verona texas

7/21/2019 Verona Texas

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VERONA, TEXAS

by

Wyn6


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FADE IN:

EXT. VERONA, TEXAS - MORNING

ABOVE A RURAL TEXAS LANDSCAPE.

A PIANO PLAYS ILL FLY AWAY. A YOUNG GIRLS VOICE SINGS THELYRICS over the piano.

A group of CARS, part of a FUNERAL PROCESSION, leave achurch, A BLACK HEARSE in the lead.

A cloud of dust billows behind the procession as car tiresdisturb the red earth. Farms and houses dot this small,AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY. GLIDE DOWN TO...

COUNTRY ROAD - CONTINUOUS

In front of a white house, a hard-worked, BLACK WOMAN and herYOUNG SON, both in dark clothes, watch the procession pass.

The vehicles move past the small wooden house. Several morePEOPLE stand alongside the road. The last vehicle to pass isa 1960 FORD F-100. The people along the road follow after theprocession as it heads to...

EXT. CEMETERY - MOMENTS LATER

THE SONG CONTINUES. The procession stops. A DRIVER exits the

hearse and opens the rear. PALLBEARERS carry the casket to agravesite. More people, on foot, walk toward the cemetery.

Heat waves dance in the air and wrap about the gathered whoattempt to cool themselves with church fans. The casketsplaced above the grave as a man, PASTOR ROBERTSON, 50s, stepsforward.

The family, African-American, sit in the front row. ISAACMONTAGUE (pronounced: mon-tayg) 50, clean-shaven, his wife,EVELYN MONTAGUE, late 40s, pretty but weary-faced.

Their sons, JEROME MONTAGUE, boyishly handsome, 24, JESSE

MONTAGUE, 10, and their cousin, BENNY MONTAGUE, late 20s.

The pastor opens his bible and reads, HIS WORDS MUTED UNDERTHE SONG. Everyone lowers their heads in prayer.

Pastor Robertson says his final words, which are followed bya somber:


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ALLAmen.

THE SONG ENDS. People move to place flowers on the casket,console the family, and depart.

GRAVE DIGGERS lower the casket into the ground as most

mourners leave. After a few moments, only Jerome remains.Solemn, he stands over the grave. Tears roll down his cheeks.

The grave diggers shovel dirt into the hole. Off Jerome.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - DAY

Several cars are parked on the lawn and in the drive of themodest, white-washed, wooden house. A beautiful, ROSE GARDENfilled with vibrant, red roses adorns the front of the house.

A middle-aged, black couple, VERNICE and CLAUDE, walk onto

the small wooden porch. Vernice carries a pot. Claude knockson the screen door. It opens and they enter into...

INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

...where several GUESTS pack into the small, hot house. Itsamazing this many people can find room to breathe let alonestand or sit. They use various items as makeshift fans.

MOVE THROUGH THE MOURNERS. A rotary dial phone sits on asmall table in the living room. Isaacs on the phone.

ISAAC(into phone)

Thank you and God bless yall.

He hangs up and takes a moment. He then moves around to hugvarious friends and family. Jesse, a pudgy, little boy, walksthrough the house, head down. Isaac catches his sonsshoulder and stops him.

ISAAC (CONTD)You eat, boy?

Jesses attention remains on the floor as he answers.

JESSEAint hungry.

ISAACSon, you need to eat something.Its plenty of food in there.

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Some chicken, some roast, collards,corn. Now g'on in there and letNell fix ya a plate.

Jesse never looks up.

JESSE

I can fix my own plate.

ISAACFine. Fix ya own plate then.Wheres ya mama?

JESSEIn her room.

Isaac sighs, bends down and hugs his son.

ISAACYa know I love you dont ya, son?

JESSEI know, Daddy. I love you, too.

Isaac straightens up and smiles. Jesse looks at his father.

ISAACGon, now.

Jesse heads for the kitchen. Isaac calls after him.

ISAAC (CONTD)

And, chop some more ice while ya inthere.

JESSEAint none. Benny nem went to theicehouse to get some mo.

ISAAC(half to himself)

I don told them boys to stay outof town.

Isaac closes his eyes and takes another moment.

BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Evelyn kneels on the side of the bed. She speaks softly inprayer.

ISAAC (CONT'D)

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EVELYNTell me this is your will, Lord.Tell me you called my baby home fora reason. Why, Jesus? Why? Whydyou have to take him like that,Lord?

The door eases opens and Isaac enters. Evelyn doesnt seem tonotice her husbands presence. He closes the door behind him.

EVELYN (CONTD)Why, Lord?! Why?! Oh Lord, why?!

She bursts into muted sobs. Isaac moves to his wife andkneels beside her. He takes her into his arms and rest hischin on her head.

ISAACOh, Evelyn.

EVELYNI prayed everyday, Isaac. Everydayhe was over there I prayed that theLord would see him home safe. But,where was he when he was dyinhere?! Where was he when they waskillin my baby?

Evelyn grasps her husbands clothes tightly as if to let gowould send her into a deeper spiral of sorrow. She cries andcries... and cries.

Isaac doesnt speak. He holds onto his wife, closes his eyes,and squeezes out tears. Off of them...

EXT. VERONA, TEXAS - CENTER OF TOWN - DAY

MOVE THROUGH the small town center, PAST a building, a fadedsign denoting it as: RAYS FILLING STATION.

The red-bricked VERONA COURTHOUSE, a diner with ELLIESCAFE painted in white across its front window.

HOLD briefly on a sign posted in the cafes wooden and glass

door that reads: NO COLOREDS ALLOWED.

EXT. TUCKERS GROCERY - DAY

Several young, Caucasian men stand next to a RED PICKUPoutside the small wooden shack of a store. TYLER, the alpha,late 20s, SAM, 20, GREG, 21, and BILL, 19. They are theCALHOUNS.

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A SATEEN SILVER 1961 CHEVY IMPALA, driven by Benny Ralph,pulls up to the store. ABRAHAM, 22, and JABBO, 18, get out ofthe vehicle. Benny stays in the car.

BENNYYall dont be takin all dayneither. We got to get this ice

back to the house.

The boys head into the store. The Calhouns look on. Tylertakes a drag on a cigarette as he stares intensely at Benny.

SAM(under his breath)

Damn niggers are everywhere.

GREGYeah. Marchin into town with theircivil rights bullshit. I dont knowwhat the big deal is. Hell, I dont

even vote.

TYLERThank God.

GREGGo to hell, Tyler.

Tyler smirks.

SAMI got half a mind to go overe an

run em the hell outta o town.

TYLERDo you?

He gestures toward Benny with his head.

TYLER (CONT'D)Well, gon then.

Sam does nothing. Tyler turns back and continues to bore ahole into Benny who thrums his fingers on the hard, plasticsteering wheel.

Benny glances over. He catches Tylers gaze momentarily, thenaverts his eyes. A river of sweat runs down Bennys face.

Tyler takes one last puff, throws his smoke to the ground,and crushes it with a boot heel. Abraham and Jabbo exit thestore with tall, glass bottles of Coca Cola.

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TYLER (CONTD)(insincere)

Shame about that cousin of y'alls.Gettin hanged in a tree and all.My condolences.

Jabbo and Abraham stop cold. They turn to face Tyler.

GREGThought thats what monkeys did.Hang from trees.

The other Calhoun boys find humor in this. Tyler manages asmall smirk.

But, their amusement is cut short. A coke bottle SMASHES onthe blacktop right next to Greg.

The other Calhouns gather themselves and rush Abe and Jabbo.Tyler takes it all in with subdued amusement. Benny jumps out

of the car and rushes toward the melee.

BENNYAbraham!

Tyler simply watches from his perch against the truck. Benny,wide and stocky, thrusts himself into the middle of theskirmish. He tries to hold Jabbo back.

BENNY (CONTD)Jabbo! Come on!

A fist catches Jabbo in the face. He throws back. Bennypleads to Tyler.

BENNY (CONT'D)Help me break this up!

A SIREN CHIRPS. A police car comes to a stop in front of theruckus. SHERIFF EMERY BELL and DEPUTY DAN CAINES step out ofthe vehicle and break up the fight.

SHERIFF BELLNow, I dont care whos responsiblefor this mess, Calhouns or

Montagues! Next time anything likethis happens, Im taking you all tojail! Hear? And, Benny Ralph,Tyler... I thought both you boyshad more sense than this.

Benny starts to say something before the Sheriff cuts himoff.

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SHERIFF BELL (CONTD)I dont want to hear it. Bottomline is, Im not gonna stand forit.

A BLACK, FORD GALAXIE SEDAN pulls up, opposite the group.JUDGE WINSTON CALHOUN II, 60ish, steps out.

JUDGE CALHOUNWhat seems to be the problem here,Sheriff?

SHERIFF BELLNothing for you to worry about,Judge. We got it all taken care of.

(to boys)Dont we, boys?

The disgruntled boys barely acknowledge the sheriff.

SHERIFF BELL (CONTD)You Montagues get on home now.

The Montague boys, faces etched with anger, get into theircar and drive away. Tyler leers after them.

JUDGE CALHOUNNow, Emery, if them Montagues gostirring things up, I want--

SHERIFF BELLI wouldnt worry about it none,

Judge. I believe there was just amisunderstanding. Its handled.

The Judge narrows his eyes, skeptical.

JUDGE CALHOUNFine then. Tyler, rest of you boys,head on back to the house and helpwith the preparations. And Emery...Ill see you at the gala Fridaynight?

The sheriff tips his hat to Judge Calhoun. Tyler jumps into

the truck with Greg. Sam and Bill climb into the trucks bed.

The truck pulls OUT OF FRAME followed by the Judges Ford.The sheriff and deputy stare after the cars.

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EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - MORNING

A quiet, country morning. The sun has barely crested thehorizon. It bathes everything in muted orange light.

Jerome sits on the buckled and worn wooden porch of hishouse, his head buried in a thick, black, leather-bound book.

A HARBOR BLUE 57 CHEVY, its windows fogged by the moistmorning air, rests in the dirt drive of the house. Bennyscar pulls behind it. Benny gets out and walks to the porch.

BENNYLil cousin.

