Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

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  • Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

    Here we go! 7 shiny scripts, for your delight!

    The Option
    Orphan Train
    The Last Sunset
    My girlfriend thinks I’m a stalker...
    __(...well she’s not my girlfriend yet)
    The Mute Banshee
    Beyond The Grave
    1001 Valentine Days

    You know the drill, read the entries, pick your 1st, 2nd and 3rd favorite choices and PM said choices to me, preferably in the format:

    1st - title1
    2nd - title2
    3rd - title3

    Please don't vote for your own entry, if this was allowed then everyone would do it, which would just cloud the voting.

    After the results are posted, you can post comments in the results thread. Remember to scribble notes while you're reading! (optional)

    You don't need to be in the contest to play, all DDP members are welcome to read and vote.

    If you don't like the code boxes, which preserve formatting, try selecting Thread Tools > Show Printable Version instead.

    Shout if you find any problems with your entry and I'll correct ASAP.

    For posterity, the discussion thread is here and the results thread is here.
    Last edited by dpaterso; 02-21-2018, 07:39 AM.

  • #2
    Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

    Code:
    The Option
    
    EXT. BUNGALOW - DAY
    
    AUDRA(17), exits her house and shuts the door behind her.
    She's pretty, but with a dark edge to her. She carries a
    bookbag and is dressed for school.
    
    She tests the door, then turns down the sidewalk.
    
    MARTY (17) appears out of nowhere beside her, nearly giving
    her a heart attack.
    
                          AUDRA
              Marty!  What the--?
    
                          MARTY
              Hey Aud.
    
    He falls in step beside her, animated.
    
                        MARTY (CONT'D)
              Soooo... have you thought about it?
    
                        AUDRA
              About what -- you stalking me?
    
                          MARTY
              C'mon.  Have you?
    
                        AUDRA
              Do I really need to decide right
              this second?
    
                        MARTY
              Sorry. I'm just really anxious to
              know is all. I mean, it's kind of
              a big deal, don't you think?
    
                          AUDRA
              Yeah.  The thing is, I'm still not
              sure.
    
    He grabs her arm, halting them.
    
                        MARTY
              Look, you know your parents are
              never gonna allow it. In fact
              they're totally gonna lose their
              sh**. And besides, they hate me
              already. It's the best option.
              Really the only option, if you
              think about it.
    
    She stews a moment, conflicted.  He waits expectantly.
    
                          MARTY (CONT'D)
              C'mon.  Please?
    
                          AUDRA
              Okay.  Yes, okay?  Are you happy?
    
                          MARTY
              Yeah?!  Awesome!!!
    
    She rolls her eyes in disbelief.
    
                          MARTY (CONT'D)
              Well, I mean, not happy-happy,
              but...I really think it's the right
              thing to do. I love you so much!
    
                          AUDRA
              Yeah.
    
                        MARTY
              I've got it all planned out
              already. This weekend. (he
              gestures to an imaginary marquis)
              Marty and Audra -- together
              forever!
    
    He kisses her excitedly, and heads back in the opposite
    direction.
    
                        MARTY (CONT'D)
              I'll text you later! And remember -
              - don't tell anyone okay? Not even
              Rosa!
    
    
    INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
    
    Marty and Audra sit together at a table, no one else nearby.
    
                        MARTY
              So, uh, how was your day?
    
                        AUDRA
                  (with an OMG glare)
              Seriously?!
    
                          MARTY
              Okay, forget it. Stupid question.
              I mean...considering...
    
                          AUDRA
              Um, yeah.
    
                        MARTY
              So anyway, I've got the whole thing
              worked out. I'll pick you up
              Saturday first thing, we'll drive
              out to this perfect spot I've got
              picked out, and-
    
                        AUDRA
              Wait. You actually been scouting
              locations? What does it even
              matter?! If we're going to do it,
              let's just do it. I swear, you're
              way overthinking this whole thing.
    
                        MARTY
              Yeah, but I just...I want it to be
              nice is all. Anyway, just make sure
              to be at the corner, nine a.m..
              We'll ride out there, and... voila.
              It'll be over and done.
    
                        AUDRA
              Okay. And I'm sorry if I've been
              kind of a bitch about it. I want
              this too.
    
    He notes her lack of engagement.
    
                        MARTY
              You meant that, right?
    
                        AUDRA
              Like you said, it's our only
              option, right?
    
    He follows her gaze to where another boy ADAM is eyeing her
    on the down low from a table across the cafe.
    
                        MARTY
              Seriously? Adam? Look, I know he
              likes you, but... I mean, dude should
              show some respect. Dick.
    
                        AUDRA
              Don't worry, Marty. Just focus on
              the plan, okay? It'll be great.
    
                        MARTY
              ...
    
                        AUDRA
              You know, it's cute that you're
              jealous.
    
                         MARTY
               Pfft! I am not jealous! Well, okay.
               Anyway, let's get out of here. I'm
               sure we both still have lots to
               take care of before Saturday.
    
    They leave. Marty makes sure Adam sees him put his arm over
    Audra's shoulder like a boss on their way out.
    
    
    EXT. STREET CORNER - DAY
    
    Audra loiters there, a bit anxious. Yup, it's Saturday.
    
    A car pulls up driven by Marty.   He gestures to her and she
    climbs in.
    
    
    INT. CAR, MOVING
    
    Marty has a gym bag on the seat between them.  Audra glances
    at it with trepidation. She knows what's up.
    
                         MARTY
               How are you feeling?  Okay?
    
    She shrugs.
    
                         AUDRA
               Do we have to talk about it?
    
                         MARTY
               No. Not if you don't want.
               (smile) I love you.
    
                         AUDRA
               Me too.
    
    They squeeze hands. The act seems to buoy Marty.  He turns
    his eyes to the road with renewed determination.
    
    
    EXT. DESERT/MOUNTAIN/FIELD/WHATEVER - DAY
    
    Marty parks and they get out. Marty carries the gym bag.  He
    takes Audra's hand and leads her. With her free hand she
    takes out her phone and swipes through it as she walks.
    
    
    THE SPOT
    
    Marty pulls up at an idyllic, private spot, and gestures
    awkwardly around.
    
                           MARTY
                 This is it. What, uh, what do you
                 think?
    
                              AUDRA
                 It's nice.  Good choice.
    
                              MARTY
                 Thanks.
    
    He notices the phone in her hand.
    
                           MARTY (CONT'D)
                 You brought your phone?
    
                           AUDRA
                 Sure. What's the problem?
    
                           MARTY
                 I don't-- Y-You haven't told anyone
                 right? Rosa? Anybody? You're not
                 changing your mind, are you?
    
                           AUDRA
                 Look, Marty. They can use the GPS
                 to find us. You do want them to
                 find us, right? I thought that's
                 kind of the whole point.
    
                             MARTY
                 Yeah, of course. You're right. I'm
                 sorry... You nervous?
    
                           AUDRA
                 Can we not talk about it? Let's
                 just go over your plan. How
                 exactly are we going to do this?
    
                           MARTY
                 I don't know.
    
                           AUDRA
                 Marty, I thought you said you had
                 it all planned out!
    
    He shrugs.
    
                           MARTY
                 Sorry, I guess I never thought
                 about how we'd actually do it.  I
                 mean, it's not-- this is my
                 first... F***!
                     (looks around) )
                Okay, how about this? We sit down,
                and lock our arms, like this...
    
    He pulls her down and demonstrates a klutzy embrace.
    
                        AUDRA
              Fine.
    
                        MARTY
              You're sure? Cuz I'd like welcome
              your input, if you-
    
                        AUDRA
              Let's just do it already, and get
              it out of the way. The longer we
              talk about it...
    
                       MARTY
              Okay. But you're not backing out
              on me? Cuz this is it.
    
    She gives him a derisive look.
    
                        MARTY (CONT'D)
              You're right. Okay. I'll shut up.
    
                        AUDRA
              You know, you can back out too.
              Just because it was your idea --
    
    He holds up a hand to silence her.  Then he opens his bag and
    pulls out a revolver.
    
    He holds it up dramatically, looks to her for a reaction.
    She's calm, not what he expected.
    
    But when he glances away her eyes betray her fear.
    
                        MARTY
              Okay, so you ready?
    
    They sit down together. He cocks the gun. She watches as
    the courage starts to drain out of him in a hurry. He
    directs his words to her stomach, as he starts to sob, trying
    to hold it together.
    
                        MARTY (CONT'D)
              I'm so sorry kid, we couldn't do
              right by you. God knows you don't
              deserve this, but it's the only way
              we can all three be together.
    
    He points the gun pointed at Audra's head. She doesn't
    flinch, but her eyes go wide in contained terror.
    
    His hand trembles badly; it might be comical if he weren't in
    danger of blowing her head apart at any moment.
    
    Seconds tick by.
    
    Abruptly, he lowers the gun.
    
