Draft Screenplay
Audition for Life
Full-length Screenplay
Adaptation of Spring Awakening (Widerkind)
Characters
Gwen Walsh– a fourteen year old girl, in 2nd year, reasonably well-balanced, modern with good clothes sense, sociable but likes to spend time with herself. She is average at school but is talented in art. She has been writing in a diary for a year. She visits the poor but is attracted to the wild side. She finds Mack interesting because he believes in the devil.
Mack Grenier- a fifteen - year old boy in 3rd year He is attractive, confident and intelligent, with a great sense of humour. He has a very stable and relaxed family life although his parents are intellectuals . He claims to be a Satanist (really just to be cool), dresses all in black and has a stud under his lip. Despite this, parents and teachers like him. He can play most sports but is not really active in any. His best friend is Daragh.
Daragh Pender- a fifteen-year old boy in second year. He is small but good-looking enough. He is failing everything at school no matter how hard he tries. This is new. He used to be an average students. He is not self-confident and feels unloved. His parents are very strict and have too high expectations of him. The reason everything seems to be against him is that he is fighting depression, something that has just come upon him. He doesn’t know how handle it.
Martha Fallon- friend of Gwen’s in 2ndyear, pretty girl but very shy. Her parents are also very strict and sometimes beat her. She often is embarrassed by her good looks and hides them. While the other girls wear belly tops and tight skirts, she wears a sweater and keeps her hair tied back. She resents it when Gwen spends too much time with Mack.
Lizzie Blake- friend of Gwen’s in 2nd year, parents are very busy and don’t have much time for her. She is not as pretty as Gwen and Martha but she has sex-appeal and is boy crazy.
Tiff Walsh- Gwen’s mother, she feels she is reasonably close to her daughter and although she grew up in a liberal time, doesn’t quite know how to cope with Gwen growing up. She is separated from Gwen’s father and sometimes feels lonely.
Joe Walsh- Gwen’s father, he is not living with Gwen and her mother as her parents have separated. He lives in another city but sees Gwen when he can. He loves her but feels less in touch with her as she is growing up.
Michelle Grenier – Mack’s mother , kind , beautiful and sophisticated
James Grenier- Mack’s father
Mick Pender- Daragh’s father. He recently lost his wife. He has worked hard all his life and has sacrificed a lot for Daragh to get a good education.
Kelly Hammer – the female half of young couple next door to Mack. They have applied to adopt a child.
Kevin Hammer- new next door neighbour to Mack.
Winn Tuohey- She is Tiff’s best friend. She is also separated but has no children.
Ken Fallon – Martha’s much older brother. (about 32) He is very religious and a bit weird. He is always recording the lives of Martha’s friends to show how bad they are. He uses video and still cameras and sound equipment.
Marie and Colin Blake: Martha’s parents. The are older than the parents of other children of Martha’s age. Their family is all grown up. Martha was the “accident” and they are ashamed of her existence. She seems to symbolize their lust which they consider sinful except for procreation. They think they have been punished by this child. They are very strict, religious and believe in beating their children in order to bring them up and educate them properly. An older brother Ken is still living at home.
Christina and Peter Blake: Lizzie’s parents, they are extremely close, don’t quite know how to communicate with Lizzie. They find her annoying so end up ignoring her .
Teachers: William Mann, Silvia Bourke, Shirley Madden
Joseph Conneely – Mack’s mother’s cousin, a bachelor fisherman who lives in Connemara
Niuse in Pediatrics ward
Extras: a male make-up person, waiters, other teachers, parents, students, poor people, religious people
Action takes place in large town or small city in the west of Ireland present time plus in Connemara and on the sea.
FADE IN;
CUE MUSIC: AVRIL LAVIGNE SKATER BOY
SCENE 1: EXT. SECONDARY SCHOOL YARD-WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, LATE SEPTEMBER
WIDE SHOT students streaming out of school . MEDIUM SHOT AND FOLLOW a group of three girls. They walk over to the to the side of the school and collect there talking and giggling but we don’t hear what they say. Medium shot two boys the same age pass. IN SLOW MOTION FOR A SECOND, the girls look at them . They look back and pass.
CUE CREDITS
FADE MUSIC
CLOSE UP: a hand-held camera is shown but we can’t see who is holding it. We then go into the camera and it is our eye. It pans toward a group of girls, Gwen, Martha and Lizzie , and when it reaches them it stops.
MEDIUM SHOT:
LIZZIE (EXCITED)
So let’s plan your sleepover!
GWEN
I got money for my birthday from Ma. So we can go shopping tomorrow.
LIZZIE
Great.
MARTHA
I only hope I’m allowed. You know how my parents are!
GWEN
Come anyway. I don’t have a birthday everyday. I want my best friends there.
LONG SHOT: THE GIRLS START WALKING HOME ALONG THE CANAL,
FADE UP MUSIC: SKATER BOY , AVRIL LAVIGNE
LONG SHOT: THE TWO BOYS, MACK AND DARAGH ARE SKATEBOARDING FURTHER DOWN THE CANAL
MARTHA
Look. There’s Daragh. He’s kind of cute. I know he’s not the brightest or the best looking. He just seems nice.
FADE MUSIC:
GWEN
Yeah, he is nice. I’ve seen him down at the homeless centre. Helping, you know. (BECOMES PENSIVE) Did you know that his friend Mack worships the Devil?
LIZZIE
I didn’t know that. But I do know he is gorgeous and smart. Don’t you just love him Gwen?
GWEN
I don’t know. There’s really no one that does it for me.
MARTHA
Well, I think he’s scary. All that talk about Satan.
LIZZIE
That’s all for show.
MARTHA
I couldn’t stand someone with an earring though his lip. It
creeps me out.
LIZZIE
I think he’s sexy.
GWEN
You think everybody is sexy.
LIZZIE (SHRUGS AND LOOKS AT TELEPHONE AND PRESSES BUTTONS)
So?
SCENE TWO: INT. CAFÉ AFTERNOON: Gwen’s mother Tiff is talking to old friend Winnie over coffee. Sound of television in the BG.
MED. CU ON PAIR
WINNIE
Do you want to go to the cinema on Saturday? There’s this really good Finnish film I’ve been wanting to see.
TIFF
I’d love to but I can’t. (SHE GRAMACES) It’s Gwen’s birthday and she’s having a sleepover with some friends.
WINNIE
A birthday party! Can I come?
TIFF
It’s not really a party. But you’re welcome. We can watch a video or something. I’m making a cake.
WINNIE
You’re supposed to be helping me with the diet. What do you do at these things anyway?
TIFF
Pretty much keep out of the way. My little girl is growing up!
WINNIE
Have you had the little talk yet, or is it still too early? Didn’t we learn everything at a sleepover?
TIFF
I gave Gwen a book on the subject last year. (SHE LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE) I told her she could always come to me if she had any questions.
WINNIE
(LAUGHING) You can’t talk about sex with your own daughter .You! You were wild.
TIFF
(EMBARRASSED) It’s hard because it is my little girl.
(THOUGHTFUL) I wonder what she really knows.
CUT TO CU OF TELEVISION THAT IS SHOWING A TALK SHOW.
WINNIE
Sure television is the new teacher about everything.
TIFF
But it’s distorted. I should talk to her.
WINNIE
No matter what they say, it’s not a parent’s place. Think back ,Tiff. Would you have wanted your parents to lecture you? They have to experiment for themselves, be madly in love, be heartbroken.
TIFF
We didn’t get it right. We still haven’t.
WINNIE
Relax, Gwen’s a good kid. They’re all smarter than us that way.
SCENE THREE: INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, EVENING
GWEN’S BEDROOM: Gwen is writing in her diary. Her mother, Tiff, come in. Gwen closes the diary.
TIFF
So who’s coming to your sleepover?
GWEN
Lizzie and Martha if she’s allowed.
TIFF
What will I get for it?
GWEN
I thought I’d go shopping with the girls.
TIFF
OK. I’ll give you money for supplies. I thought I’d give you money for your birthday this year too. You could get something nice to wear.
GWEN
That would be great.
TIFF
Oh, Winnie’s coming over to keep me company.
GWEN
Cool.
TIFF
And I’m making a cake.
GWEN
(LIGHT-HEARTED COMPLAINING) Mom!
TIFF
You’re not so old that you’ll get away without one of my special death by chocolate birthday cakes.
GWEN
I can hardly wait.
SOUND OF MOBILE PHONE RINGING (TO SOUND OF ANNIE, SMOOTH TALKIN’ CRIMNALS)
GWEN
(SCREAMING EXCITEDLY) You can? That’s great. Yeah sure. That’s no problem.
(TO MOTHER) Matha is allowed if you phone her parents.
TIFF MAKES A SIGN TO SHOW SHE’LL PHONE DOWNSTAIRSAND LEAVES BEDROOM.
CUT TO CU MARTHA ON HER MOBILE PHONE.
MARTHA
I was sure they’d say no. My stupid brother was the worst. He tried to make out that that sleepovers were wrong but my parents said it was ok.
V/O SCREAMS OF HAPPINESS FROM THE TWO GIRLS.
INT: KITCHEN: Tiff is sitting there having a cup of tea,
TIFF
Do you want anything?
GWEN
No thank s. Did you phone Martha’s parents?
TIFF
Yes. Everything’s fine.
GWEN GOES OVER AND GIVES HER MOTHER A KISS.
GWEN
Goodnight then.
TIFF
Don’t forget that your father is coming to town on Friday to take you out to dinner.
GWEN
(YAWNING) I won’t. Good Night.
GWEN HAS A PORTABLE TV IN HER ROOM. IT IS ON AND SHE IS WATCHING IT. CLOSE UP AD FOR BATTLE OF THE BANDS.
V/O ADD (WRITE LATER) (TO TAKE PLACE IN A MONTH’S TIME)
ON SCREEN: CLIPS OF BANDS IN IT OTHER YEARS.
CUT TO SAME TV SCREEN IN ANOTHER TV, ANOTHER HOUSE.
PULL OUT TO REVEAL MACK AND DARAGH STUDYING WHILE WATCHING TELEVISION
CUE MUSIC: SUGARBABES, FREAK LIKE ME
DARAGH
Did you see that?
MACK
Yeah.
DARAGH
We have got to enter.
MACK
We’ll have to get a band together.
DARAGH
That’s what I’ve been telling you. I’m not bad at drums. You’re good at the guitar and writing songs. I don’t know what we were waiting for.
MACK
Neither of us can sing.
DARAGH
Well fuck them. We don’t need a singer.
MACK
We do.
DARAGH
Yeah, we do.
INT. GWEN’S ROOM.NIGHT. SHE IS ON THE MOBILE TO MARTHA WHILE WATCHING THE TV.
GWEN
Martha, did you see the Telly? (SCREECHES WITH EXCITEMENT THENWAITS FOR A RESPONSE) Yeah, we just have to enter. I’ll work on a song. Can you call Lizzie?
INT. MACK’S ROOM. NIGHT. MACK AND DARAGH ARE ALSO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE CONTEST. MACK’S ROOM IS PLASTERED WITH HEAVY METAL POSTERS. THERE IS A HUGE PENTAGRAM PAINTED ON THE CEILING. ON A TABLE IS A CEREMONIAL KNIFE, BOOKS ON MAGIC, A CLAY BOWL OF INCENSE AND ANOTHER OF SALT. THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE STATUE OF BUDDHA AND A SMALL STATUE OF THE VIRGIN MARY.
MACK
Where are we going to get a song?
DARAGH
You are going to write one. Nice and lively, like.
THERE IS SILENCE FOR A MINUTE.
DARAGH
If we do well enough maybe I won’t have to worry about my exams anymore. I’m fed up. I can’t keep my mind on anything long enough to learn anything. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t remember anything.
MACK
Calm down, will you, or you won’t be able to do anything.
DARAGH
But I’m going to fail, man. I’ve never done that before.
MACK
We’ll just have to set out a study plan. It’ll be good for the both of us.
FADE MUSIC
(MACK’S MOTHER, MICHELLE GRENIERCOMES IN AND BRINGS THEM A LITTLE SNACK)
MICHELLE
Working hard? I thought you might want something to nibble on.
DARAGH
Yeah, thanks.
MICHELLE
What are you working on?
MACK
We have to write a poem for English
MICHELLE
Well, I’ll leave you to it then.
(SHE LEAVES. WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES MACK AND DARAGH BURST OUT LAUGHING)
DARAGH
Your mother’s a looker! Nice too. I bet you can talk to her about everything. (WISTFULLY) I bet she wouldn’t punish you if you failed.
MACK
(THROWING A PILLOW AT DARAGH AND LAUGHING) That’s because it won’t ever happen.
SCENE FOUR:
INT. CLASSROOM THURSDAY MORNING: 30 OR MORE STUDENTS ARE SETTLED IN FRONT OF MR. MANN, THE TEACHER.
MR.MANN
Now, each of you had an article on the ecology of our planet to read and report on. Daragh, would you like to begin?
DARAGH
I know this one man.
(MR. MANN COUGHS IN DISAPPROVAL)
DARAGH
There was this attack by giant jellyfish in Scotland. They just snuffed out everything.
(LAUGHTER OF STUDENTS)
MR. MANN
You’re partly right. They weren’t exactly giant but they were where they shouldn’t have been . Where were they from?
DARAGH
Mars?
(LAUGHTER OF STUDENTS)
MR. MANN
Mr. Pender. What world do you live in? They came from Southern California. And why were they a problem?
DARAGH
They were killing everyone in sight and taking over their minds.
(EVEN MORE UNPROARIOUS LAUGHTER)
MR MANN
Anyone with a more plausible explanation?
(A GIRL PUTS UP HER HAND)
MR. MANN
Yes. Lucy.
LUCY
They are killing the salmon farmed off the coast of Scotland by suffocation or stinging.
MR. MANN
Very good Lucy. Daragh, you will stay after school. We’ll see if more study will get you down to earth.
(LAUGHTER OF STUDENTS)
MR. MANN
Mack , what did you find out about the problems of the mountain gorilla?
(CU DARAGH, HE IS UPSET DESPITE THE CLOWNISH ATTITUDE)
MACK
I’m sorry, I can’t remember.
MR. MANN
(SURPRISED) Nothing?
MACK
Nothing.
MR. MANN
Well, Mr. Grenier. You can just accompany Mr. Pender after school until your memory comes back. Now Jules, how did you get on?
SCENE 5: EXT. THURSDAY AFTERNOON, SCHOOLYARD
GWEN, MARTHA AND LIZZIE RUSH OUT OF SCHOOL AND HEAD TOWARDS TOWN TO BUY THINGS FOR THE PARTY. LIZZIE IS ALWAYS AT HER PHONE. ALWAYS TEXTING.
LIZZIE
We’ll have to get some Tom and Gerry ice-cream.
MARTHA
And some chocolates.
GWEN
Mom’s making her Death By Chocolate cake.
LIZZIE MAKES NOISES AS IF SHE IS IN ECSTASY.
MARTHA
It wouldn’t be your birthday without that. MMMMM!
SCENE 6: INT. DEPARTMENT STORE, AFT.
LIZZIE, MARTHA AND GWEN ARE IN A DEPARTMENT STORE.. GWEN IS BEING MADE UP AT A MAKEUP COUNTER.
MALE MAKE-UP PERSON
With your skin, I would only put on the barest minimum of make-up, more as protection than anything else.
MARTHA
Do you want to look for clothes next or do you want to save the money your mother gave you?
GWEN
(WITH DIFFICULTY BECAUSE SHE WAS BEING MADE UP) What do you think? Spend, of course. I’ve had my eye on this outfit.
LIZZIE BUYS SOME MAKEUP AND FACIAL MASKS.
THEY GO UP TO THE CLOTHES DEPARTMENT
CUE MUSIC: THAT SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT BY NIRVANA
THE GIRLS TRYING ON CLOTHES AND MODELING THEM. FINALLY GWEN BUYS SOMETHING AND THE EXIT.
FADE MUSIC:
SCENE SEVEN: INTERIOR CLASSROOM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
MACK AND DARAGH ARE SITTING IN THE ROOM DOING EXTRA WORK...A TEACHER, MISS SHIRLEY MADDEN IS TALKING TO ANOTHER TEACHER, MISS SYLVIA BOURKE..
DARAGH
(WHISPERING) I know you knew the answer.
MACK SMILES
DARAGH
Thanks, I appreciate what you’re doing. But I’d feel bad if you went down the tube with me.
MACK
But you knew it all last night.
DARAGH
Lately I can’t seem to remember things. Don’t know what it is.
THE TEACHER GOES BACK TO HER DESK AND THE BOYS ARE SILENT FOR AWHILE.
MACK
I wrote a bit of the song for the competition.
DARAGH
That’s great. I knew you’d sing it.
MACK
No, I want a girl singer.
SCENE 8 INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM THURDAY NIGHT
GWEN (HUMMING A SONG) IS PUTTING AWAY THE NEW CLOTHES AND MAKEUP. SHE GETSB HER DIARY BUT DOES NOT WRITE RIGHT AWAY. SHE STARES MOODILY INTO SPACE, TAPS THE PEN AGAINST HER BOOK AND BEGINS TO WRITE.
SCENE 9: INT. SCHOOLROOM, FRIDAY MORNING
GENERAL CLASSROOM SCENE. MS. MADDEN IS AT HER DESK AT THE FRONT OF THE CLASS. STUDENTS ARE SEATED. LIZZIE AND MARTHA
GET UP AND WHISPER SOMETHING TO THE TEACHER. SHE STANDS UP.
MS. MADDEN
It is a special day for someone in this class. Could everyone stand up and sing a happy birthday to Gwen.
V/O STUDENTS SINGING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GWEN
MCU ON GWEN. SHE APPEARS EMBARRASSED BUT IS ENJOYING THE ATTENTION.
SCENE 10: EXT. SCHOOLYARD, FRIDAY AT LUNCHTIME
GWEN, LIZZIE AND MARTHA ARFE SITTING ON THE GRASS EATING THEIR LUNCH. MACK PASSES, SLOWS DOWN.
MACK
Hey, Gwen.
GWEN LOOKS UP.
MACK
Happy Birthday!
MACK SMILES AND CONTINUES ON HIS WAY.
GWEN SMILES BACK AND TRIES TO CONTROLHERSELF AS SHE FEELS FLUSHED AND FLUSTERED.
A MICROPHONE APPEARS OFF SIDE. THE THREE GIRLS WAVE THEIR ARMS FOR IT TO GO AWAY.
THEY GET UP AND GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
SCENE ELEVEN: INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR.
SCHOOL IS FINISHED AND STUDENTSARE COMING OUT OF CLASSROOMS. GWEN IS HURRYING OUT FOLLOWED BY LIZZIE AND MARTHA.
GWEN
I have to go. My father is coming to town just so he can take me out to dinner. For my birthday.
