FADE IN:
EXT. CUTE LITTLE HOUSE -- DAY
A cute little house sits peacefully in the daylight. It's
surrounded by a quaint white fence that a few blue birds
have decided to land on and make their resting place for the
moment. They chirp loudly and fly away as a young kid on
his bike rides by followed by two more young kids chasing
after him.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
I look back on my life and I wonder
what stopped me from seeing what was
before my very eyes. It's just that
everything seemed so perfect. There
was nothing more I could have asked
for. It was like I was living in
heaven and every moment was something
magical. That's when it all started.
The clouds roll in and the house becomes very dark as rain
starts pouring down.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
That's when the nightmares started.
I should have known heaven couldn't
last.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
The front door swings open and Christopher, unshaven, wearing
a wife beater, and scraggily jeans, walks in from the rain.
Abigail lies on the couch sound asleep in front of the T.V.
which has static running across its screen. He glares at
her as if he wants to kill her. The thunder crashes behind
him as lightning fills the room.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail quickly sits up. Christopher is gone. She tries to
rub the sleep from her eyes. The sun shines through the
windows and a white dove sits on the window sill. A soap
opera plays on the T.V. she shakes her head at the television
set then walks over to turn it off. She then grabs a book
from the coffee table and curls up on the couch. A moment
passes and then the front door swings open. Christopher,
clean cut, wearing a suit, tie, and overcoat walks in happily
and sets his briefcase down next to the coat rack.
CHRISTOPHER
Honey, I'm home.
He walks over and gives Abigail a big hug and kiss.
ABIGAIL
If that's not the corniest line I've
ever heard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
CHRISTOPHER
I know but I've always wanted to say
that. I love you.
He hangs up his overcoat and takes his shoes off and carries
them into the other room.
ABIGAIL
(calling out)
I love you too.
He reenters.
CHRISTOPHER
You look stunning, you know that?
ABIGAIL
You don't have to...
He kisses her again.
CHRISTOPHER
I know. I want to.
She kisses him back.
ABIGAIL
What would you like for dinner?
CHRISTOPHER
Don't worry about it. I'm giving
you the night off. Just sit back,
relax. I've got everything taken
care of.
He runs his hand across her face before walking into the
kitchen.
ABIGAIL
(calling out)
You're too good to me, you know that?
She smiles as she sinks back onto the couch.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Did you hear about the couple down
the street?
Christopher reemerges from the other room, a glass of wine
in each hand. He hands a glass to Abigail as he sits next
to her.
ABIGAIL
No...
CHRISTOPHER
I guess there was a big fight.
(MORE)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I drove by and her husband was in
handcuffs and she was being put into
an ambulance. It looked pretty bad.
ABIGAIL
That's horrible.
CHRISTOPHER
I think practically the whole
neighborhood saw it.
ABIGAIL
I must have slept through it.
She curls up against Christopher and holds him tight as he
runs his hand up and down her arm.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Ouch!
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
I don't know, that just kind of hurt.
She raises the sleeve of her shirt. On her upper arm is a
huge bruise.
CHRISTOPHER
My god. How did you get that?
ABIGAIL
I don't know.
Christopher walks out of the room and quickly comes back
with a wet rag as Abigail sits on the couch examining her
bruise.
CHRISTOPHER
Here put this on it.
ABIGAIL
Thanks.
CHRISTOPHER
You look tired. Did you get any
sleep?
ABIGAIL
A little. The nightmares are
just...they're driving me nuts.
They're getting worse and they just...
CHRISTOPHER
Have you considered a doctor?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
ABIGAIL
What's a doctor going to do?
CHRISTOPHER
I don't know, maybe he can....
ABIGAIL
Coffee?
CHRISTOPHER
No...
Abigail gets up and heads for the kitchen. Christopher
follows her.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
The door swings open as Abigail enters followed by
Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER
You can't go on like this.
ABIGAIL
I know.
CHRISTOPHER
Then see a doctor.
ABIGAIL
Christopher please!
He sits stunned for a second as she pours herself a cup of
coffee. He slouches his shoulders in defeat.
CHRISTOPHER
I give up. I can't help you if you
don't want to help yourself.
ABIGAIL
That's not the....fine. I'll see a
doctor okay. I'll call and make an
appointment tomorrow.
CHRISTOPHER
Thank you.
She leans against the kitchen counter and turns the coffee
cup around in her hand as Christopher watches her.
ABIGAIL
I'm sorry...I didn't mean to snap at
you. I'm just a little stressed
from the nightmares and with the
lack of sleep and....
CHRISTOPHER
I know...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
ABIGAIL
It's just, in the dreams everything's
different. Our relationship, the
way you treat me and it...it just
seems so real...
CHRISTOPHER
You don't have to apologize...I
understand.
He walks over and places his hands on her hips.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I love you.
He kisses her.
ABIGAIL
I love you to...
She places the coffee mug on the counter as the kissing gets
more passionate. She starts to remove his shirt.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
Christopher and Abigail lie facing each other in bed, staring
into each others eyes. They kiss each other softly as she
curls up into his arms. Within moments she's asleep.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
Abigail lies in bed, tossing and turning violently. She
awakens to notices that Christopher is no longer beside her.
She sits up and turns on the light. It throws a dim aura on
the room. She hears a noise by the bathroom door.
Christopher leans against the door's frame, a menacing look
on his face, a can of beer in his hand.
