FADE IN:
INT. MONTAGE OF PICTURE -- DAY
A montage of pictures slowly appear one by one on the screen.
The pictures all have one thing in common, the life of a
girl. They span from her birth, her first birthday, her
first day of grade school, high school, prom, her happiest
days, and her saddest days. Every picture contains a caption
written on the bottom stating just that. A young woman's
voice is heard as the pictures change.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
I look back on my life and I wonder
where did I go wrong. At which point
did my life take this turn. I was
living in a nightmare that wouldn't
stop and there seemed to be no light
at the end of the tunnel. Yet I
journeyed forward, hoping, praying
that soon things would change only
to my find myself again at a
crossroads...
The scrolling pictures end with a picture of the young girl
with a bunch of friends and her mother as she leaves to start
her senior year at college.
EXT. PARK -- NIGHT
A thick fog hangs over a park. A young woman in her early
20's, Abigail, shy and insecure, walks slowly down a trail
in the park with her hands tucked into her jacket. She hears
a noise behind her and glances over her shoulder. The leaves
of the trees rustle as she quickens her pace, cutting off
from the trail. Again she glances back.
Shadows dart back and forth from the trees as Abigail breaks
out in jog. A hand reaches out and grabs the back of her
jacket, pulling her to the ground. She lets out a blood
curdling scream and scrambles back against a tree.
A man's figure, unseen in the shadows, stands over her. The
knife in his hand flickers in the moonlight. She starts to
scream again but the figure's hand quickly covers her mouth,
muffling the sound, the knife now placed against her throat.
The hand slowly moves away from her mouth as her jacket is
ripped off. She begins to struggle but quickly stops as the
knife his pushed firmer against her throat. The edge of the
knife moves precariously from her throat, down past her chest
and stomach, to the button on her pants. Her breathing shakes
as the knife cuts off the button of her pants. Her eyes
begin to water, her fear the only thing stopping her from
completely breaking down.
ABIGAIL
...no...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
Her vision blurs and the black of the night sky soon engulfs
everything.
INT. PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE -- DAY
Abigail sits nervously on the couch in a small room. Across
from her, behind his desk, sits a middle aged man, Dr. Duerf,
scribbling down notes. His eyes gleam with wisdom yet his
face shows the toll the years have taken on him. The shades
on the window behind the desk are pulled, the room dimmed,
and a heaviness hangs in the air. The doctor glances up
from his notes.
DOCTOR DUERF
You were saying?...Abigail?...Abigail?
She jumps, slightly startled, realizing her mind had drifted
off to some unknown place.
ABIGAIL
...That's where it ends.
The doctor stares at her intently, his eyes weighing heavily
upon her. She quickly looks away from his gaze.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I'm crazy, aren't I?
DOCTOR DUERF
You're not crazy, just
troubled...There are things in your
life you haven't dealt with and
they'll keep popping up until you
do.
ABIGAIL
You told me last week that I could
choose to move on...To forget.
DOCTOR DUERF
And you can. We all have that power,
but for some reason every time we
seem to get you to take that step,
at some point you revert back. It's
common in a lot of people. They
forget they have that power. It
just means we'll have to dig a bit
deeper and get down to what's really
going on with you, a reason why you
won't let go.
Silence before a buzzer sounds off from the clock sitting on
the desk.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
Same time next week?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
Abigail nods as she gets up, gathers her things, and starts
heading towards the door.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
Abigail remember you're in control.
It's your life, you can choose.
ABIGAIL
Thanks.
EXT. PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE -- DAY
Abigail walks out the front doors of the building. The sun
shines brightly down upon her and she tries to shield her
eyes from it's rays. She notices two guys standing several
feet from her sizing her up and down. One of the men smiles
at her. She takes a deep breath as she lowers her head,
quickly walking off.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Abigail walks into her small apartment and quickly closes
the door behind her, locking it as she does. She turns to
survey her apartment, which is somewhat messy with clothes
strewn about and magazines laying on the floor. She places
her purse on the counter beside her, as she leans her back
against the door, her breathing now heavy with anxiety.
She begins quickly picking up the mess on the floor and
throwing it onto the couch in the middle of the room. As
she nears the window, she glances out into the parking lot
below. A couple stands by a car, embraced in each others
arms as they share a kiss. Abigail becomes entranced watching
them. They glance up and notice her. She turns away,
retreating to the couch and sitting atop the mess she had
made. She lies down and closes her eyes.
EXT. PARK -- NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Abigail lies in the grass near the tree. Her blouse is torn
open, her pants hang around her knees. Tears stream down
her face yet she is silent as a shadowy figure disappears
into the surrounding park. She struggles to stand as she
pulls her pants back up. She looks around and begins to
panic as everything around her begins to darken. A black
figure appears again in front of her and she screams, slowly
backing up. A hand reaches out which for some odd reason
begins to calm her. She watches curiously as the figure is
somehow different from the one that attacked her. She then
hears a soft voice.
VOICE
I'm here to help.
She reaches out her hand into the figures as he grabs her
and wraps his arms around her in an embrace holding her
lovingly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
She holds him tight as she slowly looks up into his face.
The shadows begin to leave his face. She catches a glimpse
of it as the sound of a telephone starts to ring in the air.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- PRESENT
Abigail's eyes snap open as the phone continues to ring in
the apartment. She glances over at it but her body refuses
to move. A second later the answering machine picks up.
VICTORIA (V.O.)
Abigail it's your mother. I haven't
heard from you in a couple of days.
I'm just calling to make sure
everything's alright. Give me a
call back when you get a chance,
okay? Bye.
A loud beep sounds as the answering machine shuts off.
Abigail glances at the pills on the end table next to the
couch. With a deep breath she lies back down on the couch.
She begins to close her eyes. The alarm clock turns itself
on and starts blaring music. Abigail jumps up from the couch
and looks at the clock on the counter.
ABIGAIL
Oh no!
She quickly grabs a backpack laying next to the couch and
rushes out the door, turning off the alarm on her way out.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS -- EVENING
Abigail walks down the sidewalk towards a large building
that reads J.S. Auditorium of Theater Arts. The sun is
setting behind the building as she rushes through the door.
INT. UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail walks into the auditorium the gathered students
all glance up at her. The two students performing a scene
on the stage stop. They too look up at her. The teacher,
Mr. Racklin, an older man with graying hair, glares at her
from over his glasses as he stands up from his seat in the
front row. Abigail lowers her eyes and starts to quickly
walk towards a seat in the back of the class.
MR. RACKLIN
Young lady, are you trying to fail
this semester? If you insist on
being late then please do us a favor
next time and don't show up.
Understood?
ABIGAIL
...Yes, sorry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
Mr. Racklin turns his attention back to the two students on
stage.
MR. RACKLIN
You two did a great job. Take your
seats.
The two students on stage smile at each other as they take a
seat with the rest of the students off stage.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
I need two more people on stage.
Racklin glances at Abigail and then points to her.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
You and...you.
He points to another guy, Christopher, who's slouched low in
his seat trying not to be noticed. Christopher glances up
with a grimace.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
Yes, you. Get down here on stage
now.
Abigail and Christopher both make their way to the stage
where they wait for Racklin's instruction. Racklin hands
them both a sheet of paper.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
I'd like you to perform this together.
Racklin sits down in the front row. Christopher and Abigail
glances at each other.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
Well come on now. We don't have all
day.
Christopher stands there frozen as Racklin glances at him.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
...That means start.
Christopher takes a deep breath.
CHRISTOPHER
(Monotone)
I hate you.
ABIGAIL
(angrily)
And I you for all the pain you've
caused me, for all the years I've
wasted on you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
CHRISTOPHER
(monotone)
Then leave.
ABIGAIL
(Angrily)
I thought you'd never ask.
CHRISTOPHER
(monotone)
We'll go on then. What are you waiting
for?
ABIGAIL
(angrily)
Why should I leave and not you.
Christopher fidgets uneasily. Racklin stands up.
MR. RACKLIN
What do you think you're doing?
CHRISTOPHER
I'm sorry...I uh didn't know if you
wanted me to do...the thing in the
umm...
Christopher motions at the script.
MR. RACKLIN
You didn't know? Did you even bother
to look over the scene? And you...
He glances at Abigail.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
Let me say this one thing and I want
you to think very, very hard about
it. The words mean nothing. It is
called acting for a reason because
you act. It has nothing to do with
the words. It has to do with feeling,
where the words come from. Now think
about that. What does that mean?
ABIGAIL
It means...
MR. RACKLIN
I'll tell you what it means. It means
there is a reason neither of them
leave. What is said and a persons
intentions are sometimes two separate
things both in life and on stage.
The bell rings and the students start to leave.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
I expect both of you to rehearse
that scene together for the next
couple months. I am sure I will see
much more depth to your performance
at that time or you'll both be back
here next semester.
Turning back to the class.
MR. RACKLIN (CONT'D)
With that class is over for the day
and I expect to see you all back
here on time tomorrow.
Christopher lowers his head as Abigail bites her lip. They
both make their way off stage.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS -- MOMENTS LATER
The students pour out of the front door of the building.
Abigail gets singled out as the crowd breaks off in different
directions. Christopher walks out. He watches her for a
second before slowly shaking his head. He quickly catches
up to her. He likens his pace to hers and they walk for a
moment before he speaks.
CHRISTOPHER
Sorry about that.
ABIGAIL
It's alright.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm...I'm not really that into acting,
you know.
ABIGAIL
Then why did you take the class?
CHRISTOPHER
I'm not good with people. I...I
thought it would help with that.
I'm really going to mess this up for
you aren't I? I just get up there
and I freeze and I don't know what...
ABIGAIL
I said it's okay. Well just rehearse
a little bit...if you want to.
CHRISTOPHER
I'd like that.
He smiles at her as Abigail takes out a small card and starts
writing her number.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I'm Christopher by the way.
ABIGAIL
Abigail.
She hands him the card with her number.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Give me a call.
She starts walking away.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail!
She turns back to him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
What about tonight?
ABIGAIL
Give me a call.
She turns and continues her walk shaking her head slightly.
She stops after a moment and looks back at Christopher as
he's looking at the number in his hand. A quizzical look
hits her face as he turns and walks off. His image is similar
to the dream she had the other night of the shadow that held
her, if not exact. He begins to walk off.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I am losing it.
She shakes her head.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
Abigail rushes around trying to make her apartment
presentable. The doorbell rings. She runs over to a mirror
to checks how she looks before falling over herself to get
the door. She takes a deep breath and adjusts her outfit
before answering it. Christopher stands outside smiling shyly
at her. Being closer she again looks at his face. It's so
similar to what she had seen in her dream.
CHRISTOPHER
Hi.
ABIGAIL
Hi.
CHRISTOPHER
...Umm so...
ABIGAIL
Oh sorry. Come on in.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
CHRISTOPHER
Thanks.
He takes a few steps inside and glances around.
ABIGAIL
Sorry. It's a bit of a mess.
CHRISTOPHER
It's fine. So about the...
He motions at the script in his hand.
ABIGAIL
Right. I was thinking we could do it
right here. We'll break the scene
down into pieces and when we're
finished do it straight on through.
CHRISTOPHER
Okay.
ABIGAIL
Are you okay?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah. Why?
He wipes the sweat from his brow.
ABIGAIL
You're sweating.
CHRISTOPHER
Umm yeah...I'm a little nervous I
guess.
ABIGAIL
That's easy to fix.
CHRISTOPHER
It is?
She grins at him as she grabs a bottle of wine from the
kitchen cabinet and pours two glasses. She hands him one. He
glances at it, and then her, before taking a sip.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Christopher puts down his empty wine glass after having taken
his last sip. Abigail and him are both sitting side by side
on the couch.
ABIGAIL
That was great!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
CHRISTOPHER
You're just saying that.
ABIGAIL
No seriously. That was really good.
CHRISTOPHER
(Jokingly Cocky)
Well thank you. I'd like to thank
all my fans that have made this
performance possible.
Abigail gives him a playful shove.
ABIGAIL
You're a regular comedian.
CHRISTOPHER
Well, you know.
He grins.
ABIGAIL
Okay next part.
He glances down at the script in his hand.
CHRISTOPHER
Maybe we should call it a night.
ABIGAIL
We're almost done. It'll just take
another couple minutes.
She glances down at her script and then at Christopher.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Why do you look so scared? Is
it...You're afraid of the kiss aren't
you?
CHRISTOPHER
The kiss? No I'm not...
ABIGAIL
You're lying. That's why you froze
in class, isn't it?
CHRISTOPHER
No. Why would I...
ABIGAIL
Prove it.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm not going to...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
ABIGAIL
It's just a scene.
He hesitates a moment.
CHRISTOPHER
...Fine.
He moves in close and gives her a quick peck on the lips.
ABIGAIL
You call that a kiss?
CHRISTOPHER
The scene says a kiss.
ABIGAIL
It says a passionate kiss.
CHRISTOPHER
That kiss was filled with passion.
ABIGAIL
Yeah, if you're an eskimo.
He exhales a long breath.
CHRISTOPHER
...Great. Okay...
He moves in close and they kiss again. This time much more
passionately. They slowly pull away, looking deeply into one
another's eyes. A moment passes before Abigail quickly gets
up trying to catch her breath. Christopher glances away from
her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
That bad huh?
ABIGAIL
No...
(quietly)
I've just never...
CHRISTOPHER
What was that?
ABIGAIL
...Maybe we Should finish this later.
CHRISTOPHER
Okay.
ABIGAIL
Meet here again tomorrow?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
CHRISTOPHER
Sure.
She walks him to the door. He stops before walking out.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I just...thanks. I'll see you
tomorrow?
ABIGAIL
Okay.
He walks out. Abigail closes the door behind him and falls
against it with a huge smile on her face.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...I had butterflies.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS -- DAY
Abigail and Christopher walk side by side. They both hold
their scripts in their hands and their bodies are animated
in their conversation.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
Over the next couple of months we
spent almost everyday together
rehearsing...
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher and Abigail sit on the couch together. He reads
a book to her as she places her legs up on his lap. He
glances at her with a smile, placing the book down beside
them and begins tickling her feet. It eventually turns into
a playful wrestling match.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
...playing, getting to know one
another. There was something
different about him. He was so full
of life...caring, and sensitive. I
started to feel more alive myself.
For the first time in a long while I
felt...
She ends up on top of him during the wrestling, both breathing
heavily. With a slight hesitation she leans in and kisses
him. As she pulls back they gaze at each other for a moment.
Christopher's caught slightly by surprise. She gently lies
her head down upon his chest. A smile comes over his face
as he wraps his arms around her body.
ABIGAIL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
...safe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
INT. UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM -- AFTERNOON
Christopher and Abigail glance at each other as Racklin points
at them. They get up and nervously make their way towards
the stage wearing costumes from the Victorian era for their
performance.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
The day came for us to perform the
scene. Everything came to life around
us as we stepped on stage. Their
was a fire that had been lit in both
of us.
What follows is a montage of their performance. Abigail and
Christopher dance around the stage, more animated than before.
He grabs a hold of her at one point and kisses her
passionately, lifting her off her feet. The class stands as
they finish to applaud them.
ABIGAIL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Before we knew it we were done, the
class was over. I wondered if it'd
be the last time I'd have a reason
to spend with him...
Christopher glances at Abigail and lowers his head, smiling
shyly as they stand on the stage. He takes her hand in his
and gives it a slight squeeze before it slips away. She
looks at him with a sad look in her eyes.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS -- DAY
The trees and grass line both sides of the sidewalk on campus.
Abigail and Christopher walk beneath them as a light breeze
blows. They're both clearly excited.
CHRISTOPHER
You were...Amazing. I've never seen
you act like that.
ABIGAIL
You weren't so bad yourself.
She gives him a poke in the ribs.
CHRISTOPHER
Well I had a great partner.
ABIGAIL
So did I.
She smiles at him as Racklin approaches them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
MR. RACKLIN
I must say, the both of you have
surprised and impressed me with your
performance.
CHRISTOPHER
Thanks.
MR. RACKLIN
...You both passed. Maybe I'll see
you both next year again...in a more
advanced class.
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
MR. RACKLIN
Good day.
He gives a quick nod and heads off.
CHRISTOPHER
So...I guess this is it huh?
ABIGAIL
What do you mean?
CHRISTOPHER
No more class.
ABIGAIL
...Yeah.
CHRISTOPHER
Well I...Guess I'll see around then.
ABIGAIL
...I guess.
The both stand looking into each others eyes for a moment.
CHRISTOPHER
...Okay, then.
He starts to walk away.
ABIGAIL
Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah?
ABIGAIL
Can I get a hug?
CHRISTOPHER
Sure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
They embrace in a hug, his arms wrapped lovingly around her,
and hers around him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
(whispering into her
ear)
I should get to my next class.
ABIGAIL
(whispering back)
Okay.
They reluctantly let go of each other and again he begins to
walk away.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Hey!
He stops.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
We should...We should go out and
celebrate.
CHRISTOPHER
I'd like that.
With a hesitant wave of his hand he walks away.
INT. LOUNGE -- NIGHT
Abigail sits in a velvet booth not far from the bar. The
lounge is barely filled as it's still early in the night.
Every table and booth around the bar has a candle as it's
center piece and 80's pop music plays softly in the
background. The night is set for romance as Christopher
approaches the booth and takes a seat with the drinks in his
hands.
CHRISTOPHER
Here you go.
He hands her a drink.
ABIGAIL
Thanks. What is it?
CHRISTOPHER
It's some blue stuff, and green stuff,
and I think some pink stuff all thrown
together.
She looks at him funny.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
In other words, not a clue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
ABIGAIL
The best kind of drink.
They both take a sip. They sit for a few moments of
uncomfortable silence.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You want to try something?
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
Come on.
She grabs his hand and pulls him towards the dance floor in
the middle of the lounge.
CHRISTOPHER
Okay wait, what are you doing?
ABIGAIL
We're going to dance.
CHRISTOPHER
Whoa wait. I can't dance.
ABIGAIL
Sure you can.
CHRISTOPHER
Honestly I can't...I've got two left
feet.
She puts her hands near his hips as she starts to dance.
(Him-Wicked Game begins playing)
ABIGAIL
Then I'll teach you.
She begins to lead him in a dance. The lights flash all around
them. The dancing between the two starts out real simple but
begins to grow more passionate. Their hands run over each
others bodies, their bodies rubbing against one another's.
The dancing continues until Abigail winds up with her back
to Christopher, her arms reaching over her head, her hands
on his neck. His mouth is near her neck as she turns her
head towards him. Both are breathing heavily, their lips
moist with sweat.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Do you want to get out of here?
CHRISTOPHER
...Yeah.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
INT. ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
Abigail's head falls gently upon the pillow. Her lips are
inches from Christopher's. He gently traces his fingertips
along her face. She closes her eyes as she breaths him in.
Their lips slowly meet in a passionate kiss, their bodies
entwined in one another's, as the lights slowly dim.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- LATER
Moonlight shines in through the shades of the closed window.
Abigail's hand rests on Christopher's chest as they lay asleep
in each others arms. Her brow twitches slightly, signs of
the nightmare she is once again reliving.
EXT. PARK -- DREAM
Abigail struggles on the ground against the shadowy assailant.
her arms are pinned to the ground as he breathes heavily,
thrusting up against her. Her words painfully slip from her
lips.
ABIGAIL
Please, stop...no...no...
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail quickly sits up, sweat pouring from her.
ABIGAIL
No!
Christopher opens his eyes.
CHRISTOPHER
Are you alright?
Abigail gets up and walks into the bathroom. He hears the
sound of running water as he sits up. He catches her
reflection in the mirror.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
...Abigail?
A couple seconds later she comes out and lays back down with
her back to him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
What's wrong?
He lightly touches her arm and she pulls away from him. He
sits for several moments watching her.