MARTHA
That’s great, Gwen.
GWEN
Yeah, I haven’t seen him since they split up.
LIZZIE
When will we go over to your house tomorrow?
GWEN
About five. See you. I have to run.
LIZZIE’S PHONE RINGS AND SHE ANSWERS IT.
SCENE TWELVE: INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM
GWEN IS GETTING READY TO HAVE DINNER OUT WITH HER FATHER. SHE IS WEARING THE CLOTHES SHE BOUGHT WITH HER BIRTHDAY MONEY. SHE LOOKS IN THE MIRROR AS SHE DOES HER HAIR, PUTS ON MAKEUP AND JEWELRY AND SPRAYS ON PERFUME.
ROCK MUSIC IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND ( CHERRY LIPS BY GARBAGE)
SOUND: CAR PULLING UP OUTSIDE, DOORBELL, A MALE AND FEMALE TALKING BUT TOOM INDISTINCT TO MAKE OUT THE WORDS.
V/O
TIFF (CALLING UPSTAIRS)
Gwen, you father’s here!
GWEN (CALLING DOWNSTAIRS)
Coming.
SCENE THIRTEEN: INT GWEN’S LIVING ROOM, FRIDAY NIGHT.
GWEN WALKS IN . HER FATHER AND MOTHER ARE SITTING THERE AWKWARDLY. HER FATHER STANDS UP. GWEN RUNS TO HIM AND GIVES HIM A BIG HUG.
GWEN
Dad!
JOE
Happy birthday Gwen. Look at you. You’re beautiful. You’re all grown up.
GWEN SMILES
JOE
We’d better be off. Our reservations are for eight.. The best restaurant in town.
TIFF WALKS THEM OUT TO THE FRONT DOOR, OPENS IT AND LETS THEM OUT.
TIFF
Have fun!
INT. MACK’S ROOM, FRIDAY NIGHT.
CUE MUSIC
MACK AND DARAGH AND LISTENING TO MUSIC PERHAPS GREEN DAY AND TRYING TO PLAY ALONG WITH IT. MACK HAS THE GUITAR AND DARAGH IS DRUMMING ON THE DESK.
DARAGH
(SINGING ALONG WITH THE CD) …and in the end, it really doesn’t matter
CUT MUSIC WHEN SONG ENDS
DARAGH
Are we good, or what? I think we should quit school and form a real rock band.
MACK
Perhaps we should be we have to finish school first.
DARAGH
That’s okay for you to say. You’re not failing.
MATT
You told me you did al-right on that last test.
DARAGH
I lied.
MATT
You just have to focus, Dare.
DARAGH
Yeah well, I think I’ll keep practicing the old music just in case.
You don’t have an old spell there for me?
MATT
The only spells I have , you have inside you too. You have to believe in yourself.
DARAGH
As I said before, easy for you…..(HE STARTS DRUMMING ON THE DESK AGAIN)
SCENE FIFTEEN: INT. FANCY RESTAURANT, FRIDAY NIGHT
GWEN IS HAPPY TO BE WITH HER DAD AND TO BE PAMPERED. BUT SHE HASN’T SEEN HIM IN A WHILE AND SHE FEELS SLIGHTLY AWKWARD AND SHY. THEY ARE BETWEEN THE MAIN COURSE AND DESSERT.
JOE:
So are you having a party for your birthday.
GWEN
Not exactly. Lizzie and Martha are coming over for a sleepover tomorrow.
JOE
Lizzie and Martha. So you’ve kept the same friends in Secondary School. That’s nice.
GWEN
We’re going to enter this band contest. I’m writing a song.
JOE
And what about a boyfriend? Anyone I should know about?
GWEN IS EMBARRASED AND OPENS HER MOUTH TO REPLY BUT JUST THEN A WAITER BRINGS IN A CAKE WITH SPARKLERS ON IT WHILE SINGING HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
WHEN THEY ARE EATING THEIR CAKE, HER FATHER PASSES HER A BEAUTIFULLY PACKAGED BOX.
JOE
Happy Birthday.
GWEN BEGINS TO UNWRAP IT. SHE OPENS THE BOX AND IS JUST PULLING THE TISSUE PAPER APART.
JOE
I didn’t know what to get you. Here’s a cheque to buy something you want.(HE PASSES HER AN ENVELOPE) I just wanted you to have something nice to open.
CU GWEN’S HANDS OPENING THE TISSUE PAPER TO REVEAL SOMETHING RED AND LACEY. SHE HOLDS UP A LONG TRANSPARENT RED
NEGLIGEE.
HER MOUTH FALLS OPEN. SHE IS EMBARRASSED BUT PRETENDS TO LIKE IT.
GWEN
It, It’s beautiful.
JOE
(NOT NOTICINGHOW INAPPROPRIATE IT IS) I’m glad you like it. I mean you are growing up. I didn’t know what to get you.
GWEN
I love it.
SCENE SIXTEEN: INT. MACK’S BEDROOM. MACK AND DARAGH ARE READING MAGAZINES AND JAPANESE STYLE COMICS.
DARAGH
Were you serious about getting a girl singer?
MACK
Yeah, I was thinking of one of the first year girls.
DARAGH
That Martha has a lovely voice. I heard her in the choir.
MACK
Yeah, but she isn’t exactly the image I want to portray with the band. She’s a bit plain.
DARAGH
With a little makeup and the right clothes, she would be lovely.
MACK
I was thinking more of Gwen. She can sing. And she has sex appeal.
DARAGH
If that’s what you want, why don’t you get that other one, that Lizzie. She can’t sing a note. But she’s a slut.
MACK
How do you know, Dare?
DARAGH
Everyone knows.
MACK
What’s she done, then ?
DARAGH
Okay Mack. So I don’t know much about sex. There. Does that make you feel good?
MACK
Hold on. I’m not making fun of you. I had to piece things together for myself. Here. This is my journal. I’ve written down everything about sex that I know. You can borrow it.
DARAGH LEAFS THROUGH THE NOTEBOOK.
DARAGH
Wow, those are great drawings of zombie! Look – and Satanist rituals.
MACK
Yeah, don’t lose it.. I put everything in it. I have part of a science fiction story there. Half-written songs. It is my life.
DARAGH
It must be hard to get copies of those rituals.
MACK
I made them up. That’s why that book is so special. I couldn’t dream up all that again.
SCENE EIGHTEEN: INT. GWEN’S ROOM, FRIDAY NIGHT
SHE TAKES THE NIGHTGOWN OUT OF THE BOX. SHE HIDES IT AT THE BACK OF HER CLOSET AND GETS INTO BED WITH PAJAMAS ON.
SCENE NINETEEN: INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, SATURDAY LATE AFTERNOON
CUE MUSIC BLINK 182, DAMMIT
INT. KITCHEN, MOTHER BAKING A CAKE, GWEN PUTTING AWAY PROVISIONS FOR THE SLEEEPOVER
INT. LIVING ROOM, MOTHER IS HOOVERING
INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM GWEN IS PUTTING HER HAIR IN A PONY TAIL, PUTTING ON EARRINGS AND PUTTING ON HER SHOES
INT. BATHROOM, GWEN IS CLEANING THE SINK AND ARRANGING NEW TOWELS
SOUND: DOORBELL
GWEN RUNS TO OPEN DOOR
FADE MUSIC
LIZZIE AND MARTHA COME IN.
SCENE TWENTY: INT. GWEN’S KITCHEN, SATURDAY NIGHT
DIRTY PLATESARE PILED BY THE SINK. THERE IS A PIZZA BOX WITH A FEW COLD SLICES IN IT ON THE COUNTER. THE THREE GIRLS ARE SEATED AROUND THE TABLE FINISHING A SLICE OF CHOCOLATE CAKE. GWEN’S MOTHER IS FILLING A TRAY WITH CAKE FOR TWO, A BOTTLE OF WINE AND TWO GLASSES.
TIFF
I’m going in to watch a video with Winn You know where I am if you need me.
MARTHA
Thanks Mrs. Walsh. The cake was great.
LIZZIE
Yeah, it was great.
GWEN SMILES.
SCENE TWENTY-ONE INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM.
THE GIRLS LIGHT CANDLES. MARTHA HANDS A PRESENT TO GWEN.
MARTHA
You’re so lucky. My father says that no-one has a party after twelve. What he means is that he didn’t get a party after 12, so no-one else will either.
GWEN
This is not exactly a party. Thanks for this.
GWEN OPENS THE PRESENT. IT IS A CD. SHE PUTS IT ON.
CUE MUSIC GREEN DAY, PROSTHETIC HEAD
LIZZIE
(GIVING GWEN A PRESENT) You are going to love this.
GWEN OPENS THE PRESENT. IT IS A BOOK
CU TITLE
V/O LIZZIE
Poems Erotica, fifty erotic poems to set you tingling!
THE THREE GIRLS LAUGH. GWEN OPENS THE BOOK AND READS A PAGE.
GWEN
Listen to this. “Let me be the breeze that licks your unopened eyes.”
THE GIRLS FALL DOWN WITH LAUGHTER.
LIZZIE
(Reaching into her bag) Speaking of love, are we going to do this love spell I found, or what?
M ARTHA
It can’t hurt.
LIZZIE TAKES ABOOK AND A SMALL POUCH OUT OF HER OVERNIGHT BAG.
SHE HAND THE BOOK TO MARTHA.
LIZZIE
Find the love one.
FADE MUSIC
LIZZIE OPENS THE POUCH TO SHOW AN INCENSE BURNER, A KNIFE AND INCENSE.
MARTHA
It says here to write the name of the one you love on a piece of paper. Say these words over it. Then burn it.
GWEN
What’s the knife for?
LIZZIE
Protection from evil spirits.
MARTHA
Come on Lizzie. It’s just a love charm. Don’t scare me.
LIZZIE
I’m serious. All the books say it is a good idea to have a knife to keep you safe. I don’t know what you do with it but….
GWEN
I don’t really have anyone I want to do a love spell on.
LIZZIE IS PASSING OUT PAPER AND PENCILS AND IS LIGHTING A CONE OF INCENSE.
LIZZIE
Lighten up. It’s just for fun.
THEY EACH WRITE A NAME ON A PAPER WITHOUT SHOWING IT TO EACH OTHER. THEY READ A SPELL TOGETHER AND THROW THE PAPERS ON THE INCENSE AND WATCH THEM BURN.
V/O LIZZIE, GWEN, MARTHA
VENUS SHINING IN THE NIGHT
BLESS MY HEART WITH LOVE AND LIGHT.
LOVED IN TRUTH I WISH TO BE,
LISTEN TO MY PRAYER, MY PLEA.
MAY I LOVE AND BE LOVED TOO,
BLESSED BE THE LOVE THAT’S TRUE.
AND IT HARM NO-ONE SO BE IT.
A NOISE COMES FROM MARTHA’S MOBILE PHONE. SHE LOOKS AT IT.
LIZZIE
So Gwen, whose name did you write?
GWEN
None of your business.
MARTHA
(LOOKING AT PHONE) I just got a text from Patrick, that idiot. I hope that’s not because of the spell.
THEY COLLAPSE IN LAUGHTER AND START TEXTING OTHER PEOPLE. THEN THEY TRY ON CLOSE AND DO EACH OTHER’S HAIR AND MAKEUP. LIZZIE IS RUTING AROUND IN GWEN’S CLOSET. SHE FNDS THE NIGHTGOWN.
LIZZIE
Whooo! Gwen. I have to try this on.
GWEN
Careful. It’s my mother’s. I was just trying it on.
LIZZIE TRIES IT ON AND ACTS THE VAMP. MARTHA AND GWEN LAUGH BUT THEN GWEN FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE.
GWEN
That’s enough Lizzie. Take it off now.
SCENE TWENTY-TWO: EXT. THE DOOR TO GWEN’S HOUSE, SUNDAY MORNING. MARTHA AND LIZZIE ARE LEAVING GWEN’S HOUSE. MACK PASSES THE HOUSE ON THE WAY INTO THE FIELDS BEHIND THE TOWN.
SCENE TWENTY-THREE: EXT. MAIN STREET, THE CITY, SUNDAY MORNING
GWEN IS DOING HER VOLUNTEER WORK WITH THE HOMELESS. A VAN IS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SIDE DOOR IS SLID OPEN. THE VAN CONTAINS SUPPLIES OF BLANKETS, TOILETERIES AND FOOD. GWEN IS TAKING THEM TO SHAPELESS BUNDLES OF PEOPLE LYING IN THE PAVEMENT.
SCENE TWENTY-FOUR: EXT STREET, SUNDAY MORNING, A HOMELESS MAN IS RAVING ON THE STREET.
HOMELESS MAN
Beware the evils of Satan. Don’t let yourself be tricked.
SCENE TWENTY-FIVE: EXT. FIELD WITH WOODS IN THE BG, SUNDAY AFTERNOON. GWEN IS GOING FOR A WALK. SHE RUNS INTO MACK.
GWEN
What are you doing here?
MACK
What do you mean. It’s a free country.
GWEN
It just seems to me that enjoying Nature is a strange thing for a Devil Worshipper to do.
MACK
There are many parts to me. And what about you? The do-gooder.
HE GIVES HER A TEASING PUSH.
MACK
Did you see that ad about the bans?
GWEN
Yeah, I’m working on a song.
MACK
It would be good to have a mixed band. I play the guitar. Daragh plays drums and we’d like to have a girl singer.
GWEN
Whose song would you do?
MACK
Whichever ‘s best. I mean, I am writing a song too but if yours sounds better, I’m on for it.
GWEN
But I had planned to go in with Martha and Lizzie.
MACK
They can be back up singers. You don’t play any instruments.
GWEN
I play tin whistle.
MACK
Yeah right, tin whistle. You’re really going to win playing that.
GWEN
I’ll think about it. But now I’m late I have to go.
SHE BREAKS IN TO A RUN AND GOES AWAY.
MONTAGE SEQUENCE: SCENES 26-30
CUE MUSIC OFFSPRING, THE KIDS AREN’T ALRGHT
INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT: GWEN IS READING HER NEW POETRY BOOK.
INT. DARAGH’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT: HE IS LOOKING THROUGH MACK’S JOURNAL.
INT. MACK’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT, HE IS STUDYING
INT. MARTHA’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT: SHE IS BEING BEATEN AND YELLED AT BECAUSE HER PARENTS FOUND HER WITH MAKEUP ON. THEY CALL HER A TART.
INT. LIZZIE’S HOUSE, SUNDAY NIGHT. LIZZIE IS TRYING O TELL HER PARENTS ABOUT THE BAND. THEY ARE IGNORING HER.
END MUSIC
SCENE THIRTY-ONE INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT
SHE LIKES THE POEMS SHE GOT FOR HER BIRTHDAY AND THE IMAGES IN THEM. SHE STARTS WRITING SOME OF THE SAME THEMES IN THE FORM OF A SONG ALTHOUGH SHE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THEM. IT DEALS WITH THE LOSS OF INNOCENSE. SHE PUTS THE BOOK AWAY IN THE DRAWER.SHE IS FINISHING HER SONG IN BED. SHE GETS TIRED AND LEAVES IT ON HER BEDSIDE TABLE AND TURNS OFF THE LIGHT.
SCENE THIRTY-TWO INT. TEACHER’S ROOM AT SCHOOL, MONDAY MORNING
DARAGH COMES TO THE DOOR TO ASK SOMETHING. HE NOTICES THERE IS NO ONE THERE. HE LOOKS AROUND AND SNEAKS IN.HE GOES OVER TO A FILING CABINET AND LOOKS FOR HE RECORD. HE STARTS READING IT BUT HEARS A NOISE AND PUTS IT AWAY QUICKLY. HE GOES OUT.
SCENE THIRTY-THREE INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, MONDAY AFTERNOON.
GWEN COMES HOME FROM SCHOOL TO BE CONFRONTED BY HER MOTHER WHO IS HOLDING THE PIECE OF PAPER THE POEM IS WRITTEN ON.
TIFF
(ANGRILY) What’s this?
GWEN
(DEFENSIVELY) Where did you get that?
TIFF
You know damn well where I got it?
GWEN
What were you doing in my room?
TIFF
I don’t need an excuse to go in. You left your phone and it was ringing. I thought it may have been you.
(SIGHING) That’s not the point. The point is this.
GWEN
That’s private.
TIFF
(STERNLY)Who are you writing to?
GWEN
That’s none of your business.
TIFF
(HOLDING THE PAPER UP AND READING FROM IT) “My innocence slipped through your fingers like Spring breezes.” That is my business. Who is this guy and how long have you been seeing him?
GWEN
Wouldn’t you like to know!
TIFF
Don’t you dare speak to me like that, you little whore.
SHE SLAPS GWEN HARD ON THE FACE.
CU GWEN’S FACE, REACTION OF HORROR AND HURT
TIFF
Oh my God, Gwen. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
SCENE THIRTY-FOUR EXT. GWEN’S STREET, MONDAY LATE AFTERNOON
CUE MUSIC: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, GIVE IT WAY
GWEN COMES OUT OF THE HOUSE RUNNING. SHE IS ANGRY AND HURT.
CU GWEN’S FACE, A TEAR ROLLS DOWN
SCENE THIRTY-FIVE: EXT. GWEN’S STREET,
MACK SEES GWEN RUN PAST HIM, THROUGH THE FIELDS AND INTO THE WOODS. HE GOES AFTER HER.
SCENE THIRTY-SIX: EXT. WOODS
(SILENT, WE HEAR NO WORDS, ONLY THE PRODIGY)GWEN IS TRYING TO TALK BUT IS VERY EMOTIONAL. MACK IS TRYING TO COMFORT HER. HE HUGS HER. THEY FEEL A SPARK BETWEEN THEM. IT BEGINS TO RAIN HEAVILY. MACK POINTS TO A GARDENER’S SHED. THEY RUN TO IT, GO IN AND SLAM THE DOOR.
SCENE THIRTY-SEVEN; EXT. WOODS
A DROP IS DRIPPING SLOWLY DOWN A TREE
IT FINALLY DROPS OFF THE TREE AND LANDS NOISILY IN A PUDDLE.
CUT MUSIC
SCENE THIRTY-EIGHT: INT.GWEN’S HOUSE, MONDAY NIGHT
GWEN WALKS IN THE DOOR. HER MOTHER RUSHED OUT FROM THE LIVING ROOM.
TIFF
Gwen, I…….
GWEN WALKS PAST HER MOTHER AS IF SHE DIDN’T SEE HER. SHE GOES INTO HER ROOM AND SLAMS THE DOOR. SHE SEES THE SONG IS BACK ON HER BEDSIDE TABLE AGAIN. SHE PICKS IT IS, CRUMPLES IT AND THROWS IT IN THE WASTEPAPER BASKET. BUT YOU CAN SEE THAT SHE IS HAPPY WHEN A SLIGHT SMILE APPEARS ON HER LIPS.
