First Drive by David Wedel

@David_G_Wedel http://DWedelOnline.Weebly.com DGWedel@Gmail.com

1 BLACK Little lights are turned on, as if the stars in the sky lights up. A figure is kept black in mid-frame - a car. A light switch is turned. Lights appear overhead, revealing a garage with a semi-old car. A young man, skinny with too large pants and t-shirt, walks around the car as if inspecting it. He checks his image in the side mirror, touches his hair a few times and pops a pimple - after a few moments he's pleased. Tonight's going to be awesome. He sits himself in the car's passenger seat. His hair is filled with wax and is sticking out in all directions, but it seems he prefers this as he checks himself in the back mirror. INTERIOR CAR John closes the door and turns on the radio. He quickly jumps to the driver's seat. John NO! Don't touch the radio! It's my car! When you get your own car, you get to decide what to listen to! John jumps back to the passenger seat. John Well guess what mate, this IS my car! So YOU shut the fuck up, unless you want to walk! John pretends to be baffled as he sits back in the driver's seat. John Alright then, let's get going you crazy oaf! OS: Joey Talking to yourself again John? John jumps up and crashes with the ceiling of the car. He brushes off the pain in his skull. He checks his "wound" in the mirror - there appears to be nothing, but he won't let his hand off the spot where he hit his head.

2 John Joey, what the hell are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be somewhere else tonight.. Joey What? As if I wasn't going to be a part of your first drive! Come on, I'll sit in the back seat, you know how I hate the front seat. John Uhm, sure man, just let me open the door for you, here. John opens the door for Joey who gets in the backseat. He sits in the right side of the car. John gets in the driver's seat and turns off the lights in the garage with a remote control. He then presses a button which opens the garage door slowly. It's lifted slowly while John keeps looking in the backmirror - trying to steal glimpses of Joey who doesn't seem phased. Joey Will you please stop looking at me? I hate it when you do that and don't even say a word. It's weird. John Sure, sorry. We're going to pick up Douglas and Kevin before we drive off, is that okay? Joey looks back at John - in the eyes this time. Joey Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way. John doesn't answer. He just watches the garage door open and then backs the car out, slowly. EXTERIOR ROAD IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, NIGHT The car is going down a road with long, flat fields on both sides of the road. The only lights are a few houses and the car's headlights.

3 INTERIOR CAR Nobody is saying anything. Joey is looking out the window at, apparently, nothing. John has his eyes fixed on the road. His knuckles are white and his grip on the wheel is tight. Joey You know, you should loosen up a bit. If you get spooked, who knows what might happen! John I don't believe in monsters or ghosts. Joey Sorry, Mr. I'm-All-Grown-Up. I was actually referring to stuff like people walking in the side of the road who aren't noticeable in the dark, or animals on the road, OR, like, those idiots on bikes who don't have lights on - they come out of nowhere sometimes, I tell ya.. John Hey man, will you shut up?! It's my first drive, remember? You're not making this very easy for me! Joey Hey man, that was never my intention. You need a guy like me to keep you from speeding up to a 100 km/h or taking insane turns and stuff like that. John Oh right, cause you're so responsible! HAH! I laugh in your non-helmet-wearingface. Joey That was ONE time Johnny! One bloody time. John Dude, can we just drive to the others?

4 I need some other company than you. Joey Alright man, I'll keep quiet. The two ride in silence for a few moments. Joey Can we listen to some radio at least? Or do you want to be an asshole about that as well? John Alright. But I get to choose the station. Joey Fair enough. AS John TURNS ON THE RADIO, THE FRAME CHANGES TO ANOTHER RADIO BEING TURNED OFF IN THE SAME INSTANT MEANWHILE, INTERIOR BEDROOM Douglas is getting ready. His room is very neat, with a nice flat screen, a bookcase filled with movies, books and records/cd's. Douglas himself also looks neat. His hair is combed to the left, making him look as a young guy from the 40's. He grabs a jacket and looks himself in the mirror - no facial expression at all. He seems careless that he has a pimple about to burst. Something vibrates. It's his cell phone. Douglas Hey. Yeah, I'm just waiting on you. What? Who? Uhm sure, I guess I don't mind. Alright, see you in a minute. Douglas stares at his phone for moment, without revealing any feelings though. He just looks as if he is thinking it over for a second, then puts the phone to his ear once more. A few seconds pass.

