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EXT. GABRIEL'S MANSION - SIMPLY, MICHIGAN If the grass is always greener on the other side, then this is the other side. A beautifully manicured garden sweeps up to spectacular stone edifice. It's unbelievable that anyone could afford to live in this house.
INT. FOYER What you see when you enter the front door. Fantastic stairway and flooring. Chandelier. A display of lighting and motifs decorate the walls and ceiling,
INT. LIVING ROOM A subtle touch of grace and comfort. Several chairs and couches are placed in small conversational groups. A small, well-stocked bar sits in the back of the room.
INT. DINING ROOM Spacious seating is available for twelve at a rectangular table. Textured curtains adorn the windows.
INT. KITCHEN A culinary enthusiast’s dream. A granite topped island provides an eating space for a few people.
INT. STUDY Dusty books line the walls, giving the appearance of a room that is older than it really is. A wireless laptop computer sits upon a large desk and a huge clock "dongs" on the hour. A signed, framed photo of Robert De Niro sits on the desk. Other pictures of stars and various magazine covers dot the wall.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM Silk sheets adorn a double canopied bed. The room looks like it was decorated by a woman; no doubt he paid dearly to have it done.
INT. GUEST WING A long wide hallway provides access to the guest rooms. Ornate alcoves display artwork. Several small lounge chairs are along the wall. The guest rooms are along both sides of the hall.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY) A simple design with elegant materials. Major pieces include a bed and an armoire for clothes.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY) A simple design with elegant materials. Major pieces include a bed and an armoire for clothes.
INT. GUEST ROOM (FRANCESCA) A simple design with elegant materials. Major pieces include a bed and an armoire for clothes.
EXT. POND At the bottom of the garden sits a pond filled with fish and tadpoles. A bench made out of a half a tree sits next to it, and a birdbath next to that. Trees and bushes line the pond.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM A big screen television covers the wall. A series of black leather chairs face the TV. Many DVDs and video games are found on the sides, all neatly aligned. The cinema/sound system is clearly that of an aficionado.
INT. POOL ROOM An essential component to any mansion: A beautiful swimming pool and hot tub, complete with rock waterfall and palm trees, all incased in glass. A his and her locker room sits off to the side.
Revision History (4 edits; 1 reasons shown)
mcornetto - December 2nd, 2009, 5:24pm
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mcornetto
Posted: September 25th, 2009, 6:49pm
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1
EXT. GABRIEL’S MANSION Cherry pulls up the long drive, parks in the turn around in front of the massive structure. She steps out and is obviously taken aback by the beauty and immensity of the place.
INT. FOYER Gabriel greets her and they reminisce of times gone by.
Jimmy arrives moments later. Sparks are apparent between Jimmy and Cherry, and they begin to flirt. Gabriel notices and does not seem too happy. Gabriel suggests they go upstairs, find their rooms, and unpack.
INT. KITCHEN Gabriel makes pitchers of margaritas, and pulls out plate upon plate of appetizers, which he arranges on the island countertop.
INT. FOYER Gabriel greets Burner who is also impressed with the mansion. They chat as Jimmy and Cherry come down the huge staircase. Everyone appears to be quite happy.
INT. KITCHEN Gabriel offers Burner a margarita, Burner declines much to everyone’s surprise. They think he’s joking but he tells them he quit months ago. The three remaining drinkers toast to his sobriety.
INT. LIVING ROOM Cherry and Jimmy are alone and getting close on the couch. Burner pops in and the conversation ceases. OS, the doorbell rings. Burner excuses himself, awkwardly.
INT. FOYER Burner greets his old buddy, Darnell. Darnell’s eyes are merely slits already, and his smile makes it clear that he’s been partaking. Burner tells him that he stopped “burning” a few months back. Darnell thinks that won’t last long.
INT. STUDY Gabriel’s on the phone with Johnny, who is going to be late.
INT. FOYER Gabriel brings Darnell a drink and joins them in conversation.
INT. KITCHEN Four of the old friends eat, drink, and be merry. Burner goes for a glass of water. He sits back against the sink, sips his water and watches everyone enjoying themselves.
INT. FOYER Jeana-Marie walks straight into the house without knocking. Cherry enters the foyer and delightfully hugs her, and gives her a kiss her on the cheek. Jeana-Marie is taken aback.
INT. KITCHEN Jean-Marie and Cherry join the rest of the group, and they continue to get caught up.
Darnell makes it known that he has party favors.
Jeana-Marie makes it known that she now goes by “Jeana-Marie”, as apposed to just Jeana, in a rather odd way. Cherry and Jimmy exchange a glance.
Jeana-Marie tells everyone how beautiful the pond is. Darnell asks her to show him where it’s at.
Jeana-Marie, Darnell leave together, margaritas in hand.
Gabriel asks if the others would like a tour of the house.
INT. FOYER Jimmy and Gabriel talk a bit. Very loud music interrupts them.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM Burner dances. The television is on with the volume full blast. Darnell laughs at Burner.
Gabriel enters, followed by Jimmy, and turns the volume down. Burner greets Gabriel and compliments Gabriel on the home theater set.
Cherry and Jeana-Marie enter. Burner greets them.
Jeana Marie and Gabriel have a uncomfortable moment, which Burner makes obviously clear with a comment.
INT. FOYER Gabriel opens the door to Frances/Francesca. Gabriel doesn't recognize him. By revealing info only Gabriel and he knows, Frances/Francesca convinces Gabriel it's him and enters.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM Jimmy, Jeana Marie, Cherry, Darnell, Burner are in a group, talking. Gabriel enters with Francesca.
The group don't recognize her. They think she's Gabriel's friend.
Gabriel introduces Frances. That surprises everyone.
INT. FOYER Johnny arrives. No one is there to greet him. No one hears his jovial hello.