ABIGAIL
What time is it?
CHRISTOPHER
It's late.
He tosses the can onto the floor beside the garbage can.
ABIGAIL
What are you still doing up?
CHRISTOPHER
Thought I heard something.
She lays back down in bed as he walks over to the bed and
stands beside the light looking down at her.
ABIGAIL
Are you coming back to bed?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
He continues to stare down at her as she closes her eyes.
CHRISTOPHER
Hmm...
He leans down and kisses her forcefully on the lips. She
gently pushes him away.
ABIGAIL
Not now. Maybe later...
Again he forcefully kisses her. She pushes him off again,
this time harder.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Christopher I said later.
He starts to lay on top of her. She struggles to get him
off.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What the hell has gotten into you!
CHRISTOPHER
Bitch!
He slaps her across the face. She stares at him before
pushing him off and getting up. He looks at her and then
lays down on his pillow and closes his eyes.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Fine, be that way.
She stares at him in disbelief as she runs her hand over her
lip.
INT. BEDROOM -- MORNING
Abigail jumps up with a gasp, as she struggles to catch her
breath. A hand reaches up and touches her arm. She jumps
up with a slight scream.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey, hey. Are you okay?
Abigail turns to see Christopher next to her. She quickly
jumps out of bed and rushes off to the bathroom.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail?
She emerges from the bathroom, her hand on her lip.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail, baby. Are you alright?
ABIGAIL
I don't...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
CHRISTOPHER
Nightmare again?
ABIGAIL
Yeah, it's just...it seemed so...
CHRISTOPHER
Come here.
She walks over and crawls back into bed with him. He wraps
his arms around her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
It's alright. Everything's okay.
ABIGAIL
In my dream you...
She touches her lip again and then looks at her finger.
CHRISTOPHER
You're bleeding.
ABIGAIL
Yeah...I must have bit my lip when...
CHRISTOPHER
When what?
ABIGAIL
You hit me...
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail I would never...
ABIGAIL
No, in my dream you hit me and then
you tried to...
She curls up against him and then starts to cry.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey, hey baby. Come on, don't be
like that.
ABIGAIL
I'm sorry, it's just that...
CHRISTOPHER
Tell you what, why don't you go wash
up and I'll have a nice big old
breakfast ready for you when you get
done.
She looks up at him as he wipes the tears from her eyes.
She kisses him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Now go on. Wash up. The faster you
get done the faster we can eat.
Christopher gets up and walks out of the room. Abigail
sleepily begins to sit up. She glances at the door and then
lays her head back down on the pillow to get a few minutes
more rest. The light in the room begins to fade.
INT. KITCHEN -- DAY
Abigail sits at the kitchen table. Across from her sits her
friend Molly, mid 20's and attractive in the girl next door
type of way. In front of them sits two plates, with what
remains of their lunch, and two glasses half filled with
their drinks.
MOLLY
So where is he now?
ABIGAIL
At work.
MOLLY
Miss him?
ABIGAIL
You have no idea. He made me
breakfast this morning. Do you know
how hard it is to find a guy that
can cook?
Molly giggles.
MOLLY
And how is he in other areas?
ABIGAIL
What other....oh. I'm not going to
talk about that.
Abigail begins to blush.
MOLLY
Oh come on. I have to know.
ABIGAIL
Let's just say...I'm completely
satisfied.
MOLLY
You've never had to fake...?
Abigail grabs the dishes from the table and takes them over
to the sink.
ABIGAIL
Molly!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
MOLLY
I'm just curious. You sure you don't
want to share him?
ABIGAIL
You lay a hand on my man and....
They grin jokingly at each other.
MOLLY
Fine, keep your superman. We'll
just see how jealous you get when I
find Captain America.
They both break out laughing.
ABIGAIL
I think you've been reading a few to
many comic books.
Abigail puts the last dish away and heads out the kitchen
door, followed by Molly.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail and Molly take a seat next to each other on the couch.
Abigail yawns as she takes another sip from her drink.
MOLLY
Tired?
ABIGAIL
Yeah, I've been having a lot of bad
dreams lately and it's made it a
little difficult to...
Abigail stifles another yawn.
MOLLY
You poor thing. If you'd like me to
leave so you can grab a short nap...
ABIGAIL
No. No, Christopher should be home
soon and...
Another yawn as Abigail lays her head back and closes her
eyes.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Maybe just a few minutes. Christopher
should be another minute or two if
you could just...
Abigail dozes off as the lights begin to dim. The front
door is heard opening and Abigail opens her eyes slightly.
Christopher walks in, grungy looking and with a cigarette in
hand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
He takes one last puff before flicking the remainder of his
cigarette out the door and closing it behind him. Abigail's
eyes slightly open as Molly stands up and walks over to
Christopher. They begin whispering.
CHRISTOPHER
What the fuck are you doing here?
MOLLY
Met your wife. She's out cold.
Christopher glances over at Abigail. Molly, now wearing
more makeup and appearing trashy, watches as Christopher
approaches Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
What the hell did you do to her?
MOLLY
Just slipped a little something into
her drink. She'll be out for a bit.
Molly grins as Christopher approaches her. She slowly moves
backwards until she's pressed up against the wall and
Christopher is pressed up against her.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
So what'd you want to do?
He runs his hand up her chest as they kiss.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
Your wife?
Molly glances at a photo of Abigail hanging on the wall next
to them.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck her.
