Huggs

by
Shelly Lanciani

Shelly Lanciani
PO Box 345
S. Barre, MA 01074
Shellylynn23@gmail.com
508-826-9540
FADE IN:

EXT. NIGHTCLUB PARKING LOT - 6:30 AM

Leaves blow around the empty parking lot of a nightclub as

the sun comes up.

SONNY, a well-fed, stocky man exits the night club with a

broom and studies the empty lot.

He sweeps cigarette butts and leaves away from the building.

EXT. CHURCH - SAME

The doors of a small, white church in New England are

decorated with wreathes of orange and gold.

INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - SAME

In the kitchen area of the church basement SANDY pours a bag

of walnuts into a bowl.

She mixes the nuts into the cookie dough.

She drops heaping teaspoonfuls of the batter onto a cookie

sheet.

The cookie sheet goes into the oven.

INT. SHERRY AND FLAVIOS KITCHEN - SAME

SHERRY eats granola out of a Tupperware container. A piece

falls onto the baby she has in a sling against her chest. She
picks the piece up and puts it in her mouth.

She places the container in the sink with a pile of other

dirty dishes.

She quickly rinses out a large, metal mixing bowl and dries
it with a towel.
 2.

She places it on the counter.

She removes an electric mixer from a cabinet and places it

beside the bowl.

EXT. GREG AND TANYAS HOME - SAME

SAL, 33, drags himself out of his Volvo, which is parked

beside an F150 truck. He stumbles towards the house.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Sal steps over the mess on the floor.

He takes his shirt and jeans off and tosses them to the far
corner of the room.

He collapses onto the couch.

EXT. ROAD - SAME

A bus travels down the road.

INT. BUS - SAME

SOLDIERS sleep as the bus drives along.

SAMUEL stares out the window.

INT. HOSPITAL - SAME

DR. MARIA JENSEN, 30, opens an accordion turkey decoration

and places it on the counter at the nurses station.

She picks at a floral arrangement. She snaps the stem of an

orange flower and tucks it into the pocket of her lab coat.
 3.

INT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS KITCHEN - SAME

GLORIA, in her bathrobe and slippers, puts a large turkey in

a roasting pan into the oven. She closes the oven door and
looks around the kitchen.

She drags a kitchen chair over to the refrigerator and climbs

on the chair.

She opens the cabinet above the fridge and takes out wine
glasses.

She climbs off the chair and puts it back in its place.

She washes the glasses.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD - SAME

COACH CONNORS stands under the goalpost with his hands on his
hips. He gazes out at the empty field and smiles.

He walks over to a bench and picks up a clipboard.

He studies the notes on the clipboard for a moment and then

nods.

EXT. CONNIES HOUSE - SAME

Exhaust billows out from the pipe of a beat-up station wagon

in the driveway of a modest, suburban home.

In the house above a seven year old child, JAMIE, stares out
the window.

INT. CONNIES KITCHEN - SAME

Jamie stares out the window at the driveway. He is bundled in

a winter coat over his pajamas. On the floor beside him is a
blanket.

He bounces excitedly while keeping watch on the driveway.

He clutches another handprint turkey drawing, this one

reading, Happy Thanksgiving Dad.
 4.

CONNIE, 30, places a cup of black coffee down on the counter.

Steam rises from it.

She reaches into a bowl of dry cereal and pops a few Os into
her mouth.

She looks at the refrigerator where a childs drawing of a

handprint turkey wishing Happy Thanksgiving Mom is held up
with colorful magnets.

She walks by a small hutch where her good china is displayed

and breaks a banana off a bunch on the table. She puts the
banana on top of a childs suitcase.

Jamie is fixated on the driveway.

JAMIE
What time is he coming?

Connie looks at the clock.

CONNIE
Soon. It better be soon.

She bends down and picks up the blanket beside Jamie. She
folds it neatly and places it on a chair.

JAMIE
Im bringing that.

CONNIE
He doesnt have blankets?

JAMIE
I want to bring that one.

CONNIE
Are you hungry? You should eat a
banana or something.

Jamies eyes remain fixed on the driveway.

JAMIE
Im not hungry.
 5.

CONNIE
Your father better feed you.

JAMIE
He makes pancakes.

Connie eats more of the dry cereal.

CONNIE
Im sorry I have to work today.

JAMIE
Thats okay. Hes taking me to the
football game.

Connie neatens Jamies hair.

CONNIE
If he ever gets here.

She sighs and resumes pacing.

She glances at the clock.

CONNIE (CONTD)
Great. No way Ill make it to work
on time.

JAMIE
You can leave. Ill be okay.

CONNIE
Youre seven.

JAMIE
Maybe he forgot to set his alarm or
got lost.

Connie leans on the counter, accidentally knocking her coffee

over. It spills on the floor.

CONNIE
God damn it!

Jamie flinches and bites his nails.

 6.

CONNIE (CONTD)
I cant believe hes doing this.

Jamie folds his drawing and puts it in his coat pocket.

Connie wipes up the coffee and places the cup in the sink.

CONNIE (CONTD)
Wait here. Ill be right back.

She marches off down the hall.

INT. CONNIES BEDROOM - SAME

Connie flings open the door and ducks into the bedroom.

KEN, 30, reclines on top of a neatly made bed. He is fully

dressed in slacks and a shirt, though both are wrinkled.

Connie glances disapprovingly at his shoes on the bed.

He promptly takes his feet off the bed and sits up.

He smiles sweetly and playfully raises an eyebrow.

KEN
Change your mind about playing
hookey?

Connie presses a finger against her lips.

CONNIE
Shh! Hes still here.

KEN
Oh.

Ken reaches out and holds her hand. He pulls her close.

KEN (CONTD)
Did you try calling?

CONNIE
No answer.
 7.

KEN
So hes probably on his way.

CONNIE
You sound like Jamie.

Connie lowers herself to the bed and sighs.

CONNIE (CONTD)
I cant be late. Not again. Tina
will be pissed.

KEN
Can you call a neighbor or
something?

CONNIE
Mrs. Tratello has the whole family
staying with her. I cant impose.
(pause)
I really need to work.

Ken strokes her hand, trying to comfort her.

KEN
I can watch him if you need me to.
My moms not doing turkey till
five.

Connie stands and paces.

CONNIE
Maybe hes just late.

KEN
Well, then I can stay till he gets
here.

CONNIE
You have plans at your moms. I
dont want to ruin that.

KEN
Youll be home by four, right?
 8.

CONNIE
I knew this was going to happen.

KEN
Has it happened before?

CONNIE
Only when he was a drunk.

KEN
You think hes drinking again?

CONNIE
Jamie says he doesnt. I dont
know. His kid is out there waiting
by the window holding his breath
for the bastard and he cant even
call to say hes gonna be late. I
dont know what Jamie sees in him.

KEN
The same thing you did.

CONNIE
(scoffs)
I was friggin delusional.

KEN
There must be something good about
the guy. You loved him and youre a
pretty amazing person.

INT. CONNIES KITCHEN - SAME

Jamie gobbles a handful of dry cereal and wipes his mouth.

Connie leads Ken down the hall.

Jamie is confused when he sees Ken enter the kitchen. He

snaps his head back to the driveway.

JAMIE
Howd he get here?

Connie walks over to her son.

 9.

CONNIE
He slept over. We came home really
late from the movies.

JAMIE
Where did he sleep?

CONNIE
In my room.

Jamie glances back at Ken.

Ken waves.

KEN
Hi Jamie.

Jamie directs his attention to his mother.

JAMIE
Wheres his red car?

CONNIE
He parked it on the street so the
baby-sitter could get out. You
cant see it.

Jamie surveys the street through the window, trying to spot

the car.

CONNIE (CONTD)
Honey, I really have to leave for
work so Kens going to stay with
you--

JAMIE
Dads coming.

CONNIE
Just till your dad gets here.

Connie kisses Jamie on the cheek.

CONNIE (CONTD)
Behave. Call me if anything happens
and you need me.
(MORE)
 10.
CONNIE (CONTD)
I promise well do something
special together tomorrow, just me
and you.

She smiles at Ken as she walks by him to grab her purse and
coat.

CONNIE (CONTD)
Call me at work and let me know
what happens.

Ken nods.

He moves to the window and stands beside Jamie.

They are silent for a while as they watch Connie in the

driveway.

She turns and waves at them.

She gets in her car and drives away.

KEN
So what are you doing with your dad
today?

JAMIE
Going to the football game. We sit
in the top bleachers.

KEN
Are you having turkey?

Jamie shrugs.

JAMIE
We might have chicken nuggets. But
itll be nice.

KEN
Im going to my moms. She cooks a
big turkey for everyone. My sister
and brother come.
(MORE)
 11.
KEN (CONT'D)
I usually go early and bake pies -
apple, blueberry, custard. Its
kind of like my role, pie-baker.

A pick-up truck drives down the street towards the house.

JAMIE
Thats him!

Jamie bolts to the table and grabs his suitcase.

EXT. CONNIES HOUSE - SAME

The pick-up truck parks at the end of the driveway. Inside

the truck DON, 35, honks the horn.

He yawns and stretches, then lifts his sunglasses up a little

to rub his eyes.

The door to the house opens. Jamie lugs his suitcase and
blanket out.

Ken holds the door open then waits on the steps.

JAMIE
Bye.

KEN
Bye.

Jamie marches to his dads truck.

He waves enthusiastically.

JAMIE
Hi dad!

Don lifts two fingers off the steering wheel and nods.

Jamie struggles to keep his blanket from falling as he makes

his way down the driveway.

Ken stays close to the house, watching.

 12.

Don opens the truck door. A beer can falls out into the
driveway.

Don stumbles out of the truck and steadies himself.

Ken rushes to Jamie and puts a hand on his shoulder.

KEN
Hold on a sec kiddo.

Jamie squirms away.

JAMIE
No.

Jamie steps towards his dad.

KEN
Jamie stop!

Jamie puts his suitcase down and turns back to Ken.

JAMIE
What?

Don steps forward and postures.

DON
Who the hell are you?

KEN
Im a friend of Connies.

DON
Well, hes my kid and hes coming
with me.

KEN
Have you been drinking?

Jamie looks at his father, waiting for his answer.

DON
Screw you.

Ken walks to the suitcase and picks it up.

 13.

KEN
Im not letting him go with you.
Come on Jamie.

Jamie does not budge.

Don slams the truck door.