ABIGAIL
...I'm no good for you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
Christopher gazes at her for a moment before reaching around
and pulling her hair from her face.
CHRISTOPHER
...What? What are you talking about?
ABIGAIL
You deserve better.
CHRISTOPHER
I don't think there is better.
She rolls over to face him, gazing into his eyes. She runs
her hand along his face. They exchange smiles.
ABIGAIL
What are you thinking?
Christopher hesitates a second.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What?
CHRISTOPHER
...I love you.
She pulls away and sits up at the edge of the bed in silence.
He watches her for a second and then rolls onto his back,
taking in a deep breath.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I should probably leave.
He waits for a response but there is none. He gets up and
grabs his shirt. She doesn't move. He takes one last look at
her before walking towards the door.
ABIGAIL
...Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER
yeah?
She slowly gets up and walks over to him.
ABIGAIL
I love you to.
She kisses him.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- MORNING
Abigail and Christopher lie in each others arms as the morning
light shines through the window. Christopher opens his eyes
tiredly and sees Abigail. He smiles as she slowly wakes and
smiles back.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey.
ABIGAIL
Hey.
She closes her eyes again and opens them a moment later.
Christopher's still looking at her.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What are you looking at?
CHRISTOPHER
You.
ABIGAIL
I must look hideous.
She playfully buries her face in the pillow. He runs his
fingers through her hair trying to uncover her face.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
She peaks out with a grin on her face before hiding it again.
CHRISTOPHER
I like the way you look in the
morning.
ABIGAIL
Liar.
CHRISTOPHER
Am not.
He begins to tickle her.
ABIGAIL
Stop it! Stop it!
CHRISTOPHER
Not until you let me see you.
ABIGAIL
Okay, okay, you win!
He stops tickling her and they lay staring into each others
eyes. She gently reaches her hand out and runs it along his
face. He covers her hand with his as he closes his eyes.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You can be so silly at times.
CHRISTOPHER
Are you calling me a dork?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
ABIGAIL
Maybe...
She grins at him and starts to get out of bed. He leans up.
CHRISTOPHER
Where are you going?
ABIGAIL
Bathroom.
He tugs on the back of her shirt and she rolls backwards
looking up at him, his head inverted over hers.
CHRISTOPHER
Why?
ABIGAIL
I have to pee.
CHRISTOPHER
You said the "P" word.
ABIGAIL
Mmhm.
CHRISTOPHER
I didn't think females used that
word.
ABIGAIL
Only when they're in love.
She grins up at him, reaching her hand up and running it
through his hair as she leans her head back and kisses him.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You might want to use the bathroom
yourself when I'm done.
She gets up leaving Christopher with a quizzical look on his
face.
CHRISTOPHER
Why?
She stops at the door at smiles back at him.
ABIGAIL
Morning breath.
CHRISTOPHER
I...
He reaches his hand up to his mouth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I do not!
She grins and winks before disappearing into the bathroom.
Christopher falls back onto the bed and puts his hand to his
mouth again, checking his breath. The phone begins to ring.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail your phone's ringing!
ABIGAIL (O.S.)
Don't touch it, I've got it.
Abigail comes out of the bathroom and grabs the phone on the
nightstand next to the bed.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Hello?...Hi mom.
She looks at Christopher and puts her fingertip to her lips
motioning for him to be quiet, as she walks towards the
bathroom and leans against the doorframe.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Everything's going good....Yeah, the
weather's fine, it's been raining
here and there but otherwise...Yeah
I do...
Christopher gets up and steps behind Abigail, wrapping his
arms around her. She glances over her shoulder and smiles at
him as he kisses her on the shoulder. He starts rubbing her
stomach softly and she gives him a funny look with a grin as
she pushes him away. He smiles and steps into the bathroom.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Well it is California, I mean it's...
Christopher turns on the shower on in the bathroom.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
(into phone)
...the noise, oh that was just...
She quickly closes the bathroom door and walks over to the
bed to sit down.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
(into phone)
I turned the water on for the
shower....You're what?...Coming
out?...When?
(MORE)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Two weeks?...Oh no. It's not a
problem, not at all...Okay I'll see
you then...Love you too. Bye.
Christopher peaks his head out the bathroom door as Abigail
hangs up the phone.
CHRISTOPHER
Did I hear you're joining me for a
shower?
Abigail grabs a pillow and flings it at Christopher before
walking over to him.
ABIGAIL
Really funny. I owe you.
She attacks him playfully as he pulls her into the bathroom
with him., the door closing behind them.
EXT. BEACH -- NIGHT
The waves roll gently up onto the sand before receding back
into the ocean. The moon hangs in the sky shedding a romantic
light upon the beach. Abigail and Christopher slowly make
their way along the shore, letting the waves dance upon their
feet.
ABIGAIL
What are you thinking?
CHRISTOPHER
I'm enjoying this. I'm happy. I
haven't been happy for a long time.
ABIGAIL
You haven't?
CHRISTOPHER
I've been content I guess, not happy
though. I struggle with everything.
Life you know. Who am I, what am I
here to accomplish...Am I ever going
to make anything of myself.
ABIGAIL
I think you will.
CHRISTOPHER
...Maybe.
ABIGAIL
What's making you happy?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
CHRISTOPHER
Well this night for one. It's quiet,
peaceful, calm...romantic.
ABIGAIL
Is that all?
CHRISTOPHER
No.
He grabs her hand in his and squeezes it gently. She looks
away with a smile.
ABIGAIL
I want to show you something.
She begins pulling him up along et beach towards the trees.
EXT. GRASSY HILL OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail leads Christopher up the final steps of a rocky path.
As they near the top it levels out in to a large grassy area
overlooking the ocean and beach below.
CHRISTOPHER
...Oh my god.
ABIGAIL
Gorgeous, isn't it?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah.
He wraps his arms around her from behind as they stand
watching the waves hit the beach below.
ABIGAIL
This is where I want to get married.
CHRISTOPHER
And who are you intending to marry?
ABIGAIL
Well there's this really cute guy in
my chemistry class.
CHRISTOPHER
...I'm not in your chemistry class.
ABIGAIL
I know.
He gawks at her as his hands drop from around her.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm going to pretend I didn't here
that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
ABIGAIL
Good, because I was lying.
She smiles and kisses him. She turns back to look at the
ocean.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Can I tell you something?
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
You're gonna laugh.
CHRISTOPHER
I won't. I promise.
ABIGAIL
...I'd like to marry you.
She looks back at him, scared of his reply.
CHRISTOPHER
You would?
She nods hesitantly.
ABIGAIL
You're not running?
He smiles weakly at her.
CHRISTOPHER
You know I'm not in a place
where...Financially I can't...
ABIGAIL
...It's okay. I understand.
CHRISTOPHER
No you don't.
He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a ring.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I was going to wait to give this to
you.
Her eyes light up.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
It's not much...It's more of a wait
for me type thing until I can get
you an engagement ring you deserve.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
She gingerly pulls a ring out of her pocket with an
embarrassed look on her face.
ABIGAIL
I kind of did the same.
They slip the rings onto each others fingers before wrapping
their arms around one another.
CHRISTOPHER
Although you'll probably get sick of
me before then, dump me, and run off
with the chemistry guy.
ABIGAIL
You're really funny, you know that?
She kisses him passionately before he can say anything else.
Her head then slowly moves down to his chest as he embraces
her. She glances up at his face. Her eyes suddenly light
up as she recognizes Christopher's face.
EXT. PARK -- FLASHBACK
Abigail's mind flashes back to her dream with the figure
holding out his hand and saying he was there to help. The
shadows begin to vanish. The figures face looks exactly as
Chistopher's does now with the slight shadows on his face.
EXT. GRASSY HILL OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN -- PRESENT
Christopher notices Abigail looking at him funny, her eyes
wide with amazement.
CHRISTOPHER
What's wrong?
ABIGAIL
I know you...
CHRISTOPHER
Of course you do.
ABIGAIL
No, no you were...it can't be.
CHRISTOPHER
Are you alright?
ABIGAIL
You were in my dream.
CHRISTOPHER
You dream about me?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
ABIGAIL
Yeah...No, before we met I dreamt of
you.
CHRISTOPHER
You did?
ABIGAIL
Never mind. It's silly.
She wraps her arms around him holding him tightly.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I love you.
CHRISTOPHER
I love you too.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- DAY
Christopher and Abigail move about straightening up the room.
Christopher grabs a huge stack of magazines and holds them
up.
CHRISTOPHER
Where did you want these?
Abigail glances about the room, which is still a complete
mess.
ABIGAIL
I have no idea.
CHRISTOPHER
Should I hide them under the couch?
ABIGAIL
You're just full of jokes today,
aren't you?
CHRISTOPHER
I try.
ABIGAIL
Is there any room in the closet?
Christopher walks over to the closet and opens it. Several
boxes fall out from the top shelf.
CHRISTOPHER
There is now.
ABIGAIL
Great. She's gonna be here in a
couple hours. We're never going to
get done in time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
Christopher walks up behind Abigail and wraps his arms around,
kissing her softly on the neck. She takes a deep breath,
her body relaxing against his. He runs his hands along her
body.
CHRISTOPHER
We'll do what we can.
ABIGAIL
Are you trying to distract me?
He kisses her again on the neck.
CHRISTOPHER
Maybe.
ABIGAIL
Well it's working.
CHRISTOPHER
Good.
She turns around and kisses him on the lips.
ABIGAIL
Not good. We need
(another kiss)
To get
(another kiss)
Done.
She smiles at him as she teasingly pushes him away.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Would you mind grabbing...
The doorbell rings, cutting her off. Abigail glances
quizzically at Christopher as she walks over to answer.
CHRISTOPHER
You expecting someone right now?
ABIGAIL
No.
Abigail opens the door to find her Mom, Victoria standing on
the walkway.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Mom...you're early.
Victoria grabs her suitcase and barges through the door.
VICTORIA
Me and your father had another
argument. He...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
She notices the state the room is in and Christopher standing
near the couch.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Abigail?
ABIGAIL
Mom this is Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER
(nervously)
Hi.
Victoria sets the suitcase down and starts going through the
cabinets in the kitchen.
VICTORIA
Do you have any...there it is.
She grabs a bottle of red wine from one of the cabinets and
a glass from the counter and begins pouring. Christopher
glances at Abigail.
ABIGAIL
Mom are you alright?
VICTORIA
No, I'm not.
She takes a sip of the wine as she sizes up Christopher.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Christopher, huh?
She looks back at Abigail.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Abigail this place is a mess.
ABIGAIL
We were just cleaning before you got
here.
VICTORIA
I'm sure you were.
She glances at Christopher.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Would you mind...
CHRISTOPHER
No, I huh...Abigail I'll go straighten
up the bedroom a bit.
ABIGAIL
Okay.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
Christopher exits into one of the bedrooms. Abigail goes
over and tentatively sits on the couch as her mom watches
her.
VICTORIA
Does he stay here with you?
ABIGAIL
Mom he...
VICTORIA
Does he stay here with you?
ABIGAIL
No he...
(deep breath)
Every now and then, I guess.
VICTORIA
I thought you knew better.
ABIGAIL
Mom would you stop already! I'm not
a kid anymore.
She glances pleadingly at her mom.
VICTORIA
...I'm sorry. I worry about you.
ABIGAIL
I know.
Victoria puts her wine down and walks over to the couch,
taking a seat next to Abigail. They sit for a moment in
silence.
VICTORIA
I've missed you.
ABIGAIL
I've missed you too.
They smile at each other as Victoria holds her arms out.
Abigail hugs her, resting her head on her moms shoulder.
VICTORIA
We have a lot to catch up on.
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
There's a crash in the bedroom.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail there's a uh...problem in
the bedroom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
VICTORIA
Maybe I should get a hotel room.
Her and Abigail both look at each other with grins on their
faces before breaking into laughter.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- EVENING
Victoria, Abigail, and Christopher sit at a small table in
the corner of the apartment. Plates of half-eaten pasta and
garlic bread sit in front of them. Abigail and Victoria
start to grab their dishes from the table.
CHRISTOPHER
Don't, I'll get them.
He quickly grabs the dishes from the table and takes them
over to the sink. As he begins cleaning them. Victoria
leans in closer to Abigail and whispers to her.
VICTORIA
You've got him trained well.
ABIGAIL
I didn't train him. He just, kind
of does it.
Victoria watches him for a moment before turning back to
Abigail.
VICTORIA
You're father would never do that
for me.
ABIGAIL
I've seen him...
VICTORIA
(cutting her off)
That was a long time ago. Does he
treat you well?
ABIGAIL
He spoils me. He won't let me pay
for anything, he always holds the
door for me all the time, and...
Victoria looks down at her wedding ring and begins toying
with it.
VICTORIA
(again cutting her
off)
Do you miss home. I mean would...
Christopher appears by the table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm sorry. Uh Abigail..the dishes
are done so...I probably should get
going for the night.
ABIGAIL
Okay I'll walk you out.
CHRISTOPHER
It was nice meeting you.
Christopher and Victoria shake hands.
VICTORIA
Nice meeting you too.
Christopher smiles as Abigail gets up and walks him to the
door. She wraps her arms around him.
ABIGAIL
Give me a call tomorrow?
CHRISTOPHER
Okay.
She leans in to kiss him but Christopher hesitates. She
glances back at her mom who's watching them closely.
ABIGAIL
It's okay. She won't bite you.
They both smile at each other before exchanging a small kiss.
CHRISTOPHER
Love you.
ABIGAIL
Love you too.
Christopher exits.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- LATER
A lamp sits on an end table next to the couch. A silk scarf
lie's atop its lampshade causing the room to be dimly lit
with shadows dancing lightly around the corners of the room.
Abigail walks in from the hallway leading to the bedroom
with a pillow and sheets in hand. She begins arranging them
on the couch. Victoria appears by the hallway entrance and
they exchange tired smiles. Victoria finishes off the glass
of wine in her hand and sets it on the counter.
VICTORIA
You're sure you don't want the
bedroom?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
ABIGAIL
I'll be fine. I sleep out here alot
anyway.
VICTORIA
Okay...
She turns and starts to head to the bedroom but stops short,
turning back to Abigail.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
You're really lucky. I want you to
know that.
ABIGAIL
Lucky?
VICTORIA
He seems like a really nice guy.
ABIGAIL
He is.
Abigail hesitates a second.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...How's Dad?
VICTORIA
I haven't talked to him.
ABIGAIL
...Oh.
VICTORIA
Are you going to be coming home for
the summer?
ABIGAIL
I haven't really thought about it.
VICTORIA
I miss having you around the house.
ABIGAIL
I miss you to.
VICTORIA
I was thinking that maybe you could
transfer to a college back
home...maybe live at home for a bit.
ABIGAIL
(hesitantly)
We'll see.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
She stares at Abigail for a moment. A look of panic flashes
in Victoria's eyes but she quickly covers it.
VICTORIA
...How serious are things with this
guy?
ABIGAIL
I don't know...
VICTORIA
They're not serious as in possibly
marriage are they?
ABIGAIL
We've talked about it.
A look of hurt passes over Victoria's face.
VICTORIA
I'll see you in the morning.
Victoria exits into the bedroom.
INT. ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Victoria quickly makes her way to the nightstand beside the
bed and grabs a kleenex. Her eyes swell up with redness and
tears.
ABIGAIL (O.S.)
Mom? What's wrong?
Abigail enters through the doorway as Victoria quickly hides
the kleenex in her hand.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Mom?
VICTORIA
I'm fine.
ABIGAIL
You're crying.
VICTORIA
Get to bed.
ABIGAIL
Why are you crying?
VICTORIA
...I'm going to lose you, aren't I?
ABIGAIL
Mom I'm not...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
VICTORIA
You're going to get married and move
off for good someday and I'm going
to be all alone.
ABIGAIL
You won't be alone, I promise.
VICTORIA
I will.
ABIGAIL
Mom don't say that.
VICTORIA
Don't say what!
ABIGAIL
Don't yell please. It's...
VICTORIA
Don't say what Abigail! Don't tell
the truth! Is that what you're asking?
You don't want to think about you're
poor, lonely, mom all by herself!
ABIGAIL
Mom I told you, you won't...
VICTORIA
Get out.
ABIGAIL
Mom...
VICTORIA
Get out! Get out! Get out!
Abigail stares at her mom in shock as Victoria tries to catch
her breath.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
...Just leave me alone!
Abigail runs from the room overwrought in pain. Victoria
collapses on the bed.
INT. CAR -- DAY
The traffic is backed up for miles. Abigail and Victoria sit
in their car stuck in the middle of the traffic jam. Abigail
wiggles in her seat dancing to the music playing on the radio.
Victoria stares out the window, an annoyed look on her face.
She reaches over and turns the radio off.
VICTORIA
Would you stop that?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
ABIGAIL
Stop what?
VICTORIA
The dancing in your seat. Everyone's
looking.
Abigail bites her lip.
ABIGAIL
Sorry.
VICTORIA
About last night...I'm sorry for the
way I acted. I think that wine really
got to me.
ABIGAIL
Mom, you don't...
VICTORIA
I do.
A moment of silence.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
So who is this therapist you're
seeing.
ABIGAIL
Dr. Duerf? He's nice.
VICTORIA
Is he as good as Dr. Madaras from
back home?
ABIGAIL
Yeah. Better actually.
VICTORIA
And he still has you on the pills
Dr. Madaras had recommended.
ABIGAIL
(lying)
...Yeah.
Abigail pulls her car into a parking lot.
INT. PSYCHIATRIST'S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER
Dr. Duerf stands in front of his bookshelf glancing at his
books. Abigail and Victoria sit in chairs in front of his
desk. The clock on the counter ticks slowly with a soothing,
rhythmic sound.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
DOCTOR DUERF
Pills? Abigail doesn't need pills.
Victoria glances at Abigail.
VICTORIA
You stopped taking them?
ABIGAIL
...I'm sorry. I didn't want you to
be upset.
VICTORIA
You told me you were still on them.
(to Duerf)
I want you to write her a prescription
for...
DOCTOR DUERF
She doesn't need a prescription. The
only types of pills I would even
consider would be sleeping pills.
ABIGAIL
I've been sleeping fine lately.
DOCTOR DUERF
I figured as much. You
seem...different, happier. I'm sure
that has alot to do with it.
He smiles at Abigail. She smiles back.
ABIGAIL
I am.
VICTORIA
She's got emotional problems! These
silly infatuations, she doesn't listen
to a word I say. She's crying half
the time I talk to her...Now this is
what our doctor had her on. I'd like
you to write a prescription to get
her back on it as soon as possible.
She hands him a piece of paper. He glances at it and then at
Victoria.
DOCTOR DUERF
...Victoria, right? Would you mind
telling me about your life and where
you are right now in it?
VICTORIA
This isn't about me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
DOCTOR DUERF
Abigail would you mind stepping
outside for a moment?
Abigail glances at Victoria and then Duerf. She nods
hesitantly and then leaves the room.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
Your daughter is a loving, caring,
young woman. Yet she suffers from
many insecurities. These insecurities
stem...not just from the rape, but
also her home life. I believe her
childhood is part of...
VICTORIA
(cutting him off)
Rape?
DOCTOR DUERF
You didn't know...
VICTORIA
Know that she makes up stories
constantly?
Starts walking towards the door.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Abigail, Abigail get in here right
now!
DOCTOR DUERF
Victoria please, you'll only add to
her fears.
Victoria quickly turns to face him.
VICTORIA
Are you saying I'm a bad mother?
DOCTOR DUERF
No, I'm not.
VICTORIA
I want her back on these pills as
soon as possible.
DOCTOR DUERF
No. These pills would do nothing
more than to make Abigail...almost
mindless. Easily controlled if you
will. People who seek control usually
have a certain degree of insecurities
and fear themselves.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
VICTORIA
How dare you.
