“UNKNOWN RELATIONSHIPS”

Written by

Kierstyn M. Johnson

Evangel University
1111 North Glenstone Avenue
Springfield, MO. 65802
(989) 701-6075
john44521@evangel.edu
 1

FADE IN:

INT. KALAMAZOO INSURANCE OFFICE — DAY

A hand places a phone back on its base unit. JANE pushes

her hands against her desk to slide her chair backwards.
JANE gets up from her chair and walks over to the coat
rack next to the door. JANE grabs her purse and her coat.
She does one final check through her possessions before
walking through the doorway.

JANE waves to her colleagues as she heads for the doorway

to exit the office. Before she opens the door she nods
with a smile towards her supervisor’s office. DARRREN
waves and smiles back at JANE.

JANE exits the office to the parking lot. JANE gets into
her car.

CUT TO

INT. JANE’S CAR — Day

JANE gets settled in the driver’s seat of her car and

tosses her coat into the passenger's seat. She rummages
through her purse and her face lights up. JANE pulls out
her phone, turns it on, and opens the contacts app. She
types in a name, presses the call button, and holds the
phone up to her ear.

The phone RINGS as JANE sets her purse in the passenger’s

seat on top of her coat. JANE starts the car, and begins
to drive out of the parking lot.

JANE
(Joyfully)
Hey, are you on your way
over cause I was thinking
of gettin somein special
for dinner tonight.
 2

IAN O.S.
Yeah I’m already almost
there and don’t worry about
food ok.

JANE makes a puzzled look on her face.

JANE
(Disapproving)
You sure? You don’t have to
do that.

IAN O.S.
(Assertively)
Yes, mom I’m sure. See ya
in a bit.

JANE
Alright if you say so, bye.

JANE is about to set her phone down, but a voicemail

notification lights up and it is labeled “ELENA.” She
waits until she is stopped at a red light before she
plays the voicemail.

ELENA O.S.
(Serious)
Hey Jane, I was hoping to
catch ya on your way outta
work. I really need to talk
to you soon, ok bye.

JANE tosses her phone on the passenger’s seat, and

continues driving.

JANE parks her car outside of her apartment building,

gathers her things, and walks inside.

CUT TO
 3

INT. JANE’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

JANE unlocks the door to her apartment and steps inside.

She looks over in the direction of the kitchen. IAN is
standing right next to the kitchen table. He smiles and
waves his arms flamboyantly over the Chinese food on the
table as if presenting a fine meal. IAN rushes over to
the door.
JANE smiles and LAUGHS slightly as she takes off her
shoes and sets down her purse.

IAN hugs JANE. IAN takes a step back, bows slightly, and
holds up his arm similar to that of an escort. JANE
LAUGHS again as she curtsies back and delicately grabs
his arms with her hand.

IAN leads JANE over to the kitchen table. IAN steps

swiftly in front of JANE and pulls out her chair. JANE
smiles and takes a seat. IAN pushes the chair close to
the table, and he walks over to the other side to take a
seat as well.

JANE and IAN begin to pass around the different dishes

and serve themselves.

JANE
(Appreciative)
Oh honey this is so sweet.
You know you didn’t have to
do all this.

JANE gestures to all of the food on the table.

JANE
I could’ve made ya somethin
myself.

IAN
I know, but the point is
you don’t have to do that
anymore ok. I’m supposed to
take care of you now.
 4

JANE
(sarcastically)
Oh are you now? I gotta
couple of things around
here that could use some of
that “taking care of” if
you're offerin.

JANE and IAN both laugh at the comment and they begin to
eat their dinner. JANE takes small, slow bites. IAN is
eating quickly.
IAN
How’s work been, anything
new?

IAN shovels some food into his mouth. JANE looks

inquisitively at IAN.

JANE
(Indifferent)
Ehh it’s been the same old
stuff. Nothin too exciting
other than a couple of
weird clients here and
there. How bout you?

IAN
(Jokingly)
I could say the same thing
to be honest. Nothing too
exciting other than a
couple of weird customers.

JANE and IAN both LAUGH.

IAN
(Anxiously)
I’m gonna be right back, I
need to use the bathroom
real quick.
 5

IAN sets down his utensils, presses his hands down

against the table, and pushes his chair back. IAN leaves
the kitchen, walks past the living room, and then down
the hall somewhat hastily.

JANE watches as IAN walks away with an eyebrow raised.

She then shrugs, turns her head back to the table, and
continues to eat her food.

Just as JANE puts a bite of food into her mouth, IAN’s

phone RINGS. JANE looks over as the screen lights up. The
name “ELENA”appears with a heart emoji right next to it.
JANE looks at the phone in confusion and her face quickly
turns to anger. She SLAMS the utensil in her hand back
down to the table.

IAN rushes out of the bathroom, and looks anxiously in

the direction of his RINGING phone with his mouth
slightly ajar. IAN slowly walks closer to the kitchen as
he turns his gaze towards JANE. JANE looks directly at
IAN, and she stares daggers at him.