5 Douglas Yeah hi, it's me. Kevin, I don't know how to tell you this, but John just told me Joey is in the car with him. No, no, I told him I didn't mind. Just go with it when we pick you up, please. Don't say a word at Joey and just.. just be cool, okay? It's just this once, I promise you. Great, see you in about 10. Yeah, bye. Douglas looks up as the call finishes. His eyes finds a photograph of 4 young boys standing at their bicycles, clearly having fun and laughing at each other. Douglas lingers for a short moment, then opens the door and leaves. EXTERIOR FARM DRIVEWAY, A FEW MINUTES LATER A car is entering the driveway slowly, the lights are blindingly bright compared to the extremely dark countryside. Douglas is defiantly looking directly at the car, without making the faintest change to his facial expression - blank. While the car gets closer to Nikoaj, the music is getting louder. While very loud, it's incomprehensible. It seems to be a 90's classic dance track. As the car turns and parks beside Douglas, John is looking out the side window of the front passenger's seat. He's looking nervous. The music has been turned significantly down before the window is rolled down. John Hey mate! Get in and let's pick up Kevin. Douglas looks around in the car. He sees a figure in the back, lowers himself and looks directly at Joey. Except Joey looks a bit different. He seems more relaxed than before and smiles vaguely. Joey Hi. Long time no see. Douglas is for the first time genuinely surprised, almost startled. John Yeah, I told you so. Douglas, LOWERING HIS VOICE Right, right, I was just.. Right. Douglas enters the car slowly, gazing out the front window. His face has turned stone cold.

6 The car drives off slowly towards the road again. INTERIOR CAR, MOMENTS LATER It's dead quiet in the car, except for the music slowly playing in the background. Nobody is looking at each other. Douglas, So, how have you been? John What? Since last night? Fine I guess. I mean, I just started watching the entire Star Wars hexology - but THIS time, from episode 1, The Phantom Menace, it's actually quite interesting how.. Douglas isn't listening to John. He's looking in the back mirror at Joey. Joey is looking back at Douglas. Joey I know you were talking to me. I think John does too, but you know him. Always wanting to be the center of attention, unable to sense the situation, yada yada. Beat. Joey I've been good though. John .. and the weird part is, I have actually come to despise the Jedi a bit, and I'm now looking into the possibility of the Sith being the good guys! Consider this for a moment.. Senator Palpatine, the baddest motherfucker of them all, sees that the Republic is falling apart, and with or without his help, the whole thing will crumble anyway. So what he does is.. Douglas Where have you been all this time? I never thought I'd see you again after we grew up.

7 John .. and the Jedi, an outdated religious movement, are just sitting in their towers, meditating over shit about the galaxy's mental and moral state. So instead of letting the whole galaxy end up in a devastating civil war, Palpatine grabs the opportunity to build a highly efficient, albeit brutal, but efficient and most importantly, peaceful Empire up from the ground! It's really just a matter of plague or cholera seeing that.. Douglas looks out the window and lets John's babble die out. In the mirror of the window, he sees 4 friends driving down a gravel road in the countryside, cheering and racing. Joey Stop blaming yourself. It could have ended differently, yes, but it didn't, and it's not your fault. It's nobody's fault. Douglas Give me a break. I can't believe this.. You're talking about blame? Blame isn't what I'm thinking about. I'm thinking about the fact that we were left behind! We were so fucking young, and you weren't supposed to leave yet! And not in the way you did! Joey's facial expression reveals no apparent reaction. John .. take account for the fact that the Jedi in the 3 old movies are actually just a separatist religious group, trying to overpower a functioning empire, ruled by competent people who employ millions by building death stars and a gigantic fleet.. Douglas There were so many things I wished I could have said to you before you left. Joey But I'm right here. So tell me. Douglas It's not that simple.