DOCTOR DUERF
I can tell you're hurting in some
way. It shows in your face, your
eyes. How's your home life? I assume
by the ring on your finger that you're
married.
VICTORIA
Yes.
DOCTOR DUERF
Happily?
VICTORIA
That's none of your business.
DOCTOR DUERF
So that's a no.
Victoria's eyes flash with hurt before becoming flooded with
anger.
VICTORIA
Don't you dare make assumptions about
my life.
DOCTOR DUERF
So then you are?
She doesn't respond.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
Tell me about your husband.
She hesitates a second.
VICTORIA
He works hard.
DOCTOR DUERF
And?
VICTORIA
And what?
DOCTOR DUERF
Is that all you can say about him?
VICTORIA
No!...yes. I don't know! Would you
stop already!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
DOCTOR DUERF
You don't even know who your husband
is, do you?
VICTORIA
Where do you get off?
DOCTOR DUERF
Abigail's told me a bit. It isn't
to difficult to fill in the missing
pieces. A bit is assumption on my
part but..
VICTORIA
This isn't about me! This is about
Abigail.
DOCTOR DUERF
You love your daughter very much,
don't you?
VICTORIA
She's my life.
DOCTOR DUERF
So much a part of you life that your
husband doesn't exist?
Their eyes lock as Duerf waits for an answer. Victoria just
stands there unsure of what to say. Her face shows a bit of
anger yet there's something else, as if she's been hit by a
possible truth that she can't comprehend. A moment later
the shock leaves her and she storms from the room.
INT. PSYCHIATRIST'S RECEPTION AREA -- CONTINUOUS
Victoria comes rushing out of the office into the reception
area where Abigail sits waiting for her.
VICTORIA
Come on.
ABIGAIL
What about...?
VICTORIA
We're going.
Abigail sits with a confused look on her face.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Now Abigail!
Abigail gets up and they both start walking out the front
door. As they approach the door Abigail glances back to see
Doctor Duerf standing outside his office door. He lets out
a deep breath as he sadly watches them leave.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
INT. ABIGAIL'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER
Victoria sits next to Abigail staring out the window. The
tension in the car is unbearable as Abigail glances over at
her mom. She glances back holding her gaze on her for a
moment.
VICTORIA
How dare you.
She gets no response.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
How could you tell him those things?
ABIGAIL
I didn't mean...
VICTORIA
And him. Accusing me of trying to
control you, calling me a bad mother.
I would never...
She glances at Abigail who's trying to hold back tears.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Why are you crying? Do you think I
actually...You do don't you?
Abigail again doesn't respond.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Fine, fine then. I'll stay out of
your life.
She turns back to watch out the window, wrapping her arms
around herself. A moment later she too has a tear running
down her face.
EXT. PARK -- EVENING
Christopher sits on a park bench as a cool breeze whips around
him. Abigail approaches him in a long coat, a look of sorrow
on her face. She smiles hesitantly at him. He stands as
she approaches, his arms wrapping lovingly around her.
CHRISTOPHER
What's wrong?
ABIGAIL
My mom. We got home earlier and she
left right away.
CHRISTOPHER
Upset?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
He softly runs his hand through her hair and along her face.
CHRISTOPHER
Everything's going to be all right.
Abigail smiles up at him nervously.
ABIGAIL
I hope so.
CHRISTOPHER
It will, I promise.
She leans forward and kisses him.
ABIGAIL
That's what I love about you.
CHRISTOPHER
What's that?
ABIGAIL
That you make me feel better about
everything.
CHRISTOPHER
You make me feel like that everyday.
I don't think I could live without
you.
He leans forward and kisses her back before wrapping his
arms around her and holding her tightly.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- EVENING
The inside of the apartment is dark except for a lone light
left on above the kitchen counter. The front door is heard
unlocking and Victoria enters, struggling with a couple of
grocery bags in her hands.
VICTORIA
Abigail I'm back. I wanted to make
up for earlier so I got a bunch of
stuff. I thought we could cook up
something and...
She notices the apartment's empty.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
...have dinner together.
She drops the groceries onto the counter top before starting
for the bedroom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Abigail? Are you here?
She lets out a sigh as she walks back into the living area.
She starts looking at the picture hanging on the wall. They
all contain her and Abigail. She notices one of herself,
Abigail, and her husband, Tom. In the picture Abigail and
Victoria are next to each other holding hands smiling happily.
Tom stands off to the side. His eyes seem to be glancing
over towards Abigail and Victoria and he has a smile on his
face but there's a sense of sadness to him. Victoria runs
her finger over the image of Tom. She slowly makes her way
over to the phone, picks it up, and dials a number. The
answering machine picks up on the other end.
TOM (O.S.)
This is Tom. Leave a message.
VICTORIA
Hi Tom, it's me. Just calling to see
how you're doing...and I wanted to
apologize about...
There's a click as Tom picks up at the other end.
TOM (O.S.)
Hello.
VICTORIA
Hi. Listen Tom did you hear anything
I just...
TOM (O.S.)
Victoria I'm really busy right now.
Can we discuss this later.
VICTORIA
...Yeah, sure.
TOM (O.S.)
Okay then.
VICTORIA
I just wanted to say I love...
There's a click at the other end of the line as Tom hangs
up.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
...You. Tom? Tom are you there?
Victoria's shoulders slump. She lets out a long breath and
hangs the phone back up. She takes a seat on the couch.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Victoria sits staring at the clock above the T.V. The room
is lit dimly. She grabs a glass of wine off the end table,
takes a sip, and then sets it back down. The front door creaks
open and Abigail steps into the apartment. She notices her
mom.
ABIGAIL
You're still up?
VICTORIA
Yeah...Where were you?
ABIGAIL
I was out.
VICTORIA
With who?
ABIGAIL
Christopher.
VICTORIA
Where did you go?
ABIGAIL
Dinner. We caught a movie afterwards.
VICTORIA
It's 3 AM. The last show ended hours
ago.
ABIGAIL
Yeah, I guess it did.
VICTORIA
So where were you?
Abigail takes a deep breath.
ABIGAIL
Mom I'm tired. Can we talk about
this tomorrow?
VICTORIA
I want to talk about it now...I've
been here for almost a month. All I
hear day in and day out is Christopher
this and Christopher that. I'm sick
of it. Do you understand?
ABIGAIL
Why are you saying...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
VICTORIA
You spend more time with him than
you need to. You should be
concentrating on school.
ABIGAIL
(overlapping Victoria's
next line)
My grades are fine.
VICTORIA
You don't need to be dating seriously
at this point in your life. They are
not fine! What are you to going to
do for a living? Theater? You can't
make a living in theater. And him?
How old is he? Twenty five? What
does he do for a living? Is he even
financially stable? You are throwing
you're life away with him and I am
not going to allow it!
ABIGAIL
Mom...Stop it!
Victoria calms herself.
VICTORIA
Abigail...It broke my heart to hear
that he was spending nights here
with you. I asked myself what kind
of daughter did I raise that she
would do such a thing? Abigail you're
better than that.
ABIGAIL
It wasn't...Mom I...
VICTORIA
You are coming home this summer and
this fall you will focus on school
back there. You can find a nice guy
back home, someone who's
financially...secure, maybe rich.
Until then you can live at home.
ABIGAIL
...I love him.
VICTORIA
I don't want to hear you say that
again! You don't even know what love
is at your age.
Abigail looks at her mom with hurt in her eyes. She slowly
starts shaking her head before running out of the apartment.
Victoria rushes to the door to call out after her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Abigail, Abigail get back here!
With a sigh Victoria turns and looks at a picture of Abigail
and herself hanging on the wall. She runs her hands down her
face while letting out a deep breath.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS -- DAY
Christopher sits on a bench outside of the classrooms,
flipping through a book in his hand. He checks his watch. A
second later students come pouring out the doors, with Abigail
trailing behind the crowd. He sees her and smiles which she
returns hesitantly.
CHRISTOPHER
Everything alright?
ABIGAIL
Yeah. Long class.
Christopher grins and leans in to kiss her. She only lets
him get a small smooch before pulling away.
CHRISTOPHER
You're sure everything's alright?
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
She starts walking off and he starts following. They walk
quietly for a moment.
CHRISTOPHER
Listen there's a play going on at
the theater tonight. Do you want to
go check it out?
ABIGAIL
...I'm kinda busy tonight.
CHRISTOPHER
Well it's playing this whole week if
you want to go some other night.
ABIGAIL
We'll see. I'll give you a call.
CHRISTOPHER
Okay.
ABIGAIL
I have to get some stuff from the
library. I'll talk to you later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
CHRISTOPHER
I don't have a class for another
hour if you want some company.
ABIGAIL
No, that's okay.
She starts to walk away.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail?
ABIGAIL
Yeah?
CHRISTOPHER
I love you.
ABIGAIL
(hesitantly)
...I'll see you later.
She smiles and disappears into the crowd of students.
Christopher watches with a look of confusion on his face.
EXT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
Christopher stands outside the door of Abigail's apartment.
He takes a deep breath before knocking. A second later Abigail
answers.
CHRISTOPHER
Can we talk?
ABIGAIL
...Sure.
She opens the door all the way to let him in.
CHRISTOPHER
...So what's up?
ABIGAIL
What do you mean?
CHRISTOPHER
Are you avoiding me?
ABIGAIL
...No.
CHRISTOPHER
You're sure?
ABIGAIL
...Yeah. I've just...been busy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
CHRISTOPHER
Why are you lying to me?
ABIGAIL
I'm not.
CHRISTOPHER
What about earlier?
ABIGAIL
Earlier?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah, I told you I loved you and you
just walked away without a word.
ABIGAIL
...Can we maybe talk about this later?
CHRISTOPHER
Should I be worried?
ABIGAIL
No. It's just...
CHRISTOPHER
Just what?
ABIGAIL
My mom. She doesn't want me seeing
you. She's been giving me a hard
time about us saying...you know.
CHRISTOPHER
No, I don't know.
ABIGAIL
We got in a whole argument the other
week about money...and how you're
not rich and...she just doesn't think
you're right for me.
CHRISTOPHER
And you're okay with that.
ABIGAIL
No, I'm not.
CHRISTOPHER
You don't have to listen, you know.
ABIGAIL
And how am I supposed to pay for
school. How do you think I afford
that? If I didn't listen I wouldn't
be here at all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
CHRISTOPHER
You can't let her control you like
that.
ABIGAIL
I don't really have a choice, now do
I?
Christopher starts to leave.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
CHRISTOPHER
I don't know. I need...I need to
think.
She runs over and wraps her arms around him, nearly in tears.
ABIGAIL
I still love you.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah...I love you to.
He hesitantly puts his arms around her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I gotta go.
He lets go of her.
ABIGAIL
My mom's out of town this weekend.
Do you want to come over and have
dinner?
CHRISTOPHER
We'll see.
He leaves.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- DAY
Abigail sits in her apartment sipping on a can of soda. She
glances back towards the window at the sun shining in before
returning her attention back to the apartment.
ABIGAIL
There's more on the bottom shelf.
Kyle, a man about Abigail's age, energetic, and dressed very
trendy, grabs a can of soda from the fridge and holds it up.
KYLE
Found it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
He makes his way to the couch.
KYLE (CONT'D)
This is just so weird. I mean I'm
walking down the isle and I glance
over and it's like...That looks like
Abigail...but naw it can't be. I
haven't seen her forever, since we
were little tykes.
ABIGAIL
(giggling)
I was thinking the same thing.
KYLE
That's just some weird shit. So you're
just here for college?
ABIGAIL
Yeah. Well I want to live here after
college to but...
KYLE
But what?
ABIGAIL
I want to be an actress. A good one.
KYLE
You're kidding? That's so cool.
ABIGAIL
Well I don't get the feeling my mom
likes the idea.
KYLE
You're mom? How's she doing? I haven't
seen her in forever.
ABIGAIL
She's good. Problems here and there
but...you know how it is.
KYLE
Yeah.
Noticing the ring on her finger.
KYLE (CONT'D)
No way! You're kidding me, right?
ABIGAIL
What?
KYLE
Are you engaged? Married? Cause if
you are that is like awesome.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
ABIGAIL
No I'm...well kind of I guess. It's
just a promise ring.
KYLE
That is so amazing. I'm so happy for
you.
ABIGAIL
Thanks.
He smiles at her and she smiles back. There's an uneasy
silence for a moment broken by a knock on the door.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Be right back.
She gets up and walks to the door, glancing through the peep
hole to see Christopher on the other side. She opens the
door slightly for him and peeks out.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey.
ABIGAIL
Hi.
CHRISTOPHER
I just wanted to come by and apologize
for the other night. I didn't mean
to...
KYLE
Abigail who're you talking to?
Kyle appears behind her in the doorway as Abigail lowers her
eyes. There's a moment of silence between the three of them
as Christopher locks his eyes on her.
CHRISTOPHER
...busy huh?
She makes no comment.
KYLE
...I uhhh, I should probably get
going. I'll give you a call sometime.
ABIGAIL
Okay.
Kyle gives a smile and nod to Christopher before walking
out. Christopher glances at him as he passes and gives a
slight nod before turning his attention back to Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
So who was that?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
ABIGAIL
Just an old friend.
CHRISTOPHER
I thought you were busy today.
ABIGAIL
I was. What are you doing here?
CHRISTOPHER
I didn't know if you'd have time to
eat so...I kind of stopped at the
restaurant down the road and grabbed
something.
He hands her the bag in his hand.
ABIGAIL
Thanks. Is that all?
CHRISTOPHER
I was umm...thinking about what we
talked about last night.
ABIGAIL
...And?
CHRISTOPHER
And umm...
ABIGAIL
...What's in your hand?
She motions to the hand he's holding behind his back.
CHRISTOPHER
It's a uhhh...
He slowly removes his hand from behind his back. Grasped in
his hand is a bright red rose.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
...Listen I really...I want to make
this work, you and me. That is if
that's what you want. If you're not
sick of me yet that is because it's
what I'd like.
ABIGAIL
I do. I...
She embraces him for a moment before breaking it off but not
before a quick kiss.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Did you want to come in for a bit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
CHRISTOPHER
I have to get to work actually.
ABIGAIL
Okay.
They exchange smiles.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Are you going to say anything.
CHRISTOPHER
I was kind of waiting for you to.
ABIGAIL
You first.
CHRISTOPHER
That's not fair.
ABIGAIL
Yes it is.
CHRISTOPHER
...I love you.
ABIGAIL
I love you to.
He gives her another kiss.
CHRISTOPHER
You're sure that guy wasn't...You
know, my replacement.
ABIGAIL
No, now get out of here. You're going
to be late.
She gives him a playful poke. He grabs her hand in his.
CHRISTOPHER
...Okay.
As he walks away their hands slowly slip from each others,
almost as if not wanting to let go. She takes a deep breath
before entering her apartment.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP -- EVENING
Christopher sits outside the coffee shop sipping on a tea.
The sun sets in the sky behind the buildings. His friend
Steve, your average looking guy, comes out of the coffee
shop and takes a seat across from Christopher.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
STEVE
I didn't think they'd ever get my
coffee.
CHRISTOPHER
I told you a tea was quicker.
STEVE
Stop reminding me. How's work going?
CHRISTOPHER
It's kicking my ass. I have to find
something else.
STEVE
The world of the working man. So
you gonna let some other place kick
your ass.
CHRISTOPHER
At this point as long as it pays
well I don't care. There's no way I
can afford a family at this point.
STEVE
Ahh now we get to the heart of the
matter, the female factor.
CHRISTOPHER
Yep. We've been talking about marriage
and her mom's got problems with me
not being rich so...I definitely
have to get something better.
Hopefully I'll see her a bit more if
that happens since she's kind of
reliant on her mom for everything
right now.
STEVE
That type of mom huh?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah.
STEVE
Bullshit, dump her and find someone
better to fuck. Dude if she's not
willing to back you against her mom
how much do you really think she
cares? Speaking of which, where is
your other half?
CHRISTOPHER
Busy...again.
STEVE
Well that sucks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah. Mom's rules. I think she's
got her cleaning her apartment again.
STEVE
See you should be with someone like
that.
Steve points to a girl across the way. Christopher glances
over his shoulder to the girl Steve pointed to. It's Abigail,
enjoying a conversation with Kyle. Christopher sits in shock
before quickly getting up and gathering his things.
CHRISTOPHER
...I gotta go.
STEVE
What's wrong?
CHRISTOPHER
Nothing. I just...I gotta get out of
here. Things to take care of you
know.
EXT. PARKING LOT -- NIGHT
Rain pours down around the car as Christopher and Abigail
sit silently inside. Christopher runs his hand over the
steering wheel slowly feeling it's texture. Abigail watches
him as she reaches over and puts her hand on his leg. He
does his best to muster a smile which she returns. She leans
over farther expecting a long, passionate kiss but after a
quick peck on the lips he pulls away. She studies him for a
moment.
ABIGAIL
What's wrong?
CHRISTOPHER
...Everything's fine. It's raining
pretty hard, isn't it? I should
probably take you home.
ABIGAIL
It's still early.
CHRISTOPHER
I know.
He starts the car. She places her hand on his.
ABIGAIL
I don't have to be home yet.
CHRISTOPHER
You have things to do tomorrow don't
you?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
ABIGAIL
...Are you trying to get rid of me?
CHRISTOPHER
No...
ABIGAIL
What is it then?
Christopher stares out into the rain with a blank expression.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You're not going to talk to me are
you?
CHRISTOPHER
...There's not really anything to
say is there?
ABIGAIL
What did I do?
CHRISTOPHER
Nothing. You didn't do anything.
Abigail's breathing begins to quicken as panic begins to
creep into her voice.
ABIGAIL
Christopher please, what did I do?
Why are you mad at me.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm not.
Christopher puts the car into drive and slowly starts driving
out of the parking lot. Abigail's face, ladened with fear
and insecurity, shows through the rain soaked windows as
they pull away.
EXT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Abigail and Christopher walk down the corridor leading to
her apartment in silence. She pulls out her key and starts
to open the door.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail?
ABIGAIL
Yeah?
CHRISTOPHER
I don't know what you want from me
anymore.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
ABIGAIL
What do you mean?
CHRISTOPHER
I saw you the other day at the coffee
shop with your friend.
ABIGAIL
Okay...
CHRISTOPHER
I thought you were busy again.
ABIGAIL
I was meeting with him.
CHRISTOPHER
Tell you what, I'm going to stay
neutral from now on because I can't
handle you avoiding me, then not
avoiding me, then avoiding me again.
So from now on if you want to talk
you can approach me, if you don't
then fine, we won't talk.
ABIGAIL
So you're going to play a game with
me?
CHRISTOPHER
I'm not playing a ga...! Whatever.
Fine. If you're to busy to have
anything to do with me fine. I'm
sure you and whatever is name is
will have a nice long life together.
ABIGAIL
What are you talking about?
CHRISTOPHER
I just feel real low on your list of
priorities right now hun. If you
want to leave me for him then...
ABIGAIL
Leave you for him? You mean Kyle?
She starts laughing.
CHRISTOPHER
What's so funny?
ABIGAIL
He's gay.
CHRISTOPHER
He's gay?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
ABIGAIL
Yeah. We grew up together. He's like
a brother to me.
CHRISTOPHER
That's not funny.
She stops laughing.
ABIGAIL
Sorry.
CHRISTOPHER
I don't understand then. Why are you
able to make time to hang out with
him but I'm not...
ABIGAIL
...I don't want to talk about it.
CHRISTOPHER
But it doesn't make sense...
ABIGAIL
I don't want to talk about it!
A moment of silence.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
We'll talk about it later, okay?
CHRISTOPHER
...You promise?
ABIGAIL
I promise.
CHRISTOPHER
...love you.