He marches to Ken and grabs the suitcase. It falls open. A

turkey drawing, clothing, a toothbrush, a football and two
fancy plates (that match the pattern from the hutch) fall
out.

Jamie drops to his knees and scrambles to pick up the items

and put them back in the suitcase.

KEN (CONTD)
Jamie, lets go inside. You can see
your dad another time.

Don grabs a plate and flings it at Ken. It misses and smashes

on the driveway.

DON
(angry and slurred)
Hes my kid! Get over here Jamie.

Scared, Jamie backs away from his father. He looks back and
forth between the two men and bites his nails.

DON (CONTD)
(more aggressive)
Come annn!

Don reaches out for Jamie, who scurries and hides behind Ken.

Don pushes Ken out of the way.

Ken stumbles back and then steps in front of Jamie again,

protecting him.

Don knocks Ken to the ground.

As he falls Ken grabs Dons shirt and pulls him down.

The men wrestle on the ground.

 14.

Don pins Ken and pushes his face against the driveway.

His cheek against the gravel, Ken loops up at Jamie, who is

terrified.

KEN
Is this really how you want him to
remember Thanksgiving?

Don faces his son.

He crawls off Ken and stands, giving a small kick to Kens

side as he does.

DON
Im not drunk.

Ken sits.

KEN
Just an asshole.

Don heads to his truck.

DON
Come on Jamie. Lets go.

Jamie shakes his head.

JAMIE
I dont want to.

DON
Whatever.

Don marches to his truck and gets in, slamming the door.

Ken and Jamie pick up the items and place them back in the
suitcase.

Dons truck pulls away.

INT. CONNIES KITCHEN - SAME

Ken puts the suitcase down on the table.

 15.

He rubs his shoulder and the scrape on his face. He is still

a bit shaken.

He opens the suitcase.

Jamie sits at the table, the blanket wrapped around him.

KEN
Im sorry about that.

JAMIE
Its okay.

Ken takes the broken pieces of china out of the suitcase and
puts them in the trash.

KEN
Why did you pack plates?

JAMIE
Its Thanksgiving. Dad doesn't have
good plates.

One plate has survived. Ken takes it out and places it on the
table.

KEN
Does he act like that a lot?

JAMIE
Not a lot. When he lived here he
used to.

KEN
Does it scare you?

Jamie shrugs.

JAMIE
Hes my dad.

KEN
He drinks beer when youre with
him?

Jamie shrugs again.

 16.

He rests his head on his arms, bites his lip and holds back
tears.

JAMIE
Moms gonna be mad.

Ken wipes the fancy plate off with a dish towel.

KEN
She doesnt have to leave work.
Ill stay.

JAMIE
You will?

KEN
All day, if you want. We can even
watch football on TV.

JAMIE
Okay.

Jamie lets his blanket fall to the floor. He takes his coat
off and hangs it over the edge of the chair.

KEN
How about I make us some pancakes?

JAMIE
Really?

KEN
Yeah.

JAMIE
Can you put bananas in them?

Ken goes to the hutch where the good china is and takes out
one plate.

He places it on the table in front of Jamie.

KEN
Banana pancakes it is.
 17.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD - 9 AM

A high school football field. The bleachers are empty.

Don stands at the edge of the field, leaning against a chain-

link fence and looking out.

He taps his foot nervously and looks around.

Behind him REX, 17, in football gear, strides towards the

field.

DALE, 44, thin and frail, carries a tote bag and tries to
catch up to Rex.

REX
Come on, Dad!

Don looks over his shoulder and watches Rex and Dale
approach.

DALE
Im coming.

The men pass by Don.

Don kicks the fence and marches off.

He takes a whiskey bottle out from his coat and sips.

Dale and Rex make their way towards the field.

Rex stops and waits for his father to catch up.

REX
Come on slow poke.

DALE
I was up with your mother at five
am.

REX
Youre tired? I just woke up. And I
was up till two last night.
 18.

DALE
You were?

REX
Preparing for the game.

DALE
Yeah, right.

Dale spots Coach Connors near the locker rooms.

DALE (CONTD)
Theres your coach.

REX
Wish me luck.

DALE
Youll do great.

REX
You sitting in the usual spot?

DALE
Of course.

Rex hugs his dad. Dale flinches and grimaces when squeezed.

He forces a smile when Rex pulls away.

DALE (CONTD)
Win big. Kick some ass.

Rex runs off, whooping with excitement.

He reaches Coach and gives him a high five.

Dale watches his son run off. When he is out of sight Dale
heads towards the bleachers.

He walks slowly and struggles to carry his bag.

He climbs up a few and stops.

He drops the bag.

 19.

He carefully lowers himself to sitting and sighs heavily.

He opens his bag and takes out a water bottle and a lap
blanket, which he wraps around himself.

Down at the field BEN, a sprightly 42 year old, strides along

the football field carrying a seat cushion, tote bag and a
camera. He wears an old football jacket and has a paw print
in the school colors painted on his cheek.

He bounces along with a huge grin on his face.

Coach Connors crosses the field and waves to Ben.

COACH CONNORS
Hey there Benny!

BEN
Hey Coach.

Coach Connors walks over to Ben, looking for a free hand to

shake but not finding one.

COACH CONNORS
Hows our number one fan doing?

BEN
Beautiful. Beautiful day. Clear
skies. Good weather. Turkeys in
the oven. Tommys pumped and ready
to play. Couldnt ask for more.

COACH CONNORS
Except maybe a win and a spot in
the playoffs.

BEN
Eh, you got it in the bag. The boys
are ready.

COACH CONNORS
I hope so. Im looking forward to
getting a spot.
 20.

BEN
Youre due.

COACH CONNORS
This is the year. This is the year
Benny.

Coach Connors walks off.

Ben continues on alongside the bleachers.

RACHEL, 35, comes up behind Ben, carrying a box of donuts.

RACHEL
Beep, beep.

Ben hops out of her way.

She stops and examines his face paint.

RACHEL (CONTD)
Looks like someones ready for the
game.

BEN
Sure am. Cant wait.

RACHEL
Think theyll pull it off?

BEN
Got to. Its Tommys last year. I
may never get to another one of
these games.

RACHEL
Oh, Im sure youll find a reason
to be here. Youre a diehard.

BEN
I dont know, Monica is talking
bout moving to Florida.

RACHEL
Oh, really? Wow. Well then they
should win this one for you.
 21.

BEN
Id just be happy with a win for
Tommy. Hes going to remember this
game for the rest of his life.

Rachel laughs.

BEN (CONTD)
What are you laughing at?

RACHEL
Youre like a kid. I half expect to
see you suiting up and getting on
the field yourself.

Ben looks out at the field.

He hands his camera to Rachel.

BEN
Hold this.

He puts the seat cushion and tote bag down on the ground.

He jogs out to center field.

Up in the bleachers Dale adjusts the blanket on his lap. He

shivers a little and coughs.

He gazes out onto the field and watches Ben run.

On the field Ben bends down into position and then bolts up
and dashes down the field. He looks back over his shoulder
for an imaginary football. He pretends to catch it and runs
into the end zone for a touchdown.

He raises his arms in celebration as he jogs back to Rachel.

As he gets closer his jog takes on a slight limp.

Rachel shakes her head as he approaches.

RACHEL
You are crazy.
 22.

BEN
I still got it. Yeah! That feels
good.

Ben leans over and rubs his knee.

RACHEL
You okay?

BEN
Got hit pretty hard 25 years ago
and it still bothers me sometimes.

RACHEL
I gotta go set up the donuts and
check on the coffee.

BEN
Give me a wave if its ready. And
save me a jelly donut.

Rachel returns the tote bag and cushion to Ben then heads off
for the snack shed.

RACHEL
And stay off the field now! Leave
it to the boys.

Ben limps down the sidelines carrying his stuff.

He stops at the 50 yard line and turns to ascend the

bleachers.

Still huddled in his blanket, Dale watches Ben approach. He

looks down at a magazine in his lap when Ben gets near.

BEN
Morning.

Dale flashes a quick, insincere smile and returns to reading

his magazine.

As Ben hobbles by he knocks over Dales water bottle, but

doesnt realize it.

Dale picks it up.

 23.

DALE
Excuse you.

Ben turns. He notices the spilled water.

BEN
Did I do that? Im sorry. Just let
me put my stuff down in my spot and
then Ill go get you another one.

DALE
No. Im fine.

BEN
Im going over anyway. Ill grab
you a coffee or a donut.

Dale ignores Ben and pulls a sweatshirt out of his backpack.

He uses it to clean up the water.

Ben continues on to the very top bleacher where he sets up

his cushion, his bag, his camera. He sits and looks out at
the field, ready.

Rachel waves at Ben from the snack shed and signals that the
coffee is ready.

Ben descends the bleachers.

BEN (CONTD)
Im hoppin over to the snack shed.
Sure you dont want anything?

DALE
Im sure.

EXT. SNACK SHED - SAME

Ben takes some money out of his pocket and pays Rachel for
the coffee and jelly donut.

BEN
Thank you Rach.
 24.

RACHEL
Your knee okay?

BEN
Yeah, itll be fine. I heal quick.

RACHEL
Is that Dale up there in the
bleachers?

BEN
Rexs dad?

RACHEL
Yeah.

BEN
Yeah, thats him.

RACHEL
Surprised hes here.

BEN
I dont think any parent would miss
this game.

RACHEL
Callie heard from his wife that
hes sick. Real sick.

BEN
No shit. Is he dying?

RACHEL
I dont know. Maybe not if hes
here.

BEN
Huh, I had no idea.
(pause)
Give me a bottle of water too.

Rachel hands him a bottle and he exchanges it for a dollar

bill.
 25.

BEN (CONTD)
Thanks Rachel. See you at halftime.

EXT. BLEACHERS - SAME

Dale pulls a knit hat on and pulls it down low over his ears.
He coughs into his gloves.

Ben climbs up the bleachers and stops when he gets to Dale.

He extends the water bottle.

BEN
Sorry.

Dale takes the water.

BEN (CONTD)
You mind if I sit here?

Dale shakes his head.

Ben settles beside Dale and sips his coffee.

BEN (CONTD)
Your boy ready?

DALE
Yeah.

BEN
Tommys pumped. Even more than me,
and Im pretty excited.

Dale motions to the field.

DALE
I saw that.