JEROMEBenny Ralph.

Benny looks down at Jeromes book.

BENNYWhat ya readin?

Jerome looks up from the book.

JEROMEShakespeare. But, I aint reallyreading it. Just sitting herethinking more than anything else.

BENNYShakespeare. You always was the

smart one.

Benny sits down on the porch next to Jerome.

BENNY (CONTD)Thinking bout Isaac Junior?

JEROME(nods)

Man, sometimes I sit here and actlike hell come walking up thatdriveway. I guess its easier forme to pretend like he never came

home.(closes the book)I remember we used to write lettersback and forth when he was in Nam.And, he would never talk about thewar. All he would ask was about us.Hows Mama? Hows Daddy? HowsJesse? Whats going on with you?

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But, I remember this one time hewrote me where he said he wasscared. I remember thinking, June,scared? Junes not scared ofnothing. But, him he was scaredfor. He said everyday the onlything he could think about was how

much it would hurt us if he didntcome home.

He gives the statement a moment to rest.

JEROME (CONTD)My brother survived a war. And thenhe come back home to get murderedby the people of the country hewent to war for? I dont understandthis world, Benny Ralph. I mean,this is home. Aint home supposedto be a safe place?

Jerome opens his mouth to say something else, then shakes hishead. Benny studies his cousin.

BENNYYeah. Supposed to be. But,sometimes God got somethingdifferent planned for us than wegot planned for ourselves.

JEROMEI just wish his plans was a little

closer to what we got planned.

BENNYDont we all, cuz? You just gottaaccept Gods will for what it is. Iaint saying thats easy. God knowsit was hard when I lost my mama.

Jerome acknowledges Bennys loss with a nod.

JEROMEI keep trying to tell myself that.Its Gods will. But, it just dont

seem fair. It aint fair.

BENNYYou right. Life aint fair. We justgot to make the best of it we can.

Jerome gives Benny a weak smile.

JEROME (CONT'D)

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JEROMEI know.

Benny puts a hand on Jeromes shoulder and returns the smile.

BENNYWell, glad to see ya back home,

even if its only for a lil bit.Now, let me get on in here and helpya daddy load this stuff up for thechurch. Ill holler at ya later.Aight?

JEROMEAight.

Benny stands and walks into the house. Jerome remains inquiet contemplation, his eyes across the dirt road that runsin front of the house.

INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - DAY

Jesse walks toward the front door. Someone KNOCKS.

JESSEWho is it?

MARCUS (O.S.)(through door)

Marcus.

Jesse opens the door and the screen to MARCUS LANKFORD, 20s,lean, wiry.

JESSE(yells)

Jerome! Its Marcus!

Isaac walks INTO FRAME, stops and stares at Jesse.

ISAACBoy? What I don told you aboutyelling through this house?

JESSEI know. Dont yell.

ISAACIf ya' know, learn how to go getsomebody.

(stares at Jesse)Come on in, Marcus.

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MARCUSThats aight, Pastor Montague. Illwait out here.

Isaac nods and EXITS FRAME. Marcus looks at Jesse and grins.

MARCUS (CONTD)

Thats what you get, ol big mouthboy.

JESSEShut up!

MARCUSSay what?!

Marcus opens the screen and pretends to come after Jesse.Jesse takes off through the house.

ISAAC (O.S.)

And, dont be running through thishouse, boy!

Marcus smiles and lets the screen go. It slams. Isaac appearsand glares at him from inside. Marcus cringes. Oops.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - LATER

Marcus and Jerome sit in a LIME GREEN, 61 OLDSMOBILECUTLASS. "THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS" by THE MIRACLES, plays onthe radio.

MARCUSLook, man. This yo last time tosee her befo she go move toCalifornia.

JEROMEAnd, how we suppose to get into aparty at Judge Calhouns house?

MARCUSMy Aintie Idelia don worked forJudge Calhoun since befo we was

born. She already told me she canget me a job as a server and askedme if I knew somebody else that wasinterested. All you gotta do is sayyes.

JEROMEI dont know, man.

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MARCUSWhat dont you know? Go to theparty, see the girl, and if youlucky...

JEROMEIt aint as easy as you think it

is, Marcus. Not for me it aint.After everything me and Rosalynbeen through. Man, weve known eachother since grade school. Even thenwe use to talk about gettingmarried, and having kids. We spentover half our lives together. And,now what? She moving to California.Seeing her now just gon... Itdont matter. We both agreed thatseeing each other wouldnt be goodanyway.

MARCUS(shrugs)

Fine. Dont go see the girl. Imjust tryin to help ya out, man.

JEROMEWhy you care, anyway?

MARCUSShit, I dont. Im just tired ofseein you runnin round here withyo lip all stuck out like yo mama

just whooped yo ass.

They both sit in silence for a long MOMENT. Marcus looks overat Jesses bike which lies next to the porch and chuckles.

MARCUS (CONTD)Remember that time we was aboutfourteen and we was on our bikesand we was comin back from townand we had Jesse with us? I thinkhe was fo or five.

A quizzical look hits Jerome as if hes trying to recall.

MARCUS (CONT'D)And, remember you was ridin thatbike that you got for Christmasthat yo daddy put together foryou? And we came to that big olhill by the pond.

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We start goin down it and youstood up and bumped Jesse off theback. Remember? And his butt fellon the tire.

Marcus cant help but laugh.

MARCUS (CONT'D)All you could hear was himhollerin and that tire rubbin thehell out that boys ass!

(makes the sound of thetire rubbing)

And when you got to the bottom, hejumped off the bike and startrunnin round yellin, my bootyburnin! Man, I cried laughin thewhole way down that hill! I waslaughin so hard I fell off mybike, and it hurt, but I kept

laughin!

Marcus is in tears. Jerome grins and tries not to laugh.

JEROMEThat wasnt funny, Marcus. Thebrakes on that bike didnt work.

MARCUSNeither did the handle bars, thepedals, nothin on that bikeworked.

JEROME(laughs)

And, I was trying to stop the thingwith my feet like Fred Flintstone!

MARCUSYeah!

They laugh harder.

JEROMEMan, I still feel bad about that.

MARCUSI still get tickled every time Ithink about it. How long was itbefo Jesse could sit up straightafter that?

JEROMEShit, he cant sit up straight now!

MARCUS (CONT'D)

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They just sit and laugh for a moment.

MARCUSMan, we had some fun when we waskids.

JEROME

I dont think Jesse would call thatfun. But, yeah we did. Sometimes, Iwish those days were still here.

Marcus turns to Jerome, a sincerity in his eyes.

MARCUSLook, man. I just dont wanna seethe girl go and you dont get thechance to say gbye.

Jerome smiles at his friend, conceding.

JEROMEWhat times the party, Marcus?

Off an approving MARCUS...

EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - DAY

A young, handsome, Caucasian man stands at the front door ofthis Victorian-styled home. Hes, PAUL, early 20s. TheHousekeeper, IDELIA, African-American, 50s, opens the screendoor.

IDELIAGet on in here, Paul!

She gives him a big hug.

PAULIts good to see you again too,Idelia.

He looks up to see Judge Calhoun coming down the stairs.

JUDGE CALHOUN

That you, Paul?

PAULYes, sir, it is.

JUDGE CALHOUNWell, Ill be. Good to see you,son. What are you standing outsidefor? Come on in.

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Paul enters into...

INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS

Smiling, the Judge moves to him. They hug. The Judge giveshim a few manly pats on the back.

PAULThank you, sir and its good to seeyou as well.

JUDGE CALHOUNHow have you been, son?

(teases)And, it sounds like you pickedyourself up a bit of a yank accent.

PAULReally? I hadnt noticed. But, all

goes well, sir. And, I trust thelaw of this land is being wellkept?

JUDGE CALHOUNThe sanctity of the courts is beingpreserved for the future lawyerswho will judiciously serve toprotect the liberties of this greatcountry of ours. Such as yourself.

PAUL

Thank you, sir. I can only hope tolive up to such idealism.

JUDGE CALHOUNI have no doubt that you willsomeday make a fine lawyer, son. InTexas, that is.

The judge starts off.

JUDGE CALHOUN (CONTD)Come on, have a seat. Idelia get usa couple of beers, would ya?

They move into...

KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Idelia grabs two beers from the icebox. The Judge gestures toa chair at the table.

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PAULThank you, sir.

JUDGE CALHOUNYale. So hows them Yankeestreating you, son?

PAULWell, I will say that Connecticutis a little different than Texas.To be honest, I dont think I wouldever have chosen Yale, if it wasntmy fathers and Grandfathers AlmaMater.

JUDGE CALHOUNWell, theres no shame in followingin the proud tradition set by yourfather and his father before him,even if that tradition isnt a

Texas tradition.

Idelia moves over to the table, pops the tops with a bottleopener, and sets the beers in front of the two men. They eachgrab a bottle.

JUDGE CALHOUN (CONT'D)Thank you, Idelia. Thatll be all.

(turns to Paul)I can only assume by your presenceyou aim to attend the gala thisevening?

PAULI wouldnt miss it for the world,sir.

Paul takes a sip.

JUDGE CALHOUNWell, Julianna's gone into town topick up a few last minute things.She should be back directly.

The Judge takes a swig of his beer.

PAULActually, I came to speak to youand Mrs. Calhoun, sir.

Nerves vibrate his words. His eyes flit to the beer bottle hespins around in his hand. Judge Calhoun follows Pauls eyes,then looks him in the face.

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JUDGE CALHOUNWhat about, Paul? Something thematter?

Paul takes a sip to stall.

PAUL

No, sir. I have something that Iwanted to ask you, sir. But, I haveto admit that Im a bit nervous.

JUDGE CALHOUNPaul, youre like a son to me. Youknow that you can ask me anything.Now, spit it out.

The young man takes a deep breath.

PAULIve been doing some thinking while

Ive been away. A lot of thinking.About Julianna and how much shemeans to me.

He fidgets and shifts about in his seat.

PAUL (CONT'D)And... I want to ask her to marryme. I was hoping to get yours andMrs. Calhouns blessing.

The Judge stares at him for an uncomfortable beat then lets a

smile creep across his face.