ABIGAIL
Love you to.
She gives him a quick kiss before disappearing into the
apartment.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail closes the door behind herself. She leans against
it taking a deep breath. She glances down at the ring on
her finger. Her hands begin to shake slightly. She quickly
walks over to the couch and takes a seat. She picks up and
magazine, begins to open it, and then quickly reconsiders,
putting it back down. She lies down on the couch, slowly
closing her eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS DREAM
Abigail lies asleep on the couch as the lights begin to
flicker on and off slightly.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
That night the nightmares returned,
only different from before. Where
once I couldn't escape my past, it
was now my future that haunted me in
these late hours, my fears of him
leaving me, of things changing...My
fears of what could be.
Her face is doused in water. She jumps up to find Victoria
standing over her.
VICTORIA
Abigail you didn't finish cleaning
the house.
ABIGAIL
What are you...?
VICTORIA
The dishes need to be done, and
laundry. Then you have to scrub the
floors and garbage, don't forget the
garbage.
As Victoria mentions these chores Abigail glances about the
room. The sink is overfilled with dirty dishes, a large
pile of laundry lies in the corner of the room, in the
opposite corner there sits a large pile of garbage bags with
trash strewn about the floors surrounding it.
ABIGAIL
This can't be real...
Abigail gets up completely ignoring her, her mom still
silently animated in the background.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Yeah I feel exactly the same.
His voice comes from the bedroom and Abigail slowly makes
her way there.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS DREAM
She slowly cracks the door to see Christopher lying on the
bed, the phone in his hand.
ABIGAIL
Christopher...?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59.
CHRISTOPHER
(into the phone)
Hun, I love you to.
ABIGAIL
Who are you talking to?
He glances at her before returning his attention back to the
phone call.
CHRISTOPHER
(to the person on the
phone)
I'll call you back, someone's here.
Why don't you stop by in a little
bit? I love you too, Hun.
He hangs up the phone and glances at Abigail.
ABIGAIL
Who was that?
CHRISTOPHER
My lover.
He smirks at Abigail. A hand reaches up from the side of
the bed grabbing at Christopher's shirt as Christopher leans
over to the side of the bed. A blonde woman sits up from
beside the bed and kisses him before pushing him firmly back
down upon the bed. She smiles slyly at Abigail.
ABIGAIL
Christopher...
The woman straddles over Christopher and leans in, kissing
him. Abigail turns to run from the room, into the hallway
and rooms outside which are now pitch black. She stumbles
down the hallway in the dark until she reaches her living
area. Her hand slides across the wall looking for the light
switch. She finds it and flicks it on, nothing. She flicks
it again and again as panic begins to set in. It finally
flickers a bit. A hand gently takes a place on her shoulder
from behind. She hesitantly glances at it.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Christopher?
She turns around, the figure steps out of the darkness but
the face remains hard to make out. The figures hand raises
to reveal a knife which glints in the dim light.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...No, not again...no.
She backs up slowly stumbling upon the couch behind her as
the figure advances. Everything goes black.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail's eyes fly open as she lies on the couch. She glances
around the room but it remains empty except for the moonlight
shining through the window. She takes a deep breath and
lets out a sigh as she lays her head back down. Her eyes
remain open, the fear in them obvious, as the moonlight begins
to dim flooding the room once again in darkness.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- EVENING
Abigail stands at the kitchen counter finishing up the dinner
she's cooking. Christopher grabs a couple of plates from
the counter and starts placing them on the table. He glances
over at Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
What's on your mind?
ABIGAIL
I'm thinking of visiting my mom for
the summer...back home.
CHRISTOPHER
For the whole summer?
ABIGAIL
I may be moving in with her for a
awhile.
A moment of silence.
CHRISTOPHER
Okay.
ABIGAIL
You don't seem happy about it.
CHRISTOPHER
It's really not my decision, is it?
ABIGAIL
I guess not. I wouldn't mind your
opinion though.
CHRISTOPHER
You know how I feel about your mom.
ABIGAIL
You don't like her, do you?
CHRISTOPHER
Last time I checked it was the other
way around. I'm not rich enough for
her tastes, remember?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
61.
ABIGAIL
Very funny.
CHRISTOPHER
I wasn't joking.
Abigail sets a tray of food on the table and takes a seat.
ABIGAIL
Dinner's done.
CHRISTOPHER
I've lost my appetite.
ABIGAIL
This is ridiculous, you know that?
CHRISTOPHER
I agree.
Christopher walks over and grabs his coat from the couch.
ABIGAIL
Where are you going?
CHRISTOPHER
I'm going home. I guess I'll talk
to you later...If that's okay with
your mom.
ABIGAIL
Christopher, I...You're blaming me
for everything!
CHRISTOPHER
I'm not blaming you for anything.
I'm saying...You're taking it as
blame but I'm not blaming you. I'm
saying this is hurting me and I want
it to change. Do you understand
that?
A moment of silence.
ABIGAIL
...Oh that's really intelligent.
You're still blaming me because it's
my fault for taking it as blame?
Smart, really smart.
CHRISTOPHER
No, I'm not...You have to be fucking
kidding me. So if I say anything at
all I'm blaming you, is that it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
62.
ABIGAIL
You're being so childish right now,
you know that?
CHRISTOPHER
Okay fine lets play your game. I'm
in. I'm blaming you right?
ABIGAIL
Yes you are.
CHRISTOPHER
Then you're blaming me for blaming
you.
ABIGAIL
You really need to grow up.
CHRISTOPHER
No you got it all wrong. Your
response should have been "You're
blaming me, for blaming you, for
blaming me." See that way we can go
in this wonderful fucking circle all
night. God forbid Abigail should do
anything wrong because it's just not
fucking possible. Everything's
everyone else's fault because they
all blame poor Abigail.
ABIGAIL
...Fuck you.
CHRISTOPHER
...You don't get it. You'll never
get it.
Christopher exits out the front door. Abigail picks up the
glass on the table and hurls it against the door as she tries
to choke back tears.
INT. OUTSIDE ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher falls against the door taking in a deep breath
as he runs his hands through his hair. He slowly shakes his
head as he hears Abigail begin to cry inside.
EXT. PARK -- EVENING
A slight breeze whistles through the trees in the deserted
park. The sun sets in the distance. Christopher walks beside
Steve down the park's trail.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm just tired of it all,
everything...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Shadows cover the room as the last rays of the sun filter
through the window. Abigail sits on the sofa. Kyle is seated
beside her sipping on a can of soda.
ABIGAIL
...I'm tired of hurting and worrying.
Not knowing if he'll just one day
decide to leave.
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
They stop for a moment to watch the setting sun.
CHRISTOPHER
I mean she obviously doesn't want me
around.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
She glances out the window as the sun lowers outside.
ABIGAIL
He wouldn't be yelling at me if he
did.
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher and Steve continue their walk down the trail.
CHRISTOPHER
It hurts and every time I try talking
to her about it, it ends in an
argument. She...
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail stares out the window before turning her attention
back to Kyle.
ABIGAIL
...Just continues to blame me for
everything. Everything I do is wrong.
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
The come to a bench on the trail and Steve sits down.
CHRISTOPHER
It's like I can't do anything right
with her. And her mom...
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail makes her way to the window to look out.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
64.
ABIGAIL
She really needs someone right now.
My mom's going through this really
tough time and...
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher paces back and forth in front of the bench as
Steve watches him.
CHRISTOPHER
She just doesn't seem to even care.
There's no compromising with her at
all.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
She turns back to look at Kyle.
ABIGAIL
If he really loved me...
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher turns to watch the last of the setting sun get
engulfed in the darkness of the night.
CHRISTOPHER
If she really loved me...
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail's eyes catch the last rays of the sun as it disappears
behind the horizon.
ABIGAIL
He'd understand.
CHRISTOPHER (V.O.)
(in unison with Abigail)
She'd understand.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT BEDROOM -- NIGHT
A soft glow fills the room from a dimmed lamp. Abigail and
Christopher lie on the bed several feet apart watching the
television. He glances at her. He hesitantly reaches out
and runs his hand up her arm and then leans forward and kisses
her gently on the neck.
ABIGAIL
Stop.
CHRISTOPHER
Sorry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.
He rolls onto his back and gazes at the ceiling for a few
seconds before getting up and heading for the door.
ABIGAIL
Where are you going?
CHRISTOPHER
Just outside. I need some air.
ABIGAIL
...Okay....Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah?
ABIGAIL
...Nevermind.
CHRISTOPHER
Okay.
He walks out.
EXT. APARTMENT BALCONY -- MOMENTS LATER
A cool breeze flows through the air as Christopher steps
through the door onto the balcony. He walks to the railing
and leans over, breathing in the cool air before dropping
his head. A few seconds later Abigail appears by the door
behind him.
ABIGAIL
...Hey.
He glances over his shoulder and smiles at her grimly.
CHRISTOPHER
...Do you hate me?
ABIGAIL
No.
CHRISTOPHER
Is there someone else?
ABIGAIL
Never.
CHRISTOPHER
I just don't get it then.
ABIGAIL
Get what?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66.
CHRISTOPHER
You haven't touched me for months.
If I try to kiss you, or even give
you something as simple as a hug...
It doesn't feel like you want me
around...Are you sure there's no one
else?
ABIGAIL
There's no one okay!
CHRISTOPHER
You'd tell me if there was?
ABIGAIL
...You don't know me at all.
CHRISTOPHER
...This isn't working out, is it?
ABIGAIL
...No.
CHRISTOPHER
I want to make this work.
ABIGAIL
I know. Some things though...aren't
meant to be.
CHRISTOPHER
There's no such thing.
ABIGAIL
No such thing?
CHRISTOPHER
Meant to be. We have choices. We
choose what we want. It's up to us
to fight for what we want...or else
what's the point.
ABIGAIL
...yeah.
She walks up beside him and leans against him, resting her
head on his shoulder. They both stare out into the night
sky in silence wondering what could be, what might be, and
afraid of what will be.
INT. MONTAGE OF THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS-- CONTINUOUS
Abigail and Christopher walk down the sidewalk of a park
together. The sun's starting to set behind them. Their
heads are lowered and they walk a couple of feet apart. She
glances at him sadly and as she turns away he glances at
her. She reaches out to hold his hand but hesitates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.
He notices and slowly pulls his hand away, stuffing it in
his pocket. The scene fades to a dimly lit room with
Christopher facing the wall, his hands stretched out over
his head holding himself up, his head again lowered. Again
the scene fades and Abigail sits on the floor against her
bed, her head resting gently on the edge of her covers. She
squeezes a stuffed teddy bear tightly in her arms. The scene
cuts again to the beach where Christopher and Abigail stand
arguing in the moonlight. His arms fly around as he points
and yells. She stands there quietly and still, tears running
down her face before pointing at him and yelling herself.
His shoulders slump and he runs his hands through his hair
as her hands go to her face covering it. He walks over to
her, running his hand along hers and leaning forward slightly.
Their foreheads rest against one another's as the scene slowly
fades.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
(over the montage)
As summer approached and school came
to an end things began to get worse
between us. He was different, more
distant. He seemed to be getting
lost in a deep depression and there
was nothing I could do to pull him
out. He accused me off much the
same, and in a way I was. We began
to argue constantly, him about mother,
the demands on my time and I about
his criticism, and what I saw as his
jealousy. I was no longer sure I
felt that spark around him and yet I
couldn't bring myself to tell him.
Soon it would end and little did I
know that my choice to keep silent
would forever change the man I once
knew...
EXT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- DAY
Victoria drives off in her S.U.V. Abigail stands watching it
leave, then turns her attention back to Christopher who's
carrying the last of her luggage to the car. Christopher
put's the luggage into the back of the car and then wipes
the sweat from his brow. He turns to Abigail who stands by
his side and they both do their best to exchange smiles,
although any kind of happiness they may have felt is now
gone, replaced now by a strange uncomfortableness.
CHRISTOPHER
It's over isn't it. You and me that
is.
ABIGAIL
...I don't know. Maybe. I just
need to get a way for a bit...to
heal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
68.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm not going to see or hear from
you again, am I?
ABIGAIL
...I'll call, I promise.
CHRISTOPHER
I can hold you to that?
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
CHRISTOPHER
...I'll wait for you. If you change
your mind...or move on, you'll let
me know right? So I don't wait for
no reason.
ABIGAIL
I will.
She smiles hesitantly at him without saying a word.
Christopher lowers his head as he let's out a deep sigh.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What's wrong?
CHRISTOPHER
I just have this feeling that no
matter how long I wait I'm never...Am
I going to regret saying that?
ABIGAIL
Don't regret it.
CHRISTOPHER
You'll call right?
ABIGAIL
When I have time.
CHRISTOPHER
It's just for the summer, right?
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
Abigail gives him a hug before getting into her car. He
watches her as she drives off. She glances back at him
through the window before disappearing down the street.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE -- DAY
The inside foyer of the house is elegant and lavish in design.
The double doors open as Abigail struggles carrying in her
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69.
luggage. Victoria follows behind her with a small bag in
hand as she fans herself.
VICTORIA
It's hot out there.
ABIGAIL
Yeah, it's...
VICTORIA
(Cutting her off)
You're old room's just the way you
left it...It's so good to have you
back.
She gives Abigail a hug. They both catch a glimpse of Tom
standing in the doorway across from them. His eyes seem sullen
as he stares at them. The room is overcome with tension.
ABIGAIL
...Hi.
TOM
You're back.
Abigail nods. More silence.
ABIGAIL
...I'm going to put this away.
Abigail picks up a couple of bags and disappears into her
room. Tom and Victoria just stand watching each other.
TOM
...Victoria.
VICTORIA
Tom.
TOM
How was your trip?
VICTORIA
Good...It was good.
TOM
Good...Is she just visiting?
Victoria opens her mouth to speak but decides against it.
TOM (CONT'D)
...Okay.
He walks away.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE ABIGAIL'S ROOM -- EVENING
Abigail stands by the closet unpacking her boxes as Victoria
walks into the room. There's another row of unpacked boxes
against the wall.
VICTORIA
Dinner's almost ready.
ABIGAIL
Okay. Let me just finish this box.
VICTORIA
...So are you happy to be home?
ABIGAIL
I'm okay.
VICTORIA
I cooked your favorite meal for you.
ABIGAIL
...Thanks.
VICTORIA
...Do you miss him?
ABIGAIL
Who?
VICTORIA
Christopher.
Abigail stops and stands silently for a moment.
ABIGAIL
...No. It was...too complicated.
It wouldn't have worked between us.
VICTORIA
You're sure?
ABIGAIL
Yeah. He mentioned breaking up a
few times anyway. It's easier this
way.
Abigail starts to tear up.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...So about dinner.
She breaks out in full blown tears.
VICTORIA
Abigail...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.
Victoria walks over and wraps her arms around Abigail
lovingly.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
It's okay.
ABIGAIL
(wiping her eyes as
she pulls away)
I know. He's a jerk anyway.
VICTORIA
Listen, I've got you set for an
appointment in two weeks with another
therapist okay?
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
VICTORIA
You ready for dinner?
Abigail nods as Victoria wraps her arm around her. Abigail
lies her head against her moms shoulder as they walk out of
the room.
INT. VICTORIA'S FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
Victoria stands by the door watching Abigail as she sorts
through her purse for her keys, throwing its contents onto
the kitchen counter. Victoria glances at the clock on the
wall.
VICTORIA
We're going to be late.
ABIGAIL
I know. I'm hurrying.
VICTORIA
You're sure you didn't leave them in
the car?
ABIGAIL
Positive.
Victoria shakes her head at Abigail.
VICTORIA
(annoyed)
I'm going to wait outside.
ABIGAIL
Okay, fine!
Victoria gives Abigail an annoyed glance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Sorry.
Victoria shakes her head one last time before disappearing
through the door. Abigail glances around before tossing her
purse down and letting out a frustrated breath. She notices
the car keys sitting on the end table beside the couch and
quickly begins stuffing her things back into her purse. The
phone begins to ring.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Not now...
Abigail rushes to the end table and reaches for her keys as
the answering machine picks up. She freezes as she hears the
voice.
CHRISTOPHER (V.O.)
Hi Abigail...It's Christopher. Just
calling to see how you're doing since
I haven't heard from you in a bit.
She glances over her shoulder toward the machine.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I hope you're doing well and uh...I
miss you...alot actually. Umm give
me a call when you get a chance okay.
I'll talk to you later. Bye.
She stares at the phone unable to move.
VICTORIA (O.S.)
Did you find them?
ABIGAIL
...Uh yeah. I'll be right there.
Abigail walks over to the answering machine. After staring
at it for a second she hits the delete button on the machine.
VICTORIA (O.S.)
Abigail hurry up!
Abigail rushes to the door but stops to take one last glance
back at the phone on her way out.
INT. OUTSIDE THERAPISTS OFFICE -- DAY
Abigail walks out of the therapists office as her Victoria
waits for her in the waiting room. She smiles as Abigail
comes out. Abigail closes the door behind herself.
VICTORIA
So how did things go.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
73.
ABIGAIL
They went good.
VICTORIA
And?
ABIGAIL
He put me back on some pills to help
with depression and sleep.
VICTORIA
Good.
EXT. OUTSIDE THERAPISTS BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail and Victoria walk out the front of the building and
start heading for their car.
ABIGAIL
I really don't want to go back on
these.
VICTORIA
Hun it's for the best. You'll be so
much happier. I just know it.
ABIGAIL
...I guess.
VICTORIA
You do realize you haven't been
yourself lately, don't you?
INT. ABIGAIL'S CAR -- CONTINUOUS
Victoria and Abigail both get into the car. As Victoria
starts up the car they continue their conversation.
ABIGAIL
I guess.
VICTORIA
You have to cheer up. I want my
baby girl back.
She smiles over at Abigail. Abigail smiles back as she lowers
her head back upon the seat and starts to close her eyes.
They flutter slightly as she fights to stay awake. As they
sit at a street corner Abigail sees Christopher standing on
the street corner looking at her. Her head bolts up as they
pull away. He stands there staring at her as they head down
the street.
ABIGAIL
Mom, I think I saw... I mean
Christopher, he was back there on
the corner and...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
74.
She turns toward her mom in the drivers seat who's no longer
there. Christopher now sits in the seat beside her. He
glances over at her before returning his attention to the
road ahead of them. He glances back as they slow down and
reaches his hand towards hers. She pulls away. He sighs.
CHRISTOPHER
I miss you. I really do...Why did
you lie to me.
ABIGAIL
I didn't.
CHRISTOPHER
Yes you did.
She tries to open the door to get out but it's stuck.
ABIGAIL
Let me out.
CHRISTOPHER
Not until you tell me why you lied.
Why'd didn't you tell me you didn't
want me anymore.
ABIGAIL
I said let me out.
He grabs her wrist firmly.
CHRISTOPHER
Tell me!
ABIGAIL
Christopher stop it. Let me go.
She struggles as he holds her arms in his hands.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Let me go...Please you're hurting
me! Let me...
Abigail closes her eyes as he starts to shake her. When she
opens them again it's her moms arms on her. There car sits
stopped in their garage.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...go!
Abigail's hand accidentally slaps her mom across the face.
VICTORIA
Abigail what the hell has gotten
into you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75.
ABIGAIL
(Breathing heavily)
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I thought
you were...
VICTORIA
Christopher. I heard.
Victoria shakes her head at Abigail.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
I'll be in the house.
Victoria makes her way in to the house. Abigail sits in her
seat shaking. Her hands run through her hair as she tries
to calm down.
INT. LIVING ROOM -- DAY
Christopher sits at a table in the living room. In his hands
he holds the ring given to him by Abigail. He slowly turns
it over staring at it before setting it into a box of items
next to him containing all the gifts she had given him. A
moment later he grabs it back up and slips it back onto his
finger. His hands run through his hair in frustration. He
glances down at a piece of paper in front of him, a letter
to Abigail.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
It had been several months. I hadn't
spoken to him. I avoided his calls.
