The Dead & The Damned: Love in Lust

By
Brittany Bell

Brittany Bell
46 Afton Avenue
Unit #3
Welland, Ontario L3B 1V8
289-821-2774
missbrittanybell@yahoo.ca

FADE IN:
INT. EMILYS ROOM - NIGHT
EXTREME CLOSE UP - EMILYS FACE
Emily smudges her Grey eyeshadow. Briskly swiped red
lipstick on, rubbing off mistakes. Reapplies false
eyelashes.
MEDIUM CLOSE UP - EMILYS VANITY
Emily zips up back of her tight, black dress. Secures a mess
of her long, dark hair on the top of her head with a clip.
Analyzes herself once again in mirror, sighing. Stands up
from chair and into her heels. Checks time on phone (11
P.M).
EMILY
Shit.
Emily throws on her coat and purse, cigarettes falling out.
Exits.
EXT. URBAN CITY - NIGHT
EXTREME CLOSE UP: EMILYS HEEL STEPS ON A CIGARETTE.
PAN: FOLLOWS EMILY TO DARKER, LESS CROWDED STREET. SIRENS
HEARD SOFTLY IN BACKGROUND.
Emily paces up and down the street, making eye contact with
drivers passing by. She exchanges looks with another working
girl on the street, clearly underage. When Emily notices the
girls bruised face, she quickly looks away, as if feeling
it on her own skin.
EXT. CITY PARK - NIGHT
Emily walks over to a bench and sits down. She searches her
purse frantically.
EMILY
(sighs) I swear I left them in
here...
Emily slams her purse to the side. She taps her fingernails
against the bench and crosses her legs. While scanning the
garden, she notices EDWARD approaching. He is a man in his
early 30s, rugged yet charming face, dressed up in a suit &
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

2.

tie. Edward maintains eye contact that Emily ignores. He

sits down on the bench beside her.
EDWARD
Want a smoke?
EMILY
What gave it away?
EDWARD
Just a lucky guess, I suppose.
Edward hands her a cigarette. Emily puts it in her mouth,
balancing between her lips. Edward leans in closer, perhaps
too close, with his lighter flame and lights it. There is a
brief moment of eye contact before she inhales, and
releases.
EDWARD
Its rather chilly out tonight,
isnt it?
EMILY
Mhm.
EDWARD
The whores must be freezing
outside. They keep running into
corner stores to gather heat, then
back out again. I get the whole
marketing aspect, but youd think
theyd dress a bit more
appropriately for the weather.
EMILY
Charming. Why dont you be a
gentleman and offer one of them
your coat? You seem to be rather
generous with your cigs.
EDWARD
Ha. You think theyre out there to
be treated nicely? They made the
choice to not wear a coat, and I
think Id like to keep mine.
Besides, I wouldnt touch them with
a ten foot pole.
EMILY
Is that so?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

3.

EDWARD
Indeed.
EMILY
Well, it was wonderful meeting you.
Thanks for your insightful
commentary on the streets and the
values of the women walking them.
Goodbye.
EDWARD
Wait, wait, wait. I wasnt judging
or anything. Im sure some of them
have very valid reasons butEmily gets up from the bench and begins to walk away. Edward
joins her.
EMILY
Are you following me?
EDWARD
I was just trying to get a
conversation going. Sue me.
EMILY
Great approach.
EDWARD
Hey, I never claimed to be Prince
Charming.
Emily speeds up. Edward follows suite.
EDWARD
Listen, I know Im not the best at
these things. Lets forget the
whole hooker talk, we can talk
about anything. Anyone. Anywhere.
EMILY
Youve already made quite the
impression. I dont think we need
to talk anymore, nor do I want to.
EDWARD
Let me make it up to you. I know a
really good place downtown...warm,
cozy, semi-crowded, amazing drinks.
EMILY
I dont drink.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

4.