Christopher places his hand on the photo and pulls it from
the wall causing it to fall to the floor and break as he
continues on with Molly. Abigail's eyes again fall shut. A
few moments later they open again. Christopher, dressed
nicely, sits across from her in a chair while Molly is still
in her seat on the couch. They both look at Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Honey you're up.
ABIGAIL
I must have dozed off. What are you
two...did I miss anything.
Abigail attempts to sit up but fails.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You weren't...?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
MOLLY
Abbey you don't look so good.
ABIGAIL
I feel a bit dizzy.
MOLLY
Maybe you should go lie down in bed.
Abigail shakily gets to her feet,
ABIGAIL
That might be a good idea.
She slowly starts walking towards the bed room. She begins
to stumble and grabs on to the table for support as
Christopher grabs a hold of her to help her steady herself.
CHRISTOPHER
You okay?
ABIGAIL
Yeah, if you could just help me to
the...
Christopher nods as they head towards the room.
INT. BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher carefully helps Abigail onto the bed. As she
lies there he runs his hand down the side of her face. She
smiles up at him weakly.
ABIGAIL
Thank you.
CHRISTOPHER
Sweet dreams.
He kisses her softly on the forehead as she closes her eyes
and falls asleep.
INT. BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail lies sleeping in bed. Noises are heard in the room
next to her. She slowly opens her eyes and listens intently
for a few seconds. The noises come closer to the door and
the door knob is heard twisting and turning. Abigail quickly
pretends to be fast asleep as Christopher opens the door and
peaks his head in. He quietly closes the door. Abigail
lies silent for a moment listening to the sounds from the
next room where a small crash and several moans are heard.
She slowly gets up and sneaks to the door tip toeing past a
beer can on her way. She puts her ear to the door and listens
for a moment before creaking the door open and peaking out.
On the couch she sees Molly lying down with Christopher
straddled over her. He begins taking off his shirt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
Abigail quickly shuts the door as the moaning from outside
fills her room. Her eyes tear up as she slides down the
door on to the floor and begins weeping loudly.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- EVENING
Abigail sits on the couch curled up, deep in thought. A car
can be heard pulling up outside and minutes later Christopher
walks in, dressed casually for the weekend.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey...
ABIGAIL
Hi...
CHRISTOPHER
Are you feeling any better?
ABIGAIL
No I'm not...I keep...
She begins to sob.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I keep seeing you with her and...
CHRISTOPHER
Honey it wasn't...
ABIGAIL
I know.
He looks into her eyes for a moment before giving her a kiss
on the forehead.
CHRISTOPHER
I got something for you.
He walks outside for a second leaving Abigail sitting alone.
She glances at a glamour magazine sitting on the table top
next to the couch. A caption on the cover reads "How to
tell if he's cheating." She quickly turns the magazine over
and as she does Christopher walks back in the room. He holds
a brightly wrapped package in his hand with a red rose and a
card taped across the top. He gently lays it down in her
lap.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Just thought you could use a little
cheer me up.
He smiles reassuringly at her as she starts removing the
paper.
ABIGAIL
What is it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
CHRISTOPHER
You'll see.
She finishes removing the paper and holds up a small mirror.
ABIGAIL
A mirror?
Christopher nods.
CHRISTOPHER
Open the card and you'll understand.
She removes the rose taped across the top of the card and
smiles sweetly while admiring it before opening the card
itself. She glances at Christopher hesitantly.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Read it...
ABIGAIL
Dear Abigail, I'm giving you this
mirror as a gift so you may see the
same beautiful person I see everyday
of my life. I want you to see the
same gorgeous, vibrant, intelligent
woman that haunts my dreams and makes
me look forward to the next day.
Promise me you'll look into this
mirror every morning upon waking and
every night before bed and realize
that the person I'm speaking of is
you. And as you look into this mirror
know that I love you and nothing
will ever change that. Love
Christopher.
Tears form in Abigail's eyes as she grabs Christopher and
pulls him close to her.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Thank you.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey, don't cry. I didn't want to
make you cry.
ABIGAIL
I know, I know. It's just...Thank
you.
She quickly stands up while wiping her eyes and starts heading
for the kitchen.
CHRISTOPHER
Are you gonna be alright?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
ABIGAIL
Yeah..I'm just going to get dinner
and...and dry my eyes.
She smiles back at him weakly before disappearing into the
kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail gets into the kitchen she leans back against the
wall as she tries to get her emotions under control.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Give me a yell if you need help with
anything.
ABIGAIL
(calling out)
Okay.
With a final wipe of her eyes she puts on a strong face and
walks over to the stove where a pot sits beside a bag of
vegetables. As she opens the bag and pours the vegetables
into the pot she begins sniffling, trying with all her might
to hold back a waterfall of tears. She carefully places the
pot on the stove and makes her way to the kitchen table where
she takes a seat. Her emotions become to much for her as
her head falls to the table covered by her arms. As she
lies crying uncontrollably the lights in the room lower and
she becomes silent, having fallen asleep.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail! Abigail, get your ass in
here!
Abigail raises her head and looks curiously toward the kitchen
door.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Christopher, cigarette in hand, and three of his friends,
all dressed in T-shirts, dirty jeans, and wife beaters, sit
at a makeshift table in the family room playing a game of
cards. Chips are scattered across the table and a bowl of
snacks sit in the middle of the table along with a several
empty cans of beer that are scattered about. Abigail groggily
comes through the kitchen door.