BEN
Yeah, I get a little goofy about
things. Im just excited. My darn
knee slows me down sometimes. Not
that its that big a deal. Im
healthy otherwise. Yeah.
(MORE)
 26.
BEN (CONT'D)
And Tommys excited. Great day for
a game. After he graduates were
moving to Florida. So no more
turkey-day football for me.

The men are silent for a moment.

Dale cries. He tries to fight it off but it turns into

sobbing.

Ben puts an arm around Dale, comforting him as he cries.

Ben gets teary-eyed and pulls Dale into him.

The men hug.

BEN (CONTD)
Im sorry. Im so sorry.

Dale pulls away.

DALE
Crying in the bleachers. Some way
to spend my last game.

BEN
Might not be the last. Theres
always the playoffs.

DALE
Rex is going to be devastate if he
misses--

BEN
Its that bad?

DALE
It happened quick.

BEN
Well, its going to be a great
game.

Ben sips his coffee.

Dale wipes his tears.

 27.

DALE
I hope they lose.

BEN
Dont tell the other parents that.

Dale smiles.

Ben pats Dales back.

BEN (CONTD)
Can you hold this?

Ben hands Dale his cup of coffee.

Ben stands and goes up to the top bleacher.

He grabs his cushion, tote bag and camera and brings them
down to where Dale is sitting.

He arranges his things beside Dale and settles in.

Ben takes his coffee back.

The men stare out at the football field.

EXT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS HOME - 3 PM

A large home with a perfectly landscaped yard. Three cars are

in the long driveway.

Another car pulls into the driveway and parks.

Ben exits the drivers side and slams the door. The paw print
has been washed from his face and he is wearing dress
clothes. He carries a bottle of wine.

Monica, 30s, exits the passenger side, also wearing dress

clothes.

They walk to the front door, Ben still limping.

MONICA
Your knee bothering you?
 28.

BEN
Its just a knee.

Ben puts an arm around his wife.

They turn and look back at the car.

The back door of the car opens and TOMMY, 17, exits. He wears
a football jacket over his dress clothes.

Tommy drags himself to join his parents at the door.

They knock.

The door opens and GLORIA, 39, flings open the door.

She greets them with a huge hostess smile.

GLORIA
Sister! Come in, come in.

Monica and Gloria hug.

MONICA
Were so glad you decided to have
us.

GLORIA
Well who else would I want to spend
the day with but my family?

Gloria kisses Ben.

GLORIA (CONTD)
Benjamin. How are you?

BEN
Im good. Healthy. Hungry.

GLORIA
You brought wine. Wonderful. Just
give it to Alfred.

Ben enters the house with the wine.

Gloria forces a tight, nervous smile when she sees Tommy.

 29.

TOMMY
Hi Aunt Gloria.

She nods as he passes and enters her home.

INT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS DINING ROOM - SAME

Ben, Monica and Tommy stand in the dining room, observing the
table. It is set with a lace tablecloth, silver candlesticks,
a floral arrangement, matching china and dishes of
traditional Thanksgiving food. At the head of the table is a
glistening turkey on a platter.

Ben places the wine down on the table.

They nervously glance at each other, not sure what to do

next.

ALFRED, 40, carries a bowl of salad into the dining room.

ALFRED
Youre here!

He places the salad down and goes over to greet Ben.

The men shake hands.

ALFRED (CONTD)
Glad you could make it.

BEN
No problem.

Alfred kisses Monica on the cheek and pats Tommy on the back.

ALFRED
Wheres Gloria?

They look back over their shoulders to the other room.

Alfred exits and returns arm in arm with Gloria.

She makes a full circle around the table.

 30.

She moves the wine and changes the placement of the

candlesticks.

She changes the placement of the candlesticks.

MONICA
It looks simply amazing Gloria.
Youve done a nice job.

GLORIA
Wheres Chuck?

Gloria moves the salad bowl to another spot on the table.

CINDY, 10, in a dress that matches her mothers, skips into

the room with a small tray of cranberry sauce.

CINDY
Heres the sauce, dad.

Gloria quickly grabs the sauce of her daughters hands.

GLORIA
Careful.

CINDY
Sorry mom.

Alfred glares at Cindy.

CINDY (CONTD)
Auntie!

Cindy starts to run, looks back at her dad and then walks to
her Aunt and Uncle.

She hugs them.

Tommy manages a smile for her.

MONICA
Ben, you sit here.

Ben sits.
 31.

MONICA (CONTD)
And Tommy.

Monica points to a chair. Tommy obeys.

Alfred rubs Glorias back.

He kisses her on the cheek.

She straightens his tie.

GLORIA
I hope the turkeys moist.

ALFRED
It will be perfect.

GLORIA
Where is that boy?

ALFRED
Hes coming. Why dont we open the
wine?

GLORIA
Yes. Ill get the corkscrew.

Gloria rushes to the kitchen.

Monica goes over to Alfred.

MONICA
Busy morning?

ALFRED
Lots of cleaning and cooking.

MONICA
Hows she doing?

ALFRED
So far so good.

Cindy heads for the kitchen. Alfred quickly stops her.

 32.

ALFRED (CONTD)
Go get your brother.

INT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS BATHROOM - SAME

CHUCK, 17, does his tie in the bathroom mirror.

He opens the medicine cabinet and takes out a tube of anti-

bacterial ointment from beside some prescription pill
bottles.

He rubs ointment on a small cut on his cheek, below a bruise.

He returns the tube to the cabinet and closes the door.

He lowers his head and bites his lip. Gaining composure, he

glances back in the mirror.

Cindy skips by the door.

CINDY
Still ugly?

Chuck kicks out his leg and uses it to slam the door in her
face.

She pushes it open.

CINDY (CONTD)
Dad says you have to come down now.

CHUCK
Ill be down when I feel like it.

CINDY
Grumpy.

CHUCK
Get out.

Alfred comes down the hall and over to the doorway. He puts
an arm around Cindy.

ALRED
Go help your mother.
 33.

Cindy runs off.

Alfred hovers in the bathroom doorway.

ALRED (CONTD)
Downstairs. Now.

Chuck avoids looking at his father and straightens his tie in

the mirror.

Alfred steps into the bathroom. He reaches out to grab

Chucks arm.

Chuck recoils from him and brushes past him.

INT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS DINING ROOM - SAME

Cindy rearranges the flowers on the table.

Chuck trudges into the room and sits in the chair nearest the
doorway.

Alfred follows.

Gloria notices Chuck and smiles.

GLORIA
Theres my boy!

She straightens his tie and fixes his hair.

GLORIA (CONTD)
Sit over there, next to your
father.

She points to the head of the table.

Chuck moves to the assigned seat.

He looks across the table at Tommy.

CHUCK
Hey.

TOMMY
Hey.
 34.

Cindy walks by and sticks her tongue out at Chuck.

He scowls at her.

CINDY
Dad!

Alfred hugs Cindy close to him, a bit too tight.

ALFRED
Shh. Calm down.

Monica looks over at Chuck.

MONICA
How are you doing sweetie?

Chuck shrugs.

CHUCK
Okay.

Gloria paces around the table, checking things one last time.

She points to the candlesticks.

GLORIA
Light the candles and then were
all set. The food is ready. My
family is all here. Its perfect.

Alfred lights the candles.

Gloria stands beside Monica and rubs her back.

GLORIA (CONTD)
How are you feeling today? Still
having the morning sickness?

Confused, Monica looks over at Alfred.

He shrugs.

Monica turns to face her sister and holds her hands.

 35.

MONICA
Gloria, Tommys here with us. The
boys had a football game today.

Gloria looks at Chuck and then over at Tommy.

Embarrassed, she sips her wine.

A kitchen timer DINGS.

GLORIA
Oh no! I forgot the rolls.

Gloria starts towards the kitchen.

Alfred stops her.

ALFRED
Chuck, get the rolls.

Chuck pushes his chair away and goes to the kitchen.

Alfred pulls out a chair for Gloria.

ALFRED (CONTD)
Take off your apron and have a
seat.

GLORIA
Not until everyone is seated and
the turkey is carved.

A loud CRASH comes from the kitchen, the sound of a metal pan
hitting the floor.

BEN
Kid cant hold on to shit today.

Gloria snaps her head to look at Ben.

Monica glares at him.

Tommy stands and marches off to the kitchen.

 36.

INT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS KITCHEN - SAME

Chuck picks rolls up off the floor.

Tommy enters and helps him pick them up.

TOMMY
Whats up with your mom?

CHUCK
Nothing.

They place the rolls on the counter.

Chuck puts the pan in the sink.

He takes rolls off of another pan on the counter and places

them in a bread basket.

TOMMY
I really didnt see you open.
Twenty-three was covering you and
he was huge.

Chuck shrugs.

CHUCK
According to Coach I wouldve
dropped it anyway. Everyone hates
me.

TOMMY
Its not all your fault.

CHUCK
The way he looked at me, I aint
never had anyone that pissed at me.

TOMMY
My dad looks at me like that every
time we lose.

CHUCK
At least your dad was there. Mine
was too busy mashing potatoes. Be
grateful yours even showed up.
 37.

TOMMY
I aint thankful for shit today.

Alfred marches into the kitchen.

ALFRED
Whats the problem boys?

Chuck keeps his head down, avoiding eye contact.

Tommy takes the bread basket from Chuck and hands it to

Alfred.

TOMMY
Can we just have another minute
Uncle Al?

ALFRED
Were carving.

He steps closer to Chuck and leans in to him.

ALFRED (CONTD)
Do not keep your mother waiting.

He leaves with the bread.

TOMMY
You should tell him.

CHUCK
Tell him what?

TOMMY
Whatever youre feeling.

Chuck shrugs.

CHUCK
I cant make him care.

TOMMY
Im gonna go sit.

Tommy starts to walk away, then goes over to Chuck and gives
him a hug.
 38.

Chuck relaxes into it for a moment, then breaks it off and

pushes Tommy away.

Alfred comes to the doorway.

Tommy slinks by him.

Chuck tries to pass but Alfred grabs his arm.

ALFRED
Get the dopey look off your face,
straighten your tie and do not
leave your seat again.

CHUCK
Or what?

Chuck breaks loose from his fathers hold.

INT. GLORIA AND ALFREDS DINING ROOM - SAME

Gloria stands at the head of the table, carving the turkey.

Chuck storms by the table and to the door.

Gloria freezes and watches her son leave.

Alfred hurries after him.

A door SLAMS.

Gloria lowers the carving knife and waits.

Alfred returns.

ALFRED
He just needs some air.