SCENE THIRTY-NINE INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, UPSTAIRS
GWEN IS IN HER BEDROOM. SHE OPENS THE DOOR OF HER BEDROOM AND GOES TO THE BATHROOM WHERE SHE RUNS A BATH WITH LOTS OF BUBBLE. SHE HEARS HER MOTHER CRYING DOWNSTAIRS.
SCENE FORTY; INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, ON THE STAIRS
GWEN IS COMING DOWN THE STAIRS WEARING PAJAMAS WITH A TOWEL WRAPPED AROUND HER HEAD
SCENE FORTY-ONE: INT. GWEN’S LIVING ROOM
GWEN’S MOTHER, TIFF IS SITTING ON THE SOFA CRYING WITH HIS FACE IN HIS HANDS. GWEN MOVES TO CONFORT HER. HER MOTHER TRIES TO SHOO HER AWAY
TIFF
Leave me be, Gwen. I don’t want you to see me like this.
GWEN ST DOWN ON THE SOFA.
TIFF
(SOBBING) I don’t want to be the child.
GWEN
What do you mean?
TIFF
I was always the strong one in my family. My father was away . Your grandmother couldn’t cope . I had to grow up quickly. She was the child. I don’t want to be the child. I want to be strong for you.
GWEN
(HUGGING HER) You are strong for me.
TIFF
(BLOWING HER NOSE) I try. But lately just feel like I’ve been blowing it lately. I miss your father. And you are growing up. Soon you’ll be gong your own way.
GWEN
I’m not going anywhere for awhile.
TIFF
(PULLING HERSELF TOGETHER) I’m sorry for hitting you Gwen. I just don’t want you to mess up your life.
GWEN
I’m not messing up my life.
TIFF
I know. But I to be sure that you know you can come to me with anything.
GWEN NODS HER HEAD BUT YOU CAN TELL BY THE TENSION, HER STIFF BODY LANGUAGE, AND FACAL EXPRESSION THAT IT S TOO LATE FOR THAT. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.
SCENE FORTY-FOUR: EXT. MACK’S STREET, MORNING
A MOVING TRUCK PULLS UP NEXT DOOR. MEN START MOVING IN BOXES AND FURNITURE.
MACK IS LOOKING AT THE SCENE FROM HIS POINT OF VIEW.
MAC’S POINT OF VIEW: CAR DRIVE UP AND YOUNG COUPLE DRIVE UP. THEY ARE EXCITED ABOUT MOVING IN. THEY JOIN HANDS AND WALK IN THE HOUSE TOGTHER.
SCENE FORTY-FIVE: INT HALL OR GARAGE, AFTERNOON
GWEN IS SINGING WITH A MICROPHONE. MARTHA AND LIZZE ARE ON BACKUP. MACK IS ON GUITAR. (COMMISSIONED SONG TO BE ADDED LATER. THIS IS MACK’S SONG – A BIT HEAVY) THEY FINISH THE SONG.
MACK
So, what do you think?
GWEN
It’s great!
MACK
It would have been better with drums.
MARTHA
Where is Daragh anyway?
MACK
I don’t know. He was supposed to be here.
Has anybody got any credit? We should phone him.
LIZZIE
What’s his number ?
MACK
085- 5986232
LIZZIE
(INTO THE PHONE) Daragh, this is Lizzie. Did you forget that we had practice for the group? Call me back. (TO EVERYONE ELSE) He has his phone off.
MACK
Okay, let’s try Gwen’s song now.
EVERYONE GETS BACK IN “BAND” POSITION. GWEN STARTS SINGING A SLOWER SONG (COMMISSIONED- TO ADD LATER) GWEN FINISHES AND THEY ALL CLAP.
LIZZIE
We were great. We have a real chance.
MACK
That was a cool song.
LIZZIE
It’s a love song.
(MACK AND GWEN LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND BLUSH.)
GWEN
We have to decide which song to go with.
MARTHA
I like them both.
GWEN
Yeah, but perhaps we’d do better with a faster song.
LIZZIE
It might look better. Martha and I could dance to it and Mack can move around with the guitar more.
MACK
We’ll practice both. We can do mine at the contest and if we get to the next level, we will have another song up our sleeves.
LIZZIE
What do you mean, if we get through…….
DARAGH RUSHES IN LOOKING FLUSTERED.
MARTHA
The music wasn’t the same without the drums.
MACK
Yeah, where were you?
DARAGH
(PREOCCUPIED )I forgot.
MACK
(ANGRY)This is serious. If we want to have a chance, we have to take it seriously.
GWEN
(TRYING TO BE THE PEACEMAKER) Mack’s song is going to get us to the finals.
CU DARAGH, NO OBVIOUS REACTION.
MACK
We’ll do the songs again.
DARAGH SITS BEHND THE DRUM KIT. THEY START THE SONG. FOCIS IN DARAGH WHO IS JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS. HE HAS VERY LITTLE EXPRESSION ON HS FACE
SCENE FORTY-SIX: EXT. GARAGE OR HALL, AFTERNOON
THEY ALL START WALKING OUT OF THE GARAGE
CU PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERA ON TRIPOD.
SOUND SHUTTER CLICKING OVER VISUALS OF THEM WALKING
MARTHA
(TO SOMEONE WE CAN’T SEE) Why can’t you leave me alone?
MACK
(ANGRILY) Get out of here.
SCENE FORTY- SEVEN: EXT. MACK’S STREET, RAINY NIGHT
FIGURE IN HOODED RAINCOAT RUNNING UP TO MACK’S DOOR. MACK’S MOTHER, MICHELLE OPENS IT. THE FIGURE GOES IN.
SCENE FORTY-EIGHT: INT. MACK’S KITCHEN., NIGHT
THE FIGURE TAKE OFF THE COAT. IT IS KELLY HAMMER WHO JUST MOVED IN NEXT DOOR. SHE SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE. A MAN IS ALREADY SITTING THERE. HE IS JOSEPH CONNEELY, MICHELLES COUSIN, A BACHELOR WHO LIVES AND FISHES IN CONNEMARA. HE GETS UP AND TELLS MICHELLE.
MUSIC FROM RADIO: JINGLE “YOU’RE A STAR” MICHELLE TURNS IT OFF.
JOSEPH
I’ll have a quick lie-down before I set off on the road.
MICHELLE
Keep in mind what we talked about. About Mack working for you next summer.
JOSEPH
Sure, there’s nothing more to talk about. He’s welcome any time.
HE LEAVES
KELLY
I hope I’m not intruding at a bad time.
MICHELLE
My cousin was just up for the day from Connemara. Joseph’s a fisherman. It’s a long enough drive so he’s off for a sleep.
KELLY
It’s good of you to let me wait here.
MICHELLE
(MAKING TEA) I’m always forgetting my keys. I’m sure I’ll be over to you with the same problem.
KELLY
Kevin should be home soon.
MICHELLE
(SITTING DOWN AND POURING THE TEA) So how do you like it here?
KELLY
It’s great here. Kevin loves his job at the paper and I’m looking around for something.
MICHELLE
No children ?
KELLY
(HER FACE CLOUDS) I can’t.
MICHELLE
(AWKWARD) Oh, I’m so sorry.
KELLY
No, it’s okay. That’s part of the reason we moved here. We have our name down for adoption and we thought this would be a good place to bring up a kid.
MICHELLE
Everywhere’s the same. It’s hard. But it‘s good here.
SOUND MACK COMING IN THE FRONT DOOR. THEN INTO THE KITCHEN.
MICHELLE
Hi, Mack. This is Kelly, our new next door neighbour.
KELLY AND MACK LOOK AT EACH OTHER.
MACK
I saw you move in.
KELLY
I locked myself out. (SHRUGGNG) Is that a good first impression, or what?
MACK LAUGHS.
SOUND: CAR PULLNG UP OUTSDE
KELLY
I bet that’s Kevin. I’d better go.
MACK
It’s lashing rain. I’ll go out and make sure it’s him. I’ll tell him you’re here.
MACK LEAVES.
KELLY
He’s such a nice boy. You must be very proud.
MICHELLE
I am. Although I can’t say I understand the constant black t-shirts, the tattoos and piercing. (SIGHS) Still he does well in school and seems to have friends.
SCENE FORTY-NINE EXT. OUTSIDE MACK’S HOUSE
MACK RUNS OUT N THE RAIN. MEETS KEVIN AS HE IS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR.
MACK
You’re wife is at my house. Locked herself out. I came out to get you.
KEVIN
Thanks. I’ll follow you in. It’s Mack, isn’t it? I’m Kevin.
MACK
Yeah, I know.
KEVIN
Did you see the match last night?
MACK
Yeah, it was brilliant.
SCENE FIFTY INT; KITCHEN MACK’S HOUSE, NIGHT
MACK, MICHELLE, KELLY AND KEVIN ARE SITTING AROUND WITH EMPTY COFFEE CUPS TO SHOW PASSAGE OF TIME. KEVIN GETS UP.
KEVIN
Well we must be going.
KELLY
Thanks, you are lifesavers.
MICHELLE AND MACK WAVE FOLLOW THEM OUT TO THE DOOR AND WAVE.
SCENE FIFTY-ONE EXT: STREET,, AFTERNOON
MACK IS WALKING AND DARAGH PULLS UP IN THE BIKE
DARAGH
Do you want to get together and study for that test tonight ?
MACK
Maybe later. We have band practice.
DARAGH
You never have time anymore. You are always with her.
MACK
You’re in the band too. Remember?
That’s when you bother showing up.
DARAGH
Well, I have to study. I want to pass this year.
MACK
Chill. You’ll do okay. And if we win the band slam……… It’s this week-end. Be sure to make it man.
CU DARAGH. HE IS TOTALLY FED UP. HE FEELS HE IS NOT GETTING THROUGH TO MACK.
SCENE FIFTY TWO: INT. GWEN’S KITCHEN,
GWEN GIVES HER MOTHER A PECK ON THE CHEEK.
GWEN
Bye, Mom.
TIFF
Will you be home after school?
GWEN
I have band practise.
TIFF
Right, the boys in black.
GWEN
And girl. Martha and Lizzie are in it too.
Bye.
TIFF WAVES CASUALLY AND GWEN LEAVES.
SCENE FIFTY-THREE INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM., MACK AND DARAGH’S CLASS
THE CLASS IS TAKING AN EXAM. ALL IS SILENT.
ANGLE ON MACK WRITING AWAY.
ANGLE ON DARAGH AS HE SEEMS STUMPED BY A QUESTION
SCENE FIFTY- FOUR INT. BACKSTAGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE GROUP, ALL DRESSED UP, IS NERVOUS AND SELF-CONSCIOUS WHEN THEY SEE HOW GOOD ALL THE OTHER BANDS ARE.
MARTHA
(GOING OVER TO DARAGH) Everyone is so good.
DARAGH
Yeah. I wish we didn’t have to wait so long.
MACK
Just keep cool. Our song is good. We are good. We have a good chance.
GWEN GETS THE HICCUPS.
MARTHA
(PUTTING HER ARM AROUND GWEN) Take a deep breath. You’ll be fine.
LIZZIE
(
(TEASING) Maybe Mack should ask the Devil to help us.
MACK
(TEASING BACK) I already have.
MARTHA
You shouldn’t even joke about something like that. Bad things can happen.
MACK
But Martha , that’s our image.
MARTHA
That may be your image. But if that’s what kind of band it is, I want no part of it.
GWEN
(RECOVERED FROM HICCUPS) It’s all show, Martha. We’re just putting on a good show. We’re not Satanists. Mack isn’t really either.
LIZZIE
What do you think Daragh?
DARAGH
Whatever!
GWEN
We’re up after this. It’s a little late to discuss our image. Let’s just do our best. Let’s rock.
SCENE FIFTY-FIVE: INT ON STAGE, BATTLE OF THE BANDS, NIGHT
THE GROUP PERFORM’S MACKS SONG. THEY HAVE CHARISMA. THEY ARE GREAT.
SCENE FIFTY-SIX: INT. BEHIND THE STAGE, BATTLE OF THE BANDS, NIGHT
THEY ARE WAITING TO SEE IF THEY GOT THROUGH TO THE FINALS. THEIR NAME, DARK AWAKENING, IS CALLED. THEY ARE IN THE FINALS. THEY CHEER. MARTHA HUGS DARAGH. LIZZIE LOOKS JEALOUS. MACK AND GWEN ARE HOLDING HANDS AND SWINGING THEIR JOINED ARMS TO MUSIC.
SCENE FIFTY-SEVEN: EXT. OUTSIDE MACK’S HOUSE., DAYTIME
MACK SEES KEVIN KICKING ROUND A FOOTBALL IN HIS FRONT GARDEN.
HE GOES OVER AND JOINS HIM. THEY PLAY FOR A GOOD WHILE AND APPEAR TO ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY.
SCENE FIFTY-EIGHT: INT. DARAGH’S HOUSE, EVENING
MR. MICKEY PENDER IS READING THE NEWSPAPER IN THE LIVING ROOM.
DARAGH COMES IN.
MICKEY
How are ya? You aren’t home much lately.
DARAGH
No, we’re practicing for this band thing. We have a good chance.
MICKEY
It’s fine to have fun and go cavorting with girls. But don’t forget your studies. They are the only road to the future.
DARAGH
(GOING ON AUTOMATIC) Yeah, Yeah!
MICKEY
Don’t take that tone with me. I’ve worked hard to make sure you’ve got a good education.
DARAGH
I know that Dad.
MICKEY
I’m just saying that you’ll have to do well n school because I want you to get a job this summer. To help out like.
DARAGH
(LISTLESSLY) I’ll do ok Dad.
HE LEAVES AND GOES UP TO HIS ROOM.
SCENE FIFTY-NINE: INT. MARTHA’S HOUSE, NIGHT
MARTHA WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM WHERE HER PARENT ARE SITTING WATCHING TELEVISION. SHE HAS A PILE OF PHOTOS N HER HAND.
MARTHA
He’s been doing it again. He’s been spying on me. And worse, he’s been spying on my friends.
MRS. FALLON
He’s only looking out for your best interests.
MR. FALLON
It’s not his fault that you are hanging out with a wild crowd.
MRS. FALLON
Especially that Gwen. I always thought she was such a nice girl. And now?
MARTHA
(EXASPERATED) Just tell him to leave me and my friends alone.
MR. FALLON
You stay away from those friends and you won’t have a problem.
MARTHA
He’s sick.
MRS. FALLON
He’s a good boy.
MARTHA
He’s a peeper, Ma. I’ve seen him look at women through windows. I’ve seen him take underclothes off Nurse Wall’s clothesline.
MR. FALLON
Watch you tongue, young lady.
MARTHA SLAMS THE DOOR AND LEAVES.
SCENE SIXTY: INT. DARAGH’S BEDROOM, NIGHT.
DARAGH CAN’T SLEEP, READS A BIT OF MACK’S NOTEBOOK. THEN GETS UP AND PACES.
SCENE SIXTY-ONE : INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, MORNING
GWEN S IN HER BEDROOM. SHE RUSHES INTO THE TOILET TO BE SICK.
SCENE SIXTY-TWO, INT. DARAGH AND MACK’S CLASSROOM, DAY
WS STUDENTS - BY ACTIONS OF THE STUDENTS IT IS OBVIOUS THAT CLASSES ARE GOING TO SOON END FOR THE DAY. THEY ARE RESTLESS. CLOSE BOOKS, LOOK AT WATCHES AND PHONES.
CUT TO MR. MANN STANDING AT THE FRONT OF THE CLASS.
MR. MANN
Tomorrow, I’ll give you the results of your tests. I want them signed and brought back to me by next Friday
BELL RINGS STUDENTS RUSH OUT OF CLASS. ANGLE ON MACK AND DARAGH
SCENE SIXTY-THREE EXT. SCHOOLYARD, AFTERNOON
DARAGH AND MACK ARE STANDING IN FRONT OF THE STEPS. MACK IS LOOKING AROUND.
DARAGH
I’m dead.
MACK
What do you mean?
DARAGH
I just know I’ve failed.
MACK
Relax. You were doing okay.
DARAGH
I don’t know. What are you doing now? Do you want to hang out?
MACK
I can’t. I promised Gwen we’d go over her song.
DARAGH
I didn’t know there was a band practice.
MACK
It’s not.
DARAGH
(REALIZING THEY JUST WANT TO BE ALONE) Oh!
CUT TO GWEN AND MARTHA WALKING DOWN THE STEPS.
MACK
There she is. (WHILE MOVING AWAY) Why don’t you come over tonight and we’ll hang?
CUT TO TWO GIRLS GWEN SPOTS MACK AND SMILES. MARTHA LOOKS AT DARAGH IN THE DISTANCE AND THEN OVER TO MACK. SHE FROWNS, WHEN THE TWO GIRLS GET LEVEL WITH MACK, MARTHA WALKS OFF. SHE WALKS PAST DARAGH AND SAYS HELLO BUT HE IS PREOCCUPIED AND DOESN’T ANSWER.
SCENE SIXTY-FOUR EXT. AT MACK’S DOOR, EVENING
MR. JAMES GRENIER ANSWERS THE DOOR. HE IS A SERIOUS MAN WHO HAS LITTLE TIME FOR SMALL TALK.
HE SEES DARAGH
DARAGH
Is Mack in?
JAMES
I don’t think so. Although he could be buried up in
that room of his. He spends and inordinate amount of time up there.
JAMES
(CALLING UPSTAIRS) MACK!
(LISTENS FOR A MINUTE) I don’t hear music upstairs. He must be out.
DARAGH IS DISAPPOINTED AND DISTRESSED.
DARAGH
Then is his mother in? Your wife? Michelle?
JAMES
No, she has an art class on Wednesday s. I heat up my dinner in the microwave.
DARAGH BECOMES VERY AGITATED.
DARAGH
(SHOUTS) Well when are they coming home?
JAMES
(LOOKING CONCERNED) Are you al-right son?
DARAGH
I’ll come back.
JAMES
Daragh, isn’t it? I was sorry to hear about your mother.
DARAGH
I have to go. Tell Mack I called.
SCENE SIXTY-FIVE INT. GARAGE , NIGHT
MACK IS LYNG AND GWEN IS SITTNG ON A BLANKET ON THE FLOOR. AROUND THEM IS FOOD AND DRINK AS FOR A PICNIC AND A SMALL CANDLE IS IN THE MIDDLE.
GWEN
I used to hate it when my mother worked late.
MACK
I know. When my mother started art class, I just hated heating my dinner up n the microwave.
GWEN
(PLAYFULLY) Things change.
MACK
They do.
THEY KISS.