EDWARD
Not even coffee?
Emily slows down. Edward notices and smirks.
EMILY
So youre taking me to a Starbucks?
EDWARD
Nah, its like that, but without
all the pretentious hipster
bullshit. Think Abrao meets Kanlo.
Fourth Ave - 5 minute walk.
EMILY
I dont even know what any of those
places are.
EDWARD
What?! Then you havent even lived!
EMILY
You could say that...
Emily glances down at her feet and stops, pacing a bit.
Edward rocks back and forth on his knees, observing her from
head to toe.
EDWARD
I like your heels.
EMILY
Thanks. Theyre not quite
Louboutins, but they do their job.
EDWARD
Which is?
EMILY
Getting me from place to place,
where I need to go.
EDWARD
And where is it that you intended
to go tonight?
EMILY
...Anywhere, really. Just a walk. I
dont decide where life takes me, I
simply follow.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

5.

EDWARD
Well, if you ask me, I think that
life had you meet me for a reason
tonight.
EMILY
And that reason is?
EDWARD
Adventure. Seeing new places and
doing new things. Starting small,
obviously. Coffee isnt a serious
lifetime commitment, although I
promise that youll keep going back
for more.
EMILY
I dont really know if I need the
caffeine, or if Im even thirsty.
EDWARD
Hungry? They have pastries, burgers
and basically everything, but
better. Up to you.
EMILY
You dont even know my name and
youre already asking me out?
EDWARD
Whats your name? Im Edward Black.
32. Gemini.
Edward holds out his hand. Emily shakes it, firmly. Their
hold lasts for about 5 seconds.
EMILY
Emily Valentine. Pleasure to meet
you. Again.
EDWARD
Do you mean it this time?
Emily smiles and starts walking again. Edward hesitates.
EDWARD
Hey, where are you going?
EMILY
Coffee. Fourth ave, right?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

6.

EDWARD
All I get is your name?
EMILY
Ah, anymore would ruin the mystery
of it all.
EDWARD
Will you reveal more when we get
there?
EMILY
Maybe.
EDWARD
Maybe? Thats good enough for me.
Emily and Edward exchange smiles before walking off
together. They continue to talk, and their bodies become
silhouettes as they venture farther into the dimly lit
street.
FADE OUT:
INT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
Emily and Edward are seated in the coffee shop. Beside their
empty mugs are second rounds that are both half-drank.
Emilys finger circles the rim of her mug.
EDWARD
(chuckling)
No way! Im actually obsessed with
skylines. Hence why I bought a
penthouse two years after I moved
here. I saved up every single
penny, lived on ramen noodles for a
while, until I knew I could afford
it. That penthouse was all I ever
wanted here...it symbolizes what I
thought was life. Great view,
awesome interior, wealth. I feel on
top of the world there. Sanctuary.
EMILY
I would kill to wake up to that
view every morning. Sounds
incredible.
EDWARD
It really is. Want to check it out?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

7.

Emilys body is rigid and she shifts around in her seat. She
looks down, seemingly searching the swirl of coffee for
answers.
EDWARD
What? You got a boyfriend?
EMILY
No. Thats the thing though. Was
this your end goal the whole time?
EDWARD
Inviting you to my condo?
EMILY
Your bedroom.
EDWARD
Im not proposing marriage here,
Emily.
EMILY
Of course not. My life, and all
thats in it, including this very
moment, is measured by a thousand
beds and one-night stands. What
kind of girl do you think I am?
EDWARD
Well I think its very clear what
kind of girl you think you are. But
I sense...hopeless romantic?
Wannabe Parisian? Small town girl
overwhelmed with big city reality?
EMILY
I am one. I try not to be. I hate
the feeling of intrigue and
interest and sparks upon touching
ones hand or kiss. Its revolting.
EDWARD
How so?
EMILY
Well, I, unlike many, see the
reality of it all.
EDWARD
Enlighten me.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

8.

