Okay! Butwhat if I catch nothing? What willI eat?" Ask me what’s in thecooler?

MOMWhat’s in the cooler?

Jon opens the cooler and pulls out a white oyster pail andchopsticks. He opens the oyster pail. He takes a deep smellwhich makes Mom laugh. Beat. He takes a bite then looks atMom who is just waiting for something funny to be said.

JONAsk me if you can have some.

MOMMay I?

JONNo. Way.

He eats and Mom laughs.

JON(with food in his mouth)

It’s not funny!

74.

Mom laughs.

JON(no longer with food in hismouth)

Now, am I selfish or understood?

MOM(laughing)

Understood.

JONGood. I hate being misinterpreted.

(he eats for a couple beats.he stops)

Now, we’ve been here for fivehours, we caught nothing and it’sgrandmother, I think this scene isdone.

MOMNow what?

JON(he feels this is so simple noone could miss it)

So watch me eat for five minutesthen let’s go for ice cream.

MOM(laughing)

Fine, kid.

JON(playfully, he mocks Mom ashe’s about to eat)

Fine, kid.(he eats.)

Mom laughs.

TITLE CARD:

One Month Later

EXT. THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - DAY

People walk past, into, and out of, The Wow ConsultingCompany building.

75.

INT. MOM’S OFFICE AT THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - DAY

Mom in his office sitting at his desk talking on the phonetalking to Joseph. While speaking on the phone he works onother documents. There is a glass bar to his right.

MOMI understand... No... No... Well,possibly. You... No way... And thenthat...? Wow. Look, if you reallycare - and I see you do - you oughtto write a statement and do a mediablitz... Well, how’s that right?... I do remember... Yes... Werecord everything, even phoneconversations... Okay... Before thesystem, we have now I had a courtstenographer... Mhm... No, we havea board... They watch our everymove... Mhm... Mhm... Mhm... Oh...Mhm... What is that? ... Yes...Don’t put that there. ... Well, itwill sound bad... Trust me..."Why?" I - hold on, I’m going toput you on speaker.

Mom puts Joseph on speaker phone.

MOMAlright, I’m here.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Okay.

MOMAs I said, don’t move thecharacters around.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Why not move the characters around?

MOMBecause they will seem funny.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Like, "I laugh at you funny?"

MOMAbsolutely.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Oh.

(beat)

76.

JOSEPH (V.O.)That’s not cool.

MOMNot at all.

(beat)Look, I’m right.

JOSEPH (V.O.)I’m still against it, for somereason.

MOMSo? Trust me, Joseph.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Why?

MOMBecause it’s my job to be rightabout this.

JOSEPH (V.O.)You haven’t failed yet.

MOMTrue.

JOSEPH (V.O.)But Maybe you should still readwhat I wrote.

MOMOkay.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Would you like an email?

MOMYeah, email me.

A couple beats pass as Mom looks at documents and Josephsends the email to Mom. The sound of an email being receivedby Mom’s email goes off. Mom checks his email.

MOMI just got it...

JOSEPH (V.O.)Are you reading it now?

77.

MOMYes.

A couple beats pass as Mom reads Joseph’s email.

JOSEPH (V.O.)So...?

MOMHm?

JOSEPH (V.O.)Is it good?

MOMHold on, Joseph.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Alright.

(beat)I just -

MOMWhy are you so worried?

JOSEPH (V.O.)(beat)

I can’t fail.

MOMWhy would you fail?

JOSEPH (V.O.)Because I did.

MOM(beat)

So?(four beats)

You didn’t die.(a couple beats)

You still have your eyes.(a couple beats)

You feel.(four beats)

You are sitting on another chance.(beat)

Maybe you could fail again.(beat)

Don’t work towards that, though.(a quick beat)

Just get it.

A long silence passes as Mom continues to read the email.

78.

MOMWhat are you doing?

JOSEPH (V.O.)(beat)

Thinking.

MOM(gently)

Okay.(a long beat as Mom reads)

I’m done.

JOSEPH (V.O.)(about the email)

And?

MOMI don’t think you should move thecharacters around.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Oh.

MOMBut I like it.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Oh.

Silence. Mom thinks about Joseph.

MOM(calling gently)

Joseph.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Yes.

MOMI like it.

JOSEPH (V.O.)I know.

(beat)I have a meeting.

MOMOkay.

(a quick beat)Call me later.

79.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Alright.

Joseph hangs up. Beat. Mom hangs up. Mom works on hiscomputer. He stops. He looks up. Beat.

MOM(to himself)

I want a drink.

He stands and begins to walk over to his bar - but is caughtby the power cord of his computer. He stumbles. He stops. Hegoes to tuck it away. Beat. The cord falls out again. Beat.He pulls it and his computer almost falls to the floor, buthe catches it. Beat. He puts the computer back. Beat. Hegoes for the cord again. He can’t get it. Beat. He stickshis hand under his desk to tuck it away. He thinks he has itso he begins to walk away. The cord falls out. He studieshis desk. Beat. He goes to wrap the cord around to the rightside of his desk and stick it into a small opening. Beat. Hegets stuck.

MOMI’m stuck.

He struggles. Beat. He tries to prop himself up to getleverage by putting his feet on the desk. He fails. He triesagain. This time he makes it. He pushes with his feet.

MOM (CONT’D)Ow - ow - ow.

He gives up. Beat. He pulls. Beat. It doesn’t work. He triesagain but this time the pulls are sudden jerks, as if tocatch his desk off guard. Beat.

MOM (CONT’D)Let me go, desk.

It doesn’t work. He gives up on this idea. Beat. He gets anidea. He looks at where he is stuck. He spits at his fingerand the spot where he is stuck. Beat. He tries to pull free.It doesn’t work. He spits again. He tries placing his feeton the desk and pulling free. He pushes and pulls. He fliesfree. Beat. His desk falls apart. Beat. He thinks, "Wellthis is that." He stands. He dusts himself off. He goes overto the bar to make himself a drink. The container that holdsthe alcohol slips from his hand and falls on the glass barbreaking it. Beat. He walks over to the left side of hisdesk and grabs his briefcase. He walks to the area a fewfeet in front of his desk and sits in the lotus position. Heopens his briefcase and pulls out a bottle of water. Hedrinks. Beat. He looks out at the camera. Beat.

80.

TITLE CARD:

The next morning.

EXT. THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - LATE AFTERNOON

A beautiful, black, sedan pulls up. The driver gets out ofthe car and walks to the backseat on the passenger side, andopens the door. A man steps out, setting his feet first - atthis point we only see his feet so we don’t know who the manis. He wears shiny black dress shoes and a gray three-piecesuit, with a white dress shirt and black tie. He stands.Still we don’t know who the man is. We see his feet up tohis knees. This is a very wealthy, and appears so, man.

TILT UP: TO THE TOP HALF OF THE MAN

It’s Jon. He wears shades and holds in his left hand anoyster pail with chopsticks sticking out. Beat. He smiles."Downtown" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis plays. Jon walkstowards the building. Downtown continues to play. The songplays in it’s entirety while Jon makes his way to Mom’soffice, where it ends.

Jon’s journey to Mom’s office is a choreographed dance thatinvolves every employee at The Wow Consulting Company. Thedance is inclusive of the employees working. Jon stops attimes to sign documents and take care of other importantbusiness. Manny is an important piece to the choreographeddance. As Jon’s assistant he should always be there, exceptfor when Jon makes it Mom’s office. Manny lip syncs thechorus.