SCENE SIXTY-SIX EXT. FIELD THAT LEADS TO THE WOODS, NIGHT
DARAGH IS WALKING THROUGH THE FIELD CARRYING A BAG. HIS HEAD IS DOWN AND HIS SHOULDERS ARE SLUMPED. LIZZIE HAS SPOTTED HIM AND THINKS, WITH MARTHA NOT THERE, THIS MIGHT BE THE TIME TO MAKE A PLAY FOR HIM. SHE DOESN’T KNOW IF HE LIKES MARTHA BUT SHE KNOWS MARTHA STAKED A CLAIM ON HIM AMONGST THE GIRLS. SHE KNOWS THAT SHE MAY BE BETRAYING HER FRIEND’S TRUST BY GONG AFTER HIM BUT SHE IS VERY ATTRACTED. SHE IS REALLY QUITE INNOCENT DESPITE HER REPUTRATION. SHE FLIRTS FOR ATTENTION AND USES BAD LANGUAGE BUT HAS NEVER HAD ANY EXPERIENCE HERSELF. SHE RUNS AFTER HIM. DARAGH NEEDS SOMEONE TO TALK TO BUT WON’T TALK TO LIZZIE. PERHAPS BECAUSE HE DOESN’T TAKE HER SERIOUSLY OR BECAUSE IT IS NOW TOO LATE FOR TALK. HE HAS BEEN DEPRESSED FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW AND HAS BEEN FIGHTING TO STAY ON TOP. HIS CONDITION IS THE CAUSE OF HIS MARKS SLIPPING. THERE ARE NO REAL REASONS FOR HIS CONDITION. IT JUST CAME. IT IS TRUE THAT HIS MOTHER DIED AND HE SOMEHOW LOST SELF-CONFIDENCE AND DIDN’T FEEL ATTRACTIVE TO GIRLS BUT THIS WAS NOT THE ROOT. CHEMICAL? I DON’T KNOW.
LIZZIE
Daragh, wait!
HE KEEPS WALKING AS SHE STRUGGLES TO REACH HIM. SHE CATCHES UP
LIZZIE
Daragh, where are you going?
DARAGH
What do you want, Lizzie?
LIZZIE
I just thought if you weren’t doing anything, I could come along.
DARAGH
That doesn’t make sense.
LIZZIE
(FLIRTING) You know what I mean.
DARAGH
I’m going in the woods. You can come if you want. It’s your own business.
LIZZIE FOLLOWS HIM INTO THE WOODS.
SCENE SIXTY-SEVEN , EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
IT IS SPRING AND LEAVES ARE APPEARNING ON THE TREES. PRIMROSES AND LILIES-OF-THE VALLEY ARE POKING OUT FROM UNDER FOLLIAGE. WE CAN SEE THIS BY THE LIGHT OF A FLASHLIGHT.
FLASHLIGHT SHINES ON PERSON HOLDING IT’S FOOT.
ANGLE ON FOOT FROM FRONT PERPSCTIVE. ZOOM OUT TO SHOW KEN WITH THE FLSHLIGHT IN ONE HAND AND A VIDEO IN THE OTHER
SCENE SIXTY-EIGHT, EXT, WOODS, NIGHT
DARAGH SITS DOWN ON A GRASSY AREA BESIDE A LITTLE STREAM AND PUTS HIS BAG BESIDE HIM. HE IGNORES LIZZIE WHO SITS DOWN NEAR HIM. HE IS HITTING HIS KNEES AS IT THEY ARE DRUMS. SHE TRIES TO INIATE CONVERSATION.
LIZZIE
I think drums are great.
DARAGH
Um.
LIZZIE
The band’s good together.
DARAGH
Not bad.
LIZZIE
We have a chance.
DARAGH SHRUGS.
DARAGH
Anyway, I might be going away.
LIZZIE
You can’t do that until the Band final.
DARAGH SAYS NOTHING.
LIZZIE
Aw, c’mon Daragh. You’re not going to ruin it on us.
DARAGH
You can get another drummer. You’d be great at drums.
LIZZIE
It wouldn’t be the same. What do you want to do with leaving anyway? We still have school.
SOUND: SOMEONE OR SOMETHING BIG IN THE UNDERGROWTH
LIZZIE SITS CLOSER TO DARAGH.
LIZZIE
What’s that?
DARAGH
A bear.
LIZZIE
(CLUTCHING DARAGH) Oh my god! (THEN SHE LOOKS PUZZLED) Wait a minute. There aren’t any bears in this country.
DARAGH SMILES. LIZZIE IS HITTING HIM PLAYFULLY.
SCENE SIXTY-NINE: EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
KEN IS BRUSHING HIMSELF OFF AFTER HAVING FALLEN IN BUSHES. HE PICKS UP THE VIDEO CAMERA AND TORCH AND LOOKS AROUND, LISTENING, LIKE HE IS HUNTING.
SCENE SEVENTY: EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
LIZZIE STOPS HITTING HIM AND WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND HIM AND MIVES HER FACE SO AS TO KISS HIM. THEY KISS. SUDDENLY DARAGH PUSHES HER AWAY HARD.
DARAGH
You’re nothing but a slut.
LIZZIE HAS FALLEN TO THE GROUND AND STAYS THERE WITH A LOOK OF IMCOMPREHENSION. DARAGH RUNS FURTHER INTO THE WOODS.
SCENE SEVENTY-ONE: EXT.CEMETARY, NIGHT
DARAGH STUMBLES INTO THE CEMETARY. HE DOESN’T PLAN TO COME HERE. HE JUST WANTS TO BE ALONE. HE IS WALKING RANDOMLY WHEN HE SEES THE GRAVE OF HIS MOTHER MAY PENDER. HE SITS DOWN ON THE GRASS BESIDE IT AND OPENS HIS BAG. HE TALKS OUT A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY AND A LARGE BOTTLE OF PILLS. HE HOLDS THEM UP TO THE GRAVESTONE.
DARAGH
I held on to them, Mom. Morphine. Your only man.
HE TAKES A HANDFUL OF PILLS AND GULPS THEM DOWN WITH THE WHISKEY. HE THEN STARTS DRUMMING ON HIS KNEES AGAIN. PAN AROUND CEMETARY AS WE HEAR THE SOUND OF HIS DRUMMING. IT GRADUALLY GETS SLOWER.
CUT TO OVERHEAD SHOT OF CEMETARY SHOWING DARAGH PASSED OUT.
SCENE SEVENTY-TWO INT. DARAGH’S HOUSE, MORNING
MR. PENDER IS KNOCKING ON DARAGH’S DOOR TO WAKE HIM UP FOR SCHOOL. THERE IS NO ANSWER. HE GOES IN AND FNDS THE BED NOT SLEPT IN. MR. PENDER SEES MACK’S NOTEBOOK, PICKS IT UP AND STARTS TO GO THROUGH IT.
CU MACK’S NAME AND ADDRESS IN THE INSIDE
SCENE SEVENTY-THREE INT. SCHOOL DARAGH AND MACK’S CLASSROOM
MR. MANN IS GIVING OUT RESULTS. HE’S CALLING OUT NAMES AND THEY ARE GOING UP AND GETTING THEM.
MR. MANN
Daragh Pender!
HE LOOKS UP AND SEES THAT DARAGH IS NOT THERE.
MR. MANN
Pity! He would be very pleased with himself. He did very well.
SCENE SEVENTY-FOUR: EXT. SCHOOLYARD
MACK GOES OVER TO THE GIRLS. HE KNEW THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT DARAGH’S RESULTS BECAUSE IT AFFECTED THE BAND.
MACK
We got our results back and Daragh did okay.
GWEN
And how did you do?
MACK
Okay, I guess.
MARTHA
Where is Daragh?
LIZZIE
(BLUSHING) He told me he might be going away.
MACK
He didn’t tell me. Why would he do that? We have the band finals coming up?
EVERYONE LOOKS AT LIZZIE.
LIZZIE
I don’t know . He just said.
A GARDA WALKS THROUGH THE YARD AND INTO THE SCHOOL.
A FEW MNUTES LATER HE COMES OUT WITH MR. MANN WHO POINTS TO MACK. THE GARDA STARTS WALKING OVER TO MACK. MACK GOES OFF WITH HIM. THE GIRLS STARE AFTER THEM
MARTHA
It must be about Daragh.
GWEN
Then why would they want Mack?
MARTHA
He’s his best friend.
LIZZIE LOOKS GUILTY.
WIDE-SHOT SHOWING EVERYONE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS AS TO WHAT’S GOING ON. THEY TALK. BELL RINGS AND THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
ANGLE ON LIZZIE
LIZZIE
There goes our change to be stars anyway.
SCENE SEVENTY-FOUR
MACK IS LED OUT OF THE SCHOOL BY THE GUARD.
SCENE SEVENTY-FIVE INT. SCHOOL, AFT.
IN THE SCHOOL HALL. STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE ASSEMBLED. MR. MANN WALKS UP TO THE PODIUM ON STAGE.
MR. MANN
There will be no school tomorrow.
STUDENTS CHEER AND MR. MANN TRIES TO CALM THEM DOWN.
MR. MANN
Before you get carried away, let me tell you why. We have lost one of our nicest students. Daragh Pender died last night. His funeral is tomorrow. We won’t
MARTHA BECOMES HYSTERICAL. GWEN AND LIZZIE TRY TO CALM HER. LIZZIE LOOKS HORRIFIED AND SHOCKED.
SCENE SEVENTY-SIX INT.GWEN’S KITCHEN, EVENING
TIFF IS GETTNG THE DINNER. GWEN IS TEXTING AND PHONING FRANTICALLY.
TIFF
Whoa there. We’re going to have dinner. Who are you trying to get so desperately?
GWEN
Mack. But he’s not answering.
TIFF
I don’t want you hanging around with that guy.
GWEN
What do you mean? He’s my friend.
TIFF
He’s your friend ?
GWEN
DEFENSIVELY) Yes, he is.
TIFF
I’ll tell you what he is. He’s a sexual pervert and a Satanist.He’s probably into drugs as well. He drove that Daragh fellow demented. It’s his fault he died.
GWEN
No, he’s not like that.
TIFF
You’re not to see him anymore.
SCENE SEVENTY-SEVEN: EXT.. POLICE STATION, EVENING
MACK IS STANDING OUTSIDE THE POLICE STATION WITH HIS MOBILE PHONE HE PUNCHES IN SOME NUMBERS.
CUT TO GWEN IN HER BEDROOM ANSWERING HER MOBILE PHONE. SHE S EXCITED BECAUSE IT IS MACK.
GWEN
Are you okay? I was so worried.
CUT BACK TO MACK
MACK
I’m fine. It was just a misunderstanding. They found my notebook in Daragh’s room. The one I had all the songs and poems and rituals and shit and they thought that’s why Daragh did it.
What? He killed himself. Didn’t you know?
Anyway, I’m going to leave town and I wanted to say good bye.
I’m going to stay with my mother’s cousin in Connemara. I’ll help him fish. My parents? No, they think I am a pervert too.
CUT TO GWEN. SHE IS CRYING.
GWEN
I want to see you before you go. Or I’ll go with you.
CUT TO MACK
MACK
Wait ‘til all this settles down. I screwed up enough people’s lives. I have to get away. I love you. I’ve got to go. Bye.
CU GWEN IN TEARS.
SCENE SEVENTY-EIGHT: EXT.MACK IS ON A BICYCLE COMING INTO COMING IN TO CONNEMARA, NIGHT
CUE MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL TRADITIONAL TUNE, PADDY IN LONDON
THE CAMERA IS FOLLOWING HIM FROM BEHIND IN A SLOW TWISTY PAN LIKE IN THE TWO BICYCLE SEQUENCES IN DONNIE DARKO. THERE IS A FULL MOON OVER THE HILLS.
SCENE SEVENTY-NINE: EXT. CEMETARY, MORNING
IT IS A BRIGHT SPRING DAY. CHERRY BLOSSOM PETALS ARE BLOWING IN THE WIND.
DARAGH IS BEING BURIED BESIDE HIS MOTHER. THERE IS A LOT OF TALK BECAUSE HIS FATHER DIDN’T GO TO THE FUNERAL. HIS BEST FRIEND MACK IS ALSO ABSENT.
THE PRIEST IS SAYING PRAYERS OVER THE CASKET LYING IN THE OPEN GRAVE.
THERE ARE GROUPS OF TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS. GWEN IS AS USUAL WITH MARTHA AND LIZZIE. MARTHA IS CRYING.
CUT TO PAIR STANDING WHISPERING AT THE GRAVESIDE.
FOCUS ON GOSSIP 1 AND 2.
GOSSIP I
And imagine. His own father wouldn’t even come to the funeral.
GOSSIP 2
They say it was some kind of cult thing.
THEN FOCUS ON GOSSIP 3 AND 4.
GOSSIP 3
That other one was involved. Mack Grenier.
GOSSIP 4
What a waste!
CUT TO THE THREE GIRLFRIENDS.
MARTHA
What happened Gwen?
GWEN
I don’t know.
MARTHA
(ACCUSINGLY) Everybody blames Mack.
GWEN
(CRYING) It isn’t like that.
LIZZIE
(COMFORTING) I’m sure it isn’t.
But you were talking to Mack. What did he say happened?
GWEN
It seemed like there was some misunderstanding.
MARTHA
Misunderstanding? My God. Daragh’s dead.
SHE PUSHES GWEN.
FADE UP MUSIC , THE PRODIGY, BABY’S GOT A TEMPER.
GWEN PUSHES BACK AND THE TWO GIRLS END UP FIGHTING. THE TEACHERS HAVE TO BREAK THEM UP. LIZZIE GOES WITH GWEN AND MARTHA STANDS BY HERSELF.
PAN OVER TO TREE WHERE HER BROTHER KEN IS HIDING WHILE VIDEO TAPING THE FUNERAL.
CU MARTHA DISGUSTED. SHE LEAVES IN DESPAIR.
FADE MUSIC
SCENE EIGHTY EXT. BOAT OUT IN THE SEA
MACK IS WORKING ON HIS COUSIN’S BOAT. THE WAVES ARE BIG AND T HE WORK IS HARD BUT HE LIKES IT AND HE IS FOND OF HIS COUSIN WHO TAKES EVERYTHING AS IT COMES.
JOSEPH
Take that line there now.
HE PASSES A ROPE TO MACK.
JOSEPH
Now pull.
MACK PULLS THE LINE.
JOSEPH
Pull harder.
MACK PULLS HARD. THE WAVES ARE SPLASHING UP AND THE BOAT ISN ROCKING WILDLY. HE PULLS AGAIN WITH ALL HIS STRENGTH.
MACK
(SMILING) Is that hard enough for you?
JOSEPH
You’re doing fine.
SCENE EIGHTY-ONE: INT. GIRLS BATHROOM, THE SCHOOL, AFTERNOON
SOUND: GIRLS WALKING AROUND, TALKING, GIGGLING
ZOOM DOWN INSIDE ONE TOILET CUBICLE TO WHAT APPEARS TO BE A TOWEL ON THE FLOOR. ZOOM CLOSER TO REVEAL A NEW BORN BABY.
SCENE EIGHTY-TWO: INT GWEN’S HOUSE, AFT.
GWEN STUMBLES IN THE DOOR AND HEADS FOR THE KITCHEN. BLOOD IS DRIPPING FROM HER.
GWEN
(WEAKLY) Mom!
SHE COLLAPSES AND DOES NOT MOVE.
CU NOTE ON FRIDGE SAYING TIFF WOULD BE HOME LATE AND TO HEAT UP DINNER LEFT IN FRIDGE.
SCENE EIGHTY-THREE : INT. LIZZIE’S ROOM, NIGHT
SHE IS ON A MOBILE PHONE.
LIZZIE
Mack it’s Lizzie. I have Gwen’s phone.
Something terrible’s happened. (PAUSE)
Yes, again. I can’t really tell you on the phone. You have to come.
SCENE EIGHTY –FOUR : EXT. ROAD IN CONNEMARA,, MORNING
MACK ‘S HITCHHIKING. CAR STOPS AND HE GETS IN.
SCENE EIGHTY-FIVE: EXT. CEMETARY, AFTERNOON
MACK AND LIZZIE ARE STANDING BY A FRESH GRAVE. MACK IS HOLDING SOME FLOWERS AND IS CRYING. LIZZIE IS TRYING TO COMFORT HIM BUT IS UPSET HERSELF.
MACK
Why didn’t she tell me?
LIZZIE
Maybe she didn’t know herself. Anyway she didn’t tell me either. And she hasn’t spoken to Martha since Daragh’s funeral.
MACK
What kept me going out there on the sea was the fact that we’d be together someday.
LIZZIE
It was the same for her,
.
MACK PLACES THE FLOWERS SOFTLY ON THE GRAVE.
MACK
And the baby?
LIZZIE
It was a boy.
MACK
No, I mean, where is it? Did it live?
LIZZIE
Yeah, it lived. It’s at the hospital, I think.
SCENE EIGHTY-SIX: INT. PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL.
MACK IS SEATED IN A SMALL OFFICE WITH A NURSE.
NURSE
I’m not saying that you are not the father of that baby.
It’s just that it is a big job caring for a baby.
MACK
I’m working now.
NURSE
But who’ll mind the baby while you’re doing that.
MACK
I never thought of that. Can I see the baby?
NURSE
If you promise not to make a fuss when we keep the baby here. You will have to go through the courts I imagine if you want him.
MACK
I promise.
NURSE
A really nice couple has already arrived to adopt him. They would give him a nice home.
MACK
No way. He’s mine. I’ll find a way to make it work.
NURSE
You’re only fifteen. You have your whole life in front of you.
THE NURSE LEAVES MACK WAITING AND RETURNS WITH THE BABY, PLACING IT IN HIS ARMS. HE IS A BIT NERVOUS. THEN HE LOOKS DOWN AT THE LITTLE FACE AND THE BABY’S FINGER CURLS AROUND HIS OWN. HE LOOKS UP AND SEES KELLY AND KEVIN IN THE CORRIDOR.
MACK
You’re sure it is a nice couple.
NURSE
Positive. They are out there now.
MACK
I’m sure they’ll give him a good home.
HE KISSES THE BABY GENTLY ON THE FOREHEAD AND HANDS THE BABY BACK TO THE NURSE. HE WALKS OUT. KELLY AND KELLY DON’T SEE HIM
BUT HE WATCHES AT THEIR DELIGHT AS THEY ARE PRESENTED WITH THE BABY.
SCENE EIGHTY-SIX: EXT. HOSPITAL
CUE MUSIC: TBA
MACK WALKS OUT OF THE HOSPTAL, PAST GWEN’S HOUSE AND PAST HIS HOUSE AND BACK TO THE ROAD WHERE HE CAN HITCH-HIKE BACK TO CONNEMARA. HE IS A MAN NOW. MASTER OF HIS FATE.
