FADE IN:
The sound of the TRAIN TRACKS increasingly gets louder, followed by the blurred image of the train rapidly going by.
RISE UP TO REVEAL:
JACK wakes up finding himself alone on the Amtrak. He suddenly stands up hitting his head on the overhead compartment. He sits back down, sullen and confused, resting his head against the seat. He looks down on himself, his shirt is damp. Smelling it, he cringes. He has a hole in his jeans, big enough that he can climb out through it. He is wearing shoes but is missing a sock. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out his watch, a pack of cigarettes, five dollars, and three white oblong pills. He swallows the pills all at once. Looking around him he has no idea where he is. Jack gets up, opens the over head compartment, and shuffles bags around until he recognizes his duffle bag. He takes it, puts it over his shoulder, and makes his way to the back where the bathroom is. Falling over him self and elbowing PASSENGERS, he receives foul glances. Upon making it to the bathroom, he leans against the door, rubbing his eyes, sweat running down his face; the door is locked.
EXT. FLOWER CART ALONG
Jack’s duffle bag is open on the counter next to the sink. He takes out a white t-shirt, peeling off the soiled shirt, sniffs his armpits, and replaces it with the clean one; he throws the old one in the garbage. Turning on the water, he splashes his face and slicks back his hair. Pulling out paper towel from the dispenser, he knocks it off the wall. Jack sits on the toilette leaning his head back. He looks up at the ceiling then into the mirror, his eyes are bloodshot. Confused and alone, his emotions take over. He throws his head back hitting it hard against the wall. There is KNOCKING on the door, yet he ignores it. He feels the back of his head, there is blood tricking down onto his hand. He looks at his bloody fingers and sucks the blood off. Searching through his bag, he throws everything onto the counter. He’s got fifty bucks and five in his pocket.
Closing the door behind her,
Nick, be careful!
Upset and making HUFFING noises, Nick picks up the broken petals off the floor.
It’s ok, I’m not mad.
She places her hands on Nick’s shoulders as he gets up off the floor.
Why don’t you go get a book, I’ll be there in a minute.
Nick is looking down at his feet where he’s stepping on the petals.
Hey, Harold’s gonna take you home early today, ok? Want him to get us some ice cream for later?
Nick puts his hands in his pocket, nods, and walks away. The door CHIMES sound.
Jack steps off the train onto the platform. All around him PEOPLE are pushing and shoving their way through the crowd. He finds a bench where he can sit and sets his bag next to him slouching forward, cupping his head in his hands. Slowly raising his head up, he observes the people walking past him; everyone seems to be moving at the speed of light while everything begins to blur.
He takes out a cigarette but he doesn’t have a lighter. He get up and impulsively grabs a
JACK
Do you have a light?
Startled, the man reaches into his pocket takes out a lighter and gives it to him. He quickly walks away. Jack lights his cigarette.
JACK (CONT’D)
Hey!
The man continues walking. Jack yells louder.
JACK (CONT’D)
Hey!
Turning around, the man looks back at Jack.
JACK (CONT’D)
Your lighter.
Jack hands him the lighter and stares at the man for a moment.
JACK (CONT’D)
Where am I?
The man point ahead, at a sign right in front of the two of them. It reads: UNION STATION,
MAN
Are you alright?
Puzzled, Jack looks at the sign, takes a drag of the cigarette, and throws it down on the floor, watching as the ashes break apart into tiny fragments.
JACK
Thanks.
The man is gone. Jack picks up his bag and pushes his way through the crowd; everyone seems to be moving in slow motion now. He makes his way outside where he is finally able to take in a deep breath.
PARENT 1
Thank you, it was wonderful.
PARENT 2
Nice seeing you again, bye.
PARENT 3
I’ll tell Julia she missed a good one, thanks for everything, good night.
Nick is sitting by the counter sucking on a lollypop as HAROLD walks in.
Where were you? You were supposed to be here an hour ago!
Separating himself from her, he reaches into his pocket where his phone is RINGING.
HAROLD
I’m not doing this today,
I was counting on you to be here.
Harold motions toward Nick. Nick looks at
Sitting at the table she reaches for a rose and smells it. Running her fingers on the petals she begins plucking them off slowly, piling them on the table.
Jack walks around a quiet street, duffle bag over his shoulder. He stops various times looking through the windows, watching the shop owners cleaning up or closing for the day. A
CUT TO:
Virgina is locking her door as Jack carelessly runs into her. Startled, she drops her keys. Jack bends down to get them as she does.
JACK
I’m sorry, I was…
It’s ok I got it.
She smiles at him and puts the key in the door. Jack doesn’t move.
CU on
Do I know you?
Jack stares at her blankly.
Ummm…is there any, anything, can I, ughhh, help you with something?
Jack is trying hard to concentrate on what she is asking him.
