Episode Ten: And When the Cats Away
SCENE ONE
INT. --- B'N'B KITCHEN---DAYTIME
By the kitchen’s cabinet JESSE, GREG and ANTHONY watches a Braves game on TV, chanting and raving. SCOTT passes by and shakes his head @ their actions.
JESSE
Hey Scotty! Wanna join this male bonding
ritual of watching the mighty Braves whip
the mess out of the Mets?!
SCOTT
I pass, not my field to partake!
JESSE
Aw bro don’t tell me, you’re not one of
those gay guys without the “sport man’s
bone”! I mean, you’re built for it.
ANTHONY
Nah, he’s all books and computers!
SCOTT
Ah, may I remind you, I was captain of
both my high school basketball and football
team since freshman year?!
ANTHONY
Yeah and soccer, track, blah, blah,
blah… It’s true he’s the greatest, sadly.
SCOTT
I’m just not into baseball, especially the
pathetic Braves.
GREG
Are you mad? They’ve kicked ass since
the start of the season.
ANTHONY
Too little, too late.
GREG
Man, you don’t know what’re missing.
JESSE
I’d side with you man, I’m more a Sox’s
fan myself. But you have to admit they’re
rockin’!
SCOTT
Sweet confession, but I still pass.
DAVID passes through, notices the game
DAVID
Ooo, my babies are playing today?!
Who’s up?!
Sits by GREG
ANTHONY
You’re babies?!
GREG
This is not House of Styles.
DAVID
Is that so, shit face?! This ain’t you’re
house tacky and sexless.
ANTHONY
I didn’t know you were a baseball fan?!
DAVID
Child, when comes to my baby boys the
Braves, I’ve always been behind for my
home team boys!
GREG
(To ANTHONY)
He means it literately!
JESSE
See, Scotty, even he has the Brave’s fever!
DAVID
And had it ever since they the days of
Hank Aaron! Why I remember as a kid
DAVID (CONT'D)
watching him holdin’ his long, dark tan,
wooden shaft, swinging those balls out
of field! Damn, I need a Bloody Mary!
JESSE
And what will Gary say about your secret
rendezvous with “the home team”?
DAVID
Nothing, He’s also a fan. In fact, he took me
to every game last season. And has one of
Hank’s ball, signed! And would have taken
me this year if he wasn’t so into his work.
Another play is announced, they all, except SCOTT, cheer. He shakes his head and begins to leave, fatigued DAVID suddenly passes out. SCOTT goes to his aid, all stop and
Slaps his face
JESSE
Hey, Davy! Come on back to earth!
ANTHONY
Is he ok?
SCOTT
What do ya think?!
GREG
Please, it’s one of his dramatic scenes
about the game and “his babies”!
SCOTT
Nah, I think there could be something
wrong with him!
GREG
Yeah like he’s a big drama queen!?
ANTHONY
He has a point, maybe he isn’t bullshitting
this time.
JESSE
Yeah what’s the matter with you, man?!
JESSE (CONT”D)
The guy is out cold and you’re bashing him?
GREG
Come one, this is David we’re talking
about, the guy who cries when his red
clashes with green! It’s acting!
SCOTT
Trust me it isn’t! He needs medical
help, man!
GREG
And where did you come up with this
diagnosis, Doc!
Then DAVID wakes, everyone, except GREG, crowds around him.
JESSE
Hey, enjoyed you’re beauty rest?!
DAVID
My, what did I do to deserve this
attention?
JESSE
Oh, you were out cold, and thought
we’ve lost you, all that jazz! Ya know
the usual...
DAVID
I guess just a little wind knocked me out…
Gets up
SCOTT
Are you sure? Maybe you need to…
DAVID
I’m ok sweetie, must been all that heat after
seein’ those boys play…
GREG
What did I tell ya, typical!
Turns his attention back to game
SCOTT
So you’re cool right?!
DAVID
Of course sugar! I told you, it was a little
wind knock out! Oh, not another word
anyone else especially you know who?!
SCOTT nods
DAVID (CONT”D)
Speaking of knock out …
Goes back watching the game. SCOTT stands watching him
SCENE ENDS
SCENE TWO
INT. ---THE CAFE ---DAYTIME
Two hours before opening, TAMI goes to bar looking for NIKKI, sees a hump of a person, thinking that it’s her
TAMI
There you are I was wonderin’
An eight year old girl, BRITTANY, FRANK’S daughter, jump out to her.