The song ends once Jon is at Mom’s office and Jon knocks onthe door.

MOM (O.S.)Come in.

Jon opens the door and enters.

INT. MOM’S OFFICE AT THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - DAY

Mom is sitting on the floor working on his computer. Thebroken desk and bar have been taken away.

JONMommy!

MOMHi, Jon.

81.

JONHello.

JONWhoa what happened to your desk?

MOMCheck the tapes.

JONLater. I’m hungry.

MOMOkay.

JONDid you eat?

MOMNo.

JONOrder something?

MOMYeah. A sandwich.

JONTell me about it.

Jon sits in the lotus position like Mom. He eats as theyspeak.

MOMIt’s a simple sub with ham, turkey,lettuce, red and white onion, redand yellow tomato, green bellpeppers, chicken, bacon, cheddarcheese, beef, salt, pepper, lamb,carrots, olive oil, spinach, blackolives, oregano, yellow mustard,jalapeño peppers, guacamole -

JONIs this a sandwich or what you growon your farm?

MOMIt’s called "The Big Yum."

JONWhen will it be here?

82.

MOMIn a week.

JON(amused)

Yah. Well, anyway, make sure todrink a lot of coffee and take awalk.

Jon’s statement amuses Mom.

JON (CONT’D)And use the toilet at your house.

MOMYou’d like the sandwich.

JONThen I want half.

MOMFine, but I’m ordering another one.

(he takes his cell phone outand orders another)

Done.

JONDid you get fries?

MOM(no)

Would you like fries?

JONYes.

Mom goes to his cell phone and orders fries for Jon. Joneats.

JONShould I stop eating?

MOMYou? You’re okay.

JON(meaning his Chinese food)

Yummy.(he eats)

MOMIt should be here soon.

83.

JONOkay.

(beat)How has your first few weeks been?

MOMGreat.

JONGood job nabbing the Johnson andMillson account.

MOMYeah, and good for them.

JONThey were so deep in the red it wasimpossible.

MOMThey will be turned around in a fewquarters.

JONThey didn’t like us before you.They said they hated my direction.

MOMThey hated Mark.

JONYeah, but what about the guy wesent in after Mark.

MOMI think he is from the same schoolas Mark.

JONHe’s my number one salesman.

MOMI know.

JONWas. He’s fired.

MOMDo you think that’s a bit extreme?

JONI saw his plateau coming. He doessmell like Mark. He’s dropped offthe map. Do you know what he needs?

84.

MOMWhat?

JONA reality shower.

MOMWhich is what?

JONWhen you’re bad you’re "no."Simple.

MOMYou’re not wrong.

JONHis sales from the last quarterwere shocking.

MOMToo bad.

JONHopefully he lands well.

MOMHopefully.

JONYou know what I think?

MOMSometimes.

JONHe was being primed to be fired.

MOMHm?

JONBelieve it, Frank. It was you.Things happen for a reason. God sawa better situation and made a call.

(beat)I think you were in a better placeto acquire accounts for us; Maybeyou believed in what we do heremore, so you needed to be here.

85.

MOMBut he’s not an executive.

JONHe would have had your job. His dryspell raised ears and we searchedfor someone else.

MOMAnd there I was.

JONAnd there you were.

MOM(beat)

There I was.

Beat. There is a knock at the door.

MOMCome in.

Lionel enters with the two giant brown paper bags. It is thefood Mom ordered. Mom gets up to meet him. He stops. Herealizes it’s Lionel, the waiter from The SunroomRestaurant.

MOMYou again.

LIONELHello, hi again.

MOMHi, buddy.

Mom hands Lionel money.

LIONELSo, we’re looking at two Big Yums.

Lionel hands Mom the two bags.

MOMGreat. Now, Lionel, which isbetter? The Sunroom Restaurant orthe sandwich shop?

LIONELI don’t know yet.

86.

MOMIf I see you again, and you knowthen, let me know.

LIONELOf course.

MOMAlright, bye.

LIONELBye.

Lionel exits.

MOM(walking back to the spotwhere he was sitting)

The same guy.

JONFrom the restaurant?

MOMYeah.

Mom sits.

JONNew job?

MOMNo, he works at both places.

JONTough.

MOMUnless he likes it.

Mom unpacks the food. Jon joins him. The sandwiches aregigantic.

JONIs this a joke?

MOMNo. Just not for the faint ofheart.

JON(fanning himself)

Oh my.

87.

MOMEat it, boy.

JONHappening.

They each take a bite. They chew for a beat.

JONUmmm, wow.

MOM(chewing)

Mhm.

JONOh, by the way, I met Godyesterday.

MOMAnd?

JON(eating)

Woo!

MOM(duh)

Duh.

They eat. A couple beats pass. The screen goes black. Beat.

TITLE CARD:

The next day.

EXT. THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY ELEVATORS - AFTERNOON

An elevator is seen. The doors are closed. Beat. Theelevator doors open, revealing Casey Frank. She is wearing,blue sunglasses, a blue dress, matching blue shoes, andholds a blue handbag, Mom’s dry cleaning, and Mom’s dinner.She steps out of the elevator and makes her way to Mom’soffice.

INT. MOM’S OFFICE AT THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - SAME

Mom sits at his new desk. He works on his computer. Acrossto his right is a new glass bar. There is a coat rack to hisleft. After some time Casey knocks on the door.

88.

MOMCome in.

Casey enters. She has Mom’s dry cleaning and dinner.

MOMCasey, sweetie, what’s up?

CASEYHi, dear. I have your dry cleaningand dinner.

MOMGreat. Hang the clothes on the coatrack and hand me the food.

She does. She kisses him on a cheek then sits on his desk.

CASEYWhat are you working on?

MOMThis project for The GoldenRepublic Accounting Firm.

CASEYWhat are they up to?

MOMThe same as everyone else...worlddomination.

Mom’s line makes Casey laugh.

MOMOh, I have something for you! Getup.

They both stand. Mom pulls a hidden chair from his desk. Itis attached to it.

MOMTa daaaa!

CASEY(excited)

Oh, Mom, it’s just great!

MOMTry it out, why don’t you?

89.

CASEYOkay - okay.

Casey sits.

MOMComfy?

CASEYYeah.

MOMI had to order a new one, and I sawthis and said, "I know she likes tosit on my desk, so let’s order thisone." Right out of the oven.

CASEYIt’s still warm. I love it.

MOMGood.

CASEYHas Jon sat in it yet?

MOMNot yet.

BOTHBut he will.

CASEYDuh.

MOMI know.

CASEYThat guy.

(a quick beat)I just love this so much.

She really does.

MOMI knew you would.

CASEYSo, you were thinking about me?

90.

MOM(duh)

Yeah.

CASEYGood.

MOMMhm.

CASEYI needed this, Mom. I had such arough day.

MOMWhat happened?

CASEYRemember Tina?

MOMYour old friend from High School.

CASEYYes. She called me and said,"Remember you said, ten years agowe would go shopping when or if Iever got pregnant?"

MOMSo...?

CASEYWell, she calls me up, oh sopregnant.

MOMDid you go?

CASEY(unfortunately)

Yes. I had too. I wish I had knownwhat I was getting myself intobefore I met her. In high school myfriends and I would tease her sobad. It was murder. Then one dayshe saves my life and I change. Weall did. I promised to always bethere for her, as best I can, andyou know what? She is just so awfulnow. Mom, very awful.