He looks down and notes a bulge in his pocket. He takes a ring box out and puts it in his duffle bag.
He hangs on to the duffle bag as he gawks at the surroundings and follows the sound of voices.
INT. HOME THEATER ROOM Johnny hesitantly walks in the room as Cherry hugs a woman that Johnny doesn’t know.
Again, no one notices his arrival. Everyone’s attention is on the attractive mystery woman.
Jimmy notices Johnny and quietly tells him that the woman is Frances.
Cherry sees Johnny and gives him a hug too.
Then she grabs Jimmy's hand and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Johnny seems saddened.
Jimmy announces the gang is all here.
Frances says hello to Johnny waking him from his funk. Johnny’s wit almost gets him in trouble.
Gabriel is interested in Frances change and tries to talk with her but realizes it will have to wait.
Gabriel asks everyone to follow him to the living room. He wants Burner away from the sound system.
Johnny hangs back curious about whether Jimmy and Cherry have something going on. The answer is maybe. Jimmy is ready to lay into him when...
Cherry interrupts and walks arm in arm with her two favorite guys.
INT. LIVING ROOM Gabriel gives a brief welcome to my home introduction stressing everyone have fun. Pick a bedroom.
Gabriel suggests everyone a take a tour just like Burner did.
The group breaks up and vows to return in an hour.
Darnell’s cell phone rings and looks at the caller ID. He lets the call go to voicemail.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY) Johnny’s duffle bag is on the bed.
Johnny is standing in is guest room. He sees the small screen TV and is satisfied.
Jimmy walks in and remarks all the rooms are the same.
Johnny insults Jimmy and they have a small argument. With some pushing.
Johnny shoves the ring in Jimmy's face. Tells him about his plans with Cherry. Wonders when Jimmy became competiton.
Jimmy almost mentions his sexual experience with her but then stops. He counters with asking why Johnny thinks Cherry would say yes.
Gabriel chats with Burner about Gabriel's latest film he is in where he plays a conman. They hear steps clicking on the hardwood floors.
It’s J-M all wound up and Gabriel sees her anxiety.
Gabriel shouts so loud to get her attention (and inadvertently) everyone else in the mansion. He races to grab J-M.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY)
Both Johnny and Jimmy look up and jump to action, racing towards the sound of what is erupting as an argument.
EXT. POND
Darnell sits peacefully upon the bench smoking his doobie alone. The birds chirp. Darnell takes his shoes and socks off and dips his feet in the pond.
INT. GUEST WING
Cherry and Francesca catch up behind Johnny and Jimmy, all racing towards the stairs where the sound of the argument grows.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Jimmy, Johnny, Cherry and Francesca arrive on scene in the middle of the outrage. Roddy is just as confused as the rest.
Gabriel and J-M are in a heated argument about J-M’s stepfather. Gabriel tells her that it’s all a ploy for her attention and that he just wants her home for control just like he’s using her for sex.
J-M looks at Gabriel. She references a "secret deal" they had that she thinks he didn't live up to. Gabriel is every bit as obstinate as J-M, but finally he releases her.
J-M picks up her purse and heads for the door.
Cherry rushes toward her begging her to calm down before going.
J-M gently turns Cherry down.
J-M surveys the group as they stare at her in disbelief.
J-M pulls her purse tightly over her shoulder and stares back, unrelenting and slams the door behind her.
Gabriel faces the group. With a fake smile, he tells them that he will start lunch and leaves.
INT. THE KITCHEN
Gabriel grabs stuff from cupboards... the fridge. During his rummage, Gabriel spots Francesca at the doorway.
Francesca offers to help. Gabriel first says no, but quickly gives in and accepts.
INT. GUEST WING
Johnny, Cherry, Jimmy, and R Roddy talk about what happened.
Roddy is able to get Cherry to go with him somewhere more privately. Jimmy, seeing Johnny’s sad reaction, comforts Johnny. Johnny pushes away.
EXT. GABRIEL'S MANSION
Roddy tries to persuade Cherry to go back to him. Cherry refuses. Roddy seems like he is about to explode, but holds the anger back.
INT. THE KITCHEN
Gabriel rants about Jeanna Marie to Francesca as both cook. Francesca offers consoling advice.
Gabriel apologizes to Francesca about his rant and changes the topic to Francesca. He asks her about the sex change. Francesca informs him.
He compliments her on doing it and her appearance. Francesca blushes.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JONNY)
Jimmy still tries to consoles Johnny who is now depressed and has second thoughts on proposing (in fear that Cherry won’t accept it).
Johnny wonders why, after all doesn't Jimmy want Cherry - well he's free to have her now.
Jimmy points out the ring - How if he really wanted Cherry then he would have brought a ring too.
Johnny throws the ring across the room and tells Jimmy he can have it then.
Jimmy picks it up and brings it back to Johnny. Jimmy doesn't need the ring. Johnny does because Johnny is the one who is going to propose.
Johnny can't.
EXT. POND
Roddy finds Darnell smoking. He joins him and talks to him about what happened with Cherry when he tried to get her to go back with him.
Darnell lets Roddy know about Johnny’s engagement ring. Roddy is pissed off at Johnny. Darnell tells Roddy he wants this weekend to be fun and chilled out. And people proposing will just create conflict.
INT. GUEST WING
Cherry is walking back to her room when she hears Jimmy’s and Johnny’s back and forth banter of “I can’t” and “yes you can”.
She follows it to Johnny’s room and opens it, catching both of them surprise. She asks them what can’t Johnny do.
After an awkward silence, Johnny tells her that she can't copy Season 3 of How I Met Your Mother for Jimmy, because it's illegal.
Having no clue on what's going on, Gabe asks Johnny to repeat himself.
Johnny yells it out: SOMEONE TOOK THE RING!