CUE CREDITS
FADE MUSIC:
THE END
Full-length Screenplay
Adaptation of Spring Awakening (Widerkind)
Characters
Gwen Walsh– a fourteen year old girl, in 2nd year, reasonably well-balanced, modern with good clothes sense, sociable but likes to spend time with herself. She is average at school but is talented in art. She has been writing in a diary for a year. She visits the poor but is attracted to the wild side. She finds Mack interesting because he believes in the devil.
Mack Grenier- a fifteen - year old boy in 3rd year He is attractive, confident and intelligent, with a great sense of humour. He has a very stable and relaxed family life although his parents are intellectuals . He claims to be a Satanist (really just to be cool), dresses all in black and has a stud under his lip. Despite this, parents and teachers like him. He can play most sports but is not really active in any. His best friend is Daragh.
Daragh Pender- a fifteen-year old boy in second year. He is small but good-looking enough. He is failing everything at school no matter how hard he tries. This is new. He used to be an average students. He is not self-confident and feels unloved. His parents are very strict and have too high expectations of him. The reason everything seems to be against him is that he is fighting depression, something that has just come upon him. He doesn’t know how handle it.
Martha Fallon- friend of Gwen’s in 2ndyear, pretty girl but very shy. Her parents are also very strict and sometimes beat her. She often is embarrassed by her good looks and hides them. While the other girls wear belly tops and tight skirts, she wears a sweater and keeps her hair tied back. She resents it when Gwen spends too much time with Mack.
Lizzie Blake- friend of Gwen’s in 2nd year, parents are very busy and don’t have much time for her. She is not as pretty as Gwen and Martha but she has sex-appeal and is boy crazy.
Tiff Walsh- Gwen’s mother, she feels she is reasonably close to her daughter and although she grew up in a liberal time, doesn’t quite know how to cope with Gwen growing up. She is separated from Gwen’s father and sometimes feels lonely.
Joe Walsh- Gwen’s father, he is not living with Gwen and her mother as her parents have separated. He lives in another city but sees Gwen when he can. He loves her but feels less in touch with her as she is growing up.
Michelle Grenier – Mack’s mother , kind , beautiful and sophisticated
James Grenier- Mack’s father
Mick Pender- Daragh’s father. He recently lost his wife. He has worked hard all his life and has sacrificed a lot for Daragh to get a good education.
Kelly Hammer – the female half of young couple next door to Mack. They have applied to adopt a child.
Kevin Hammer- new next door neighbour to Mack.
Winn Tuohey- She is Tiff’s best friend. She is also separated but has no children.
Ken Fallon – Martha’s much older brother. (about 32) He is very religious and a bit weird. He is always recording the lives of Martha’s friends to show how bad they are. He uses video and still cameras and sound equipment.
Marie and Colin Blake: Martha’s parents. The are older than the parents of other children of Martha’s age. Their family is all grown up. Martha was the “accident” and they are ashamed of her existence. She seems to symbolize their lust which they consider sinful except for procreation. They think they have been punished by this child. They are very strict, religious and believe in beating their children in order to bring them up and educate them properly. An older brother Ken is still living at home.
Christina and Peter Blake: Lizzie’s parents, they are extremely close, don’t quite know how to communicate with Lizzie. They find her annoying so end up ignoring her .
Teachers: William Mann, Silvia Bourke, Shirley Madden
Joseph Conneely – Mack’s mother’s cousin, a bachelor fisherman who lives in Connemara
Niuse in Pediatrics ward
Extras: a male make-up person, waiters, other teachers, parents, students, poor people, religious people
Action takes place in large town or small city in the west of Ireland present time plus in Connemara and on the sea.
FADE IN;
CUE MUSIC: AVRIL LAVIGNE SKATER BOY
SCENE 1: EXT. SECONDARY SCHOOL YARD-WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, LATE SEPTEMBER
WIDE SHOT students streaming out of school . MEDIUM SHOT AND FOLLOW a group of three girls. They walk over to the to the side of the school and collect there talking and giggling but we don’t hear what they say. Medium shot two boys the same age pass. IN SLOW MOTION FOR A SECOND, the girls look at them . They look back and pass.
CUE CREDITS
FADE MUSIC
CLOSE UP: a hand-held camera is shown but we can’t see who is holding it. We then go into the camera and it is our eye. It pans toward a group of girls, Gwen, Martha and Lizzie , and when it reaches them it stops.
MEDIUM SHOT:
LIZZIE (EXCITED)
So let’s plan your sleepover!
GWEN
I got money for my birthday from Ma. So we can go shopping tomorrow.
LIZZIE
Great.
MARTHA
I only hope I’m allowed. You know how my parents are!
GWEN
Come anyway. I don’t have a birthday everyday. I want my best friends there.
LONG SHOT: THE GIRLS START WALKING HOME ALONG THE CANAL,
FADE UP MUSIC: SKATER BOY , AVRIL LAVIGNE
LONG SHOT: THE TWO BOYS, MACK AND DARAGH ARE SKATEBOARDING FURTHER DOWN THE CANAL
MARTHA
Look. There’s Daragh. He’s kind of cute. I know he’s not the brightest or the best looking. He just seems nice.
FADE MUSIC:
GWEN
Yeah, he is nice. I’ve seen him down at the homeless centre. Helping, you know. (BECOMES PENSIVE) Did you know that his friend Mack worships the Devil?
LIZZIE
I didn’t know that. But I do know he is gorgeous and smart. Don’t you just love him Gwen?
GWEN
I don’t know. There’s really no one that does it for me.
MARTHA
Well, I think he’s scary. All that talk about Satan.
LIZZIE
That’s all for show.
MARTHA
I couldn’t stand someone with an earring though his lip. It
creeps me out.
LIZZIE
I think he’s sexy.
GWEN
You think everybody is sexy.
LIZZIE (SHRUGS AND LOOKS AT TELEPHONE AND PRESSES BUTTONS)
So?
SCENE TWO: INT. CAFÉ AFTERNOON: Gwen’s mother Tiff is talking to old friend Winnie over coffee. Sound of television in the BG.
MED. CU ON PAIR
WINNIE
Do you want to go to the cinema on Saturday? There’s this really good Finnish film I’ve been wanting to see.
TIFF
I’d love to but I can’t. (SHE GRAMACES) It’s Gwen’s birthday and she’s having a sleepover with some friends.
WINNIE
A birthday party! Can I come?
TIFF
It’s not really a party. But you’re welcome. We can watch a video or something. I’m making a cake.
WINNIE
You’re supposed to be helping me with the diet. What do you do at these things anyway?
TIFF
Pretty much keep out of the way. My little girl is growing up!
WINNIE
Have you had the little talk yet, or is it still too early? Didn’t we learn everything at a sleepover?
TIFF
I gave Gwen a book on the subject last year. (SHE LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE) I told her she could always come to me if she had any questions.
WINNIE
(LAUGHING) You can’t talk about sex with your own daughter .You! You were wild.
TIFF
(EMBARRASSED) It’s hard because it is my little girl.
(THOUGHTFUL) I wonder what she really knows.
CUT TO CU OF TELEVISION THAT IS SHOWING A TALK SHOW.
WINNIE
Sure television is the new teacher about everything.
TIFF
But it’s distorted. I should talk to her.
WINNIE
No matter what they say, it’s not a parent’s place. Think back ,Tiff. Would you have wanted your parents to lecture you? They have to experiment for themselves, be madly in love, be heartbroken.
TIFF
We didn’t get it right. We still haven’t.
WINNIE
Relax, Gwen’s a good kid. They’re all smarter than us that way.
SCENE THREE: INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, EVENING
GWEN’S BEDROOM: Gwen is writing in her diary. Her mother, Tiff, come in. Gwen closes the diary.
TIFF
So who’s coming to your sleepover?
GWEN
Lizzie and Martha if she’s allowed.
TIFF
What will I get for it?
GWEN
I thought I’d go shopping with the girls.
TIFF
OK. I’ll give you money for supplies. I thought I’d give you money for your birthday this year too. You could get something nice to wear.
GWEN
That would be great.
TIFF
Oh, Winnie’s coming over to keep me company.
GWEN
Cool.
TIFF
And I’m making a cake.
GWEN
(LIGHT-HEARTED COMPLAINING) Mom!
TIFF
You’re not so old that you’ll get away without one of my special death by chocolate birthday cakes.
GWEN
I can hardly wait.
SOUND OF MOBILE PHONE RINGING (TO SOUND OF ANNIE, SMOOTH TALKIN’ CRIMNALS)
GWEN
(SCREAMING EXCITEDLY) You can? That’s great. Yeah sure. That’s no problem.
(TO MOTHER) Matha is allowed if you phone her parents.
TIFF MAKES A SIGN TO SHOW SHE’LL PHONE DOWNSTAIRSAND LEAVES BEDROOM.
CUT TO CU MARTHA ON HER MOBILE PHONE.
MARTHA
I was sure they’d say no. My stupid brother was the worst. He tried to make out that that sleepovers were wrong but my parents said it was ok.
V/O SCREAMS OF HAPPINESS FROM THE TWO GIRLS.
INT: KITCHEN: Tiff is sitting there having a cup of tea,
TIFF
Do you want anything?
GWEN
No thank s. Did you phone Martha’s parents?
TIFF
Yes. Everything’s fine.
GWEN GOES OVER AND GIVES HER MOTHER A KISS.
GWEN
Goodnight then.
TIFF
Don’t forget that your father is coming to town on Friday to take you out to dinner.
GWEN
(YAWNING) I won’t. Good Night.
GWEN HAS A PORTABLE TV IN HER ROOM. IT IS ON AND SHE IS WATCHING IT. CLOSE UP AD FOR BATTLE OF THE BANDS.
V/O ADD (WRITE LATER) (TO TAKE PLACE IN A MONTH’S TIME)
ON SCREEN: CLIPS OF BANDS IN IT OTHER YEARS.
CUT TO SAME TV SCREEN IN ANOTHER TV, ANOTHER HOUSE.
PULL OUT TO REVEAL MACK AND DARAGH STUDYING WHILE WATCHING TELEVISION
CUE MUSIC: SUGARBABES, FREAK LIKE ME
DARAGH
Did you see that?
MACK
Yeah.
DARAGH
We have got to enter.
MACK
We’ll have to get a band together.
DARAGH
That’s what I’ve been telling you. I’m not bad at drums. You’re good at the guitar and writing songs. I don’t know what we were waiting for.
MACK
Neither of us can sing.
DARAGH
Well fuck them. We don’t need a singer.
MACK
We do.
DARAGH
Yeah, we do.
INT. GWEN’S ROOM.NIGHT. SHE IS ON THE MOBILE TO MARTHA WHILE WATCHING THE TV.
GWEN
Martha, did you see the Telly? (SCREECHES WITH EXCITEMENT THENWAITS FOR A RESPONSE) Yeah, we just have to enter. I’ll work on a song. Can you call Lizzie?
INT. MACK’S ROOM. NIGHT. MACK AND DARAGH ARE ALSO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE CONTEST. MACK’S ROOM IS PLASTERED WITH HEAVY METAL POSTERS. THERE IS A HUGE PENTAGRAM PAINTED ON THE CEILING. ON A TABLE IS A CEREMONIAL KNIFE, BOOKS ON MAGIC, A CLAY BOWL OF INCENSE AND ANOTHER OF SALT. THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE STATUE OF BUDDHA AND A SMALL STATUE OF THE VIRGIN MARY.
MACK
Where are we going to get a song?
DARAGH
You are going to write one. Nice and lively, like.
THERE IS SILENCE FOR A MINUTE.
DARAGH
If we do well enough maybe I won’t have to worry about my exams anymore. I’m fed up. I can’t keep my mind on anything long enough to learn anything. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t remember anything.
MACK
Calm down, will you, or you won’t be able to do anything.
DARAGH
But I’m going to fail, man. I’ve never done that before.
MACK
We’ll just have to set out a study plan. It’ll be good for the both of us.
FADE MUSIC
(MACK’S MOTHER, MICHELLE GRENIERCOMES IN AND BRINGS THEM A LITTLE SNACK)
MICHELLE
Working hard? I thought you might want something to nibble on.
DARAGH
Yeah, thanks.
MICHELLE
What are you working on?
MACK
We have to write a poem for English
MICHELLE
Well, I’ll leave you to it then.
(SHE LEAVES. WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES MACK AND DARAGH BURST OUT LAUGHING)
DARAGH
Your mother’s a looker! Nice too. I bet you can talk to her about everything. (WISTFULLY) I bet she wouldn’t punish you if you failed.
MACK
(THROWING A PILLOW AT DARAGH AND LAUGHING) That’s because it won’t ever happen.
SCENE FOUR:
INT. CLASSROOM THURSDAY MORNING: 30 OR MORE STUDENTS ARE SETTLED IN FRONT OF MR. MANN, THE TEACHER.
MR.MANN
Now, each of you had an article on the ecology of our planet to read and report on. Daragh, would you like to begin?
DARAGH
I know this one man.
(MR. MANN COUGHS IN DISAPPROVAL)
DARAGH
There was this attack by giant jellyfish in Scotland. They just snuffed out everything.
(LAUGHTER OF STUDENTS)
MR. MANN
You’re partly right. They weren’t exactly giant but they were where they shouldn’t have been . Where were they from?
DARAGH
Mars?
(LAUGHTER OF STUDENTS)
MR. MANN
Mr. Pender. What world do you live in? They came from Southern California. And why were they a problem?
DARAGH
They were killing everyone in sight and taking over their minds.
(EVEN MORE UNPROARIOUS LAUGHTER)
MR MANN
Anyone with a more plausible explanation?
(A GIRL PUTS UP HER HAND)
MR. MANN
Yes. Lucy.
LUCY
They are killing the salmon farmed off the coast of Scotland by suffocation or stinging.
MR. MANN
Very good Lucy. Daragh, you will stay after school. We’ll see if more study will get you down to earth.
(LAUGHTER OF STUDENTS)
MR. MANN
Mack , what did you find out about the problems of the mountain gorilla?
(CU DARAGH, HE IS UPSET DESPITE THE CLOWNISH ATTITUDE)
MACK
I’m sorry, I can’t remember.
MR. MANN
(SURPRISED) Nothing?
MACK
Nothing.
MR. MANN
Well, Mr. Grenier. You can just accompany Mr. Pender after school until your memory comes back. Now Jules, how did you get on?
SCENE 5: EXT. THURSDAY AFTERNOON, SCHOOLYARD
GWEN, MARTHA AND LIZZIE RUSH OUT OF SCHOOL AND HEAD TOWARDS TOWN TO BUY THINGS FOR THE PARTY. LIZZIE IS ALWAYS AT HER PHONE. ALWAYS TEXTING.
LIZZIE
We’ll have to get some Tom and Gerry ice-cream.
MARTHA
And some chocolates.
GWEN
Mom’s making her Death By Chocolate cake.
LIZZIE MAKES NOISES AS IF SHE IS IN ECSTASY.
MARTHA
It wouldn’t be your birthday without that. MMMMM!
SCENE 6: INT. DEPARTMENT STORE, AFT.
LIZZIE, MARTHA AND GWEN ARE IN A DEPARTMENT STORE.. GWEN IS BEING MADE UP AT A MAKEUP COUNTER.
MALE MAKE-UP PERSON
With your skin, I would only put on the barest minimum of make-up, more as protection than anything else.
MARTHA
Do you want to look for clothes next or do you want to save the money your mother gave you?
GWEN
(WITH DIFFICULTY BECAUSE SHE WAS BEING MADE UP) What do you think? Spend, of course. I’ve had my eye on this outfit.
LIZZIE BUYS SOME MAKEUP AND FACIAL MASKS.
THEY GO UP TO THE CLOTHES DEPARTMENT
CUE MUSIC: THAT SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT BY NIRVANA
THE GIRLS TRYING ON CLOTHES AND MODELING THEM. FINALLY GWEN BUYS SOMETHING AND THE EXIT.
FADE MUSIC:
SCENE SEVEN: INTERIOR CLASSROOM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
MACK AND DARAGH ARE SITTING IN THE ROOM DOING EXTRA WORK...A TEACHER, MISS SHIRLEY MADDEN IS TALKING TO ANOTHER TEACHER, MISS SYLVIA BOURKE..
DARAGH
(WHISPERING) I know you knew the answer.
MACK SMILES
DARAGH
Thanks, I appreciate what you’re doing. But I’d feel bad if you went down the tube with me.
MACK
But you knew it all last night.
DARAGH
Lately I can’t seem to remember things. Don’t know what it is.
THE TEACHER GOES BACK TO HER DESK AND THE BOYS ARE SILENT FOR AWHILE.
MACK
I wrote a bit of the song for the competition.
DARAGH
That’s great. I knew you’d sing it.
MACK
No, I want a girl singer.
SCENE 8 INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM THURDAY NIGHT
GWEN (HUMMING A SONG) IS PUTTING AWAY THE NEW CLOTHES AND MAKEUP. SHE GETSB HER DIARY BUT DOES NOT WRITE RIGHT AWAY. SHE STARES MOODILY INTO SPACE, TAPS THE PEN AGAINST HER BOOK AND BEGINS TO WRITE.
SCENE 9: INT. SCHOOLROOM, FRIDAY MORNING
GENERAL CLASSROOM SCENE. MS. MADDEN IS AT HER DESK AT THE FRONT OF THE CLASS. STUDENTS ARE SEATED. LIZZIE AND MARTHA
GET UP AND WHISPER SOMETHING TO THE TEACHER. SHE STANDS UP.
MS. MADDEN
It is a special day for someone in this class. Could everyone stand up and sing a happy birthday to Gwen.
V/O STUDENTS SINGING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GWEN
MCU ON GWEN. SHE APPEARS EMBARRASSED BUT IS ENJOYING THE ATTENTION.
SCENE 10: EXT. SCHOOLYARD, FRIDAY AT LUNCHTIME
GWEN, LIZZIE AND MARTHA ARFE SITTING ON THE GRASS EATING THEIR LUNCH. MACK PASSES, SLOWS DOWN.
MACK
Hey, Gwen.
GWEN LOOKS UP.
MACK
Happy Birthday!
MACK SMILES AND CONTINUES ON HIS WAY.
GWEN SMILES BACK AND TRIES TO CONTROLHERSELF AS SHE FEELS FLUSHED AND FLUSTERED.
A MICROPHONE APPEARS OFF SIDE. THE THREE GIRLS WAVE THEIR ARMS FOR IT TO GO AWAY.
THEY GET UP AND GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
SCENE ELEVEN: INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR.
SCHOOL IS FINISHED AND STUDENTSARE COMING OUT OF CLASSROOMS. GWEN IS HURRYING OUT FOLLOWED BY LIZZIE AND MARTHA.
GWEN
I have to go. My father is coming to town just so he can take me out to dinner. For my birthday.
MARTHA
That’s great, Gwen.
GWEN
Yeah, I haven’t seen him since they split up.