                          MARTY (CONT'D)
              I'm...I'm sorry...This is so f***ing...
              What if I miss? And then, what if
              I'm too scared to do me? It's not
              like something you can practice!
    
    She hugs him briefly.
    
                        AUDRA
              Shhh shhh. Calm down. You're not
              going to miss. Trust me. Let me
              show you. It's okay baby. Here,
              look.
    
    She guides the gun up under his chin.
    
                        AUDRA (CONT'D)
              See? You just hold it right here.
              I know you can do it. You just hold
              it, and then when the time is
              right, just...
    
    She deliberately forces his trigger finger down.  BANG!
    Marty's body flies back, dead as sh**.
    
    Audra coolly scoots clear of him and stands up. She brushes
    herself off.
    
    We hear a rustle, and Adam walks up holding a cell phone.
    The two embrace as he looks around, taking it all in.
    
                        ADAM
              Day-yam. Part of me didn't think
              he'd really do it. I was really
              worried, but look at you. Ice.
              Cold!
    
                        AUDRA
              Adam, please. You're talking about
              the mother of your child.
    
    They laugh as they head back toward the road, arm in arm like
    lovers do.
    
                                                        THE END

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

      Code:
      Orphan Train
      
      EXT. RURAL HIGHWAY - DAY
      
      An SUV rolls to a stop on the gravel shoulder. A hunched,
      bearded OLD MAN (80) in a rumpled black suit exits from the
      passenger side, then hobbles down the road.
      
      KATHERINE (60) in a black overcoat, dress suit and heels,
      jumps from behind the wheel, hustles after the Old Man.
      
                            KATHERINE
                Dad, it's been a long day.
      
      Long gray hair blowing in the wind, Katherine pulls her coat
      closed, braces against the cold.
      
                            KATHERINE (CONT'D)
                What are we doing out here?
      
      The Old Man pauses at the edge of an abandoned railroad track,
      gazes ahead at the flat, gray prairie horizon.
      
                             OLD MAN
                I promised your mother, I would never
                tell anyone.
      
      Old Man stoops down and presses his thin, arthritic hand on
      the rusty iron rail.
      
                            OLD MAN (CONT'D)
                But now it's time.
      
      TRAIN WHISTLE (PRELAP)
      
      OVER BLACK: "ERIE, OHIO - 1938"
      
      EXT. TRAIN STATION - MORNING
      
      Two long lines of weary CHILDREN (5 - 15 yrs), ID papers
      pinned to their ragged hand-me-down clothes, climb the
      boarding steps and file into the train cars.
      
      REVEREND CHARLES GRACE (50) shakes hands with a sharply
      dressed BUSINESSMAN (50's), then waves his beefy arm toward
      the train cars.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                Let's hurry, children. There's a
                storm coming.
      
      CASSIE (14) stands in line next to her friend JACOB, a thin
      15 year-old with deep-set, sullen eyes.
      
                            CASSIE
                We might never see each other again.
      
      Jacob takes Cassie's hand.
      
                             JACOB
                No!   I promise.
      
      INT. TRAIN CABIN (MOVING) - DAY
      
      Reverend Grace wobbles down the aisle of the swaying train,
      inspects the anxious children huddled in their seats.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                Smile children. Tomorrow you start
                a wondrous new life with a loving
                Christian family.
      
      The Reverend pauses in front of Cassie and Jacob, leans over
      to read Cassie's ID.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Cassie. What a very pretty name.
                And such beautiful red hair.
      
      He grins, then extends his hand.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Cassie, I could use some help
                preparing today's lunch. Would you
                be so kind.
      
      Cassie glances at Jacob who shakes his head.
      
      The Reverend's face grows stone cold.   He places his hand on
      Jacob's shoulder.
      
                             REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                My dear...
      
      He glances at Jacob's ID.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                ... Jacob. We must remember to show
                respect to our elders.
      
      He clamps down hard on Jacob's bony shoulder.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Isn't that so?
      
      Jacob grimaces in pain, nods.
      
      The Reverend grasps Cassie's hand, leads her away.
      
      EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
      
      A WHITEOUT BLIZZARD.
      
      The steamer train chugs down the tracks, its outline barely
      visible through the driving snow.
      
      INT. TRAIN CABIN - MOMENTS LATER
      
      Jacob leaps from his seat, hurries down the aisle.
      
      Jacob stops in front of a private room, presses his ear
      against the closed door.
      
      A freckled FARM BOY (10) sitting nearby, calls out.
      
                             FARM BOY
                    (hushed)
                Don't! He'll beat us all!
      
      Jacob ignores the warning, tightens his jaw, then pounds the
      door with his fist.
      
      As the door flies open, Jacob dives for cover behind a large
      STEAMER TRUNK.
      
      Reverend Grace stomps out of the room, hastily pulling up
      his pants, fastening his leather belt, growling...
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                Which one of you little heathens...
      
      The Reverend rushes over to the Farm Boy.
      
                             REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                You?!
      
      The frightened boy recoils in his seat, shakes his head.
      
      The Reverend grabs a handful of Farm Boy's hair.
      
                             FARM BOY
                Ow!
      
                             REVEREND GRACE
                Then who?!
      
      Farm Boy points to the steamer trunk.
      
      Reverend Grace whirls, yanks Jacob from his hiding spot,
      slams the boy face down on the trunk's lid.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Looks like I'm gonna have to teach
                you God's will the hard way.
      
      Holding Jacob down with one hand, he unbuckles his belt with
      the other.
      
      Jacob glances up.
      
      Cassie, steps from the doorway of the private room, crying.
      
                            JACOB (O.S.)
                Go!
      
      Cassie takes off.
      
      WHACK!
      
      The Reverend smacks the belt full force against Jacob's
      behind. As he holds the belt high overhead for another
      blow...
      
      SCREECHING.
      
      EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
      
      SPARKS shoot from the locomotive's locked wheels skidding on
      the iron tracks.
      
      The TRAIN ENGINE plows into a GIANT SNOWDRIFT, then jumps
      the tracks.
      
      BREAKING GLASS, CRUNCHING METAL.
      
      The passenger cars jackknife and careen off the tracks.
      
      CHILDREN SCREAMING, CRYING.
      
      INT. TRAIN CABIN - DAY
      
      Children thrown from their seats like ragdolls as the cabin
      flips upside down.
      
      Reverend Grace hurdles forward, smacking his head against a
      steam pipe.
      
      Jacob flies off the trunk, somersaults and smashes into an
      upside down exit door.
      
      EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - LATER
      
      Jacob carries a YOUNG GIRL (8) from the wreckage, her leg
      bleeding badly. He hands the injured girl to Cassie.
      
                            JACOB
                I think that's everyone. I'm gonna
                do another check, then we'll go.
      
                            CASSIE
                Where?
      
                            JACOB
                I saw a sign before we crashed.
      
      Jacob trudges through the deep snow, heading for the wreckage.
      
                            JACOB (CONT'D)
                Should be a town about six miles up.
      
      INT. TRAIN ENGINE ROOM - DAY
      
      Jacob steps over the dead twisted body of the TRAIN ENGINEER,
      grabs a medics bag from a storage closet, opens the lid of a
      STRONGBOX.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (O.S.)
                You ain't goin' nowhere.
      
      Jacob whips around.
      
      Reverend Grace, deep, bloody gash across his forehead, left
      eye swollen shut, holding his ribs, points a PISTOL at Jacob
      with his free hand.
      
                            JACOB
                How much you gettin'?
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                You should be grateful.
      
                            JACOB
                For you gettin' rich off us?
      
      The Reverend starts to laugh, but searing pain from broken
      ribs causes him to double over, cough violently.
      
      Jacob slowly reaches into the strongbox, slips a JACKKNIFE
      into his pants pocket.
      
      The Reverend recovers, wipes bloody spit from his mouth.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                You see, my dear boy. You're a
                discard, a burden to your poor
                parents. If not for me, you'd all
                be spendin' the rest of your miserable
                lives whoring and stealing on the
                streets.
      
      He waves the gun toward the exit.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Now, get your ass out there.
      
      EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
      
      CASSIE and the surviving children huddle against the cold
      and snow.
      
      Jacob walks slowly from the shadows, followed by Reverend
      Grace.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                Everyone...
                    (gasping, coughing)
                ...Back in the train!
      
                            CASSIE
                No! We're leaving, and you can't
                stop us!
      
      The Reverend holds the pistol to Jacob's head.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE
                Now!
      
      Cassie leads the children back to the train. The Reverend
      trails, hobbled, hacking violently, spitting blood.
      
      Farm Boy suddenly breaks from the group, zigzagging through
      the knee deep snow.
      
      The Reverend spins.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Come back hear you little bastard.
      
      He points the pistol at Farm Boy, fires.
      
      CRACK, CRACK.
      
      Cassie leaps onto the back of Reverend Grace, gouges her
      fingers into his eyes.
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                Ow!  Argh!
      
      The Reverend flings Cassie off his back.  Cassie lands hard
      on her back in the snow.
      