8 Joey It is! You just won't let it be that simple. You've always been too calm, too quiet. Get mad once in a while! Douglas You want me to get mad? You want me to tell you how I feel? Well here it is Joey! I miss you! But I hate you for leaving! I never wanted to see you again, because you took away my childhood when you left! Beat. Joey Is that why you never thought about me again? It must be hard to cover up that many memories in your mind. I'm surprised you could stay friends with John and Kevin. Douglas It hasn't been easy. You have no idea what those two have been like since you left. This guy won't stop talking about you as if nothing happened, and Kevin has been a screw-up ever since. Joey That isn't your fault either. Douglas I know it's not my fucking fault. But it's my responsibility none the less. Joey Fine, suit yourself. John .. so when you think about it, the Jedi are actually a bunch of cockholes, trying to get back their broken Republic by terrorizing a perfectly functioning society, on the account of religious reasons! They are like the god damn Al-Qaeda of Star Wars! Shit. Oh well, we're here. AS John TURNS OFF THE RADIO IN THE CAR, THE RADIO IS TURNED ON SOMEWHERE ELSE BY A FINGER, WHOSE OWNER WE CAN'T SEE.

9 INTERIOR BASEMENT, MINUTES LATER Music is playing loudly - a hard bass is cementing the Dubstep. The basement is filled with trash - old magazines featuring women and cars, empty cans of cola, beer and energy drinks, chips bags everywhere and old pizza boxes. The TV is on, showing porno. Kevin is standing next to quick look at himself. He where his face is staring tank top and is very well o'clock. his semi-broken mirror and takes a then proceeds to smash the mirror back. Kevin is wearing a black trained. He has tattoos and a five

He turns off the music and TV, then walks up the basement. EXTERIOR SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD, A FEW MOMENTS LATER The car is already parked outside, music playing again. Same 90's style. Kevin snorts at the music and the car, but walks up to them nonetheless. John turns down the music and opens the window. John Hey bro, you have to sit in the back seat, I hope it's cool. Kevin looks back in the car and notices a person, but the upper body isn't noticeable until he steps down a few centimeters. It's Joey. But again, he looks different than before. His clothes are different. More reminiscent of Kevin'. Kevin churns his teeth in his mouth. He looks at John, who quickly turns to the dashboard. Kevin slowly walks around the car and gets in on the left side of the car's backseat. The car drives off. EXTERIOR SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD, MINUTES LATER The car is driving slowly through the quiet neighborhood and nothing seems to be off. INTERIOR CAR All 4 are looking out of their respective windows. Nobody is saying anything while "What Is Love" by Haddaway is playing quietly. Kevin looks a few times at the stereo with dismay. Joey Why do I always have to be the one to start our conversations. Nobody reacts.

10 Joey For fuck's sake Kevin. I'm here for a reason you know. Stop being such a little pussy and face me! Kevin, TURNING TO Joey What the fuck did you just call me? Joey You heard. Kevin clenches his jaw and fist. Douglas and John doesn't seem to notice anything. Douglas Just talk to him. He might leave again if you do. Kevin stares at Douglas awkwardly. Kevin I haven nothing to say to him. A silent moment passes. Kevin Not after that afternoon. John coughs loudly. John So, Douglas, did I tell you I'm finally done with my first track? It's pretty dope if I should say so myself. It's a mixture of house and country, and I really think that's going to be the next generation of top chart music! I mean, if you listen to today's music in the radio it's all.. Joey But I thought you were past that afternoon, Kevin. You sure look like you don't give a fuck anymore. About anything for that matter. Kevin Hey, you don't know me dickward, so just keep it to yourself, okay? I don't need you.

11 Joey Nooo, you don't need anyone, right? Because having nobody, means no responsibility! And that sounds mighty easy, doesn't it, pussy? Kevin I'm warning you buddy, keep it coming and I won't answer for what I do. Joey What the hell are you gonna do to me, you sad piece of shit. You've never done anything in your life worth mentioning, only when it comes to beating up other morons like yourself. A line of sweat runs down Kevin' forehead, as he stares out his window into nothingness. Joey Oh, and I suppose you're going to blame me like the other two bitches, bitching about their short comings to me all the time. Kevin I ain't blaming nobody for who I am, I am what I am, and that's that. Nothing's gonna change the way I act, not you, not anyone. Joey I don't mean to change you. I just felt it was about time we had a long talk everyone! Kevin Well, that's not exactly going to happen is it now. Since that day, we can't talk all 4 anymore. It's a twoway conversation all around, and that's definitely not going to change. Joey Not if you 3 talk about it while I listen. Kevin blinks a few times. The sweat is making his tank top soaking wet around the armpits and chest.