JANE
(Angrily)
Are ya gonna to just stand
there or can you explain
why ELENA is calling you.
Or why there’s a little
heart next to her name?

IAN steps closer to the table. He drags his chair back

barely enough for him to squeeze himself into it. His leg
begins to bounce restlessly. IAN doesn’t look directly at
JANE until he begins to speak.

IAN
(Calmly)
Mom, that’s why I wanted to
make tonight’s dinner a
little more special because
I have some news for you.
I–I didn’t plan on you
finding out while I was in
the bathroom.
 6

JANE
Finding out what exactly?
You still haven’t told me
that part.

JANE leans back in her chair with her arms crossed. A

rigid scowl grows deeper waiting for IAN’s response.

IAN
I’ve been dating someone,
and I didn’t want to tell
you unless it was, well,
serious cause you get all
you-like.

JANE
(Knowingly)
Who is this mystery woman
then IAN?

IAN
It’s ELENA.

JANE swiftly removes her arms from their crossed

position, and she places her hands on the table. JANE
SHOVES her chair back from the table and STOMPS away from
the kitchen into the living room. IAN follows close
behind.

IAN
I wanted to tell you
sooner, but you always get
so protective and I thought
with ELENA it might be
worse somehow. I didn’t
want to keep this from you
but I’m telling you now.

JANE does not turn to look at IAN when he speaks to her.

She finally reaches a chair in the living room and sits
down. JANE positions her head in the direction of the
floor. IAN sits in the chair across from her.
 7

IAN
C’mon mom say something.

JANE slowly lifts her head. She brings her sharp gaze
directly into contact with IAN’s eyes.

JANE
(Yelling)
What do you want me to say
to that IAN! I just found
out that my best friend is
dating my son. And neither
of them felt it necessary
to share
that information with me!
So I really don’t know what
to say, alright?

JANE lifts her arms in a position resembling a shrug and

raises her eyebrows.

IAN
(Angrily)
Well I thought you’d be
happy for us! And I didn’t
think it would be THIS big
of a deal! But I guess I
was very wrong.

JANE
IAN of course it’s a big
deal! She is so much older
than you, she could almost
be your mom!

IAN presses his hands on the arms of the chair to stand

himself up. IAN approaches JANE. JANE mimics IAN’s
movements and approaches him as well.

IAN
You’re mad because of the
age difference? Who even
cares how old she is! We
love each other!
 8

JANE
(Disgusted)
You love each other? How
can you even know that for
certain, huh? How long have
the two of you been lying
to me?

IAN
A little over a year.

JANE's face changes from rage to hurt. She turns her back
to IAN, walks over to a window, and looks out of it with
her arms crossed.

JANE
(Softly)
You’ve both been keepin
this from me for over a
year.

JANE turns her head slightly over her shoulder towards

IAN.

IAN
Yes! And maybe we should’ve
never even told you about
it at all!

IAN turns away from JANE, and STOMPS towards the door.
JANE pivots around and follows close behind IAN.

IAN reaches the door and yanks it open before walking

over the threshold. JANE stands right next to the door
and leans her head out of it, using her hand on the
doorframe to keep herself steady.

JANE
(Angrily)
Maybe you shouldn’t have!
 9

JANE pulls herself back inside of the apartment, and

SLAMS the door shut. She holds her hand on the doorknob
for a moment. JANE pivots her body around and presses her
back against the door. She tilts her head back to meet
the door as well.

JANE
(Frustrated)
There is no way they're “in
love.” He doesn’t know what
he’s talkin about.

JANE’s knees slowly buckle, and she slumps to the floor

with her back still against the door. JANE’s face falls
into a look of sadness. Tears well up in her eyes and
JANE begins to cry.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. KALAMAZOO INSURANCE OFFICE — DAY

JANE walks through the entrance of her office building.

She briskly walks past all of her colleagues without
saying anything or even looking in their direction.

DARREN looks up from his work. He smiles, raises his arm,

and begins to wave. He stops and a puzzled look falls
over his face.

JANE reaches her office and walks inside. She tosses her
purse on her desk and throws her coat at the coat rack.
The coat falls to the floor

JANE walks over to her desk and begrudgingly pulls out

her chair. She positions herself right above the chair
and plops herself down into it. JANE SLAps her hands on
the surface of her desk to pull herself forward. She
positions herself in the direction of her computer, and
she begins to type aggressively.
 10

DARREN leans his head out of his office and uses his hand
to keep his balance. His face is still plagued by a
confused look. DARREN leaves his office and walks towards
JANE's office hesitantly. He approaches the doorway but
stops right before the threshold. DARREN KNOCKS on the
doorframe.

DARREN
(Concerned)
You doin alright this
mornin JANE?

JANE
(Apathetic)
Do you want the honest
answer today or the answer
you want to hear?

DARREN
Well both, cause I want the
honest answer.

DARREN walks through the doorway and sits down in the

chair across from JANE’s desk.

JANE
You know ELENA right? She
has a policy with us here,
and she was one of my
closest friends.

DARREN nods in agreement and gestures for JANE to

continue.