      The Reverend, blood flowing from his mangled eyes, points
      the pistol at Cassie...
      
                            REVEREND GRACE (CONT'D)
                You sinful little bitch! May you
                rot in--
      
      The Reverend grimaces, bloody eyes open wide.  He drops the
      pistol, stumbles backward, gasping.
      
      Jacob steps forward, watches the Reverend drop to his knees,
      then fall face first into the deep snow, a JACKKNIFE buried
      deep in his neck.
      
      EXT. TRAIN STOP - NIGHT
      
      Jacob, exhausted and frostbitten, carries Young Girl across
      his shoulders as he approaches the boarding platform. He
      reads the sign.
      
      Welcome to OKEMOS, MI.
      
      Cassie leads the weary group of young survivors up the
      platform stairs.
      
      A STATION MASTER carrying a lantern hurries outside to greet
      the group, then huddles them inside the small wooden building.
      
                            OLD MAN (V.O.)
                His last dying gasps haunt me to
                this day.
      
      BACK TO PRESENT
      
      EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY
      
      Jacob (Old Man), his far-off gaze revealing the trauma and
      emotion of the horrific event, turns to his daughter.
      
                            JACOB (OLD MAN)
                It was here, where nine innocent
                children perished in the crash.
      
      Katherine covers her mouth, eyes welling with tears.
      
                            KATHERINE
                What happened to the rest of you?
      
                            JACOB
                Of the twenty-three survivors, some
                returned home, taken back by their
                folks. The others, like me and
                Cassie, were adopted. We lived with
                separate families in Okemos until we
                turned eighteen.
      
      Jacob reaches into his suit coat pocket.
      
                            JACOB (CONT'D)
                But I kept my promise.
      
      He pulls out an old crumpled BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO, hands it
      to Katherine.
      
      Katherine gazes at the image, tears streaming down her cheeks.
      
      PHOTO INSERT:
      
      A wedding picture of Jacob and Cassie at the altar.
      
      Katherine hugs her father, whispers.
      
                            KATHERINE
                I love you, dad.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

        Code:
        The Last Sunset
        
        FADE IN
        
        EXT. ALI'S COFFEE & BAGEL SHOP - DAY
        
        In the heart of an ordinary American town.
        
        
        INT. ALI'S COFFEE & BAGEL SHOP - DAY
        
        No customers present.  Behind the counter, ALI (30s) and 
        his sister FATIMA (20) stand side by side, looking out at 
        the passing world.  They are of the Arabic persuasion.
        
                              ALI
                  What have I told you about covering 
                  your head, you whore?
        
                              FATIMA
                  Customers don't like it, they look 
                  at me as if I've got a bomb stuffed 
                  down my knickers.
        
                              ALI
                  A chaste woman does not let men 
                  see her hair.
        
                              FATIMA
                  I'm plenty chaste, don't you worry 
                  about me.  We are in America.  We 
                  are supposed to put people at ease, 
                  not draw attention to ourselves.
        
        Fatima does jazz hands.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Hey, look at me, terrorist, gonna 
                  blow up your grandma today.
        
                              ALI
                  You disrespect me yet again.
        
        Fatima drops the humor instantly.
        
                              FATIMA
                  I apologize, brother, I did not 
                  mean to offend.
        
                              ALI
                  See that you keep that tongue of 
                  yours under control when he arrives, 
                  else you will feel the lash of my 
                  leather belt.
        
        Fatima presses her lips together into a tight line.  She 
        gets this sh!t every day and has to take it.
        
        DING, the door opens and GRANT enters, a skinny white nerd.  
        He carries a cheap bunch of flowers and a cardboard box 
        tied with a ribbon.
        
        Grant approaches the counter and glances nervously at Ali 
        before giving his attention to Fatima.
        
                              GRANT
                  H-hello, good morning.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Good morning to you, sir, it is 
                  good to see you again.
        
        Grant studies the array of breadware behind the glass 
        counter display.
        
                              GRANT
                  Can I have one with cinammon?
        
                              FATIMA
                  Wouldn't two be much more 
                  satisfying?
        
                              GRANT
                  You know, you could be right.
        
        Fatima uses tongs to put 2 cinammon bagels into a paper 
        bag, she places this on the counter top.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Do you wish coffee also?
        
                              GRANT
                  Y-yes, coffee, could you make it a 
                  little weak, like half milk?
        
        Ali wrinkles his nose in contempt.  He turns away and exits 
        into the back of the shop.  The bead curtain rattles and 
        sways in his wake.
        
                              FATIMA
                  There is no need to be shy about 
                  this.  It does not make you less 
                  of a man in my eyes.
        
                              GRANT
                  Thank you, th-that means a lot.
        
        Grant gets more nervous as Fatima goes and makes the coffee.  
        Lots of milk.  She puts a lid on the cup and places it 
        beside the bagel bag.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Will there be anything else?
        
        Grant glances at the bead curtain.  He takes a deep breath.  
        He offers the flowers to Fatima.
        
                              GRANT
                  These, these are for you.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Why would you give me flowers?
        
                              GRANT
                  A-and these, too.
        
        Grant offers her the box with the ribbon.
        
                              GRANT
                  It's Turkish delight.  I didn't 
                  know what else to get you.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Oh.
        
        Fatima hesitantly takes the box and the flowers.  She puts 
        the flowers down and unties the ribbon.  In doing so she 
        notices a little card.  She turns it over and reads it.
        
                              FATIMA
                  "Be my Valentine."
        
                              GRANT
                  Uh, I was, I was kinda hoping to 
                  not be here when you read that, to 
                  be honest.
        
        It all begins to come together in Fatima's mind.
        
                              FATIMA
                  You wish me to be your Valentine?  
                  What does this entail?
        
                              GRANT
                  It's, it's just a way to say hi to 
                  someone you don't really know.  
                  Like, 
                       (waves a hand)
                  Hi.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Oh, I see.  We call it rahat locum.
        
                              GRANT
                  You have Valentine's Day, too?
        
                              FATIMA
                  No, your Turkish delight is our 
                  rahat locum, it originated in Iran 
                  and was a delicacy of the Ottoman 
                  Empire.
        
                              GRANT
                  I did not know that.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Am I supposed to give you something 
                  in return?
        
                              GRANT
                  No you don't, it's my gift to you.
        
        DING, the door opens and a gentleman from the land of 
        Turkish delight steps in.  This is HAMED.  He looks around 
        warily.  His cold gaze settles upon Grant, who is unaware.
        
        Fatima is very aware of who this is, she takes a step back 
        so she can call through the bead curtain.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Oh dear brother, the flour salesman 
                  is here.
        
        Ali emerges at once.  He looks at Hamed, then at Grant.
        
        Fatima picks up the coffee cup and the bagel bag and hands 
        them to Grant. 
        
                              FATIMA
                  Thank you for your custom, I hope 
                  we see you again soon.
        
        Grant looks at her, not understanding, but then he gets 
        it, it's her gift to him.  She can't talk because of Ali.
        
                              GRANT
                  Thank you!
        
        Grant heads for the door.  Hamed smiles politely and steps 
        aside to let Grant exit, then closes the door, DING.
        
        
        EXT. ALI'S COFFEE & BAGEL SHOP - DAY
        
        Grant walks along the street a bit, then leans against a 
        wall and hyperventilates.  People walking by look at him.
        
                              GRANT
                       (wheezing)
                  I'm okay, ignore me, I'm okay.
        
        
        INT. ALI'S COFFEE & BAGEL SHOP - DAY
        
        As soon as Grant has gone, Hamed's smile vanishes.
        
                              ALI
                  Sir, we are honored by your 
                  presence.
        
                              HAMED
                  This place is clean?
        
                              ALI
                  It is swept daily for listening 
                  devices.  What is your will?  
                       (to Fatima)
                  Go and put your head scarf on, you 
                  shame me.
        
        Fatima hurries into the back of the shop... and returns in 
        a few moments wearing a head scarf.
        
                              HAMED
                  Much better.  Are you prepared to 
                  give everything for our cause?
        
                              ALI
                  We are both prepared, sir.
        
                              HAMED
                  You speak for your sister?  I would 
                  hear it from her own lips.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Sure, I'm in.
        
        Ali slaps the back of Fatima's head.
        
                              ALI
                  I heartily apologize on her behalf, 
                  sir.  Living in this country has 
                  rotted her brain.
        
                              HAMED
                  It is her sincerity that matters, 
                  not her phrasing.  Her mastery of 
                  American English aids in concealing 
                  your true purpose from the infidel.  
                  I am pleased to tell you that an 
                  opportunity for glory has arisen.  
                  I will provide further details 
                  soon, but keep Friday clear.
        
                              ALI
                  We await your word with fervor.
        
        Hamed turns away, but stops and looks at the box on the 
        counter.
        
                              HAMED
                  Is that rahat locum?
        