JACK
Do you know a place I can stay for the night?
Oh, down that street.
She points toward the street ahead of her.
Yea, down that street. There’s a bunch of motels. You can find something there I’m sure, ok?
Jack nods and turns around toward the direction she pointed to as
Jack scrambles in his pocket for $1.25. He hands it over to the cashier, gets a pass, and slides it through. Pushing and shoving through the CROWD, he looks for
EXT. SUBURBIAN D.C. NEIGBORHOOD – NIGHT
Approaching her house,
Jack closes the door behind him looking around the small lobby. He RINGS the bell.
JACK
Can I get a room?
The ATTENDANT opens the door to the room. Jack looks around inside.
ATTENDANT
It’s clean.
Jack nods and closes the door. He looks around placing his bag on the bed.
BATHROOM
He walks in turning on the light. He RUNS the shower and looks into the mirror, getting his hair out of his face using his fingers.
MOTEL
Sitting on the bed, he opens the duffle bag spilling it over. He finds some pills and takes one. Laying down he turns off the light next to him. The RUNNING water from the bathroom is still heard.
EXT. SUBURBAN D.C. NEIGBORHOOD - MORNING
Across the street from
What are you doing here?
Jack looks back but continues walking down the street.
Hey, what are you doing here?
Jack turns around; his hands are in his pockets. He looks at
How did you know where I live?
Approaching her,
Don’t come-
JACK
I thought that if I-
Please go.
Jack nods and turns back around on the sidewalk, continuing on his way.
Hey, wait!
Jack stops walking but doesn’t look back. For a moment he stands looking down at his shoes.
Hey…
Jack turns around shrugging. Then take a few steps forward onto the sidewalk in front of the house. He stands in his place, hand in pockets, looking at
What’s your name?
JACK
I’m Jack. I’m not from-
I only asked for your name.
Jack shyly smiles back at
Are you alright? Would you like a cup of coffee or something?
Jack stares at her for a short moment.
JACK
Ok.
She nervously looks back into the house fidgeting with her robe.
Alright, ummm, why don’t you wait here and, ummm, I’ll be, I’ll be right back.
Here you go.
Jack is startled and quickly gets up bumping into
Oh, I’m so sorry. Let me-
JACK
It’s alright. I have to get going anyway.
Jack nods at
INT. MOTEL ROOM — DAY
Jack is sitting on the bed in the dimly lit room looking through pages in the phone book. The lamp FLICKERS. He picks up the phone and dials.
JACK
(to himself)
5- no 8- no-
For a moment he runs his finger on the numbers wondering if that will trigger his memory.
JACK (CONT’D)
(to himself)
Fuck!
He hangs up, takes the book and places it on the table next to him. Continuing to look through the book, he stares down at a page, he points at it moving his finger down the page slowly. Looking through the drawer, he finds a pen and a piece of paper. He jots down something, closes the book, and walks out closing the door behind him.
INT. GROCERY STORE—DAY
Standing in front of wall-to-wall freezers, Jack stares back and fourth blankly at the Grocery Store MANAGER and examines the apron given to him. The SCANNING at the registers is heard. The manager is demonstrating to Jack his duties.
MANAGER
You put the peas next to the carrots.
He puts the pees in the freezer.
MANAGER (CONT’D)
Did you hear? Next to the carrots.
MANAGER (CONT’D)
The corn goes under the brussels sprouts.
He places the corn under the brussels sprouts.
Manager (CONT’D)
You got it?
He walks away leaving Jack with a cart full of frozen veggies. Jack takes one by one, forgetting the order he was supposed to him to put them in.
INT.
Nick and Virginia are both sitting on the couch. There is a bowl full of M&M’s in between the two of them. The entire time they are both picking up and eating them.
NICK
Why does Harold have to live with us now?
Well, it’s easier that way. He can pick you up at school and bring you home earlier than I can.
NICK
But I want you to pick me up and he’s always late anyway.
NICK (CONT’D)
When is mom and dad coming back?
They’re in heaven Nicky, you know that.
NICK
I know but I want them to be here.
Nick gets up, off the couch spilling over the bowl of M&M’s. His FOOTSTEPS are heard going up the stairs.
EXT. GROCERY STORE – NIGHT
Walking through the empty parking lot of the store, Jack pulls his apron over his head. The neon lights from the store flicker behind him.
INT. PHONE BOOTH – NIGHT
Jack fidgets through his pocket looking for 35 cents and the piece of paper he shoved in there earlier. He picks up the phone, puts in the quarter then the dime, and starts dialing the numbers on the paper.
At the sink,
Hello?
There is no answer.
Hello?
She hangs up the phone. Making her way back to the sink the phone RINGS again.
Hello?
Harold is on his cell phone. The bright lights from the street are seen through the windshield of the car.