JANE
Well I found out last night
that she and my son have
been dating for over a
year. And IAN and I got
into a big argument, and
now he’s mad and I’m mad
and I just don’t even know

(More)
 11

what to do, cause the

person I would normally go
to with stuff like this, is
the person who started all
of it to begin with!

JANE takes a deep breath. She places her head into her
hands and leans on to the desk.

DARREN leans back in the chair and crosses one leg over
the other. DARREN looks analytically at JANE, with his
hands clasped together and his index fingers held to a
point.

JANE’s phone RINGS. JANE lifts her head for a moment

before rummaging through her purse. She pulls out the
phone, and the screen lights up with ELENA’s name on it.
A disgusted look washes over her face as she hits the
decline button. JANE sets her phone down on the desk
screen-side facing upwards. She places her head back into
her hands.

DARREN
So what’s the most
upsetting thing for you
about this whole thing?

JANE lifts her head to speak and SLAMS her hands down to
the table.

JANE
(Annoyed)
Isn’t it obvious? The
person who I thought was my
best friend is dating my
son. And they both have
been lying to me for a
year.

DARREN
Are you sure that’s the
reason?
 12

JANE’s phone RINGS and the screen lights up with ELENA’s

name on it again. JANE hits the decline button and then
turns on do not disturb. She places the phone back down
on the desk screen-side down.

DARREN
Here’s what I think.

DARREN releases his hands from their position, uncrosses

his legs and leans forward.

DARREN
You would be angry if your
son was dating anybody. I
haven’t known you long JANE
but I know you well enough
to see that.

JANE looks at DARREN. She has her mouth open slightly as

if to say something, but nothing comes out.

DARREN places both hands on his need and stands up to

leave the office. As he approaches the doorway, he turns
to JANE and crosses his arms.

DARREN
Here’s what else I think.
You need to give that
friend of yours a call to
at least hear her out.

DARREN drops his arms from their crossed position and

waves slightly at JANE. He then turns to leave JANE’s
office.

JANE is still sitting frozen in her chair with her mouth

ever so slightly ajar. She shakes her head slightly and
closes her mouth. Her head turns in the direction of her
phone.

JANE grabs the phone. The screen lights up with four

missed call notifications from ELENA. As her eyes scan
the screen, one voicemail notification pops up at the
top. JANE taps on the notification, holds the phone up to
her ear, and presses play on the voicemail.
 13

ELENA O.S.
JANE, I’m sorry about what
happened. I wanted to be
there to tell you what has
been going on between me
and IAN. I miss you so much
and I really need my best
friend right now. I-I don’t
know how else to say it,
but I’m pregnant. Please
call me back.

JANE’s hand goes limp, and she DROPS her phone on the
desk. Her body falls limp against the back of her chair.
JANE stares at her phone with her mouth open and her
hands grasping the arm rests of the chair.

JANE uses her hands to push herself forward in the chair.

SHe gets up, leaves her office, and rushes over to meet
DARREN in his office.

With her head positioned towards the floor, JANE

approaches the doorway and KNOCKS on the doorframe. JANE
lifts her eyes for a moment as DARREN gestures for her to
come inside and to take a seat.

JANE slowly walks over to the chair directly across from

DARREN’s desk and lowers herself into it. She says
nothing. She continues to blankly stare at the floor with
her mouth slightly opened.

DARREN opens his mouth to speak, but JANE cuts him off.

JANE
(softly)
She’s pregnant DARREN.

DARREN leans in with a confused look on his face.

DARREN
What?
 14

JANE
(Angrily)
SHE is pregnant DARREN!

DARREN sits back in his chair almost as shocked as JANE.

JANE continues to stare at the floor.

DARREN
Well.

DARREN pauses for a moment.

DARREN
That's not something I was
expecting, but how does
this really change
anything?

JANE slowly brings her head up and turns her gaze to meet
DARREN’s. She scooches herself up to the edge of the
chair and leans her body forward.

JANE
(Confused, angry)
Wha da ya mean? This
changes everything! Now she
has him right where she
wants him, there is no way
he’ll leave her now, and…

DARREN raises his hand to interject.

DARREN
JANE you’re talking like
this girl is plotting some
evil scheme against your
son! They’re just two
people who are obviously in
some kind of a serious
relationship. What’s so bad
about that?
 15

JANE tightly grips the armrest of her chair and forces

herself upward. She stands leaning against DARREN’s desk.
JANE is about to speak.

DARREN stands up as well and holds his hand up to stop

her.

DARREN
JANE, I think you need to
go home alright. Take the
day off and let yourself
process all of this stuff
ok. Enjoy a long weekend!

JANE slumps back down into the chair.

JANE
No, I’m fine, I can stay…

DARREN walks around his desk and positions himself

adjacent to JANE.

DARREN
JANE. I’m not asking. I
need you to go take a day
for yourself and deal with
all of
this ok. Call me if you
need anything.

DARREN holds out his hand. JANE frowns slightly and

avoids touching DARREN’s hand as she stands.