        Fatima tilts the box toward Hamed and gives him a "Please 
        help yourself!" smile.  Hamed pops a piece into his mouth.
        
                              HAMED
                  Delicious!
        
        Hamed exits the shop, the door closes, DING.
        
                              ALI
                  Finally!  A mission!  We shall 
                  blow ourselves to smithereens and 
                  go to Heaven.
        
        Fatima does jazz hands, yaaaay.  But she isn't smiling.
        
        
        INT. BACK ROOM OF ALI'S COFFEE & BAGEL SHOP - DAY
        
        Fatima sits at a little table with the box of Turkish 
        delight.  She examines the card again and WE SEE:
        
        "Maybe I can buy you a coffee sometime?
        
        Grant (the skinny white guy who takes milky coffee)"
        
        Fatima smiles broadly.  She holds the card to her heart.
        
        Ali pokes his head through the bead curtain.
        
                              ALI
                  There are customers out here waiting 
                  to be served.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Forgive me, I will be right out.
        
        Ali withdraws.  Fatima slips the card into a pocket, takes 
        off her head scarf and exits to the front of the shop.
        
        
        EXT. DUCK POND IN THE PARK - DAY
        
        Grant sits on a bench facing the pond.  He breaks up one 
        of his bagels and throws the bits to the ducks.
        
        SPECIAL AGENT JACK RYERSON (30) sits down on the bench.
        
                              RYERSON
                  They really like that bagel, don't 
                  they?
        
                              GRANT
                  It's the cinnamon.
        
                              RYERSON
                  Tell me, Grant, are you a patriot?  
                  Or are you a traitor to this great 
                  nation of ours?
        
                              GRANT
                  H-how do you know my name?
        
                              RYERSON
                  She's a terrorist, Grant.  That 
                  pretty girl with the perfect sun 
                  tan and the winning smile is one 
                  of the nutjobs who want to kill us 
                  all and destroy our way of life.
        
                              GRANT
                  Wh-Who are you?
        
                              RYERSON
                  What I need you to do, Grant, is 
                  tell me everything you know about 
                  your little friend.  And I do mean, 
                  everything.
        
        
        INT. ALI'S COFFEE & BAGEL SHOP - EVENING
        
        The place is closed up, Fatima is cleaning.
        
        Ali emerges from the back room, wearing a Hawaiian shirt.
        
                              ALI
                  You will remain in your room 
                  tonight?
        
                              FATIMA
                  Sure, I wouldn't want to spoil 
                  your poker game.  I'll probably go 
                  out for a walk.
        
                              ALI
                  Where to?
        
                              FATIMA
                  Just to watch the sunset.  It might 
                  be the last one I see.
        
        Ali stares at her, expressionless.  He exits to the back 
        room.  Fatima takes out a phone and Grant's card.  She 
        thumbs in the number.
        
                              FATIMA (INTO PHONE)
                  It's me.
        
        
        EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE - LATE EVENING
        
        Grant sits at a table watching the sun going down.
        
        Fatima appears and sits down at the table. No head scarf.
        
                              GRANT
                  Hey, you came.
        
                              FATIMA
                  I'm glad I made it in time.  I 
                  wanted to thank you for your gifts.  
                  No one has ever been that kind to 
                  me before.
        
                              GRANT
                  Wow, really?  My pleasure.  Thank 
                  you for calling me, I wasn't sure 
                  if you would, I mean, I don't know 
                  if I would have had the courage.
        
                              FATIMA
                  Calling someone is easy, it's just 
                  talking to people.  Deciding to 
                  take action for something you 
                  believe in, though, that's what 
                  really requires courage.
        
                              GRANT
                  I suppose...
        
                              FATIMA
                  I just wanted to tell you I'll be 
                  going away soon.
        
                              GRANT
                  Oh.  Anywhere I might know?
        
                              FATIMA
                  A far away place.  I won't be coming 
                  back here.
        
                              GRANT
                  I'm, I'm sorry to hear that.
        
        Fatima reaches across the table and takes Grant's hand.
        
                              FATIMA
                  I'm sorry too.  Just when you'd 
                  worked up courage to give me flowers 
                  and Turkish delight.  It's not 
                  fair.
        
                              GRANT
                  Will you be happy, wherever it is 
                  you're going?
        
                              FATIMA
                  I hope so.  Let's watch the sunset 
                  together.
        
                              GRANT
                  Sure.  I can do that.
        
        Fatima smiles as they sit watching the beautiful sunset.
        
        THE END

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

          Code:
          My girlfriend thinks I'm a stalker...
          [COLOR="White"]___[/COLOR](...well she's not my girlfriend yet)
          
          INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
          
          The Mobile rings.
          
          EMMA winces. She's a pretty redhead, about twenty and
          dressed in PJ's, ready for bed. She's nuking a hot chocolate
          in the microwave.
          
          Emma looks at. The face says someone called Dufus is
          calling.
          
                                 EMMA
                    What? I've told you not to ring
                    me!
          
                                 DOUG
                    Ems...
          
                              EMMA
                    Listen to me- you stalking freak.
                    I will ring the police again next
                    time you ring! Understand? You
                    freak! Do you understand
                    restraining orders?
          
                                 DOUG
                    Bu...
          
          She disconnects with a jab. Throws the phone onto the table.
          Then retrieves it and powers it down.
          
          
          EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - CONTINUOUS
          
          The street lights cast pools of light. Cars are parked in
          driveways, on the road. Trees deepen shadows. Fences, walls
          and hedges add to the jumble.
          
          Doug's face is lit by his mobile. It's a face that has been
          bullied, you just know it. Weak, pale, unfashionable
          glasses, pits of acne scarring. He pulls his black hoodie
          over his equally bad hair.
          
          The house he peers at is nearly dark.
          
                               DOUG
                        (to self)
                    You're... you'll learn. I'll...
                    you shouldn't have dumped me.
                    Especially not the weekend your
                    parents are away.
                        (beat)
                    That's just dumb.
          
          He pulls on gloves, black.
          
          He pulls up a bandana, black to cover his throat, mouth and
          nose.
          
          He pulls out an oversized knife. A cheap knock off Japanese
          tanto. He's taken so much care to darken his appearance into
          the night, but the blade glistens silver. He's a f***ing
          idiot.
          
          He moves like a shadow - a shadow, carrying a big-ass dumb
          silver blade.
          
          He uses cover like someone who watched Hollywood action films
          throughout a tortured adolescence. There's no need to hide
          from an empty road...
          
          But Doug does.
          
          He reaches the house next to Emma's parent's house. The
          kitchen light is still on. Emma is sipping her hot chocolate
          in the lounge. Backlit, she looks out the window.
          
          Doug shields the knife with his arm. She sees nothing.
          
                              DOUG (CONT'D)
                        (to self)
                    We were perfect together.
          
          A car drives past. Doug ducks as the head lights break the
          darkness. The car parks at the end of the street. Doug
          watches the driver leave the car.
          
          Outside Emma's house is a street light.
          
          From his jacket Doug pulls a slingshot, a heavy looking bolt,
          aims - misses. The bolt slams into a roof across the road
          and clatters down the tiles.
          
          He goes to cover.
          
                              DOUG (CONT'D)
                        (to self)
                    The things I do for you Ems.
          
          He pulls out another bolt, aims, this time the flourescent
          tube pops. Glass tinkles to the ground. The light vanishes.
          
          Doug peers around.  No one seems to have heard the noises.
          He vaults the low hedge and lands awkwardly.
          
                              DOUG (CONT'D)
                    Jeez, a man could break a leg in
                    this.
                        (LAUGHS)
                    A broken leg will be the least of
                    tonight's f***ing injuries!
          
          
          He creeps up the driveway to the garage.
          
          Inside the house Emma finishes her hot drink. Momentarily
          she stares out of the window again into the front yard. She
          draws the curtains, seconds later the lights go out.
          
          Subdued lights flick on as she moves through the house,
          towards bed.
          
          Outside Doug follows. As he moves to the rear section it
          gets darker and darker. He's a silhouette with a silver
          blade.
          
          Above him on the second floor lights come on. Her bedroom.
          
                              DOUG (CONT'D)
                    Nighty night Ems. Don't let the
                    bedbugs bite.
          
          He checks his wrist watch, 10:32. At last he sheaths his
          knife, and vanishes.
          
          Emma's lights go dark.
          
          Doug checks his watch
          
          10:57
          
          11:27
          
          11:35
          
          11:44
          
          11:50
          
          11:55
          
          11:57
          
          11:58
          
                              DOUG (CONT'D)
                    Close enough.
          
          EXT. BACK DOOR - SECONDS LATER
          
          Doug checks the door. It's locked. Back to the front,
          checking the windows, all closed, all locked.
          
                              DOUG
                    Think you're safe in there Ems?
                    Maybe...
          
          Retreat to the rear again. Then the same along the other
          side of the house. Again it's secure.
          
          
          EXT. AT THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
          
          From the darkness he eyes the front door.
          