EMILY
Love is like a curse. Its so
deceitful. Dressed in roses and
ribbons, only to unwrap the
deadliest plague.
EDWARD
Wow. Thats a rather pessimistic
view about it. Love is many things,
but thats not it. Its wonder, it
is excitement, its blind...can
happen to anyone, anywhere. And it
can last a lifetime.
EMILY
No. You may have had different
experiences, but if it was so
eternal and amazing, you wouldnt
be here with me now, would you?
EDWARD
Listen, I dont know what fucked up
thing happened in your past to make
you so cynical butEMILY
Fucked up thing? That sums it up
quite well. Love is torture. Pure
torture. It lifts you up so high,
only to crash and burn you, the
roses in your hand prick and turn
into a mess of a bleeding, broken
heart. Youre right. Love is blind.
It doesnt matter who its between,
why it happens or when - the
results remain the same. At the
beginning, its beautiful, it makes
us crazy and obsessive. We indulge
ourselves in every smile, touch,
word and thought. Everything is so
surreal, because it is. We build
and build and finally set our
expectations so high in the bliss,
that the reality fails to meet
them. Eventually, the things you
found charming and irresistible
become boring and irritating. I
love you repeats like a broken
record, vapid and the words remain
as they are...just words. The more
fights, tears, and pain there is the less you remember and care to
reflect on the good times. You
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

9.

EMILY (contd)
begin to cry more than you laugh,
once flushed cheeks are forever
stained with tears. One mistake,
one word can ruin a years worth of
passion, desire and complete
happiness. Pain always outweighs
pleasure in love...and its simply
not worth it anymore.
EDWARD
Dont worry. Im not asking you to
fall in love with me. Im asking
you to spend the night with me.
EMILY
Like one of the whores you openly
degraded?
EDWARD
No. Im not paying you to fuck me.
Youre not offering to fuck me. You
dont want love, fine, I dont want
it either.
EMILY
Then what is it? What does it
equate to, or mean?
EDWARD
Youll never know until you find
out.
Edward stands up from the table and reaches out his hand to
Emily, who is still sitting. Emily hesitates, but grabs it.
CUT-IN: PART 2. DEAD.
EXT. SNOWY PARK - NIGHT
EXTREME CLOSE UP: CLAIRE & DYLAN HOLDING HANDS
CLAIRE, a 17 year old girl and her 19 year old boyfriend,
DYLAN, lie down next to each other on the snow-covered
grass. They hold hands, looking up at the sky admiringly.
Claire twirls her blonde hair, sparkling with snowflakes,
and her blue eyes absorb every star. Dylans hair is ruffled
like autumn leaves, his brown eyes warm and welcoming.
Theyre casually dressed, opting for jeans and winter gear.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

10.

CLAIRE
Isnt it amazing?
DYLAN
The stars?
CLAIRE
Yeah. There are so many of them...I
feel as if the universe is within
reach, like all the stars are mine.
They have to belong to someone,
right?
DYLAN
Well, you can buy stars online and
stuff. Im sure at least 200 of
them belong to someone.
CLAIRE
No, thats not what I mean. Like,
with so many stars that light up
the sky, billions, dont you think
that theyre lit up for a reason?
Or are there because of someone?
DYLAN
...Like aliens?
CLAIRE
God.
DYLAN
God?
CLAIRE
Not necessarily the one described
by religions and all that. Just a
higher power, a higher force. Its
like theyre watching down on us.
DYLAN
I dont know, Claire. Not
everything has to have a reason, or
a being, to exist. Some things just
exist because they exist. Elaborate
details and all that jazz arent
needed to create something
beautiful. Its stupid to dwell
over that kind of stuff. What
matters is preserving and
appreciating it.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

11.

CLAIRE
Well, how about fate?
DYLAN
What does that have to do with
stars?
CLAIRE
A lot! Star-crossed lovers sort of
thing. Do you believe in it?
DYLAN
In general? I dont think
everything is meant to happen, or
planned to happen.
CLAIRE
Even us?
DYLAN
I think that we were brought
together because we had the same
spare and spent it in the library.
There were only 2 computers left,
beside each other. So we sat there.
Then we talked and talked, and a
connection developed. It happens to
a lot of people.
CLAIRE
Yes, but we were at the SAME place
at the SAME time. How often are
there only 2 computers left, right
beside each other?
DYLAN
I dont keep track.
CLAIRE
You dont need to! I know that
every time I go in there, theres
several left, spread out. Never
solely two beside each other. So, I
also know that we were meant to be
together and were brought together
by a huge force. Its not like
there were any inner battles on
whether to go up to the library or
not, or whether to sit beside each
other - or even talk!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

12.
DYLAN
It was hard for me to talk. Man, I
was nervous.
CLAIRE
But you did it.
DYLAN
Yeah...I did. Im glad I did.
Really glad; whether it was fate,
God, or whatever else. I couldnt
have asked for anything better.
Honestly.
CLAIRE
I really love you.
DYLAN
I love you too.