I didn't want him in my dreams. I
did my best to pretend he didn't
exist, not because I hated him but...
Because it hurt to much to remember.
He slowly folds the paper up and places it in the box with
everything else before closing it.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE ABIGAIL'S ROOM -- LATER
Abigail sits on the floor in front of the closet. The open
box sits in front of her with all her things, the letter
from Christopher in her hands.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
He eventually returned every gift I
had ever given to him. Maybe he
hated me, maybe he thought I hated
him...maybe, like me, he just wanted
to forget because it hurt to much to
remember.
She places the letter back in the box and pushes it into the
closet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE ABIGAIL'S ROOM -- NIGHT
Abigail sits huddled on the corner of her bed in the dark,
holding a stuffed doll tightly to her chest. A light shines
from under her closed door.
TOM (O.S.)
(yelling)
I want her out of this house!
VICTORIA (O.S.)
Don't you dare say that!
TOM (O.S.)
If she's not out of here by the end
of the week you'll find yourself out
with her!
A tear slowly begins to roll down Abigail's cheek.
INT. VICTORIA'S FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Victoria stands stunned, staring across the room at Tom, a
look of anger and pain both crossing her face at once. A
moment later she grabs a few loose items laying around and
begins putting them away, as if to run away from her fears.
VICTORIA
...You'd throw me out?
He doesn't answer.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Would you?
TOM
I would.
VICTORIA
I guess that's it then.
TOM
I guess it is.
Tom begins to exit.
VICTORIA
You've never loved me, have you?
TOM
I guess not.
VICTORIA
Tom?
TOM
...Yes?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
77.
VICTORIA
I hate you.
TOM
...The feelings mutual.
Tom walks into the bedroom.
INT. ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM -- LATER
(Alison Krauss- It Doesn't Matter begins playing) Abigail
sits on the bed in her room flipping through a photo album
containing pictures of her and Christopher. The moonlight
slips through the curtains illuminating her while also casting
dark shadows around the room. She stops on a page containing
a rose that has been pressed, a rose given to her several
months earlier by Christopher.
INT. VICTORIA AND TOM'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Victoria stands outside the open door leading into her bedroom
where Tom lies sleeping on the bed with his back toward her.
She looks upon him sadly, a blanket and a pillow under her
arm, the hint of regret in her eyes as she slowly closes the
door and walks away.
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher runs vigorously through the lush green park, his
breathing labored, his heart pounding with every step. As
exhaustion gets the best of him he slows down before coming
to a rest next to a tree. He leans against it and takes a
deep sorrowful breath. He glances down at the ring still on
his finger and removes it. He stares down at it in his hand
before looking up at the moon, lost in deep thought.
INT. VICTORIA AND TOM'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Tom slowly opens his eyes as he takes a deep heavy breath.
He glances over his shoulder and notices his wife is not
there. His eyes turn to a photograph sitting on the nightstand
beside his bed of him and his wife in happier times. Slowly
a glazed look sets upon his face.
INT. ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail sits on the bed with the photo album in her hands
a tear begins to roll down her cheek. It falls upon the rose
in the album. She runs her hand over her cheek and then slowly
closes the book and places it in the drawer of the nightstand
beside the bed. She glances at the box of gifts she had given
Christopher, now laying open next to her bed. Her head gently
comes to rest upon her pillow as she closes her eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.
INT. VICTORIA'S FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Victoria lays on the couch. She grabs the necklace from the
coffee table in front of her and opens it to see a picture
of her and Abigail together inside. She begins to cry as she
closes it and brings the necklace in close to her heart,
while pulling the blankets up tightly around her.
EXT. PARK -- CONTINUOUS
As Christopher gazes up at the moon he grips the ring tightly
in his hand. His face begins to scrunch up as if he's about
to cry. He quickly stifles it with a deep breath and before
being able to give it a second thought, throws the ring into
the grassy park. He stares at where it landed for a brief
moment before taking off to continue his run.
INT. VICTORIA AND TOM'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Tom continues to stare at the picture in front of him. He
hears the muffled cries of his wife in the other room. With
and anguished look on his face he slowly reaches up to the
lamp beside the bed. The smiling faces in the photo of him
and his wife stare out towards him, taunting him, as the
light is turned off.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE HALLWAY -- EVENING
Abigail walks down the hallway of the house carrying a
shopping bag filled with clothing in her hand. The T.V. is
heard coming from the room at the end of the hall. She puts
her bag down and walks into the room.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE STUDY -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail steps into the room she notices someone lying on
the couch but can't make out who it is in the dimly lit room.
ABIGAIL
Mom?
Tom sits up and looks a her.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Sorry.
He nods without moving. His eyes don't come off of her.
She starts to walk out but stops and looks back at him. He
hasn't moved.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Can I ask you a question?
His eyes stay locked on her for another moment before he
lies back down, never saying a word. She hesitates, unsure
of whether to continue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
79.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Have you always hated me?
He doesn't move. His eyes just stare at the television as
his mind races. Abigail starts to make her way from the
room.
TOM
...Abigail.
She stops, turning back to him. He's now sitting up looking
at her, his face a mix of emotions. His hands start to
quiver.
TOM (CONT'D)
...You're mom's out shopping.
Her eyes plead with him for an answer. His eyes turn their
attention back to the television.
TOM (CONT'D)
...I don't hate you.
ABIGAIL
...I heard you and mom last night,
arguing. I heard what was said.
Tom gets up and walks over to turn off the television. He
turns his full attention to Abigail.
TOM
That wasn't meant to be heard by
your ears.
ABIGAIL
It was.
He stands there staring off into nothing.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...What have I done to make you hate
me so much?
He doesn't answer.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I want to know what I did.
More silence.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What did I do?
(repeats it over and
over until Tom
explodes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80.
TOM
You took my wife away from me! You
ruined my life!
They both stand in shock. Abigail's lip begins to quiver
and a moment later she breaks out in tears. Tom himself
struggles to hold back tears. He quickly tries to compose
himself.
TOM (CONT'D)
...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said
that. It's...
He hesitantly makes his way to her. He starts to reach out
to her but changes his mind and quickly retreats to a window.
TOM (CONT'D)
...I just wanted a family, to feel
needed and wanted. I wanted to be a
part of something.
Abigail begins to compose herself.
ABIGAIL
You are.
He glances at her before returning his attention to the
window.
TOM
I don't exist when you're around.
Not in your eyes, not in hers...I
don't hate you Abigail. I hate myself
for feeling how I do.
Just then the front door is heard opening.
VICTORIA (O.S.)
(calling out)
Abigail, are you home already?
TOM
...She's back.
ABIGAIL
...Whether you believe me or not, I
do love you.
He doesn't respond. Abigail exits the room. Tom's gaze
stays fixated on the window as a tear rolls down his cheek.
INT. VICTORIA'S KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER
Victoria places a handful of bags down on the kitchen counter
as Abigail enters the brightly lit kitchen.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81.
VICTORIA
Would you mind grabbing the rest of
the bags from the car?
Abigail wipes her eyes, still red from her talk with Tom.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Abigail I asked you to grab the
groceries from the car...I was
thinking the two of us could spend
time together this weekend at the
zoo. How does that sound?
ABIGAIL
What about dad?
VICTORIA
What about him?
She glances up at Abigail.
ABIGAIL
...You have pushed him out of your
life, haven't you?
VICTORIA
What are you talking about?
ABIGAIL
...It really is my fault...
Abigail starts walking out of the room in a daze.
VICTORIA
(following her after
a moment)
Abigail...Abigail! Get back here,
what are you talking about?
INT. MECHANIC SHOP -- TWO YEARS LATER
Christopher walks out of the main area of the mechanic shop,
wiping access oil from his hands. His face is red and he's
sweating profusely. Dirt and grime cover his face. Large
noises from the machinery goes off behind him. He enters
the break room, closing the door behind him as he takes a
seat. Steve sits across from him with a huge grin on his
face.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck it's hot out there.
STEVE
You're the one that wanted another
job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah three of them at once and I'm
still not making ends meet. I'm
lucky if I get a few hours of sleep
at night.
STEVE
Could be worse.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah?
STEVE
Could have four jobs.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck off.
STEVE
Mellow out man. Geez maybe everyone
is right around here.
CHRISTOPHER
Right about what?
STEVE
Word around the shop is you're too
high strung.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah, so what?
STEVE
Word is someone needs to get
laid...and badly at that. Still
hurting over that bitch huh?
Christopher gives him a glance before getting up and heading
for the door.
STEVE (CONT'D)
You're gonna get pissed over me
stating the obvious?
Christopher grabs Steve by the shirt, lifts him from his
chair, and pushes him up against the the wall.
CHRISTOPHER
You're an asshole, you know that.
He shoves him against the wall as he releases his grip and
walks out the break room door. Steve takes a minute to regain
his breath and then leans out the door as Christopher
disappears out the front door of the shop.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
83.
STEVE
You're a god damn pussy Christopher!
You hear me! A fucking pussy!...
(to himself as he
straightens his shirt)
Fucking bitch.
INT. CHRISTOPHER'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
Christopher enters the front door of his house. The house
is bare except for a a few tiny pieces of furniture here and
there. He removes his shirt and tosses it haphazardly on
the table as he makes his way to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher's kitchen is just as bare as the rest of the
house. The countertops lay empty. His hand reaches into
his back pocket as he removes his wallet and tosses it onto
the counter before making his way to the fridge and removing
a beer. He pops the top off and takes a swig, then sets the
beer down on the counter, his hands resting on the cabinet
as he stares out the window into the night sky. He glances
at his wallet laying on the counter top, as he takes another
sip of beer. Setting down the bottle he slowly reaches for
the wallet and opens it, removing a worn out, folded picture.
He opens it up and stares at it for a moment. It's a picture
of Abigail. He slowly turns it over. On the back in large
red letters it reads "A Promise to wait...forever." He looks
back out at the stars in the night sky.
CHRISTOPHER
I don't ask for much. I don't even
know if I believe in you...I'm lost.
If you're there...if you're real...
He glances back down at her photo before returning his gaze
to the night sky.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I...I need something. I...love this
person dearly. I made a promise and
I don't know what...
(to himself)
I have to be fucking nuts, two years
without hearing...
(he glances back at
the sky)
Give me a sign, a call, anything.
Show me I haven't wasted two
years...Show me I haven't been wrong
in keeping this promise...
He glances at the phone hanging on the wall. Nothing.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Show me!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.
He glances again at the phone, nothing. He laughs slightly
to himself before chugging what's left of his beer.
INT. CHRISTOPHER'S HOUSE -- LATER
Several beer bottles lay strewn across the counter, beer
spilled here and there. Christopher lies passed out on the
couch. The phone on the wall begins to ring yet Christopher
doesn't move. The caller I.D. on the phone reads "Abigail"
as the phone continues to ring. The answering machine finally
picks up.
CHRISTOPHER (V.O.)
It's me. Leave a message.
As the machine beeps all that's heard is a dial tone.
INT. CHRISTOPHER'S HOUSE -- MORNING
The rays of the sun break through the window, shedding it's
morning light upon the room. It catches Christopher's face
as he rolls over trying to shield his face from the glare.
He lets out a low groan and rolls over again, this time
falling off the couch. He slowly works himself to his feet
and walks over to the kitchen counter, picking up an empty
bottle of beer and trying to get what little bit he can from
it. His eye catches the blinking light of the answering
machine as he stumbles his way over to it. He starts the
answering machine and hears nothing. His hand moves over to
the caller I.D. and starts cycling through it. He freezes
as it hits Abigail's name. His eyes lock on it in shock as
he stares at it. He shakes his head after a moment trying
to focus his eyes, unsure if they're working properly. He
slowly turns around and leans against the counter, his gaze
passing the window before looking upward. He glances now at
the phone, his hand moving slowly to pick it up.
CHRISTOPHER
It can't be...why would...
He glances up again.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
(quietly to himself)
...thank you.
He dials the number and takes a deep breath before raising
the phone to his ear.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
Hello?
CHRISTOPHER
Hi. How are you?
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
Who is this?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
85.
CHRISTOPHER
It's Christopher.
(Matchbox Twenty - Last Beautiful Girl starts playing for
the next several scenes)
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
(coldly)
What do you want?
CHRISTOPHER
I just...your name showed up on my
phone and I thought...
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
(coldly)
It wasn't me.
CHRISTOPHER
(brief moment of shock)
...Okay. I'm sorry for bothering
you.
He slowly lowers the phone as he hangs up. He stares off
into nothingness for a moment. All of a sudden he tosses
the phone against the wall, shattering it into pieces.
INT. ABIGAIL'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail slowly lowers the cell phone from her ear. She stares
at it for a moment before setting it down on the seat beside
her. She takes a deep breath and continues her drive.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP -- LATER
Christopher sits outside the coffee shop sipping on a coffee.
He glances inside and sees two people sitting on the couch,
their arms wrapped lovingly around each other. They kiss
for a brief moment. Christopher gets up and walks away down
the street filled with shops.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE BEDROOM -- LATER
Abigail stands in front of a long mirror, holding a dress in
each hand, trying to decide which would look best on her.
She shakes her head and throws them down on the bed. She
heads over to the closest to grab another. As she searches
through the closest she kicks a partially opened box on the
floor. She glances down to see the picture of Christopher
and her peaking out from it. She stares at it for a moment
before shaking her head angrily and closing it before going
back to her search.
EXT. STREET OF SHOPS -- LATER
Christopher walks slowly down the street looking into the
shop windows.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
86.
He passes a store with wedding rings in the window. He looks
at them, lost in thought. A woman in the store walks over
and removes them from the window.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE BEDROOM -- LATER
Abigail sits at a desk in front of her mirror doing her make-
up. After a moment she pauses and looks back over her
shoulder at the box sitting in the open closest. She gets
up and walks over to close it before returning to her desk
to continue with her make-up.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP -- LATER
Christopher has made his way back to the coffee shop. As he
approaches he sees the couple from earlier standing outside
on the patio. They appear to be in an argument. The guy
points wildly around, yelling and screaming. The woman is
almost in tears and yelling back at him. Suddenly she slaps
him and walks away, leaving him standing there.
EXT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE -- LATER
A man stands outside Victoria's house, knocking on the door.
A moment later Abigail opens the door. She grabs him in an
intimate hug and kisses him. Hand in hand they walk off the
front door step and away.
INT. BAR -- NIGHT
Christopher sits in the middle of a bar, his hair a bit more
tussled then usual. His hand reaches for a beer as he takes
a sip. He get's drunker and drunker, his eyes hopping from
woman to woman as they wander. He catches a blurred glimpse
of several male and females grinding against one another to
the music, sweat dripping from their bodies and very sexual
in nature. His eyes catch a glimpse of her girl that looks
like Abigail, but his vision's too blurred to tell. Another
blonde nearby looks at him and smiles as the Abigail look
alike walks by her. He picks up bottle of beer still half
full and chugs it down. (Matchbox Twenty - Last Beautiful
Girl starts to lower and then stops right here.) He glances
at the Abigail like girl one last time.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck it.
He gets up and walks over to the attractive blond, Molly,
grabbing her by the hair and pulling her into him. He kisses
her , she pulls back quickly, and a second later leans in to
return the kiss. The music and dancing goes on around them.
EXT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE -- DAY
Abigail pulls into the driveway of Victoria's house. She
gets out of the car with a quizzical look on her face as she
glances at the "For Sale" sign standing in the front yard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
87.
She glances to the front door and then back to the sign before
making her way up to the house.
INT. VICTORIA'S FAMILY ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Victoria sits on the couch. Tom sits across from her in an
arm chair. Victoria glances over her shoulder as Abigail
enters. She smiles solemnly at Abigail.
ABIGAIL
...Mom?
No answer.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Dad?
Another moment of silence.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What's going on?
TOM
Sit down.
She takes a seat between them on the couch.
ABIGAIL
Are we moving?
VICTORIA
...No.
ABIGAIL
Then why the...?
TOM
You're welcome to stay until the
house is sold.
ABIGAIL
I don't understand.
VICTORIA
Your father and I had a long
talk...about us, you...
ABIGAIL
What about...
VICTORIA
Abigail please, let me finish.
Abigail nods slowly.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
What I'm trying to say is...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
88.
She glances at Tom and he nods to her.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
I'm sorry. We both are.
ABIGAIL
Sorry for what?
Victoria leans over and gives her a kiss on the forehead.
Tears begin to well up in her eyes. She quickly gets up and
walks to the window, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
Abigail watches her closely and a moment later starts to
weep herself.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...What did I do wrong?
VICTORIA
No, no, no...
She quickly makes her way back to Abigail and throws her
arms around her, embracing her in a way only a mother could.
Abigail weeps into her shoulder as Victoria slowly pulls
away to face her, softly running her hand over her daughters
face as if seeing her for the first time.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
You didn't do anything wrong...You
did nothing wrong.
ABIGAIL
I don't...
VICTORIA
...My little girl, my darling little
girl. You've grown up before my
very eyes and I hadn't noticed.
It's time for you to move on...Time
for me and Tom to move on.
A long moment of silence as the true meaning of these words
sink in. A split second later Abigail and Victoria both
erupt in a torrent of tears as they hold each other tightly.
Tom reaches out, taking hold of Victoria's hand as tears
also begin to well up in his eyes.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
Everything had finally come full
circle. It was time to start the
next chapter of my life...
EXT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE -- DAY
Abigail stands on the front steps of Victoria's house staring
at the door. She carefully unlocks it and glances around at
the emptiness in front of her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
89.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
The house had sold quickly. Within
a month it was vacant. A chill swept
through my body as I took my last
journey through it. All that was
left was memories...My childhood,
all the good and bad, now mere images
burned upon my mind.
INT. VICTORIA'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail slowly takes a step inside, running her fingertips
along the barren walls. She passes vacant rooms in the house
on the way to what used to be her bedroom, her hands running
over the walls and countertops along the way. She enters her
room and gazes about. A lone box in the partially opened
closet catches her eye. She walks over and carefully pulls
it out. She recognizes it and her hands begin to hesitantly
open it. She slowly removes a photo of Christopher and herself
from the box. Her mind begins to race.
ABIGAIL
Yet one image popped once again upon
my mind...him. What if...what if
things had ended differently, had
there been enough time. Could we
start again. Would things be
different...could we write a better
ending, a happier ending filled with
love...what if...
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- EVENING
Christopher stands by the sliding glass door staring out
into space, his eyes wrought with sadness and intensity.
The sun is setting behind the mountains off in the distance
giving the sky a pinkish tint as a gentle breeze picks up,
blowing leaves across the yard. Christopher takes a deep
breath of the fall air before stepping back into the house
and closing the sliding door behind him. There are several
empty beer cans littering the table beside him. The doorbell
rings and Christopher glances at the clock before heading to
answer it.
INT. LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher opens the door to find Abigail standing on the
doorsteps, her back towards him as she straightens out her
dress. She slowly turns to him and a forced smile comes to
her face as Christopher stares in shock.
ABIGAIL
Hi...
CHRISTOPHER
What are you doing here?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90.
ABIGAIL
I thought that...can I...?
She motions toward the door and after a moment of silence
Christopher steps out of the way.
CHRISTOPHER
...yeah.
Abigail hesitantly steps into the house and glances around
the almost empty room as Christopher closes the door behind
her.
ABIGAIL
It's nice, the house I mean.
CHRISTOPHER
Thanks.
ABIGAIL
...Listen about everything...
CHRISTOPHER
...It's okay.
Christopher makes his way towards the family room as Abigail
follows behind him.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher collapses on the couch and closes his eyes.
Abigail stands staring at him.