          He pulls a key from his pocket.
          
                                 DOUG
                           (to self)
                       Never saw me snatch this eh?
          
          A car travels down the street. Light rises and falls. He is
          utterly still. The car stops up the street. A BEEP of the
          central locking.
          
          Slowly he lowers himself to the ground. He slithers across
          the lawn to the garden, meters from the front door.
          
          And waits.
          
          A garden gate squeals. Not Emma's. Nearby.
          
                                 DOUG (CONT'D)
                           (to self)
                       He goes nothing.
          
          One final look around. He slinks to the front door. Fumbles
          repeatedly at the lock. Manages to insert the key.
          
          Opens the door.
          
          Slips though.
          
          Closes it, gently, behind him.
          
          
          INT. EMMA'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
          
          He breathes in; a long inhalation, eyes closed. As though
          he's savoring what's to come. He looks at the stairs.
          
                                 DOUG
                           (to self, whispering)
                       You shouldn't have dumped me Ems.
          
          Slowly he edges the knife from it's scabbard. His eyes
          delight in the gleaming sliver.
          
          He eases his way up the stairs. A footfall at a time.
          Pausing at the slightest squeak.
          There are many.
          
          He is careful.
          
          Finally he reaches the second floor. There is a night light,
          low to the floor.
          
          
          INT. SECOND FLOOR - CONTINUOUS
          
          He edges along the wall. Placing his feet carefully. Not
          making a sound.
          
          He reaches a door. Closed. He pulls a can of WD40 from his
          black hoodie. Sprays each hinge. Two puffs on each. The
          hisses seem unnaturally loud. Another two at the latch.
          
          He pauses. Letting the oil do it's silent thing. Touches the
          latch, twists, it's soundless, opens the door, soundless.
          
          
          INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
          
          He steps inside and closes the door behind him.
          
          Moonlight comes through the windows. He pauses, staring
          straight ahead, knife out in front of him.
          
          And doesn't move.
          
          At all.
          
          He breathes lightly, but there's a sense of anticipation in
          it.
          
          A noise, indefinable.
          
          But it's enough to brings his head up. Lips part. Eyes
          twitch. Fingers clench on the knife. He takes a big, long,
          slow silent breath.
          
          Another noise.  He brings up the knife.
          
                                DOUG
                          (quietly)
                      I'm going to kill you.
          
          Another noise.  A Creak.
          
          He approaches the bed. Emma lies sleeping. With his free
          hand he clasps her mouth. She wakes in terror.
          
                                DOUG (CONT'D)
                      If you want to live, don't make a
                      noise.
          
          Another noise, not Emma, not Doug.
          
                                   DOUG (CONT'D)
                      Hear that?
          
          Doug raises the knife, two handed, above his head.
          
          CREAK!  Louder!
          
          Suddenly Doug turns.  He hauls open the door.
          
          Illuminated by the night light is a dark figure.
          
          
          INT. SECOND FLOOR - CONTINUOUS
          
          Doug attacks.  Poorly!  Atrociously.  Misses every strike.
          
          The man fends Doug off. Catches his arm. Doug is slammed
          into the wall. Again and again. The night light is smashed.
          
          Doug clings to the knife.  But the other guy grabs it.
          
                               DOUG
                         (screaming)
                     EMMA! RUN!
          
          He peels off, over the bannister, and falls to the ground
          floor... THUD!
          
          For a moment the new intruder stares at the broken body a
          floor below, he has Doug's knife loosely held in one hand.
          
          The bedroom door flies open, SLAMMING into the wall. Emma
          stands there, like a Valkyrie, armed with an aluminum
          baseball bat.
          
          She sees a shadowy form, she sees the knife.  She doesn't
          hesitate.
          
          Half-turned, focused on Doug, the new guy doesn't stand a
          chance. Every baseball bat blow finds a home.
          
          ...head.
          
          ...chest, elbow.
          
          ...head, hand, knee!
          ...other hand, head (other side), knee, knee, knee!
          
          ...head ...head ...head ...chest ...head!
          The second intruder follows Doug's path to the ground floor.
          
          
          INT. LIVING ROOM (BELOW THE STAIRS) - MOMENTS LATER
          
          Emma leans over Doug.
          
                               EMMA
                     Doug, what...?
          
                               DOUG
                     You dumped me for nothing. I was
                     never stalking you... HE WAS.
          
          Emma stands.
          
                              EMMA
                    I didn't dump you... I don't eve...
                    then....? Who?
          
          She looks at the other body.
          
                              DOUG
                    That's your stalker!
          
          Emma flicks on the lights.   And gasps.
          
                              EMMA
                    Tom?
          
          She throws herself at the broken beaten man and lets out a
          wail.
          
                              EMMA (CONT'D)
                    That's my boyfriend, you freak!
          
                              DOUG
                    I saw him stalking around your
                    yard.
          
          She stands and retrieves her bat.
          
                              EMMA
                    You saw him, last week, trying to
                    catch you! But he's not supposed
                    to be here now.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

            Code:
            The Mute Banshee
            
            EXT. FROZEN STREAM - DAY
            
            A diffused sun shines wanly through the morning mist. The
            ground is white and hard with crusty snow and ice. A small
            cottage sits on the hill, smoke rising from its chimney.
            
            A young woman, ALLENA, red hair in a patched dress and an
            oversized leather coat chops at the ice covering the stream.
            Her breath appears in puffs as she tries to stand without
            slipping. A wooden bucket waits nearby.
            
            Wolves howl. She jumps, dropping the axe, and running for
            the cottage.
            
                                     ALLENA
                      Da!
            
            
            EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAY
            
            Red. Red sun on the horizon. Red clouds in the air. Red gore
            scattered across the frozen ice and snow. Red blood staining
            the clothes of the dead or dying men.
            
            Black CROWS caw and peck at the corpses.
            
            AIDEN, 20s, groans as he wakes and shoos a crow from his
            shoulder. There's a gash across his forehead and blood still
            oozes from a hurriedly bandaged wound at his side.
            
            Voices in the valley. One louder than the others.
            
                                  VOICE
                      Kill any rebel bastard you find
                      alive.
            
            Aiden bites back the pain as he rolls to his hands and knees
            and crawls toward the trees.
            
            
            INT. COTTAGE - DAY
            
            Allena's FATHER, emaciated and weak, shallow breaths, wipes
            a tear from Allena's cheek.
            
                                  FATHER
                      Such sad grey eyes. So like your
                      mother.
            
                                     ALLENA
                      The wolves--
            
                                  FATHER
                      --Yes, she was here.
            
                                     ALLENA
                      But, Da ...
            
            Her Father looks into the shadows, sees what Allena can't.
            He squares his shoulders. Prepares himself.
            
                                     FATHER
                         She's here now. Be brave. Be a true
                         rebel's daughter.
            
                                     ALLENA
                         How can--
            
                                     FATHER
                               (rasping breath)
                         --This valley ... She will protect
                         you. She has always protected us.
            
            The BANSHEE, in a hooded cloak, emerges from the shadows.
            Her dark eyes reflecting the dim light.
            
                                     FATHER
                         Bury me beside your mother when it
                         thaws.
            
            Allena turns to where her father is looking. She sees
            nothing.
            
                                     ALLENA
                         Da. No. Please.
            
                                     FATHER
                         I love you, little one.
            
                                     ALLENA
                         I love you ... Da.
            
            He's gone.
            
            
            EXT. ABANDONED ROAD - NIGHT
            
            Snow swirling. Aiden, nearly frozen, using his sword for a
            cane, steps woodenly, barely moving.
            
            He collapses in the snow and doesn't move.
            
            
            EXT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
            
            Allena stands outside of the cottage, a torch in her hand.
            She sets a bowl of stew on the ground and stares into the
            darkness.
            
                                     ALLENA
                         My Lady, Banshee. I want to thank
                         you.
            
            The Banshee steps back out of the light, but Allena seems to
            sense her presence.
            
                                  ALLENA
                      Had your wolves not howled ...
            
            She gulps back a sob.
            
                                  ALLENA
                      ... Had they not keened for my
                      father, I wouldn't have been able
                      to say goodbye.
            
            Silence. Tears.
            
            After a moment.
            
                                    ALLENA
                      Thank you.
            
            Allena turns and slowly picks her way back to the cottage.
            
            The Banshee watches her, then points silently to the stew.
            Her pack of pure WHITE WOLVES slip out of the darkness, each
            lapping up a bit and licking the bowl clean.
            
            
            EXT. ABANDONED ROAD - MORNING
            
            The snow is still blowing. Aiden is nearly covered in a
            drift.
            
            The Banshee is standing over him, her wolves nearly
            invisible in the swirling white out.
            
            The wolves lift their heads to the sky, but the Banshee
            shushes them. Shakes her head 'no.'
            
            
            EXT. ABANDONED ROAD - LATER
            
            A fire. Two rabbits on a spit. The Banshee sits, staring at
            Aiden, willing him to wake. Her wolves surround her.
            