HAROLD
Hey, I just got out of work. I’m on my way ok?
CUT TO:
So late?
CUT TO:
HAROLD
I’ll be there soon.
He hangs up and turns up the stereo.
Ugh huh
She grabs a note pad and a pen jotting something down.
Ok, no problem. I’ll make sure they’re ready for you to pick up by 3 today.
The door CHIMES sound.
JACK
So this is yours, huh?
VIRGINIA
Yea. It’s little.
Jack and Virginia stare at each other for a moment.
Are you looking for something in particular?
Jack takes a few steps away from the door.
JACK
For you actually.
Listen, I-
JACK
That bracelet…
Jack walks closer toward the counter. He points at
JACK (CONT’D)
my mom had one just like it.
My mom gave it to me before she passed away.
Looking up at Jack, he looks down at his shoes.
JACK
I’m sorry.
It’s alright.
JACK
You think, maybe, you’d like to have some coffee later? My treat this time.
I really can’t.
JACK
One cup. C’mon.
I have a boyfriend. I gotta get home on time.
JACK
JACK (CONT’D)
I get out at 5. If you wanna meet me I’ll be at that coffee place on that corner.
Jack points to his right.
JACK (CONT’D)
If not, then that’s ok too.
JACK (CONT’D)
It’s Virginia, right?
BATHROOM
Jack walks out of the shower wrapping his towel around him. He ties his hair back with a rubber band.
MOTEL
He takes a cigarette from the nightstand and lights it. Lying on the bed he reaches for his wallet next to him. Taking out its contents, he sits up, takes a pill from the table, swallows it, and follows with a drag of the cigarette. Holding up a picture from the small pile on his bed he takes the cigarette and burns a hole in it.
EXT. COFFEE
Jack sits at a table outside with a cup of coffee in front of him. He looks down at a newspaper, then to his watch, and back down at the paper.
EXT. STREET ALONGSIDE THE COFFEE
JACK
I didn’t see you.
Jack gets up and pulls out the chair across from him.
JACK
You came.
Jack smiles at her as she nods and sits down.
JACK (CONT’D)
You want something?
Jack signals the WAITER. As he approaches
A latte, please.
JACK
Good choice.
He takes his latte and sips from it.
So where’d you come from?
Fidgeting in his pocket for his cigarettes,
Oh!
She bends down to help him and picks up a couple of pills.
JACK
No, no.
Jack picks everything up, then looks at
JACK (CONT’D)
Give me that.
What do you take these for?
Moving his hair away from his face, he then reaches his hand out to her.
JACK
Let me have it.
What’s it for?
JACK
I just use it to relax, that’s all.
The waiter brings
So…
JACK
What?
How’s you get here?
JACK
On a train.
VIRIGINIA
Where are you staying?
Jack takes his eyes off the newspaper and looks behind him.
JACK
That way.
He points in the direction and looks at Virginia who is looking out toward where he pointed.
What’s that way?
JACK
A motel you directed me toward.
I have to go, I’m really late.
She takes her purse and turns around to walk away.
Hey, thanks for the coffee.
Jack smiles at her.
JACK
No problem.
Jack watches
Hey Nicky.
Can you read me a story before I go to bed like mom used to.
Looking down at his clenched to waist,
Sure kiddo, I’ll meet you up stairs in 5 minutes.
Moving a laundry basket from the middle of the hallway,
Can we get these?
Nick is holding up a box of chocolate chip cookies.
You promise you’ll have them only after dinner?
Nick pauses for a moment looking at the box and smiles.
NICK
OK, only after.
He reaches up to put them in the cart but doesn’t reach.
CUT TO:
Jack is stocking up the refrigerators. He looks back and
Why did you get all dressed up?
HAROLD
Oh, I’m not staying for dinner.
What do you mean? It’s Saturday. Where are you going?
HAROLD
I told you I have a meeting?
On Saturday?
HAROLD
Get off my case,
HAROLD (CONT’D)
I’ll be back before
It’s not that. You’re never around anymore.
HAROLD
I’m here everyday. I live here.
Harold rips the tag of his shirt and throws it in the garbage can. He begins to button his sleeve buttons.
Do you have to go today?
Harold takes
HAROLD
You don’t get it do you?
Why don’t you just not come back then?
HAROLD
You’re being ridiculous.
Harold walks out of the kitchen.
The pharmacy is rundown. The lights are dim and flicker ever few seconds. The shelves are almost empty. Jack makes his way to the back where a PHARMACIST in his early forties sits behind the counter. He places a pack of razors and bottle of shampoo on the counter. The pharmacist takes the items and places them in a bag.
PHARMACIST
$7.83
Taking out his wallet from him back pocket, Jack pulls out a $10 bill and hands it to the Pharmacist.
JACK
Do you know if you can get me a couple of these?