91.

MOMThink it’s the pregnancy?

CASEYOr one day she saw some light, andnow we’re with a psychopath.

MOMWhat happened?

CASEYFirst she kept saying, "I know youwish you had a kid!" And um, noonot even, I’m happy. We all knowthat, but she kept saying it, as ifshe could beat pain into me.

MOMThen what?

CASEYThen, when I would suggestsomething, she’d cut it down andsay, "That old guy is rubbing offon you. What year is it?"

MOM(hurt)

I’m stylish.

CASEY(comforting)

I know, don’t cry.

MOMDid she keep saying the same thingsover and over again?

CASEYNo, she mixed it up.

MOMGo on.

CASEYOkay. At one point she mocked myclothes. Like I’m some blind dumbseamstress dressing in the dark.

MOMWhich she called you?

92.

CASEYShe said a lot of things.

MOMLike what?

CASEYWould you believe she saidsomething so bad, that it wouldoffend you more than me?

MOMWhat did she say?

Casey whispers in his ear. His eyes grow. He looks at Casey.

MOM(unbelievable someone couldsay that)

What?

CASEYI’m not done.

MOMEw, really?

CASEYMhm.

MOMOkay, finish.

Casey goes back to whispering in his ear. She gestures asshe speaks. Some of the gestures are outrageous. Eventuallyshe is done.

MOMEw.

CASEYMhm. Nuts right?

MOMYeah.

CASEYWould you like to play "Say MyDay?"

MOMYeah. Give me the top twenty words.

93.

CASEYOkay. You could build this sentenceeasily. Okay the words are,

(she clears her throat)"hate, big, mean, awkward, smelly,sideways, delighted, spooked, bad,angry, arrogant, Tina, clumsy,awful, wicked, depressed, comical,ugly, liar, pig, it."

MOMOkay, you said: "Look I am alwaysdelighted to say I hate big awkwardsmelly sideways people, such asyourself, meaning Tina, because I’mhonest and I believe in it - butyou’re so mean I’m spooked and Ijust want to go somewhere else andtell a person who understands goodfrom bad, you pig."

CASEYAnd that’s my day.

(beat)Now you.

MOMTop ten?

CASEYTop five.

MOMOkay. "Love, though, cruel, Casey,you, know, happy, fun, sadness,God."

CASEYYou’re funny.

MOMWhat did I say?

CASEY"Casey the love of my life

(duh)- after God -

(no longer "duh")came to my office with sadness, dueto a cruel person, and I was sorryshe had a bad day, because shemakes me so happy."

94.

MOMDo you believe me, Casey?

CASEYYes, duh.

MOM(duh)

It’s the law!

CASEYMhm.

MOMThink about this for a moment. Tinasaved your life once.

CASEYOkay.

MOMTina saved your life by pushing youfrom in front of a bus?

CASEYMhm.

MOMThis day of yours says something tothat.

CASEYThat I should have died?

MOMNo, silly. That maybe it’s yourturn to save her. If she’s so bad,it could become a never endingevent. She could hurt a lot ofpeople. Including the baby.

CASEYThe problem was that I couldn’t sayhow I felt because I was so guiltyfrom the debt. She saved me. Icould only be there, and saywhether things were nice or not."Oh this is cute!" Blah blah blah.Even then, I could barely sayanything because she kept cuttingme off.

95.

MOMI think you couldn’t say becauseyou needed this moment with me.

CASEYI think so too.

MOMYou need to call her.

CASEYI will.

MOMGood. Anything else?

CASEYWell, they couldn’t find yourclothes at the cleaners.

MOMHow long were you there?

CASEYAn hour.

MOMRough business, lady.

CASEYMhm. They said, "Maybe you were nothere. It was maybe another store?"I went, "No way, Paco!" He goes,"Okay, ma’am, I will check." Hm,fifty-eight minutes later, "Hi,Miss, I have it here."

MOMThey wanted my cashmere.

CASEYOr to see me wrinkle my nose.

MOMDid you?

CASEYNo, I was cool.

MOMGood. Anything else?

96.

CASEYThe main event...

MOMWhich wasn’t Tina?

CASEY(upset about the fact)

No, Mom.

MOMWhat?

CASEYTwo words. Sunny. Day.

MOMWhen were you with Sunny?

CASEYRight before I saw you.

MOMHe was in the building?

CASEYNo, he was a block away.

MOMWhat did my buddy do?

CASEYHe talked. He made the Tina storyseem like a passing, unimportant,and light thought. He began with,"Casey. Casey. Casey. Let me tellyou the worst story ever."

MOMAnd you said, "Ever?"

CASEYMhm.

MOMFinish.

CASEYHe said, "A guy walks into a roomfilled with people who are exactlyalike. People of our fair cityunited under the flag of hypocrisy.Loathers of truth and defilers of

97.

CASEYjustice. Vicious funny men who havebuilt existences on what we call,’The Unfortunate Breath Of Reality-,’ which is, in Italian, "Potrei!"I said what’s "Potrei?" He said, "Icould! Their law is ’I could.’

(unbelievable)I could, Case. They are the biggestgroup of hypocrites I have evermet. Not just that. They are, mygod, Casey, inconsiderate wickedhulks. Monsters with one more day!Lovers and haters of everything allat once and all the time."

MOMWho was he talking about?

CASEYHis board of directors.

MOMHe’ll tell me about it.

CASEYHe’s coming over tomorrow.

MOM(quoting Sunny)

"They are...inconsiderate wickedhulks. Monsters with one more day!Lovers and haters of everything allat once and all the time."

(beat)Too bad for him. I know they’rerough on him. Too bad for the bothof you. The worst part about Sunnyis, he includes everyone inwhatever he does or says, and youcan feel it. He says, "Theyare...inconsiderate wicked hulks.Monsters with one more day! Loversand haters of everything all atonce and all the time," and he evenmeans the innocent person rightacross from him.

CASEYI hate it.

98.

MOMAs do I. The biggest problem is,he’s not always like that. Mosttimes he’s great. It’s only whenhe’s having a bad day.

CASEYLately, he’s always been having abad day.

MOMWork is hurting him.

CASEYWhy is he your friend?

MOMGod’s will.

CASEYWell...

MOMMhm.

(beat)So...

CASEY(this will make her feelbetter)

I want a slurpy.

MOMThen let’s go.

They exit.

INT. MOM’S OFFICE AT THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - EVENING

Mom is on his computer building a model of the room thatwill be occupied by The Wow Consulting Company governingbody, The Court. The room where The Court will be in iscalled, "The Courtroom." We see Mom as he works. A couplebeats pass as he builds the model. His office phone rings.He answers.

MOM(hello)

Mom Frank.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Mom, it’s me, Joseph.

99.

MOMHi, Joseph. What’s up?

JOSEPH (V.O.)So, look, I was thinking, maybeinstead of presenting my shortstories, I could present a play.

MOMWhat?

JOSEPH (V.O.)It’s called, "No Worries! 1984"That’s, "No Worries, exclamationpoint, 1984.