Gloria looks out the window.

Chuck drives away in his car.

Gloria walks over to the candles and blows them out.

 39.

GLORIA
Well Monica, it was nice of you to
come but it looks like we wont be
having dinner today.

Monica goes over to comfort her sister.

MONICA
Gloria, we should eat. The food all
looks so nice.

Everyone is silent, watching Gloria.

She picks up the turkey and cradles it against her chest.

She carries it to the front door.

She holds the turkey in her apron while she opens the door,
then readjust her hands and heaves the turkey onto the lawn.

She wipes her hands on her apron.

EXT. HOSPITAL - 3:30 PM

Chucks car is parked in the parking lot of a small hospital.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - SAME

Chuck sits beside MR. HUTCHINS, an elderly man in a hospital

bed.

MR. HUTCHINS
Did your mom make turkey?

CHUCK
I told you gramps, I left before
they ate.

MR. HUTCHINS
Well now whyd you go and do a
stupid thing like that?

Chuck opens a jello container on the table beside the bed.

 40.

CHUCK
Cause I love hospital jello.

Chuck studies the jello intensely, avoiding his grandfathers

gaze.

MR. HUTCHINS
And your dad, how did he feel about
all this?

CHUCK
He doesnt care. He didnt even
show up to my game.

MR. HUTCHINS
Maybe he had a good excuse.

CHUCK
It was my last game. Ever. Ill
never play football again.

MARCO, 28, in football-themed scrubs, enters.

MR. HUTCHINS
Bulls-eye! Good to see you.

MARCO
Drink it in because this is it. Im
heading out today.

He looks over at Chuck.

MARCO (CONTD)
Youll find a way to play. Football
never leaves your blood.

Chuck quickly returns the jello to the table.

MR. HUTCHINS
Stand up and greet the man.

Chuck stands and shakes Marcos hand.

MARCO
Marco.
 41.

CHUCK
Chuck. Im his grandson.

MARCO
I know. He talks about you all the
time. Receiver, right?

Chuck nods.

He turns to his grandfather.

CHUCK
I thought you had that hot doctor.

Mr. Hutchins laughs.

MARCO
What?

Marco strikes a pose.

MR. HUTCHINS
Huh! Not even close.

MARCO
She is pretty though, isnt she?

Marco sits on the edge of the bed.

MARCO (CONTD)
So, howd the game turn out?

Chuck slumps back in his seat.

MR. HUTCHINS
Dont ask. Hes moping.

Marco squeezes Mr. Hutchins hand. He takes a deep breath and

exhales. He is nervous.

Mr. Hutchins pats Marcos hand reassuringly.

MR. HUTCHINS (CONTD)

Youll be fine. Youre good stock.
 42.

MARCO
Behave for the girls.

MR. HUTCHINS
Dont I always?

MARCO
Then why do they make me do the
sponge baths?

Mr. Hutchins glances at a clock on the wall.

MR. HUTCHINS
Youre leaving now? Youll miss the
bowl.

MARCO
You can have my money if I win the
pool.

MR. HUTCHINS
Nah, you need it more than me.

DR. Jensen glides into the room.

All three men perk up and smile.

Mr. Hutchins pushes Marco aside.

MR. HUTCHINS (CONTD)

Dr. Jensen! Now thats what I want
to look at.

DR. JENSEN
I came to say goodbye.

MR. HUTCHINS
Youre leaving too? Ugh, my heart
cant take it.

DR. JENSEN
Goodbye to Marco.

She places a hand tenderly on Marcos face and looks into his
eyes.
 43.

DR. JENSEN (CONTD)

Can you believe this day is finally
here?

MARCO
No. It feels like Ive been waiting
forever.

DR. JENSEN
If I remember our after-school play-
dates correctly, youve been
playing doctor your whole life.
Youre gonna be great.

Marco laughs and hugs Dr. Jensen.

MARCO
It still seems impossible.

DR. JENSEN
One semester at a time.

Dr. Jensen waves to Chuck.

DR. JENSEN (CONTD)

Hi Chuck. How are you today?

CHUCK
Im great.

MR. HUTCHINS
Now hes great.

Marco taps his foot and fidgets a little.

MR. HUTCHINS (CONTD)

Relax boy, or Dr. Jensens going to
have to give you a sedative.

Dr. Jensen raises an eyebrow at Marco.

He shakes his head.

He takes a few steps away for some privacy. Dr. Jensen

follows.
 44.

DR. JENSEN
Have you said goodbye to Pete?

MARCO
Im not sure what to say. I dont
want to disappoint him.

DR. JENSEN
Just do your best. Thats all he
wants.

MR. HUTCHINS
Youre a grown man. Got no one to
disappoint but yourself.

Marco shakes Mr. Hutchins hand.

MARCO
Mr. Hutchins, it was a pleasure.

Marco heads for the door. Dr. Jensen grabs his arm and stops
him.

DR. JENSEN
Careful, they have balloons.

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - SAME

TINA, a nurse holding balloons, RHEE, holding a Bon Voyage

cake and FRAN, another nurse wait outside the doorway.

Marco comes out and they light up.

TINA/RHEE/FRAN
Surprise!

TINA
You didnt think wed let you leave
without a party?

Marco feigns surprise and gives Tina a kiss.

MARCO
How sweet of you.
 45.

Rhee puts the cake down the counter beside an accordion

turkey decoration and a vase of yellow and orange flowers.

She saunters over to Marco, wiggling her hips.

RHEE
I made Devils food cake, with real
butter-cream frosting. I know you
cant resist. Should I cut you a
piece now?

MARCO
Katys favorite. Yeah, Ill take a
piece. But make it to go. Ive got
to head out.

Marco picks up a tiny, palm-size football off the counter and

glances at the wall. An inflatable ring-shaped cushion hangs
from a hook.

Tina looks over at the ring.

TINA
Oh, we can finally take that stupid
thing down.

Marco slips the football into his pocket.

MARCO
Guess I gotta take up golf now.

The women laugh.

Fran gives Marco a hug.

FRAN
Are you nervous?

MARCO
Very.

FRAN
It will all be worth it in the end.
Youve got a month or two to get
settled first, right?
 46.

MARCO
Yeah. Ill be working nights.

TINA
Now some other nurses will have to
listen to you go on and on.

MARCO
I wasnt that bad, was I?

RHEE
I didnt mind.

Rhee slices the cake and looks around for something to put
the slices on.

FRAN
I cant believe youre really doing
it.

TINA
They must be getting pretty
desperate for docs.

MARCO
Thanks.

FRAN
Oh, youre gonna be fine. Make sure
you keep in touch.

MARCO
I will.

Fran gives him a kiss and heads off down the hall.

TINA
Im just joking around. I admire
you. I wish I had the balls to do
it.

They laugh.

MARCO
Did Pete clock in yet?
 47.

RHEE
I saw him with linens earlier.

Rhee hands Marco two kidney-shaped emesis basins with cake in

them.

RHEE (CONTD)
One for later.

MARCO
Ill save it for Katy.

He dips his finger in the frosting and eats it.

MARCO (CONTD)
Oh man, this is good.

Rhee grins.

She hugs him again, lingering. Marco is helpless to escape,

each hand holds a basin.

MARCO (CONTD)
Make sure to wake Mr. Hutchins up
in time for the game.

RHEE
Of course sweetie.

Down the hall PETE, 28, wearing a janitors uniform, sets up

a wet floor sign.

Marco notices him and squirms away from Rhee.

RHEE (CONTD)
Why dont you bring him a piece?

MARCO
He cant have cake. Gluten allergy.

Marco gives Tina a kiss on the cheek.

MARCO (CONTD)
Tina, its been fun.
 48.

TINA
You go show them what youve got
doctor.

MARCO
Got a long way to go before you can
call me that.

The ladies watch him make his way down the hall.

Pete dips a mop into a bucket of water.

Marco stops in front of the wet floor sign.

MARCO (CONTD)
So...this is it.

PETE
How was your shift?

MARCO
Uneventful. Said goodbye to your
sister.

PETE
Yeah? What did you talk about?

MARCO
Just said goodbye.

PETE
Were doing dinner later tonight at
her place. Something small.

MARCO
I said goodbye to the ladies.

PETE
Rhee get enough hugs in?

MARCO
Thought she was gonna lick my
fingers.

Pete mops the floor.

 49.

Marco turns back to see if the ladies are still watching.

They are.

He waves, tipping one of the basins. A piece of cake falls

onto the floor.

Pete laughs and moves the wet floor sign back to include
the place where the cake fell.

MARCO (CONTD)
Sorry.

PETE
No problem.

MARCO
I still dont understand why you do
this job.

Pete shrugs.

PETE
What else would I do?

MARCO
Travel, school, write a book...

PETE
All my brains got knocked out on
the field protecting your ass.

Marco smiles and avoids looking at Pete.

MARCO
Yeah, but you were so good at it.
The Pats dont know what they
missed.

PETE
Is Katy driving you to the airport?

MARCO
Yeah, after we pick up her brother.
She might come down in January when
school starts.
 50.

PETE
Lonely holiday.

MARCO
No, we need the break.

PETE
Yeah, thatll be good for you.

MARCO
And her brother will be here.
Thatll keep her busy.

PETE
Hows she doing?

MARCO
Shes doing the meetings now, but a
lot of damage was done.

PETE
I dont see how you stay.

Marco watches Pete mop.

MARCO
I dont see how you stay.

Fran struts by and smiles at Pete. When she passes he checks

her out.

MARCO (CONTD)
How was the date?

PETE
Amazing.

MARCO
Did you take her to Allegreti?

PETE
No, are you kidding? We got pizza.

MARCO
Did you tell her about the
settlement?
 51.

PETE
I will. Just not yet.
(pause)
Is Katy taking you to the airport?

MARCO
You already asked me that.

PETE
Oh yeah. Just go already, would
you?

Marco leans in close to Pete.

MARCO
(softly)
I will never be able to thank you
for this.

PETE
Im gonna take the damn money back
if you start up again.

MARCO
I just dont want to let you down.

PETE
Just go do it. Thats all I want.

They both look down at the nurses again, who are eating cake
and glancing back at them.

Rhee waves.

Marco looks at the clock on the wall.

MARCO
I gotta go.

PETE
No ones stopping you.

MARCO
Remember the night we left for
college.
(MORE)
 52.
MARCO (CONT'D)
We stood in the street and cried
like a couple of sissies.
(pause)
I guess that was different, being
high school and all.