JUDGE CALHOUNSon, you dont know how happy itmakes me to hear that. I assure youthat Mrs. Calhoun and I could nothave chosen a better man for ourdaughter. You do indeed have ourblessing.

PAULThank you, sir. You dont know howmuch that means to me. Actually, to

tell you the truth Im a bitrelieved.(laughs)

Now, I just hope Julianna sharesyour same enthusiasm.

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JUDGE CALHOUNDont you fret now, Paul. That girlloves you. When do you plan onasking her?

PAULI was thinking about asking her

tonight at the gala. With yourapproval, of course.

The Judge takes a drink and puts a hand on Pauls shoulder.

JUDGE CALHOUNI couldnt have thought of a moreperfect time to ask, myself. Thiswill certainly be a night forcelebration.

ANN (O.S.)What are we celebrating?

Both look over as ANNABELLE (Ann) CALHOUN, a well-aged 50,rounds a corner, two paper grocery bags beneath each arm.Both men stand up from their seats.

ANN (CONTD)Well, hello, Paul. This is apleasant surprise. How are you?

She sits the sacks on the counter.

PAUL

Good, maam. Good.

ANNAnd, hows Yale?

She hugs him.

PAULIts good, maam.

The Judge eyes his wife, a marvelous grin on his face.

JUDGE CALHOUN

Ann. It seems Paul here has come toask for our little girls hand inmarriage. Looks like youre goingto have yourself a son-in-law.

Paul waits with bated breath, as they say.

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ANNWell, I guess if he wishes to curryfavor with his future mother-in-law, he could get some groceriesout of the car.

He can breathe again, even smile!

PAULOf course, Mrs. Calhoun.

A final sip of his beer and he exits. Ann peers at herhusband curiously. Off her look...

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - EVENING

A CAR HORN blares. Benny sits in...

INT. BENNY RALPHS CAR - CONTINUOUS

...with Marcus. Both are dressed in black slacks and whitedress shirts.

BENNYWhere the hell is this boy? Ithought you said he was going.

MARCUSHe comin.

Benny blows the horn again. The screen door flies open andJerome vaults off the porch. He races to the car and jumps inthe backseat. Hes dressed the same.

MARCUS (CONTD)bout time.

BENNYYou almost got left.

JEROMEMan, I didnt want to go in thefirst place. I can go back in the

house.

Benny, irritated, looks to Marcus then directs his attentionto Jerome.

BENNYAre you going or not?

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MARCUSYeah he goin. Drive on, BennyRalph.

Benny shakes his head, backs out of the dirt drive, and headsdown the road.

INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - EVENING

JULIANNA CALHOUN, 21, raven-haired, gorgeous, sits on a queen-sized bed. Ann sits next to her, a glass of red wine in onehand. An exquisite ball gown is laid out next to the two.

JULIANNAMama, do I really have to be there?Why does he insist on throwingthese things anyway?

ANN

If I have to be there, you have tobe there. And, he insists onthrowing them, because they makehim feel important.

JULIANNAI thought thats why he became aJudge.

Ann crosses her legs and holds her wine glass pretentiously.

ANN

(mocking)You see, darling. When you are amember of high society one must aimto impress constantly.

Julianna laughs at her mothers antics.

JULIANNAVerona doesnt have a high society.He begs all these folks to come upfrom Dallas and Fort Worth.

ANN

Now, now. Lets not go and spoilyour daddys self-importantevening.

Julianna stands and picks the dress up. She looks into afloor length mirror, and holds the dress in front of her.

ANN (CONTD)You know Pauls in town?

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Julianna puts the dress back onto the bed. She ignores thecomment. She stands in the mirror, takes some pins from thedresser and pins her hair up.

ANN (CONTD)Well..?

JULIANNAI know. I heard yall talking.

ANNThats it? Thats all you have tosay?

JULIANNA(snaps)

What else am I suppose to say?!Yay! Pauls back in town, I cantwait to get married, have childrenand live happily ever after?!

ANNWatch your tone.

JULIANNASorry. But, Mama, I told you. WithPaul so far away at school it justwont work between us.

Ann sits her wine glass down on the night stand, stands upand helps Julianna pin up her hair.

ANNSweetie, youll be twenty-two inthree months. Dont you ever wantto get married and have a family?

JULIANNAOf course I do, Mama. But, I wantthat to be someone I choose, notyalls choice for me.

ANNWell, Pauls more your daddyschoice than he is mine. But, he is

a nice boy, comes from a good home,hes going to a good school, andhell make a fine husband one day.

They finish pinning and Julianna turns to face her mother.

JULIANNAMaybe he will. But, I dont thinkwere meant to be.

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When I get married, it wont bejust because theyre nice, or theycome from a good family, went to agood school, or have money. I wantto marry someone because we sharethe same dreams, the same heart,the same soul.

Ann rests her hands on Juliannas shoulders.

ANNYou remind me of me when I was yourage. So much to look forward to.The promise of happiness, thepromise of love. But, the older Igot, life made it painfully clear Iwasnt promised anything. And,sometimes when I look back I askmyself what could I have donedifferently. The choices I made.

The choices I didnt make. What wasright. What was wrong. What I wouldchange.

Ann huffs a regretful sigh, then faces Julianna toward themirror. They peer into the mirror. She holds her daughterseyes with a motherly smile.

ANN (CONTD)You know what I see when I look atyou?

JULIANNANo.

ANNA choice I made that I would neverchange. Youve grown into beautifulyoung lady. Not just on theoutside. But, here, too.

She places her hand over Juliannas heart.

ANN (CONT'D)Ever since you were a little girl,

I knew you were special. Im notjust saying that because youre mydaughter. Im saying it becauseits true. Ive never seen a biggerheart more full of love than yours.You deserve the world, sweetie. Ifanybody deserves to find true love,its you, Julianna. So yes, youreright.

JULIANNA (CONT'D)

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If you have the chance to marry fortrue love, the only one that shouldhave the right to deny that is God.But, theres no way he would denyone of his most beautiful creationsone of his most precious gifts.And, if anybody tries to tell you

any differently, you tell them totake it up with your mama.

Julianna turns to her mother, the two women look at eachother, smile and hug.

JULIANNAOf course I will, Mama. Thank you.

ANNI love you, sweetheart.

JULIANNA

I know. I love you, too.

ANNThis wont make your daddy happyseeing as how hes got the two ofyou half way down the aisle. Heswears by Paul, you know?

JULIANNAThen maybe he and Paul should runoff together.

A mischievous smirk finds its way to Anns mouth.

ANNYou know? I just might suggest thatto him.

The women share a laugh. A knock at the door cuts short theirrevelry.

ANN (CONTD)Who is it?

IDELIA (O.S.)

Idelia, Mrs. Calhoun.

ANNCome in. The doors open.

The door opens and Idelia enters the room.

ANN (CONT'D)

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IDELIAI just wanna remind yall that theguestll be arriving in a couplahours.

Idelia waits.

ANNThen I guess we had better getready.

Ann strokes her daughters hair and brings her hand down tocup her cheek. She smiles once more and starts off. She turnsback and picks up the wine from the night stand.

ANN (CONTD)Cant forget this.

A sip. She leaves the room.

IDELIADont take all day now, MissJulianna. You know how yo daddyget.

JULIANNAI wont, Idelia. And, yes, I knowhow he gets. Thank you.

Idelia closes the door as she leaves. Julianna gives hermirrored reflection one last glance.

INT. BENNY RALPHS CAR - EVENING

Benny and Marcus talk over the engines hum.

BENNYYou know good and well I aintsaying that.

MARCUSEither way it go, Im gon makelike my man Jerome and move toDallas. Mo jobs. Mo women. Aint

that right, Jerome?

Jerome doesnt answer. Benny Ralph glances up at him THROUGHTHE REARVIEW MIRROR.

BENNYYou aight back there, cuz?

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JEROMEOh. Yeah, Im good.

MARCUSNaw. He back there thinkin boutRosalyn. Probably tryin to figureout what he gon say to her to get

in her pants befo she move.

Benny rolls his eyes and Jerome smiles absentmindedly.

JEROMEYou stupid, Marcus.

MARCUSHey, I know what you can tell her.When you see her, walk right up toher, look her dead in the eye andsay...

(sings Aint Too Proud to

Beg)I know you wanna leave me, But Irefuse to let you go. If I have tobeg, and plead for your sympathy, Idon't miii-ind 'cause you mean thatmuch to me.

Benny joins in. He bobs his head and sings along.

MARCUS AND BENNYAint too proud to be-eeeg... sweetdarling. Please dont leave me

giiirl.

Benny backhands Marcus on the arm. Marcus feigns pain.

BENNYJerome, you need some new friends.

MARCUSShit, he need new kinfolk, too.

BENNYShut up.

Benny looks in the back seat where Jerome stares out thewindow, somewhere else.

BENNY (CONTD)(serious)

You sure you aight back there,Jerome? Look like you got somethinheavy on ya mind.

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A long moment slips by.

JEROMEI keep having this dream aboutIsaac Junior. Almost every night.

FLASH CUT: EXT. FIELD - NIGHT

The SCENE is various SHADES OF GRAY, GRAINY, MURKY.

JEROME (V.O.)I know its a dream, but it be likeIm right there with him.

It rains in sheets. The roaring torrent drowns out most othersounds. Several WHITE MEN drag a BLACK MAN through the mud.They kick him and beat him.

JEROME (V.O.)

Its raining and I can see themdragging him through the mud...kicking him, beating him.

A white man in a hat steps INTO FRAME behind the black manwho lies face down in the mud. The brim of the mans hatdroops under the weight of the rain, partially hiding hisface. He carries a rope tied into a noose.

JEROME (V.O.)They put a rope around his neck. Itlook like hes crying, but I cant

tell because of the rain. And all Ican do is watch.

The black man is on his knees. His heads down, and the down-pour makes it hard to see his face. Several men circle him.

JEROME (V.O.)I try to say something. I scream. Iyell. But, dont nothing come out.I try to run to him, thinking I cansave him, but then the mud slows medown. I reach my hand out to him,but Im too far away. I look at

him, but its raining so hard Icant even see his face no more.