MOMOkay. Tell me about it.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Okay, so, a writer named KayJeffrey Jones, travels to Hawaii tofind inspiration for a novel he hasbeen working on. While there, avolcano erupts. He doesn’t need toleave immediately, because the lavaflows so slowly. Now, also becausethe lava flows so slowly, one barstays open. The owner keeps it openas long as he can. The writer findsthe restaurant and goes inside. Therestaurant has been on the islandof Hawaii over 100 years, and onthis day, the 100th anniversary ofthe restaurant’s opening, it willbe destroyed. The usual patronshave gathered for one last visit.The restaurant is called, "A HuiHou," which translated intoEnglish, means, "Until we meetagain." The writer drinks with theusual patrons, Ahe, an elderly manwhose family has been patrons ofthis restaurant since it’s opening,his worrisome wife, Dabria, a youngwoman named Paloma, a bum namedAloha, who is allowed in therestaurant this one time due to thesurrounding circumstances, a youngcouple, Jimmy and Louisa, and Noah"Ian" Michaelson, the owner of therestaurant, a middle-aged man, who,when hit with difficult times by

100.

JOSEPH (V.O.)the ailing real estate market, tookover his family’s business. Thisstory deals with loss, love,finding passion, friendship, anddeath. The play takes place in theyear 1984 when mount Mauna Loaerupted the last time on the islandof Hawaii.

(beat)Thoughts?

MOMIt’s a good story. Could becaptivating.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Let me tell you the first part.

MOMGo on.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Close your eyes.

MOMOkay.

Mom closes his eyes.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Are they closed?

MOMYes.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Okay, good.

The screen fades to black.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Are they still closed?

MOMYes.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Good. Now this is what I have. Thesetting is a restaurant named, "AHui Hou," in the year 1984 on theisland of Hawaii during the lastvolcanic eruption of Mount Mauna

101.

JOSEPH (V.O.)Loa. The restaurant is verytraditional to the look and feel ofa 1984 Hawaiian restaurant. Woodtones especially of bamboo. Behindthe bar is a wall of alcoholbottles. There are stools at thebar and two tall tables center leftand right, leaving an open spacefor walking, standing, and when theoccasion calls for it, dancing.Left of the bar are two markedbathrooms, one men’s, one women’s.Offstage left is an office andkitchen where Paloma works as cookand dishwasher. Down right is asingle door that is the entrance to"A Hui Hou." Upstage of that is ajukebox. Outside, by the frontdoor, is a small sandwich-boardwith chalk writings of the dailyspecial. Today’s special is,"Pineapple beer and steak, for$16.95, or free if the lava wins."

Mom laughs.

JOSEPH (V.O.) (CONT’D)Here is the cast with ages: KayJeffrey Jones, 35. Ahe, 60. Dabria,his wife, 60. Paloma, 26. KealohaThe Bum, 48. Jimmy Jimson, 25.Louisa Jimson, his wife, 25. Noah"Ian" Michaelson, 52.

MOMWhat do the names mean?

JOSEPHAhe means, soft breeze. Dabriameans, angel of death. Dabria isAhe’s reminder about not being abad person. Paloma means, beautifuldove. Kealoha means, the dear one.And Ian means, God is merciful.

MOMOkay.

JOSEPHScene 1. Lights up on therestaurant. Ahe sits at the bardrinking a pineapple beer. Dabria

102.

JOSEPHis in the women’s washroom. Noah isin the office stage left. Kay isstage right, outside of therestaurant checking a map. Oncedone, he stuffs it in his side bag.He looks out towards the audience,watching the lava as it flowssteadily towards the restaurant. Ashe does, Noah enters left, from theoffice and is stopped by Ahe.

INT. A HUI HOU - AFTERNOON

AHE(with his drink raised)

Noah! Hau’oli la Ho’omaha loa!Happy retirement!

NOAHThank you, Ahe. Drink up.

AHEI will.

(a quick drink)Last night before I have to spendmore time with the wife.

NOAHYou poor unfortunate man.

AHEI ever tell you what her namemeans?

NOAHNot now my friend, I have business.

AHEOkay - okay, I’ll tell you later.

Noah crosses to the front door and out, as Kay speaks hisline.

KAY(referring to the lava)

Here she comes.

Kay turns to the restaurant.

KAY(referring to the food anddrink special board)

103.

KAYThis special better be worth it.

Kay crosses to the front door as Noah exits.

NOAHHello.

KAYAloha.

(referring to the lava)Last days.

NOAHI know. A beautiful, destructivesight.

KAYI hope the beer goes with it.Ha-ha. Good beer good view.

NOAHGet the special. The pineapple beeris a family recipe.

KAYOh. Top seller?

NOAHNo. It’s the first time we’ve soldit.

KAYI will try it.

NOAHGood. Did you happen to see ahomeless man around here?

KAYNo, I assumed they’d be the firstones out of here.

NOAHSome of the first.

KAYHe’s probably made it clear off theIsland by now.

NOAHNot this one.

104.

KAYWell, then, if he comes by I’ll buyhim a pineapple beer.

NOAHGood. I’ll see you inside.

KAYFine.

Kay enters the bar and immediately takes the seat at thestage right table.

AHE(raising his glass to Kay)

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

KAYWhat is that, happy new year?

AHE(pleased with Kay’s knowledge)

Yeah. Times they are a changing.

KAYThat they are.

Kay pulls a notepad from his bag as Dabria exits the women’swashroom and crosses to the stool next to Ahe.

AHEHau’oli Makahiki Hou! Drink up,sweetheart.

DABRIAOh you, Kulikuli.

AHEAhhh, you shut up woman. Man needshis drink, and quiet needs noise.

DABRIAI’ll rue the day you can escape thebar.

AHEAhe agrees.

(he drinks)Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

KAYMa’am, is he bothering you?

105.

DABRIAWho are you?

KAYKay Jeffrey Jones, Esquire.

DABRIAWell, Kay Jeffrey Jones, this oldman is my husband Ahe. We call him,Kai.

KAYLike the sea.

DABRIAYes, cause he drinks so. More thana whale.

AHEFoolish whales, they need air attimes. Ahe only needs the sea.

(he drinks)

KAYWell, drink up, Ahe.

AHEI will.

(he drinks)

DABRIAMaha’oi.

AHEMaika’i no au.

DABRIA’Oe Huki ’ino.

AHEWho’re you calling jerk? Do notimpress this man.

DABRIAOh hush up Ahe.

AHEYou hear that, Mr. Jone JerryJones?

KAYIt’s Jeffrey.

106.

AHEThat’s what I said. Hey, I evertell you what her name means?

KAYNo.

DABRIAAnd he won’t. I am Dabria.

AHEAh, you wanna know don’t you?

KAYNot really.

AHEOpala, of course you do.

DABRIANot now Ahe.

KAYThe eruption?

DABRIAThe bar has been on the island forone hundred years. Today is thelast day.

AHESo we drink. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

(he drinks)

DABRIAHow many times have you said that?

AHEOnce.

DABRIAThree times since I’ve been here.

AHEAnd?

DABRIAI’ll cut you off on this specialoccasion.

AHEAh phooey.

Noah enters and crosses behind the bar.

107.

AHENoah, you hear that?

NOAHWhat?

AHEThe woman here threatened to cut meoff.

NOAHOn an occasion as special as thisone?

AHEYeah. Women right? Ha. Did I evertell you what her name means?

KAYSo, Noah, right?

NOAHYes.

AHEHe owns the place.

NOAHThat is correct.

KAYWell, then it’s a pleasure to meetyou.

NOAHThank you. You’ve joined us on aspecial occasion.