PETE
You need to just leave.

MARCO
Yeah.

Marco steps on the wet floor and hesitates in front of Pete.

MARCO (CONTD)
Ill call you when I land.

PETE
Ill be waiting by the phone.

Marco punches him playfully, then grabs him and embraces him.

The men hug until Pete pulls away.

MARCO
Okay then.

Marco strides down the hall.

Pete watches him.

Marco takes the tiny football out of his pocket. He turns and
throws it to Pete, who catches it effortlessly.

Pete watches Marco leave, then returns to mopping.

Dr. Jensen walks over.

DR. JENSEN
You going to miss him?

PETE
Are you?

DR. JENSEN
Hes still married, Pete.
 53.

PETE
I dont think its gonna last.
Katys not moving out there with
him.

DR. JENSEN
Dont look so happy.

PETE
Im not happy. Its just been tough
to watch.

Pete pushes the mop bucket down a little ways.

PETE (CONTD)
Did Marco say he would call you?

DR. JENSEN
No.

PETE
He will.

DR. JENSEN
Hell be busy with school.

PETE
Hell call.

DR. JENSEN
Youve done a very generous,
amazing thing you know, making his
dream come true.

PETE
What else was I gonna do with the
money? Youve got everything you
want.

Dr. Jensen kisses Pete on the cheek.

DR. JENSEN
Almost.

Dr. Jensen walks down the hall.

 54.

Pete limps away from his mop bucket.

PETE
Hey.

Dr. Jensen turns.

Pete tosses the tiny football to his sister, who fumbles a

little, but catches it.

EXT. PARKING LOT - 4:00 PM

Marco and KATY exit a car in a large parking lot. There are
15 other cars there and people milling about. Some have
balloons, Welcome Home posters, flowers, cameras.

An older VETERAN in his uniform holds an American flag.

A LITTLE GIRL clings to MOTHER #1.

Marco walks around the car to join Katy.

MARCO
Do you want to drop him off at home
before you drive me?

KATY
Hes been traveling for 17 hours.
Im sure he doesnt want to be in
the car.

MARCO
What time are they expected?

KATY
Soon.

Katy spots MOTHER #1 and abruptly runs off. When she reaches
her they hug.

Marco leans against the car and looks out toward the road.

A car pulls off the road and parks.

 55.

INT. JUSTINS CAR - SAME

JUSTIN, 30, digs through bags of snack food on the passenger

seat. He pulls out his cell phone and answers it.

JUSTIN
Im fine sugar. Almost there.

He looks in the backseat of the car. There are two cases of

beer, a suitcase and some folding chairs.

JUSTIN (CONTD)
The cars full right now. Ill get
it tomorrow.
(pause)
Okay. Yep. I need to go. I told him
Id be at the house by 4:30.
(pause)
Hey...dinner was delicious. Youre
the best. Bye.

Justin throws his phone back on the seat.

A bus filled with soldiers drives past him and into the
parking lot.

Justin pulls his car into the lot after the bus.

INT. BUS - SAME

Soldiers in fatigues press up against the windows, looking at

the people who are waiting for them.

BILLY, a young soldier, bumps up against SAMUEL, 30, who

doesnt seem as excited and happy as the others.

BILLY
Scuse me.

SAMUEL
Got a girl out there?

BILLY
Yeah. Its been ages since Ive
seen her. How about you?
 56.

SAMUEL
Nah, no girl.

BILLY
Someday.

LEN, 25, approaches Samuel and puts an arm around him.

LEN
How great is this day?

SAMUEL
Pretty great.

LEN
Feels good, dont it?

SAMUEL
Um-hmm.

LEN
Nadias going to be looking good, I
can just tell. Im going to squeeze
her so hard.

Samuel manages a laugh.

LEN (CONTD)
Your grandma coming?

SAMUEL
No. Her car isnt working. My
brother--

LEN
Oh my god, look at those pants!

Through window Len points to NADIA, 24, poured into a pair of

jeans, holds a SALLY, a 1 year old girl.

EXT. PARKING LOT - SAME

The soldiers dash out and run to their families and friends.

Samuel watches everyone from the bus. He exits last.

 57.

MOTHER #2 looks up at the heavens, her hands clasped.

MOTHER #2
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The little girl is picked up by SOLDIER #1 and spun around.

She giggles with joy.

Katy embraces her BROTHER. They join Marco at the car.

Marco shakes his brother-in-laws hand.

A WIFE holds a turkey on a platter. SOLDIER #2 hurries over

to her, cracking up. He breaks off a piece of turkey and puts
it in his mouth before he leans over and kisses her.

Justin leans on his car, beside a patriotic bumper sticker

and a yellow ribbon. He watches the soldiers and smiles.

Samuel glances around at everyone and scans the crowd.

Some of the soldiers and their families leave, excited to be

home.

Len and Nadia kiss and rub noses.

Len takes Sally in his arms and spins her around.

He spots Samuel all alone.

LEN
Samuel! Come here man.

Samuel walks over.

LEN (CONTD)
This is my wife, Nadia.

Samuel shakes her hand.

SAMUEL
Nice to meet you.

NADIA
You too. Lens told me a lot about
you.
 58.

LEN
Aint she gorgeous?

Len grabs Nadia and holds her close, not wanting to let her
out of his arms.

SAMUEL
Yeah.

LEN
Is your brother here?

Samuel scans the lot once more.

SAMUEL
Doesnt look like it. But he was on
call so he might be late.

NADIA
Do you want to come to our place
for dinner? Theres plenty of food.

SAMUEL
Oh, no, Im fine. Im gonna do some
take-out and hit the sheets.

LEN
Really man, we dont mind.

SAMUEL
You dont want my company.

LEN
Another time then.

SAMUEL
Another time.

Len has Sally in one arm and the other arm around Nadia so he
can only give a nod to his friend.

Samuel waves and walks away.

The soldiers and families walk to their cars.

The bus pulls out of the parking lot.

 59.

Justin shakes a soldiers hand as he walks by.

Samuel sits on the ground beside his duffel bag. He watches

the cars leave.

Justin makes his way over to Samuel.

JUSTIN
Hey man.

Samuel looks up and nods hello.

JUSTIN (CONTD)
Welcome home.

SAMUEL
Thanks.

JUSTIN
You got family coming?

SAMUEL
My brother was supposed to come.

JUSTIN
You local? I can give you a ride.

Samuel looks around at the empty lot.

SAMUEL
Okay. Im on Old Coach Road.

The men head over to Justins car.

JUSTIN
I was gonna join the army when I
got out of school but my knees
werent so good. ROTC was as far as
I got.

SAMUEL
Its not for everybody.

JUSTIN
I hear you. Only a certain kind of
person can do it.
(MORE)
 60.
JUSTIN (CONT'D)
I would of been good though. Good
aim. Take orders well.

SAMUEL
You look like youre doing okay.

JUSTIN
I am man, I am. We got a lot to be
thankful for.

Justin extends his hand.

JUSTIN (CONTD)
I just want to say I appreciate you
going over there to do what some of
us cant do.

Samuel stands and shakes Justins hand.

Justin steps closer and gives Samuel a hug.

JUSTIN (CONTD)
Thank you.

The men separate.

EXT. GREG AND TANYAS HOME - 5 PM

TANYA, 25, is on her tip toes, peeking in one of the front

windows of a house.

Justin pulls into the driveway and parks beside a Volvo.

Tanya runs over to Justin.

TANYA
Justin!

They hug.

TANYA (CONTD)
Are you just getting here?
 61.

JUSTIN
Yeah. Just made the drive. What are
you doing?

TANYA
He didnt answer his phone and I
got worried.

JUSTIN
Did you walk?

TANYA
Yeah. Im staying at my moms.

She points down the road.

JUSTIN
So wheres he at?

TANYA
I dont know. But now that youre
here, you can help me. Go check and
see if Greg is in there.

JUSTIN
Wheres your brother?

TANYA
I dont know. No ones answering.
He might be napping.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS BEDROOM - SAME

GREG, a muscular 25 year old with a buzz-cut, rolls over in a

king-sized bed.

Justin pushes open the door to the bedroom.

He leaps onto the bed and pounds on Greg.

Greg wakes and wrestles him down.

JUSTIN
Wake up sleepy head.
 62.

Greg stands and rubs his eyes.

GREG
Sorry, man, I needed some sleep.
Youre early.

JUSTIN
Im late actually. Your womans in
the driveway.

GREG
What is she doing here?

JUSTIN
Checking up on you. I dont know.

GREG
Go ask her what she wants.

JUSTIN
You go ask her. Im going to take a
nap.

Justin lays down on the bed.

GREG
Screw you.

Greg pulls Justin up and pushes him out the door.

GREG (CONTD)
She doesnt want to see me.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Justin opens the door and looks out.

Tanya paces the driveway.

JUSTIN
Hes here.

TANYA
My brother or Greg?
 63.

JUSTIN
Greg. He wants to know what you
want.

TANYA
I need a button.

Tanya pulls out a cell phone and dials.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS BEDROOM - SAME

Greg makes his bed.

He takes a tuxedo off a hook on his closet and throws it on

the bed.

He opens the closet and grabs a sweatshirt.

His phone rings. He answers.

GREG
Whats up?

TANYA (V.O.)
Happy Thanksgiving.

GREG
Are we supposed to be talking?

TANYA (V.O.)
We can talk, silly. You just cant
see me.

GREG
I forget what you look like.

TANYA (V.O.)
Its only been three days.

GREG
I miss you though. You should come
in and see me.
 64.

TANYA (V.O.)
You have to send my brother out
with something.

EXT. GREG AND TANYAS HOME - SAME

Tanya shivers and pulls her coat in tighter as she talks on

the phone.

TANYA
Is he there?

GREG (V.O.)
I dont know.

TANYA
I need you to do me a favor.

GREG (V.O.)
Yeah?

TANYA
Not that kind of favor. The dress
is missing a button. You have to go
find the box of my moms stuff and
see if its in there. I think its
in a bag with jewelry.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS BEDROOM - SAME

Greg closes the closet.

TANYA (V.O.)
I taped the box shut so youll need
a knife.

GREG
Okay.

TANYA (V.O.)
Did you eat all the pie?
 65.

GREG
It was sooo good. But I managed to
save a piece for later.

TANYA (V.O.)
Can you get my brother and tell him
to come out here?