LIZZIE
When will we go over to your house tomorrow?
GWEN
About five. See you. I have to run.
LIZZIE’S PHONE RINGS AND SHE ANSWERS IT.
SCENE TWELVE: INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM
GWEN IS GETTING READY TO HAVE DINNER OUT WITH HER FATHER. SHE IS WEARING THE CLOTHES SHE BOUGHT WITH HER BIRTHDAY MONEY. SHE LOOKS IN THE MIRROR AS SHE DOES HER HAIR, PUTS ON MAKEUP AND JEWELRY AND SPRAYS ON PERFUME.
ROCK MUSIC IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND ( CHERRY LIPS BY GARBAGE)
SOUND: CAR PULLING UP OUTSIDE, DOORBELL, A MALE AND FEMALE TALKING BUT TOOM INDISTINCT TO MAKE OUT THE WORDS.
V/O
TIFF (CALLING UPSTAIRS)
Gwen, you father’s here!
GWEN (CALLING DOWNSTAIRS)
Coming.
SCENE THIRTEEN: INT GWEN’S LIVING ROOM, FRIDAY NIGHT.
GWEN WALKS IN . HER FATHER AND MOTHER ARE SITTING THERE AWKWARDLY. HER FATHER STANDS UP. GWEN RUNS TO HIM AND GIVES HIM A BIG HUG.
GWEN
Dad!
JOE
Happy birthday Gwen. Look at you. You’re beautiful. You’re all grown up.
GWEN SMILES
JOE
We’d better be off. Our reservations are for eight.. The best restaurant in town.
TIFF WALKS THEM OUT TO THE FRONT DOOR, OPENS IT AND LETS THEM OUT.
TIFF
Have fun!
INT. MACK’S ROOM, FRIDAY NIGHT.
CUE MUSIC
MACK AND DARAGH AND LISTENING TO MUSIC PERHAPS GREEN DAY AND TRYING TO PLAY ALONG WITH IT. MACK HAS THE GUITAR AND DARAGH IS DRUMMING ON THE DESK.
DARAGH
(SINGING ALONG WITH THE CD) …and in the end, it really doesn’t matter
CUT MUSIC WHEN SONG ENDS
DARAGH
Are we good, or what? I think we should quit school and form a real rock band.
MACK
Perhaps we should be we have to finish school first.
DARAGH
That’s okay for you to say. You’re not failing.
MATT
You told me you did al-right on that last test.
DARAGH
I lied.
MATT
You just have to focus, Dare.
DARAGH
Yeah well, I think I’ll keep practicing the old music just in case.
You don’t have an old spell there for me?
MATT
The only spells I have , you have inside you too. You have to believe in yourself.
DARAGH
As I said before, easy for you…..(HE STARTS DRUMMING ON THE DESK AGAIN)
SCENE FIFTEEN: INT. FANCY RESTAURANT, FRIDAY NIGHT
GWEN IS HAPPY TO BE WITH HER DAD AND TO BE PAMPERED. BUT SHE HASN’T SEEN HIM IN A WHILE AND SHE FEELS SLIGHTLY AWKWARD AND SHY. THEY ARE BETWEEN THE MAIN COURSE AND DESSERT.
JOE:
So are you having a party for your birthday.
GWEN
Not exactly. Lizzie and Martha are coming over for a sleepover tomorrow.
JOE
Lizzie and Martha. So you’ve kept the same friends in Secondary School. That’s nice.
GWEN
We’re going to enter this band contest. I’m writing a song.
JOE
And what about a boyfriend? Anyone I should know about?
GWEN IS EMBARRASED AND OPENS HER MOUTH TO REPLY BUT JUST THEN A WAITER BRINGS IN A CAKE WITH SPARKLERS ON IT WHILE SINGING HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
WHEN THEY ARE EATING THEIR CAKE, HER FATHER PASSES HER A BEAUTIFULLY PACKAGED BOX.
JOE
Happy Birthday.
GWEN BEGINS TO UNWRAP IT. SHE OPENS THE BOX AND IS JUST PULLING THE TISSUE PAPER APART.
JOE
I didn’t know what to get you. Here’s a cheque to buy something you want.(HE PASSES HER AN ENVELOPE) I just wanted you to have something nice to open.
CU GWEN’S HANDS OPENING THE TISSUE PAPER TO REVEAL SOMETHING RED AND LACEY. SHE HOLDS UP A LONG TRANSPARENT RED
NEGLIGEE.
HER MOUTH FALLS OPEN. SHE IS EMBARRASSED BUT PRETENDS TO LIKE IT.
GWEN
It, It’s beautiful.
JOE
(NOT NOTICINGHOW INAPPROPRIATE IT IS) I’m glad you like it. I mean you are growing up. I didn’t know what to get you.
GWEN
I love it.
SCENE SIXTEEN: INT. MACK’S BEDROOM. MACK AND DARAGH ARE READING MAGAZINES AND JAPANESE STYLE COMICS.
DARAGH
Were you serious about getting a girl singer?
MACK
Yeah, I was thinking of one of the first year girls.
DARAGH
That Martha has a lovely voice. I heard her in the choir.
MACK
Yeah, but she isn’t exactly the image I want to portray with the band. She’s a bit plain.
DARAGH
With a little makeup and the right clothes, she would be lovely.
MACK
I was thinking more of Gwen. She can sing. And she has sex appeal.
DARAGH
If that’s what you want, why don’t you get that other one, that Lizzie. She can’t sing a note. But she’s a slut.
MACK
How do you know, Dare?
DARAGH
Everyone knows.
MACK
What’s she done, then ?
DARAGH
Okay Mack. So I don’t know much about sex. There. Does that make you feel good?
MACK
Hold on. I’m not making fun of you. I had to piece things together for myself. Here. This is my journal. I’ve written down everything about sex that I know. You can borrow it.
DARAGH LEAFS THROUGH THE NOTEBOOK.
DARAGH
Wow, those are great drawings of zombie! Look – and Satanist rituals.
MACK
Yeah, don’t lose it.. I put everything in it. I have part of a science fiction story there. Half-written songs. It is my life.
DARAGH
It must be hard to get copies of those rituals.
MACK
I made them up. That’s why that book is so special. I couldn’t dream up all that again.
SCENE EIGHTEEN: INT. GWEN’S ROOM, FRIDAY NIGHT
SHE TAKES THE NIGHTGOWN OUT OF THE BOX. SHE HIDES IT AT THE BACK OF HER CLOSET AND GETS INTO BED WITH PAJAMAS ON.
SCENE NINETEEN: INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, SATURDAY LATE AFTERNOON
CUE MUSIC BLINK 182, DAMMIT
INT. KITCHEN, MOTHER BAKING A CAKE, GWEN PUTTING AWAY PROVISIONS FOR THE SLEEEPOVER
INT. LIVING ROOM, MOTHER IS HOOVERING
INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM GWEN IS PUTTING HER HAIR IN A PONY TAIL, PUTTING ON EARRINGS AND PUTTING ON HER SHOES
INT. BATHROOM, GWEN IS CLEANING THE SINK AND ARRANGING NEW TOWELS
SOUND: DOORBELL
GWEN RUNS TO OPEN DOOR
FADE MUSIC
LIZZIE AND MARTHA COME IN.
SCENE TWENTY: INT. GWEN’S KITCHEN, SATURDAY NIGHT
DIRTY PLATESARE PILED BY THE SINK. THERE IS A PIZZA BOX WITH A FEW COLD SLICES IN IT ON THE COUNTER. THE THREE GIRLS ARE SEATED AROUND THE TABLE FINISHING A SLICE OF CHOCOLATE CAKE. GWEN’S MOTHER IS FILLING A TRAY WITH CAKE FOR TWO, A BOTTLE OF WINE AND TWO GLASSES.
TIFF
I’m going in to watch a video with Winn You know where I am if you need me.
MARTHA
Thanks Mrs. Walsh. The cake was great.
LIZZIE
Yeah, it was great.
GWEN SMILES.
SCENE TWENTY-ONE INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM.
THE GIRLS LIGHT CANDLES. MARTHA HANDS A PRESENT TO GWEN.
MARTHA
You’re so lucky. My father says that no-one has a party after twelve. What he means is that he didn’t get a party after 12, so no-one else will either.
GWEN
This is not exactly a party. Thanks for this.
GWEN OPENS THE PRESENT. IT IS A CD. SHE PUTS IT ON.
CUE MUSIC GREEN DAY, PROSTHETIC HEAD
LIZZIE
(GIVING GWEN A PRESENT) You are going to love this.
GWEN OPENS THE PRESENT. IT IS A BOOK
CU TITLE
V/O LIZZIE
Poems Erotica, fifty erotic poems to set you tingling!
THE THREE GIRLS LAUGH. GWEN OPENS THE BOOK AND READS A PAGE.
GWEN
Listen to this. “Let me be the breeze that licks your unopened eyes.”
THE GIRLS FALL DOWN WITH LAUGHTER.
LIZZIE
(Reaching into her bag) Speaking of love, are we going to do this love spell I found, or what?
M ARTHA
It can’t hurt.
LIZZIE TAKES ABOOK AND A SMALL POUCH OUT OF HER OVERNIGHT BAG.
SHE HAND THE BOOK TO MARTHA.
LIZZIE
Find the love one.
FADE MUSIC
LIZZIE OPENS THE POUCH TO SHOW AN INCENSE BURNER, A KNIFE AND INCENSE.
MARTHA
It says here to write the name of the one you love on a piece of paper. Say these words over it. Then burn it.
GWEN
What’s the knife for?
LIZZIE
Protection from evil spirits.
MARTHA
Come on Lizzie. It’s just a love charm. Don’t scare me.
LIZZIE
I’m serious. All the books say it is a good idea to have a knife to keep you safe. I don’t know what you do with it but….
GWEN
I don’t really have anyone I want to do a love spell on.
LIZZIE IS PASSING OUT PAPER AND PENCILS AND IS LIGHTING A CONE OF INCENSE.
LIZZIE
Lighten up. It’s just for fun.
THEY EACH WRITE A NAME ON A PAPER WITHOUT SHOWING IT TO EACH OTHER. THEY READ A SPELL TOGETHER AND THROW THE PAPERS ON THE INCENSE AND WATCH THEM BURN.
V/O LIZZIE, GWEN, MARTHA
VENUS SHINING IN THE NIGHT
BLESS MY HEART WITH LOVE AND LIGHT.
LOVED IN TRUTH I WISH TO BE,
LISTEN TO MY PRAYER, MY PLEA.
MAY I LOVE AND BE LOVED TOO,
BLESSED BE THE LOVE THAT’S TRUE.
AND IT HARM NO-ONE SO BE IT.
A NOISE COMES FROM MARTHA’S MOBILE PHONE. SHE LOOKS AT IT.
LIZZIE
So Gwen, whose name did you write?
GWEN
None of your business.
MARTHA
(LOOKING AT PHONE) I just got a text from Patrick, that idiot. I hope that’s not because of the spell.
THEY COLLAPSE IN LAUGHTER AND START TEXTING OTHER PEOPLE. THEN THEY TRY ON CLOSE AND DO EACH OTHER’S HAIR AND MAKEUP. LIZZIE IS RUTING AROUND IN GWEN’S CLOSET. SHE FNDS THE NIGHTGOWN.
LIZZIE
Whooo! Gwen. I have to try this on.
GWEN
Careful. It’s my mother’s. I was just trying it on.
LIZZIE TRIES IT ON AND ACTS THE VAMP. MARTHA AND GWEN LAUGH BUT THEN GWEN FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE.
GWEN
That’s enough Lizzie. Take it off now.
SCENE TWENTY-TWO: EXT. THE DOOR TO GWEN’S HOUSE, SUNDAY MORNING. MARTHA AND LIZZIE ARE LEAVING GWEN’S HOUSE. MACK PASSES THE HOUSE ON THE WAY INTO THE FIELDS BEHIND THE TOWN.
SCENE TWENTY-THREE: EXT. MAIN STREET, THE CITY, SUNDAY MORNING
GWEN IS DOING HER VOLUNTEER WORK WITH THE HOMELESS. A VAN IS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SIDE DOOR IS SLID OPEN. THE VAN CONTAINS SUPPLIES OF BLANKETS, TOILETERIES AND FOOD. GWEN IS TAKING THEM TO SHAPELESS BUNDLES OF PEOPLE LYING IN THE PAVEMENT.
SCENE TWENTY-FOUR: EXT STREET, SUNDAY MORNING, A HOMELESS MAN IS RAVING ON THE STREET.
HOMELESS MAN
Beware the evils of Satan. Don’t let yourself be tricked.
SCENE TWENTY-FIVE: EXT. FIELD WITH WOODS IN THE BG, SUNDAY AFTERNOON. GWEN IS GOING FOR A WALK. SHE RUNS INTO MACK.
GWEN
What are you doing here?
MACK
What do you mean. It’s a free country.
GWEN
It just seems to me that enjoying Nature is a strange thing for a Devil Worshipper to do.
MACK
There are many parts to me. And what about you? The do-gooder.
HE GIVES HER A TEASING PUSH.
MACK
Did you see that ad about the bans?
GWEN
Yeah, I’m working on a song.
MACK
It would be good to have a mixed band. I play the guitar. Daragh plays drums and we’d like to have a girl singer.
GWEN
Whose song would you do?
MACK
Whichever ‘s best. I mean, I am writing a song too but if yours sounds better, I’m on for it.
GWEN
But I had planned to go in with Martha and Lizzie.
MACK
They can be back up singers. You don’t play any instruments.
GWEN
I play tin whistle.
MACK
Yeah right, tin whistle. You’re really going to win playing that.
GWEN
I’ll think about it. But now I’m late I have to go.
SHE BREAKS IN TO A RUN AND GOES AWAY.
MONTAGE SEQUENCE: SCENES 26-30
CUE MUSIC OFFSPRING, THE KIDS AREN’T ALRGHT
INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT: GWEN IS READING HER NEW POETRY BOOK.
INT. DARAGH’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT: HE IS LOOKING THROUGH MACK’S JOURNAL.
INT. MACK’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT, HE IS STUDYING
INT. MARTHA’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT: SHE IS BEING BEATEN AND YELLED AT BECAUSE HER PARENTS FOUND HER WITH MAKEUP ON. THEY CALL HER A TART.
INT. LIZZIE’S HOUSE, SUNDAY NIGHT. LIZZIE IS TRYING O TELL HER PARENTS ABOUT THE BAND. THEY ARE IGNORING HER.
END MUSIC
SCENE THIRTY-ONE INT. GWEN’S BEDROOM, SUNDAY NIGHT
SHE LIKES THE POEMS SHE GOT FOR HER BIRTHDAY AND THE IMAGES IN THEM. SHE STARTS WRITING SOME OF THE SAME THEMES IN THE FORM OF A SONG ALTHOUGH SHE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THEM. IT DEALS WITH THE LOSS OF INNOCENSE. SHE PUTS THE BOOK AWAY IN THE DRAWER.SHE IS FINISHING HER SONG IN BED. SHE GETS TIRED AND LEAVES IT ON HER BEDSIDE TABLE AND TURNS OFF THE LIGHT.
SCENE THIRTY-TWO INT. TEACHER’S ROOM AT SCHOOL, MONDAY MORNING
DARAGH COMES TO THE DOOR TO ASK SOMETHING. HE NOTICES THERE IS NO ONE THERE. HE LOOKS AROUND AND SNEAKS IN.HE GOES OVER TO A FILING CABINET AND LOOKS FOR HE RECORD. HE STARTS READING IT BUT HEARS A NOISE AND PUTS IT AWAY QUICKLY. HE GOES OUT.
SCENE THIRTY-THREE INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, MONDAY AFTERNOON.
GWEN COMES HOME FROM SCHOOL TO BE CONFRONTED BY HER MOTHER WHO IS HOLDING THE PIECE OF PAPER THE POEM IS WRITTEN ON.
TIFF
(ANGRILY) What’s this?
GWEN
(DEFENSIVELY) Where did you get that?
TIFF
You know damn well where I got it?
GWEN
What were you doing in my room?
TIFF
I don’t need an excuse to go in. You left your phone and it was ringing. I thought it may have been you.
(SIGHING) That’s not the point. The point is this.
GWEN
That’s private.
TIFF
(STERNLY)Who are you writing to?
GWEN
That’s none of your business.
TIFF
(HOLDING THE PAPER UP AND READING FROM IT) “My innocence slipped through your fingers like Spring breezes.” That is my business. Who is this guy and how long have you been seeing him?
GWEN
Wouldn’t you like to know!
TIFF
Don’t you dare speak to me like that, you little whore.
SHE SLAPS GWEN HARD ON THE FACE.
CU GWEN’S FACE, REACTION OF HORROR AND HURT
TIFF
Oh my God, Gwen. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
SCENE THIRTY-FOUR EXT. GWEN’S STREET, MONDAY LATE AFTERNOON
CUE MUSIC: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, GIVE IT WAY
GWEN COMES OUT OF THE HOUSE RUNNING. SHE IS ANGRY AND HURT.
CU GWEN’S FACE, A TEAR ROLLS DOWN
SCENE THIRTY-FIVE: EXT. GWEN’S STREET,
MACK SEES GWEN RUN PAST HIM, THROUGH THE FIELDS AND INTO THE WOODS. HE GOES AFTER HER.
SCENE THIRTY-SIX: EXT. WOODS
(SILENT, WE HEAR NO WORDS, ONLY THE PRODIGY)GWEN IS TRYING TO TALK BUT IS VERY EMOTIONAL. MACK IS TRYING TO COMFORT HER. HE HUGS HER. THEY FEEL A SPARK BETWEEN THEM. IT BEGINS TO RAIN HEAVILY. MACK POINTS TO A GARDENER’S SHED. THEY RUN TO IT, GO IN AND SLAM THE DOOR.
SCENE THIRTY-SEVEN; EXT. WOODS
A DROP IS DRIPPING SLOWLY DOWN A TREE
IT FINALLY DROPS OFF THE TREE AND LANDS NOISILY IN A PUDDLE.
CUT MUSIC
SCENE THIRTY-EIGHT: INT.GWEN’S HOUSE, MONDAY NIGHT
GWEN WALKS IN THE DOOR. HER MOTHER RUSHED OUT FROM THE LIVING ROOM.
TIFF
Gwen, I…….
GWEN WALKS PAST HER MOTHER AS IF SHE DIDN’T SEE HER. SHE GOES INTO HER ROOM AND SLAMS THE DOOR. SHE SEES THE SONG IS BACK ON HER BEDSIDE TABLE AGAIN. SHE PICKS IT IS, CRUMPLES IT AND THROWS IT IN THE WASTEPAPER BASKET. BUT YOU CAN SEE THAT SHE IS HAPPY WHEN A SLIGHT SMILE APPEARS ON HER LIPS.