ABIGAIL
Do you mind if I...?
CHRISTOPHER
No. Go ahead.
She slowly takes a seat next to him.
ABIGAIL
Do you hate me...?
CHRISTOPHER
...You lied to me. You never...
ABIGAIL
...I didn't mean to.
CHRISTOPHER
Why did you come?
She sits silently not saying a word.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
91.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
We'll talk about it later right?
But later's never going to come, is
it?
ABIGAIL
I didn't come here to argue with
you.
Abigail quickly gets up to leave and Christopher grabs her
by the arm.
CHRISTOPHER
Then why did you come here!
ABIGAIL
I...I don't know.
She pulls away from Christopher's grasp and starts staggering
down the hall towards the front door while trying not to
cry. Christopher gets up to follow her.
CHRISTOPHER
You know damn well why you're here.
So what is it?
Abigail falls to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
That's it, cry. You're always the
victim, aren't you. Nothing's ever
your fault.
ABIGAIL
Stop blaming me for everything!
Christopher stares down at her as his anger melts away. He
slowly sits down next to her and holds her in his arms.
CHRISTOPHER
...I'm sorry.
She slowly pulls her head up from his chest and their eyes
meet in an intimate gaze, their foreheads resting upon one
another's.
ABIGAIL
...I should leave.
CHRISTOPHER
...Yeah.
They kiss and before long she's straddled over him and their
embrace has grown more passionate. Abigail takes a deep
breath as she clutches at his shirt. Her eyes close as a
pained expression crosses her face.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
92.
ABIGAIL
Stop.
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
I can't...
Abigail quickly gets up and starts walking out of the house
leaving Christopher sitting dumbfounded.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail walks out of the house towards her car parked in the
driveway. Christopher races out of the house seconds later
after her as she struggles with the keys in the car door.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail! Abigail wait!
ABIGAIL
What?
CHRISTOPHER
Don't do this to me again.
ABIGAIL
Do what?
CHRISTOPHER
Why did you come back?
ABIGAIL
I don't know...
She quickly gets in the car and drives off leaving Christopher
standing in the driveway.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- LATER
(Black Lamb- Keep Myself Awake begins playing)Christopher
sits at the table in his dining room. Several cans of beer
are strewn across the table. His breathing heavy and labored,
he grabs a half empty can and finishes it off before slamming
it down on the table. With his eyes glazed over he stares
off into the vast emptiness before him.
INT. ABIGAIL'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail sits in the middle of an empty parking lot,
neurotically biting at her fingernails. She glances at her
cell phone sitting on the seat next to her, and then turns
away as she hesitantly grabs her purse.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
93.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
As Christopher continues to sit at the table in a daze, his
breathing begins to slow down until it almost stops. His
face hardens. His arm quickly sweeps across the table sending
all the beer cans flying.
INT. ABIGAIL'S CAR -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail sits in her seat staring down at a photo of her and
Christopher in her hands. Her purse lies open in her lap
with some of it's contents laying strewn on the floor at her
feet. She again glances at her phone and with a deep breath,
picks it up and dials a number.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher staggers towards his couch and collapses on top
of it, completely out cold. The phone in the kitchen begins
to ring and the answering machine picks up shortly afterward.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
...Christopher, it's me...
(starting to weep but
stopping herself)
I was wondering...I'm...I live at my
old place if you want to stop by
tomorrow and talk, about noon. If
not I understand...bye.
INT. ABIGAIL'S APARTMENT -- AFTERNOON
Abigail sits on her couch, glancing at the clock which now
reads twelve thirty. She gets up and slowly walks to the
balcony overlooking the parking lot below. Still no sign of
Christopher. She runs her hand over her face in despair as
she goes back inside to the kitchen, pouring herself a cup
of coffee. A bottle of pills sits on the counter next to
her mug. She opens it spilling several on the counter. She
quickly pops a couple into her mouth before taking a sip of
the coffee. She closes her eyes with a deep breath, trying
to relax.
CHRISTOPHER
What are you doing?
She turns around startled to see Christopher standing behind
her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
What are you doing taking pills.
ABIGAIL
I...I...How did you get in here?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
94.
CHRISTOPHER
The door was open. Are you going to
answer me or not?
She stands the with her head lowered, not wanting to speak.
He walks over and picks up the bottle and begins reading it.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Zoloft huh? Why are you taking this?
ABIGAIL
...I need it.
He stares at her long and hard before setting the bottle
back down on the counter.
CHRISTOPHER
You were right...I don't know who
you are.
Christopher starts to walk towards the front door.
ABIGAIL
Wait...!
Christopher slowly turns around to look right into her eyes.
CHRISTOPHER
I hate you.
ABIGAIL
...I'm sorry.
CHRISTOPHER
What?
Abigail looks pleadingly into his eyes. As her body starts
to tremble at the fear of him leaving.
ABIGAIL
...I'm sorry.
He looks at her questioningly as he slowly walks over to
her. She once again lowers her head but he gently raises it
with his hands as she looks on, scared of what he'll say
next. Her eyes slowly well up with tears.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
She throws herself into his arms as she begins sobbing. He
hesitantly wraps his arms around her, his eyes lost in a
blank stare.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I need to ask you...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
95.
CHRISTOPHER
Ask what?
Abigail pulls away, wiping the tears from her eyes in an
attempt to compose herself. She walks over and sits
hesitantly on the couch. Christopher walks to the window,
standing there silently, his eyes fixed in a cold stare.
ABIGAIL
Can we try again?
She watches him intently, waiting for him to snap at her.
Christopher continues staring out the window in silence.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You're not going to say anything?
CHRISTOPHER
Thanks for keeping your promise.
She fidgets.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
...I regret saying it.
ABIGAIL
Saying?
CHRISTOPHER
That I'd Wait.
His eyes turn to meet hers in a threatening gaze.
ABIGAIL
Did you?
Again no answer from him as he turns his attention back to
the window.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You hate me. I can feel it.
CHRISTOPHER
No.
She cautiously gets up and walks over to him. Her hand runs
gently down his back. He turns to look at her.
ABIGAIL
Things can't go back, can they?
His eyes lock into hers. The silence permeates the room and
a second later he grabs her and kisses her. Her body gives
into his, not sensing the anger and lack of passion in his
kiss.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE -- ONE YEAR LATER
A cute little house sits peacefully in the daylight. It's
surrounded by a quaint white fence that a few blue birds
have decided to land on and make their resting place for the
moment. They chirp loudly and fly away as a young kid on
his bike rides by followed by two more young kids chasing
after him.
ABIGAIL (V.O.)
Within months we were married and
everything seemed so perfect. There
was nothing more I could have asked
for. It was like when we first met.
It was like I was living in heaven
and every moment was something
magical.
The clouds roll in and the house becomes very dark as rain
starts pouring down.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
That's when the nightmares started
to worsen, only this time it was
harder to tell what was real and
what wasn't. I should have known
heaven couldn't last.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
The sliding glass door opens and Christopher, unshaven,
wearing a wife beater, and scraggily jeans, walks in from
the rain. Abigail lies on the couch sound asleep in front
of the T.V. which has static running across its screen. He
glares at her as if he wants to kill her. The thunder crashes
behind him as lightning fills the room.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail quickly sits up. Christopher is gone. She tries to
rub the sleep from her eyes. The sun shines through the
windows and a white dove sits on the window sill. A soap
opera plays on the T.V. she shakes her head at the television
set then walks over to turn it off. She then grabs a book
from the coffee table and curls up on the couch. A moment
passes and she hears the front door swing open. Christopher,
clean cut, wearing a suit, tie, and overcoat walks in happily
and sets his briefcase down next to the coat rack.
CHRISTOPHER
Honey, I'm home.
He walks around the corner towards the family room. Abigail
stands up with a huge grin on her ace. He walks over and
gives Abigail a big hug and kiss.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
97.
ABIGAIL
If that's not the corniest line I've
ever heard.
CHRISTOPHER
I know but I've always wanted to say
that. I love you.
He hangs up his overcoat and takes his shoes off, putting
them into the closet.
ABIGAIL
I love you too.
CHRISTOPHER
You look stunning, you know that?
ABIGAIL
You don't have to...
He kisses her again.
CHRISTOPHER
I know. I want to.
She kisses him back.
ABIGAIL
What would you like for dinner?
CHRISTOPHER
Don't worry about it. I'm giving
you the night off. Just sit back,
relax. I've got everything taken
care of.
He runs his hand across her face before walking into the
kitchen.
ABIGAIL
(calling out)
You're too good to me, you know that?
She smiles as she sinks back onto the couch.
CHRISTOPHER
Did you hear about the couple down
the street?
Christopher comes out of the kitchen, a glass of wine in
each hand. He hands a glass to Abigail as he sits next to
her.
ABIGAIL
No...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
98.
CHRISTOPHER
I guess there was a big fight. I
drove by and her husband was in
handcuffs and she was being put into
an ambulance. It looked pretty bad.
ABIGAIL
That's horrible.
CHRISTOPHER
I think practically the whole
neighborhood saw it.
ABIGAIL
I must have slept through it.
She curls up against Christopher and holds him tight as he
runs his hand up and down her arm.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Ouch!
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
I don't know, that just kind of hurt.
She raises the sleeve of her shirt. On her upper arm is a
huge bruise.
CHRISTOPHER
My god. How did you get that?
ABIGAIL
I don't know.
Christopher walks out of the room and into the bathroom. He
quickly comes back with a wet rag as Abigail sits on the
couch examining her bruise.
CHRISTOPHER
Here put this on it.
ABIGAIL
Thanks.
CHRISTOPHER
You look tired. Did you get any
sleep?
ABIGAIL
A little. The nightmares are
just...they're driving me nuts.
They're getting worse and they just...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99.
CHRISTOPHER
Have you considered a doctor?
ABIGAIL
What's a doctor going to do?
CHRISTOPHER
I don't know, maybe he can....
ABIGAIL
Coffee?
CHRISTOPHER
No...
Abigail gets up and heads for the kitchen. Christopher
follows her.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail enters the kitchen and heads straight for the coffee
pot, her hands starting to shake from the stress and worries
of her life.
CHRISTOPHER
You can't go on like this.
ABIGAIL
I know.
CHRISTOPHER
Then see a doctor.
ABIGAIL
Christopher please!
He sits stunned for a second as she pours herself a cup of
coffee. He slouches his shoulders in defeat.
CHRISTOPHER
I give up. I can't help you if you
don't want to help yourself.
ABIGAIL
That's not the....fine. I'll see a
doctor okay. I'll call and make an
appointment tomorrow.
CHRISTOPHER
Thank you.
She leans against the kitchen counter and turns the coffee
cup around in her hand as Christopher watches her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100.
ABIGAIL
I'm sorry...I didn't mean to snap at
you. I'm just a little stressed
from the nightmares and with the
lack of sleep and....
CHRISTOPHER
I know...
ABIGAIL
It's just, in the dreams everything's
different. Our relationship, the
way you treat me and it...it just
seems so real...
CHRISTOPHER
You don't have to apologize...I
understand.
He walks over and places his hands on her hips.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I love you.
He kisses her.
ABIGAIL
I love you to...
She places the coffee mug on the counter as the kissing gets
more passionate. She starts to remove his shirt.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
Christopher and Abigail lie facing each other in bed, staring
into each others eyes. They kiss each other softly as she
curls up into his arms. Within moments she's asleep.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
Abigail lies in bed, tossing and turning violently. She
awakens to notices that Christopher is no longer beside her.
She sits up and turns on the light. It throws a dim aura on
the room. She hears a noise by the bathroom door.
Christopher leans against the door's frame, a menacing look
on his face, a can of beer in his hand.
ABIGAIL
What time is it?
CHRISTOPHER
It's late.
He tosses the can onto the floor beside the garbage can.
ABIGAIL
What are you still doing up?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101.
CHRISTOPHER
Thought I heard something.
She lays back down in bed as he walks over to the bed and
stands beside the light looking down at her.
ABIGAIL
Are you coming back to bed?
He continues to stare down at her as she closes her eyes.
CHRISTOPHER
Hmm...
He leans down and kisses her forcefully on the lips. She
gently pushes him away.
ABIGAIL
Not now. Maybe later...
Again he forcefully kisses her. She pushes him off again,
this time harder.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Christopher I said later.
He starts to lay on top of her. She struggles to get him
off.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
What the hell has gotten into you!
CHRISTOPHER
Bitch!
He slaps her across the face. She stares at him before
pushing him off and getting up. He looks at her and then
lays down on his pillow and closes his eyes.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Fine, be that way.
She stares at him in disbelief as she runs her hand over her
lip.
INT. BEDROOM -- MORNING
Abigail jumps up with a gasp, as she struggles to catch her
breath. A hand reaches up and touches her arm. She jumps
up with a slight scream.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey, hey. Are you okay?
Abigail turns to see Christopher next to her. She quickly
jumps out of bed and rushes off to the bathroom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
102.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail?
She emerges from the bathroom, her hand on her lip.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail, baby. Are you alright?
ABIGAIL
I don't...
CHRISTOPHER
Nightmare again?
ABIGAIL
Yeah, it's just...it seemed so...
CHRISTOPHER
Come here.
She walks over and crawls back into bed with him. He wraps
his arms around her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
It's alright. Everything's okay.
ABIGAIL
In my dream you...
She touches her lip again and then looks at her finger.
CHRISTOPHER
You're bleeding.
ABIGAIL
Yeah...I must have bit my lip when...
CHRISTOPHER
When what?
ABIGAIL
You hit me...
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail I would never...
ABIGAIL
No, in my dream you hit me and then
you tried to...
She curls up against him and then starts to cry.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey, hey baby. Come on, don't be
like that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
103.
ABIGAIL
I'm sorry, it's just that...
CHRISTOPHER
Tell you what, why don't you go wash
up and I'll have a nice big old
breakfast ready for you when you get
done.
She looks up at him as he wipes the tears from her eyes.
She kisses him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Now go on. Wash up. The faster you
get done the faster we can eat.
Christopher gets up and walks out of the room. Abigail
sleepily begins to sit up. She glances at the door and then
lays her head back down on the pillow to get a few minutes
more rest. The light in the room begins to fade.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
Abigail opens her eyes slowly and glances at the clock. She
jumps up quickly and grabs a robe from the bathroom before
walking out of the bedroom.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail makes her way down the stairs. She hears noises in
the kitchen just as she starts down the second set of stairs.
A content smile crosses her faces.
ABIGAIL
Christopher I'm sorry, I closed my
eyes for just a second and I must
have dozed...off...
As Abigail rounds the corner into the kitchen she freezes in
her tracks. Molly, a young and attractive female vixen,
stands in front her going through the refrigerator. Molly
closes the door to the fridge as she glances up and notices
her. A sly smile crosses her face.
MOLLY
You must be Abigail.
ABIGAIL
Who are you?
MOLLY
A friend of Christopher's.
ABIGAIL
What are you doing in my house?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104.
MOLLY
Christopher gave me a key.
Abigail glances around for any sign of her husband.
ABIGAIL
(calling out)
Christopher!...Christopher!
Molly grins at her as she grabs an apple from the fruit bowl
on the counter.
MOLLY
He's not home. I checked.
ABIGAIL
...You didn't answer my question.
What are you doing in my house.
MOLLY
Your house? I thought it was
Christopher's.
Molly studies her reaction as Abigail just stares at her.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
You must be more messed up than he's
told me. From what he's said you'd
be on the streets without him...all
alone.
Molly grins mockingly at her as Abigail's insecurities start
to set in.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
You're not going to cry are you?
ABIGAIL
...Shut up.
MOLLY
Actually I can see why he has to go
elsewhere to satisfy himself. Have
you even looked in the mirror lately?
Molly shakes her head at Abigail.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
I would be ashamed to show myself in
public if I looked like that. I can
see why no one else would want you.
ABIGAIL
(on the verge of tears)
Shut up!
Abigail takes a deep breath trying to calm herself.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I'm asking one more time before I
call the police. Why are you in my
house?
Molly grins mischievously before turning and walking towards
the front door. Abigail slowly follows, watching her.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Molly approaches the door, and as she opens it, she looks
back at Abigail.
MOLLY
Like I said, he has to go elsewhere
to be satisfied and I needed some
help myself today...tell Christopher
I'll catch up with him later.
Molly smiles back at Abigail as she walks out the door,
closing it behind her. Abigail stands staring at the door
as the tears begin to well up in her eyes. Within seconds
she starts crying uncontrollably as she runs around the corner
and up the stairs.
INT. BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail crashes through the bedroom doors and flings herself
onto the bed, burying her head in the blankets as her emotions
continue to overwhelm her. Soon she becomes quiet as the
room darkens.
INT. BEDROOM -- LATER
Abigail lies asleep on the bed as Christopher sits next to
pushing her hair out of her face. Abigail slowly opens her
eyes and is startled upon seeing Christopher.
ABIGAIL
Stay away!
CHRISTOPHER
...Abigail?
She quickly glances about the room before flinging herself
onto Christopher in relief and holding him tightly. He gently
rubs her back with a quizzical look on his face.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
What's wrong?
ABIGAIL
...I had another nightmare.
CHRISTOPHER
Did I...was I...?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
106.
ABIGAIL
You weren't there...There was another
woman in the house...downstairs, I
thought it was you and...she said
all of these horrible things...
CHRISTOPHER
Like what?
ABIGAIL
She said that you and her were...
Christopher lets out a deep sigh before looking into Abigail's
eyes.
CHRISTOPHER
Hun, I love you. I am so happy with
you. You have no idea how happy I
am. I would never do anything to
jeopardize that or hurt you. Okay?
You mean the world to me.
He gives her a quick kiss.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Now come on. Your breakfast is
getting cold.
He starts to get up.
ABIGAIL
Christopher?
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah?
ABIGAIL
I love you.
He smiles at her.
CHRISTOPHER
I love you too.
Christopher starts to make his way towards the bedroom door
but then stops.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Hey, did you call the doctor like I
said?
ABIGAIL
Not yet but I will.
CHRISTOPHER
...When's the last time you left the
house?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
107.
Abigail pauses for a moment.
ABIGAIL
...I don't remember.
CHRISTOPHER
You should go out. I think some
fresh air would do you some good.
ABIGAIL
I don't really have anyone to go out
with.
CHRISTOPHER
What about Molly?
ABIGAIL
Molly?
CHRISTOPHER
Our neighbor down the street.
ABIGAIL
I don't think I've ever met Molly.
CHRISTOPHER
Sure you did, it was...I'll call her
over for dinner tonight. I'm sure
you'll recognize her when you see
her.
ABIGAIL
Okay...Hey Christopher, would you
mind if I found a doctor to come
here, to the house?
CHRISTOPHER
You mean a house call? Didn't I
just tell you to get out more?
ABIGAIL
Yeah...
CHRISTOPHER
Okay, I'll tell you what, he can
come here if you promise to get out
of the house for a bit afterwards.
Deal?
ABIGAIL
Deal.
They smile at each other.
CHRISTOPHER
Now hurry and get dressed. Breakfast
is getting cold.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- NIGHT
Christopher and Abigail sit on the couch in each others arms
as the radio plays. The doorbell rings and they both get up
to answer it. As Christopher opens the door, Abigail see's
Molly and her face sets in shock.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail this is Molly. Do you
remember...Abigail? Are you all
right?
ABIGAIL
...No.
Abigail starts to walk away in shock.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail?
He walks over to her and grabs her in his arms.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
What's wrong?
ABIGAIL
That's her...
CHRISTOPHER
Her?
ABIGAIL
The girl from my dream.
Christopher glances back at Molly with concern on his face.
MOLLY
Is she alright?
CHRISTOPHER
...Yeah. She had a dream that me
and you were...
MOLLY
...oh. Would it be better if I...?