Jack shows him the white oblong pill.
PHARMACIST
You have a prescription?
Jack looks down at the pill then back up to the pharmacist.
JACK
Nah, I’m not from around here.
The pharmacist notices a peculiar look on Jack’s face and gets up.
PHARMACIST
I can get you a few to hold you up till you can get one.
JACK
Thanks, man.
The pharmacist gets up and opens a door; Jack lets out a sigh of relief. After a few minutes, the pharmacist comes back with a small orange bottle and hands them to Jack.
PHARMACIST
It’ll be $15
The lights coming from the television set flicker on Jack as he sits back on the bed drinking a beer. He takes the orange bottle from the bedside table and opens it. Placing two pills in his mouth, he follows them with a gulp of beer.
The phone RINGS.
Hello?
JACK (V.O.)
Are you busy?
(Whispering into the phone)
Who’s this?
JACK (V.O.)
Did I wake you?
Harold tosses and turns.
JACK (CONT’D)(V.O.)
You there?
(Whispering)
It’s
Harold places his hand on
JACK (V.O.)
C’mon.
You have the wrong the number.
She hangs up the phone then lies down, away from Harold.
HAROLD
Who was that?
Wrong number. Go back to sleep.
Music is PLAYING from the C.D. play at the front of the store.
JACK
Lunch?
You scared the crap out of me.
JACK
You look hungry.
Nah, I can’t.
JACK
You know you want to…
Well, a quick one?
Jack and Virginia sit in a booth sipping on water.
I shouldn’t be here.
JACK
I didn’t know you had a kid.
What?
JACK
I saw you at the grocery store.
Do you follow me everywhere?
Jack laughs and sips his water, looking at her without saying a word.
JACK
I work there.
My brother.
JACK
What?
That was my brother.
JACK
So if you have a boyfriend then why are you here?
It’s lunch.
JACK
Right, lunch.
Jack takes out a pill and quickly swallows it.
I saw that.
Jack smiles at her.
JACK
Eat up.
You really shouldn’t, you know.
JACK
It’s not that simple.
Jack takes a bite out of his burger while
What does it feel like?
JACK
Nothing.
For real, what is it like.
JACK
Really, its feels like nothing. Like if you’re floating on a cloud.
So you feel nothingness all the time?
JACK
It’s better than feeling.
Harold is watching T.V. on the couch. Nick is playing with a set of toy cars on the floor in front of him.
It’s time for bed Nicky, lets go.
Now?
Now. C’mon.
Alright.
Nick pouts. He picks up the cars one by one, buying himself time, then stomps up the stairs.
Virginia and Harold are left in complete silence in the living room. The news can be heard in the background.
NEWS (V.O.)
Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 70s. High chances of thunderstorms.
The phone RINGS. Harold gets up to get it. Virginia jumps up after him.
VIRGINIA
I’ll get it. Don’t worry.
The phone RINGS again.
HAROLD
I’m up, I got it.
The phone RINGS. Virginia reaches for it.
VIRGINIA
Haha! I’m closer!
Harold sits back down loking at Virginia on the phone. She doesn’t take her eyes off him either.
VIRGINIA
Hello?
JACK (V.O.)
You looked amazing today. I could’ve sat there looking at you forever, feeling absolutly nothing.
The phone goes dead. Virginia hangs up the phone not taking her eyes off Harold the entire time.
HAROLD
Who was that.
VIRGINIA
No one…
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Wrong numer I guess.
HAROLD
A lot have wrong numbers have been calling here lately.
Virginia turns her face away from him and looks back at her magazine.
VIRGINIA
Funny huh?
Harold walks out of the room. Virginia smiles looking down at the magazine.
Jack takes a long drag of his ciagarette and puts it out on the ashtray beside him. He take a a bite out of his pizza. Virginia stares at him, her slice of pizza untouched.
VIRGINIA
Can I have one?
JACK
You havent even touched yours.
VIRGINIA
A cigarette, silly.
Jack takes the pack of cigarettes opening it.
JACK
You don’t smoke.
VIGINIA
You don’t know that.
JACK
I know you don’t smoke.
VIRGINIA
Well, I need one.
JACK
Just this once.
He hands her a cigarette. She puts it in her mouth and leans over the table as he lights it. Virginia takes a small drag and starts coughing.
JACK (CONT’D)
Told you you didn’t smoke.
Virginia coughs and laughs at the same time.
VIRGINIA
It’s been years.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
So where’s your family?
JACK
Ummm, well, I don’t really have any. Yours?
Virginia cracks her knuckles.
VIRGINIA
Nicky’s my family.
JACK
And the boyfriend?
Virginia smiles at Jack.
VIRGINIA
You don’t wanna know about him.
JACK
No, I do.