SCENE THIRTY-NINE INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, UPSTAIRS
GWEN IS IN HER BEDROOM. SHE OPENS THE DOOR OF HER BEDROOM AND GOES TO THE BATHROOM WHERE SHE RUNS A BATH WITH LOTS OF BUBBLE. SHE HEARS HER MOTHER CRYING DOWNSTAIRS.
SCENE FORTY; INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, ON THE STAIRS
GWEN IS COMING DOWN THE STAIRS WEARING PAJAMAS WITH A TOWEL WRAPPED AROUND HER HEAD
SCENE FORTY-ONE: INT. GWEN’S LIVING ROOM
GWEN’S MOTHER, TIFF IS SITTING ON THE SOFA CRYING WITH HIS FACE IN HIS HANDS. GWEN MOVES TO CONFORT HER. HER MOTHER TRIES TO SHOO HER AWAY
TIFF
Leave me be, Gwen. I don’t want you to see me like this.
GWEN ST DOWN ON THE SOFA.
TIFF
(SOBBING) I don’t want to be the child.
GWEN
What do you mean?
TIFF
I was always the strong one in my family. My father was away . Your grandmother couldn’t cope . I had to grow up quickly. She was the child. I don’t want to be the child. I want to be strong for you.
GWEN
(HUGGING HER) You are strong for me.
TIFF
(BLOWING HER NOSE) I try. But lately just feel like I’ve been blowing it lately. I miss your father. And you are growing up. Soon you’ll be gong your own way.
GWEN
I’m not going anywhere for awhile.
TIFF
(PULLING HERSELF TOGETHER) I’m sorry for hitting you Gwen. I just don’t want you to mess up your life.
GWEN
I’m not messing up my life.
TIFF
I know. But I to be sure that you know you can come to me with anything.
GWEN NODS HER HEAD BUT YOU CAN TELL BY THE TENSION, HER STIFF BODY LANGUAGE, AND FACAL EXPRESSION THAT IT S TOO LATE FOR THAT. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.
SCENE FORTY-FOUR: EXT. MACK’S STREET, MORNING
A MOVING TRUCK PULLS UP NEXT DOOR. MEN START MOVING IN BOXES AND FURNITURE.
MACK IS LOOKING AT THE SCENE FROM HIS POINT OF VIEW.
MAC’S POINT OF VIEW: CAR DRIVE UP AND YOUNG COUPLE DRIVE UP. THEY ARE EXCITED ABOUT MOVING IN. THEY JOIN HANDS AND WALK IN THE HOUSE TOGTHER.
SCENE FORTY-FIVE: INT HALL OR GARAGE, AFTERNOON
GWEN IS SINGING WITH A MICROPHONE. MARTHA AND LIZZE ARE ON BACKUP. MACK IS ON GUITAR. (COMMISSIONED SONG TO BE ADDED LATER. THIS IS MACK’S SONG – A BIT HEAVY) THEY FINISH THE SONG.
MACK
So, what do you think?
GWEN
It’s great!
MACK
It would have been better with drums.
MARTHA
Where is Daragh anyway?
MACK
I don’t know. He was supposed to be here.
Has anybody got any credit? We should phone him.
LIZZIE
What’s his number ?
MACK
085- 5986232
LIZZIE
(INTO THE PHONE) Daragh, this is Lizzie. Did you forget that we had practice for the group? Call me back. (TO EVERYONE ELSE) He has his phone off.
MACK
Okay, let’s try Gwen’s song now.
EVERYONE GETS BACK IN “BAND” POSITION. GWEN STARTS SINGING A SLOWER SONG (COMMISSIONED- TO ADD LATER) GWEN FINISHES AND THEY ALL CLAP.
LIZZIE
We were great. We have a real chance.
MACK
That was a cool song.
LIZZIE
It’s a love song.
(MACK AND GWEN LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND BLUSH.)
GWEN
We have to decide which song to go with.
MARTHA
I like them both.
GWEN
Yeah, but perhaps we’d do better with a faster song.
LIZZIE
It might look better. Martha and I could dance to it and Mack can move around with the guitar more.
MACK
We’ll practice both. We can do mine at the contest and if we get to the next level, we will have another song up our sleeves.
LIZZIE
What do you mean, if we get through…….
DARAGH RUSHES IN LOOKING FLUSTERED.
MARTHA
The music wasn’t the same without the drums.
MACK
Yeah, where were you?
DARAGH
(PREOCCUPIED )I forgot.
MACK
(ANGRY)This is serious. If we want to have a chance, we have to take it seriously.
GWEN
(TRYING TO BE THE PEACEMAKER) Mack’s song is going to get us to the finals.
CU DARAGH, NO OBVIOUS REACTION.
MACK
We’ll do the songs again.
DARAGH SITS BEHND THE DRUM KIT. THEY START THE SONG. FOCIS IN DARAGH WHO IS JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS. HE HAS VERY LITTLE EXPRESSION ON HS FACE
SCENE FORTY-SIX: EXT. GARAGE OR HALL, AFTERNOON
THEY ALL START WALKING OUT OF THE GARAGE
CU PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERA ON TRIPOD.
SOUND SHUTTER CLICKING OVER VISUALS OF THEM WALKING
MARTHA
(TO SOMEONE WE CAN’T SEE) Why can’t you leave me alone?
MACK
(ANGRILY) Get out of here.
SCENE FORTY- SEVEN: EXT. MACK’S STREET, RAINY NIGHT
FIGURE IN HOODED RAINCOAT RUNNING UP TO MACK’S DOOR. MACK’S MOTHER, MICHELLE OPENS IT. THE FIGURE GOES IN.
SCENE FORTY-EIGHT: INT. MACK’S KITCHEN., NIGHT
THE FIGURE TAKE OFF THE COAT. IT IS KELLY HAMMER WHO JUST MOVED IN NEXT DOOR. SHE SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE. A MAN IS ALREADY SITTING THERE. HE IS JOSEPH CONNEELY, MICHELLES COUSIN, A BACHELOR WHO LIVES AND FISHES IN CONNEMARA. HE GETS UP AND TELLS MICHELLE.
MUSIC FROM RADIO: JINGLE “YOU’RE A STAR” MICHELLE TURNS IT OFF.
JOSEPH
I’ll have a quick lie-down before I set off on the road.
MICHELLE
Keep in mind what we talked about. About Mack working for you next summer.
JOSEPH
Sure, there’s nothing more to talk about. He’s welcome any time.
HE LEAVES
KELLY
I hope I’m not intruding at a bad time.
MICHELLE
My cousin was just up for the day from Connemara. Joseph’s a fisherman. It’s a long enough drive so he’s off for a sleep.
KELLY
It’s good of you to let me wait here.
MICHELLE
(MAKING TEA) I’m always forgetting my keys. I’m sure I’ll be over to you with the same problem.
KELLY
Kevin should be home soon.
MICHELLE
(SITTING DOWN AND POURING THE TEA) So how do you like it here?
KELLY
It’s great here. Kevin loves his job at the paper and I’m looking around for something.
MICHELLE
No children ?
KELLY
(HER FACE CLOUDS) I can’t.
MICHELLE
(AWKWARD) Oh, I’m so sorry.
KELLY
No, it’s okay. That’s part of the reason we moved here. We have our name down for adoption and we thought this would be a good place to bring up a kid.
MICHELLE
Everywhere’s the same. It’s hard. But it‘s good here.
SOUND MACK COMING IN THE FRONT DOOR. THEN INTO THE KITCHEN.
MICHELLE
Hi, Mack. This is Kelly, our new next door neighbour.
KELLY AND MACK LOOK AT EACH OTHER.
MACK
I saw you move in.
KELLY
I locked myself out. (SHRUGGNG) Is that a good first impression, or what?
MACK LAUGHS.
SOUND: CAR PULLNG UP OUTSDE
KELLY
I bet that’s Kevin. I’d better go.
MACK
It’s lashing rain. I’ll go out and make sure it’s him. I’ll tell him you’re here.
MACK LEAVES.
KELLY
He’s such a nice boy. You must be very proud.
MICHELLE
I am. Although I can’t say I understand the constant black t-shirts, the tattoos and piercing. (SIGHS) Still he does well in school and seems to have friends.
SCENE FORTY-NINE EXT. OUTSIDE MACK’S HOUSE
MACK RUNS OUT N THE RAIN. MEETS KEVIN AS HE IS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR.
MACK
You’re wife is at my house. Locked herself out. I came out to get you.
KEVIN
Thanks. I’ll follow you in. It’s Mack, isn’t it? I’m Kevin.
MACK
Yeah, I know.
KEVIN
Did you see the match last night?
MACK
Yeah, it was brilliant.
SCENE FIFTY INT; KITCHEN MACK’S HOUSE, NIGHT
MACK, MICHELLE, KELLY AND KEVIN ARE SITTING AROUND WITH EMPTY COFFEE CUPS TO SHOW PASSAGE OF TIME. KEVIN GETS UP.
KEVIN
Well we must be going.
KELLY
Thanks, you are lifesavers.
MICHELLE AND MACK WAVE FOLLOW THEM OUT TO THE DOOR AND WAVE.
SCENE FIFTY-ONE EXT: STREET,, AFTERNOON
MACK IS WALKING AND DARAGH PULLS UP IN THE BIKE
DARAGH
Do you want to get together and study for that test tonight ?
MACK
Maybe later. We have band practice.
DARAGH
You never have time anymore. You are always with her.
MACK
You’re in the band too. Remember?
That’s when you bother showing up.
DARAGH
Well, I have to study. I want to pass this year.
MACK
Chill. You’ll do okay. And if we win the band slam……… It’s this week-end. Be sure to make it man.
CU DARAGH. HE IS TOTALLY FED UP. HE FEELS HE IS NOT GETTING THROUGH TO MACK.
SCENE FIFTY TWO: INT. GWEN’S KITCHEN,
GWEN GIVES HER MOTHER A PECK ON THE CHEEK.
GWEN
Bye, Mom.
TIFF
Will you be home after school?
GWEN
I have band practise.
TIFF
Right, the boys in black.
GWEN
And girl. Martha and Lizzie are in it too.
Bye.
TIFF WAVES CASUALLY AND GWEN LEAVES.
SCENE FIFTY-THREE INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM., MACK AND DARAGH’S CLASS
THE CLASS IS TAKING AN EXAM. ALL IS SILENT.
ANGLE ON MACK WRITING AWAY.
ANGLE ON DARAGH AS HE SEEMS STUMPED BY A QUESTION
SCENE FIFTY- FOUR INT. BACKSTAGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE GROUP, ALL DRESSED UP, IS NERVOUS AND SELF-CONSCIOUS WHEN THEY SEE HOW GOOD ALL THE OTHER BANDS ARE.
MARTHA
(GOING OVER TO DARAGH) Everyone is so good.
DARAGH
Yeah. I wish we didn’t have to wait so long.
MACK
Just keep cool. Our song is good. We are good. We have a good chance.
GWEN GETS THE HICCUPS.
MARTHA
(PUTTING HER ARM AROUND GWEN) Take a deep breath. You’ll be fine.
LIZZIE
(
(TEASING) Maybe Mack should ask the Devil to help us.
MACK
(TEASING BACK) I already have.
MARTHA
You shouldn’t even joke about something like that. Bad things can happen.
MACK
But Martha , that’s our image.
MARTHA
That may be your image. But if that’s what kind of band it is, I want no part of it.
GWEN
(RECOVERED FROM HICCUPS) It’s all show, Martha. We’re just putting on a good show. We’re not Satanists. Mack isn’t really either.
LIZZIE
What do you think Daragh?
DARAGH
Whatever!
GWEN
We’re up after this. It’s a little late to discuss our image. Let’s just do our best. Let’s rock.
SCENE FIFTY-FIVE: INT ON STAGE, BATTLE OF THE BANDS, NIGHT
THE GROUP PERFORM’S MACKS SONG. THEY HAVE CHARISMA. THEY ARE GREAT.
SCENE FIFTY-SIX: INT. BEHIND THE STAGE, BATTLE OF THE BANDS, NIGHT
THEY ARE WAITING TO SEE IF THEY GOT THROUGH TO THE FINALS. THEIR NAME, DARK AWAKENING, IS CALLED. THEY ARE IN THE FINALS. THEY CHEER. MARTHA HUGS DARAGH. LIZZIE LOOKS JEALOUS. MACK AND GWEN ARE HOLDING HANDS AND SWINGING THEIR JOINED ARMS TO MUSIC.
SCENE FIFTY-SEVEN: EXT. OUTSIDE MACK’S HOUSE., DAYTIME
MACK SEES KEVIN KICKING ROUND A FOOTBALL IN HIS FRONT GARDEN.
HE GOES OVER AND JOINS HIM. THEY PLAY FOR A GOOD WHILE AND APPEAR TO ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY.
SCENE FIFTY-EIGHT: INT. DARAGH’S HOUSE, EVENING
MR. MICKEY PENDER IS READING THE NEWSPAPER IN THE LIVING ROOM.
DARAGH COMES IN.
MICKEY
How are ya? You aren’t home much lately.
DARAGH
No, we’re practicing for this band thing. We have a good chance.
MICKEY
It’s fine to have fun and go cavorting with girls. But don’t forget your studies. They are the only road to the future.
DARAGH
(GOING ON AUTOMATIC) Yeah, Yeah!
MICKEY
Don’t take that tone with me. I’ve worked hard to make sure you’ve got a good education.
DARAGH
I know that Dad.
MICKEY
I’m just saying that you’ll have to do well n school because I want you to get a job this summer. To help out like.
DARAGH
(LISTLESSLY) I’ll do ok Dad.
HE LEAVES AND GOES UP TO HIS ROOM.
SCENE FIFTY-NINE: INT. MARTHA’S HOUSE, NIGHT
MARTHA WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM WHERE HER PARENT ARE SITTING WATCHING TELEVISION. SHE HAS A PILE OF PHOTOS N HER HAND.
MARTHA
He’s been doing it again. He’s been spying on me. And worse, he’s been spying on my friends.
MRS. FALLON
He’s only looking out for your best interests.
MR. FALLON
It’s not his fault that you are hanging out with a wild crowd.
MRS. FALLON
Especially that Gwen. I always thought she was such a nice girl. And now?
MARTHA
(EXASPERATED) Just tell him to leave me and my friends alone.
MR. FALLON
You stay away from those friends and you won’t have a problem.
MARTHA
He’s sick.
MRS. FALLON
He’s a good boy.
MARTHA
He’s a peeper, Ma. I’ve seen him look at women through windows. I’ve seen him take underclothes off Nurse Wall’s clothesline.
MR. FALLON
Watch you tongue, young lady.
MARTHA SLAMS THE DOOR AND LEAVES.
SCENE SIXTY: INT. DARAGH’S BEDROOM, NIGHT.
DARAGH CAN’T SLEEP, READS A BIT OF MACK’S NOTEBOOK. THEN GETS UP AND PACES.
SCENE SIXTY-ONE : INT. GWEN’S HOUSE, MORNING
GWEN S IN HER BEDROOM. SHE RUSHES INTO THE TOILET TO BE SICK.
SCENE SIXTY-TWO, INT. DARAGH AND MACK’S CLASSROOM, DAY
WS STUDENTS - BY ACTIONS OF THE STUDENTS IT IS OBVIOUS THAT CLASSES ARE GOING TO SOON END FOR THE DAY. THEY ARE RESTLESS. CLOSE BOOKS, LOOK AT WATCHES AND PHONES.
CUT TO MR. MANN STANDING AT THE FRONT OF THE CLASS.
MR. MANN
Tomorrow, I’ll give you the results of your tests. I want them signed and brought back to me by next Friday
BELL RINGS STUDENTS RUSH OUT OF CLASS. ANGLE ON MACK AND DARAGH
SCENE SIXTY-THREE EXT. SCHOOLYARD, AFTERNOON
DARAGH AND MACK ARE STANDING IN FRONT OF THE STEPS. MACK IS LOOKING AROUND.
DARAGH
I’m dead.
MACK
What do you mean?
DARAGH
I just know I’ve failed.
MACK
Relax. You were doing okay.
DARAGH
I don’t know. What are you doing now? Do you want to hang out?
MACK
I can’t. I promised Gwen we’d go over her song.
DARAGH
I didn’t know there was a band practice.
MACK
It’s not.
DARAGH
(REALIZING THEY JUST WANT TO BE ALONE) Oh!
CUT TO GWEN AND MARTHA WALKING DOWN THE STEPS.
MACK
There she is. (WHILE MOVING AWAY) Why don’t you come over tonight and we’ll hang?
CUT TO TWO GIRLS GWEN SPOTS MACK AND SMILES. MARTHA LOOKS AT DARAGH IN THE DISTANCE AND THEN OVER TO MACK. SHE FROWNS, WHEN THE TWO GIRLS GET LEVEL WITH MACK, MARTHA WALKS OFF. SHE WALKS PAST DARAGH AND SAYS HELLO BUT HE IS PREOCCUPIED AND DOESN’T ANSWER.
SCENE SIXTY-FOUR EXT. AT MACK’S DOOR, EVENING
MR. JAMES GRENIER ANSWERS THE DOOR. HE IS A SERIOUS MAN WHO HAS LITTLE TIME FOR SMALL TALK.
HE SEES DARAGH
DARAGH
Is Mack in?
JAMES
I don’t think so. Although he could be buried up in
that room of his. He spends and inordinate amount of time up there.
JAMES
(CALLING UPSTAIRS) MACK!
(LISTENS FOR A MINUTE) I don’t hear music upstairs. He must be out.
DARAGH IS DISAPPOINTED AND DISTRESSED.
DARAGH
Then is his mother in? Your wife? Michelle?
JAMES
No, she has an art class on Wednesday s. I heat up my dinner in the microwave.
DARAGH BECOMES VERY AGITATED.
DARAGH
(SHOUTS) Well when are they coming home?
JAMES
(LOOKING CONCERNED) Are you al-right son?
DARAGH
I’ll come back.
JAMES
Daragh, isn’t it? I was sorry to hear about your mother.
DARAGH
I have to go. Tell Mack I called.
SCENE SIXTY-FIVE INT. GARAGE , NIGHT
MACK IS LYNG AND GWEN IS SITTNG ON A BLANKET ON THE FLOOR. AROUND THEM IS FOOD AND DRINK AS FOR A PICNIC AND A SMALL CANDLE IS IN THE MIDDLE.
GWEN
I used to hate it when my mother worked late.
MACK
I know. When my mother started art class, I just hated heating my dinner up n the microwave.
GWEN
(PLAYFULLY) Things change.
MACK
They do.
THEY KISS.