            When his eyes flutter open.
            
            They're gone.
            
            
            EXT. FIELD - MORNING
            
            Grey sky and light snow flurries.
            
            Kneeling beside a headstone, Allena chips at the frozen
            ground with her axe. Although she works hard and steady,
            
            she's made little progress in her digging.
            
            She stops, wipes her brow and turns to a fresh pile of
            stones nearby.
            
                                    ALLENA
                        I'm sorry, Da, the ground is so
                        hard.
            
            Pause.
            
                                    ALLENA
                        I know, you miss Ma ...
                              (voice catching in her
                               throat)
                        ... Soon, Da. Soon.
            
            Suddenly the sky darkens. The wind picks up. It whistles,
            driving ice and snow into Allena's face, her hair whips
            wildly in the wind.
            
            She struggles against it as she makes her way to the
            cottage.
            
            A moment.
            
            The Banshee appears. Her cloak is unruffled by the wind. Her
            wolves, nearly invisible in the blowing snow begin appearing
            behind her.
            
            She points to the grave.
            
            They move as one, their claws sparking against rocks in
            their haste to dig. The hole immediately appears and
            deepens. Within minutes it's completely dug out.
            
            The wolves shake the dirt out of their fur and disappear
            into the wind and snow. The Banshee follows.
            
            
            EXT. ABANDONED ROAD - MORNING
            
            The fire is still burning when Aiden wakes again. Another
            rabbit is on the spit.
            
            He eats, then tends his wound as well as he can.
            
            It's ugly and infected when he removes the cloth bandage. He
            tries washing it with snow, winces in pain. Resets the
            bandage.
            
            He tries to pull himself up with his sword, but falls.
            Again, stands shakily, then trips over a stone when he takes
            his first step.
            
            He drags himself back to the fire. Stares into it. Then bows
            his head and closes his eyes.
            
            A moment.
            
            A sudden gust of wind. The fire is out, its ashes swirling
            upwards into the sky.
            
            Aiden jumps back. Eyes wide, he draws his sword. Waits.
            
            The Wolves emerge, their eyes the only contrast to the snow.
            They surround Aiden, growling.
            
            He swings his sword wildly at one. It easily ducks back,
            then jumps forward and nips Aiden on the leg.
            
            He jumps up, takes several steps down the road. Forces
            himself forward.
            
            The Wolves melt into the snow and Aiden finds himself alone,
            staring wildly all around him ... and moving down the road.
            
            
            EXT. COTTAGE - MORNING
            
            The cottage door is shoved open, pushing aside a snowdrift
            in its wake. Allena steps out. Below the cottage are two
            rabbits, freshly killed.
            
            She scans the area, notices the mound of dirt beside the
            open grave.
            
                                    ALLENA
                        My Lady Banshee?
            
            
            EXT. ABANDONED ROAD - DAY
            
            Aiden is spent, barely moving. The wind is still blowing,
            snow still drifting though no longer falling. The road winds
            into a wooded valley. He shuffles toward it.
            
            One of the white wolves seemingly materializes in on the
            road in front of him. It growls, bearing its fangs.
            
            Aiden grimaces and slouches forward, dragging his sword. He
            looks past the wolf and at the sheltering trees below.
            
            He shakes his head and continues forward.
            
            Two more wolves appear. All three snarl, moving towards him,
            jaws slavering.
            
            Aiden drops his sword, holds out his hands -- palms upwards,
            inviting them to finish it.
            
            He falls to his knees. Shivering uncontrollably, his face
            buried in the snow.
            
            He cringes and waits.
            
            The wolves snuffle at his hair. They bite at his clothes.
            They begin dragging him over the drifts.
            
            Aiden prays. Blacks out.
            
            
            EXT. FIELD - MORNING
            
            Clear. Calm.
            
            Aiden lies unconscious, propped against a snowdrift. Small
            puffs visible as he breathes.
            
            His sword is stuck, blade-first, in the snow.
            
            
            EXT. COTTAGE - MORNING
            
            Allena emerges from the doorway, a bucket in her hands as
            she yawns. She scans the drifts, sees the light shimmering
            off the sword.
            
            She drops the bucket. Panics. Turns back towards the door
            ...
            
            ... sees the wolf tracks in the snow.
            
            They mark a path to the sword. She follows them up the hill.
            
            
            INT. COTTAGE - YEARS LATER
            
            A SMALL REDHEADED GIRL jumps up and runs to open the door.
            Aiden, a red scar across his forehead, but otherwise strong
            and fit, smiles as she opens the door, snow swirling, a
            string of rabbits tied around his shoulders.
            
                                     SMALL GIRL
                      Da!
            
                                  AIDEN
                            (closing the door)
                      Little one!
            
            He drops the rabbits and picks her up, balancing her on his
            arm.
            
            Allena turns from the steaming pot. She's heavy with child.
            
            She stares at all the rabbits
            
                                  ALLENA
                      So ... all the traps were full?
            
                                  AIDEN
                      Not a single one. All unsprung and
                      empty.
            
                                   ALLENA
                      But...?
            
                                  AIDEN
                      By each trap there was one or two
                      rabbits ... just lying there, only
                      needing to be picked up.
            
            
            EXT. COTTAGE - NIGHT
            
            Allena makes her way slowly up the hill, the slippery ice
            and her extra weight making it a challenge.
            
            She's carrying a bowl of stew. She stops and sets it down.
            
                                  ALLENA
                            (whispering)
                      Thank you.
            
            She turns and makes her way slowly back to the cottage.
            
            The Banshee and her wolves emerge from the drifts. The
            wolves make quick work of the stew.
            
            The Banshee waits until Allena is safely inside the cottage
            before turning and disappearing into the night.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

              Code:
              Beyond The Grave
              
              INT. HOUSE - MAN DEN - DAY
              
              A dark, dimly lit den. Book shelves are dusty and half full.
              A MAN sits and stares into a cold fireplace. His hair is a
              mess, like it hasn't been touched in a long long time. His
              face is covered in hair. His eyes look nice though. This is
              SCOTT.
              
              The doorbell rings. Scott doesn't move.
              
              The doorbell rings again.
              
              Scott leans back into his trusty man chair and puts his feet
              up.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        I gave at the funeral
              
              A phone BUZZES and SPINS on the side table until Scott slowly
              picks it up. He checks the annoyance. It's a text message.
              The text message reads:
              
                        "Hey stupid, I do have a key."
              
                                  SCOTT (CONT'D)
                        Stupid?
              
              Scott gets out of his man chair and walks to the door.
              
              
              INT. FOYER - CONTINUOUS
              
              The door opens and a woman stands there holding a phone in
              one hand and a key in the other. She's cute, Asian, mid 30's
              with long hair. This is CINDY.
              
                                  CINDY
                            (wide eyed)
                        What the hell happened to your
                        face? And hair... and body.
              
              Cindy fakes left and goes right. She's been here before,
              straight to the man den.
              
              
              INT. MAN DEN - CONTINUOUS
              
              Cindy heads to the desk and snaps the desk light up one level
              to reveal a small disaster.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Dark, dirty and disgusting. Love
                        what you've done with the place.
              
              Scott pauses a little as he slides back into his chair.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Feel free to clean up.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Enough with the foreplay.
              
              Cindy goes behind the desk and opens the curtains. Dust
              flies. She moves and opens the last set, next to the
              fireplace. She looks above it.
              
                                    CINDY (CONT'D)
                        Oh my.
              
              Cindy moves to the chair, puts her hand on Scott's shoulder.
              He takes her hand, stands up and...
              
              SCOTT AND CINDY EMBRACE
              
              PULL BACK TO REVEAL
              
              A cluster of pictures over the fireplace. Scott and a pretty
              women having fun. Cindy with short hair and the woman wearing
              funny hats. The center picture is larger, it is the woman in
              a wedding dress, she looks stunning.
              
              Scott sits back down, wipes a couple of tears away.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        The beard really helps when I start
                        leaking.
              
              Cindy sits close to him.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Or it helps you hide. You've been
                        hiding for nearly a year.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        I've been right here, no hiding.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Come on Scott, I've been calling
                        and texting. I talked to your
                        buddies, same thing. It's time to
                        let her go...
              
              Scott gets up, rushes to the wet bar and pours a quick shot
              and downs it.
              
                                  CINDY (CONT'D)
                        Oh my god, you're a drunk now.
              
              Scott is amused as he returns to his chair.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        I wish. I tried and tried but I was
                        done in by the hangovers.
              
              Cindy reaches over and pats his furry cheek.
              
                                  CINDY
                            (as to a baby)
                        You're so soft. You're so soft
                        aren't you.
              
              Scott playfully pushes her hand away.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        I'm starting to see the light at
                        the end of the tunnel. I think...
                        I'm getting there.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Good. I'm only in town for a couple
                        of days, I have a job interview
                        tomorrow. Why don't we have dinner
                        tonight?
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Outside? Together?
              