CHRISTOPHER
Where the fuck have you been?
ABIGAIL
I think I fell asleep and...what's
going on in here?
CHRISTOPHER
Just shut the fuck up.
(MORE)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
We're running out of beer. Why don't
you make your ass useful for once
and grab us another case from the
fridge.
Christopher puts his cigarette out and grabs another from
his pack. Abigail stares at him for a moment before stumbling
back into the kitchen.
FRIEND 1
Wife's got a nice ass.
FRIEND 2
Nice tits too.
CHRISTOPHER
Try looking at the same damn things
every night.
FRIEND 3
What's wrong? Getting bored and
having trouble getting it up?
FRIEND 2
Maybe viagra would help.
They all chuckle at Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck you. Fuck all three of you for
that matter. I ain't never had a
problem getting it up. And when I
get bored of that bitch...
He motions towards the kitchen, where Abigail is.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail quickly goes through the kitchen cabinets until she
finds one full of pills. She quickly grabs a bottle and
pulls the cap off, spilling pills into her hand.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
I got other action on the side.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Friend 1 throws a few more chips onto the pile on the table.
FRIEND 1
(chuckling)
Better be careful. Your wife finds
out she may pull a Bobbit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
CHRISTOPHER
Bitch ever pulls that shit I'll kick
her ass. I'll make sure no one ever
sees her again!
Christopher slams his cards down on the table as he loses
another hand.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Where the fuck is the...
The doorbell rings. Christopher gets up to answer it.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Where the fuck is that bitch with
the beer?...Abigail!
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Pills lay strewn across the floor as Abigail staggers to the
kitchen counter. She tries to steady herself as she opens a
drawer full of knifes.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher makes his way to the front door, stumbling
slightly from the alcohol.
FRIEND 1
Maybe your wife took off. Maybe
she's sick of seeing your ugly mug.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck...she knows better than to pull
that crap.
FRIEND 3
Hey you ever want to get rid of her,
I'd love to get her over to my place
a few times. Have some fun with
her, you know. Just send her over.
FRIEND 2
Fuck that, if that's how it's going
to go down, I say we all get a piece.
The three friends start chuckling.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey! That's my wife you're talking
about.
He begins to open the door while looking back at his friends.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I'll kill her before I let you fucking
trolls touch her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
Christopher turns to see Officer Sutherland standing in the
door way.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
You'll what?
CHRISTOPHER
I said I'll kill her. What are you
gonna do about it?
They stare at each other for a second. The three friends
sit frozen in their seats.
FRIEND 3
Hey christopher, watch what you're
fucking saying.
CHRISTOPHER
Why? What're you gonna do pig, throw
my ass in jail?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
Me a pig? You keep that up and you're
the one that's going to be squealing.
I'm sure there are a lot of guys
down at the jail who'd love to get a
piece of that...Now let me ask you,
do you want to squeal like a piggy?
CHRISTOPHER
Depends on who's doing it.
Officer Sutherland and Christopher grin at each other.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Get your ass in here.
Officer Sutherland walks in and throws his hat and coat onto
the couch before making his way to the table with the three
friends.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
What do we have here?
FRIEND 2
(nervously)
Chris?
CHRISTOPHER
He's cool.
FRIEND 3
You fucking asshole. I almost pissed
myself.
Christopher, Officer Sutherland, and the other two friends
start laughing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Laughter flows in from the other room as Abigail sits at the
table trying to steady herself, a giant knife in her hand.
FRIEND 3 (O.S.)
That's not fucking funny!
Abigail does her best to steady the knife against her wrist.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Speaking of not funny. Abigail
where's our fucking beer. You damn
cunt, if you're...
The door swings open, Christopher's body is outlined in the
doorway as he see's Abigail sitting at the table. She sways
slightly before her head collapses on the table.
INT. KITCHEN -- LATER
Abigail stirs groggily at the table. The front door in the
family room is heard opening and then closing a few seconds
later.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail!....Abigail!
Abigail slowly lifts her head and looks at Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Wake up sleepy head. I've got great
news.
ABIGAIL
What about dinner? I'm sorry I must
have fallen asleep and...
CHRISTOPHER
Dinner? Honey it's not dinner...you
must be so exhausted.
He stares at her lovingly.
ABIGAIL
It's not?
CHRISTOPHER
No. I was at work and...you didn't
hear the news?
ABIGAIL
No, what news?
CHRISTOPHER
I rushed home as soon as I got the
message. I couldn't wait to see
you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
ABIGAIL
What news?
CHRISTOPHER
Honey...we're gonna have a kid.
ABIGAIL
What?
CHRISTOPHER
The tests came back from the doctor
and the blood tests showed that you
were....
ABIGAIL
Oh my god!
They embrace in a hug.
CHRISTOPHER
I know...
ABIGAIL
This is...it's wonderful.
She kisses him as they continue their embrace.
INT. KITCHEN -- EVENING
Abigail stands by the kitchen window drying one of the last
of the dirty dishes that had been in the sink. The front
door is heard opening and a moment later Christopher enters.
The room suddenly becomes darker. He glances at her for a
moment and then walks to the fridge and pulls out a beer.
CHRISTOPHER
What'd the doctor say?
ABIGAIL
He said...I thought you told me he
said.....
Christopher slams the beer can down on the table. Abigail
jumps at the noise.