AHEWe call it, "Last Days On The BigIsland."

KAYBecause of the eruption.

AHEForget the eruption! Anything canerupt, it’s because of the lava!

NOAHIt’s flowing towards us at about amile an hour.

108.

KAYIt’s a great sight.

AHEGreat?

DABRIAAhe.

AHENo, see it’s just like vacationersto say things like that. It’s themost horrible thing to see. Thisplace has been here since, how longDabria?

DABRIA1884.

AHEIt’s been one hundred years thisplace has been here. Now look, oneeruption and next thing you know,the reason a man wakes will bemelted and burned away. Aloha tothe end.

(he drinks)

DABRIALike how his wife is not a reasonto wake?

AHEAhhh, you’re reason to sleep.

KAYWhen was the last eruption?

AHE1950, what’s your point?

KAYThen it’s typical.

AHE(simply put)

Still sucks, Kay the writer.(he drinks)

KAYWell, I’m sorry for your loss. Iwas here to write a book andcouldn’t find inspiration.

109.

AHESo you get it.

(beat)A book? Inspiration? Yuck. It’seasy, too easy.

KAYI was searching for a jewel thatwill rejuvenate my senses so as toprovoke the power of creativitythat is my mind.

AHE(silence. then he holds up hisbeer)

To be more, we must drink more.

KAYThat’s why I’m here. I saw it wasopen and I figured why not temptthe fates, maybe I’d findinspiration in death. One drink ata time.

They are silent.

NOAH(speechless)

Weeee don’t get many writers aroundhere.

AHEIan more pineapple beer please.Also thank you for holding out forso many years.

NOAH’A’ole pilikia. No problem.

AHEIt’s really good beer. If you hadpulled it out a hundred years ago,maybe the gods would have pluggedMauna Loa.

NOAHMaybe so, my friend.

KAYThis sounds like a really goodbeer, I’ll have one with my steak.

110.

NOAHComing up.

Noah uncaps a beer and gives it to Kay who drinks and isimmediately satisfied.

KAYSo, the last eruption was thirtyyears ago...

NOAHYes.

KAYHow was the damage?

NOAHWe weren’t reached then.

AHEThat’s why I drink, we may getlucky!

NOAHThen drink. Enough drink in you andyou might tip the island.

KAYA beer like this, who needs food?

AHEJust drink! See?

KAYAgreed.

NOAHWait until you have the steak.Medium rare good?

KAYThat’s fine.

NOAHPairs well with the beer.

KAYGood.

Noah exits left.

111.

AHESee Dabria, man like that, who canenjoy a good beer, is a good man.Kay, sit here with us. Leave yourthings it’s not busy.

KAY’Ae. Yes.

AHESee, you know Hawaiian words.

Kay walks over to the bar and sit next to Ahe.

KAYI’m trying. I’ve been here, a monthnow.

AHEAh. Then you’ve been inspired?

KAYNot as much as I’d like. I stillhave writer’s block.

AHEPomaika’i.

KAYGood fortune?

AHE(yes)

You know.

KAYI’m still hoping to be inspired. Idon’t want this trip to be a wasteof beauty because I could not findthe right hook to inject color intomy sad black and white creations oflate.

AHE(unbelievable)

Who speaks this way?(to Dabria)

I can’t hear the guy.

KAYMy apologies.

112.

AHEAhhh, you’re not at fault.

AHE(to Dabria)

He aha is na pilikia?

DABRIAPehea i ’ike?

KAY(uncomfortable)

What’s that?

DABRIA(changing the subject)

What’s the story?

KAYIt’s about a young couple who fallin love.

DABRIAHow wonderful.

AHE(he disagrees)

Ah, ah, typical.

KAYThat’s what I say. I need to beattypical.

DABRIAI think it sounds lovely.

AHELovely is ’Ona lama, ’ona mau.

(he drinks)Nohea, onaona.

DABRIADon’t listen to the drunk.

KAYWhat did he say?

DABRIA"Lovely is alcohol. Lovely."

AHEAhhh, I wasn’t drunk till I metyou. Had to be for that wedding.

113.

DABRIAPay no mind to him. Inu, Ahe. Drinklike it’s your last.

AHE(revelation. depressed)

What if it is?

They are all silent.

AHEOnce this place is gone, it will bemy last.

KAYThis place means that much?

AHEWhen I was a Keiki, a kid that is,I would try to sneak in...Ahhh, Aheremembers it like it wasyesterday...

The screen begins to fade to black for Ahe’s flashback.

AHEAh yes, when I was a boy -

DABRIAAhe!

The screen suddenly jumps back to its previous setting.

DABRIA (CONT’D)No flashbacks. The lava will flowover us before you’re done.

AHEAh, Dabria. ‘Olu‘olu wahine. TheNice woman I’ve got.

(he drinks)No flashbacks then. This place hasbeen apart of my life since I wasyoung. A man can appreciate a goodhome away from home.

(beat. meaning the lava)Especially now.

Noah enters from left with a plate that has steak, apineapple, and utensils.

114.

NOAHHere you are, mister.

KAYOkay.

(meaning the food)Well, this looks great.

NOAHWait ’till you eat it. Best on theisland. Another beer?

KAYYes.

NOAHComing up.

(he crosses to behind the bar)

KAYSmells delicious.

DABRIAPaloma makes a delicious steak.

AHEMeal.

DABRIADelicious meal.

KAYWho’s Paloma?

DABRIAThe young woman who makes the mealshere.

KAYFantastic.

AHEWhat’s that?

DABRIAAiwaiwa.

AHEAh. Fantastic.

(he drinks)

Kay takes one bite of the steak, and as if overtaken byeuphoria, inadvertently lets out a sigh of joy.

115.

KAYMy god that’s delicious. I’m sorryfor the sigh, I couldn’t help it.

NOAHNo worries, I know the flavor.Here’s your beer.

Dogs are heard barking outside.

NOAHAh, it might be him. I’ll be back.

Noah exits the restaurant. He searches and sees no one. Hereenters the restaurant.

AHENothing?

NOAHNo.

DABRIAMaybe he’s gone and left theisland.

NOAHThis one? Not possible. He wouldhave died before leaving here.

KAY(still eating)

My god!

They look at him as he eats and makes sounds of joy.

KAYYes. My god, yes.

AHEIan?

NOAHYes?

AHEI’ll have a steak too.

Kay lets out another cry of joy.

NOAHI think I will too.

116.

DABRIAI’m fine.

AHEShut up woman, Mahalo E Ke Akua NoKeia La.

(he drinks while watching Kay)

FADE TO:

INT. MOM’S OFFICE AT THE WOW CONSULTING COMPANY - EVENING

JOSEPHSo? What do you think?

MOMI like it. Tell me more.

JOSEPHI will later today.

MOMAlright.

JOSEPHI just got a text, and I have togo. Okay?

MOMYeah. Bye.

They hang up. Beat. Mom thinks about the play "No Worries!1984." After two or three beats, Mom goes to work on themodel. Beat. An error message pops up. It says, "Due to anunknown error all data related to this project will beerased in 10 seconds." There is a countdown. Mom attempts tostop it. He clicks.

MOMWhat?

(he clicks)No no no no no no no no. STOP! Nono no no no no.

The computer sends a message that reads, "Sorry all data hasbeen erased. Send report to maintenance on the fifth floor.Message #2978634."

MOM(upset)

That was four hours of work! GOD!