Claire and Dylans grip on each others hands tighten. They

both smile, eyes switching from the stars to each other.
CLAIRE
I wish I could just sleep here.
DYLAN
No, you dont. Youd get
hypothermia and die. Then what
would I do?
CLAIRE
Youd be here with me! Wed die
together. Non-suicidal Romeo and
Juliet.
DYLAN
Who said Id sleep out here with
you?
Claire rolls over, leans and kisses Dylan.
CLAIRE
That.
DYLAN
Im convinced.
CLAIRE
I knew it. Well be on headlines
all over the world. "Young,
Destined Lovers Die In the Snow yet forever warm together". Itd be
the story of the century!
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

13.

DYLAN
More like "Stupid kids die of
hypothermia after sleeping in the
snow because Claire seduced her
boyfriend into death to become
newspaper famous".
CLAIRE
(scoffs)
Thats way too long. And boring.
Theyd never sell any and become
bankrupt, stupid.
DYLAN
Hey, its less stupid than
suggesting that we sleep here in
the snow. Besides, youd quit after
10 minutes. Guaranteed.
CLAIRE
I didnt suggest it! I was just
saying...
DYLAN
Can we just stop saying things for
a little bit? Please. Lets enjoy
these moments together, in silence,
before you have to go home.
Claire sighs, rolling back to face the sky. The stars become
white blobs as her eyes fill with tears. Dylan doesnt
notice, until he feels her hand release from his to wipe her
cheeks.
DYLAN
Oh, what now?
CLAIRE
Nothing. The wind is getting in my
eyes and its cold and it hurts.
DYLAN
Come on, Claire. There was more
wind 5 minutes ago than there is
now. Just talk to me.
CLAIRE
Ever heard of delayed reactions?
The wind is catching up to me,
okay?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

14.
DYLAN
Fine, have it your way.
(BEAT)
DYLAN
Listen, Im sorry. For whatever I
did this time...you know, you never
make sense sometimes. Youre
laughing the one minute and crying
the next. It doesnt help when you
dont talk to me or let me know
whats going on. Relationships need
communication, Claire.

Dylan tangles his hand through his hair, and turns his head
over to face Claire. Claire continues looking directly at
the sky, without flickering her eyes or moving a bone.
DYLAN
What gets you all like this? You
know I care about you. And us. And
I dont really think youre all
that dumb. I mean, I never
understood all that philosophy
stuff anyways or whatever. I just
kinda deal with life and dont ask
questions. But youre different.
And I like that a lot about you.
Yeah, it gets annoying when you
just dont shut up. But see, you
have so much more passion than me
and maybe thats my issue. Maybe
Im too scared to care and search
the real answers in the world,
while youre so...ready to face
them once you find them. Its so
incredible, and its one of the
reasons whyCLAIRE
Dont be so conceited. Its not
always about you, Dylan. Im not
crying over you. Im upset about
home.
DYLAN
Home? Claire, did your father come
home drunk or something again andCLAIRE
Yes but no. Its not just him. Its
everything, everyone. Dont you
ever just wanna run away?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

15.

DYLAN
Occasionally. But then I think of
my mother, my friends, my studies,
and its never worth it.
CLAIRE
Think of me.
DYLAN
I do. And I know that despite your
drive, theyre just, impulses.
Claire pouts, shifting on to her side.
CLAIRE
Sometimes I mean it.
DYLAN
I know. But you can post-pone it
for at least another 2 years, when
I have my degree and can provide
you with anything and everything
you ever dreamed of.
CLAIRE
Anything? Even a mansion?
DYLAN
Not right away, you got to ease
into it.
CLAIRE
Well after we do, I want a million
designer clothes and 2 walk-in
closets.
DYLAN
Done. But you may need more than 2
closets with that many clothes.
CLAIRE
Semantics. I also want a water park
in the backyard.
DYLAN
Done.
CLAIRE
I also want every single cat that I
fall in love with.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

16.