Greg stares at the tux on his bed, then squints and cocks his
head. He lifts the jacket and looks underneath.

GREG
Hmmm.

TANYA (V.O.)
What?

GREG
I dont know where my pants are.

He opens the closet and looks through the clothes - one half
is womens clothing and the other is jeans, fatigues and
sweatshirts.

TANYA (V.O.)
Im not coming in to help you look
for your pants Greg.

GREG
No, Im serious.

He leaves the bedroom.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Greg scans the living room. The room is littered with

blankets, pillows, fast food packages, books, dirty socks.

Justin is on the couch drinking a beer.

Greg steps over junk and peers into the kitchen, then looks
down a hallway.

TANYA (V.O.)
So you and Sal are getting along?
 66.

GREG
Yeah. Sure.

TANYA (V.O.)
I knew youd like him. Can I talk
to him?

GREG
Hes not here.

TANYA (V.O.)
His car is here.

Greg opens the door and looks outside to the driveway.

EXT. GREG AND TANYAS HOME - SAME

Tanya ducks behind a car.

TANYA
Greg! Dont look at me.

GREG
Wheres my god damn truck?

He runs out towards the street.

Justin runs out after him.

TANYA
Im sure Sal didnt steal your--

An F150 truck pulls into the driveway and comes to a stop.

SAL, 33, casually gets out of the truck as Greg looks on in

shock. Sal is wearing a pair of tuxedo pants that are too
large.

He struts over to Greg carrying a cardboard tray with two

cups of coffee.

Tanya watches from behind her car.

Greg glares at Sal.

 67.

TANYA (CONTD)
Greg, go inside and find my button.

Greg turns and looks at Tanya.

Upset, she covers her own eyes.

TANYA (CONTD)
Greg!

Greg storms into the house. He grabs the coffee from Sal,
spilling it on the driveway.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Greg opens the closet door. A box labeled Moms is front

and center.

He carries the box to a coffee table.

It is not sealed shut so he easily lifts the cover off.

Inside are letters, photos, an old wedding guestbook and a
bag of jewelry.

Greg digs through the jewelry and takes out a satin-covered

button.

Sal comes in the house and strolls over to Greg.

SAL
She wants her button.

GREG
I want my keys and my pants.

Sal puts the keys down on the coffee table.

SAL
Chill. Theres no scratches. I
couldnt find my keys.

GREG
Or your own pants?
 68.

SAL
Theyre clean. Its all good.

GREG
I need my pants back.

Greg holds his hand out, the button in his palm.

Sal strips down to his boxers.

He tosses the pants at Greg.

Sal takes the button and leaves.

Greg puts the box back in the closet.

He examines the other boxes. The tape has been cut on all of
them.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS KITCHEN - SAME

Greg takes three oranges out of the refrigerator. He puts

them on the counter next to a glass juicer.

Greg cuts the oranges and twists them on the juicer.

He eyes a pie plate with one large slice of pumpkin pie.

He stops juicing and takes the plastic cover off the pie.

He opens a drawer to retrieve a fork.

Sal ambles into the kitchen. He has managed to find a pair of

jeans to wear.

SAL
Justins driving her back to moms.

He sighs loudly and sits at the table, a large box in front

of him.

SAL (CONTD)
I need coffee.

Greg takes a jar of instant coffee and a mug out of the

cupboard.
 69.

He slams it on the table next to the box.

GREG
Dont ever touch my shit again.

Sal opens the box and rifles through it. It has old
textbooks, diplomas and papers in it.

SAL
Ill be gone tomorrow. And next
time Ill rent a hotel.

GREG
Hopefully it wont be for another
ten years.

Sal takes out a textbook and thumbs through it.

SAL
Does Tanya know her books were in
the closet?

GREG
Stay out of the closet.

SAL
These should be out on a shelf.

He removes a diploma.

SAL (CONTD)
And this should be hanging on the
wall. She graduated Magna Cum Laude
you know.

GREG
I know. Im about to be her
husband. I know.

Greg snatches the diploma from Sal and packs it back in the
box.

Sal shakes his head.

 70.

SAL
If she isnt able to express that
side of herself your marriage is
going to suffer.

GREG
She expresses herself fine.

Greg returns to juicing his oranges.

SAL
Im just saying, it used to be a
big part of her life.

GREG
Her life is different now. Things
change.

SAL
Well she didnt get dumber. I know
that.

Greg pours his juice into a glass.

He puts the glass down on the table and closes the flaps of
the box.

GREG
Stay out of the boxes.

SAL
She was my mother. I have the right
to look.

GREG
This is my house. And these boxes
were left to Tanya. Tanya who took
care of your mother while cancer
killed her. If she wanted you to
have anything she would have mailed
it to you in prison.

SAL
She wouldnt have invited me if she
didnt know I changed.
 71.

GREG
She invited you because her father
died and she needed someone to walk
her down the aisle.

SAL
Our father.

Greg carries the box out of the kitchen, leaving his juice on
the table.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Greg puts the box into the closet. He slams the door.

He walks over Sals mess and folds the blankets on the couch,
taking a few deep breaths and trying to calm himself.

INT. GREG AND TANYAS KITCHEN - SAME

Greg returns to the kitchen. Sal has his head in his hands,
crying.

Greg picks up his glass of orange juice.

Sal lifts his head.

SAL
Shes my family. Shes all I got. I
would give anything to take it back
and be a part of her life. I missed
it, man. I came back and suddenly
shes all grown up. I missed the
proms and graduations and
boyfriends and her first job. She
doesnt need me.

Greg stands to leave. Sal reaches out and stops him.

SAL (CONTD)
It means so much to me that I can
walk her down the aisle tomorrow.
Maybe I dont deserve to be part of
her life but let me have this.
 72.

GREG
Im not gonna keep you from the
wedding. She wants you there.

SAL
She does, doesnt she? Shes a good
woman.

Sal stands. He opens his arms to Greg.

SAL (CONTD)
Come here.

Greg reluctantly approaches Sal.

Sal hugs Greg. Greg pats Sals back with his free hand.

GREG
Okay, then. Im going to shower.

Greg leaves the kitchen with his juice.

Sal smiles and looks around.

He spots the pumpkin pie on the counter.

He reaches into the pan, picks up the pie and takes a huge
bite.

EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - 5:30 PM

Sal struts up to a duplex in a lower-income neighborhood.

He knocks on a door.

GUS, a shady-looking character, opens the door just a crack.

GUS
Yeah?

SAL
Jimmy said you like jewelry?

Gus opens the door and steps out. He closes the door quickly.
 73.

GUS
What you got?

Sal reaches in his pocket and pulls out some gold jewelry.

ED, 60s, strolls along the sidewalk in his Levis and cowboy
boots, clutching a roughly-carved wooden turkey against his
Guatemalan sweater. He puffs a cigar as he walks.

He stops and watches Gus and Sal for a moment. He waves at

them when they look over and then keeps walking.

Gus hands Sal some cash and retreats back into the house.

Sal walks back out to the street.

When he turns to head towards his car Ed approaches him.

ED
Were you buying drugs?

SAL
No.

ED
That was a quick visit.

SAL
Just stopped by to say hi to a
friend.

ED
Next time you talk to your friend
you tell him Im keeping an eye on
him.

SAL
Yeah, whatever grandpa.

A shiny Buick drives by and pulls over on the street up

ahead.
 74.

INT. BUICK - SAME

GARY, 62, takes the keys from the ignition and slips them
into the pants pocket of his suit. He unfastens his seat belt
and straightens his tie.

He reaches to the seat beside him and grabs a security club.

He hooks it onto the steering wheel.

GARY
Damn neighborhood.

Gary inspects himself in the rear view mirror.

He moistens his finger with his tongue and then straightens

his curly eyebrows. He sighs.

GARY (CONTD)
Damn age.

He unbuckles his passenger - a foil-covered turkey.

EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - SAME

Gary exits his car and opens the back door.

He reaches in and removes a bouquet of supermarket flowers

and a woolen neck scarf.

He juggles the flowers and turkey as he wraps the scarf

around his neck.

He glances down the street and notices Ed strolling along.

He slams the car door and marches down the sidewalk at a

brisk pace.

Ed recognizes Gary and starts a brisk walk of his own, cigar

still in mouth.

The men meet at the same time in front of the house and race
to get to the door first.
 75.

EXT. SHERRYS HOUSE - SAME

A balloon with the words Its a Girl is tied to the porch.

Ed grabs hold of the railing and leaps up the three stairs to

the front door.

He takes the cigar out of his mouth and smirks.

He knocks on the door.

Behind him, Gary takes a few deep breaths and holds his
chest.

ED
What are you doing here?

GARY
Came to see my granddaughter.

Ed blows smoke rings and studies his carved turkey.

GARY (CONTD)
You cant go in with that thing.
Youll make the baby sick.

Ed takes the cigar out, examines it, then puts it out in a

artsy-looking clay pot on the edge of the stairs.

GARY (CONTD)
Hey! Thats not an ashtray.

Ed glances down at the pot.

ED
Well, its not art.

GARY
It was a gift.

Gary takes a hanky from his jacket and leans down. He takes
the cigar out of the pot and wraps it in the hanky. He sticks
the hanky back into his pocket.

He reaches around Ed and presses the doorbell. A loud chime

sounds.
 76.

ED
Hope you didnt wake the baby.

GARY
Sherry told me shes a heavy
sleeper.

Ed looks at the foil-wrapped turkey in Garys arms.

ED
Cook that yourself?

GARY
Betty did. Im not allowed in the
kitchen on holidays.

ED
Ah, my Selena always welcomed my
help with the dinners.

Gary rolls his eyes.

He pounds the door again.

GARY
Where is she?

He puts the flowers and turkey down on a bench and descends

the stairs.

ED
Maybe she took the baby for a walk.

Gary peers into a window.

GARY
The strollers inside. And the TV
is on. Why would she leave the TV
on?

ED
When my Selena first had Flavio she
was always forgetting things.

GARY
Sherrys not like that.
 77.

Gary continues to scope out the house.

He lifts the edge of the window and it opens.

GARY (CONTD)
Come here.

Ed puts his wooden turkey down on the bench beside the foil-
covered one and saunters over to Gary.

ED
She shouldnt have left that
unlocked.

GARY
Boost me up.

Ed laces his fingers together and provides a boost to Gary.

When Gary is almost through the window Ed gives an extra
little shove, which sends Gary tumbling inside.