TILT UP THE LENGTH OF THE ROPE to where it hangs over a largetree branch.

JEROME (V.O.)And, then all I can see is therope.

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THE ROPE tightens.

JEROME (V.O.)It goes tight... Thats when I wakeup.

STAY ON THE ROPE as it moves erratically before it settles

into a smooth back and forth motion.

BACK TO SCENE

Jerome fixates on the night beyond the window.

Marcus and Benny share a glance. Rain dots the windshield.Benny flicks on the wipers. Off the SQUEAKING WIPERS...

INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

The kitchen is abuzz with activity. Cooks prepare food.Servers ready their trays and check their uniforms. PUSHTHROUGH the swarm of people.

Marcus, Benny Ralph, and Jerome all stand in the back. Theyput on black vests. Marcus vest is a bit too big for him.Idelia approaches.

IDELIAOh hey, Marcus baby. Glad yallcould make it.

They hug. Idelia kisses Marcuss cheek.

MARCUSHey, Aintie Idelia. I preciate yougettin us on...

(tugs his vest)...but these digs.

IDELIAYoull get used to em. Aight now.Grab a tray with hors doeuvres, orwine. Dont matter. When you gooutside, move through the guests,

ask if anybody want anything. Ifthey do, give it to em, if theydont, move on. Thats pretty muchit.

Jerome seems preoccupied as he looks at all the variouspeople in the kitchen.

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JEROMEExcuse me, Miss Idelia. Is Rosalynhere yet?

IDELIAI hadnt seen her yet, baby.

A man calls Idelia from the other side of the kitchen.

IDELIA (CONTD)I gotta go. Yall take care and doa good job now. Im countin on ya.

Idelia darts between the mass of folks and heads for theother side of the kitchen.

MARCUS(to Jerome)

Stop sweatin. Shell show up.

Jerome forces air through his nose and shrugs.

BENNYYall, stop talking and grab atray.

MARCUSYou aint my daddy.

BENNYIf you dont shut up and pick upone of them trays, Im gon beat

you like I was.

Marcus sneers at Benny Ralph and picks up a tray. Bennygestures to the door with his head. FOLLOW Jerome, Marcus,and Benny THROUGH the door and into...

FORMAL DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

MOVE WITH JEROME through this elegant soire. BACHS PARTITANO.3 IN E MAJOR (PRELUDIO), wafts THROUGH the dozens ofGUESTS mingled about the room. Jerome passes...

ANN, a glass of wine in hand, WALKS and talks to a COUPLE.They sally past...

THE JUDGE, in a black tuxedo and bow tie, MOVES aboutpersonally seeing to each of his guests. He shakes a MANshand who turns to take a glass of wine from...

JEROME scans the room, peering between and around the clusterof people. He spots a FEMALE SERVER, from behind.

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He walks toward her, navigating through the upscale swarm.

JEROMEHey.

She turns to face him wearing a friendly smile.

FEMALE SERVERHi, Jerome.

JEROMEYou seen Rosalyn?

FEMALE SERVEROh. She took sick. She aint gonbe here tonight.

Jerome tries to swallow the disappointment evident in hisface.

JEROMEOh. Okay.

He drops his shoulders, turns around and heads for thekitchen.

Julianna steps in front of him. An abrupt stop sends thecontents of his tray, a glass of wine, to the floor followedby a mini deluge of Chardonnay.

JEROME (CONTD)Im so sorry, maam. I didnt see

you.

He snatches a small, far from adequate, napkin from his tray,kneels and dabs at the spill. Hes too busy with the mess onthe floor to notice the radiant beauty in front of him.

JULIANNAIts my fault. I shouldnt havestepped in front of you like that.

Jerome doesnt look up.

JEROME

I need to clean this up.

He wipes furiously.

JULIANNAServer?

(waits)Server?

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Finally, he looks up at the song-like voice calling to him.Now, he cant help but catch a glimpse of her. Hes takenaback. Shes every synonym for gorgeous rolled into one.

JEROMEYes, maam?

A playful smile curls her lips.

JULIANNAI still want a glass of wine.

JEROMEYes, maam.

Julianna meanders off into the crowd to mingle. Jeromestands, smitten. Hes lost in her, this Aphrodite.

A passing Idelia brings him back for the splittest ofseconds. He grabs her arm lightly.

JEROME (CONTD)Miss Idelia?

IDELIAWhat is it, baby?

JEROMEWho is that?

His eyes drink every drop of her: rose-colored lips paintedonto the canvas of her smile, obsidian hair that cascades

over her supple shoulders and frames the portrait of a face.

Beckoning pools of green that would drown any man that daretheir depths. What light...

IDELIA(off his gaze)

Thats the judges daughter,Julianna.

(notices his expression)Whatchu want with her, Jerome?

JEROME

(to himself)Julianna.

Jerome all but ignores Idelias question, and fixates onJuliannas ascent of the staircase. She glances down to him.This time he holds her gaze and she his.

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IDELIAYou best to mind yo bidness anddont go lookin for no trouble.Hear?

Jerome turns to Idelia for a brief moment, then someone callsher away. Idelia gives him one last look and:

IDELIA (CONTD)Lord, lord.

She EXITS. Jerome looks back at the stairs only to have awary Tyler block his view.

TYLERBetter listen to her, boy. Know ya'place. And keep ya' eyes toya'self, hear?

(on the spill)Now, go get something and clean

this here up.

Jerome seethes but tries to hide it as he wheels about andmarches into the kitchen. Tyler glares after him. He doesntbother to disguise his hatred.

Tyler fires another glance at the top of the stairs whereJulianna was. Off that...

JULIANNAS ROOM - LATER

Julianna sits at her vanity. She tilts her head to one side,and brushes her hair in long, even strokes. She jumps!Startled. Jerome stands in the doorway.

JULIANNAWhat are you doing up here?

He raises a glass, unsure.

JEROMEIm sorry. I didnt mean to scareyou. I brought you that wine youasked for.

Julianna sits the brush on the table. She rises, moves towardhim and studies him a moment. A grateful smile.

JULIANNAThank you.

She reaches out to take the glass from him. THEIR HANDSTOUCH. She looks up at him, he draws his hand back.

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JEROMEIf I profane with my unworthiesthand.

She regards him oddly.

JULIANNA

What?

JEROMENothing. Im sorry. I need to getback downstairs.

He turns to leave and she gently grabs his hand.

JULIANNAGood pilgrim, you do wrong, yourhand too much. Which mannerlydevotion shows in this, for saintshave hands that pilgrims hands do

touch.

Jeromes eyes widen, a subtle hint of surprise on his face.

JEROMEYou know Shakespeare?

JULIANNANot personally. I believe he passedbefore I was born.

A faint smile at her wit.

JULIANNA (CONTD)But, I do know his work. I adoreRomeo and Juliet, but The Tragedyof Macbeth is my favorite.

JEROMEIve always loved Othello.

Without a word they seem to acknowledge the othersappreciation of the Bard.

JULIANNA

Well, Othello...(raises her glass andsmiles)

...I thank you for the wine.

JEROMEMy--

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TYLER (O.S.)Now, boy. I coulda swore I told yato mind ya place.

Jerome turns around to find a leering Tyler in the hall, asinister grin plays across his lips. Jerome steps quicklyinto...

HALL - CONTINUOUS

Julianna follows.

TYLERThats whats wrong with ya niggersthese days. Guess ya never can haveenough rope.

JULIANNATyler, please. I asked him to bring

me a glass of wine. Thats his job,remember?

TYLEROh I dont think thats why hescome up here at all. I think hecome up here to get him a whitegirl. I hear darkies love em somewhite meat.

Jerome stares down at the floor.

TYLER (CONT'D)Naw, naw. Dont look down. Gon. Yacan look at her. Ya got mypermission, boy.

JULIANNATyler, leave him alone.

Tylers expression becomes dark and twisted.

TYLERI said look at her. Lift ya head upand look at her, boy. Aint she

pretty?

Julianna steps between Tyler and Jerome.

JULIANNATyler, thats enough!

JUDGE CALHOUN (O.S.)Whats the problem here?

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They all turn to see Judge Calhoun in the hall.

TYLERThe problem here is this boy dontknow his place.

JULIANNA

Daddy, he was serving me a glass ofwine and thats all, when Tylerhere started fooling with him forno reason.

The Judge studies Jerome for a second.

JUDGE CALHOUNYou Isaac Montagues boy, aint ya?

JEROMEYes, sir.

The Judge looks to Tyler, Julianna, back to Jerome.

JUDGE CALHOUNTylers right. Boy, you need to geton back downstairs. If I catch youanywhere else in my house otherthan the dining room or thekitchen, Im going to have thesheriff arrest you for trespassing,hear?

JEROME

Yes, sir.

Jerome and Julianna share a brief glance as Jerome heads downthe steps. Idelia stands about half way up the stairs andglares at Jerome as he passes.

JUDGE CALHOUNAnd Julianna... if you want todrink, you need to do it downstairswith everyone else.

JULIANNAYes, Daddy.

Tyler and the Judge exchange a knowing nod. Tyler headsdownstairs.

Judge Calhoun moves to the stairs. He looks to Idelia.

JUDGE CALHOUNIdelia?

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IDELIAYessir, Judge Calhoun?

JUDGE CALHOUNMake sure the help stays where theybelong, understand?

IDELIAYessir, Judge Calhoun.

JUDGE CALHOUNNow, I need to get back to myguests.

Idelia nods and smiles. She lets him pass down the steps andstarts down when:

JULIANNAIdelia?

She turns back to look up at Julianna.

IDELIAYes, Miss Julianna?

JULIANNAWho was that server?

Idelia looks down at the sprawl of guests, then back toJulianna, concern etched on her face. Off her look...

EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - PATIO - NIGHT

Julianna stands alone with her glass of wine. She stares outinto the darkness. Behind her, inside, the Judge and Paulspeak.

The Judge shakes Pauls hand. Paul takes a deep breath andsteps outside. He approaches Julianna from behind.

PAULEnjoying yourself?

She doesnt turn around, her gaze on the ground. She sighs.