TAMI
Oh my…hello!
BRITTANY
Hi, you’re skinny and pale.
TAMI
Uh…thanks I guess?! And where did you
come from?
BRITTANY
My mother silly.
TAMI
How did you get in this place?
BRITTANY
I walked in!
TAMI
Can you at least tell me if you’ve saw
a little black lady with braids in her hair?
BRITTANY
Yes, I saw many black ladies with braids
on their heads!
TAMI
(Sarcastic)
Cute!
NIKKI
There you are! Are you bothering this
nice lady, Brittany?
TAMI
Bother who me? We were just chattin’
away about black ladies with braids and
other stuff, ain’t that right?
She winks and smiles, BRITTANY smiles back
BRITTANY
Yep! And how skinny and pale you look?
TAMI
Ah Yeah, that too!
NIKKI
That’s great, Brittany! Now, let’s go in
the back and leave watch T.V. Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles are on!
She gets out of the bar
TAMI
I like The Little Mermaid better!
NIKKI
There’s only Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles for so let’s go, I’ll get you your
lunch soon!
Shooing her
BRITTANY
Ahh!
Goes slowly to the back
TAMI
Bye, Brittany!
Waves bye
TAMI (CONT'D)
Seems you hired a little help around here
NIKKI
More like the little help hired me, I’m her
mama for now!
TAMI
Oh I thought you and Jess were going to…
NIKKI
We still are, while Carl and Frank are doing
this stakeout, I’m the designated babysitter
for the weekend.
TAMI
That still can be cool, at least you’ll get
a taste what motherhood is all about. You’ll
just be the weekend mommy.
NIKKI
If I can survive this!
TAMI
How you deal with some these folks
here, you’d probably pass with flying
colors.
NIKKI
Hope she doesn’t clown up like them!
TAMI
She does have an excuse, she’s only a kid.
NIKKI
You’re right there! Too bad Annie’s
anti-child you guy add a third person
NIKKI
and give our “whoever-to-be” a playmate!
TAMI
With me doing my gigs and Marie…
Well, it’s safe to say the world be better
off without an offspring from us. Besides
can you imagine anyone calling Marie
mama?
NIKKI
You never know, weirder things have
happened. Also, I heard it strengthens
any relationship.
TAMI
How we are it’ll take more than some
screaming brat at our ears for us to be
strengthen.
NIKKI
More reason to get one.
SCENE ENDS
SCENE THREE
INT. ---LOWELL AND RHENNES OFFICE (GARY’S OFFICE) – NEXTDAY
At his slightly scattered desk, GARY and GREG trying to develop a plan to “save” their business. As they continue, he spots Brave’s cap, remembering what DAVID mentioned.
GREG
Ya know as long as we’ve worked
together, you’ve never told me you’re
a baseball man or into the Braves.
GARY
I am and you already knew that, and I
don’t see what that has to do with like,
Uhh…getting our asses out of the red?!
GREG
But I didn’t know you’d liked the
Braves! We could’ve gone to that
game yesterday, which raises another
question, how come you’d never asked
me to go to any of their games?
GARY
Let’s see, since we’re, or at least, I’m
trying to get us back on track, it would
be a little bit too….awkward, don’t you
think …
GREG
Not really, it would’ve been cool
for us to do something together for
outside of the office and all for a change…
GARY
Greg, we already do enough “things”
together outside of the office… Now,
could you please get with the program
and let me tell you what my damn idea
is already?!
GREG
Yeah right, your idea…I know, I heard
you have a signed Hank Aaron’s ball, is
it here, or at the BnB?
GARY
I’m trying to get what your idea is, and
you’re babbling about my Hank Aaron
baseball, and going to a stupid baseball
games together, what’s going on with
you?!
.
GREG
Relax, I’m just breaking the ice, let’s
hear this wonderful idea of yours!
GARY
I may have something a little daring
it may be a bit much of a sacrifice but
it’ll get us out of this hole for awhile.
GREG
Let’s hear it, anything sounds better
than what we’re doin’.
GARY
Ok, here’s what I think, J. Bucks Assoc.
has offered us half of their normal cliental
if we give them….
GREG becomes unease
GREG
(Interrupts)
Heard enough… Aren’t we doing this
to get away from to get away from that
crap…. We give not beg, defeats the
purpose!