He makes a phone call on his office phone and speaks to I.T.

117.

MOMHello?

(beat)My computer erased all of my data.I -

He gets a text message and checks it.

MOMYou know what? I have to go.

He hangs up. He dials a number into his cell phone. A beatpasses as it rings. The person on the other end answers. Hespeaks.

MOMHi.

(beat)I am on my way.

He stands, and while still on the phone, exits his office.When he closes the door a beat or two pass. His desk fallsapart. A beat or two pass. Mom slowly opens the door. Heenters with his cell phone in his hand that that has droppedto his side. A beat passes then he picks his cell phone upand puts it to his ear. He speaks into the cell phone.

MOMI...need a new desk.

(beat)Yep.

(beat)I’m on my way.

Mom exists his office.

INT. MOM AND CASEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Mom and Casey are asleep. A beat passes. We then hear tinypebbles being thrown at Mom’s bedroom window. After sometimehe awakens. He goes to the window and looks out. He sees Jonwho spots him. Jon pulls out his cell phone and sends Mom atext. The text message appears on the screen.

JON’S TEXT MESSAGECome outside!

Mom responds. We see Mom’s text message pop up on the screenonce he sends it.

MOM’S TEXT MESSAGEOkay, let me grab my robe.

118.

JON’S TEXT MESSAGEWoo!

Mom grabs his robe and walks to the front door. He opens it.Jon has his back turned.

MOMWould you like to come in, Jon?

JONNo.

(he turns to Mom)I need to tell you something.

MOMWhat?

JONCome outside.

Mom exits his house closing the door behind him.

EXT. MOM AND CASEY’S HOUSE - NIGHT

MOMIs there a problem?

JONWell, more like an issue that needsto be taken care of.

MOMWhat?

JONDo you know the band NathanielRatliff and The Night Sweats?

MOMYes.

JONI know them.

MOMOkay.

JONThey were in town so I invited themover to my place.

119.

MOMOkay.

JONI have a studio in my home, and Iwanted to know if you would like tocome over and recreate one of theirmusic videos.

MOM(beat. this is unbelievable)

Really?

JONYes.

MOMIt’s three AM.

JONC’mon.

MOMI -

JONC’mon.

Silence. Mom doesn’t want anything to do with this.

JONC’mon.

(beat)C’mon.

(very serious)C’mon. I said, "C’mon."

MOMFine.

JONYou may come as you are.

MOMNo, I’m changing.

JONFine.

Mom exits into his house. Beat.

MEDIUM SHOT: JON SMILES.

120.

INT. JON’S STUDIO - SOMETIME LATER

Jon, Mom, and Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweatsrecreate the music video I Need Never Get Old by NathanielRateliff and The Night Sweats.

EXT. MOM AND CASEY’S HOUSE - MORNING

Jon pulls up in his car.

INT. JON’S CAR - SAME

JONGood day, Mom.

MOMGood day, Jon.

Mom exits the car.

EXT. JON’S CAR - SAME

Mom walks to his front door. As he goes to open it Caseyopens it.

CASEYHi, Mom.

MOMHi, Case.

CASEYHow was it?

MOMFun.

CASEYGood. I made breakfast.

MOMGreat, I’m -

(he yawns)hungry.

CASEYCome on, you’re a mess.

As they walk inside:

MOM(like a small child)

It was so much fun.

121.

CASEY(soft and motherly)

I know.

Casey closes the door.

INT. MOM AND CASEY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Mom is sitting on the couch watching TV. Sounds of some showis heard. At times he pulls out his cell phone to text.After sometime, Casey enters with a tray of food and drinks.It is chips, dip, soda, and water.

CASEYAlright, I have snacks.

Casey sets the tray down on the coffee table.

MOM(referring to what happened onthe TV)

So, he goes, "We’ll be right backafter a message from Pan Am."

CASEYThey aren’t in business anymore.

MOMI know it was just an oldcommercial.

CASEYFunny.

MOMYes.

A couple beats pass as they watch TV and eat snacks. The TVis their focus, so when they speak, most of the time theyare looking at the TV.

MOMSo, I read an article talking aboutHawaii and I say we go next monthfor a week.

CASEYGreat.

MOMMhm.

(beat)A client called about a play hewrote, and it was set in Hawaii,

122.

MOM1984. I think a trip there will begreat.

CASEYWonderful.

MOMWe need to shop for swim gear.

CASEYWhen?

MOMSunday.

CASEYOkay.

(beat)Did they call about your computer?

MOMYeah.

CASEYAll fixed?

MOMNo. They didn’t want me sittingaround without any word.

CASEYOh. That’s nice.

MOMYeah.

(about what is happening onthe TV)

Now, you see this guy? He knowsthis is a bad idea.

CASEY(this is bad)

What a guy.

MOMMhm.

CASEY(beat)

Would you like to buy a boat?

123.

MOMHawaii?

CASEYIt got me there.

MOMMaybe.

(beat)A big boat.

CASEYA big boat.

MOMWe’ll go Sunday.

They watch TV. A couple beats pass. The doorbell rings.Beat. Casey goes for the door. She opens it. A well dressman is there. It’s Sunny Day.

CASEYHi, Sunny.

SUNNYCase, hi.

CASEYCome in.

SUNNYThank you.

Sunny enters. Casey closes the door.

MOM(excited to see him)

Sunny!

SUNNYMom, hi.

MOMHow are things?

SUNNY(depressed)

Oh boy.

MOMWell, come on, tell me about it.

124.

SUNNYLook, I -

MOMWait.

(to Casey)Casey grab him a beer and a pieceof cake.

SUNNY(coming over)

Well, this was a good decision.

MOMSit down.

Sunny sits as Casey exits into the kitchen.

MOMNow, what’s going on?

SUNNYMy board or directors.

MOM"A guy walks into a room filledwith people who are exactly alike.People of our fair city unitedunder the flag of hypocrisy -"

MOM AND SUNNY"Loathers of truth and defilers ofjustice. Vicious funny men who havebuilt existences on what we call’the unfortunate breath of reality-’ which is, in Italian, ’potrei!’...Their law is ’I could.’

(unbelievable)...They are the biggest group ofhypocrites I have ever met. Notjust that. They are...inconsideratewicked hulks. Monsters with onemore day! Lovers and haters ofeverything all at once all thetime."

SUNNYThey stink!

(beat)They think they can do whateverthey want. If they do it it’sperfectly fine. They shout, "Cuthere cut here!" I have a

125.

SUNNYresponsibility to the communitieswe operate in. So many jobs are onthe line. They said, "We need tocut fat - not us, though." Theycost more. They make so much andthey think it’s nothing. They said,"We’re right, but those under usare a heavy weight." They want tostrip and sell the company. I say,"No," and they say, "But you’llmake more than you deserve." I hatethe fact that we became all aboutmoney. We were more. We’re lookingat two things, and believe me,there are more, but the two thingsare selling and stripping thecompany. It’s a job killing idea.One that doesn’t make sense. Noteven really for greedy people.We’re in forty-two states and sixcountries. Cutting jobs will hurtso many people. We are a smartcompany, we don’t need that. It’sjust a paycheck. To be honest,that’s all it is. It’s nuts. We’reoperating at low cost, and returnsare spectacular because of stocksand clean profits. If anything theyshould take a pay cut.

MOMWhat is the most hypocritical thingyou know?