Gabe tries to comfort Johnny and asks the description of the ring.
Johnny describes the ring. Cherry says it sounds like a beautiful ring.
Through his whiny fit, Johnny comes clean and explains his intentions and feelings towards her.
He even recounts their personal history like it's grocery list of love.
Roddy laughs at Johnny. Johnny shouts at him, Roddy goes quiet.
Cherry is angered! She glances at Francesca who gives her an "I told you so" look.
Darrell lifts some cocaine and stuffs it at Johnny.
Johnny shakes his head.
Cherry STORMS out! How could he throw a tantrum?!
With that, he rolls further into self pity. Johnny sits on his bed, crying. He blurts out all the troubles in his life. He's ugly while she's good looking. He's in TV while she's in business. His only hope of having a good future walked out the door. So much effort for nothing.
Johnny rushes out to find Cherry.
Gabe goes after him. Let me give you some friendly advice.
Johnny lashes out at Gabriel. Easy for him! Gabriel backs off.
Jimmy, Roddy and Darrell can't handle it. They do the coke.
Roddy knocks on the door. He wants to see Cherry. There is no answer. He walks in anyway.
EXT. MANSION -“ FRONT
Gabriel and Darnell continue to argue. Gabriel tells Darnell to get the RV out of his driveway. Darnell insists it's not his.
INT. KITCHEN
Johnny is about to cry. So is Jeana. Frances tells them to pull themselves together. Jeana and Frances march out to find Gabriel.
Johnny stays. Weird shit's goin' on makes him hungry and he spies the pantry with a devious grin.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY)
Roddy is going through Cherry's things. He finds a makeup bag. His grin also turns sinister.
EXT. MANSION - FRONT
Frances and Jeana come into view. Gabriel's in complete shock by the way she's dressed. She makes a sarcastic comment. He says something even more biting, but Jeana takes it tenderly.
Frances walks over to Gabriel and Darnell asking what they're fighting about. Gabriel responds in his point of view, but Darnell keeps fighting the issue tooth and nail.
Frances then announces that "she" thinks this has something to do with Jeana.
Thus Jeana yanks on Darnell, trying to pull him aside. Darnell resists, but Jeana's will is stronger than Darnell's intoxication.
Frances, she starts rambling, out of character for Francesca
It's like old times as though she's taken into a bit of a happy place by a memory that for she and Gabriel, becomes a flashback to:
EXT. SIMPLY HIGH SCHOOL
The Graduation scene and Gabriel and Jeana exiting the hearse as a White Bride and Black Priest.
EXT. MANSION - FRONT
The present returning in glowing eyes.
Gabriel and Frances admit "That those were good times."
Jeana reveals to Darnell the truth, pleads for him to lie that yes, he stole the RV and thus begins a tangle. Darnell agrees only after Jeana promises to do "anything" he wants.
Gabriel and Frances turn from their reverie, watching Darnell and Jeana watching them with a "something's up".
Darnell then heartily "admits" to stealing the RV. Gabriel's defeated by the craziness. Darnell explains why. And Frances announces, "Let's take it for a spin!" Darnell inflates the lie further.
Roddy appears at a window high up in the mansion. He has makeup all over his face and is laughing.
Gabriel shouts at him and storms inside.
Frances, Jeana and Darnell stand there. They break into laughter.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Very soft inside as Cherry looks through a pile of DVD's. She picks out a sitcom and puts the disk in the DVD player.
She sits back to watch. Everything's perfect except two things. One, she's missing Johnny. And Two, she's missing her cigarettes.
Frances approaches the RV she knocks on the door. There is no answer, she jangles the door handle but it's locked. She looks in the window. Inside she spots a backpack. The name Jeanna embroidered in flowery letters on the side. Frances nods.
INT. FOYER
Gabriel rolls up the stairs like a thunder cloud.
INT. GUEST WING
Gabriel strides down the hallway and arrives at Cherry’s room.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY)
No Roddy.
On the mirror is a lipstick drawing of: The ring + Johnny = Loser. Gabriel cusses while he wipes the mirror off. He looks out the window and spots Frances walking away from the RV.
Gabriel cusses again and exits.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Cherry calms down while watching the sitcom. Jimmy walks in unseen and admires Cherry.
She laughs and talks to the TV like the characters could hear her. Jimmy coughs and states that Johnny was the only other person he knew that talked to the TV. An awkward moment.
Cherry’s smile fades. Jimmy asks her if she’d like to talk about Johnny and the ring. Cherry hugs Jimmy in response. Jimmy reluctantly accepts the hug.
INT. KITCHEN
Frances walks in to find Johnny and Jeana laughing at Darnell’s imitation of Gabriel yelling at him.
Jeana excuses herself to find Gabriel. Frances volunteers to go with her. They exit.
Roddy pops in the doorway with his painted face and Darnell howls with laughter. Roddy wipes his makeup off on Johnny’s shirt.
Johnny wants to fight stating he’s not backing down like he did in high school. Roddy laughs at the loser and runs off.
Darnell distracts Johnny with a question about the ring.
INT. POOL
Frances and Jeana look for Gabriel.
Frances reveals that she knows about the RV. Jeana seems defensive, wants to know what she knows. Frances says she knows it's a ploy from Jeanna to get Gabriel attention. Jeanna laughs her off, tells her she knows nothing. Frances fumes.
Jeanna walks between Frances and the pool, bad choice. Frances pushes her and she teeters on the brink of the pool. She grabs Frances' arm and they both fall into the pool together.
In the pool they start all out fighting.
Roddy pops in the room and sees Jeana and Frances having "fun" and jumps in the pool too.
Gabriel walks in. The three wet ones look to Gabriel for his reaction.
INT. POOL With a puzzled look, Gabriel stands there looking at them.
Frances and Jeanna look back at him.