Gary lands on the floor with a THUD. He MOANS.

He stands and snaps his head to scowl at Ed.

Ed smiles.

Gary cases out the room while Ed peers through the window.

ED
Go unlock the door for me.

Ed hurries back over to the front door.

INT. SHERRYS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Gary turns the TV off and looks around. The couch is piled
high with diapers, baby clothes and toys. A car seat leans
against the coffee table.

GARY
Sherry? Sherry, you here?

He makes his way to the kitchen.

 78.

INT. SHERRYS KITCHEN - SAME

Gary enters the kitchen. The sink is full of dirty dishes and
Tupperware containers. The table is spread with
Congratulations on the New Baby cards.

Gary walks to the back door and tries the knob. It is locked.

EXT. SHERRYS HOUSE - SAME

Impatient, Ed taps his foot on the porch, his arms folded

across his chest.

Gary finally opens the door.

Ed pushes past him.

INT. SHERRYS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Ed barges into the room.

Gary wipes sweat from his brow. His breathing is shallow.

GARY
Something's not right.

ED
Yeah, youre a jerk.
(calling out)
Sherry? Flavio?

GARY
Flavios working.

ED
Just providing for his family. He
gets triple time on holidays.

GARY
Left my daughter all alone on
Thanksgiving.

Gary fidgets and holds his chest.

 79.

ED
She must be here.

Ed storms off to the kitchen.

INT. SHERRYS KITCHEN - SAME

Gary enters the kitchen and stands directly beside Ed. He

inhales deeply through his nose.

He grabs Eds arm.

GARY
Do you smell that?

Ed shakes out of his grasp.

ED
What? Cheap cologne?

GARY
Coffee. She was here.

Gary opens a cabinet full of spices. He takes out a head of

garlic, breaks off a clove, slips the peel off and pops it
into his mouth.

GARY (CONTD)
Im getting a bad feeling about
this.

Ed stares at Gary chomping on the garlic.

GARY (CONTD)
It brings my blood pressure down.

Ed opens the refrigerator and inspects the contents. A bowl

of whipped cream sits beside a store-bought pie.

Ed reaches in to the fridge and dips a finger in the cream.

As he brings it to his mouth a little cream drips on the
shelf.

ED
Wonder if its Selenas recipe.
 80.

He licks his finger.

Gary smacks him.

He notices the drips and takes out his hanky to wipe them up.
The cigar falls out and lands in the cream.

GARY
Great. Nice job.

ED
What?

Gary takes the bowl out and places it on the counter next to
a sponge and a pair of dish-washing gloves.

He moans and leans again the counter.

Suddenly a large CRASH is heard from upstairs.

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - SAME

Ed reaches the top of the stairs first and runs into the
bedroom.

ED
Sherry?

INT. SHERRYS BEDROOM - SAME

Ed and Gary stand in the doorway, looking into the dimly-lit

bedroom.

The window is open, the curtains billowing. A cradle is

tipped over.

GARY
Oh God!

He grabs his heart.

ED
You need me to call 911?
 81.

GARY
Call Flavio.

ED
Whats Flavio going to do?

GARY
Maybe he knows where Sherry is.

ED
Do you need me to call 911 for you?
You dont look so good.

GARY
Its just anxiety.

ED
Ill call Flavio.

Ed rushes into the room and stumbles trying to pick up the

phone. He knocks over a lamp on the night stand.

Gary switches on the light.

A cat SCREECHES and jumps from the dresser onto the bed.

Ed jumps up and into Garys arms.

They hold each other, staring wide-eyed and panting, trying

to make sense of what happened.

The cat runs out of the room.

Ed grimaces and covers his nose.

ED (CONTD)
Your breath stinks.

The men separate.

SHERRY (O.S.)
Dad? Is that you?

GARY
Dont tell her about the anxiety
stuff.
 82.

Ed grins.

INT. SHERRYS KITCHEN - SAME

Sherry stands at the bottom of the stairs, cradling a tiny

BABY and holding a plate of cookies.

Ed and Gary run down the stairs. Ed finishes first again.

He kisses Sherry and the baby.

Gary finally makes it down the stairs.

GARY
Hey baby. Hope we didnt scare you.

He hugs and kisses her.

SHERRY
I saw your car on the street on my
way back from Mrs. Sanfords.

Sherry shows him the plate of cookies.

SHERRY (CONTD)
She baked cookies.
(beat)
What are you doing here?

GARY
Just stopped over to see my
granddaughter on the holiday.

SHERRY
Is the house full of crazy people?

Gary laughs.

GARY
I skipped dessert. Theyll never
even notice Im gone. Besides, Id
rather be here visiting you.

SHERRY
And you brought Ed along?
 83.

ED
I was just out for a walk.

SHERRY
Mm-hmm.

Sherry hands the baby to Gary and turns to put the plate of
cookies down on the counter.

She looks at the bowl of whipped cream with the cigar in it,
confused.

Ed comes over to look at the baby.

ED
Flavio didnt answer his cell.

SHERRY
Hes on his way home. They let him
out early.

GARY
Good. So you wont be alone.

The cat patters down the stairs and rubs against Sherrys
leg.

SHERRY
Git! Stupid cat.

Sherry chases the cat out of the room.

EXT. SHERRYS HOUSE - SAME

Sherry opens the door and the cat runs out.

He hops on the bench and sniffs at the turkeys.

INT. SHERRYS KITCHEN - SAME

Ed and Gary fawn over the baby.

Sherry returns.
 84.

SHERRY
It must have gotten in while I was
vacuuming.

Sherry takes the baby from her father.

SHERRY (CONTD)
Say goodbye now. Im going to put
her down for a nap.

GARY
Bye sweetie pie.

Ed kisses the babys forehead.

SHERRY
You checked in on us, were fine.
Go home now.

ED
I can stay till Flavio gets here.

SHERRY
No, really, Ed, I might try to
sleep too.

GARY
Well head out then.

Gary grabs Eds arm and leads him out.

GARY (CONTD)
Call me later.

Sherry waves.

ED
Bye.

EXT. SHERRYS HOUSE - SAME

Gary and Ed walk to the street.

 85.

GARY
Do you want to come over? Im sure
theres plenty of leftovers.

ED
No, no. I have plans.

GARY
Happy Thanksgiving then.

Gary turns and heads to his car.

Ed waves and walks in the other direction.

EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - 9 PM

The parking lot of a small church is filled with 20 cars. The

lights in the basement shine through the windows.

INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - SAME

MEN and WOMEN stand in a circle, clasping hands, inside a

ring of folding chairs.

Ed is the first to drop hands.

ED
Thats all folks. Well see you
next week.

They release hands and spread throughout the room, gathering

jackets, pocketbooks and saying goodbye.

HECTOR, a tough-looking, tattooed man in his 30s, struts over

to JOSIE at a coffee pot.

HECTOR
Hey girl. Youre looking good
tonight.

JOSIE
Not gonna happen Hector.
 86.

HECTOR
What?! I was just complimenting.

Josie raises an eyebrow, then walks away, smiling and shaking

her head.

Hector gets himself a cup of coffee and scopes out the rest
of the room.

Chet hovers over the snack table. He grabs five cookies and
gobbles them down.

He grabs another three and puts them in his pocket.

SANDY, 65, strolls over to Chet.

SANDY
Did you get a meal today?

CHET
(mumbling as he speaks)
Yeah. Broad Street served.

SANDY
At least you didnt have to deal
with a bunch of people drinking
beer and watching football. Thats
a blessing.

Chet nods.

SANDY (CONTD)
Im glad to see you here. I wanted
to give you something.

Sandy takes a folded 20 dollar bill out of her pocket and

tucks it into Chets hand.

He holds onto her hand, lingering on her touch.

He smiles and slips the money into his pocket.

CHET
Thanks.

Sandy pats him on the shoulder.

 87.

SANDY
You just keep doing what youre
doing. Time will go by in a flash
and before you know it last year
will be just a memory.

Chet nods.

SANDY (CONTD)
Do you need a ride?

CHET
No, Im set.

Sandy waves and walks away.

Hector struts up to her and smiles.

HECTOR
Hey honey.

Sandy laughs.

HECTOR (CONTD)
What?

Sandy laughs even louder.

She kisses him on the cheek.

SANDY
Have a nice night Hector.

Hector struts over to the snack bar and pops a cookie in his
mouth.

WENDY, a drab-looking, overweight woman grabs her jacket.

She walks over to the snack table and smiles at Chet and
Hector.

She reaches over for a cookie.

Hector blocks the tray.

 88.

HECTOR
You gotta give me a kiss first.

Wendy kisses him, full out on the lips.

He moves.

She grabs the last two cookies and eats.

HECTOR (CONTD)
Damn woman.

Wendy giggles.

Hector follows her out the door.

Ed and Josie fold the remaining chairs and clean up the hall.

Chet fills his coffee cup, looks at the empty tray of

cookies, then walks to the exit.

He glances back over his shoulder to see what Josie and Ed

are doing, to make sure they arent watching him.

He bends down next to the lost and found box and reaches
in.

He pulls out a hat and slips it on his head.

EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - SAME

Hector and RONNIE stand beside the church smoking cigarettes.

Chet exits the church and joins the men. He drops his coffee
cup in a metal can full of cigarette butts.

Wendy walks away from them and gets in her car and drives
away.

HECTOR
Fat bitch.

RONNIE
You gotta get yourself to one of
those sex anonymous meetings Bro.
 89.

HECTOR
Screw you. Youre just jealous.

Ronnie takes his keys out of his pocket and takes one more
drag on the cigarette.

RONNIE
Least Im getting laid tonight.

He tosses the cigarette on the ground.

HECTOR
You think the laundromat is open on
holidays? Theres got to be
someplace I can pick up a chick.

Ed and Josie exit the church.

ED
Dont linger too long. You got a
ride Chet?

CHET
Ive got my bike.

Ed waves to the men.

HECTOR
Last chance Josie!

JOSIE
Tempting, but Im going to pass.

Josie waves and goes to the car with Ed.

RONNIE
Shes married asshole.

HECTOR
I dont give a shit. Have you seen
her ass? What I wouldnt give to
slap it. Know what I mean?

Ronnie shakes his head with disgust.

 90.

HECTOR (CONTD)
I gotta get sucked. Get me some
nice juicy lips working on me. All
slick and moist. Mmmmmm...

RONNIE
Im outta here. See you Chet.
Hector.

Ronnie waves and goes to his car. He drives away.