JULIANNAI guess.

He walks around in front of her. He bends down and cants hishead to catch her downcast eyes.

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PAULWell, I hear if you guess enough,youre bound to be right one day.

JULIANNAPaul.

She relinquishes a small laugh as she takes a sip of wine.

PAULArent you even glad to see me?

JULIANNAOf course I am, Paul. Im sorry.Ive just been a little preoccupiedlately.

PAULWell, can I have a hug?

Offering him an anemic smile, she gives him a hug that seemsto hold little affection.

PAUL (CONTD)So... do you plan on spending theremainder of the evening outside?

JULIANNAI dont know. I havent thoughtthat far ahead yet.

PAUL

I see. Well, allow me to keep youcompany until your thoughts reachthat point.

She looks up and gives him a more sincere smile.

JULIANNAIt might be awhile.

Paul takes off his watch and puts it in his pocket.

PAULTime is no object. Ive got as long

as it takes.

They stand silently for a bit. Then:

JULIANNAHows Yale, Paul?

A perturbed huff through his nose.

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PAULI come back home and all everybodywants to know is how is Yale. Yaleis Yale.

After a beat, his eyes and demeanor soften.

PAUL (CONT'D)But, overall its been a goodexperience.

JULIANNAIm glad to hear that.

Paul regards her for a moment.

PAULWhy are you being so formal withme?

JULIANNAWhat do you mean?

PAULYou act as if weve just met orsomething.

JULIANNAIf it seems like Im a bit out ofsorts... Im sorry, Paul. My mindis... Im just--

PAULPreoccupied. Yes, you said that.You going to tell me?

JULIANNAI dont really want to talk aboutit right now.

PAULSince when can you not talk to me?

JULIANNAIts not that. You know I can talk

to you. Youre one of my dearestfriends.

PAULI hope Im more to you than that.

At this, she sighs deeply.

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JULIANNAPaul, were good friends.

Paul swallows the lump in his throat unable to hide thatJuliannas words have hurt him.

PAUL

I see.

JULIANNAPaul, weve been over this. Ivetold you, anything other thanfriends is just not gonna work.

Paul manages a pained smile.

PAULYoure right. Im sorry. What was Ithinking?

Her eyes drift somewhere between compassion and guilt. Shegrabs his hand in both of hers.

JULIANNAPaul.

He pulls away.

PAULNo. Its all right. I understand.Its my fault. Its my fault formissing you everyday, thinking

about you all the time. Its myfault for loving you and thinkingyou could love me back. Its myfault for coming here tonight toask you to marry me.

Julianna is taken aback by this revelation.

JULIANNAMarriage? You were gonna ask me tomarry you?

A medley of emotion... pain, love, anger, reflects in the

young mans face.

JULIANNA (CONT'D)Paul, I... I dont know what tosay. I love you just not the wayyou want me to. Please try tounderstand that.

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PAULOh, I understand perfectly. Iunderstand what a fool I was. Illgo now and leave you alone as youseem to prefer it that way...friend.

JULIANNAPaul.

Paul walks past her and toward the house. The Judge opens thedoor, a prideful smile on his face, a bottle of champagne inhis hands. The smile fades as Paul passes him. He looks outat Julianna.

JUDGE CALHOUNJulianna?

She doesnt turn to look at him.

JULIANNANot now, Daddy. Please?

The Judge looks back into his house at the guests, sighs andcloses the door.

Tears fall down Juliannas face. She cries softly. Jerome,inside, watches her through the kitchen window.

EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - LATER

The Gala is over and only the servers remain. Most havefinished cleaning up. Marcus and Benny make their way tothe...

ROAD - CONTINUOUS

...where the car sits.

MARCUSYou seen that one girl? The shortone with the curly hair? Man, shewas diggin on a brotha all night.

BENNYThat girl was cross-eyed. Youcouldnt tell who she was lookingat.

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MARCUSMan, she wasnt cross-eyed!

(thinks)Was she?

Benny laughs and opens the car door. He stops and looksaround.

BENNYWheres Jerome?

MARCUSIn his skin.

BENNYFunny, dummy. Now, seriously, whereis he?

MARCUSSaid he had to use the bathroom.

Hell be out directly.

BENNYWell, he need to come on. Itslate, Im tired, and I got worktomorrow.

MARCUSWho work on Saturday?

BENNYI do. Some of us got jobs.

MARCUSHah. You funny.

Benny leans over the roof and Marcus jumps up to sit on thehood. They wait.

EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - PATIO - MOMENTS LATER

The porch swing Julianna sits in squeaks with a timelyrhythm. Her eyes stare past her feet which scuff the ground.

JEROME (O.S.)She speaks yet she says nothing,what of that? Her eye discourses. Iwill answer--

Julianna looks up surprised to see Jerome a few feet away inthe yard. She jumps up and moves to him. She shoots a quickpeek at the door.

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JULIANNAAre you out of your mind?! My daddyis a man of his word. If he catchesyou, hell have you arrested... orshot.

She grabs him by the hand and leads him away.

JEROMEIm sorry. I dont even know why Icame back here. I got to go.

JULIANNAWait. Youre Jerome, right? JeromeMontague?

A silent nod.

JULIANNA (CONTD)Your brother was the one that..?

Again he nods.

JULIANNA (CONTD)Im sorry.

JEROMEWhy? Wasnt your fault.

JULIANNAIm just saying, Im sorry for yourloss. I dont have any brothers or

sisters, and I cant begin toimagine what its like to lose one.

A moment.

JEROMEThank you.

JULIANNAThe sheriff arrested two of mydaddys cousins for it.

JEROME

Dont matter. Your daddys thejudge, all white jury, they wontgo to jail.

Julianna doesnt argue. The swing squeaks behind them as along moment passes, then:

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JEROME (CONTD)Who was the guy out here with youearlier tonight?

She gives him that playful smile again.

JULIANNA

You watching me now?

JEROMEI was in the kitchen.

JULIANNAThat was Paul. Hes just a friend.

JEROMEA boyfriend?

JULIANNANot for a long time.

Another awkward moment passes. Julianna admires her shoes.Jerome looks everywhere but at her. Then:

JULIANNA (CONTD)Ive never read Othello.

With that, he looks up at her.

JEROMEYou should. Its Shakespeares bestwork.

JULIANNAYouve read all his work?

JEROMEExcept for a few sonnets, yes.

JULIANNAThen how do you know its his best?

JEROMEOkay. In my opinion, its his bestwork.

She beams at him.

JULIANNAMaybe you can read it to me sometime.

JEROMEId like that.

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IDELIA (O.S.)Miss Julianna?

The both of them tense up at Idelias voice.

JULIANNAComing, Idelia!

(to Jerome)You better go.

Jerome is hesitant to leave as if hell never see her again.They peer deeply into one anothers eyes for a MOMENT.

IDELIAMiss Julianna?!

JULIANNA(answers)

Okay.(to Jerome)

Go!

Jerome takes off and climbs over the back fence. Juliannastares after him and off her look...

ROAD - MOMENTS LATER

Marcus and Benny wait.

BENNYIf this boy dont come on here.

MARCUSI know. cuz them white folks gonlynch him for puttin a hurtin onthey bathroom.

Marcus looks up to see Jerome trotting to the car.

MARCUS (CONTD)Here he come.

BENNYbout time, man. We thought you

moved in.

JEROMENow, you know I wouldnt turn intono house nigga without yourpermission, Benny Ralph.

Benny looks at Jerome with mock anger.

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BENNYShut up and get in the car.

They all get into the car and drive off.

EXT. CHURCH - DAY

Several cars sit in front of the small white-washed church.MOVE UP a short flight of uneven, stone steps which climbtoward the front door leading into...

INT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS

A group of CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS sit within the church.Isaac stands upon the pulpit, sweat pouring, in full hellfireand brimstone preacher mode.

ISAAC

What Im saying to you, my brothersand sisters is... we traveled along road but that road has not yetcome to an end! And as we continuedown that road, we will suffersetbacks, we will suffer losses! Iand my family are a testament tothat! But we will suffer thesesetbacks and losses with God at ourside! Our cause is just! Our waysare just! And those who would denytheir fellow human beings the same

rights and privileges that they soenjoy are unjust!

The group echoes with Amens.

ISAAC (CONTD)But we must continue the fight. Andwhen I say fight, I dont mean withfists, with knives, with guns! Imean, we must use our faith in Godas a weapon! And should our enemiesbring weapons of steel, or weaponsof words to bear upon us, let us

remember Isaiah 54:17. And the Lordsaid, No weapon that is formedagainst ya shall prosper. And everytongue that accuses you injudgement, you will condemn. Thisis the heritage of the servants ofthe Lord, and their vindication isfrom Me, declareth the Lord.

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He calms and takes a bit to look over the group.

ISAAC (CONT'D)Through God and the strength hebestows upon us, his children,shall we rise up and overcome.

ALLA-man!

ISAACLet us stand and join hands inprayer.

They all stand, join hands, and bow their heads.

ISAAC (CONTD)Dear Lord, give us the faith weneed to stand strong against thosewho would see us fall. O Lord.

Give us the faith to face those whowould turn us away. Give us thefaith to live amongst those whowould see us dead, Lord. But, Lord,most of all, let us lean on yourwisdom, O mighty Lord, to guideus, to protect us and those welove. For we know that through you,all things are possible. A-man.

ALLA-man!

The Reverend shakes hands, pats backs, and hugs thosegathered.

INT. CHURCH - LATER

The church is empty of all save Jerome, who sits in a frontpew. He stares, lost in thought. A door to the left of thepulpit opens and out steps, DEACON LAURENCE WYNN, 54.

DEACON WYNNYa daddy almost done. He should be

out directly.(waits)Jerome?

At the sound of his name, Jerome snaps out of his reverie.

JEROMEIm sorry, Deacon Wynn. Im fine.How you doing?

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The Deacon emits a slight chuckle at the inattentive Jerome.

DEACON WYNNIm blessed, Jerome. Im blessed.But, you. How you really doing?

JEROME

Im doing all right. I guess.

The Deacon sighs and sits down on the pew next to Jerome.