GARY
Do we have any other choice?! I mean,
Southern banking has stop dealing and
since the repression every other banks
is too chicken to risk dealing with small
businesses!
GREG
You voted for the guy…
GARY
Can you get beyond blame, and get out
of this hole!
GREG
By digging a deeper one?!
GARY
Obviously our way is not working!
GREG
When we don’t wait and give it a
chance
GARY
You can wait for that magic pixie dust
to make everything better, but I’m
interested in reality!
GREG
Like you’re gonna stuffer from any
GREG (CONT'D)
serious repercussion! With the luxurious Mrs. B’s Bed Breakfast
and David, if he’s doesn’t have a headache, beckons at your feet and entertain whatever relatives that drops by!
GARY
You think is this fun for me? I got
news for you this ain’t a walk in the
park for me from this hellhole here
to my luxurious lifeless place I wanna
call home that by the way, you and
Leah and every wacko around loves
to mooch off! You know with all that
I think I’m developing an ulcer! Look,
I have my goals too I want to achieve,
I thought you’d understand partner
since, you’re apart this!
GREG
Not by being one of J. Bucks’ dancing
monkeys!?
GARY
I’m just looking for the best way out
of this mess or J. Bucks is the less you
to worry about dancing, unless you like
go back to Florida, and mommy and
daddy’s dancing monkey! Cheetah
wants a banana?!
GREG
Afterwards, watching Lee and mom
wrestle each other if they don’t finish
me off first? Yikes! You got me! But
there’s gotta be something better…
GARY
Then J. Bucks offer, please humor me?
GREG
I don’t know… I guess it’s a yes…
GARY
Cool, I’ll just call and let them know
and we’re all set.
GREG
Hurry up and do it do before I change
my mind!
GARY
Please, we’ll be back on our feet in no
time partner
GREG
Plus J. Bucks!
SCENE ENDS
SCENE FOUR
INT. ---MARIE AND TAMI'S LOFT---NIGHT
TAMI walks in turns on the light, and is startled by MARIE who’s sits on the couch, singing.
TAMI
Why do you do that all the time?
MARIE
Have you heard? I’m a vampire, baby.
TAMI
Great! Something else we all need.
MARIE
That’s right, now come over and get
some of that Dracula lovin’!
She goes and sits by her
TAMI
Can I bring garlic?
MARIE
Mmm, Even tastier….get the butter too
Fooling with her hair
TAMI
But don’t vamps hate garlic?
MARIE
I’m not your typical vampress
TAMI
Or human.
Necking her which escalates to kissing, TAMI snickers
MARIE
I wasn’t trying to be funny here…
TAMI
I’m laughing at you…well apart of
It yeah…
Sitting up
TAMI (CONT'D)
Today I went by the café to speak with
Nikki and I was greeted by this cute
little girl that she was watching ….
MARIE
Oh, I can really see this relates to me…
TAMI
If you’d let me finish, well this girl
With all that cuteness had a sassy lil’
mouth on her!
MARIE
‘K, she’s acting like any girl under
eighteen, I still fail to see the relation?!
TAMI
It’s was how and what she said, how
skinny and pale I looked…
MARIE
Oh yeah, let’s go lock up this delinquent
before she ends up down and out like me!
TAMI
I didn’t mean any thing like that, do you
always do that to me when I tried to make
a point?!
MARIE
It’s called a joke, Tamara! I got it, sort of….
TAMI
You didn’t listen?!
MARIE
Look, you’d said what you had to and
I heard you, that’s all that matters! Now
get over here you skinny fine pale bitch...
Coasting her
TAMI
This is what I mean!
MARIE
And there it goes!
TAMI
You think just because you can bring
up a patronizing remark I’m gonna just
fall gitty to ya? I have feeling too, and
for the record it does matter! I’d like you
to pay attention to my conversations
sometime….
MARIE
Will do! Just show up so we can do that
sometime. Oh I forgot about your shootings
in Brazil or where hell ever else you go
TAMI
It’s my career!
MARIE
And I’m only your girl, huh!
TAMI
Bitch about this?
MARIE
‘Cause I get sick in tired of being myself
for two weeks at a fucking time!
TAMI
That’s all I am to you, I mean I that
all you think about?!
MARIE
Oh grow up!
TAMI
And you should talk, to think I was
wondered if we could be parents!
MARIE
Now you gotta be kidding me?!
TAMI
Oh we can't!