Roddy's turns to each one. Roddy tries to get the fun back by splashing at Gabriel.
Gabriel smiles as he calmy wipes the water off his clothes. He makes a comment about the general maturity level in the pool. Then he asks if anyone has seen the ring. He's going to have to call the police if no one can find it and he doesn't want to do that.
He shoots a knowing look at Jeanna, which Francis spots. Then he leaves.
Jeanna better go help him look and sure as hell Frances isn't going to let her our of her sight. Both exit the pool, pushing each other to determine who gets the ladder first.
Roddy, alone now, has fun by himself.
INT. FOYER
Both Frances and Jeanna hear a door from the upper floor slam.
Johnny and Darnell enter and ask what was the sound.
Both females tell both men what happened.
Johnny eyes Frances in her wet clothes. But when Frances looks back he turns away and leaves.
Frances and Jeanna head upstairs.
But Darnell wants to talk to Jeanna about the favour she owes him.
Jeanna can't talk now. She all wet. And she rushes upstairs.
INT. POOL
Johnny spots Roddy playing. He gets close to the pool. Bad mistake. Roddy pulls Johnny in.
Gabriel pulls the black turtle neck over his head to complete his black ensemble. He looks like a mean mother.
He hears a SCREAM and loud SPLASH. Gabriel smirks.
A large black case sits on his bed. Gabriel pulls out a gun and examines it.
Roddy yells out loud "FAT BOY CAN SWIM!" It's Johnny.
He cocks the gun. Aims at the camera. Pulls the trigger. Then everything goes black.
INT. POOL
Roddy plays around Johnny for a bit. Johnny’s actually serious in hurting Roddy. Jimmy coughs, stopping both of them.
This can be construed in an unfavourable way for Johnny. Johnny gets it real quick: No, its not what you think.
Roddy interjects: We’re both gay, Jimmy.
Johnny tries to hit him but misses.
Johnny exits the water, refuting what Roddy says.
Roddy LAUGHS. He shouts out PRICELESS!
INT. MANSION – HALLWAY
Johnny storms off muttering to himself about getting revenge.
EXT. MANSION
Jimmy comments on Roddy's jerkiness. Roddy "comes back" with something about how he bets Jimmy would like to jerk him - or maybe Roddy's too old.
Jimmy's anger is evident. He turns and walks away trying to restrain himself.
INT. GABRIEL’S BEDROOM
A knock on the door. It's Jeanna and Frances. Gabriel puts the gun back in the bag.
INT. POOL
Roddy appears completely exhausted. Darnell notices and asks what the hell's been going on.
Roddy says he employed hot cold therapy. First the pool, then the hot tub and you wouldn't believe what you can do with those jets.
Darnell isn't in the mood. He's lost all his party.
He asks how much he thinks the stolen ring was worth.
Roddy doesn't have a clue, he should ask Johnny. And while he's at it he should give him a big kiss from Roddy.
Darnell looks perplexed then worried.
Roddy says he's just kidding.
Darnell has to go. He says good.
Roddy watches him leave, with concern.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Darnell SMACKS into Jimmy.
They apologise then almost as an after though Darnell asks him about the ring.
Jimmy says it's worth quite a bit. Johnny spent most of his savings on it. It was devastating for him to have it stolen.
Darnel looks even more worried.
Why?
Motive.
And Darnell leaves the room, Jimmy watches him exit.
When he's sure Darnell is gone. Jimmy looks both ways then reaches in his pocket and pulls out the ring. He smiles deviously as he stares at it. Then he looks once more in Darnell's direction.
Empty and quiet. Cherry enters. She looks around, disrobes completely.
She's come to let it happen and it's gonna happen. She starts a bit of rhythmic circles. Sings part of Wannabe as a single spice girl:
Always wanting to do this. She dives in, immersing herself into the rich cool waters.
INT. MANSION
Darnell opens the front door.
Gabriel: Where do you think you're going?
Darnell is noticably frightened.
I was going for a drive. What are you dressed for?
We're going to have some fun.
Gabriel head into the
LIVING ROOM
shouting for everyone.
Darnell spots Jimmy stashing something in his pocket.
Frances and Jeanna come in behind them.
INT. POOL ROOM
Cherry slowly starts to do laps, back and forth, back and forth. She gets faster and faster.
INT. LIVING ROOM
What's in the bag?
Gabriel won't tell until everyone has gathered.
Roddy enters and wonders what the fuck is going on.
Johnny and Cherry ar missing. Gabriel can't keep the secret anymore.
He reaches into the bag and pulls out a gun. He points it at Roddy. Everyone is taking this as a serious threat. Roddy is nearly pissing his pants. The Gabriel pulls the trigger. And a blob of paint his Roddy and he does pee his pants.
Everyone go get changed Quick it's time for paintball.
INT. POOL ROOM
Cherry slows her laps down. She's puffing. She floats on her back, closes her eyes... at peace.
Click!
Cherry opens her eyes. Everyone is dressed as bad mothers all pointing a gun at her. Cherry screams.
Johnny bursts in from outside. He's been watching.
Everyone except Cherry points their guns at Johnny. Johnny screams - it sounds like when Cherry screamed.
Gabriel shouts they should all go to the maze.
Roddy shouts at Cherry and Johnny to get their gear on and join them. Johnny shakes his head - Roddy shoots him in the foot. He yelps and rushes at Roddy, but Roddy is gone - out the door.
By this time Cherry has clothes on. Her and Johnny rush off to their rooms.
EXT. MAZE
Roddy shoots off into the maze. Gabriel goes a different way to him - as Francis, Darnell and Jimmy go different ways to the others too. Jeana follows Gabriel.
A few seconds later, all is calm. Gabriel whispers to Jeana how good this will look on camera. He points out a few cameras in the maze. Jeana agrees.