Hector stares at Chet, looking him up and down.

HECTOR
You ever pay for it?

CHET
No.

HECTOR
No offense dude. Just never seen
you with a woman. But you must get
laid, right?

CHET
Right.

HECTOR
Does this town even have whores?

Hector rubs the outside of his pants.

HECTOR (CONTD)
Man, this is not good.

Chet turns away from Hector.

CHET
Im off.

HECTOR
Okay buddy.

Hector wraps an arms around Chet pulls him into a hug.

Chet struggles not to get close and squirms out of the hug.
 91.

HECTOR (CONTD)
Whoa!

Hector looks down at Chets fly.

HECTOR (CONTD)
Someones horny, huh?

Chet turns away.

Hector struts over and leans against him.

HECTOR (CONTD)
(whispering)
Let me see it.

CHET
Shut up.

Chet shrugs Hector off of him.

Hector grabs Chet and pulls him in close again, hugging him.

He drops one arm down and reaches inside Chets sweatpants.

Chet reacts with surprise, then moans. He lets Hector fondle

him.

Hector removes his hand and quickly undoes his own belt and
zipper.

He leads Chets hand.

The men hug each other with one arm and jerk each other off.

They breathe heavy, quicken their pace and remain embraced.

Hector closes his eyes.

Chet stares out blankly.

HECTOR
Dont jizz on me man. I gotta take
the bus.
 92.

Hector pushes Chet off him and steps away to finish himself
off.

In shock, Chet watches him.

Hector quickly zips up his pants.

He throws a hand up to signal goodbye, without looking back.

Hector marches off towards the street.

Chet looks around, the lot is empty.

He fixes his sweatpants and pulls down his windbreaker.

He reaches into the metal can and takes out his cup off
coffee.

He pours what little is left over his hand. He shakes his

hand dry.

He retrieves his bike from against the building and rides

off.

EXT. NIGHT CLUB - 10 PM

Chets bike is parked against the outside of a night club.

Chet reaches into the dumpster and fishes around. He pulls

out a bag of pretzels. He crumples it and slips it into his
pocket.

He pushes his bike into the parking lot.

CURTIS, 22, dressed like a waiter, locks his car.

Chet gets on his bike and rides past Curtis. The two men do
not look at each other.

INT. NIGHT CLUB - SAME

Curtis slumps at the bar sipping a drink with his head hung
and a frown on his face. He unbuttons his starched, white
shirt and rolls up the sleeves.
 93.

The club is half-capacity, filled with MEN of all varieties,

some dancing, some flirting, some drinking.

Curtis plays with a straw and solemnly stares down at the

bar.

Sonny, the bartender, brings over another drink.

SONNY
You look like you might need two
today.

CURTIS
I look that bad?

Sonny nods.

CURTIS (CONTD)
I spent my day serving happy
families who were too lazy to cook
for themselves.

SONNY
I thought I smelled onions.

CURTIS
My whole car smell. They felt bad
for me and gave me all the
leftovers to take home. Didnt have
the heart to tell them I wont eat
it.

SONNY
So you worked all day? Thats too
bad. I mean, all I have is grandma
and she only eats applesauce. But
you, dont you miss it?

CURTIS
Miss what?

SONNY
That normal American Thanksgiving
stuff.
(MORE)
 94.
SONNY (CONT'D)
You know, the family around the
table, the fancy dishes, everyone
smiling, the big turkey on the
platter dripping juices onto the
brown skin...

CURTIS
You want me to get you some
leftovers?

SONNY
Hell yeah.

Curtis stands and makes his way through the club, avoiding
looking at the other men as he heads for the door.

ZEKE, the most energetic dancer on the floor, gives Curtis a

hip bump.

ZEKE
Dance with me Curtis!

CURTIS
Not today Zeke. Ill take a
raincheck.

ZEKE
Rogers here.

CURTIS
We broke up.

ZEKE
What happened?

CURTIS
I was an idiot.

ZEKE
So hes single?

CURTIS
All yours Zeke.
 95.

EXT. NIGHTCLUB PARKING LOT - SAME

Curtis weaves through cars and stops at his. He unlocks the

door and opens a cooler on the back seat.

He removes a Styrofoam take-out container.

A car pulls into the parking lot.

Curtis recognizes the car and ducks behind his own car so as
not to be seen.

HAROLD, 48, parks and exits the car. He removes his suit
jacket, un-tucks his shirt and messes his hair a little bit.

He checks his watch then rushes off towards the entrance with
a huge grin on his face.

INT. NIGHTCLUB - SAME

Harold steps inside the club and scans the crowd. He walks
through the crowd of dancing men, searching, and makes his
way to the bar.

Zeke wiggles over to him.

ZEKE
Hey big daddy, want to dance?

HAROLD
Oh, no thanks. Im just looking for
someone.

ZEKE
Arent we all.

Zeke dances off to join another group of men.

Harold sits at the bar.

Sonny comes over.

SONNY
What can I get you?
 96.

HAROLD
Diet soda please.

Sonny pours the soda and slides it over to him.

Harold puts a few crisp bills on the bar.

HAROLD (CONTD)
Thank you.

Harold sips the drink and turns on his stool to look through
the crowd again.

Curtis cautiously walks to the bar with the food for Sonny.
He keeps his eyes on Harold the whole time, ducking behind
dancers whenever Harold turns his head.

Curtis puts the food on the bar and motions to Sonny.

Sonny comes over. He notices Curtis staring at Harold.

SONNY
A friend of yours?

CURTIS
Hardly. Enjoy the food. Im going
to head out.

Harold looks down toward Curtis. Curtis turns his back to

him.

CURTIS (CONTD)
Is he looking over here?

SONNY
No.

Curtis hands Sonny a twenty.

Harold walks towards them.

SONNY (CONTD)
Wait, now hes coming this way.

Curtis runs off and ducks into the hallway.

 97.

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE RESTROOM - SAME

ROGER, 30s, comes out of the restroom and is surprised to see

Curtis.

ROGER
Curtis!

CURTIS
Hey.

Roger leans in for a hug but Curtis extends his hand. They
shake.

ROGER
You worked today?

CURTIS
Cant you smell it?

ROGER
Are you still at Allegreti?

CURTIS
No. I quit. Im at The Piedmont
now. But only till the end of the
month.

Roger looks him up and down.

ROGER
Well, it was nice seeing you.

Curtis grabs him and uses him as a shield as he looks out

into the bar.

CURTIS
Wait. We need to talk.

ROGER
We said all we needed to Curtis.
Unless youre going to stop
avoiding conflict and try some real
commitment.

Curtis is still looking off into the bar.

 98.

CURTIS
Sorry. What?

ROGER
Conflict? Commitment You havent
changed.

ROGER (CONTD)
You havent changed.

Curtis stares at Roger.

CURTIS
Yes, I have.

Curtis walks away.

INT. NIGHT CLUB - SAME

Curtis approaches Harold.

CURTIS
So youre gay now?

HAROLD
Curtis!

Harold jumps up to hug Curtis but Curtis backs away.

HAROLD (CONTD)
No, Im not gay. I came for you.

He looks Curtis over.

HAROLD (CONTD)
Wow, you cut your hair.

CURTIS
And you got more gray.

HAROLD
Huh. I found you.

CURTIS
Yeah, well I was just heading out.
 99.

Curtis heads for the door. Harold follows.

HAROLD
Ill walk you out.

EXT. NIGHT CLUB - SAME

Harold follows Curtis to his car.

CURTIS
What are you doing here?

HAROLD
Looking for you. Mom gave me your
address. I went to a few places in
town, ended up here.

CURTIS
Did you come to apologize?

The men stare at each other.

HAROLD
Its been three damn years Curtis.
Grow up. Ive done my apologizing.
You either forgive me or not.

Curtis unlocks his car door.

Harold walks away.

Curtis turns.

CURTIS
We waited for you. Seven hours. We
never even ate the damn turkey.

Harold keeps walking.

HAROLD
Im sorry. This was a bad idea.

CURTIS
Why are you really here?
 100.

Harold walks back towards his son.

HAROLD
Im really here to see you. If
thats not okay then I really
should go home.

Curtis leans against his car.

CURTIS
When did you see mom?

HAROLD
I went to her place for dinner.

CURTIS
You're getting back together?

HAROLD
No. She was just being nice. Ive
eaten alone the last two years.
Just missed being with my family.

CURTIS
Shes not your family anymore.

HAROLD
No. No, shes not.

Harold leans on the car beside Curtis.

HAROLD (CONTD)
She made tofu, just in case you
showed up. Nobody ate it.

CURTIS
I told her I had to work.

HAROLD
She misses you. You should call
her.

CURTIS
I do call her, every week.
 101.

HAROLD
Oh.

CURTIS
Were Ray and Caleb there?

HAROLD
All your cousins were.

CURTIS
Did you play ball?

HAROLD
They did. I left early.

Harold smiles at his son. Curtis turns away.

HAROLD (CONTD)
It wasnt the same without you.

CURTIS
You know what I miss the most?

HAROLD
I do. Hang on. Ill be right back.

Harold dashes to his car. He pops the trunk.

He takes out a football which he raises high up over his

head.

Curtis smiles.

Harold throws the ball in a perfect path, straight to Curtis.

Curtis catches it.

CURTIS
No way!

They move over to a well-lit area of the lot where there are
no cars.

They toss the football back and forth.

 102.

The door to the club opens. Zeke and a few other men file
out.

Zeke stops dancing when he sees Curtis throwing the football.

ZEKE
Football! I want to play.

Harold throws the football to Zeke, who fumbles it and then

drops it.

ZEKE (CONTD)
OK, I just want to watch.

The other men join Curtis and Harold.

Sonny exits the club, leans against the wall and takes out a
cigarette.

He watches the men playing football.

Curtis runs by him.

SONNY
Hey Curtis, any more turkey? That
stuff was good.

Curtis points to his car.

CURTIS
In the cooler.

Sonny goes over to the car and takes the cooler out.

He puts it on the trunk, opens it and grabs a turkey leg.

Harold steps back as Curtis runs out into the lot being
chased by the other two men.

The football spirals through the air and Curtis leaps to

catch it.

He jogs towards the end zone.

Harold runs to him.

 103.

Curtis scores the touchdown and drops the ball so he can

raise his arms triumphantly.

Harold lunges at him, as if about to tackle, and then wraps

his arms around him in a hug.

FADE OUT.