VIRGINIA
Well, I don’t wanna talk about him. Why ruin a good time.
Jack laughs. Virginia shyly smiles and take a bite out of her pizza.
JACK
That bad?
Virginia rolls her eyes playfully and takes another drag from the cigarette. This time, holding in the cough.
JACK (CONT’D)
You think you could give me a ride back to my place?
VIRGINIA
The motel your staying at?
JACK
Ugh huh.
VIRGINIA
Ok.
EXT. MOTEL – NIGHT
Jack gets out of the car and walks toward the drivers side. Virginia lowers the window as Jack leans in.
JACK
Thanks for the ride.
VIRGINIA
No. Not a problem.
Hesitating to go, Jack looks at Virginia as she smiles back at him.
VIRGINIA
Well, thanks for the pizza.
Playfully, Jack bows to her.
JACK
My pleasure, madam.
Virginia laughs as he come back closer toward the car.
JACK (CONT’D)
So, when can I kiss you.
VIRGINIA
Jack!
JACK
Just kidding.
VIRGNINA
Well, goodnight.
JACK
Night!
Jack walks toward the doorway to his motel room. He watches as Virginia pulls out onto the street. Then opens the door.
Jack picks up the mess he has left on the floor, making a pile of dirty clothes and towels on a chair. He walks toward the bed, takes two more pills and walks toward the bathroom. The door CLOSES and the RUNNING shower is heard.
BEDROOM
Virginia is leaning against the bathroom door brushing her teeth. Harold is hangs his pants in the closet.
HAROLD
Why do insit on giving me crap everyday?
Virginia’s mouth is full of toothpaste.
VIRGINIA
You’re never here!
She goes into the bathroom to spit.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Work, meetings, dinners. How about me?
HAROLD
You? I come home to you bitching and complaining about me.
VIRGINIA
You know, Harold, fuck you.
Virginia walks in the the bathroom once again.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Fuck you!
The door SLAMS shut.
BATHROOM
Virginia turns on the shower then opens a small box by the sink. She takes out the pill she took from Jack and hold it up.
VIRGINIA
(to her self)
Here’s to nothing.
She places the pill in her mouth and swallows. She slips off her robe and gets into the shower.
Virginia is setting some books aside when the phone RINGS. She walks toward the counter and picks up.
VIRGINIA
B Street Books…
JACK (V.O.)
Meet me today at the Grocery Store around
VIRGINIA
What are you going to show me?
JACK (V.O.)
It’s a surprise, just do it.
The line goes dead. The phone is still up to Virginia’s ear. She smiles as she puts it down.
Jack is sitting by the back of the store on a small stool. His head is in his hands. Crouching over, Jackis heavily breathing. Removing his apron, Jack gets up, rubs his eyes and walks toward the frozen food section. His face is pale.
MANAGER
You don’t look too well.
JACK
I have a bad headache.
Jack is shivering.
MANAGER
Go home early today, you don’t look well.
Jack shakes his head and makes his way out the sliding front doors.
EXT. B STREET BOOK
Closing the door, Virginia struggles to get the door to lock. She turns toward the street finding Harold parked in front of her shop. He lowers the passenger side window.
HAROLD
Do you need a ride home, baby?
VIRGINIA
I was gonna stop by the grocery store before going home.
Harold shakes his head and puts up the window. Then drives off. Virginia watches him go.
VIRGINIA
(to herself)
Asshole.
She drops the keys in her purse then looks for any cars that are coming. She crosses the street.
Virginia approaches one of the CASHIERS.
VIRGINIA
Is Jack here?
CASHIER
I saw him leave a little while ago.
VIRGINIA
Thanks.
Virginia looks around and doesn’t see him. She approaches the manager.
Virginia
Did Jack leave?
Manager
I sent him home. He wasn’t looking too well.
Virginia nods at the manager then quickly walks out.
There is a KNOCK on the door. Jack is in his underwear. He opens it to find Virginia soaking wet. She walks in closing the door behind her.
VIRGINIA
Are you ok, Jack.
JACK
Yea, fine.
He sits on the bed closing his eyes. His breathing is heavy.
VIRGINIA
Are you sure? Its freezing in here.
Jack opens his eyes.
JACK
You’re wet.
VIRGINIA
It’s raining out.
Jack gets up and grabs a towel from the chair. Making his way back to the bed he stumbles over. Virginia kneels down onto the floor trying to get him to sit.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Jack, get up…
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Get up Jack, it’s not funny.
Jack is shaking, his breathing has gotten heavier.
JACK
I can’t…
Jack can hardly get his words out.
JACK (CONT’D)
I, I, I can’t, I can’t feel my, hands.
VIRGINIA
Jack, sit up, please.
Virginia takes the towel Jack has in his hands and places it over his shoulders. She grabs a glass of water he has on the table and puts it up to his lips.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Here, drink some.