JANE walks out of DARREN’s office. She makes her way over
to her office. JANE snaches her purse from the desk. She
grabs her phone and shoves it into her purse. She walks
over to the coat rack and bends down to grab her coat,
which is still on the floor.

Jane leaves her office, walks past her colleagues, and

out the door without acknowledging a single person.

CUT TO
 16

INT. JANE’S CAR — Day

JANE drives home.

JANE’s phone RINGS up with a text notification. JANE

parks her car in front of her apartment. JANE grabs her
purse and begins feeling around inside. She finally pulls
out her phone. The screen lights up and the name “IAN” is
next to the notification. JANE reads the text.

JANE
(Softly to herself)
Mom, we need to all talk.
ELENA and I are coming over
tonight.

JANE stashes her phone in her purse, gets out of the car
and walks into her apartment building.

CUT TO

INT. JANE’S APARTMENT — DAY

JANE unlocks the door, opens it, and throws her stuff to
the floor next to the entrance. She walks through the
doorway and SLAMS the door shut. She STOMPS her foot to
the ground and places her right hand on her forehead with
an emotionless face.

JANE
(Whispers)
She’s pregnant.

JANE shakes her head back and forth for a moment and then
walks over to the living room. She sits on the couch with
her eyes fixed towards her side table.
 17

JANE looks at a frame sitting on the side table with a

picture of her and IAN when he was born, still in the
hospital. JANE grabs the photo and holds it gently in her
hands. She pulls the frame towards her chest and begins
sobbing.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. JANE’S APARTMENT — NIGHT

JANE is still sitting on the couch clutching the frame.

She sits rigidly like a statue staring off at the wall in
front of her.

There is a KNOCK at the door.

JANE does not move a muscle.

There is another KNOCK as the door.

JANE jumps in her seat and stands up. She places the
frame back in its place and walks towards the door. JANE
opens the door. ELENA and IAN are standing in the
hallway.

JANE steps to the side of the door and gestures for ELENA
and IAN to enter. ELENA and IAN walk through the doorway
and head towards the kitchen table without taking off
their shoes.

JANE closes the door gently and walks over to the kitchen
table as well.

IAN pulls out the chair for ELENA to sit, and ELENA sits
down. IAN sits down next to ELENA. IAN and ELENA hold
each other’s hand beneath the table.

JANE pulls out her chair across from ELENA and IAN and
sits as well. She focuses her eyes on the floor and folds
her hands in her lap.
 18

JANE
(Authoritative)
Well, you two said you
wanted to talk with me, so
go right ahead and talk.

JANE lifts her eyes to IAN, tilts her head, and forces a
slight smile.

IAN looks at ELENA with a slight smile. ELENA smiles and

nods in agreement. IAN turns his gaze back upon JANE.

IAN
(Calmly)
I know you have already
learned the news about
ELENA, and moving forward
we think it is best to make
our relationship more
official.

JANE
And what exactly does more
official mean.

ELENA
(Peacefully)
We think it is best for us
and our baby that we get
married. Nothing too fancy,
but we’d like you to be
there.

ELENA smiles slightly at JANE and then looks at IAN. JANE

stares back at IAN and ELENA with a blank face.

JANE
(Angrily)
You two want to get
married, and you want me to
do what? Give you my
blessing?

JANE sits back in her chair with her arms crossed.

 19

IAN lets go of ELENA’s hand and leans forward.

IAN
(Annoyed)
Actually yeah. That’s
exactly what we want.

IAN gestures at himself and ELENA.

IAN
Mom, I understand this is
all new for you, but we
love each other. This isn’t
some decision we made willy
nilly, we’d actually
already made the decision
to get married a long time
ago. That’s why we decided
to even tell you we were
together in the first
place. The baby is just
moving that plan forward,
faster.

JANE leans in closer and presses her hands against the

table like she is about to stand up.

JANE
(Arrogantly)
Well, I’m not giving my
blessing to whatever this
relationship is.

JANE swiftly pushes against the table and her chair

SCREECHES backwards. JANE begins to walk away from IAN
and ELENA towards the living room.

IAN aggressively pushes against the table to stand as

well leaving ELENA alone at the table. IAN walks towards
the living room.
 20

IAN
(Yelling)
Wha da ya mean you won’t
give us your blessing?

JANE turns around to meet IAN face-to-face.

JANE
(Yelling)
I’m not gonna show my
support
for something that I think
is just plain stupid and
should’ve never even
happened in the first
place.

IAN
Shouldn’t happened? It’s
not like she’s some girl I
met a week ago. We’ve been
together for over a year,
and we’ve known each other
much longer than that! I
thought you’d be over this
by now!

JANE
Guess what IAN I’m not! It
doesn't matter how long
you’ve known each other or
how long you’ve been
together! I know how this
kinda thing ends and it’s
not pretty.

JANE turns away from IAN and walks towards the mantle of
her fireplace. She looks at the pictures on it and
stifles her tears.