MARIE
You in Milan with whatever fag designer’s
runway appeasing every other straight guy’s
testosterone fantasy!
TAMI
Why do you always bring up the straight
issue?
MARIE
If you haven’t notice, Pumpkin! You’re on
their sacred territory, and if you’re lucky
will be graced on the covers of their mag
rags!
TAMI
So you are jealous
MARIE
Give me a break!
TAMI
No give me a break!
And she walks out
SCENE ENDS
SCENE FIVE
INT. --- B'N'B LOBBY--- NIGHTTIME
SCOTT finishes cleaning up, he goes to the stairs, and unbeknownst he bumps into a frantic DAVID.
DAVID
You can watch where you going!
SCOTT
Sorry, simple mistake.
DAVID
Simple my ass!
SCOTT
What’s eating you, man?
DAVID
Oh nothing, man! Just can't find my other
God damn pills, or did you happen to find
those too!
SCOTT
Look, it ain’t like I’m trying to take
your shit for ransom you just need to
SCOTT (CONT'D)
keep up with them…
DAVID
Thank you mama! And are you gonna
tell me to brush my teeth before I go
to bed?!
SCOTT
You don’t have to jump on me because
I’m telling it like it is!
DAVID
Like you almost did to everyone yesterday?!
Which I didn’t appreciate by the way,
thank also!
SCOTT
Your ass was out cold?! You want me to
not give a damn next time?!
DAVID
I want you to do what you’d promised
and keep your mouth shut!
SCOTT
As long as you watch your ass, literally!
ANTHONY walks down
ANTHONY
Hey guys, what’s going on?
DAVID
Nothing here!
Walk out
ANTHONY
What’s got him?
SCOTT
Nothing? Just be
ANTHONY
What’s the matter?
SCOTT
Nothing I said!
ANTHONY
Not another quarrel between you guys,
why can't you guys just chill…
SCOTT
It ain’t nothing that, his just being David,
I guess.
Walks up
SCENE ENDS
SCENE SIX
INT. ---GREG and LEAH'S HOUSE---NIGHTTIME
LEAH in her kitchen reading a bridal magazine, GREG comes in from the
back door, gives her a peck
GREG
What, no dinner?
LEAH
Inventory today! Lots and lots of vegetation
I’m allergic to.
Goes to the refrigerator
GREG
And nothing in the box…when are you
going grocery shopping?
LEAH
Isn’t it your turn to shop?
Reading into the magazine
GREG
No, I did it last time!
LEAH
No you didn’t, I’m sure it’s yours
turn!
Getting some bread and a piece of meat and cheese on the cabinet
GREG
Actually I’m sure did remember, I forgot
veal and that frozen crap you like..
LEAH
Oh yeah right, sorry I’ll do it next time!
GREG
Hopefully before one of us starves….
What are you reading?
LEAH
Trying to figure out what I should wear
on our big day! Which dress do you think
I should do this traditional or this pricey
looking one by that Vera Wang chick…
both make me look fat.
Show him the article
GREG
That’s four months away there too much
Shit going on now to even look for a cake!
LEAH
More of a good reason to start planning,
you think?
GREG
Normally I’d be with you but I’m facing a
crisis of a sort at the office.
LEAH
What could be more important than our day?
GREG
Gary’s attempt to merge with J. Bucks can.
LEAH
And problem is…
Takes a bag of chips and sits down
GREG
That’s wasn’t in the game plan.
LEAH
Which one?
GREG
Gary and I, it was suppose to be us no
middle man, especially J. Bucks!
LEAH
Dear, you guys aren’t necessary in the’
best of shape, and if I know Gary it’s
probably temporary, and he’s only
looking for the best in this.
GREG
Not, only you’re agreeing but you’re
sounds like him. Are you planning on
dressing alike?
LEAH
Well Mr. Perfect, welcome to earth!
On this planet we earthlings can't
always get what we want, face it!
(Beat)
LEAH (CONT'D)
Look at it this way it gives us time to
gets this wedding going!
GREG
No, you don’t understand…
LEAH
You’re right, I don’t understand! I don’t
understand you nor why you’re more
into everything else including this “plan”
of you and Gary and nothing on our
wedding, not even for napkins or me!
I mean, hello, remember me?!
GREG
Ha, haaa! Don’t you want more rented
furniture and endless bills? Don’t you
want to drive a new car that doesn’t
drain your wallet and gas…
LEAH
And we will get it just….