SUNNYThey said it would be inappropriateto raise employee wages becausewe’re always looking at lowproduction rates. They said, "Itkeeps profits high." Then theyraised their wages and benefits.What they’re hoping for is theemployees accepting slow wagegrowth. The worst part is that theyare untouchable. I knew thesepeople well, and their contractsare locked solid.

MOMYou’re stuck with these guys.

126.

SUNNYI tried fighting and theythreatened to force me out. Thecompany is turning cold and uglyand it’s hurting me.

MOMI’m sorry to hear that.

SUNNYThey want me out, Mom.

MOMYeah, it’s a good thing you’re notsick.

SUNNYImagine if I had some mentalincapacity. I’d be out on thestreet.

MOMYou’re okay then.

SUNNYExcept I hang around a guy whoknows he speaks to God.

MOMA lot of people speak to God.

SUNNYYou’re all crazy.

MOM(come on)

Stop.

SUNNYYeah.

MOMHave you thought about leaving?

SUNNYI have.

MOMAnd?

SUNNYAnd do what? Compete? It’s what Iwant to do. It’s just the heart ofthe company stopped.

127.

MOMSuffering them is the end for you?

SUNNY(beat. simply put)

Yeah.

Casey enters with an open beer. She hands it to Sunny whoimmediately takes a drink.

MOMHow bad can it get?

SUNNYThat’s my question.

Sunny drinks.

MOMDon’t let them kill you.

SUNNY(beat. Sunny thinks)

We should go on vacation. Buy aboat.

MOMYou can’t run away.

SUNNYThen I’ll swim away. I have so manyvacation days.

The doorbell rings. Sunny puts his drink down and Mom beginsto get up to answer the door but Sunny stops him.

SUNNYI’ll get it.

Sunny crosses to the door and opens it. It’s Lionel, thepizza delivery man. Lionel has a pizza in his hand.

SUNNYHello.

LIONELHi.

SUNNY(to Mom)

Pizza!

128.

MOMGreat!

Mom crosses to the door.

SUNNY(to Mom)

Do you want me to pay for it?

MOMNo.

(excited for Sunny)It’s half sardine.

SUNNYYum.

MOM(realizing it’s Lionel)

Lionel!

LIONELHi again.

MOMHow many jobs do you have?

LIONELFour.

MOMLet’s see... A waiter, a sandwichshop delivery man, a pizza deliveryman, and... what’s the fourth?

LIONELI’m the Co-founder and CEO of asoftware startup.

MOMOh?

LIONELMhm.

Mom hands Lionel cash and takes the pizza.

MOMAre you where you should be inbusiness?

129.

LIONELNot entirely.

MOMHow about a consult?

LIONELWhat are your rates?

MOMCan you come to my office Monday atnoon?

LIONELI can.

MOMCome by my office Monday at noonthen.

LIONELOkay.

MOMWould you don’t mind me eating andspeaking?

LIONELNo.

MOMOkay. We can go over everythingthen.

LIONELThat’s great.

MOMGood.

(friendly)Now get out of here, we’re busy.

LIONELOkay. Bye.

Lionel exits. Mom closes the door.

MOM(Mom opens the box and smellsit. to everyone)

Let’s eat!

Mom places the pizza on the coffee table. He sits, followedby Sunny, who opens the box. They eat. Beat.

130.

INT. MOM AND CASEY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Mom, Casey, and Sunny are watching TV quietly. They haveeaten the pizza. After a couple beats the doorbellrings. Mom looks at Casey who understands that he wants herto answer the door. She does. It’s Jon with a gift wrappedbox.

JONHello, Case.

CASEYHi, Jon.

JON(meaning enter the house)

May I?

MOMYou’re fine, come in.

Jon enters. Casey closes the door. Jon could walk to whereMom is but refuses, so he stays by the door. Casey walksback to where she was and sits. A beat passes as he staresat Mom.

MOMWhat’s this?

JONThe gift?

MOMNo, why are you standing there likethat?

JONI want you to meet me.

MOMWhat?

MOMCome here. Meet me. Toe to toe.

MOMGod.

Mom walks over to Jon.

JONI bought you a gift.

131.

MOMOh, great.

JONYou want it? Take it.

MOMWhat is it?

JOMIt’s me, it fine. Take it.

Mom reaches to grab it but Jon pulls it away.

JONNot yet! Let me tell you about it.

MOMGo on.

JONIt’s from Tiffany’s. Online.

MOMGreat either way.

JONThe wrapping paper is from Walmart.

MOMIs that tacky?

JONIt was on sale for a dollar, so whocares?

MOMNo one, boss.

JONAsk me what it is.

MOMWhat is it?

JONA treat jar.

MOMOh.

132.

JONI bought you a treat jar.

MOMFor what?

JONFor your dog.

MOMI don’t have a dog.

JONI know.

MOMThen why would you buy me a treatjar?

JONI’m trying to tell you something.

MOMWhat?

JON(a loud whisper)

Buy one.

MOMWhat?

JON(a loud whisper)

Buy one.

MOMI -

JON(putting his index finger toMom’s lips)

Shhh.(a loud whisper)

Do it or I’ll fire you.

MOMChallenge accepted.

JON(a loud whisper)

Alright, you win. Dot dot dot, doit anyway.

133.

A long silence as they stare.

MOM(giving in)

Casey, get my cell phone.

CASEYOkay.

Casey grabs Mom’s cell phone, which is on the couch. Shegives it to Mom.

MOM(to the room)

Guess what I’m doing.

ALL EXCEPT MOMBuying a dog.

MOMYup.

Mom types into his cell phone.

MOM(Then to himself andoverheard)

You meet a guy then buy a puppy."Why?" they say. Because I’m okay.

(he looks at Jon)Tiffany’s.

JONYeah, dude.

(beat)Do you love me?

MOMLike a mother.

JONGood. Now, Mom, I’m going out fordrinks with my friends. Don’t waitup.

MOMJust go. I’ll send you a photo ofthe dog.

JONBye, Mom.

(to Casey and Sunny)Bye, all.

134.

CASEY AND SUNNY(to Jon)

Bye.

Jon exits, closing the door behind himself.

SUNNYWhat a guy.

MOMMhm.

Mom types on his cell phone. Beat.

INT. MOM AND CASEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Mom and Casey get ready for bed. After some time, Mom yawns.Their business is a series of fun activities that takes up afew minutes. Once in bed Mom grabs a piece of paper from hisside table. He studies the page for a beat.

MOM(to Casey)

Listen to this.(he reads)

"Forever On and On. A poem byJoseph Robinson III. Forever on andon, into the night the world ran.Not distraught but freed andjoyous. Happily trapped inparadise. For this, which is what?The evil, and easily so, Governorwho fell free to his death. Fellfeeling a fear like that that hegraced over the people with a handhappy and great and dirty in-lovewith destruction. This was not amatter where the man was loved bythe people, so his funeral wasoverseen by The Committee to UpholdEvents and Celebrations. What anevent he became! Death brought asweeter popularity to his face thanwhen he pried his way to control.But, ’Here’s the best!’ shouted theboy, ’He fell palms up! And we allknow what that means, We were rightall along! He was that bad!’ Here’sto the free and greatly happypeople."

Mom studies the document.

135.

MOM(to Casey)

Ask me if I like it.

CASEYDo you like it?

MOMNo.

(he folds the paper and placesit on the side table)

Goodnight.

CASEYGoodnight.