Molly motions towards the door. Christopher begins to nod
his head as Molly starts to leave.
ABIGAIL
No, wait. I'm sorry. I'm probably
just being ridiculous. I must have
just remembered you from somewhere
and when I was dreaming...It's just
a silly coincidence.
She looks up to Christopher with fear in her eyes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
109.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Right?
Christopher holds her tightly.
CHRISTOPHER
Right.
MOLLY
Are you sure? I completely understand
if...
ABIGAIL
Yeah. I'm sure...please, stay.
CHRISTOPHER
Hun, you don't...
ABIGAIL
It's okay. I'll be fine.
Abigail smiles up at Christopher as she walks over to Molly.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Please stay.
MOLLY
Okay.
They both smile at one another as Christopher watches in
concern.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- LATER
Abigail, Christopher, and Molly all sit at the table laughing
together over a joke Molly just told. The all have glances
of wine in front of them. Christopher glances at his watch
and then looks over at Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
It's getting late. I should get to
bed for work tomorrow. Are you two
going to...?
Abigail smiles at Christopher before looking to Molly.
ABIGAIL
Molly do you mind staying a bit
longer?
MOLLY
Not at all.
ABIGAIL
(to Christopher)
Is it okay?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
110.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah. You enjoy yourself and if you
need anything I'll be right upstairs,
okay?
Abigail hugs Christopher as he kisses her on the forehead.
ABIGAIL
Okay.
(whispering in his
ear)
Thank you.
Christopher smiles at her.
CHRISTOPHER
Good night.
ABIGAIL
Good night.
CHRISTOPHER
Molly thanks for coming over.
MOLLY
It's not a problem. I'm having a
lot of fun. Abigail's just adorable.
Abigail smiles as her face turns a bright shade of red.
ABIGAIL
Molly!
Christopher smiles as he begins walking towards the stairs.
CHRISTOPHER
Well you two have fun and don't be
up to late.
ABIGAIL
We won't.
Christopher disappears up the stairs.
MOLLY
He is so in love with you.
ABIGAIL
Huh?
MOLLY
Christopher. He's completely head
over heals in love with you. Can't
you tell by the way he looks at you?
It's like he doesn't even see anyone
else.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111.
ABIGAIL
You're just saying that.
MOLLY
No, I'm not. He is. You are a very
lucky girl.
ABIGAIL
Thank you.
Abigail smiles weakly as she stares down at the floor.
MOLLY
What's wrong?...is it...He told me
about the problems you were having.
Is there anything I can do to help?
ABIGAIL
I don't...I'm calling a doctor
tomorrow...
MOLLY
That's a good idea....Why don't I
come over tomorrow and we can have
lunch. You know, a little girls
time together.
ABIGAIL
You wouldn't mind?
MOLLY
Not at all. It'll be fun.
ABIGAIL
That would be great.
Molly gets up to leave.
MOLLY
Okay, well you take care of yourself
and I'll see you tomorrow.
Molly gives Abigail a hug.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
And don't worry about anything.
He's completely into you. A herd of
wild horses couldn't drag him away
from you.
ABIGAIL
Molly thank you. I really do
appreciate it.
MOLLY
Anytime.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
112.
With a wave of her hand Molly begins to walk out the door.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
I'll see you tomorrow around noon.
ABIGAIL
Okay...Bye.
MOLLY
Bye.
Abigail closes the door behind Molly. She makes her way
into the kitchen and grabs a glass of water which she sips
as she walks to the T.V. in the family rooms and turns it on
before heading to the couch. She lays down, putting the
glass of water on the end table, and within moments she's
asleep.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- LATER
Abigail lies sound asleep on the couch. The early morning
light shines through the window casting strange shadows in
the room. A shadow runs by Abigail and a second later she
jumps up and glances around. She notices the water on the
table next to her and slowly takes a sip. A moment later
she grabs her head as if she's dizzy and lays back down. A
few minutes later she is once again asleep.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- DAY
Abigail sits at a table. Across from her sits her friend
Molly. In front of them sits two plates, with what remains
of their lunch, and two glasses half filled with their drinks.
MOLLY
So where is he now?
ABIGAIL
At work.
MOLLY
Miss him?
ABIGAIL
You have no idea. He makes me
breakfast every morning. Do you
know how hard it is to find a guy
that can cook?
Molly giggles.
MOLLY
And how is he in other areas?
ABIGAIL
What other....oh. I'm not going to
talk about that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
113.
Abigail begins to blush.
MOLLY
Oh come on. I have to know.
ABIGAIL
Let's just say...I'm completely
satisfied.
MOLLY
You've never had to fake...?
Abigail grabs the plates and Molly grabs the glasses from
the table and they take them into the kitchen, as their
conversation continues.
ABIGAIL
Molly!
MOLLY
I'm just curious. You sure you don't
want to share him?
ABIGAIL
You lay a hand on my man and....
They grin jokingly at each other.
MOLLY
Fine, keep your superman. We'll
just see how jealous you get when I
find Captain America.
They both break out laughing.
ABIGAIL
I think you've been reading a few to
many comic books.
Abigail puts the last dish away and heads out the kitchen,
followed by Molly.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail and Molly take a seat next to each other on the couch.
Abigail yawns as she takes another sip from her drink.
MOLLY
Tired?
ABIGAIL
Yeah, I've been having a lot of bad
dreams lately and it's made it a
little difficult to...
Abigail stifles another yawn.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
114.
MOLLY
You poor thing. If you'd like me to
leave so you can grab a short nap...
ABIGAIL
No. No, Christopher should be home
soon and...
Another yawn as Abigail lays her head back and closes her
eyes.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Maybe just a few minutes. Christopher
should be another minute or two if
you could just...
Abigail dozes off as the lights begin to dim. The front
door is heard opening and Abigail opens her eyes slightly.
Christopher walks into the hallway leading into the family
room, grungy looking and with a cigarette in hand. He leans
against the wall by the stairs. Abigail's eyes slightly
open as Molly stands up and walks over to Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER
What the fuck are you doing here?
MOLLY
Met your wife. She's out cold.
Christopher glances over at Abigail. Molly, now wearing
more makeup and appearing trashy, watches as Christopher
approaches Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
What the hell did you do to her?
Christopher takes one last puff on the cigarette as he goes
to the sliding glass door, opens it, and flicks the remainder
of his cigarette outside the door before closing it behind
him.
MOLLY
Just slipped a little something into
her drink. She'll be out for a bit.
Molly grins as Christopher approaches her. She slowly moves
backwards until she's pressed up against the wall and
Christopher is pressed up against her.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
So what'd you want to do?
He runs his hand up her chest as they kiss.
MOLLY (CONT'D)
Your wife?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
115.
Molly glances at a photo of Abigail hanging on the wall next
to them.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck her.
Christopher places his hand on the photo and pulls it from
the wall causing it to fall to the floor and break as he
continues on with Molly. Abigail's eyes again fall shut.
A few moments later they open again. Christopher, dressed
nicely, sits across from her in a chair while Molly is still
in her seat on the couch. They both look at Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Honey you're up.
ABIGAIL
I must have dozed off. What are you
two...did I miss anything.
Abigail attempts to sit up but fails.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
You weren't...?
MOLLY
Abbey you don't look so good.
ABIGAIL
I feel a bit dizzy.
MOLLY
Maybe you should go lie down in bed.
Abigail shakily gets to her feet.
ABIGAIL
That might be a good idea.
She slowly starts walking towards the stairs to the bedroom.
She begins to stumble and grabs for support as Christopher
grabs a hold of her to help her steady herself.
CHRISTOPHER
You okay?
ABIGAIL
Yeah, if you could just help me to
the...
Christopher nods as they head upstairs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
116.
INT. BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher carefully helps Abigail onto the bed. As she
lies there he runs his hand down the side of her face. She
smiles up at him weakly.
ABIGAIL
Thank you.
CHRISTOPHER
Sweet dreams.
He kisses her softly on the forehead as she closes her eyes
and falls asleep.
INT. BEDROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail lies sleeping in bed. Noises are heard from
downstairs. She slowly opens her eyes and listens intently
for a few seconds. The noises come closer to the door and
the door knob is heard twisting and turning. Abigail quickly
pretends to be fast asleep as Christopher opens the door and
peaks his head in. Molly is hanging onto him. He quietly
closes the door. Abigail lies silent for a moment listening
to the sounds from outside the room where a small crash and
several moans are heard. She slowly gets up and sneaks to
the door. She puts her ear to the door and listens for a
moment before creaking the door open and peaking out. She
slowly moves down the hallway and to the stairs. She stops
a moment to listing again. (K's Choice- Virgin State of
Mind begins Playing quietly) The noises continue from
downstairs. She quietly makes her way down the stairs and
peeks around the corner into the family room. On the couch
she sees Molly lying down with Christopher straddled over
her. He begins taking off his shirt. Abigail quietly rushes
back up the stairs and into the bedroom. She shuts the door
as the moaning from downstairs fills her room. Her eyes
tear up as she slides down the door on to the floor and begins
weeping loudly.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- EVENING
Abigail sits on the couch curled up, deep in thought. A car
can be heard pulling up outside and minutes later Christopher
walks in, dressed casually for the weekend.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey...
ABIGAIL
Hi...
CHRISTOPHER
Are you feeling any better?
ABIGAIL
No I'm not...I keep...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
117.
She begins to sob.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
I keep seeing you with her and...
CHRISTOPHER
Honey it wasn't...
ABIGAIL
I know.
He looks into her eyes for a moment before giving her a kiss
on the forehead.
CHRISTOPHER
I got something for you.
He walks outside for a second leaving Abigail sitting alone.
She glances at a magazine sitting on the table top next to
the couch. A caption on the cover reads "How a Sweet Girl
Fell for a Smooth-Talking Killer." She quickly turns the
magazine over and as she does Christopher walks back in the
room. He holds a brightly wrapped package in his hand with
a red rose and a card taped across the top. He gently lays
it down in her lap.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Just thought you could use a little
cheer me up.
He smiles reassuringly at her as she starts removing the
paper.
ABIGAIL
What is it?
CHRISTOPHER
You'll see.
She finishes removing the paper and holds up a small mirror.
ABIGAIL
A mirror?
Christopher nods.
CHRISTOPHER
Open the card and you'll understand.
She removes the rose taped across the top of the card and
smiles sweetly while admiring it before opening the card
itself. She glances at Christopher hesitantly.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Read it...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
118.
ABIGAIL
Dear Abigail, I'm giving you this
mirror as a gift so you may see the
same beautiful person I see everyday
of my life. I want you to see the
same gorgeous, vibrant, intelligent
woman that haunts my dreams and makes
me look forward to the next day.
Promise me you'll look into this
mirror every morning upon waking and
every night before bed and realize
that the person I'm speaking of is
you. And as you look into this mirror
know that I love you and nothing
will ever change that. Love
Christopher.
Tears form in Abigail's eyes as she grabs Christopher and
pulls him close to her.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Thank you.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey, don't cry. I didn't want to
make you cry.
ABIGAIL
I know, I know. It's just...Thank
you.
She quickly stands up while wiping her eyes and starts heading
for the kitchen.
CHRISTOPHER
Are you gonna be alright?
ABIGAIL
Yeah..I'm just going to get dinner
and...and dry my eyes.
She smiles back at him weakly before going into the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail gets into the kitchen she leans back against the
fridge as she tries to get her emotions under control.
CHRISTOPHER
I have some work to do upstairs Hun.
Give me a yell if you need help with
anything. Okay?
ABIGAIL
Okay...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
119.
With a final wipe of her eyes she puts on a strong face and
walks over to the stove where a pot sits beside a bag of
vegetables. As she opens the bag and pours the vegetables
into the pot she begins sniffling, trying with all her might
to hold back a waterfall of tears. She carefully places the
pot on the stove and makes her way to the Stool by the kitchen
counter where she takes a seat. Her emotions become to much
for her as her head falls to the counter covered by her arms.
As she lies crying uncontrollably the lights in the room
lower and she becomes silent, having fallen asleep.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail! Abigail, get your ass in
here!
Abigail raises her head and looks curiously towards the door
leading towards the living room.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Christopher, cigarette in hand, and three of his friends,
all dressed in T-shirts, dirty jeans, and wife beaters, sit
at the table in the living room playing a game of cards.
Chips are scattered across the table and a bowl of snacks
sit in the middle of the table along with a several empty
cans of beer that are scattered about. Abigail groggily
comes through the doorway.
CHRISTOPHER
Where the fuck have you been?
ABIGAIL
I think I fell asleep and...what's
going on in here?
CHRISTOPHER
Just shut the fuck up. We're running
out of beer. Why don't you make
your ass useful for once and grab us
another case from the fridge.
Christopher puts his cigarette out and grabs another from
his pack. Abigail stares at him for a moment before stumbling
back into the kitchen.
FRIEND 1
Wife's got a nice ass.
STEVE
Nice tits too.
CHRISTOPHER
Try looking at the same damn things
every night.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
120.
FRIEND 3
What's wrong? Getting bored and
having trouble getting it up?
STEVE
Maybe viagra would help.
They all chuckle at Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck you. Fuck all three of you for
that matter. I ain't never had a
problem getting it up. And when I
get bored of that bitch...
He motions towards the kitchen, where Abigail is.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Abigail quickly goes through the kitchen cabinets until she
finds one full of pills. She quickly grabs a bottle and
pulls the cap off, spilling pills into her hand.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
I got other action on the side.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Friend 1 throws a few more chips onto the pile on the table.
FRIEND 1
(chuckling)
Better be careful. Your wife finds
out she may pull a Bobbit.
CHRISTOPHER
Bitch ever pulls that shit I'll kick
her ass. I'll make sure no one ever
sees her again!
Christopher slams his cards down on the table as he loses
another hand.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Where the fuck is the...
The doorbell rings. Christopher gets up to answer it.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Where the fuck is that bitch with
the beer?...Abigail!
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Pills lay strewn across the floor as Abigail staggers to the
kitchen counter. She tries to steady herself as she opens a
drawer full of knifes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
121.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher makes his way to the front door, stumbling
slightly from the alcohol.
FRIEND 1
Maybe your wife took off. Maybe
she's sick of seeing your ugly mug.
CHRISTOPHER
Fuck...she knows better than to pull
that crap.
FRIEND 3
Hey you ever want to get rid of her,
I'd love to get her over to my place
a few times. Have some fun with
her, you know. Just send her over.
STEVE
Fuck that, if that's how it's going
to go down, I say we all get a piece.
The three friends start chuckling.
CHRISTOPHER
Hey! That's my wife you're talking
about.
He begins to open the door while looking back at his friends.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
I'll kill her before I let you fucking
trolls touch her.
Christopher turns to see Officer Sutherland standing in the
door way.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
You'll what?
CHRISTOPHER
I said I'll kill her. What are you
gonna do about it?
They stare at each other for a second. The three friends
sit frozen in their seats.
FRIEND 1
Hey christopher, watch what you're
fucking saying.
CHRISTOPHER
Why? What're you gonna do pig, throw
my ass in jail?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
122.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
Me a pig? You keep that up and you're
the one that's going to be squealing.
I'm sure there are a lot of guys
down at the jail who'd love to get a
piece of that...Now let me ask you,
do you want to squeal like a piggy?
CHRISTOPHER
Depends on who's doing it.
Officer Sutherland and Christopher grin at each other.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Get your ass in here.
Officer Sutherland walks in and removes his hat and coat
before making his way to the table with the three friends.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
What do we have here?
STEVE
(nervously)
Chris?
CHRISTOPHER
He's cool.
FRIEND 3
You fucking asshole. I almost pissed
myself.
Christopher, Officer Sutherland, and the other two friends
start laughing.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
Laughter flows in from the other room as Abigail sits at the
kitchen counter trying to steady herself, a giant knife in
her hand.
FRIEND 3 (O.S.)
That's not fucking funny!
Abigail does her best to steady the knife against her wrist.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Speaking of not funny. Abigail
where's our fucking beer. You damn
cunt, if you're...
She struggles to raise her head up as she glances toward
living room area. Christopher's body is outlined in the
doorway as he see's Abigail sitting at the table. She sways
slightly before her head collapses on the counter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
123.
INT. KITCHEN -- LATER
Abigail stirs groggily at the kitchen counter. The front
door is heard opening and then closing a few seconds later.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail!....Abigail!
Abigail slowly lifts her head and looks at Christopher who's
standing in the doorway leading to the living room.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Wake up sleepy head. I've got great
news.
ABIGAIL
What about dinner? I'm sorry I must
have fallen asleep and...
CHRISTOPHER
Dinner? Honey it's not dinner...you
must be so exhausted.
He stares at her lovingly.
ABIGAIL
It's not?
CHRISTOPHER
No. I was at work and...you didn't
hear the news?
ABIGAIL
No, what news?
CHRISTOPHER
I rushed home as soon as I got the
message. I couldn't wait to see
you.
ABIGAIL
What news?
CHRISTOPHER
Honey...we're gonna have a kid.
ABIGAIL
What?
CHRISTOPHER
The tests came back from the doctor
and the blood tests showed that you
were....
ABIGAIL
Oh my god!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
124.
They embrace in a hug.
CHRISTOPHER
I know...
ABIGAIL
This is...it's wonderful.
She kisses him as they continue their embrace.
INT. KITCHEN -- EVENING
Abigail stands by the kitchen window drying one of the last
of the dirty dishes that had been in the sink. The front
door is heard opening and a moment later Christopher enters.
The room suddenly becomes darker.
He glances at her for a moment and then walks to the fridge
and pulls out a beer.
CHRISTOPHER
What'd the doctor say?
ABIGAIL
He said...I thought you told me he
said.....
Christopher slams the beer can down on the counter. Abigail
jumps at the noise.
CHRISTOPHER
Yes or no?
ABIGAIL
Yes...I'm pregnant.
CHRISTOPHER
Great... Fucking great. Another
fucking mouth to feed.
ABIGAIL
It's our child....
CHRISTOPHER
I didn't want the fucking thing and
I'm not going to be responsible for
it.
ABIGAIL
It's not an it.
CHRISTOPHER
What did you say?
Abigail turns and quickly goes back to finishing the dishes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
125.
ABIGAIL
Nothing.
Christopher watches her intently for a moment before starting
to walk into the living room.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
CHRISTOPHER
To get my stash.
He disappears into the living room.
ABIGAIL
(yelling to the next
room.)
I really don't want you doing that
now that we have a child on the
way....Christopher?
Christopher appears in the doorway, a look of hate on his
face.
CHRISTOPHER
Where is it?
ABIGAIL
I...
CHRISTOPHER
You what? Where'd you put my stash.
What the fuck did you do with my
shit!
ABIGAIL
I threw it out. I'm sorry....I just
don't want that around our child.
CHRISTOPHER
Do you know how much that cost? Do
you?!
Christopher runs over to the garbage and frantically digs
through it. He pulls out a bag of drugs.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
If you ever touch my stash again
I'll... I'll kill you.
He walks out into the living room and sits down on a chair
before he empties the contents of the bag onto the living
room table. Abigail hesitantly follows and stops near the
doorway.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Don't think I won't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
126.
He snorts a line as she stares at him. She storms over to
the table and sweeps her hand across it, sending the drugs
flying everywhere.
ABIGAIL
I don't want that around our child.
She slowly cowers away as she realizes what she's just done.
CHRISTOPHER
I can't believe you just....fucking
bitch!
He stands up and raises his hand to her as she slowly backs
away toward the doorway leading into the kitchen.
ABIGAIL
Please, you'll hurt our baby.
He slaps her across the face, knocking her to the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
Our baby? I told you I won't be
responsible for that...that thing!
He stares at her menacingly before turning his back to go
into the kitchen as she gazes at him. Filled with anger she
jumps up and starts hitting him on the back.
ABIGAIL
I hate you! I hate you!