INT. CHERRY’S BEDROOM
Cherry puts on her gear, grabs the gun.
INT. JOHNNY’S BEDROOM
Johnny puts on his gear, grabs the gun.
EXT. MAZE
Jeana is still talking to Gabriel, when Frances rocks up. She heard what was said.
She is annoyed that Gabriel wants to create conflict just for some stupid TV show. This was supposed to be a fun, relaxing weekend. Gabriel denies it, but Frances doesn't cave in.
Frances says she is over it and doesn't want to play this stupid game anyway. As she walks off, Gabriel shoots her in the back. Frances turns around - she's made. She tries to shoot Gabriel as he and Jeana run off. She shrugs, "fuck it" and races after them.
In another part of the maze, Roddy slinks around a corner. He brings his wrist to his mouth, and talks into it, "Bravo bravo, charlie, roger, roger. What's your position, over, under, through and out" pretending he's got a microphone there.
Roddy turns a corner, still talking into his mic, when he is greeted head on by a gun pointing in his face.
It's Johnny. Johnny tells Roddy to take his helmet off. Roddy laughs and points his gun at Johnny.
Another gun is at the back of Johnny's head. It's Cherry.
Johnny informs Roddy that he wants to shoot a paintball into Roddy's crotch area, as payback. Roddy says no way.
They are arguing when Jimmy comes on the scene. He tells Johnny he wants to tell him something... something important.
In the confusion Roddy runs away, laughing. Cherry follows him.
Jimmy brings something out of his pocket. Johnny gasps. "You motherfu-"
EXT. MAZE
In another part of the maze Cherry chases Roddy, both of them laughing and wildy shooting at each other.
EXT. MAZE
In another part of the maze Darnell stops, smelling. He brings his head close to a small green plant on the ground. It's weed. "Gabriel, you bloody beauty."
EXT. MAZE
Back to Johnny and Jimmy. Jimmy brings out the ring. Johnny lunges at him. Jimmy dodges him, and explains that Darnell stole it, and he took it from him.... to give back to Johnny.
Pause.... Johnny calls bullshit, raises and points his gun. Jimmy brings his gun up too. They keep their guns trained on eachother as they argue.
EXT. MAZE
In another part of the maze, Gabriel and a laughing Jeana run away from Frances. Gabriel turns around - No Frances.
Gabriel wants to go back to look for her. Jeana says forget her, and lets find the others. Gabriel disagrees and walks back the way they came to find Franes. Jeana is pissed. Gabriel smiles, telling her that conflict is key. Jeana is having none of it.
Gabriel and Jeana scoot away from Frances. She gives up the chase but wants revenge.
Frances shoots the camera lenses she can find with her paintball gun.
She runs into Darnell and enlists his help. Darnell in his usual mild euphoria goes along with Frances not really knowing why Frances is doing this. Darnell can’t hit a camera lens to save his life.
Frances tells Darnell they need to get everyone together.
EXT. MAZE (BY JOHNNY AND JIMMY)
Jimmy and Johnny are in a face off over the ring.
Jimmy sadly confesses that he was playing Johnny at first. He reveals his passion for Cherry and that one wild, passionate night they had in high school. And the sparks rekindled when they first met this weekend.
Johnny pisses and moans about life, how it’s always about bro’s before hose. Jimmy retorts that it’s hose before bro’s -- have you been watching bromances again?
Jimmy hands Johnny his gun as a sign of submission.
Johnny prepares to shoot Jimmy in the crotch. Jimmy tenses.
Frances and Darnell enter and surprise the duo. Darnell looks askance at the ring. Neither Jimmy nor Darnell fess up.
Frances says she staging a prank on Gabriel and wants Jimmy and Johnny to help.
Jimmy and Johnny look at each other unsure of what to do next.
Frances puts her arms around both of them and pushes them deeper into the maze.
EXT. MAZE (BY RODDY AND CHERRY)
Roddy and Cherry continue to wrestle and laugh. Roddy and Cherry kiss. Cherry’s motor is running hot after her warm up in the pool.
Roddy reminds her of the “Chair rub” incident.
Frances, Darnell, Johnny and Jimmy stop as a group a few feet away from the couple. Johnny makes a comment like “I should have shot all of you in the crotch.” Or “I remember the Chair Rub story now…”
Roddy and Cherry stand up and brush off their clothes.
Frances aims as if going to shoot Cherry but fires a paintball at a nearby camera.
Frances tells everyone how Gabriel and, she suspects, Jeana, have been using this paint ball shootout, if not the whole weekend, for some reality TV show or DVD.
Frances lets that news sink in. The gang reacts, mostly in the negative.
She wants to know if anyone is interested in punking Gabriel. Unanimous assent.
Frances asks if anyone has their paint ball war paint with them.
EXT. MAZE (BY GABRIEL AND JEANA)
Gabriel and Jeana wait in a corner of the maze. A “security” camera is in plain view.
Frances yells to get their attention.
The gang moons the Gabriel with his name painted on their six pair of butt cheeks:
Everyone is cleaned up and all are present except Gabriel and Jeanna. They talk amongst themselves about Gabriel and the cameras.
Frances sits next to Johnny. She wipes some paint off his cheek.
Darnell snorts some coke over in a corner. He says he doesn't care if Gabriel was taping as long as he gets a cut of the cash.
Cherry shouts at him, "This is serious!"
She says it's like when they were back at school - he never cared about anything serious. Not his grades, what the teacher said, anything.
Roddy sticks up for Darnell, saying Johnny is still the loser he was in high school.
Frances laughs, calling Roddy a big jock who lives in the past.
Roddy calls Frances a man and tells her she changed too much, and that she can run away from the past, but she can't hide.
Frances starts to cry. Jimmy comforts here.
Gabriel enters and makes some wise crack and then everyone in the room starts shouting at him about the cameras. Jeanna follows and hides in his shadow.