GREG
Just what, takes time?! I’ll be thirty
this year….
LEAH
And…
GREG
And many people our age have it if
not more! I’m tired waiting and hearing
every insipid “it’s gonna takes time”
sentiments thrown in my face, in the
end be someone’s puppet!
LEAH
Hun, you know the answer to that problem?!
GREG
As usual, I’d except that from you.
LEAH
Greg, if you just stopping being one you’d
Get more than you can!
GREG
Gee thanks hun for the lovin’ support!
LEAH
Well what do you want me to say?!
You can’t stand up for yourself even
your own parents, you don’t help
Gary, your partner with any ideas
for your own business, and you can't stand still to at least discuss our own wedding plans! It’s like I’m involved with a little boy!
GREG
Oh, I’m not man enough now?!
Because I don’t sit down and look
into your stupid lil’ cheap wedding
rags at cakes and a shitty dress by
Laura Wang whoever?! Or I don’t
give you the same attention you
read on those trashy novels with a
blonde a-hole holdin some bitch!
Well I’m sorry I’m not that person
I’m plan ole me! The same person
I thought you wanted to be with!
LEAH
Damn it, I am sick and tired picking
of your god damn fights and wearing you’re pants in this so- called household! Why can't just step up and by a man?!
GREG
I can settle it this way!
Gets up
LEAH
And where are you going?!
GREG
Since I’m not man enough, I’ll let leave
you with Ms. Wang and whatever “fantasies”
you want to conjure up!
SCENE ENDS
SCENE SEVEN
INT. ------ B'N'B LOBBY------ THAT NIGHT
SCOTT works in background as GARY sits cuddling with DAVID on the sofa , explaining his day.
DAVID
So my baby had a long hard day, with
That child Greg squawking over your
huge merger and all like a scene from
L.A. Law…
GARY
We’re not lawyers, nor in L.A.
DAVID
And you ain’t Harry Hamil.
GARY
That’s a good thing I hope
DAVID
Umm hmm, he’s too thin for me
like my men like portly steeds
GARY
I wouldn’t consider myself a portly
steed but if that makes you happy
Squeezing him
DAVID
Yes sir love ‘em like the studs they are!
GARY
Ya know, all this talk about merging
and portly steeds is giving me an idea…
DAVID
And what were we thinkin’ Mr. Rhennes!
He gets up
GARY
I little merger of our own, with a little
pillow talk and maybe….
Leading DAVID up, as does he gets faint, SCOTT also takes notice stops and tries to help
GARY
Are you ok?!
DAVID
Y-yes, just the heat in this place…
SCOTT
The air conditioner is up on high…
DAVID
There you go…too much air!
SCOTT
It’s not that cold….
GARY
Go turn it down anyway, will ya?!
SCOTT walks to air conditioner near desk
GARY
You’ll be much better when we go to bed
DAVID
Ah, sweetie let’s rain check the merger deal!
GARY
Ok, anything you say!
Getting him upstairs, SCOTT stands watching
SCENE ENDS
SCENE EIGHT
INT. ---THE CAFE ---NIGHTTIME
On regular night, BRITTANY runs around the place bumping into patrons and ANTHONY
who’s a tad bit pissed, walking to the main bar with JESSE
ANTHONY
When did this become a family restaurant?
JESSE
Never why?
ANTHONY
Guess?
JESSE
Brittany?
ANTHONY
She’s Chucky with pigtails, at times like
this I thank god I was an only child.
JESSE
She’s not that bad, just give a New Kids
on the Block doll and she’ll shut up!
ANTHONY
Easy for you to say, she’s scarcely harassed
you!
JESSE
What can I say; I have a way with kids.
ANTHONY
About how much did it cost?
JESSE
Fifty bucks plus two pepperoni pizzas
with extra cheese.
ANTHONY
Ouch!
JESSE
Pricey for kids today!
ANTHONY
Just call her Ms. Leona Helmsley, Jr.
NIKKI interrupts
NIKKI
Who’s Leona?
JESSE
No one, just complimenting on how
well behaved your new daughter is!
NIKKI
I understand she may be a lot to handle
but it’s only for two more days and I’d
appreciate your assistance.
ANTHONY
Whoa, whoa, if I’m not correct, isn’t she
your responsibility?
NIKKI
Yes...but, look at where we are now.
This isn’t quite Kindercare? And I’m
surely no Mother Goose!