SCENE SIXTY-SIX EXT. FIELD THAT LEADS TO THE WOODS, NIGHT
DARAGH IS WALKING THROUGH THE FIELD CARRYING A BAG. HIS HEAD IS DOWN AND HIS SHOULDERS ARE SLUMPED. LIZZIE HAS SPOTTED HIM AND THINKS, WITH MARTHA NOT THERE, THIS MIGHT BE THE TIME TO MAKE A PLAY FOR HIM. SHE DOESN’T KNOW IF HE LIKES MARTHA BUT SHE KNOWS MARTHA STAKED A CLAIM ON HIM AMONGST THE GIRLS. SHE KNOWS THAT SHE MAY BE BETRAYING HER FRIEND’S TRUST BY GONG AFTER HIM BUT SHE IS VERY ATTRACTED. SHE IS REALLY QUITE INNOCENT DESPITE HER REPUTRATION. SHE FLIRTS FOR ATTENTION AND USES BAD LANGUAGE BUT HAS NEVER HAD ANY EXPERIENCE HERSELF. SHE RUNS AFTER HIM. DARAGH NEEDS SOMEONE TO TALK TO BUT WON’T TALK TO LIZZIE. PERHAPS BECAUSE HE DOESN’T TAKE HER SERIOUSLY OR BECAUSE IT IS NOW TOO LATE FOR TALK. HE HAS BEEN DEPRESSED FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW AND HAS BEEN FIGHTING TO STAY ON TOP. HIS CONDITION IS THE CAUSE OF HIS MARKS SLIPPING. THERE ARE NO REAL REASONS FOR HIS CONDITION. IT JUST CAME. IT IS TRUE THAT HIS MOTHER DIED AND HE SOMEHOW LOST SELF-CONFIDENCE AND DIDN’T FEEL ATTRACTIVE TO GIRLS BUT THIS WAS NOT THE ROOT. CHEMICAL? I DON’T KNOW.
LIZZIE
Daragh, wait!
HE KEEPS WALKING AS SHE STRUGGLES TO REACH HIM. SHE CATCHES UP
LIZZIE
Daragh, where are you going?
DARAGH
What do you want, Lizzie?
LIZZIE
I just thought if you weren’t doing anything, I could come along.
DARAGH
That doesn’t make sense.
LIZZIE
(FLIRTING) You know what I mean.
DARAGH
I’m going in the woods. You can come if you want. It’s your own business.
LIZZIE FOLLOWS HIM INTO THE WOODS.
SCENE SIXTY-SEVEN , EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
IT IS SPRING AND LEAVES ARE APPEARNING ON THE TREES. PRIMROSES AND LILIES-OF-THE VALLEY ARE POKING OUT FROM UNDER FOLLIAGE. WE CAN SEE THIS BY THE LIGHT OF A FLASHLIGHT.
FLASHLIGHT SHINES ON PERSON HOLDING IT’S FOOT.
ANGLE ON FOOT FROM FRONT PERPSCTIVE. ZOOM OUT TO SHOW KEN WITH THE FLSHLIGHT IN ONE HAND AND A VIDEO IN THE OTHER
SCENE SIXTY-EIGHT, EXT, WOODS, NIGHT
DARAGH SITS DOWN ON A GRASSY AREA BESIDE A LITTLE STREAM AND PUTS HIS BAG BESIDE HIM. HE IGNORES LIZZIE WHO SITS DOWN NEAR HIM. HE IS HITTING HIS KNEES AS IT THEY ARE DRUMS. SHE TRIES TO INIATE CONVERSATION.
LIZZIE
I think drums are great.
DARAGH
Um.
LIZZIE
The band’s good together.
DARAGH
Not bad.
LIZZIE
We have a chance.
DARAGH SHRUGS.
DARAGH
Anyway, I might be going away.
LIZZIE
You can’t do that until the Band final.
DARAGH SAYS NOTHING.
LIZZIE
Aw, c’mon Daragh. You’re not going to ruin it on us.
DARAGH
You can get another drummer. You’d be great at drums.
LIZZIE
It wouldn’t be the same. What do you want to do with leaving anyway? We still have school.
SOUND: SOMEONE OR SOMETHING BIG IN THE UNDERGROWTH
LIZZIE SITS CLOSER TO DARAGH.
LIZZIE
What’s that?
DARAGH
A bear.
LIZZIE
(CLUTCHING DARAGH) Oh my god! (THEN SHE LOOKS PUZZLED) Wait a minute. There aren’t any bears in this country.
DARAGH SMILES. LIZZIE IS HITTING HIM PLAYFULLY.
SCENE SIXTY-NINE: EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
KEN IS BRUSHING HIMSELF OFF AFTER HAVING FALLEN IN BUSHES. HE PICKS UP THE VIDEO CAMERA AND TORCH AND LOOKS AROUND, LISTENING, LIKE HE IS HUNTING.
SCENE SEVENTY: EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
LIZZIE STOPS HITTING HIM AND WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND HIM AND MIVES HER FACE SO AS TO KISS HIM. THEY KISS. SUDDENLY DARAGH PUSHES HER AWAY HARD.
DARAGH
You’re nothing but a slut.
LIZZIE HAS FALLEN TO THE GROUND AND STAYS THERE WITH A LOOK OF IMCOMPREHENSION. DARAGH RUNS FURTHER INTO THE WOODS.
SCENE SEVENTY-ONE: EXT.CEMETARY, NIGHT
DARAGH STUMBLES INTO THE CEMETARY. HE DOESN’T PLAN TO COME HERE. HE JUST WANTS TO BE ALONE. HE IS WALKING RANDOMLY WHEN HE SEES THE GRAVE OF HIS MOTHER MAY PENDER. HE SITS DOWN ON THE GRASS BESIDE IT AND OPENS HIS BAG. HE TALKS OUT A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY AND A LARGE BOTTLE OF PILLS. HE HOLDS THEM UP TO THE GRAVESTONE.
DARAGH
I held on to them, Mom. Morphine. Your only man.
HE TAKES A HANDFUL OF PILLS AND GULPS THEM DOWN WITH THE WHISKEY. HE THEN STARTS DRUMMING ON HIS KNEES AGAIN. PAN AROUND CEMETARY AS WE HEAR THE SOUND OF HIS DRUMMING. IT GRADUALLY GETS SLOWER.
CUT TO OVERHEAD SHOT OF CEMETARY SHOWING DARAGH PASSED OUT.
SCENE SEVENTY-TWO INT. DARAGH’S HOUSE, MORNING
MR. PENDER IS KNOCKING ON DARAGH’S DOOR TO WAKE HIM UP FOR SCHOOL. THERE IS NO ANSWER. HE GOES IN AND FNDS THE BED NOT SLEPT IN. MR. PENDER SEES MACK’S NOTEBOOK, PICKS IT UP AND STARTS TO GO THROUGH IT.
CU MACK’S NAME AND ADDRESS IN THE INSIDE
SCENE SEVENTY-THREE INT. SCHOOL DARAGH AND MACK’S CLASSROOM
MR. MANN IS GIVING OUT RESULTS. HE’S CALLING OUT NAMES AND THEY ARE GOING UP AND GETTING THEM.
MR. MANN
Daragh Pender!
HE LOOKS UP AND SEES THAT DARAGH IS NOT THERE.
MR. MANN
Pity! He would be very pleased with himself. He did very well.
SCENE SEVENTY-FOUR: EXT. SCHOOLYARD
MACK GOES OVER TO THE GIRLS. HE KNEW THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT DARAGH’S RESULTS BECAUSE IT AFFECTED THE BAND.
MACK
We got our results back and Daragh did okay.
GWEN
And how did you do?
MACK
Okay, I guess.
MARTHA
Where is Daragh?
LIZZIE
(BLUSHING) He told me he might be going away.
MACK
He didn’t tell me. Why would he do that? We have the band finals coming up?
EVERYONE LOOKS AT LIZZIE.
LIZZIE
I don’t know . He just said.
A GARDA WALKS THROUGH THE YARD AND INTO THE SCHOOL.
A FEW MNUTES LATER HE COMES OUT WITH MR. MANN WHO POINTS TO MACK. THE GARDA STARTS WALKING OVER TO MACK. MACK GOES OFF WITH HIM. THE GIRLS STARE AFTER THEM
MARTHA
It must be about Daragh.
GWEN
Then why would they want Mack?
MARTHA
He’s his best friend.
LIZZIE LOOKS GUILTY.
WIDE-SHOT SHOWING EVERYONE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS AS TO WHAT’S GOING ON. THEY TALK. BELL RINGS AND THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
ANGLE ON LIZZIE
LIZZIE
There goes our change to be stars anyway.
SCENE SEVENTY-FOUR
MACK IS LED OUT OF THE SCHOOL BY THE GUARD.
SCENE SEVENTY-FIVE INT. SCHOOL, AFT.
IN THE SCHOOL HALL. STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE ASSEMBLED. MR. MANN WALKS UP TO THE PODIUM ON STAGE.
MR. MANN
There will be no school tomorrow.
STUDENTS CHEER AND MR. MANN TRIES TO CALM THEM DOWN.
MR. MANN
Before you get carried away, let me tell you why. We have lost one of our nicest students. Daragh Pender died last night. His funeral is tomorrow. We won’t
MARTHA BECOMES HYSTERICAL. GWEN AND LIZZIE TRY TO CALM HER. LIZZIE LOOKS HORRIFIED AND SHOCKED.
SCENE SEVENTY-SIX INT.GWEN’S KITCHEN, EVENING
TIFF IS GETTNG THE DINNER. GWEN IS TEXTING AND PHONING FRANTICALLY.
TIFF
Whoa there. We’re going to have dinner. Who are you trying to get so desperately?
GWEN
Mack. But he’s not answering.
TIFF
I don’t want you hanging around with that guy.
GWEN
What do you mean? He’s my friend.
TIFF
He’s your friend ?
GWEN
DEFENSIVELY) Yes, he is.
TIFF
I’ll tell you what he is. He’s a sexual pervert and a Satanist.He’s probably into drugs as well. He drove that Daragh fellow demented. It’s his fault he died.
GWEN
No, he’s not like that.
TIFF
You’re not to see him anymore.
SCENE SEVENTY-SEVEN: EXT.. POLICE STATION, EVENING
MACK IS STANDING OUTSIDE THE POLICE STATION WITH HIS MOBILE PHONE HE PUNCHES IN SOME NUMBERS.
CUT TO GWEN IN HER BEDROOM ANSWERING HER MOBILE PHONE. SHE S EXCITED BECAUSE IT IS MACK.
GWEN
Are you okay? I was so worried.
CUT BACK TO MACK
MACK
I’m fine. It was just a misunderstanding. They found my notebook in Daragh’s room. The one I had all the songs and poems and rituals and shit and they thought that’s why Daragh did it.
What? He killed himself. Didn’t you know?
Anyway, I’m going to leave town and I wanted to say good bye.
I’m going to stay with my mother’s cousin in Connemara. I’ll help him fish. My parents? No, they think I am a pervert too.
CUT TO GWEN. SHE IS CRYING.
GWEN
I want to see you before you go. Or I’ll go with you.
CUT TO MACK
MACK
Wait ‘til all this settles down. I screwed up enough people’s lives. I have to get away. I love you. I’ve got to go. Bye.
CU GWEN IN TEARS.
SCENE SEVENTY-EIGHT: EXT.MACK IS ON A BICYCLE COMING INTO COMING IN TO CONNEMARA, NIGHT
CUE MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL TRADITIONAL TUNE, PADDY IN LONDON
THE CAMERA IS FOLLOWING HIM FROM BEHIND IN A SLOW TWISTY PAN LIKE IN THE TWO BICYCLE SEQUENCES IN DONNIE DARKO. THERE IS A FULL MOON OVER THE HILLS.
SCENE SEVENTY-NINE: EXT. CEMETARY, MORNING
IT IS A BRIGHT SPRING DAY. CHERRY BLOSSOM PETALS ARE BLOWING IN THE WIND.
DARAGH IS BEING BURIED BESIDE HIS MOTHER. THERE IS A LOT OF TALK BECAUSE HIS FATHER DIDN’T GO TO THE FUNERAL. HIS BEST FRIEND MACK IS ALSO ABSENT.
THE PRIEST IS SAYING PRAYERS OVER THE CASKET LYING IN THE OPEN GRAVE.
THERE ARE GROUPS OF TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS. GWEN IS AS USUAL WITH MARTHA AND LIZZIE. MARTHA IS CRYING.
CUT TO PAIR STANDING WHISPERING AT THE GRAVESIDE.
FOCUS ON GOSSIP 1 AND 2.
GOSSIP I
And imagine. His own father wouldn’t even come to the funeral.
GOSSIP 2
They say it was some kind of cult thing.
THEN FOCUS ON GOSSIP 3 AND 4.
GOSSIP 3
That other one was involved. Mack Grenier.
GOSSIP 4
What a waste!
CUT TO THE THREE GIRLFRIENDS.
MARTHA
What happened Gwen?
GWEN
I don’t know.
MARTHA
(ACCUSINGLY) Everybody blames Mack.
GWEN
(CRYING) It isn’t like that.
LIZZIE
(COMFORTING) I’m sure it isn’t.
But you were talking to Mack. What did he say happened?
GWEN
It seemed like there was some misunderstanding.
MARTHA
Misunderstanding? My God. Daragh’s dead.
SHE PUSHES GWEN.
FADE UP MUSIC , THE PRODIGY, BABY’S GOT A TEMPER.
GWEN PUSHES BACK AND THE TWO GIRLS END UP FIGHTING. THE TEACHERS HAVE TO BREAK THEM UP. LIZZIE GOES WITH GWEN AND MARTHA STANDS BY HERSELF.
PAN OVER TO TREE WHERE HER BROTHER KEN IS HIDING WHILE VIDEO TAPING THE FUNERAL.
CU MARTHA DISGUSTED. SHE LEAVES IN DESPAIR.
FADE MUSIC
SCENE EIGHTY EXT. BOAT OUT IN THE SEA
MACK IS WORKING ON HIS COUSIN’S BOAT. THE WAVES ARE BIG AND T HE WORK IS HARD BUT HE LIKES IT AND HE IS FOND OF HIS COUSIN WHO TAKES EVERYTHING AS IT COMES.
JOSEPH
Take that line there now.
HE PASSES A ROPE TO MACK.
JOSEPH
Now pull.
MACK PULLS THE LINE.
JOSEPH
Pull harder.
MACK PULLS HARD. THE WAVES ARE SPLASHING UP AND THE BOAT ISN ROCKING WILDLY. HE PULLS AGAIN WITH ALL HIS STRENGTH.
MACK
(SMILING) Is that hard enough for you?
JOSEPH
You’re doing fine.
SCENE EIGHTY-ONE: INT. GIRLS BATHROOM, THE SCHOOL, AFTERNOON
SOUND: GIRLS WALKING AROUND, TALKING, GIGGLING
ZOOM DOWN INSIDE ONE TOILET CUBICLE TO WHAT APPEARS TO BE A TOWEL ON THE FLOOR. ZOOM CLOSER TO REVEAL A NEW BORN BABY.
SCENE EIGHTY-TWO: INT GWEN’S HOUSE, AFT.
GWEN STUMBLES IN THE DOOR AND HEADS FOR THE KITCHEN. BLOOD IS DRIPPING FROM HER.
GWEN
(WEAKLY) Mom!
SHE COLLAPSES AND DOES NOT MOVE.
CU NOTE ON FRIDGE SAYING TIFF WOULD BE HOME LATE AND TO HEAT UP DINNER LEFT IN FRIDGE.
SCENE EIGHTY-THREE : INT. LIZZIE’S ROOM, NIGHT
SHE IS ON A MOBILE PHONE.
LIZZIE
Mack it’s Lizzie. I have Gwen’s phone.
Something terrible’s happened. (PAUSE)
Yes, again. I can’t really tell you on the phone. You have to come.
SCENE EIGHTY –FOUR : EXT. ROAD IN CONNEMARA,, MORNING
MACK ‘S HITCHHIKING. CAR STOPS AND HE GETS IN.
SCENE EIGHTY-FIVE: EXT. CEMETARY, AFTERNOON
MACK AND LIZZIE ARE STANDING BY A FRESH GRAVE. MACK IS HOLDING SOME FLOWERS AND IS CRYING. LIZZIE IS TRYING TO COMFORT HIM BUT IS UPSET HERSELF.
MACK
Why didn’t she tell me?
LIZZIE
Maybe she didn’t know herself. Anyway she didn’t tell me either. And she hasn’t spoken to Martha since Daragh’s funeral.
MACK
What kept me going out there on the sea was the fact that we’d be together someday.
LIZZIE
It was the same for her,
.
MACK PLACES THE FLOWERS SOFTLY ON THE GRAVE.
MACK
And the baby?
LIZZIE
It was a boy.
MACK
No, I mean, where is it? Did it live?
LIZZIE
Yeah, it lived. It’s at the hospital, I think.
SCENE EIGHTY-SIX: INT. PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL.
MACK IS SEATED IN A SMALL OFFICE WITH A NURSE.
NURSE
I’m not saying that you are not the father of that baby.
It’s just that it is a big job caring for a baby.
MACK
I’m working now.
NURSE
But who’ll mind the baby while you’re doing that.
MACK
I never thought of that. Can I see the baby?
NURSE
If you promise not to make a fuss when we keep the baby here. You will have to go through the courts I imagine if you want him.
MACK
I promise.
NURSE
A really nice couple has already arrived to adopt him. They would give him a nice home.
MACK
No way. He’s mine. I’ll find a way to make it work.
NURSE
You’re only fifteen. You have your whole life in front of you.
THE NURSE LEAVES MACK WAITING AND RETURNS WITH THE BABY, PLACING IT IN HIS ARMS. HE IS A BIT NERVOUS. THEN HE LOOKS DOWN AT THE LITTLE FACE AND THE BABY’S FINGER CURLS AROUND HIS OWN. HE LOOKS UP AND SEES KELLY AND KEVIN IN THE CORRIDOR.
MACK
You’re sure it is a nice couple.
NURSE
Positive. They are out there now.
MACK
I’m sure they’ll give him a good home.
HE KISSES THE BABY GENTLY ON THE FOREHEAD AND HANDS THE BABY BACK TO THE NURSE. HE WALKS OUT. KELLY AND KELLY DON’T SEE HIM
BUT HE WATCHES AT THEIR DELIGHT AS THEY ARE PRESENTED WITH THE BABY.
SCENE EIGHTY-SIX: EXT. HOSPITAL
CUE MUSIC: TBA
MACK WALKS OUT OF THE HOSPTAL, PAST GWEN’S HOUSE AND PAST HIS HOUSE AND BACK TO THE ROAD WHERE HE CAN HITCH-HIKE BACK TO CONNEMARA. HE IS A MAN NOW. MASTER OF HIS FATE.
CUE CREDITS
FADE MUSIC:
THE END
posted by sandbunting @ 7:01 AM
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