Jack closes his eyes, leaning his head back against the bed. He shivers.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Just breathe.
Virginia sits next to him rubbing his back. She places her head on his shoulder. Jack leans his head against hers.
The suitcase is open on the bed. Virginia is helping Harold pack.
VIRGINIA
When do you come back?
HAROLD
I don’t know, Thursday night, Friday morning.
VIRGINIA
A week? It’s gonna take a week?
Virginia sits on the bed running her fingers across Harolds perfectly folded shirt in his suitcase.
HAROLD
What else do you think I’d be doing?
VIRGINIA
I don’t know anymore.
Harold walks acros the room toward Virginia and grabs her arm.
HAROLD
Is that really what you think?
VIRGINIA
Let go! You’re hurting me!
HAROLD
Is that what you think?
Virginia throws his arm off of her and gets up.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
With everything I put up with I would have left months ago.
Thee phone RINGS. Harold and Virginia are both quiet. Harold walks toward the phone, she stares at him.
HAROLD
Hello?
HAROLD (CONT’D)
Hello?
There is a brief moment of silence.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
God damn it, who the fuck is this?
The line goes dead. Harold throws down the receiver.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
Who was that, Virginia?
Virginia is quiet, shaking her head.
VIRGINIA
I don’t know.
HAROLD
Who was it?
Virginia sobs.
VIRGINIA
I don’t know, I told you.
Harold throws in a few more things into the suitcase, closes it and walks out. Virginia walks toward the window and watches him leave from upstairs.
BATHROOM
Virginia gets up from the toilet and FLUSHES. Nick is KNOCKING on the door.
I’m going to be late, hurry.
VIRGINIA
Give me a sec., hun.
Virginia places a pregnancy test besides the sink. She opens the door to Nick sitting on the floor.
VIRGINIA
Hurry get dressed.
BEDROOM
Nick runs out of her room. The phone RINGS. Virginia looks back at the pregnancy test for a moment then to the ringing phone. She picks it up.
JACK (V.O.)
I need you.
VIRGINIA
Not right now Jack.
JACK (V.O.)
I can’t sleep, I can’t breathe, I, I ummm, I need a favor.
VIRGINIA
What is it?
JACK (V.O.)
I need some of those pills.
VIRGINIA
I can’t help you with that Jack. I’m running late, I have to go.
JACK (V.O.)
Virginia, please.
Virginia is silent. Looking back toward the bathroom then down at herself.
VIRGINIA
Where am I sopposed to get them?
Jack is quiet.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
I’ll see what I can do.
JACK (V.O.)
Thanks.
Virginia hangs up and walks toward the bathroom door.
BATHROOM
VIRGINIA looks down at the pregnancy test. She sits down on the toilets seat grabing it and looking at it in her hands.
VIRGINIA
(to herself)
Fuck.
She looks at it once more, gets up, and throws it in the trash.
VIRGINIA
Nicky, lets go!
Sitting behind the counter, Virginia doodles on a piece of paper wiating for closing time. She stares up at the clock and watches the seconds hand tick away.
EXT.
Nick is sitting outside his Kindergarten classroom with his teacher waiting to be picked up.
Harold sits at the terminal waiting for his flight. As he looks down at his watch he hears an ATTENDANT over the loudspeaker.
ATTENDANT (V.O.)
Due to continuous thundrstorms, Flight 849 will be posponed until further notice.
Sinking into his chair, Harold leans back and closes his eyes.
Jack monotonously stocks the refrigeraters. His hands shake. He looks down at his watch, waiting for the time to pass for him to leave.
Virginia and Nick sit at the kitchen table frosting supcakes they baked.
He forgot to pick me up again, huh?
VIRGINIA
I’m sure something came up.
Dipping his index finger into the frosting he take a big blob and put it in his mouth getting it everywhere.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Nicky! Go clean you mouth that gross.
Nick smiles. His mouth full of frosting. He gets up and leaves the kitchen. Virginia walks toward the phone and dials.
Jack sitting eating a bowl of Macaroni and Cheese. The phone RINGS. He is focused on what is on the television doesn’t hear the phone RINGING.
EXT. GROCERY STORE – EVENING
Virginia sits on a bench outside the grocery sore. Fidgetting with her charm bracelet, it snaps. There are pieces of it everywhere. Collecting the pieces, Jack walks out.
JACK
What happened?
Virginia sobs.
VIRGINIA
I broke it. Everything is broke.
Jack and Virginia are laying on the bed. Jack is trying to put the bracelet back together. Virginia is hugging a pillow.
VIRGINIA
I got the pills if you still want them.
JACK
Yea, I want them.
VIRGINIA
Don’t ever do that to me again.
JACK
Do what?
VIRGINIA
That night here.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
They can’t be good for you.