CHRISTOPHER
Yes or no?
ABIGAIL
Yes...I'm pregnant.
CHRISTOPHER
Great....fucking great. Another
fucking mouth to feed.
ABIGAIL
It's our child....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
CHRISTOPHER
I didn't want the fucking thing and
I'm not going to be responsible for
it.
ABIGAIL
It's not an it.
CHRISTOPHER
What did you say?
Abigail turns and quickly goes back to finishing the dishes.
ABIGAIL
Nothing.
Christopher watches her intently for a moment before getting
up and starting to walk into the other room.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
CHRISTOPHER
To get my stash.
He disappears into the other room.
ABIGAIL
(yelling to the next
room.)
I really don't want you doing that
now that we have a child on the
way....Christopher?
Christopher appears in the doorway, a look of hate on his
face.
CHRISTOPHER
Where is it?
ABIGAIL
I...
CHRISTOPHER
You what? Where'd you put my stash.
What the fuck did you do with my
shit!
ABIGAIL
I threw it out. I'm sorry....I just
don't want that around our child.
CHRISTOPHER
Do you know how much that cost? Do
you?!
Christopher runs over to the garbage and frantically digs
through it. He pulls out a bag of drugs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
If you ever touch my stash again
I'll.....I'll kill you.
He sits down on a chair and empties the contents of the bag
onto the kitchen table.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Don't think I won't.
He snorts a line as she stares at him. She storms over to
the table and sweeps her hand across it, sending the drugs
flying everywhere. She slowly cowers away as she realizes
what she's just done.
ABIGAIL
I don't want that around our child.
CHRISTOPHER
I can't believe you just....fucking
bitch!
He stands up and raises his hand to her.
ABIGAIL
Please, you'll hurt our baby.
He slaps her across the face, knocking her to the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
Our baby? I told you I won't be
responsible for that...that thing!
He stares at her menacingly before turning his back to leave
as she gazes at him. Filled with anger she jumps up and
starts hitting him on the back.
ABIGAIL
I hate you! I hate you!
He turns around, grabs her by the wrists and pushes her to
the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
I can't...I can't believe you... you
fucking bitch...
ABIGAIL
Don't you ever, ever, refer to our
child as a thing, you bastard. If
you ever touch me again I'll...
CHRISTOPHER
You'll what! Come on, what are you
gonna do. Tell me cause I'd love to
fucking know.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
ABIGAIL
I'll...I'll leave, I'll run away.
CHRISTOPHER
You'll leave huh? To where? Where
are you gonna fucking run to? You
need me bitch. You understand or
are you having trouble getting that
through your thick skull. You have
no one to take care of you except
me. And you can bitch, cry, and
complain all you like about it but
there's no way out for you. Cause
if you run, I'll track you down and
kill you and your fucking unborn.
You understand that, you get that?
She struggles to her feet.
ABIGAIL
I hate you...
CHRISTOPHER
No you don't...
He walks over and grabs her by the back of her hair.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
You love me, that's why you're still
here.
He kisses her hard on the lips as she tries to pull away.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
Abigail sits on the couch nervously as Doctor Duerf stands
at the window across from her going through the notes in his
book. He lowers his head and peeks out over his glasses
back towards Abigail before walking over and taking a seat
across from her in the chair.
DOCTOR DUERF
This is interesting indeed. How
long did you say these nightmares
have been going on?
ABIGAIL
I'm not quite sure. At least a couple
of months, maybe more.
DOCTOR DUERF
On average, how much sleep would you
say you get?
ABIGAIL
Now or before the nightmares?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
DOCTOR DUERF
Now.
ABIGAIL
Not more than a few hours here and
there.
DOCTOR DUERF
Is there anything else you're having
problems with?
ABIGAIL
Just the nightmares. I'm not sleeping
much and I'm waking up with bruises
and...I tried to kill myself in my
dream with pills and then a knife.
The doctor scribbles a few more notes on his pad of paper.
He rips off a piece of paper and hands it to her.
DOCTOR DUERF
I'm writing you a prescription for
sleeping pills. They should help
you sleep a bit longer at night.
The doctor grabs his coat from the chair and begins walking
towards the door.
ABIGAIL
What do you mean you're writing me a
prescription? Did you hear a word I
said. I tried to OD in my dream
with pills and you're writing me a
prescription.
DOCTOR DUERF
That's what I'm doing.
ABIGAIL
I don't want to sleep! Don't you
get that! I told you I'm having
nightmares. Why would I want to
sleep longer. Do you think I want
to spend another minute in that hell!
I don't want to sleep and you're...I
want the nightmares to stop. Give
me something for that, please! That's
all I want is for them to go away!
DOCTOR DUERF
Then fix your life.
ABIGAIL
My life has nothing to do with my
sleeping habits!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
DOCTOR DUERF
Abigail dreams happen for a reason.
When we dream we dream what we wish
for in life, or we dream of things
that are bothering us in life. What's
bothering us may not always be clear
in the dream, but there are signs,
little hints that correlate to our
lives. You want to stop the
nightmares? Then figure out what's
bothering you in your life or what
it is you want, fix it, and the
nightmares should stop. Okay?
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
Abigail throws her hands to her head as she tries to pull
herself together. The doctor sighs and shakes his head at
her.
DOCTOR DUERF
There is one other thing.
ABIGAIL
What?