ANTHONY
Uh, oh! Sounds like someone’s all
thumbs when it comes to the kiddies!
JESSE
And you’re suppose to be the mother of
my baby! For shame!
NIKKI
Oh ha, ha! Come on guys! I already have
a lot on my plate than I needed and with
her around, is extra weight. All I’m asking
for is you guys to at least look like you care….
JESSE
Relax, we’re only kiddin’! We’ll help you.
ANTHONY
At least for the right bit!
JESSE
Tony?! Come on…
ANTHONY
Kiddin, kiddin, I’ll help!
JESSE
If you could find her.
NIKKI
Why she’s right….where is she? Brittany,
come over here and leave the paying patrons
alone!
Goes to her
NIKKI (CONT'D)
Thanks you guys!
ANTHONY
Looks like it’s gonna be another wild
one tonight!
JESSE
God bless her living soul.
ANTHONY
And ours!
TAMI drags in greets both ANTHONY and JESSE
TAMI
When are you not here?!
JESSE
Gotta get extra dough! Rumor has it,
I gotta kid on the way, and I want to do
my part!
TAMI
Wasn’t that already done?!
JESSE
It takes more than sperm to be a
parent.
TAMI
Yeah, yeah…they’re gonna allow you
To be around the
JESSE
Shouldn’t you be with you know who
doin’ the little lady thing?
TAMI
I should but I’m not!
JESSE
Do I sense a little animosity in your voice!
TAMI
Don’t ask!
JESSE
You’re gonna tell me anyways…
Fixing her drink
TAMI
Or I may not!
JESSE
Suit your self!
Giving her drink
TAMI
Did you….
JESSE
It’s in there….
She takes a drink
TAMI
Sometimes I wish some people would
just….grow up….
JESSE
Hey, I told ya everything in there…
ok I added a little lime
TAMI
No! It’s Marie,
JESSE
That’s the something!
TAMI
You should have known, right!
JESSE
Didn’t say that!
TAMI
But you’d thought it!
JESSE
Damn, you’re a terrible guesser, so
what did the Lady Marie say this
week?
TAMI
She is being…Marie!
JESSE
What is unusual about that?
TAMI
A dose of her anti-social, I hate any
that doesn’t put her in the center of
attention…. It’s been that way for her,
she’s always been in a league of her
own!
JESSE
I haven’t notice!
TAMI
She’s giving it extra, it’s beginning to
hit a nerve so bad….
(Slamming the table she begins speaks in Spanish)
JESSE
Hey, hold those maracas, Charo!
TAMI
I’m sorry but she I mean want to say
I love her but….
JESSE
Hmm, sounds familiar….
TAMI
I wasn’t that troublesome!
JESSE
No just you father and half of White Beach
and the fact you weren’t around to help me….
TAMI
I thought was well and over with?!
JESSE
It is, but some bars have a familiar tune
In your song.
TAMI
So you’re sayin’ I’m repeating my follies?
JESSE
No, I’m saying it sounds familiar, now
drink!
TAMI
Why does trouble always comes to me?
JESSE
Marie and I are trouble?
TAMI
No, it just seems every time I grasp
on something or someone I adore the
worst seems to happen, with you and
I should’ve stayed but I was too damn
scared, as with Marie…I don’t know…
JESSE
It sounds to me trouble doesn’t come
to you, you just don’t give anyone time
to work it out… but then that’s me.
He goes to take another person’s order, leaving her pondering
SCENE ENDS
SCENE NINE
INT. ---ANTHONY and SCOTT'S ROOM-----NIGHTTIME
Both ANTHONY and SCOTT sit on the bed undressing
ANTHONY
Scotty, remind that we have no kids
for awhile!
SCOTT
And what brought this up?!
ANTHONY
After Nikki’s Adventure in babysitting
tonight, I’m through with children.
SCOTT
There’s no rush here, hell, we don’t
even have a decent place to stay for
anything like that.
ANTHONY
What do you call this place?
SCOTT
Temporary, I would raise a plant here!
ANTHONY
I’m just saying in general children are
A no, no for now anyways…..
As he continues SCOTT reflexes back to his confliction with DAVID
ANTHONY
….And are you even listen, man?!
SCOTT
Huh?....Yeah,
ANTHONY
What’s up with you, you’ve been spaced
out most of the day
SCOTT
Nothing….just…well, concern over
something…
ANTHONY
What, something or someone?
SCOTT
Something…. someone…. both!