JACK
It’s not about that.
VIRGINIA
Then what’s it about?
JACK
I need them more than I want them.
Jack concentrates on fixing the bracelet.
VIRGINIA
Then why?
JACK
When you can stop, you don’t want to and when you want to, you can’t.
Virginia looks at Jack’s shakey hands tying a knot at the end of her bracelt.
VIRGINIA
Jack, can I tell you something.
JACK
Anything.
VIRGINIA
You’re gonna get upset.
JACK
Just say it.
VIRGINIA
Well, for starters, I’m pregnant.
Jack puts down the bracelet and sits up on the bed.
JACK
I didn’t do it.
He smiles at her. Virginia looks at him.
VIRGINIA
It’s not funny, Jack.
VIRIGINIA (CONT’D)
And, I don’t think we should see eachother anymore.
JACK
What?
VIRGINIA
I knew you wouldn’t understand.
JACK
I don’t understand.
Virginia sits up. She takes Jacks hand and looks him in the eyes.
VIRGINIA
Well, promise you won’t call me house anymore.
Virginia (CONT’D)
And I can’st stay late anymore either.
JACK
We’re not doing anything wrong.
VIRGINIA
It’s that, now I have to make this work.
JACK
He knows?
VIRGINIA
NO.
She looks down and lets go of his hands.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
He’s not gonna like it.
JACK
He doesn’t have a choice.
VIRGINIA
He might leave.
JACK
Leave him and be with me.
Virginia looks up at him.
VIRGINIA
It’s not funny.
JACK
I’m serious. You don’t need him. He isn’t good to you.
VIRGINIA
It’s his kid.
Virginia gets up from the bed and puts her hand out.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Give it to me.
Jack is clasping the bracelet together.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Let me have the bracelt.
JACK
Hey, relax. Sit down.
VIRGINIA
Jack, I’m being for real. I have to go.
Virginia is sitting at the counter leafing through a magazine. Harold enters along with Nick.
VIRGINIA
Hey Nicky!
She gets up and walks toward them.
Look what I go today.
Nick places his back pack on the floor in front of him. Opening it up he pulls out a toy truck with a smile from ear to ear.
VIRGINIA
Wow Nick! Where’d you get that?
Harold brought it to me after school.
Virginia looks up at Harold and smiles at him. Nick runds toward the back of the shop where the Children’s section is.
HAROLD
We have to talk.
VIRGINIA
Yea, we need to talk.
Harold motions toward the table in front of them. Virginia looks up at the clock then walks toward the door and locks it. Se sits with Harold.
HAROLD
You first.
VIRGINIA
No, go ahead.
HAROLD
Well, I got a job offer in Boston.
Virginia vears her attention away from Harold.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
It pays really well and I get a company car and all.
Virginia smiles toward him.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
I wanted you to come with me but I know you have this place and Nick has school and you can’t get up and leave just like that.
VIRGINIA
When do you leave?
Jack fixes his tie and places his cell phone on the table.
HAROLD
I gotta be there next Monday.
VIRGINIA
So you’re just gonna leave like that, huh?
Harold gets up and walks toward the door motioning toward Nick.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
I’ll take him.
HAROLD
Oh, what did you have to talk to me about?
Virginia adjusts the sweater she placed over her shoulder and smirks at Harold.
VIRGINIA
I just wanted to know what you wanted for dinner.
HAROLD
Oh, anythings fine.
EXT. GROCERY STORE –
Jack is sitting outside the Grocery Store smoking a cigarette. He reaches into his pocket for a pill. Looking at it for a moment, he decides not to take it and places it back in his pocket. He takes a drag from the cigarette then crushes it on the floor.
EXT.
Virginia and Nick are walking along busy shops. Nick stops to look at a window display of a train set. Virginia watches him as he is mesmerized by the mechanical train going around the window.
Next door, Virginia looks through the window. A display of tiny baby socks and miniature shoes catches Virginia’s attention. Nick grabs her hand and they continue walking along the sidewalk.
INT. VIRGINIA’S HOME – NIGHT
Virginia and Nick are watching T.V. Virginia is sitting up while Nick lays his head on her lap. A THUMPING is heard coming down the stairs. Harold appears with two suitcases and a bag at the bottom of the stairs.
HAROLD
I think I got everything.
Virginia looks back at him.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
Did you call a cab for me?
VIRGINIA
Yea, they’re on their way.
Virginia doesn’t take her eyes off the television. Nick is mesmerized by the episode of I Dream of Jeanie. LAUGHING every so often.
Harold places his bags by the door. Virginia gets up from the couch leaving Nick to the show.
VIRGINIA
Got everything.
HAROLD
Think so.
The lights rom the Taxi pulling into the drive way shine in through the window.
HAROLD (CONT’D)
We’ll keep in touch, ok?