DOCTOR DUERF
Sometimes if, while dreaming, we
realize it's a dream we can somewhat
control what happens. It's like a
mind over matter type of thing.
ABIGAIL
What do you mean control what happens?
DOCTOR DUERF
You control your thoughts right?
ABIGAIL
Yes...
DOCTOR DUERF
That's all a dream is, our thoughts.
We just don't always recognize that
while dreaming. If you become
consciously aware that it's a dream
while dreaming you can basically do
what ever you want. You want to fly
you can fly just as simply as you
can picture yourself flying in your
own mind right now.
Abigail sits silent for a moment.
ABIGAIL
I think I understand...thank you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
DOCTOR DUERF
Anytime. I'd still recommend using
the pills though. You really should
get more sleep. It'll ease the
stress.
Abigail nods as she walks the doctor to the door.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
Good day then.
ABIGAIL
Goodbye doctor.
The doctor disappears out the door and Abigail closes it
behind him. She turns to walk towards the kitchen and then
stops suddenly. She looks back at her picture on the wall,
the same one Christopher threw to the ground in her dream.
She freezes in fear as she sees the glass is cracked over
the picture. She hears a car pull up outside and the car
door closes as footsteps approach the front door. A key is
heard being inserted into the doorknob. Suddenly the door
flies open. Christopher stands in the doorway. He tosses
his coat to the ground and grabs Abigail by the hair, throwing
her to the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
Who the fuck was that!
She stares up at him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Answer me!
Abigail slowly gets to her feet.
ABIGAIL
You don't control me anymore.
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
You're nothing more than a sick,
twisted nightmare and I'm not going
to let you control me anymore.
CHRISTOPHER
You shut your mouth.
ABIGAIL
What are you going to do? Beat me
if I don't.
Christopher starts laughing at her as he pulls out a pack of
cigarettes and lights one up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
CHRISTOPHER
I get it. You're the tough girl now
huh? Is that it? That's really
fucking funny. My wife's grown a
backbone.
Christopher starts laughing even harder as he walks over and
pulls a bag of drugs out of his coat pocket that's laying on
the ground.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Just wait till the guys hear this.
ABIGAIL
What is that?
CHRISTOPHER
What's what?
ABIGAIL
That, in your hand.
Christopher glances at the bag of drugs as he holds it up.
CHRISTOPHER
What the fuck do you think it is.
He makes his way into the kitchen. She hesitates a second
and then follows him.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail enters the kitchen Christopher is all ready
emptying part of the bag of drugs onto the table. He walks
over and grabs a razor from one of the kitchen cabinets before
returning to the table and taking a seat. Abigail watches
in silence. He glances over at her.
CHRISTOPHER
Does it look like I'm putting on a
fucking show for you?...You just
gonna stand there and watch?
ABIGAIL
I'm going to watch you die.
CHRISTOPHER
You're pushing it, you know that?
You're really fucking pushing it. I
should kick your ass right now.
ABIGAIL
You can't hurt me anymore. I won't
let you.
Christopher gets up and walks over to Abigail. He grabs her
neck as he pulls her closer to him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
CHRISTOPHER
Get the fuck out...now.
He pushes her against the wall and begins to walk back towards
the table as she tries to catch her breath. She grabs the
frying pan on the counter next to her and lifts it over her
head as she goes after Christopher.
ABIGAIL
I'm not going to let you hurt me
anymore!
She bashes him over the head with the frying pan and he
crumples to the ground. As she stands over him trying to
regain control of herself the frying pan slides out of her
hand and clatters to the floor beside Christopher.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Bastard....
She takes one last deep breath and turns, walking towards
the kitchen door. The floor behind her creeks and she turns
to see Christopher charging at her. He slams her hard into
the wall, his forearm pressed into her neck.
CHRISTOPHER
You fucking bitch! If you ever...I
mean ever...
He throws her to the ground and stands over her. As he stares
down at her he touches the back of his head. Blood trickles
down his finger. He glares at her and begins to walk towards
her. As he does he snatches the razor off the table as she
starts scrambling backwards trying to get away. He grabs
her by her shirt as he drops down next to her.
ABIGAIL
No! Don't you dare, no......you're
not real!
The room fades to black as we hear Abigail screaming in the
background.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
Abigail sits on the edge of the couch waiting nervously for
the phone to ring. A dove lands on the windowsill and watches
Abigail for a moment before flapping it's wings and flying
off. As Abigail sinks back onto the couch beginning to relax
the phone rings startling her. She quickly answers it.
ABIGAIL
Yes, hello...
Abigail stands and begins pacing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Yes doctor, I'm glad you called.
I've been waiting all morning
and....it is?...Nothing?....And the
nightmares?....
Abigail grimaces in pain as she grasps at her stomach.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Okay, I understand....can I call you
back?
The phone slips from Abigail's hand as she grabs on to the
table top to steady herself. A vase of flowers that
Christopher had given her falls to the ground and shatters
as Abigail staggers towards the bathroom. She's heard
coughing as she disappears behind the bathroom door.
INT. BATHROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail lies on the floor against the sink. Blood soaking
her dress from a miscarriage. A tear runs down her face as
she hears the front door open. Too exhausted to move, she
lies still.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail? Abigail I'm home.
Abigail tries to struggle to her feet.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher walks through the door, coming from the kitchen.
He looks out the front window then turns back and scans the
family room.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail?...You here?...Honey?
