THE DOGMATIST
By Martin Douglas
Lauretta has been in an abusive relationship with her husband.
She comes into church consistently with bruises from the
beatings she's received. Welsh is a priest at the church
who has had a crush on her. He invites her into his chambers
to talk to her about her situation.
INT. BACK ROOM OF THE CHURCH -- DAY
Welsh escorts Lauretta into the back room of the church.
She glances around the small room with a single window. The
room is dim and the cloud cover from outside lets in very
little light through the window making the room appear even
more menacing than it is. For as dim as the room is Lauretta
refuses to remove her sunglasses. Welsh motions towards a
couch next to his desk.
WELSH
Go ahead Lauretta. Take a seat.
LAURETTA
Thank you.
Welsh walks over to the cabinet and opens it up. He pulls
out a glass of Southern Comfort and starts to pour himself a
glass.
WELSH
Drink?
LAURETTA
No....what a fine room this is?
WELSH
I'm been paying close attention to
you lately Lauretta. I'm not sure
what it is for sure but it seems
like something's bothering you.
LAURETTA
Bothering me? Why for heaven sakes
no.
WELSH
Those bruises on your arm?
LAURETTA
Bruises? I don't know what you're
talking about.
WELSH
Please take off your glasses.
LAURETTA
They're prescription and I mustn't...
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2.
WELSH
Lauretta.
She lowers her head and slowly removes the sunglasses.
WELSH (CONT'D)
And I suppose that's not a black eye
you've been trying to hide from
everyone.
LAURETTA
I....It's really nothing. Just bumped
into something. You know clumsy me.
Lauretta walks over and grabs the bottle of Southern Comfort
an pours herself a drink which she quickly downs.
WELSH
Your husband did it didn't he.
LAURETTA
No he would never...
WELSH
Stop protecting him. Lauretta you
don't deserve to be treated that
way.
LAURETTA
I'm not protecting anyone father.
And the fact that you would say such
things...
WELSH
The fact that I would tell the truth.
That your husband should be taken
out and beaten.
LAURETTA
Stop that talk right now!.....I'm
sorry father. I didn't mean to raise
my voice.
WELSH
Lauretta all I'm saying is that you
deserve a better man than him.
LAURETTA
I have to go now.
She quickly starts to head for the door.
WELSH
Lauretta please. Sit down. I'm
just trying to help. Just listen to
me for a few more minutes. If you're
not happy with what I have to say
you can leave. Fair enough?
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3.
LAURETTA
Okay. Just a few more minutes.
WELSH
Thank you.
She returns to the couch and sits down. And takes a seat
beside her.
WELSH (CONT'D)
Lauretta what I want you to think
about is finding someone else.
Someone who'll be there for you,
protect you.
LAURETTA
But I don't really deserve...
WELSH
Yes you do. You deserve a lot better
than what you have. There are so
many men out there who would treat
you a hundred times better. Take me
for instance.
LAURETTA
You father?
WELSH
Yes me. I know I don't look like
much but I'd be there for you.
Protect you from all the evil in
this world. What better place to
find a man than church. And what
better man than a man of god.
He reaches over and touches her gently on the leg. She sits
uncomfortably, unsure of what to do.
LAURETTA
Father I really don't think I'm your
type.
WELSH
Of course you are. You need someone
who'll treat you right.
He starts moving his hand farther up her leg.
LAURETTA
Father please stop. I don't want
this.
She pushes his hand away.
WELSH
How dare you.
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4.
LAURETTA
I didn't mean it that...
WELSH
I get it. You like being beaten.
Is that it? You like your men to
act like barbarians?
LAURETTA
No. Just let me leave....
Lauretta starts to head for the door but Welsh blocks her
way.
WELSH
You're not going anywhere. I'm gonna
give you exactly what you want.
LAURETTA
Please......
Lauretta backs away cowering as Welsh advances on her.