ELENA quietly gets up from the table and walks toward

JANE. ELENA delicately grabs JANE’s hand.
 21

ELENA
JANE this isn’t like that.
I really do love IAN, and
we want to have a family
together. One that
hopefully you’ll be a part
of.

JANE yanks her hand away from ELENA’s. JANE looks at

ELENA directly in the eyes.

JANE
Yeah, you say that now but
when it starts to get hard,
you’ll be gone just as fast
as IAN’s dad was.

JANE’s face changes from angry to shocked as the words

come out of her mouth. A tear breaks loose from her eye.

JANE
(Firmly)
Both of you get out.

IAN’s face is filled with rage as he walks over to ELENA.

IAN grabs her around the shoulders and guides ELENA to
the door.

JANE turns her face to the window just as the tears begin
streaming down her face.
IAN opens the door and ushers ELENA through it. IAN grabs
the door handle while looking at the floor, face still
full of rage.

IAN
(Assertively)
We are getting married, I
don’t care if you approve
or not it’s happening. Come
if you want, or do us all a
favor and stay out of our
lives.
 22

IAN SLAMS the door shut.

JANE walks over to a chair in the living room and slumps

into it. She hangs her head in her hands and begins to
sob.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. JANE’S APARTMENT — DAY

JANE is in her kitchen. She grabs a bowl from the

cupboard above her sink. JANE walks over to the pantry to
grab a box of cereal and sets it on the counter with the
bowl. JANE walks over to the fridge, opens the door, and
grabs the milk.

JANE begins to pour the cereal into the bowl and she
glances at her phone while doing it. The phone sits on
the counter with a black screen. JANE looks back at her
bowl and begins to pour the milk. Again she glances at
the phone, and it is still a black screen.

JANE brings her breakfast to the kitchen table and begins

to eat. She takes a bite and looks at her phone again,
still a black screen. JANE grabs her phone and the screen
lights up with no new notifications. She tosses her phone
back onto the table and finishes her cereal. JANE looks
again at her phone but there are still no new
notifications.

JANE puts her phone in her pocket and walks into the
living room. She looks at her mantle and grabs a picture
frame that has a picture of IAN as a kid. A tear falls
down JANE’s cheek. JANE holds the frame close to her
chest, and she looks at the other pictures on the mantle.
Her eyes scan each frame and they stop on a picture of
IAN in graduation attire.

JANE begins to cry softly and she looks at the next

picture of her and ELENA. JANE’s gentle tears turned into
a stream.
 23

JANE put the frame of young IAN back on the mantle and
frantically grabbed her phone from her pocket. The phone
lights up and JANE opens her contacts and typed in IAN’s
name.

Just as she typed in the letter “N” her phone begins to

RING and ELENA’s name pops up. JANE taps the green button
to answer the call and holds the phone up to her ear.

JANE
Hey… what’s up.

JANE crosses an arm over her stomach and walks over to

the couch to sit down.

ELENA O.S.
JANE! I’m so glad you
answered! I know things
have been rough, but IAN
and I are getting married
today. And even though IAN
said what he said, I know
he really wants you to be
there…

JANE
I dunno ELENA, I think he
meant it when he told me to
stay away.

ELENA O.S.
…JANE I know both of you,
please be there, it’s at
ten. I gotta go!

ELENA hangs up the phone, and JANE is left sitting on the

couch still holding the phone to her ear.

JANE pulls her phone away from her face and looks at the
time. The screen lights up and at the top the clock says
9:35.
 24

JANE immediately jumps up from the couch and frantically

looks around for her purse. After turning her head back
and forth a few times, her eyeline meets the bag at its
place on the floor.

JANE runs around the furniture in her living room with

her eyes fixed in the direction of the door. She snaches
her purse and shoves each foot into her shoes.

JANE yanks open the door and walks through it. She SLAMS
the door shut and frantically tries to shove her key into
the lock. Once the key rotates into the locked position,
JANE races out of her apartment building.

CUT TO

INT. JANE’S CAR — DAY

JANE takes the keys that are already in her hands and
tries to shove them into the ignition. She fails multiple
times, but on the third attempt, she gets them in.

JANE shifts the car into drive and the car SCREECHES as
she shoves her foot onto the gas pedal.

JANE makes her way through the streets, and she gets
stopped at almost every red light.

JANE
(Annoyed)
Oh c'mon every single time!

JANE looks down at the center console of her car and sees
that the clock says 9:47.

JANE finally makes it to the courthouse and finds a spot

to park. She gets out of her car as frantically as she
got in, and she races up the steps of the courthouse.

CUT TO
 25

INT. COURTHOUSE FOYER — DAY

JANE pushes open the door of the courthouse, and runs

through the foyer. JANE approaches a sign that says
“Directory” at the top, and she skims the list. Her
finger stops on the “county clerk's office” and she
immediately races off towards the direction of the room.

JANE makes it to the county clerk’s office and stops for

a moment to take a quick breath. She glances at the clock
in the hallway and it reads 9:53. JANE looks back at the
door and reaches for the handle. JANE gently pulls the
door open.