DEACON WYNNYa familys gone through a lotrecently. Ya lose somebody ya love,its real hard.

He places a hand on Jeromes shoulder.

DEACON WYNN (CONT'D)But, remember... youre never

alone. You got a good strong familyand Gods right there with all ofya.

JEROMEYes sir, Deacon. I know.

A silence passes between them.

DEACON WYNNWell, my wifes got supper waitingfor me. Ill see yall tomorrow at

church.

JEROMEOkay, Deacon. See you tomorrow.

The deacon pats Jeromes shoulder and heads for the frontdoor. After a few moments the door to the side room opensagain and out steps Isaac.

ISAACYou ready?

Isaac smiles. Jerome stands. They walk towards the front door

and out to...

EXT. CHURCH - EVENING - CONTINUOUS

Isaac locks the doors behind them.

ISAACShoot!

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JEROMEWhat is it?

ISAACI forgot to tell Deacon Wynn tohave Sister Eula to send me some ofher peach cobbler.

Jerome smiles at this. Isaac smiles in return as they walkdown the short flight of steps and make their way to the car.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - NIGHT

Isaac sits on the front porch of the house, bathed in theyellow glow of the sole porch light.

Jerome ENTERS FRAME and stares out of the screen door at hisfather. It opens with a groan of protestation as Jerome stepsout.

He moves up and sits on the porch steps next to his father.

ISAACHey, son.

JEROMEHey, Daddy.

They sit for a long moment. Jerome looks over at the droopyand dry roses of the rose garden.

JEROME (CONTD)Im worried about Mama.

Isaac exhales his unspoken concern.

ISAACYa mamas a strong woman. Shesjust going through a tough timeright now. We all are, son.

JEROMEAll she do is stay in yall room.

ISAACWe all grieve in different ways andthis is hers. A parent should neverhave to bury their child, Jerome.And I hope you never have to gothrough what weve gone through.Just give her some time. She knowshe got two good boys thats stillhere.

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Jerome nods. Isaac throws his arm around Jerome and hugs him.

ISAAC (CONTD)Brother Baker tells me thatRosalyns moving to Los Angeleswith her sister.

JEROME(shrugs)

Yep.

ISAACWhat was that?

JEROMEWhat?

ISAACThats it? Yep?

JEROMEIf she moving she moving.

ISAACNow, is this the same girl you cameto me about when you was 16 yearsold, talking about marriage andkids?

JEROMEYeah, but I guess it just wasntmeant to be.

ISAACYou sure are taking it well.

JEROMEYou the one taught me thateverything in life dont alwayswork out the way we plan. Besides,she aint the only girl in theworld.

ISAACYoull find somebody, son. You

wont even be looking. Godll justput somebody in your life. Andbefore you know it, itll be thebest thing that ever happened toyou.

Isaac stands up and moves to the screen door.

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ISAAC (CONTD)Dont stay up too long; we gotchurch in the morning.

JEROMEAll right.

Jerome sits on the porch a moment longer.

INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT

Julianna, on her bed, hovers over a book. Something strikesher window. She looks up. Again something strikes the window.She closes the book and eases off of the bed.

PUSH IN toward the window and out to...

EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS

Jerome stands in the yard, a large book in one hand, a largerock in the other. He draws back to lob the rock at thewindow. The window slides up. Julianna leans over the sill.

JULIANNA(whispers loudly)

What are you doing?!

He shrugs and holds up the book. Julianna snaps a peek overher shoulder then back down at Jerome.

JULIANNA (CONTD)(whispers loudly)Stay there a minute. Im comingdown.

Jerome looks at the size of the rock he holds. He makes andodd face and throws it aside. He waits.

A few moments later, the back door creeps open and out stepsJulianna. She looks behind her as she closes the door. Shewhispers.

JULIANNA (CONTD)

What are you doing here?Especially, at this time of night.

JEROME(whispers)

You said you wanted to readtogether, so here I am.

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If you want, I can come back in themorning and knock on the frontdoor.

Jerome smirks and she smiles at his tongue-in-cheek remark.

JULIANNA

(whispers)Well, we cant stay here. Come on.

She takes his hand and leads him away. HOLD on the door justlong enough to see Idelia as she peers out from inside.

EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - LATER

Jerome and Julianna walk through the garden. The lights ofthe house twinkle behind them. Vines twist about light-linedlow trellises, under which sits a bench.

JULIANNAIve been thinking about you.

She sits down.

JEROMEIs that a good thing or a badthing?

This makes her laugh.

JULIANNA

I dont know yet.

JEROMEWhat am I doing here? I mean--

JULIANNAJerome? You came to read with me,right?

He nods.

JULIANNA (CONTD)Then lets just read.

Jerome takes a seat beside her and cracks open the thick,hard-covered book. He flips to Romeo and Juliet. He looksat her. She returns the glance, reaches over and flips a fewpages. She finds what shes looking for.

JULIANNA (CONTD)I like this part.

JEROME (CONT'D)

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Jerome nods and reads:

JEROMEBy a name I know not how to tellthee who I am. My name, dear saint,is hateful to myself, because it isan enemy to thee. Had I it written,

I would tear the word.

Julianna leans closer to him. Jerome shifts uncomfortably.She smiles faintly and reads:

JULIANNAMy ears have not yet drunk ahundred words of that tonguesutterance, yet I know thee. Artthou not Romeo, and a Montague?

Jerome drags his finger across the page as he reads.

JEROMENeither, fair saint, if eitherthee dislike.

JULIANNAHow camst thou hither, tell meand wherefore? The orchard wallsare high and hard to climb; and theplace death, considering who thouart, if any of my kinsmen find theehere.

JEROMEWith loves light wings did I oerperch these walls. For stony limitscannot hold love out. And what lovecan do, that dares love attempt.Therefore thy kinsmen are no let tome.

JULIANNAIf they do see thee they willmurder thee.

They speak to each other as though they realize the truth of

their words.

JEROMEAlack, there lies more peril inthine eye than twenty of theirswords. Look thou but sweet and Iam proof against their enmity.

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JULIANNAI would not for the world they sawyou here.

JEROMEI have nights cloak to hide mefrom their sight. And but thou love

me, let them find me here. My lifewere better ended by their hatethan death prorogued wanting of thylove.

JULIANNABy whose directions foundst thouout this place?

JEROMEBy love, who first did prompt meto inquire. He lent me counsel andI lent him eyes...

He looks up and their eyes connect. He refocuses on the bookand tries to pick up where he left off.

JEROME (CONTD)He lent me counsel and I lent himeyes--

JULIANNAI like this.

Jerome looks back up from the pages.

JEROMEMe too.

JULIANNAYoull come and read Othello forme, wont you?

JEROMEIll read the entire book if thatswhat you want.

JULIANNA

Id like that.

They continue to read. CRANE UP and to...

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EXT. MARCUS HOUSE - DAY

The sun beats down on this small, quaint dwelling. The heatand humidity ripple over the road. Marcus, Benny, Abraham andJabbo sit outside in the bed of a truck, and drink.

An older woman, BIG MAMA LANKFORD, works in a small vegetable

garden at the front of the house. Bennys car pulls up. Hegets out and walks towards the others.

BENNYHey, Big Mama Lankford.

She waves.

BIG MAMA LANKFORDHey, baby.

The old woman stands and carries a large wooden basket intothe house.

MARCUSI thought Jerome was with you.

BENNYNope.

MARCUSSaid he was comin over afterchurch.

JABBO

Naw. He said he had to carry MissEvelyn and Jesse over to the house,and cook dinner first.

BENNYYeah. Him and Uncle Ike doing allthe house work, now. Since IsaacJunior funeral, Aint Evelyn aintbeen doing so good.

MARCUSThink she gon make it to thetrial?

Benny shrugs. Just then Tylers red pick-up truck comes to astop on the road in front of the house, its engine RUMBLING.

Tyler scans the group, his eyes narrowed in hate. He takes adrag from a cigarette.

BENNYYall, be cool.

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Marcus and Abraham stand up and move toward the truck. Marcusfaces the truck defiantly and throws his arms up.

MARCUSWhat you want?! Shouldnt you behidin yo' face behind a hood?!This our side of town, peckerwood!

Get the hell on!

BENNYMarcus, be cool. It aint smart tobe messin with no judge kinfolk.

MARCUSI dont give a good damn who hiskinfolk is. This aint his side oftown.

(to Tyler)Get the hell on, whiteboy!

Tyler and Marcus lock gazes. Tyler takes another drag fromthe cigarette and flicks it out of the passenger windowtowards the Montagues. THE TRUCK RUMBLES DOWN THE ROAD.

Marcus and Abe glare in the trucks direction then walk backto where the others are.

MARCUS (CONTD)Goddamn peckerwood gon come overhere like somebody scared o hisass.

Benny shakes his head.

BENNYMarcus? Why you do stuff like that?You know them white boys bad news.They lookin for any excuse in theworld to hang a nigga, and yougonna give em just the excuse theyneed.

ABRAHAMHe on our side of town, BennyRalph.

BENNYSo! Why you think that matter? Itdidnt matter for Isaac Junior.Where you think they got him at?!

(waits, shakes his head)When yall gonna learn?

He glares at them. Nobody says anything.

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JEROME (O.S.)Was that Tyler Calhouns truck?

Jerome walks toward them. He never looks to them as hefocuses on the dust trail that follows Tylers truck.

MARCUS

Yeah. Over here tryin to scaresomebody.

(thinks)Where you been?

JEROMEHome.

Jerome squints into the sunlight as he stares down the road.Marcus looks at Jerome a moment then to the road. Benny looksover at Marcus, and shakes his head again.

EXT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - NIGHT

Jerome stands near the gate on the side of the house. Hewaits. His head swivels back and forth as he peers nervouslyinto the darkness. A NOISE.

Julianna stands at the back corner of the house and beams atJerome. He opens the gate, taking her in, and smiles back.She steps through with a quick glance back.

JEROMECome, Desdemona, I have but an

hour of love, of worldly mattersand direction, to spend with thee.We must obey the time.

Jerome takes her hand and they rush off into the night.