ANTHONY
Is it me?
SCOTT
Normally, yes but not this time.
ANTHONY
Who
SCOTT
It’s really nothing….
ANTHONY
So you mean it’s something,
SCOTT
No I mean nothing!
ANTHONY
Come on, you always say the opposite
of what you mean!
SCOTT
Ok, here goes! I don’t think he’s not too
well.
ANTHONY
Thanks for telling me last year’s news…
SCOTT
Seriously, Tony he’s really not well!
ANTHONY
This is about that dizzy spell yesterday…
SCOTT
Partially…
ANTHONY
That was nothing, you heard what he said
he usually overdramatic, that’s David’s style
SCOTT
This wasn’t drama! Nor is it his first time!
He had one today!
ANTHONY
Yeah, he’s a drama queen?!
SCOTT goes into his night stand and gets out a pill bottle
SCOTT (CONT'D)
He keeps on dropping it! He says it is
Someone else’s but under his name….
Shows it to him
ANTHONY
And this means….
SCOTT
This what people who have HIV or AIDS
take!
ANTHONY
So you’re accusing David might have AIDS?
SCOTT
No I’m saying he has HIV and is playing
with his life!
ANTHONY
Not to mention Uncle Gary’s. Does
he know?
SCOTT
Only me and you, I don’t think he’s
affected him
ANTHONY
Which would explain his mood swings?
Poor Gary! How would feel if I’d held
Something like…AIDS from?
SCOTT
The how you feel vice versa
ANTHONY
Let’s never hold anything from each
other.
SCOTT
Blah, blah, blah by the way, I’m pregnant.
They wrestle and kiss
SCENE ENDS
SCENE TEN
INT. ---LOWELL AND RHENNES OFFICE (FRONT OFFICE) –--NEXT DAY
As GARY enters the office and turns on the lights, he sees GREG sleeping on the front sofa. He then goes to make coffee then sits by him as he sleeps to get his attention.
GARY
Would you like your usual cream and
sweet and low?
GREG
Guess!
GARY
My bed isn’t comfortable sometimes
GARY
either what’s your excuse?
GREG
Just needed air…..
GARY
What was it this time?
GREG
Nothing, I just needed to….
GARY
Challenging your manhood, again!
GREG
I can't have to decency to relax in my
own house without hearing her “issues”
and how I’m not carrying the weight
like I should! And with this stupid
Wedding.. You know, I wanted to do it
Somewhere simple like have you and
some of the guys and go to a judge …
but being the control-freak that she is …
GARY
I hate to break it but, it is your wedding
besides you can't argue with women folk
and with Lee?
GREG
You should thank God you’re not involved
with the opposite sex!
GARY
I have David to confiscate but that’s
another can of worms not to be opened.
GREG
There’s away to
GARY
Solve it, yeah, yeah I’ve heard, b
GARY
Although, she does have a point on the
manhood issue! You do have feminine
features around the nose and eyes!
GREG
Bet you say that to all the guys!
GARY
I’d wish one would re
GREG
What’s it like kissing guy?
GARY
What?!
GREG
What’s it like kissing guy?
GARY
I guess like kissing a woman
GREG
Just wondering.
GARY
You are one strange guy.
GREG
I’ll take that as a compliment, Sir.
SCENE ENDS
SCENE ELEVEN
INT. ---THE CAFE ---THAT NIGHTTIME
Busy night, @ the bar with SCOTT, MARIE and TAMI sits and JESSE‘S behind,
along with ANTHONY bar backing.
MARIE
So where is this brat, you talk
highly about?
ANTHONY
In Mars, I hope.
JESSE
Don’t know I haven’t really seen her
for a while… no wonder it’s been quiet.
ANTHONY
Let’s pray it stays like that for a long time.
MARIE
Ya know, in this troubling time of ’91,
it’s nice to know, that someone shares
the same love for our future as I.
JESSE
Oh no, deep inside his golden locked brain
he loves her more than apple pie.
ANTHONY
In your wet dreams, bro.
MARIE
Come on, knuckleheads it’s bad enough
listening to a straight girls odyssey or lack
of with her fiancée but hear a straight guy
flirting with a gay dude that’s already taken?
NIKKI rushes in
NIKKI
Ok, I’m not trying to freak anyone out,
but has anyone seen Brittany?!
JESSE
The young lady of hour…. Actually
we were pondering on her presence
or lack of.