Abigail comes stumbling out of the bathroom, blood still
dripping from her dress. Christopher runs over to her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail, are you okay....What
happened?
ABIGAIL
I...I don't know...I...
CHRISTOPHER
Come on...lie down...
Christopher helps her to the couch and lies her down. He
sits on the edge of the couch next to her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Okay, what happened? Are you okay?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
Abigail tries to dry her tears with her hands.
ABIGAIL
I lost her...
CHRISTOPHER
Her?
ABIGAIL
(struggling to find
the strength to speak)
I lost our baby....the doctor called
and said it was....and then I started
getting pains and...I lost her...I
lost our baby...and...
Christopher grabs her and holds her tight.
CHRISTOPHER
Shhh...shhhh...Everything's going to
be alright...I'm here, okay....
She holds the back off his shirt tight as she buries her
head in his chest.
ABIGAIL
I don't want this....I want...
She opens her eyes and Christopher is gone. She tries again
to wipe her eyes.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Christopher...?
Christopher walks in from the kitchen eating an apple.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah honey?
ABIGAIL
....what?....where is...?
She looks at the table top and the vase of flowers Christopher
had given her sits there perfectly fine. She looks down at
her dress and examines it, no blood.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Our baby...didn't I?...
CHRISTOPHER
Didn't you what?
ABIGAIL
I...
CHRISTOPHER
Abbey are you okay?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
Abigail gets up and runs to the bathroom. She reemerges a
few seconds later.
ABIGAIL
Where's the blood...the flowers...
Christopher stares at her strangely.
CHRISTOPHER
What's gotten into you?
ABIGAIL
No, no...something's wrong here.
Abigail starts frantically looking at the room, while turning
in circles. Things that were broken are now back in there
original place.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
The miscarriage...the baby...
CHRISTOPHER
You heard?
She looks at him strangely.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
The couple down the street, you heard?
ABIGAIL
No...
CHRISTOPHER
A couple of days before her husband
killed her she had miscarried a child.
ABIGAIL
(weakly)
No, no....
She starts to faint but Christopher catches her and pulls
her to the couch. He lays her down and places a pillow under
her head.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm going to grab you a wet rag.
I'll be right back...
As he starts to stand up she grabs a hold of his collar.
ABIGAIL
Don't leave...please.
CHRISTOPHER
But...
She pulls him down next to her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
ABIGAIL
Just lay down next to me.
He does and she pulls him closer to her.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
It's all a dream....a wonderful
dream...I don't want to wake up....I
love you.
CHRISTOPHER
I love you too.
He kisses her gently as she lays silently in his arms. Within
moments she's asleep from exhaustion.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
As Abigail lies sleeping, Christopher reaches into his back
pocket and removes a pack of cigarettes. Taking a cigarette
from the pack and lighting it, he throws the box onto the
counter. The rain continues to pour down as the door behind
him remains open. He watches Abigail intently as he slowly
approaches the couch and circles around behind it. Lightning
flashes again as Christopher reaches behind his back and
pulls out a gun. The thunder crashes as Abigail slowly opens
her eyes and rolls onto her back. The room suddenly goes
pitch black followed by an ear shattering scream as a gunshot
rings out. Another streak of lightning illuminates the room.
Abigail lies silent on the couch looking out with dead eyes.
A door is heard closing in the background followed by the
siren of an ambulance off in the distance.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
When our dreams become our reality,
what stops us from thinking there is
no such thing as heaven on earth.
ALTERNATE ENDING:
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
As Abigail lies sleeping, Christopher reaches into his back
pocket and removes a pack of cigarettes. Taking a cigarette
from the pack and lighting it, he throws the box onto the
counter. The rain continues to pour down as the door behind
him remains open. He watches Abigail intently as he slowly
approaches the couch and circles around behind it. Lightning
flashes again as Christopher reaches behind his back and
pulls out a gun. The thunder crashes as Abigail slowly opens
her eyes and rolls onto her back. The room suddenly goes
pitch black followed by an ear shattering scream. Another
streak of lightning illuminates the room followed by complete
darkness. All that can be heard is the echoing of a clicking
sound.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Christopher sits in a chair in the dimly lit room, a rag in
his hand, as he wipes down his gun. He glances up. The
couch is empty. He smiles wickedly as he sits back in his
chair and grabs for another cigarette from the pack. He
lights it.
CHRISTOPHER
Scared yet?
He glances across the room to where Abigail sits huddled in
the corner.
ABIGAIL
You bastard.
He slowly gets up, notices the open front door and slams it
shut.
CHRISTOPHER
What are you gonna do?
He mockingly lunges at her. She cringes.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Aren't we the scared little kitty.
ABIGAIL
Put down the gun and I'll show you
scared.
He takes another hit from his cigarette before placing the
gun on the floor.
CHRISTOPHER
Here...
He kicks the gun towards her and it slides across the floor,
stopping in front of her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
It's all yours.
She hesitantly grabs for it and then aims it at Christopher
as she slowly gets up.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Go ahead, pull the trigger.
Her hand shakes as he slowly walks towards her. She places
her other hand on the butt to help steady it.
ABIGAIL
I swear I'll shoot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
Christopher is now just a couple of feet away from her. He
places his hand on hers and raises it until the gun is pointed
at his forehead.
CHRISTOPHER
I want you to....I dare you to.