CUT TO

INT. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE — DAY

JANE walks into the room, and across the waiting room IAN
stands next to ELENA. IAN looks up at the doorway and his
face turns to shock at the sight of JANE.

ELENA looks over at JANE as well and smiles as her gaze

turns back towards IAN. ELENA grabs IAN’s hand and leads
him over towards JANE.

JANE stands frozen near the doorway and a smile begins to

form on the corners of her lips. A tear falls down her
face as IAN gets closer. The small smile on JANE’s face
turns into a large, toothy grin as she lifts her arms to
embrace IAN.

IAN walks faster in the direction of JANE and a smile

begins to form. His hand lets go of ELENA’s hand as he
raises his arms to embrace JANE as well.
JANE and IAN hug each other.
 26

JANE
(Apologetic)
I’m so sorry honey.

IAN embraces JANE tighter.

IAN
(Joyfully)
I understand mom. I’m glad
you’re here.

IAN pulls out of the hug, but JANE still holds him by the
arms. She looks at his face with a big smile.

JANE
(Happily, speaking over tears)
Me too. I just didn’t
notice that you went and
grew up on me.

ELENA walks closer to IAN and JANE. ELENA’s eyes look

hopefully towards JANE.

JANE keeps her hands grasping IAN’s arms as she turns her
head towards ELENA. JANE’s smile falls slightly. JANE
then lets go of IAN and raises her arms to embrace ELENA.

ELENA hugs JANE and both of their faces light up with a

smile.

ELENA
(Apologetically)
JANE I’m so sorry we made
you so upset. I really love
IAN, and you too.

JANE
I’m sorry too.

JANE and ELENA hug each other even tighter.

IAN glances down at his wrist to see his watch. The time
reads 9:59. IAN lifted his hand to touch ELENA on the
shoulder.
 27

IAN
ELENA, we…

OFFICIANT
MR. PHILLIPS, if you are
ready we can start now.

JANE releases ELENA’s embrace slowly, and gives her a

small smile before letting her go.

IAN holds his arm up for ELENA to grab. ELENA delicately

places her hand on IAN’s arm and they both walk towards
the OFFICIANT.

JANE follows only a few steps behind, and she stops only
a few feet away from IAN, ELENA, the OFFICIANT, and the
secondary witness–a SECRETARY.

ELENA and IAN stand next to each other and position

themselves properly in front of the OFFICIANT. IAN and
ELENA look at each other one more time and smile before
turning their gaze to the OFFICIANT.

The OFFICIANT holds up his notes and CLEARS his THROAT.

The OFFICIANT lifts his eyes from his papers and smiles
at IAN and ELENA.

OFFICIANT
Are we ready to begin?
IAN and ELENA nod in agreement and their smiles grow
slightly bigger.

OFFICIANT
Great! We are gathered here
this morning to witness the
union of IAN Phillips and
ELENA Hernandez in holy
matrimony.

IAN and ELENA continue to face the OFFICIANT.

JANE begins to smile and her eyes fill with tears. None
actually fall.
 28

The OFFICIANT turns his head slightly towards IAN and his
face turns more serious.

OFFICIANT
Are you, IAN Phillips, here
of your own free will? And
do you have the intention
to marry ELENA Hernandez?

IAN’s face turns serious and he grabs ELENA’s hand

firmly.

IAN
Yes sir, I do.

The OFFICIANT then turns his head towards ELENA.

OFFICIANT
Are you, ELENA Hernandez,
here of your own free will?
And do you have the
intention to marry IAN
Phillips?

ELENA’s smile grows wider. ELENA looks at IAN and then

turns her gaze back towards the OFFICIANT.

ELENA
I do!

The OFFICIANT turns his gaze towards JANE and the

SECRETARY.
OFFICIANT
Is there anyone present who
wishes to object to the
union of these two people?
If so, speak now, or
forever hold your peace.

IAN and ELENA both turn to look at JANE with a concerned

look.

JANE looks at ELENA and IAN and LAUGHS quietly before

shaking her head slightly back and forth.
 29

IAN and ELENA LAUGH quietly as well as a look of pure

relief washes over both of their faces. IAN and ELENA
then turn to face the OFFICIANT again.

The OFFICIANT scans the room one last time before looking
again at IAN and ELENA.

OFFICIANT
Alright, now that that is
done we will begin the
vows. IAN repeat after me.
“I IAN take you ELENA to be
my lawfully wedded wife.”

IAN nods slightly. IAN then turns directly towards ELENA,

and she turns towards him. IAN glances at JANE with a
slight smile. IAN’s eyes meet ELENA’s again, but this
time IAN has a sincere look on his face. IAN grabs
ELENA’s hands gently and holds them between the both of
them.

IAN
I IAN take you ELENA to be
my lawfully wedded wife.

OFFICIANT
“To have and to hold from
this day forward, for
better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer…”

IAN tightens his grip on ELENA’s hands.

IAN
(Getting choked up)
To have and to hold from
this day forward, for
better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer…
 30

OFFICIANT
“…in sickness and in
health, until death do us
part, I will love and honor
you all the days of my
life.”