MARIE
More of lack of.
NIKKI
Oh this is bad?!
MARIE
Boy, I hate being your kid at the store
NIKKI
Oh shut up and either be apart of
solution and not the problem!
MARIE
Gee, I only came here to drink.
TAMI
Honey, stop it!
MARIE
She started the whole thing!
TAMI
No she didn’t and don’t finish it!
MARIE
Yes, mother!
TAMI
I’m sorry Nikki, we haven’t seen her!
NIKKI
Well I hope sooner than later, her father’s
coming by soon and
JESSE
We’ll let you know if she turns up go in
the back and drink some green tea and put
on the sounds of trees….
NIKKI
I should.
Grabs a bottle and some liquor
NIKKI (CONT'D)
Please let me know!
Walks out grasping the bottle, Both MARIE and JESSE laugh, as well as ANTHONY,
TAMI sits gritting her teeth. MARIE in the mist looks at her as she hits her
MARIE
Ow, what was that for!
TAMI
No it wasn’t! (To both her and JESSE) and you should
be ashamed of yourselves!
MARIE
You really want motherhood badly!
TAMI
I want to be with mature people for a
change!
MARIE
Baby, where’s your sense of fun and
spontaneity?
JESSE
Yeah Tam, there’s no need to have two
edgy people, she’ll probably show up
in some point.
TAMI
That’s not it, you have some kid
MARIE
My god sweetie, it’s only a kid and not
yours, I don’t see why you’re so bugged
by this?!
JESSE
She has been a pain to a lot of people.
TAMI
CUT TO: ANTHONY mopes by SCOTT
ANTHONY
How can a person do that?
SCOTT
She’s a ten year old girl, I’m sure
ANTHONY
I’m not talking about that, David
SCOTT
What, David’s lost too?
ANTHONY
No! Him with the… (Whispers) HIV!
SCOTT
Well, as my preacher’d say you live by
The sword, you die by it! And he’s done
A lot a living behind the sword!
ANTHONY
Just think of every time Uncle Gary’s
trusted him and he just….and to think
you know a person.
SCOTT
We haven’t been here but six months.
ANTHONY
But…ow!
He feels a sharp poke behind him, he turns and BRITTANY stands laughing
BRITTANY
You snooze you loose buddy!
ANTHONY
Ok this is the later fucking straw, you
twerp!
Coming towards her she starts running and he chases her around the bar in front of everyone.
CUT TO:
MARIE
So that’s Brittany!
JESSE
The one and only!
He corner her as soon as he about to grab her, NIKKI comes out BRITTANY plays innocent and runs to her
BRITTANY
Oh, Ms. Patterson, he was about to hurt me!
ANTHONY
If only you were that luck!
NIKKI
That’s ok I’ll take care of you!
Pulling her in the back
SCENE TWEVLE
INT. ---THE CAFE ---SOMETIME LATER
CARLA and FRANK stands with a quieter BRITTANY and NIKKI with her stuff
CARLA
Too bad this wasn’t
FRANK
Yeah again thank you I’d thought she’d
be a headache.
NIKKI
Piece of cake.
FRANK
How did you get her so quiet?
NIKKI
Oh, I had her tied up with a few things…
ya know!
FRANK
Whatever it was it worked thanks!
Take her and leaves
NIKKI
Bye! Bye Brittany,
Look at her with fear
CARLA
Ok, what did you do to the girl?! ‘cause
she wasn’t like that
NIKKI
Nothing, what?! I told I had her tied
up!
She then walks away
SCENE ENDS
SCEN THIRTEEN
INT. ---LOWELL AND RHENNES OFFICE (GARY’S OFFICE) –NIGHT (LATER)
Upon finishing their work, they close up. GREG watches him put on his jacket
GARY
….and to end on a good note, tomorrow
is the big day.
GREG
And I’m not looking forward to it.
GARY
You’ll live!
GREG
Yeah, yeah, it’s for the best!
GARY
Let’s go on home.
GREG
What’s your rush?
GARY
I want to go home?!
GREG
What do you have to there that’s
so important?
GARY
Greg, go home to your wife!
GREG
We’re not married, yet!
GARY
Goodnight!
Goes over to kiss him, for second GARY pushes back but then can't resist and continues until they fall over on the floor.
THE END
We’re Half Way There…
Episode Ten: Trouble Comes When
The Cat’s Away
By Bryant Mclemore
1