INT. JEROMES CAR - LATER

Jerome and Julianna sit inside the car. Her head rests on hisshoulder. The book of Shakespeares works is open on the seatbetween them. They read by flashlight.

JULIANNABoldness comes to me now, andbrings me heart. Prince Troilus, Ihave loved you night and day formany weary months.

JEROMEWhy was my Cressida, then, so hardto win?

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JULIANNAHard to seem won, but I was won mylord, with the first glance thatever... Pardon me. If I confessmuch, you will play the tyrant. Ilove you now, but not till now, somuch. But, I might master it. In

faith, I lie. My thoughts were likeunbridled children, grown tooheadstrong for their mother. See,we fools! Why have I blabbed? Whoshall be true to us when we are sounsecret to ourselves? But, thoughI loved you well, I wooed you not.And yet, good faith, I wishedmyself a man, or that we women hadmens privilege of speakingfirst...

She stops.

JEROMEWhyd you stop?

JULIANNAWhat do you want out of life,Jerome?

JEROMEWhat do you mean?

JULIANNA

Thats what I mean. What is it thatyou want to do with your life?

He gives it a moments thought.

JEROMENobodys ever asked me that before.

Another moment. A small laugh escapes him.

JULIANNAWhat?

JEROMEWhen I was a kid, I used to dreamof being an actor. Me and mybrother would act out Shakespeareplays for our parents. And, I wasalways in the Christmas and Easterplays at church.

Julianna pops up.

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JULIANNAMe too! Well, not the church playspart. But, I used to act outShakespeare for my mama all thetime. I remember sometimes I wouldpretend I was Lady MacBeth and runaround the house screaming, Out!

Out! Damned spot!(she giggles)

She would get so mad. And I wouldjust say, Mama, its in the play.

They share a laugh. Julianna smiles content and lays her headback on his shoulder.

JULIANNA (CONT'D)Im glad I met you, Jerome.

JEROMEIm glad I met you, too.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT

Julianna and Jerome lie in bed together, the book betweenthem. They read, and throw infatuated glances at each otheras they look up every few moments.

JULIANNAMy dear Othello!

JEROMEIt gives me wonder great as mycontent to see you here before me.O my souls joy! If after everytempest come such calms. May thewinds blow till they have wakenddeath! And let the labouring barkclimb hills of seas Olympus-highand duck again as low As hell'sfrom heaven! If it were now to die,'Twere now to be most happy; for, Ifear, My soul hath her content so

absolute. That not another comfortlike to this. Succeeds in unknownfate.

JULIANNAThe heavens forbid. But that ourloves and comforts should increase,Even as our days do grow!

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JEROMEAmen to that, sweet powers! Icannot speak enough of thiscontent; It stops me here; it istoo much of joy: And this, andthis, the greatest discords be...

Jerome stops and closes the book. He peers deeply into heremerald eyes and strokes her cheek with the back of his hand.He leans toward her. She closes her eyes, leans toward him.

They kiss. A soft kiss. He pulls back to regard her for amoment.

JEROME (CONTD)...That e'er our hearts shallmake!

Jerome kisses her again. Slow, soft, a long MOMENT. He slidesthe strap of her night gown over so that it slips off of her

shoulder.

She sits up. Love dances in her eyes as she slides the otherstrap off. The top of her nightgown falls to her waist. Hedrinks in her beauty.

She unbuttons his shirt, removing it. His hand traces animaginary line from her face to her neck and along hershoulder. Her eyes close as she gives into his touch.

He kisses her shoulder then moves his hand back up to herneck and gently brings her close to him, kissing her. Their

breaths come heavy as more clothes come off.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - MORNING

Julianna strides gleefully through the garden, her fingersbrush lightly against the dew-veiled flowers that spring fromthe moist earth.

From inside the house Tyler glares out at her.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - BEDROOM - EVENING

Evelyn lies in bed. Jerome sits on the bed and rubs her back.A plate of barely touched food rests on a night stand. INFRONT of Evelyn as she lies there, eyes open.

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She doesnt move, she barely even seems as if shesbreathing. The only sign shes alive are the tears that rundown her face and onto the pillow.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT

Julianna sits on the bed, the book of Shakespeare in her lap.Her mother seated beside her, a glass of wine in her hand.Ann lifts the cover of the book to read it.

ANNWhats gotten into you lately?

JULIANNAMama, you know I like Shakespeare.

ANN

Not that. I dont know. You seem...happy.

JULIANNA(innocently)

Do I?

ANNNow, Julianna. One thing you havenever been able to do was lie tome. Youre my daughter and I knowyou.

JULIANNAIts nothing, Mama.

ANNLook at me.

Julianna tries to avoid eye contact.

ANN (CONTD)Julianna Marie Calhoun... look atme.

Julianna sighs and turns to her mother. Ann grins knowingly.

ANN (CONTD)Who is he?

Julianna tries to suppress her own steadily growing grin.

JULIANNAWho is who?

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ANNIts not Paul is it?

JULIANNANo, Mama, its not Paul.

ANN

You know that boys called hereevery night since the party? Areyou sure its not him?

JULIANNA(playfully annoyed)

Yes, Mama.

ANNThen who is it?

JULIANNAMama, please.

Ann discerningly studies Julianna for a brief moment.

ANNAll right. But, Im going to findout.

Ann stands up followed by Julianna. Her mother hugs her andkisses her forehead which she accepts with a smile.

ANN (CONTD)Good night, Sweetie. I love you.

JULIANNAI love you too, Mama.

She walks her mother to the door and watches her walk downthe hallway before closing the door behind her. She scurriesover to her closet and opens it.

Jerome stands there like a frightened child. She grabs hishand and pulls him out of the closet near laughing.

JEROMEOh you think thats funny?

JULIANNANo, just the look on your face.

JEROMEIf you was a black man hiding inthe closet of a white mansdaughter, youd have that look onyour face, too.

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Julianna giggles, kisses him hungrily and leads him to thebed while taking his shirt off. She pulls him on top of her.

JULIANNAO trespass sweetly urged. Give memy sin again.

Again they kiss.

INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - EARLY MORNING

The two of them lie in bed sleep, Jerome on his back withJulianna draped over his chest. Jerome stirs and slidescarefully out from under her. She wakes up.

JULIANNANo. Dont go. Its not even morningyet.

JEROMESweetheart, it is and I need to go.

She kisses him and throws her arm over him.

JULIANNAPlease.

Jeromes head falls back into the pillow. He stares up at theceiling in thought. She watches him.

JULIANNA (CONT'D)

What are you thinking about?

He strokes the hair back from her face and lifts his head tolook at her then sighs thoughtfully.

JEROMEIm asking myself what Im doinghere.

She caresses his chest with her fingers.

JULIANNAYou dont want to be here? With me?

JEROMEOf course I do. You know I do.Just... after everything thatshappened and everything that mighthappen, Im just wondering if thisis the best thing to do... for bothof us.

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Julianna sits up so that she can look him directly in theeye.

JULIANNAIs this what you want, Jerome?

JEROME

If it wasnt I wouldnt be here.

JULIANNADoes anything about what weredoing seem wrong to you?

JEROMENo. As a matter of fact everythingabout it seems right.

JULIANNAThen whats your heart saying toyou, Jerome? Do you feel in your

heart that we should be together?

JEROMEYeah. I do. More than anything elsein the world.

She leans forward and kisses him.

JULIANNAThen lets not worry about anythingelse, because nothing else matters.

They part to drink each other in. His lips to hers. Sheslides her body on top of his and he wraps his arms aroundher. Their bodies press against each other as they kiss.

IDELIA (O.S.)Ms. Julianna? Breakfast ready.

JEROMEShit!

JULIANNAOh God!

(tries to sound calm)

Okay, Idelia. Be down in a minute.

Jerome jumps up and throws on clothes as fast as he can.Julianna leaps out of bed bedecked in her bedsheets, rushesto the window and throws it open.

JEROMEThe window?

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Jerome falls over putting his pants on and hits the floorwith a THUD. Julianna shushes him.

INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - DOWNSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS

Idelia stands at the foot of the stairs.

IDELIAMs. Julianna? You all right upthere?

She starts up the stairs.

JULIANNAS ROOM - CONTINUOUS

JULIANNAFine. Just getting dressed.

(to Jerome, hushed)

Go! Go!

Jerome looks out of the window and shakes his head. He climbspartially out. He leans back in to kiss her.

JEROMEIll see you later.

Sweetly, she smiles.

JULIANNAYou better.

He dangles himself from the sill and drops to the groundbelow, falling backwards onto the dew moistened grass. Shewinces as he hits the ground.

He beams, gazing up at her as if hypnotized. A KNOCK on thedoor.

IDELIA (O.S.)Ms. Julianna? You sure you allright in there? Yo mother saycmon now.

JULIANNA(shoos him)Go!

(to the door)Im coming!

He races around the side of the house. Julianna shuts thewindow and turns to lean against the sill. She closes hereyes, elation spreads across her face.

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INT. CALHOUNS RESIDENCE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Idelia stands at the door, her ear slightly against it. Shepulls away, as the door opens and Julianna stands in thedoorway all-smiles. Idelia sighs, and shakes her head.

IDELIA

Hmph. Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus.

Idelia walks away, and leaves Julianna in the doorwaysomewhat bemused.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - EVENING

The little ROSE GARDEN, sad, weary, struggling to go on. PUSHIN on the sole kitchen window. Pale, yellow light spills outof it and into the evening. CONTINUE into...

INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Isaac, Jesse, and Jerome are seated at the table. They eat.

ISAACYall know tomorrows gonna be hardfor everybody, especially ya' mama.Shes gonna need all our support,and we gonna need each other.

JEROMEAint no point in going. We already

know what the verdicts going tobe. Same thing it always is when awhite man kills a black man.

Isaac sets his fork on his plate and wipes his mouth with apaper towel. He looks at Jerome and sighs heavily, defeated.

ISAACJerome--

A KNOCK at the door.

Isaac looks at his sons for a second then gets up and answers

the door. Idelia stands outside on the porch.

ISAAC (CONTD)Evening, Sister Johnson.

IDELIAEvenin, Reverend.

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ISAACCome on in.