12 John ... so I thought I'd throw in a baseline from a well known song, like a David Guetta song, or another DJ who really knows his shit, right? But then I thought.. Kevin Nope. Not gonna happen. It's just not gonna happen. We've let it go for far too long, and nobody is interested in talking about it. I mean, look at that retard John - always avoiding conflict, being a little faggot. And Douglas, he doesn't talk about anything, ever! I mean, I'm practically the only one with balls in this car! Joey That's why you need to initiate the fucking talk. With those huge cojones, you don't mind do you? Kevin shifts his legs uncomfortably. He looks at Joey for the 2nd time tonight. They stare at each other while John is talking Douglas to death. Kevin Guys. I think we should pull over a little farther down the road. John Where man? It's pretty dark, and I'm not sure I know where we are anymore. We're not in the city anymore at least. Douglas just looks out the window. Douglas I know where we are. John's eyes shifts and he clears his throat a few times. Kevin Stop the car here. The car keeps going. John looks up the back mirror, then openly tries to avoid the gaze of Kevin. Kevin John, stop the damn car. A short pause.

13 Kevin I said: STOP THE FUCKING CAR! Kevin shakes his head, sweat pouring down his hair. Douglas notices how nervous John is and begins to get alarmed. Douglas John, just slow down and stop the car, it's alright man. John just keeps shaking his head. The speed increases. Kevin What the fuck are you doing you little shit?! Are you trying to kill us? It's your first drive man! I ain't dying in this damn car with you assholes!

Douglas John I'm asking you nicely, to slow down the damn car and stop! We don't have to go back! Kevin Yes we do! Douglas Are you TRYING to get us all killed?! SHUT UP! John I'm driving! I decide where the fuck we go! And we're not going back there! The car reaches 110 km/h, it's pitch black outside. Kevin, NOW SITTING IN THE MIDDLE SEAT IN THE BACK Douglas do something! Fucking hell! Douglas looks at John, who now has tears crawling down his cheeks. Douglas then looks at the dashboard - 120 km/h. Suddenly, Joey lays a hand on John's shoulder. John is crying hard now, withholding nothing. Joey, LOOKING DISTURBINGLY CALM It's okay John. Take the wheel and turn it sharply to the right. It will all be okay. I promise.

14 Douglas DON'T YOU DO IT John! Kevin WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! The speedometer is showing 130 km/h now. Douglas I think Joey is fucking with his mind! Kevin Well, shit, I couldn't get him out of my head either tonight, but .. this?! Kevin turns to John. Kevin This is not the way! Everything slows down. John closes his eyes. The car is lit up by a gigantic bright light from the inside of the car. Joey is gone from the car. Kevin and Douglas looks out the front window in fear. Suddently, John pulls the wheel drastically to the right and the car turns hard - sending it over a meter into the air, bending and turning, then crashing 10 meters down the road, close to the side of the road. The camera is quite far away from the crash site, but the car is very noticeable in the distance - on it's roof, emitting desperate sounds from the horn and car alarm. As the camera moves backwards, the car is revealed to be standing still, safe, a good 20 meters away from the crash site. And as the camera pans up to look through the front window, the 3 friends all open their eyes and look down the road, towards what could have been. John I'm so sorry guys. I thought I could get on this drive without thinking about Joey, but I just can't! It wasn't at all a problem during my driver's lessons, I swear! But now.. with you two in the car as well.. it's just.. I don't know how to explain it! Douglas nods acknowledging. A moment passes as they just sit there, thinking.

15 Kevin I guess I should have been a bit more sensitive when I asked you to pull over, man, I'm sorry. John I just don't know if I can go back there. Kevin It's as good a time as any. John turns to Douglas for the answers, as he so often has. Douglas stares back, no expression, John isn't getting any help there. The car is turned around slowly and they drive back towards a small, almost non-existent intersection. The 3 friends exit the car and walks towards a corner of the road. There is a stone with some inscription on it. The rock is almost covered by roots and shrubbery. Kevin removes it slowly. It reads: Joey, 1990-2001, "never forgotten". The 3 friends step a little closer to each other as the camera zooms out.