Jimmy tries to play peacemaker.
Gabriel goes off at Jimmy, telling him he always picks the best moments to be friends with people... when they are at their weakest, and that he has always been like that.
Jimmy tells Gabriel he hides behind money. And that he acts because he is too scared to live in the real world, just like he was too scared in high school. Jimmy's just trying to help.
Everyone starts shouting at each other.
Suddenly Gabriel picks up a vase and smashes it on the wall.
Everyone goes quite.
Gabriel starts to cry, and he tells them everything. The debt, the camera's, the tv show, everything.
19 INT. MANSION, LIVING ROOM Jeanna comforts Gabriel.
She starts into a spiel about how he was always there for her, but Frances interrupts. She's going to bed.
Johnny is too. They exit.
Roddy calls them party poopers.
Gabriel agrees. It's late. They should all go to bed.
Roddy says Gabriel's just a pooper or something like that.
Everyone but Roddy and Darnell head upstairs.
INT. MANSION, GUEST CORRIDOR Frances and Johnny stand outside Johnny's room. Frances thanks Johnny for being there for her. She gives him a kiss.
Johnny watches Frances walk toward her room. Then suddenly Jeanna, Jimmy, and Cherry are in the corridor. Johnny hurries into his room.
INT. JOHNNYS ROOM Johnny shuts his door. Then leans his back against it, holding on to the door frame for dear life like his world is spinning and he doesn't want to fall off.
INT. MANSION, GUEST CORRIDOR Jeanna has forgotten something. She turns around and heads away.
Cherry and Jimmy are at the door to their respective rooms. Cherry eyes Jimmy. Then she calls him. He stops at his door.
Cherry saunters over. She gets seductive with him. She says she was thinking that maybe they could...
Jimmy turns cold. Not tonight, I have a headache. Then he enters his room. Cherry is left at the door, shocked.
INT. MANSION, LIVING ROOM Darnell offers Roddy some coke. Roddy shrugs and accepts it.
Roddy asks how much money Darnell owes. Darnell tells him. Roddy is shocked.
INT. MANSION - OUTSIDE GABRIELS ROOM Jeanna knocks on the door. Gabriel opens it.
What does she want. To thank him. She pushes him in the room. And closes the door.
INT. MANSION - GUEST CORRIDOR Johnny exits his room and looks both ways. He tip toes across the hall to Frances' room. He knocks on the door.
Frances holds here sheer robe tight at the neck. She asks what Johnny wants.
Johnny is tounge tied. She asks if he came there just to stutter at her.
Johnny lean in and kisses her. A real kiss. She responds. They fall into the room and the door closes.
[b]INT. MANSION - LIVING ROOM A couple of beers in front of them. So coke laid out.
Roddy tells Darnell he's always been his best bud. Roddy going to give Darnell the money.
Darnell doesn't believe him.
But Roddy insists.
Darnell is overjoyed. He gives Roddy a big kiss and they both fall off the couch.
Roddy pushes the overjoyed Darnell off of him exclaiming that’s the second time Darnell has given him a man kiss. Roddy confirms he’ll get the money to Darnell come Monday morning at the bank. Darnell tries another macho kiss and Roddy puts his hand up to fend off the kiss.
INT. GUEST WING
Cherry waits outside Jimmy’s door and reaches up to knock but pulls he arm back when she hears voices from the living room. She walks toward the voices.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Darnell states he is too excited to sleep and wants to prank the bedroom occupants. Roddy confides he is done with being the joker. He needs to get his shit together if he’s going to be the man he wants to be.
Cherry stands just outside the entrance and likes what she heard.
Cherry enters and asks the duo why they aren’t in bed. Darnell claims Roddy is refusing his advances and laughs. Roddy says they were talking about getting Darnell into a sobriety program causing Darnell to howl with laughter.
INT. BEDROOM (JIMMY’S ROOM)
Jimmy tosses and turns. Jimmy has a flashback: He walks around the corner in the maze and witnesses Roddy and Cherry kissing. Jimmy can’t sleep and exits.
INT. GUEST WING
Jimmy walks to Cherry’s room, whispers her name, and about to knock on the door when he hears Cherry’s laugh from the living room.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Jimmy enters. Darnell, Roddy and Cherry exclaim “Jimmy!” They want to hear a story of his from high school. After a moment of inner tension, he complies.
INT. BEDROOM (FRANCES’)
Making love for Johnny and Frances is nice and easy. Afterwards, Frances confesses to a high school crush on Johnny. Frances asks to see the ring. Johnny worries about paying for the ring. Johnny looks into the hall and hears voices. They go down to the living room arm in arm.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Jimmy captivates the audience with the story of why he thought Gabriel was gay and Frances was too. Johnny and Frances enter obviously together. The group exclaims “Johnny!” and after a moment “Frances!?” Frances and Johnny sit together. Frances asks Jimmy to continue. Cherry smiles at Frances then Johnny and whispers “Good for you.”
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Jeana forces herself on Gabriel. This is one of two sexual encounters he has had. The first was Frances a long time ago. He is overwhelmed by the sex and is quite content. They hear laughter through the door and go out to investigate.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Jeana and Gabriel find everyone in the living room. No drugs, no beer but plenty of fun. The gang exclaims “Gabriel!” and “Jeana!” Darnell states Gabriel is not Gaybriel or Gabrielle, he’s just Gabriel.