IDELIANo thank ya', Reverend. I aintcome to stay long.

ISAACIm afraid Evelyn is sleeping rightnow.

IDELIAOh no, Reverend. I came to seeJerome. Wanted to see if he wasinterested in some more work.

She smiles past Isaac at Jerome. Isaac nods. He turns to lookat Jerome who stands and moves toward him. Isaac returns tothe table as Jerome steps outside to...

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Jerome holds the screen door and lets it close slowly toavoid slamming it.

JEROMEIm not real interested in being aserver, Miss Idelia.

Idelias face changes revealing a worried facade. She lowersher voice.

IDELIAI know you been seein JudgeCalhouns daughter.

Jeromes eyes reflect his surprise and then his concern.

IDELIA (CONTD)Dont worry, I aint gon tell yo'folks. Normally I dont meddle inother folks bidness. But, Jerome,you cant keep seeing that child.Dont no negro have no bidness with

no white girl. And you mostdefinitely cant come to JudgeCalhouns house no mo.

(regards him)Yo mama is one of my dearestfriends and I do not want to seeher lose another son.

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You know good and well whatllhappen to you if you get caughtfoolin around with that girl.

JEROMEYes, maam.

She takes one of his hands in hers.

IDELIAThen please, Jerome, please. Imjust tellin you for yo own good,baby. I dont want to see no harmcome to ya.

JEROMEYes, maam. I know.

She smiles and nods, satisfied at this.

IDELIAYa a good boy, Jerome. Yo folksdon raised ya right.

A feeble smile from him.

IDELIA (CONTD)Take care now.

JEROMEI will.

Idelia calls back into the house.

IDELIAReverend, Ill be seein ya onSunday.

Isaac, again, rises from the table and walks to the door.

ISAACThanks for stopping by, SisterJohnson. Yall take care.

Idelia EXITS FRAME. Jerome walks past Isaac and back into

the house.

Isaac stares after his son, a hint of concern flashes acrosshis face.

IDELIA (CONTD)

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INT. VERONA COURTHOUSE - DAY

The gallery is full of faces weve come to know and others wehavent. Jerome and family, Benny, Marcus and the other boysare seated on one side... in the back.

Julianna, Mrs. Calhoun, Tyler and the Calhoun boys are seated

on the other side with most of the whites.

Two white men are seated at a table, they are the DEFENDANTS.Two PROSECUTORS sit at a table across from them.

Judge Calhoun sits on the bench at the front of thecourtroom. A JURY OF ALL WHITE MEN is seated off to the sidein the jury box.

An ATTORNEY, white (50s), in a gray suit and thick, black,square-rimmed glasses, stands in front of them.

A thick, southern accent is wrapped around his words.

ATTORNEYGentlemen of the jury. This grislycrime, was indeed a tragedy. Amother has lost a son. Verona haslost a member of its community.But, what remains is this. Theprosecution has failed to provebeyond a reasonable doubt that myclients had anything to do withthis grisly crime. The burden ofproof lies with the State and

that... is a fact.

He measures his words as he makes eye contact with severaljurors.

ATTORNEY (CONTD)So, gentlemen of the jury... whenya go back into that room, I wantya to make your decision based onall the facts. But, if by somestrange reason ya cant make yourdecision based on all the facts,make your decision based on at

least one fact. The State hasfailed to satisfy the burden ofproof. Thank ya.

The Attorney returns to the seat at the table next to hisclients.

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JUDGE CALHOUNGentlemen of the jury. Before Isend you to deliberate, I remindyou of the instructions you weregiven earlier. This case is to bedecided on facts and facts alone.Make sure you do so.

His words ring hollow as though hes merely going through themotions. The judge raps his gavel.

INT. VERONA COURTHOUSE - LATER

The jurors file back into the courtroom and take their seats.Hushed voices emanate from the people in the gallery.

BAILIFFThis court is now in session. TheHonorable Judge Winston Calhoun the

Second, presiding.

The Judge enters and takes his seat on the bench.

JUDGE CALHOUN(to courtroom)

You may be seated.(to the jury)

Mr. Foreman?

A man in the jury box stands. He is the FOREMAN.

FOREMANYes, your Honor?

JUDGE CALHOUNHas the jury reached a verdict?

FOREMANWe have, your Honor.

The Foreman passes a piece of paper to the bailiff, who thenpasses it to the Judge. He reads it and passes it back to thebailiff.

JUDGE CALHOUNThe defendants will rise.

The defendants and their attorney stand. One of them seems tosmirk. The bailiff hands the paper back to the Foreman.

JUDGE CALHOUN (CONTD)What say you, Mr. Foreman?

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The Foreman opens and reads the paper.

FOREMANOn the charge of murder in thefirst degree, we the jury find thedefendants... not guilty.

The volume of the courtrooms voices rise at the reading ofthe verdict. The two defendants smile and shake theirattorneys hand.

Isaac shakes his head at the verdict. The only clue ofemotion from Evelyn are the tears that wind their way overthe lines of a weary face.

JUDGE CALHOUNThe defendants are free to go.Gentlemen of the jury, the courtthanks you for your service. Youare dismissed. This court is

adjourned.

Most in the courtroom stand and file out. The defendantsreceive congratulatory pats on the back from various people.

Jerome remains seated. He looks to the other side of thecourtroom to see Julianna. She looks almost as hurt as hedoes. She moves toward the door.

Tyler moves past her and glances over at the Montagues. Hewears a contemptible grin of satisfaction.

Julianna stops in the aisle close to Jerome. He looks up ather. Tears collect in his eyes and threaten to pour down hischeeks. A fragile smile breaks through his mournfulexpression. Their eyes hold each other.

Ann stops behind Julianna, and glances down at Jerome. As shefollows his eyes... it registers! She ushers her daughtertoward the door. Jerome watches them leave. Julianna glancesback a final time.

EXT. CALHOUN GARDEN - NIGHT

Julianna sits in the garden alone. The book of Shakespearerests in her lap. A black ribbon, a bookmark, protrudes fromthe pages. Absentmindedly, she traces over the cover with herfinger.

From time to time she looks up and off into the darknessbeyond the garden, but always returns her eyes to the book...sad eyes.

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CRANE UP and PULL BACK as she waits... and waits... andwaits.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CHURCH - MORNING

The early morning sunlight streams through the stained-glasswindows in a million combinations of color, and lands on theworn carpet and seat cushions of the pews. Jerome sits alone.

In quiet contemplation, his chin rests on interlockedfingers. He stares past the empty pulpit, past the choir loftand up to the large, gold crucifix suspended over thebaptismal tub. He stands up.

EXT. CEMETERY - MORNING

Jerome stands at the site of Isaac Juniors grave. He kneelsdown and clears some overgrowth from the flat grave marker.

JEROMEHey, June. Whats going on?

(half beat)Were all good. Well, I wont lie.Im worried about Mama. She aintdoing so good. She aint eventaking care of her rose garden nomore. And you know how she lovethat rose garden.

(snorts a laugh)Sometimes, I think she love it morethan she loves us. Daddy say shellbe all right, though. She just needtime. But, you know hes always theone to see the light. Me? I aintso sure. But, we looking out forher.

He pauses in thought, then grins

JEROME (CONTD)I met this girl. White girl. Judge

Calhouns daughter. Now, I knowwhat youd say. I should knowbetter. I probably shouldnt evenbe fooling with her. Thing is, Ithink I love her.

(thinks)I know I love her. Dont ask me howit happened, man. It just did.

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I met her at a party and there wasjust something about her. Shesdifferent from any girl I ever met.But, I havent seen her in twoweeks. Not since the trial and Idont know if I should see her atall. Common sense say leave her

alone, but my heart...

He shakes his head and looks down at the grave.

JEROME (CONTD)(voice cracks)

Thats why I need you, June. Youalways knew the right thing to do.You was always there for me. So nowwhat am I supposed to do withoutyou? I need you, man. Please, justtell me what to do.

HOLD ON him.

INT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - HALL - DAY

Jerome walks down the hall and stops at the door of hisparents room. He opens the door and peers into the room.

His mother lies there. She looks at him a brief moment,closes her eyes and turns over.

Jerome sighs and shuts the door.

EXT. MONTAGUE HOUSE - LATER

Jerome pushes a wheelbarrow from around the side of thehouse, inside of which is wooden toolbox and a bag offertilizer. He stops in front of the dying rose garden andtakes a pair of pruning shears from the toolbox.

Jesse steps out of the house and plops down on the porch. Thewooden surface groans under his weight.

JESSE

What you doin?

Jerome prunes the dead and dried petals away.

JEROMETending Mamas rose garden. What itlook like?

JEROME (CONTD)

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JESSEIts dead, though.

JEROMENaw, it aint dead and it aintgoing to die neither. Im going totend to it til Mama ready to tend

to it herself.

JESSEWhen thats gon be?

JEROMEShell be up and about directly.

Jesse watches a moment.

JESSECan I help?

Jeromes eyes soften as he looks at his little brother.

JEROMECome here.

Jesse gets up and moves over to Jerome.

JEROME (CONTD)Hand me that bag of fertilizer.

JESSEI wanna do what you doin.

Jerome looks at him and hands him the shears.

JEROMEAight, Im going to trust you withthese. Now, only cut off the brownones and the dry ones, and becareful. You kill Mama rose gardenand shes going to kill you.

JESSE(irritated)

I know.

JEROMEThen after this we need to add somefertilizer, and after that water.And, they need to be wateredeveryday. Can you do that?

72.


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JESSEI know how to water plants. I aintno dummy.

JEROME(smirks)

Yeah, but you a knucklehead.

He shoves Jesses head playfully.

JEROME (CONTD)Go on now. We got a lot to do.

Jerome grabs the bag of fertilizer as Jesse prunes.

INT. CALHOUN RESIDENCE - JULIANNAS ROOM - NIGHT

BEHIND Julianna at her window. She gazes into the dark ofnight. Tears roll down the cheeks of her reflection. A knock

at the door. She heaves an anguished sigh and wipes her face.

JULIANNAWho is it?

ANN (O.S.)Its me, Sweetie.

JULIANNACome in.

Julianna moves to sit on the bed as th

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