They turn the lights off and go to sleep.

TITLE CARD:

A few weeks earlier, when Jon met God...

EXT. THE OLD WEST, 1876 - AFTERNOON

In an open field, there is a lone stagecoach with reignsattached to horses. A lost Jon enters. Moments ago Jon wasin Manhattan, following a map to God’s location, when nexthe knew, he was in an open field. He looks around. He walksup to the stagecoach and studies it. A couple beats pass.

JONHello? GOD?

Beat. A beam of light hits part of the Driver’s Box of thestagecoach. It is God. He just sat down. God is a beam oflight. When he speaks the light fluctuates, synced to everyword he speaks.

GODHi, Jon Will.

JON(frightened)

God, hi.

GODDon’t be frightened, you’re okay.

JONOkay. Where’d you come from?

136.

GODAround.

JON(nervous)

Oh alright, "Around."

GODDo you need anything?

JONWa - wat - water.

GODOkay. How do you want it?

JONI - I - I don’t know.

GODI could just snap my fingers.

JONThat’ll -

GOD(he snaps his fingers)

There.

JONOh, wow. That just happened.

GODMhm.

JONSo what is this? Where are we?

GODWelcome to 1876.

JON(unbelievable)

What?

GODThe old west.

JONHow long has it been 1876?

137.

GODAbout ten minutes.

JON(beat)

Oh.

GOD(referring to the Driver’sBox)

Jump on.

Jon climbs on and sits.

GODAlright. Today we’re headed east. Ihave absolutely just an hour. Solet’s go east, then I will get youhome.

JONOkay.

(beat)Sorry I didn’t bring a gift, youreminence.

GODYou’re fine without it. I’ll need ahand, though.

JONWhat do you need?

GODSomeone to be shotgun.

JONWha - you need that?

GODWell, I’m dressing the part.

JONOh.

GODReach behind you and pull out theweapon.

JONOkay.

Jon reaches behind him and grabs the gun. It’s remarkable.

138.

JON(in awe)

What is this?

GODA 12 gauge sawed-off shotgun.

JON(in awe)

Whoa.

GODYeah. Ready?

JON(excited)

Yes.

GODOkay.

God slaps the reigns once and the horses take off.

JONI feel like I need a helmet.

GODDon’t worry I’m a good driver.

JONOkay.

GODSo -

JONThis is ridiculous!

GODI’m glad you like it.

JONIt’s 1876, I’m in a stagecoach,God’s driving...literally.Ridiculous. Ridiculouslyridiculous.

(beat)Ridiculousness.

GOD(amused)

I see. Serious. Seriously serious.(beat)

139.

GODSeriousness.

JON(beat)

You’re alright.

GODSo far.

JONAnd you’re fair. Oh boy. It hasbeen a good year. Yes, it has.

GODGood.

JONI was shocked when Mom said he wasspeaking to God.

GODIt’s not every day that a mananswers his cell phone and goes,"Hold on, it’s God."

JONYeah.

GODHere’s to the great discovery.

God slaps the reigns harder and the horses run faster.

JON(excited)

Yeah!

GOD(beat)

How much do you know about the oldwest?

JONMy knowledge is limited to ClintEastwood movies.

GODWell, what’s nice is, this stretchof land we’re on right now is thefree open range where familieswould settle disputes. Greatbattles took place here.

140.

JONWill we see a battle?

GODI brought you here to show you howimportant it is know what’simportant to you. These familieshere fought over everything.Everything.

JONDid they fight often?

GODA new battle every week.

JONAmazing.

GODYes, but they fought over what theydeemed important. Land, marriage,food. What you should get from thisis, I care about the truth and youshould be true. Sure, you may befrightened, but true will give youa good gift, which is a better andbeautiful day. Your fear will dieand your joy will be impossiblygreat.

JONDo you fear someone’s truth leadingto badness?

GODNo. We live in a world where badmay rule the day at times. It’s apart of this life. It will not beforever, but for now, it’s here.

(beat)Do you fear being a wicked man?

JONNo, I doubt I would turn wicked.

GODDo you hear yourself?

JONWhat do you hear?

141.

GODThat means you don’t see anywickedness in yourself. There’ssome great law out there statingwhat is good and what is bad, andyou don’t see one lick of bad inyourself.

JONDoes one bad thing mean everything?

GODYes. There is still dirt on yourshoe. It’s conflict.

JONThen maybe there’s a little fear.

GODOkay.

They are silent as they travel.

JONHow many completely bad people doyou know?

GODEnough. So many, I would adviseagainst using only one hand whenyou count.

JONWhy?

GODIt would take double the time tofinish.

JONAh. It sounds like, then, at somepoint, you’d use your toes.

GODBut you’d spend too much timelooking down.

JONWhat’s wrong with that?

GODYou’d miss what’s up.

142.

JONWhat’s up?

GODNot much.

Jon laughs.

JON(laughing)

Yeah, I believe you have a lotgoing on.

GODKeep believing. You know that songwhere they say, "I’ve gotninety-nine problems?"

JONYeah.

GODI’ve got a hundred.

JONHa!

(laughing)And that’s all?

GODYou know when you take your car tothe shop and it turns out there’smore trouble than you thought, andit’s unbelievable?

JONYeah.

GODWhen I take mine, it’s right.

Jon laughs.

GODIt’s stressful!

JONI know.

GODI just say, I’m happy and move on.

Jon laughs.

143.

GODI took my car in once for a tirerotation and left with cancer.

Jon laughs harder.

GODNuts right?

JONYeah.

GODAnd I’m God!

Jon laughs.

GODI said, "I’m God, give me somethingelse!"

JONAnd what did he say?

GOD"I’m not God."

Jon laughs.

GODFunny.

JONWhat did you do?

GODA couple things. One, I stoppeddriving.

JONHow do you get around?

GODI Uber.

Jon laughs.

GODIt’s not entirely easy to doeither. It costs me more because Itravel so much.It’s expensive. Itried riding my bike but it wasstolen.

144.

JON(unbelievable)

What?

GODI was in Chicago, I chained it upand said, "This is okay." I walkedout of the store and it was gone!

JONBut you’re God.

GODThat’s the point. That guy stolethe wrong bike. He’s not okay.

JONOh.

GODThere’s a bigger picture...but itwas a beautiful bike. I said oneday, when it’s a perfect world,"Everyone gets a bike!"

JONWait, what did you do about thecancer?

GODI gave it to someone moredeserving.

JONWho?

GODSome old lady at the market.

JONOh.

GODShe wanted to fight over the lastturkey. I said, "You smoke, you’remean, and you’re supposed to getcancer anyway."

JONShe deserved it.

145.

GODYeah.

JONWhat did she do?

GODWhat people like her do. She wenthome, ordered a pizza, and smoked.

JONWhat a coincidence.

GODNo, it’s how I plan my day. I’malways on time too.

Jon laughs. Beat. God spots buffalo.

GODLook! Buffalo!

JONWhoa.

GODYeah.

JONYou made that.

GODMhm.

JONCool.

GODYeah.

A couple beats or three pass as they look out at thebuffalo.

GODNow I want wings.

JONWanna go to my place and ordersome?

GODFinally, you ask!

146.

JONLet’s go!

GODLet’s!

The sound of reigns being slapped once is heard.

JONCan I drive?

GODWhen you’re older.

JONAlright.

Beat.

END CREDITS

THE END