ADD: -- Explanation of why characters are at mansion -- Variety topics for dinner scene to establish characters such as jobs (See profiles) -- Johnny vs. Gabriel (per profile Johnny believes Gabriel never showed him appreciation for start in acting) -- More scenes (montage?) with ring changing hands -- Desperate scene in paintball where Gabriel threatens to throw the ring into the pond
CHANGE: -- Jeana’s reason for leaving and later returning to mansion; diminished character? -- Darnell is hiding from his drug supplier and marks; won’t answer his phone but he checks it every ring -- Cherry doesn’t end up with anyone -- Roddy is fresh from rehab -- Paintball battle should be teams (Johnny vs. Gabriel) -- High school flashback to more of an interactive scene -- Cameras and microphones are wired to central control -- Francesca is 100% functioning trans-sexual -- The ending will need to change since no RV
TRIM: -- Introduction length -- Jesus Christ Superstar -- The RV, Muslim, and Logan legacy -- Episcopalian as topic of dinner scene -- Quote from Romeo and Juliette (shortened)
EDIT (Added 02-23-2010):
Example of opening scene (dialogue can be added later)
BLACK:
The word “Thief” is on the screen. Then it reads “Thoef” with the “o” being a diamond ring which begins to twirl in place until a side view of the ring reveals a perfect “i” completing the correct spelling.
FADE IN:
EXT. MANSION
An awe inspiring mansion sits on lush green grass. The hedges are sharply trimmed. Not a wave dares to disturb the surface of the pond.
INT. LIVING ROOM
GABRIEL (17), a person everyone at the party wants to talk to. He has charisma and the good looks to go along with his dazzling smile. The music plays LOUD from a vintage stereo system. He stands in the middle of the party and holds his hand up in a man wave at…
CHERRY (17), a shapely beauty that every teen boy dreams about, waves back her slack wristed girl wave. At her side is…
FRANCES (17), pale skin and dark hair, notices Gabriel’s wave to Cherry. His face stiffens. He waves a Gabriel but then pulls his hand back. The wave wasn’t for Frances. He whispers something to Cherry causing her to grin.
Gabriel eyes Frances like he couldn’t care less what was said.
Gabriel looks around scanning for known faces and nods at…
DARNELL (17), skinny with an afro and sparse facial hair on his small chin, talks to anyone who will listen about drugs, concert tickets, and condoms he has for the right price. He holds an imaginary doobie, inhales, and invites Gabriel or a smoke later.
Gabriel taps his watch and nods “later” at Darnell. Darnel smiles and puts his arm around…
RODDY (17), tall and imposing, nods with a glint of mischief in his eyes and smirks a half-smile.
JIMMY (17), a clean cut boy scout with a square jaw, notices the sign and wants in on the doobie too. The music playing changes to a different band and Jimmy moves his body to the rhythmic music. He slaps Gabriel on the shoulder as Gabriel walks by. Jimmy and the other boys watch with young lust in their eyes as Cherry glides next to…
JOHNNY (17), a fat boy so jovial he doesn’t mind being called Fat Boy, sits watching TV. He yells at the actors every time they do something stupid. Johnny appears satisfied to stay in the TV room alone with his snacks.
Gabriel works his way over to…
JEANA (17), a slight girl with a Goth look to her attire and make up. She smiles coyly at Gabriel…
Graduation Ceremonies: May 28, 1999. Five friends linger on the curb in front of Simply High School. They're obvious deviants, wearing apparel that actualizes their abhorrence to society's constructs.
The final three arrive on scene in a hearse. A wedding? A Funeral? Neither, but a "Thy dare be done", in what appears as a gag that has a priest about to marry. Truth is, "the gag" only breaks the surface of the real storms brewing underneath the surface of the group's dynamics.
This is a story about "the group", namely, one that is prone to use and abuse each other, but also to love and no one knows it or could feel it except them. Especially not "the propers".
The Propers are the rich kids that belong at this proper school. They snub their noses at our proverbial "onions" that in turn, brandish some exotic martial arts moves and attitudes that denote a rousing and scornful performance towards the proper "petunias", that seem to have zero performance anxiety and one hundred percent productivity on the success scale.
How did these Onions manage to get into Simply? Money. From Logan Heisberg, the step-father of Jeana Marie, both characters who everyone wants around and no one wants around because as easy as they make life sometimes, they also make it hell.
Like for Gary, now.
From the get-go in front of Simply, we meet the twisted couple that seem to break religious oath. Both GABRIEL RAZON and JEANA MARIE FOREST (HEISBERG) prove truth is stranger than fiction. The trouble with these two, is we never know which is which. They don't either and that might be their greatest challenge.
Hard to tell who to focus on. RODDY "BURNER" BURNSIDE, the suave practical joker dressed as a magician who smoothly pulls flowers out of his wand? Or CHERRY "CHERUB" CHAMBERS, the big bosomed tease who accepts the flowers and a kiss from Roddy on her one flattered and extended hand.
Maybe it's our gay friend, FRANCES TERRY who snaps "magical" pictures that lead us with captions to identify the eight of our group.
Wrong on the gay front. Frances is a female trapped in a male body and with the help of Gabriel, he's only just figured that out himself. In the process of "snapping" Frances drops his change purse. No one notices.
It seems the most normal is JIMMY GREEN. He's dressed in a suit, pretty standard, but then he's without his shoes and the back of said suit is a patchwork quilt. Normal theory over.
Normal must then mean JOHNNY BOSCO, the overweight boy with "schlep" predominating his disposition. Someone's got to figure out a way to get him to hold his head up. His casual attire seems pretty normal, but his fascination with the curb is not.
Speaking of which, the curb is the antagonist that trips Jeana leading her into the "saving arms" of DARNELL DAVIES, an afro-haired lollipop upon his head, a tuxedo T-shirt and golden velour pants that cascade in gigantic flairs at his feet.
Only Darnell could pull off a look like this and still appear suspiciously intelligent despite the amount of drugs he absorbs.
As Jeana trips and is "saved" by Darnell, Gabriel thinks it's more and "grabs" Darnell's crotch and remarks that his "instant hard ons" mean he's not getting lucky. Darnell retorts he's not getting lucky with the Steves rather than the Eves and he shoves Frances into Gabriel's arms.