                                  CINDY
                        Yes out, can't eat here without
                        getting the plague. It'll be good
                        for you. Good for us. Plus if you
                        say no, I will torture you for
                        eternity.
              
                                    SCOTT
                              (mumbles to himself)
                        Us?
              
              Scott shoots to his feet and starts to pace.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Don't worry hon, I'm not gonna
                        bite... much. I'll pick you up,
                        just shave that thing off your
                        face.
              
              Cindy moves in closer and closer and whispers in Scott's ear.
              
                                  CINDY (CONT'D)
                        And hon, once you go Asian, you'll
                        never go Caucasian.
              
              
              INT. FOYER - CONTINUOUS
              
              Cindy moves to the foyer, turns around, looks Scott up and
              down and smiles.
              
                                  CINDY
                        I'll be back in 3 hours, you got a
                        lot of work to do princess.
              
              Cindy closes the DOOR.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Did I say yes?
              
              
              INT. FOYER - LATER
              
              The doorbell rings. The DOOR opens.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        I did the best...
              
              A man in a suit and drivers hat greets him as Scott tries to
              finish his thoughts.
              
                                   SCOTT (CONT'D)
                        I could.
              
                                  MAN
                        Happy Valentine's Day sir. I'm
                        Paul, your driver for tonight. Your
                        date is waiting in the limo.
              
              
              EXT. FRONT WALKWAY - CONTINUOUS
              
              Scott and the driver walk towards the limo. Scott mumbles to
              himself.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Valentine's Day? Date?
              
              They stop at the limo, the driver opens the door and they are
              greeted by a great pair of legs.
              
              
              INT. LIMO - MOMENTS LATER
              
              Scott falls into the limo, he's not very smooth.
              
              Cindy is smoking hot now. Scott has also done a nice clean
              up. His eyes are nice.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Look at you. You clean up... okay I
                        guess. But, I kind of miss that
                        smelly, furry creature. Did you get
                        de-wormed too?
              
              Scott reaches and pours himself a shot. He never looks at
              her. The legs were enough.
              
                                  SCOTT
                            (confused)
                        Sounds great. I'm hungry too.
              
              Cindy smiles. The ride continues in silence...
              
              The limo pulls into a restaurant and stops in front.
              
              
              EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
              
              Scott and Cindy stand in front of the fancy restaurant.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        This was our favorite restaurant, I
                        thought I'd never go here again.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Oh was it... I had no idea.
              
              
              INT. RESTAURANT - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
              
              Scott and Cindy walk towards the Maitre d'. This place looks
              expensive.
              
                                  MAITRE D'
                        Good evening sir. It's great to see
                        you again. Ma'am, everything is
                        ready, as you requested.
              
                                  CINDY
                        Great, thanks.
              
                                  MAITRE D'
                        Follow me please.
              
              Cindy and Scott follow him down a dark hall, past the main
              part of the restaurant. He opens a door and motions for them
              to enter.
              
                                  MAITRE D' (CONT'D)
                        Here is your private room for the
                        night. Enjoy.
              
              They enter a beautiful private room. A lit fireplace in one
              end, a nice table and a couple of TV'S blend into the stone
              walls. Cindy takes a very confused Scott by the hand.
              
                                  CINDY
                        You sit here.
              
              Scott takes his seat as told.
              
                                  CINDY (CONT'D)
                        I'll be back, need to freshen up.
              
              Cindy exits the room with a wink.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        You look pretty ripe to me...
                        Stop it... have dinner... go
                        home... grow beard.
              
              The waiter glides to the table and puts a glass of red wine
              in front of him.
              
              Scott looks around. No one. He smells the wine.
              
                                  SCOTT (CONT'D)
                        Is this...?
              
                                  WAITER
                        Yes sir. Your favorite wine.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Our favorite. What's going on here?
              
                                  WAITER
                        I don't know what you mean sir.
              
              The waiter starts to leave, he smoothly pulls out a small
              remote, points it at the TV across from Scott, pushes a
              button and continues on his way. Scott burns holes in him as
              he leaves.
              
                                     FEMALE (O.S.)
                        Boooooooo.
              
              Scott's head snaps. On the TV is the same women from the
              pictures above his fireplace.
              
              She looks more frail but still attractive. This is MANNY. She
              is sitting in the exact same spot,in the exact same
              restaurant, minus the TV. She almost blends in.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Holy s***! Manny.
              
                                  MANNY
                        Happy Valentine's Day. You didn't
                        think you could get rid of me that
                        easily did you?
              
                                     SCOTT
                        Well...
              
                                     MANNY
                        Well what?
              
                                     SCOTT
                        How did...
              
                                  MANNY
                        I know what you're going to say?
              
                                  SCOTT
                        How did you get me here?
                        I'm talking to a TV... no I'm
                        asking it questions.
              
                                  MANNY
                        You needed to get out, I got you
                        out. With the help of my sexy
                        assistant of course. Hope she
                        didn't damage you too much.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        She sure did.
              
              Manny raises her glass of wine.
              
                                  MANNY
                        Cheers baby.
              
              Scott follows and they drink. The shock is starting to wear
              off. The waiter returns and puts a dish in front of him.
              
                                  WAITER
                        Your appetizer sir.
              
              The waiter also makes an appearance on the TV and puts the
              same dish in front of Manny.
              
                                     SCOTT
                        So weird.
              
                                  MANNY
                        Eat, it's your favorite.
              
              Scott devours the cubes of meat.
              
                                  MANNY (CONT'D)
                        More wine baby?
              
              She playfully snaps her fingers and the waiter perfectly
              shows up and fills his glass.
              
              They both giggle, this is more like it. They are getting back
              in the groove.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        God I miss you.
              
                                  MANNY
                        Before we eat more meat...
              
              The waiter appears and hands him a folder. Scott pulls out
              some photos.
              
                                  MANNY (CONT'D)
                        I thought you might want to see
                        some evidence I collected in 10
                        years of marriage.
              
              Manny is holding the same folder of photos. She selects one.
              
                                  MANNY (CONT'D)
                        Remember this one?
              
              Scott smiles and puts his hand over his eyes.
              
                                  SCOTT
                        Oh no. 23 marshmallows later. Easy
                        fit.
              
              The FIRE crackles and pops.
              
              It now looks like Manny has come back from the dead as she
              sits across from Scott. They are back, lovers reunited.
              
              SERIES OF SHOTS
              -- Manny and Scott stare at a picture and laugh hysterically.
              
              -- Manny and Scott stare at each other as they eat.
              
              -- The waiter clears the plates.
              The FIRE crackles and pops.
              
              Manny has returned inside her TV. Scott sits and stares at
              her.
              
                                  SCOTT (CONT'D)
                        Thanks Manny, you always know what
                        I need.
              
                                  MANNY
                        You're welcome...  It's almost time
                        for dessert. But, I have something
                        to say first. You know, if you were
                        the one who died, I'm sorry but I'd
                        be dating Clooney by now.
              
              Scott and Manny have a good chuckle.
              
                                  MANNY (CONT'D)
                        It's time to move on Scott. You
                        can't keep sitting in our... your
                        house growing hair. This, will be
                        our last Valentine's Day together.
              
              Scott shifts uncomfortably, eye's glossy.
              
                                  MANNY (CONT'D)
                        It's time for dessert.
              
              Cindy arrives on the TV with a piece of chocolate cake. Her
              hair is shorter and she's wearing a hot red dress. She sits
              next to Manny.
              
                                  SCOTT
                            (high-pitched)
                        Jesus.
              
                                  MANNY
                        Happy Valentine's Day... Here's my
                        present. It's okay.
              
              The real Cindy appears looking exactly the same as the TV.
              She has a piece of cake. She's cut her hair too. She offers
              Scott a fork.
              
              The TV SCREEN behind them goes DARK.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Entries - Valentine's 2018 contest

                Code:
                1001 Valentine Days
                 
                EXT. FAIRLAND, NORTH DAKOTA - DAY
                
                It's early morning, the dawn of new day in a dying town.
                
                Nearly swallowed by endless fields of wheat, the town would
                be lost completely, if not for eight large grain elevators
                sitting between a two-lane road and railroad tracks.
                
                "Carol's Diner" is the last gasp of commercial life in
                Fairland. A neon sign blinks doing it best to survive. Four
                pickups and a 64 Ford Galaxy are parked outside.
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - DAY
                
                Inside the old diner is a little worn, but spick and span.
                CAROL, early sixties, is behind the counter, checking the
                coffee pots and wiping down the counter. Long resigned to
                this life, she's content.
                
                Five middle-aged and older farmers, all wearing overalls, are
                at one end of the diner.
                
                Breakfast eaten, they allow SHERRY, twenty-one, to collect
                their breakfast dishes and refresh their coffee cups.
                
                She's ridiculously upbeat, for this early in the morning.
                After she takes the dishes in back, she comes out with a dish
                towel and cleans the empty, clean tables.
                