IAN’s lips curl upwards into a smile as his eyes begin to

well up with tears.

ELENA smiles back at IAN.

IAN
…in sickness and in health,
until death do us part, I
will love and honor you all
the days of my life.

A few of IAN’s tears break free from his eyes.

ELENA’s eyes also begin to water. ELENA mouths the words,

“I love you,” to IAN before the OFFICIANT continues with
the ceremony.

OFFICIANT
Now ELENA please, repeat
after me. “I ELENA take you
IAN to be my lawfully
wedded husband.”

ELENA nods in agreement and smiles wide.

ELENA
I, ELENA, take you, IAN, to
be my lawfully wedded
husband.

OFFICIANT
“To have and to hold from
this day forward, for
better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer…”
 31

ELENA squeezes IAN’s hands with two quick, pulse-like

motions. A tear falls down her face.

IAN smiles and exhales sharply out of his nose. ELENA

LAUGHS slightly.

ELENA
To have and to hold from
this day forward, for
better, for worse, for
richer, for poorer…

OFFICIANT
“…in sickness and in
health, until death do us
part, I will love and honor
you all the days of my
life.”

More tears stream down ELENA’s face, but she still has
the largest smile on her face

ELENA
(Getting choked up)
…in sickness and in health,
until death do us part, I
will love and honor you all
the days of my life.

IAN and ELENA both wipe their eyes and LAUGH at each
other. IAN and ELENA hold one hand and turn slightly
towards the OFFICIANT.

OFFICIANT
Please join me over here so
we can sign your marriage
license.

The OFFICIANT gestures for the couple to walk over to a

table only a few steps away. The OFFICIANT then gestures
towards the SECRETARY and JANE to follow.
 32

IAN and ELENA walk over to the table first. IAN picks up
a pen and writes his signature on the bottom of the page.
IAN hands the pen to ELENA and steps out of her way.
ELENA also writes her signature on the bottom of the
page.

While IAN and ELENA are signing the marriage license, the
SECRETARY and JANE walk towards the table. JANE wipes her
eyes and smiles.

ELENA sets the pen down on the table and the OFFICIANT
looks over the document. The OFFICIANT nods in agreement
and directs his attention to the SECRETARY and JANE.

OFFICIANT
And now for the witnesses.

JANE steps up to the table. JANE looks over at IAN and

ELENA and gives them both a hug. She then turns back to
the table and picks up the pen. JANE writes her signature
at the bottom of the document as well. JANE sets the pen
back down and steps away from the table. JANE gestures
towards the SECRETARY.

The SECRETARY steps up to the table and also writes her

signature at the bottom of the page.

The OFFICIANT looks over the document and then writes his
signature as well. The OFFICIANT then tucks the paper
into his stack of notes.

The group then walks back over to where they were before.
Each person positions themselves back in place with IAN
and ELENA standing in front of the OFFICIANT, and IAN and
ELENA looking at each other.
 33

OFFICIANT
Now, in front of these
witnesses, this couple has
declared their intention to
join their lives together
in the bonds of marriage.
With the power invested in
me by the state of
Michigan, I now proudly
pronounce you man and wife.
You may now kiss your
bride.

IAN and ELENA embrace each other and share a gentle kiss.

JANE begins to clap and cheer for the couple, and her
eyes continue to water.

IAN and ELENA walk quickly towards JANE and hug her.
The OFFICIANT gestures towards the group with a smile.

OFFICIANT
I’ll get this license
submitted, y’all go
celebrate!

IAN, ELENA, and JANE smile at the OFFICIANT and shake his
hand.

IAN, ELENA, and JANE walk towards the door to leave the
county clerk’s office smiling and LAUGHING.

JANE walks slightly ahead of IAN and ELENA and opens the
door. She gestures formally with a curtsy for the two to
walk through

IAN and ELENA walk through the door. JANE follows close
behind.

CUT TO
 34

INT. COURTHOUSE FOYER — DAY

IAN and ELENA hold hands as they walk out into the foyer
and JANE walks swiftly to stand next to them.

JANE
(Hopefully)
Well, I dunno about you,
but I think we need to
celebrate! How bout the two
of you come on over to my
apartment for some lunch?
It’s the least I can do.

IAN and ELENA look at each other and then towards JANE.

IAN
That sounds like a
fantastic idea. What are we
gonna have?

JANE looks at IAN with a sly look in her eyes.

JANE
You’ll just have to come on
over and find out now won’t
ya.

JANE, IAN, and ELENA hug one last time before they leave
the courthouse.

DISSOLVE TO

INT. JANE’S APARTMENT — DAY

IAN and JANE are already in the apartment sitting at the

table. Each spot is already set with a plate, cup, and
utensils for JANE, IAN, and ELENA.
 35

IAN and ELENA are holding hands and talking inaudibly.

IAN keeps looking down at their future baby and then back
up at ELENA. IAN and ELENA lean in and give each other a
quick kiss as the door knob begins to turn.