Abigail closes her eyes as she slowly starts squeezing the
trigger. It clicks. Christopher grabs her by the neck and
pushes her back into the wall, their faces just inches apart.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Little tip...it helps if it's loaded.
He throws her to the ground and then storms back across the
room. He grabs for a jacket hanging over a chair, reaching
inside the pocket to pull out a gun clip. As he starts to
insert the clip into the gun the doorbell rings. He glances
across the room at Abigail who sits distraught in the corner.
The doorbell rings again as he quickly stuffs the gun and
clip into the jacket pocket. As he walks towards the door
he again looks at Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Don't move and don't speak.
He opens the front door a crack and peeks out. Outside stands
his friend, Officer Sutherland. Officer Sutherland glances
around nervously. He sees Christopher and gives him an
annoyed look.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
What do you want?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
We got a call...
CHRISTOPHER
So?
Christopher opens the door all the way. Standing next to
Officer Sutherland is another officer. Officer Sutherland
takes a deep breath.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Who the fuck are you?
OFFICER TANNER
Officer Tanner...We got a call from
a neighbor. They said they heard a
scream. We're just here to make
sure everything's alright.
CHRISTOPHER
It is, now fuck off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
OFFICER TANNER
Mind if we come in, take a look
around.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah I mind. I told you to fuck
off. Shouldn't you be stuffing your
face with Krispy Creams right now?
OFFICER TANNER
Listen sir, you can either peacefully
let us in, or we can force our way
in. It's up to you.
Christopher looks to Sutherland for help and then glances
over his shoulder towards where Abigail was sitting. She's
gone.
CHRISTOPHER
Fine.
Christopher moves out of the way to let the officers in.
Tanner walks in first followed by Sutherland. Christopher
closes the door and Sutherland stops next to him as Tanner
walks around the living room looking around.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
(Whispering to
Sutherland)
What the fuck is this?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
(whispering back)
Just cool it okay.
CHRISTOPHER
You're going to let fucking Kojak
here go through my house, huh? Is
that how it is?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
Christopher just cool it okay. We'll
be gone in a second.
CHRISTOPHER
Great friend you are.
Tanner peeks in a few rooms. They're pitch black, and he
sees nothing.
OFFICER TANNER
(Calling out)
Anyone here?
CHRISTOPHER
We're here dipshit.
(to Sutherland)
This guys a fucking joke.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
Tanner come on. Let's get the hell
out of here. There's nothing here.
Everything's fine. False alarm.
OFFICER TANNER
Fine.
CHRISTOPHER
Did it ever occur to you that maybe
I had the television up a bit too
loud.
OFFICER TANNER
Did you?
CHRISTOPHER
I guess you should have asked that
when you first got here, huh? Now
why don't you go get your ass to
your donut shop?
Officer Tanner walks up to Christopher and gives him a cold,
hard gaze.
OFFICER TANNER
You're lucky Sutherland's a friend
of yours or I'd have you thrown in
jail right now.
CHRISTOPHER
For what? Being a smart ass?
Officer Tanner pushes past him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Hey Sutherland, I'll see you this
weekend for another round of poker.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
You got it...
Christoper opens the door as the cops begin to walk out.
ABIGAIL
Stop!
Christopher and the cops turn around to see Abigail standing
in the darkened bedroom doorway.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
He's got a gun.
CHRISTOPHER
She doesn't know what the fuck she's
talking about.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
Christopher begins to close the door. Officer Tanner sticks
his hand out to stop him.
OFFICER TANNER
Ma'am are you alright?
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail...
She hesitates for a second.
ABIGAIL
He's got a gun in his coat...
She motions to the jacket on the chair. Officer Tanner begins
to walk in as Sutherland grabs him by his arm.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
She's nuts. Don't even pay attention
to her.
Tanner looks at Sutherland as he yanks his arm away and walks
towards Abigail.
OFFICER TANNER
Where is it?
ABIGAIL
The coat right there. Inside one of
the pockets.
Christopher grabs for the coat but Tanner pushes him into
the wall. The gun falls from the coat's pocket. Tanner
looks to Sutherland.
OFFICER TANNER
Get over here and cuff him.
Sutherland hesitates before grabbing his handcuffs and walking
to Christopher. He places the handcuffs on him. Tanner
goes over to Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail you no good, lousy, bitch!
Christopher begins struggling.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
You're dead! You hear me, dead!
When I get out you're gonna wish...
ABIGAIL
Wish what!
Christopher stops as him and Abigail stare into each others
eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Wish what...you can't hurt me
anymore.
Christopher lowers his head in disgust as Sutherland escorts
him from the house. Tanner helps Abigail over to the chair
where she takes a seat.
OFFICER TANNER
Are you alright?
Abigail sits there in a daze.
ABIGAIL
Yeah...
OFFICER TANNER
What happened?
ABIGAIL
I'll tell you everything.....
EXT. BALCONY -- SUNSET THREE MONTHS LATER
The doors to the outside stand wide open as Abigail stands
out on the balcony leaning over the railing. She stares off
over the mountains to the setting sun, her mind deep in
thought.
ABIGAIL
Life...love, one a part of another.
Both we experience throughout our
existence. Both are a part of the
greatest moments we'll ever know and
yet the worst times we'll ever go
through. From all this I've learned
one thing...
Abigail stands up and begins walking back into the room.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
love isn't always enough. There
will be more great moments, and
undoubtedly bad but this time I know
I can walk away.
Abigail disappears into the room.