DYLAN
Youre allergic to cats. Plus, you
fall in love with every one you
see.
CLAIRE
But if youre so rich, then you can
afford me the best medicine in the
world to cure my allergies! And we
could buy a separate mansion for
the cats too.
DYLAN
Fine.
Claire sits up, wiping the snow off of her jeans. Dylan
swiftly stands up and offers his hand to help her stand. She
takes it.
CLAIRE
But I dont need all of that stuff.
DYLAN
No?
CLAIRE
Id be happy with anything, as long
as its with you.
DYLAN
Ill tell you what. Let me know if
your impulses wear off tomorrow,
and Ill consider it. For a
weekend. Deal?
CLAIRE
Deal.
DYLAN
We gotta get going...last one to
the streetlights pays for breakfast
tomorrow?
Claire jets off running, sticking her tongue out at him.
DYLAN
Oh its on!
Dylan catches up to her, and their silhouettes are seen
fighting to get to the streetlights.

17.

INT. EDWARDS PENTHOUSE - NIGHT

Emily circles Edwards penthouse, eyes glued to the view of
New York City that surrounds half of the place. Edward
watches her admiringly from the kitchen, and cant help but
smile at her reactions.
EMILY
I still cant believe you live
here. YOU!
EDWARD
Um, thanks? Why is it such a
surprise?
EMILY
The only indications that you are
rich is your perfectly-fit, likely
tailored, suit and your
overconfidence.
EDWARD
The rest of me says "homeless"?
EMILY
Dont be ridiculous! Youre more
"lives in parents basement" at
worst.
EDWARD
That was the case for a couple of
years. Now I barely even speak to
my Dad.
EMILY
What about your Mom?
EDWARD
I never really had one. She left to
L.A. when I was three. Promised
shed come back for me after she
made it big. Wrote me complimentary
birthday and Christmas letters
until I turned 7. Then I never
heard from her again, not that I
particularly want to either.
EMILY
What happened?
EDWARD
Who knows? Definitely didnt make
it as big as she wanted to. Havent
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

18.

EDWARD (contd)
heard of any Jessica Blacks winning
an Oscar, let alone starring in a
movie. Doesnt even have an IMBD.
EMILY
Have you tried looking for her?
EDWARD
All throughout my teen years. I
called up every single agency and
apartment in Los Angeles and its
surrounding states. Nothing. Even
tried her maiden name! For all I
know, she could be dead.
EMILY
Dont say that!
EDWARD
Please. She might as well be. I
havent seen her in 20 years, and
have no desire to. Think about it.
She probably made another family,
has sons and daughters that she
sees everyday. If she wanted our
family, she wouldve never moved to
L.A. Or she would still be writing
me today, desperately trying to see
me. Saving up every single cheque
to do so. But no, not a word.
Emily nods slowly, staring off into the distance. Edward
sucks in his cheeks and bounces his leg up and down.
EMILY
...So, do you ever like, try to
compensate for your loss?
EDWARD
What do you mean?
EMILY
Well, this penthouse, riches,
accomplished dreams with actual
results...youre kind of doing
something that she was never able
to do.
EDWARD
I dont know, Emily. The way I see
it is that someones gotta make the
money. And that someone was me. The
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

19.