JANE opens the door, walks inside, and holds up Chinese

food. The label on the bag holding all of the food is the
same as the one that was on the food IAN had bought for
JANE only a few days before.

IAN and ELENA get up from the table and walk towards the
door. JANE struggles to take off her shoes and not drop
anything in her hands. IAN grabs the food from JANE and
gives her a quick side hug before turning back towards
the table. JANE shuts the door, removes her shoes, and
sets her purse down only a few feet away from the door.

IAN
Mom, you didn’t have to do
this, we could’ve just made
something.

JANE looks towards IAN and LAUGHS.

JANE
(Sarcastically)
Oh, but ya see I gotta take
care of my boy now don’t I?

IAN LAUGHS. IAN, ELENA, and JANE all walk over to the
table. IAN sets the bag down and begins to pull out the
various containers. ELENA sits down.

JANE walks over to the kitchen counter and begins to play

some MUSIC using her phone and a small speaker. JANE
leaves her phone face down on the counter as she walks
back to her place at the table.

IAN, ELENA, and JANE begin to pass around the different

dishes that are on the table. IAN, ELENA, and JANE take
turns serving themselves food.
 36

ELENA
(Jokingly)
So JANE, should I call you
mom now?

ELENA looks over at IAN who LAUGHS. IAN takes a bite of

food. ELENA then turns her gaze towards JANE.

JANE looks less than assumed.

JANE
(Displeased)
I love ya ELENA, but it is
too soon for jokes like
that.

JANE places her hand on her forehead and lets out a

slight CHUCKLE.

IAN
(Taunting)
Oh c’mon mom, that was
funny admit it!

ELENA LAUGHS a little and then she takes a bite of her

food.

JANE
(Admittedly)
Ok! Yes, it was just a
smidge funny, but I think
we have more important
names to discuss besides
what ELENA should be
calling me.

IAN and ELENA look at each other with food in both of

their mouths. Their expressions are both full of
confusion as they slowly turn their gaze on JANE.

JANE
Oh c’mon! Isn’t it obvious?
The grandbaby! What should
I be called?
 37

JANE slowly rests her body against the back of the chair.
She crosses her arms before slowly raising one hand to
her face. JANE begins to gently tap on her chin with her
head slightly tilted towards the ceiling.

IAN and ELENA both lean back in their chairs as well.

IAN brings his hands forward in front of his chest and

rests his fingertips on top of each other in the shape of
an arrowhead. He also tilts his head towards the ceiling
as he begins to tap his index fingers together.

ELENA turns her gaze down towards her stomach. She places
her right hand delicately on top of where her baby is.

JANE snaps back to attention and focuses her eyes on

ELENA.

JANE
(Excited)
Ya see, I always thought of
myself as a classic
“gramma.”

JANE gestures with both her hands above her head

following an arch like shape.

ELENA redirects her attention to JANE as she speaks.

IAN continues to stare at the ceiling.

JANE
(Contemplating)
However, now I feel like I
need to have something a
little more unique. Like
“Gigi” or something.

ELENA’s face turns to a disgusted expression.

 38

ELENA
(Laughing)
JANE, I love you, but you
are most definitely not a
“Gigi.”

ELENA LAUGHS.

JANE frowns and leans forward in her chair.

JANE
(Snarky)
Alright, well what do you
suggest I be then?

ELENA
I dunno but not a “Gigi”,
IAN wha da ya think?

ELENA looks over at IAN and gently taps his arms with her
fingertips.

IAN jolts in his chair. He looks first at ELENA and then

at JANE.

IAN
(Confused)
I’m sorry what?

JANE
(Annoyed)
What should your little
baby call me? Cause I most
certainly will not be a
basic “gramma.”

JANE crosses her arms in front of her and turns her nose
up towards the ceiling.

IAN looks more intently towards JANE.

 39

IAN
(Positively)
Ya know, I’ve always been
real fond of “nona.”

ELENA smiles and nods her head in agreement as she turns

to face her food. She picks up her utensils and takes
another bite.

JANE brings her head back down to look at IAN. She again
brings a hand up to her chin. JANE pauses for a moment
then leans forward in her chair uncrossing her arms.

JANE
(Excited)
ELENA, I think we’ve got
ourselves a winner!

JANE grabs her utensils and begins to eat.

ELENA
I agree, “nona” has a nice
ring to it.

ELENA and JANE resume eating their lunch.

IAN scooches forwards and leans in towards the table.

IAN
(Snarky)
Well, now we have something
even more important to
discuss.

ELENA and JANE look up towards IAN from their meals.

ELENA raises her eyebrow.

ELENA
(Inquisitive)
And what would that be?
 40

IAN sits tall in his chair as he looks ELENA in the eyes.

IAN
What are we gonna name the
baby?

The MUSIC begins to play louder over IAN, ELENA, and

JANE’s voices.

JANE and ELENA’s faces light up with excitement and they

begin spouting out ideas.

IAN LAUGHS as the two rattle off idea after idea.

IAN, ELENA, and JANE are all smiling, laughing, and

talking, as they finish eating their lunch together.

FADE OUT

THE END