VIRGINIA
Sure.
Harold leans in and kisses Virginia on her forhead. Virginia opens the doore for him and watches him go.
VIRGINIA
It’s you and me now, kiddo.
Nick doesn’t hear her. He is laughing at the television.
EXT. USED
Jack signs the papers to his car, shakes hands with the SALESMAN, and gets in. He drives off.
Virginia taking down the window display. Cleaning the window, she see’s Jack walking past on the other side of the street. She turns away incase he looks. Looking back, he’s gone.
Nick sits down next to Virginia, stratling her.
NICK
Can we go get ice cream?
VIRGINIA
You know, that’s a great idea.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE BOOK
Looking toward the direction Jack went, Virginia grabs Nick’s hand and walks that way.
Isn’t the ice cream that way.
Nick looks back.
VIRGINIA
There’s ice cream this way too.
Stoping in the middle of the street, Virginia loses sight of Jack.
EXT. MOTEL – NIGHT
Virginia pulls up in front of Jack’s Motel room. She notices there is a car in front of it. Looking to see if she could some how look inside, she fails and drives away.
Sitting at the kitchen table, Virginia has a pen in hand and a paper in front of her. She’s writing something but is disracted by when is going on outside. The YELLING and LAUGHING of kids is heard from the window.
Virginia concentrates on what is in front of her. The phone RINGS. She jumps from her seat and picks up the phone.
VIRGINIA
Hello?
There is a pause.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Hello? Jack?
She here’s a TICKING on the other end.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Jack? I’m sorry.
VOICE (V.O.)
I’m sorry dear, I have the wrong number.
Virginia still holds the phone to her ear. The line goes dead.
Jack is placing his clothes in his duffle bag. He walks around the room picking up dirty plates and unwashed clothes. He picks up a few cents from his bedside table and places them in his pocket. He opens the orange bottle and spills out the last three pills onto his hand. With out a thought, he takes them and tosses the bottle into the trash.
INT. GROCERY STORE –
Jack hands over his apron to the manager. The manager hands him his pay check and they shake hands. Jack ties his loose hair back as he walks out the sliding doors.
EXT. B STREET BOOK
Virginia struggles to lock the door. Testing the knob, she looks down at her watch. He bracelt breaks open again. Picking up a few of the broken pieces, she then hurringly walks off.
EXT. GROCERY STORE – NIGHT
Virginia sits outside on a bench playing with her broken bracelet. She looks at her watch, it’s late. Getting up, the Grocery Store manager is walking out.
MANAGER
Lookin’ for Jack?
Virginia looks behind her with a face full of hope.
VIRGINIA
Yea, he’s there?
MANAGER
No, he doesn’t work here anymore.
VIRGINIA
Oh.
She looks at the manager concerned. He nods at Virginia and continues walking.
Virginia sits in the living room staring at the phone. After a few minutes, she picks it up and dials. The phone rings but there is no answer. She dials again. It rings. Finally, an answer.
VIRGINIA
Jack?
The line goes dead. Virginia sit down on the floor where Nick has left all his toy trucks. She moves them along the floor.
EXT. VIRGINIA’S HOME – NIGHT
Closing the door behind her, Virginia sits on the steps on her porch for some fresh air. Looking up, Jack is standing on the sidewalk in front of her house.
VIRGINIA
Jack!
She quickly gets up and runs toward him. She hugs him and begins to sob.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
I’m so sorry Jack, I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to push you away.
JACK
It’s ok. Are you ok?
VIRGINIA
Well, yea, no.
JACK
Yes or no?
VIRGINIA
Where have you been?
JACK
I’m here now, right?
JACK (CONT’D)
Where’s the boyfriend?
VIRGINIA
He’s gone.
JACK
What a bastard.
VIRGINIA
No, I, I didn’t tell him.
JACK
What?
VIRGINIA
He didn’t even give me a chance. He left for work.
JACK
For good?
Virginis shrugs.
JACK (CONT’D)
Hows the little one?
Virginia looks down at he flat stomach.
VIRGINIA
In there.
She smiles and hugs him again.
VIRGINIA (CONT’D)
Come in?
JACK
Why not?
Virginia grabs his arm and drags him to the porch.
JACK (CONT’D)
I had something to show you remember?
VIRGINIA
What is it?
JACK
Wait, sit here.
Jack runs back to his car. Virginia watches as he walks back up to the porch with a guitar.
VIRGINIA
Where’d you get all this? The car?
JACK
I saved up for it. But here, listen to this.
Jack sits down next to Virginia on the steps. She rests her arms on his leg as Jack strokes the guitar.
JACK
(singing)
THERE
LIKE TO SAY TO YOU BUT
I
BECAUSE MAYBE
YOU’RE GOING TO BE THE
YOU’RE MY WONDER WALL
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