He turns around, grabs her by the wrists and pushes her to
the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
I can't...I can't believe you... you
fucking bitch...
ABIGAIL
Don't you ever, ever, refer to our
child as a thing, you bastard. If
you ever touch me again I'll...
CHRISTOPHER
You'll what! Come on, what are you
gonna do. Tell me cause I'd love to
fucking know.
ABIGAIL
I'll...I'll leave, I'll run away.
CHRISTOPHER
You'll leave huh? To where? Where
are you gonna fucking run to? You
need me bitch.
(MORE)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
127.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
You understand or are you having
trouble getting that through your
thick skull. You have no one to
take care of you except me. And you
can bitch, cry, and complain all you
like about it but there's no way out
for you. Cause if you run, I'll
track you down and kill you and your
fucking unborn. You understand that,
you get that?
She struggles to her feet.
ABIGAIL
I hate you...
CHRISTOPHER
No you don't...
He walks over and grabs her by the back of her hair.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
You love me, that's why you're still
here.
He kisses her hard on the lips as she tries to pull away.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
Abigail sits on the couch nervously as Doctor Duerf stands
at the window across from her going through the notes in his
book. He lowers his head and peeks out over his glasses
back towards Abigail before walking over and taking a seat
across from her in the chair.
DOCTOR DUERF
This is interesting indeed. How
long did you say these nightmares
have been going on?
ABIGAIL
I'm not quite sure. At least a couple
of months, maybe more.
DOCTOR DUERF
On average, how much sleep would you
say you get?
ABIGAIL
Now or before the nightmares?
DOCTOR DUERF
Now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
128.
ABIGAIL
Not more than a few hours here and
there.
DOCTOR DUERF
Is there anything else you're having
problems with?
ABIGAIL
Just the nightmares. I'm not sleeping
much and I'm waking up with bruises
and... I tried to kill myself in my
dream with pills and then a knife.
The doctor scribbles a few more notes on his pad of paper.
He rips off a piece of paper and hands it to her.
DOCTOR DUERF
I'm writing you a prescription for
sleeping pills. They should help
you sleep a bit longer at night.
The doctor grabs his coat from the chair and begins walking
towards the front door.
ABIGAIL
What do you mean you're writing me a
prescription? Did you hear a word I
said. I tried to OD in my dream
with pills and you're writing me a
prescription.
DOCTOR DUERF
That's what I'm doing.
ABIGAIL
I don't want to sleep! Don't you
get that! I told you I'm having
nightmares. Why would I want to
sleep longer. Do you think I want
to spend another minute in that hell!
I don't want to sleep and you're...I
want the nightmares to stop. Give
me something for that, please! That's
all I want is for them to go away!
DOCTOR DUERF
Then fix your life.
ABIGAIL
My life has nothing to do with my
sleeping habits!
DOCTOR DUERF
Abigail dreams happen for a reason.
(MORE)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
129.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
When we dream we dream what we wish
for in life, or we dream of things
that are bothering us in life. What's
bothering us may not always be clear
in the dream, but there are signs,
little hints that correlate to our
lives. You want to stop the
nightmares? Then figure out what's
bothering you in your life or what
it is you want, fix it, and the
nightmares should stop. Okay?
ABIGAIL
Yeah.
Abigail throws her hands to her head as she tries to pull
herself together. The doctor sighs and shakes his head at
her.
DOCTOR DUERF
There is one other thing.
ABIGAIL
What?
DOCTOR DUERF
Sometimes if, while dreaming, we
realize it's a dream we can somewhat
control what happens. It's like a
mind over matter type of thing.
ABIGAIL
What do you mean control what happens?
DOCTOR DUERF
You control your thoughts right?
ABIGAIL
Yes...
DOCTOR DUERF
That's all a dream is, our thoughts.
We just don't always recognize that
while dreaming. If you become
consciously aware that it's a dream
while dreaming you can...
...Basically do what ever you want.
You want to fly you can fly just as
simply as you can picture yourself
flying in your own mind right now.
Abigail sits silent for a moment.
ABIGAIL
I think I understand...thank you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
130.
DOCTOR DUERF
Anytime. I'd still recommend using
the pills though. You really should
get more sleep. It'll ease the
stress.
Abigail nods.
DOCTOR DUERF (CONT'D)
Good day then.
ABIGAIL
Goodbye doctor.
The doctor disappears out the door and Abigail closes it
behind him. As she enters the family room heading for the
couch she glances at the photo hanging on the wall and then
stops suddenly. She looks back at her picture on the wall,
the same one Christopher threw to the ground in her dream.
She freezes in fear as she sees the glass is cracked over
the picture. She hears a car pull up outside and the car
door closes as footsteps approach the front door. A key is
heard being inserted into the doorknob. Suddenly the door
flies open as Christopher storms in. As he walks quickly
towards the family room he tosses his coat to the ground and
grabs Abigail by the hair, throwing her to the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
Who the fuck was that!
She stares up at him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Answer me!
Abigail slowly gets to her feet.
ABIGAIL
You don't control me anymore.
CHRISTOPHER
What?
ABIGAIL
You're nothing more than a sick,
twisted nightmare and I'm not going
to let you control me anymore.
CHRISTOPHER
You shut your mouth.
ABIGAIL
What are you going to do? Beat me
if I don't.
Christopher starts laughing at her as he pulls out a pack of
cigarettes and lights one up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
131.
Christopher starts laughing even harder as he walks over and
pulls a bag of drugs out of his coat pocket that's laying on
the ground.
CHRISTOPHER
I get it. You're the tough girl
now huh? Is that it? That's really
fucking funny. My wife's grown a
backbone. Just wait till... ...The
guys hear this
ABIGAIL
What is that?
CHRISTOPHER
What's what?
ABIGAIL
That, in your hand.
Christopher glances at the bag of drugs as he holds it up.
CHRISTOPHER
What the fuck do you think it is.
He makes his way into the kitchen. She hesitates a second
and then follows him.
INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS
As Abigail enters the kitchen Christopher is all ready
beginning to empty part of the bag of drugs onto the kitchen
counter. He walks over and grabs a razor from one of the
kitchen cabinets before returning to the counter. Abigail
watches in silence. He glances over at her.
CHRISTOPHER
Does it look like I'm putting on a
fucking show for you?...You just
gonna stand there and watch?
ABIGAIL
I'm going to watch you die.
CHRISTOPHER
You're pushing it, you know that?
You're really fucking pushing it. I
should kick your ass right now.
ABIGAIL
You can't hurt me anymore. I won't
let you.
Christopher gets up and walks over to Abigail.
He grabs her neck as he pulls her closer to him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
132.
CHRISTOPHER
Get the fuck out...now.
He pushes her against the wall and begins to walk back towards
the counter as she tries to catch her breath. She grabs the
frying pan on the counter next to her and lifts it over her
head as she goes after Christopher.
ABIGAIL
I'm not going to let you hurt me
anymore!
She bashes him over the head with the frying pan and he
crumples to the ground. As she stands over him trying to
regain control of herself the frying pan slides out of her
hand and clatters to the floor beside Christopher.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Bastard....
She takes one last deep breath and walks towards the living
room door. The floor behind her creeks and she turns to see
Christopher charging at her. He slams her hard into the
wall, his forearm pressed into her neck.
CHRISTOPHER
You fucking bitch! If you ever...I
mean ever...
He throws her to the ground and stands over her. As he stares
down at her he touches the back of his head. Blood trickles
down his finger. He glares at her and walks past her into
the kitchen. As he does he snatches the razor off of the
counter as she starts scrambling backwards trying to get
away. He grabs her by her shirt as he drops down next to
her.
ABIGAIL
No! Don't you dare, no......you're
not real!
The room fades to black as we hear Abigail screaming in the
background.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- DAY
Abigail sits on the edge of the couch waiting nervously for
the phone to ring. A dove lands on the windowsill and watches
Abigail for a moment before flapping it's wings and flying
off. As Abigail sinks back onto the couch beginning to relax
the phone rings startling her. She quickly answers it.
ABIGAIL
Yes, hello...
Abigail stands and begins pacing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
133.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Yes doctor, I'm glad you called.
I've been waiting all morning
and....it is?... Nothing?....And
the nightmares?....
Abigail grimaces in pain as she grasps at her stomach.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Okay, I understand....can I call you
back?
The phone slips from Abigail's hand as she grabs on to the
counter top to steady herself. A vase of flowers that
Christopher had given her falls to the ground and shatters
as Abigail staggers towards the bathroom. She's heard
coughing as she disappears behind the bathroom door.
INT. BATHROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Abigail lies on the floor against the sink. Blood soaking
her dress from a miscarriage. A tear runs down her face as
she hears the front door open. Too exhausted to move, she
lies still.
CHRISTOPHER (O.S.)
Abigail? Abigail I'm home.
Abigail tries to struggle to her feet.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Christopher walks through the door, coming from the kitchen.
He looks out the front window then turns back and scans the
family room.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail?...You here?...Honey?
Abigail comes stumbling out of the bathroom, blood still
dripping from her dress. Christopher runs over to her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Abigail, are you okay....What
happened?
ABIGAIL
I...I don't know...I...
CHRISTOPHER
Come on...lie down...
Christopher helps her to the couch and lies her down. He
kneels next to the edge of the couch.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Okay, what happened? Are you okay?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
134.
Abigail tries to dry her tears with her hands.
ABIGAIL
I lost her...
CHRISTOPHER
Her?
ABIGAIL
(struggling to find
the strength to speak)
I lost our baby....the doctor called
and said it was....and then I started
getting pains and...I lost her...I
lost our baby...and...
Christopher grabs her and holds her tight.
CHRISTOPHER
Shhh...shhhh...Everything's going to
be alright...I'm here, okay....
She holds the back off his shirt tight as she buries her
head in his chest.
ABIGAIL
I don't want this....I want...
She opens her eyes and Christopher is gone. She tries again
to wipe her eyes.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Christopher...?
Christopher walks in from doorway in the kitchen eating an
apple.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah honey?
ABIGAIL
....what?....where is...?
She looks at the table top and the vase of flowers Christopher
had given her sits there perfectly fine. She looks down at
her dress and examines it, no blood.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
Our baby...didn't I?...
CHRISTOPHER
Didn't you what?
ABIGAIL
I...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135.
CHRISTOPHER
Abbey are you okay?
Abigail gets up and runs to the bathroom.
She reemerges a few seconds later.
ABIGAIL
Where's the blood...the flowers...
Christopher stares at her strangely.
CHRISTOPHER
What's gotten into you?
ABIGAIL
No, no...something's wrong here.
Abigail starts frantically looking at the room, while turning
in circles. Things that were broken are now back in there
original place.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
The miscarriage...the baby...
CHRISTOPHER
You heard?
She looks at him strangely.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
The couple down the street, you heard?
ABIGAIL
No...
CHRISTOPHER
A couple of days before her husband
killed her she had miscarried a child.
ABIGAIL
(weakly)
No, no....
She starts to faint but Christopher catches her and pulls
her to the couch. He lays her down and places a pillow under
her head.
CHRISTOPHER
I'm going to grab you a wet rag.
I'll be right back...
As he starts to stand up she grabs a hold of his collar.
ABIGAIL
Don't leave...please.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
136.
CHRISTOPHER
But...
She pulls him down next to her.
ABIGAIL
Just lay down next to me.
He does and she pulls him closer to her.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
It's all a dream....a wonderful
dream...I don't want to wake up....I
love you.
CHRISTOPHER
I love you too.
He kisses her gently as she lays silently in his arms. Within
moments she's asleep from exhaustion.
INT. MONTAGE OF HAPPY AND SAD MOMENTS
(Amy Lee- Broken begins playing)A montage of earlier parts
of the film begin playing. We see happy moments Abigail and
Christoper have had together along with the sad as they all
begin to blur into one and then fade.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- CONTINUED FROM PAGE
As Abigail lies sleeping, Christopher reaches into his back
pocket and removes a pack of cigarettes. Taking a cigarette
from the pack and lighting it, he throws the box onto the
counter. The rain continues to pour down as the sliding
door behind him remains open. A long shot from in front of
the couch showing Abigail sleeping on the couch. The camera
pans over to show Christopher looking down on her. He watches
Abigail intently as he slowly approaches the couch. Lightning
flashes again as Christopher reaches behind his back and
pulls out a gun.
The thunder crashes as Abigail slowly opens her eyes and
rolls onto her back. The room suddenly goes pitch black
followed by an ear shattering scream. All that can be heard
is the echoing of a clicking sound.
INT. FAMILY ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Christopher sits in a chair in the dimly lit room, a rag in
his hand, as he wipes down his gun. He glances up. The
couch is empty. He smiles wickedly as he sits back in his
chair and grabs for another cigarette from the pack. He
lights it.
CHRISTOPHER
Scared yet?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
137.
He glances across the room to where Abigail sits huddled in
the corner.
ABIGAIL
You bastard.
He slowly gets up, notices the open sliding door and slams
it shut.
CHRISTOPHER
What are you gonna do?
He mockingly lunges at her. She cringes.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Aren't we the scared little kitty.
ABIGAIL
Put down the gun and I'll show you
scared.
He takes another hit from his cigarette before placing the
gun on the floor.
CHRISTOPHER
Here...
He kicks the gun towards her and it slides across the floor,
stopping in front of her.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
It's all yours.
She hesitantly grabs for it and then aims it at Christopher
as she slowly gets up.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Go ahead, pull the trigger.
Her hand shakes as he slowly walks towards her. She places
her other hand on the butt to help steady it.
ABIGAIL
I swear I'll shoot.
Christopher is now just a couple of feet away from her. He
places his hand on hers and raises it until the gun is pointed
at his forehead.
CHRISTOPHER
I want you to....I dare you to.
Abigail closes her eyes as she slowly starts squeezing the
trigger. It clicks. Christopher grabs her by the neck and
pushes her back into the wall, their faces just inches apart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
138.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Little tip...it helps if it's loaded.
He throws her to the ground and then storms back across the
room. He grabs for a jacket hanging over a chair, reaching
inside the pocket to pull out a gun clip. As he starts to
insert the clip into the gun the doorbell rings. He glances
across the room at Abigail who sits distraught in the corner.
The doorbell rings again as he quickly stuffs the gun and
clip into the jacket pocket. He stuffs his coat under his
arm. As he walks down the hall towards the door he again
looks at Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Don't move and don't speak.
INT. DINING AREA/LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
He puts his jacket on the table and then goes to the door.
He opens the front door a crack and peeks out. Outside stands
his friend, Officer Sutherland. Officer Sutherland glances
around nervously. He sees Christopher and gives him an
annoyed look.
CHRISTOPHER
What do you want?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
We got a call...
CHRISTOPHER
So?
Christopher opens the door all the way. Standing next to
Officer Sutherland is another officer. Officer Sutherland
takes a deep breath.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Who the fuck are you?
OFFICER TANNER
Officer Tanner...We got a call from
a neighbor. They said they heard a
scream. We're just here to make
sure everything's alright.
CHRISTOPHER
It is, now fuck off.
OFFICER TANNER
Mind if we come in, take a look
around.
CHRISTOPHER
Yeah I mind. I told you to fuck
off. Shouldn't you be stuffing your
face with Krispy Creams right now?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
139.
OFFICER TANNER
Listen sir, you can either peacefully
let us in, or we can force our way
in. It's up to you.
Christopher looks to Sutherland for help and then glances
over his shoulder, worried that they'll find Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
Fine.
Christopher moves out of the way to let the officers in.
Tanner walks in first followed by Sutherland. Christopher
closes the door behind them. Christopher glances down the
hallway and sees that Abigail is gone. Sutherland stops
next to him as Tanner walks around the living room looking
around and then disappears into the kitchen doorway.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
(Whispering to
Sutherland)
What the fuck is this?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
(whispering back)
Just cool it okay.
Christopher makes his way quickly down the hallway towards
the family room with Sutherland following close behind.
CHRISTOPHER
You're going to let fucking Kojak
here go through my house, huh? Is
that how it is?
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
Christopher just cool it okay. We'll
be gone in a second.
CHRISTOPHER
Great friend you are.
Tanner peeks in a few rooms. They're pitch black, and he
sees nothing.
OFFICER TANNER
(Calling out)
Anyone here?
Tanner walks halfway up the stairs.
CHRISTOPHER
We're here dipshit.
(to Sutherland)
This guys a fucking joke.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
140.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
Tanner come on. Let's get the hell
out of here. There's nothing here.
Everything's fine. False alarm.
Tanner pauses for a second looking around up the stairs before
making his way back down.
OFFICER TANNER
Fine.
CHRISTOPHER
Did it ever occur to you that maybe
I had the television up a bit too
loud.
OFFICER TANNER
Did you?
CHRISTOPHER
I guess you should have asked that
when you first got here, huh? Now
why don't you go get your ass to
your donut shop?
Officer Tanner walks up to Christopher and gives him a cold,
hard gaze.
OFFICER TANNER
You're lucky Sutherland's a friend
of yours or I'd have you thrown in
jail right now.
CHRISTOPHER
For what? Being a smart ass?
Officer Tanner pushes past him.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
Hey Sutherland, I'll see you this
weekend for another round of poker.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
You got it...
Christopher follows them back down the hallway and towards
the front door. The cops open the door and begin to walk
out.
ABIGAIL
Stop!
Christopher and the cops turn around to see Abigail standing
by the darkened doorway that leads into the kitchen.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
He's got a gun.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
141.
CHRISTOPHER
She doesn't know what the fuck she's
talking about.
Christopher begins to close the door. Officer Tanner sticks
his hand out to stop him.
OFFICER TANNER
Ma'am are you alright?
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail...
She hesitates for a second.
ABIGAIL
He's got a gun in his coat...
She motions to the jacket on the table in the living room
area. Officer Tanner begins to walk in as Sutherland grabs
him by his arm.
OFFICER SUTHERLAND
She's nuts. Don't even pay attention
to her.
Tanner looks at Sutherland as he yanks his arm away and walks
towards Abigail.
OFFICER TANNER
Where is it?
ABIGAIL
The coat right there. Inside one of
the pockets.
Christopher grabs for the coat but Tanner pushes him into
the wall. The gun falls from the coat's pocket. Tanner
looks to Sutherland.
OFFICER TANNER
Get over here and cuff him.
Sutherland hesitates before grabbing his handcuffs and walking
to Christopher. He places the handcuffs on him. Tanner
goes over to Abigail.
CHRISTOPHER
Abigail you no good, lousy, bitch!
Christopher begins struggling.
CHRISTOPHER (CONT'D)
You're dead! You hear me, dead!
When I get out you're gonna wish...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
142.
ABIGAIL
Wish what!
Christopher stops as him and Abigail stare into each others
eyes.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
...Wish what...You can't hurt me
anymore.
Christopher lowers his head in disgust as Sutherland escorts
him from the house. Tanner helps Abigail over to the chair
where she takes a seat.
OFFICER TANNER
Are you alright?
Abigail sits there in a daze.
ABIGAIL
Yeah...
OFFICER TANNER
What happened?
ABIGAIL
I'll tell you everything.....
EXT. BALCONY -- SUNSET THREE MONTHS LATER
The doors to the outside stand wide open as Abigail stands
out on the balcony leaning over the railing. She stares off
over the mountains to the setting sun, her mind deep in
thought.
ABIGAIL
Life...love, pain, one a part of
another. Both we experience
throughout our existence. Both are
a part of the greatest moments we'll
ever know and yet the worst times
we'll ever go through. I've learned
that throughout our lives we affect
one another...influence each other...
for better or worse. Our actions,
our intentions, obscure our
perception. And in my final lesson
within this journey I've learned one
last thing...
Abigail stands up and begins walking back into the room.
ABIGAIL (CONT'D)
love isn't always enough.
Abigail disappears into the room.