EDWARD (contd)
main differences are that I did it
realistically, I didnt leave my
family and I just wanted a lot of
it. But for the right reasons.
EMILY
What about your Dad? You dont talk
to him or see him much at all,
apparently. You gave up on finding
your mother and I havent you say
you loved your parents or even miss
them. So... in a way... that is
leaving.
EDWARD
First off, lets not get twisted.
Im NOT the one who gave up. Im
not the one who left my family and
their lives, forever. As for my
Father...I support him financially.
I bought him a pretty nice
townhouse and he doesnt even have
to work. I dont talk to him
because I dont need to. Ive paid
him back for everything hes ever
given me, and then some. Besides,
hes not the most personable person
in the world. Were completely
different. Im a democrat, hes a
republican. He loves sports, I hate
sports. So on and so on. The worst
part is, the son of a bitch STILL
desperately believes that one day,
my mother will magically show up at
his front door and well all be a
family again. Nothing that happened
will matter, because (puts on an
exaggerated voice of his old,
self-righteous father)"One day, Ed.
One day, shell come back. And
trust me, on that day, youll come
running into her arms like you were
three years old again! Dont be so
cruel about your mother! Shes a
wonderful, kind woman! Maybe she
lost our address or the mailman
misplaced the letters. Who knows?"
Im so sick of the bullshit that
comes out of his mouth every single
fucking time. Ive tried and tried
and tried to get it through to him,
loud and clear, SHES NOT COMING
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

20.

EDWARD (contd)
BACK! Shell never come back. So
stop wasting your life waiting for
something that doesnt even exist.
Edward slams his hand on the cupboard, making Emily jump. He
tangles his hands through his hair, grabbing and pulling
clumps at it at a time.
EMILY
Im sorry. Maybe I should go.
Emily rushes to grab her jacket and purse, heading towards
the door. She reaches to grab the door handle, but Edward
grasps it just before.
EDWARD
Please. Emily.
EMILY
(Shakily)
Listen. I understand that its a
sensitive topic for you and I
shouldnt have persisted into it
further. That being said, Id like
to leave. Enjoy your night.
EDWARD
Stop. Can we justEmily pushes through him and walks quickly out the door into
the hallway. Edward pleads after her.
EMILY
You better get the fuck away from
me.
EDWARD
Im sorry if I scared you, okay?
Im not an abusive person. Ive
never been an abusive person. I
take my aggression out on cupboards
and shit, not people.
EMILY
No, no. I know your type. Very
well.
At the end of the hall, Emily is at the elevator. She pushes
the down button and waits for it to open.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

21.

EDWARD
Are you going to leave me your
number?
EMILY
After that? Hell no.
EDWARD
As if your rant on love and how the
world sucks was any better.
EMILY
It was less scarier.
(ding)
Goodbye, Edward.
The elevator opens and Emily steps in. Edward bobs around on
his feet and looks everywhere, ready to pounce but not sure
if he should. After a few seconds, Emily presses a button
that makes the elevator doors start closing. When theyre
almost fully closed, Edward blocks the full closure with his
arm and the elevator doors open. He knows exactly where the
close button is and wastes no time closing it. Emily backs
up.
INT. PENTHOUSE ELEVATOR
EMILY
(shrieks)
Get OUT of here! SECURITY!
SECURITY!
EDWARD
Stop. SHH. Im not going to do
anything to you. Im sorry. Im so
so sorry. I just dont get what the
big deal is. Compared to other
guys, I reactEMILY
SECURITY! SOMEONE! HELP!
EDWARD
Jesus Christ.
CLOSE UP: THE ELEVATOR REACHES FLOOR 8.
Emily frantically presses every red button on the elevator
for help. Edward grabs her by the arms, shaking her and
holds her closer to him.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

22.

EDWARD
Emily. Im not going to hurt you.
EMILY
What do you think youre doing
right now? Let go of me!
EDWARD
PLEASE. Dont go. It was hard for
me toEMILY
I dont care. HELP! Youre hurting
me!
EDWARD
(pleads)
Im sorry. Im sorry. Im so
fucking sorry. I didnt think- I
was... I mean it... I just...
Emily feels Edward tremble as his grip loosens. He lowers
his head and begins to sob. Emily is rigid at first, until
she notices real tears and hears the broken bits of emotion
in his voice. Her breathing begins to become regular as his
becomes faster.
CLOSE UP: THE ELEVATOR REACHES FLOOR G.
Emilys eyes flicker between Edward and the outside. She
takes a deep breath and leans her head back, staring at the
floor levels. She takes one final look outside, leans out
from Edwards arms and presses 16. His floor number. She
runs her hands through Edwards hair and lowers his head to
her chest. She rubs his back and comforts him, cooing.