                                    CAROL
                          Relax, I don't pay enough to work
                          that hard. Sit down for awhile.
                
                Sherry sits down at the counter, across from Carol. Obviously
                uncomfortable and anxious to be active.
                
                When the farmers all get up to go as a group, she stares at
                the empty booth. Carol can't help but smile.
                
                                    CAROL (CONT'D)
                          Go get 'em, girl.
                
                Sherry jumps up and gets to work.
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - LATER
                
                Everything is cleaned up and the diner is empty. Carol sits
                at the counter, breaks out a deck of cards and plays
                solitaire.
                
                Sherry checks everything, again, and watches the clock.
                
                Through the window, the women watch a car pull up. A young
                man, MIKE, who's not a farmer, gets out.
                
                Carol picks up her cards, and stares at the young man.
                
                                    CAROL
                          He gives me the shudders.
                
                Sherry is not disgusted -- she's in love.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          It's not his fault he can't
                          remember.
                
                                    CAROL
                          I know, Sherry. But it still gives
                          me the shudders. Cheeseburger and
                          fries, for breakfast, on the way.
                
                Carol goes to the kitchen and the small bell rings on the
                door, when Mike enters.
                
                He looks lost, dazzled by the emptiness, as he looks around
                at the diner, but still has a sense of humor.
                
                                    MIKE
                          Do I need a reservation?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          No, but it's a good idea.
                
                He sits at a nearby table. She pulls out her order pad.
                
                                    SHERRY (CONT'D)
                          Would you like anything to drink?
                
                                       MIKE
                          A coke?
                
                                       SHERRY
                          OK.
                
                She hands him a breakfast menu.
                
                                    MIKE
                          Is it too early to order a
                          cheeseburger and fries?
                
                Sherry catches herself whispering the words with him, as he
                talks.
                
                He gives her a look.
                
                                    SHERRY
                              (embarrased)
                          Sorry -- no. No, a cheeseburger
                          and fries is not a problem.
                
                Carol, who can hear everything in the quiet diner, stifles a
                laugh.
                
                                    CAROL
                              (to Sherry)
                          Oops, better watch yourself, kiddo.
                
                Sherry clips the ticket on the order wheel.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          Order up.
                              (whispering)
                          He must think I'm nuts.
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - LATER
                
                Mike and Sherry have been talking and flirting for hours. He
                checks his watch -- one o'clock.
                
                                    MIKE
                          I'm sorry, I'm not usually a chatty
                          Kathy.
                                    SHERRY
                          It's been a slow day. I think my
                          boss will let it slide just this
                          one time.
                
                                    MIKE
                          I hope so. I don't want to get you
                          in trouble.
                
                He picks up the ticket and goes to pay. Carol does her best
                to give him a stern look.
                
                                    CAROL
                          Leaving, already?
                
                                    MIKE
                          Sorry, ma'am. It won't happen
                          again.
                                    CAROL
                          Do you want to bet?
                
                Sherry intercedes.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          Mike probably needs to be on his
                          way.
                
                She ushers him to the door.
                
                Mike gulps and stares at his shoes. Then finds courage.
                
                                    MIKE
                          Sherry would you like to go to a
                          Valentine dance in Burktown,
                          tomorrow night?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          OK.
                
                                    MIKE
                          I can pick you up at seven?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          Sure. I'll see you then.
                
                He leaves, a happy young man.
                
                She has tears in her eyes. Carol hugs her -- comforts her.
                
                                    CAROL
                          You can't keep doing this to
                          yourself.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          But I love him.
                
                                    CAROL
                          And he loves you, but he forgets
                          that every night. Almost three
                          years -- you can't keep doing this.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          What else can I do?
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - LATER
                
                Late afternoon. Sherry is scrubbing pots when Carol comes in.
                
                                    CAROL
                          Oh look, the florist from Burktown
                          just delivered these flowers for
                          you. And there's a Valentine's
                          card.
                              (reading)
                          Hello Sherry, do you believe in
                          love at first sight, because--
                
                                    SHERRY
                          --I think I know the rest.   What am
                          I going to do?
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - NEXT DAY
                
                Sherry looks at the clock -- waits.
                
                LATER 11 A.M.
                
                LATER 1 P.M.
                
                They watch as a car pulls up and a well-dressed, middle-aged
                women DOROTHY walks in.
                
                Sherry collapses into a chair, expecting the worse.
                Dorothy walks right up to her.
                
                                    DOROTHY
                          Sherry?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          Yes?
                
                                    DOROTHY
                          I know my nephew, Mike, is very
                          fond of you. He had a set back last
                          night. He is in Mercy Hospital in
                          St. Paul. I'm sorry, it's serious.
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - NIGHT
                
                                    SHERRY
                          I have to go. If I can get to
                          Burktown, I can still catch a bus.
                
                                    CAROL
                          You're not going to listen to me,
                          are you?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          I have to go.
                
                Carol opens the till -- pulls out a wad of cash and takes a
                set of car keys off a wall peg and hands it all to Sherry.
                
                                    CAROL
                          Take the Galaxy. The gas gauge
                          doesn't work. Keep gas in it and
                          check the oil.
                
                                       SHERRY
                          Thank you.
                
                
                INT. MERCY HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                
                Busy hospital reception desk. A RECEPTIONIST with too much
                to do tries to keep everyone happy. An impossible task,
                especially in a hospital.
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          Mike Post is in ICU. No visitors
                          allowed. Sorry.
                
                INT. MERCY HOSPITAL, ICU - LATER
                
                Sherry has managed to find a way to Mike's bed in the ICU.
                She sits by him and holds his hand. He's not conscious.
                
                The room is dim and there's curtains and all sorts of beeping
                and suction noises, which mean nothing to Sherry.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          You told me a thousand times you
                          love me and I never told you once.
                
                With tears rolling down her cheeks, she kisses his forehead.
                
                                    SHERRY (CONT'D)
                          I love you, Mike. I love you. I
                          loved you the first day we met.
                
                The beeping noises get excited.
                
                Mike's eyes flutter open, confused at first, he smiles at
                her, trying to speak.
                
                A NURSE rushes in, motions to Sherry to stay, and examines
                Mike. More people arrive, including a large, serious looking
                GUARD.
                
                LATER
                
                Mike has been revived, many people are around him now,
                including his mother, MRS. POST, sour-looking, middle-aged
                and upper crust. She glares at Sherry.
                
                                    GUARD
                          Who are you?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          Sherry DeWitt. I know Mike in
                          Fairland.
                
                                    MRS. POST
                          That's ridiculous. Mike didn't know
                          anyone in Fairland.
                
                                    NURSE
                          Who gave you permission to come in
                          here?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          No one. I snuck in.
                
                                    MRS. POST
                          I want this woman arrested!
                
                                    GUARD
                          Sir, do you know this woman?
                
                Mike looks at Sherry but can't make a connection.
                
                                    MIKE
                          No, I don't.
                
                
                INT. CAROL'S DINER - DAY
                
                No longer upbeat, Sherry is listless as she sleepwalks
                through the diner. An old farmer tries to get her attention,
                waving an empty coffee cup in the air.
                
                Carol takes the coffee pot and Sherry plops down on a stool.
                Soon Carol returns.
                
                                    CAROL
                          At least they dropped the charges.
                
                                     SHERRY
                          Yeah.
                
                                    CAROL
                          If you need more time.
                
                                     SHERRY
                          I'm OK.
                
                                     CAROL
                          No. You're not, honey.
                
                The bell on the door rings and Mike walks in, dressed to
                impress. He carries flowers and a Valentine card.
                
                                    MIKE
                          I remember it all, Sherry DeWitt.
                
                Caught offguard she quickly turns toward him.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          You remember what, Mike Post?
                
                                    MIKE
                          I remember I asked you to the
                          Valentine dance a thousand times.
                          I remember you said yes a thousand
                          times. I remember I sent you
                          flowers a thousand times and
                          Valentine's card a thousand times.
                          And I told you I loved you a
                          thousand times.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          And I remember you stood me up a
                          thousand times for that Valentine's
                          day dance. Is there anything else
                          you remember?
                
                                    MIKE
                          Yes. I remember you told me you
                          loved me and brought me back to
                          life.
                
                                    SHERRY
                          I guess you do remember everything.
                
                He hands her the Valentine's Day card and the flowers.
                
                                    MIKE
                          Carol, would it be alright to take
                          Sherry away for today, if she says
                          yes this time.
                
                                    CAROL
                          Sure, she's useless to me anyway.
                
                                    MIKE
                          Thank you Carol. Sherry, will you
                          go to... a dance of some kind, with
                          me today?
                
                                    SHERRY
                          OK.
                
                He moves in for a kiss.
                
                                    SHERRY (CONT'D)
                          A kiss on the first date? What
                          kind of floozy do you think I am?
                
                He's flustered and before he can answer she kisses him.
                
                                                                 FADE OUT.

                Comment

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