The sensitive "condition" of Frances is apparent as he kisses Gabriel and Gabriel at first puts on a "macho pat" on his back.
The disguised Blow Job scene at the drive-in where Gabriel helps Frances to know himself comes as a flashback in Gabriel's mind. The only one who knew besides Frances was Jimmy, in the car next to them, he witnessed it and after the widest of eyes since the day of his birth, Jimmy closes them for a moment. His gestures were then of "mum's the word", but of course he tells and everyone in their onion patch knows.
After the instant of remembrance, Gabriel lightens from the "macho pat" to a lady-like pat. Even the screen lightens a shade.
Gabriel and Darnell wind up fighting, but Jimmy intercepts with his peace-making skills. Both Gabriel and Darnell turn their attention to Jimmy, the mood lightens one more degree as they take the opportunity to "beat up" on Jimmy, but it only seems that way. As Darnell holds Jimmy and Gabriel looks like he's about to take a solid punch to Jimmy's stomach, he begins to tickle Jimmy. Thus Jimmy's weakness is exposed.
Against the frivolity ensuing out front, is the elegance around back.
EXT. SIMPLY HIGH - BACK GROUNDS
LOGAN HEISBERG (43) suited in the best threads money can buy seems to be enjoying a la-te-dah conversation with ISSAC TERRY (40) worn appearance upon a closer look.
Closer still as the conversation reveals itself, the la-te-dah is missing its "dah" and it's la-te-fuck because things aren't as they seem.
Issac asks Logan if he thinks his alcoholism caused Frances' sexuality issues. Logan's response is to pull out his own private flask, hand it to him and then remark that, ""The cause of everything is the first cause, Issac. And this aint it," he says. They look out at the surroundings. Beautiful, isn't it.
Logan makes a proposal to Issac. He'll look after Frances. He offers money for Frances' sex change, an "in" at one of his companies, and a life as beautiful as "this", if... Logan announces, "You advise Gabriel to work with me. The best recommendation you can conceive of. Tell him that I've made life easy now."
Issac asks why on earth Gabriel would even want to take any advice from him, after all, he's a drunk. The answer is precisely he would not, and therefore will not want to work any deals with Logan out of pride. Only drunks and weaklings accept charity, right?
Logan knows that Gabriel is just like him: he doesn't want things easy. He wants to earn it, just like he did. Logan doesn't want Gabriel to simply fall into his estate without knowing what it feels like to be down and out and thus is his plan: to bring Gabriel down.
INT. SIMPLY HIGH - FRONT
The group is in the process of heading to the party out back, but Roddy goes back to the hearse for a moment to grab some practical joke supplies. He's about to catch up with the group when he notices that someone dropped their change purse. He begins to shout out "Hey-" but when he opens it to see the bills, he opts to keep it for himself.
INT. SIMPLY HIGH - TENTS
The graduates perform The Tango together. The end of an age.
Summer. The glorious open air market hums with activity. The docks are filled with street vendors and artisans. The water glistens and so do the smart eyes of Jeana.
She's a calculating cashier and has an interesting way of handling a cranky customer. As sly as she is to the woman (who winds up digging for a twenty for charity), she's sweet enough to the real priest (who's next in line). Jeana treats him to his pastry and energizer drink despite her "closed" sign. He performed a confession for her in off hours, so it only makes sense.
The uniformed Jeana counts her float, closes and we find her finding Gabriel.
EXT. SIMPLY MARKET DOCK-SIDE
Gabriel sips a latte. Jeana notes the delicate nature of the cup he drinks from, a small rose-like petaled porcelain lady cup, small as in Turkish-coffee, cup.
Pa-chaw! from Gabriel, though she teases him while "clipping his hair" with one of her diamond studded hair combs.
Laughter. Gabriel sobers quickly, a nervous tick upon his face.
So the news is that Jeana is holding The Last Hurrah before Gabriel goes off to L.A. and becomes "one of those".
The Last Hurrah is going to honor her step-father's forty-fourth birthday. Gabriel mentions how much Logan's done for everyone, but the most important thing wasn't the money. It was this: He pulls out a "lucky rock" that Logan gave him as a child.
Jeana mentions that he shouldn't be carrying it around or he'll lose it. Gabriel says he knows, but he was feeling sentimental about leaving Simply and you know.
INT. JEANA MARIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
A birthday cake alight with forty-four candles. Happy Birthday Logan, it reads.
The eight friends sing Happy Birthday, clap and do "He's The Jolly Good Fellow."
Logan looks contemplative.
He finally admits that "Jolly is for Santa Clause and Good is for fools and he's neither; so think of what a man who's a sinner and sick sinner at that-- with a damndable illness from Satan himself-- What might he need to make this occasion really memorable?"
Jeana begs her father not to ruin it.
But Logan won't let it rest. His number #1 and only son (only in his mind) is leaving and he will have the final word.
Someone (he stares hard at Gabriel) to look after my life's work after I'm gone.
Logan gets up and leaves the room. The birthday candles still flaming.
Jeana jumps to Gabriel's side asking him to talk to her father. To tell him he'll do it. The group takes Jeana's side. "Tell him you'll do it! Look at what he's done for us!"
Each explains in turn what Logan has done for various family members. Paid for this. Paid for that.
Gabriel gets up reluctantly to follow into Logan's study.
INT. LOGAN'S STUDY
Gabriel enters. Logan is facing away. A cigar sits in the ashtray, its smoke coiling quietly.
Gabriel doesn't say a word. Logan, still facing away asks Gabriel if he thinks he has control over his life. Gabriel acknowledges that he has control over his decision to say "yes" or "no" to all of Logan's business which he has no blood connections to anyways and "Why don't you get Jimmy? He's a level head."
Logan makes a comment, "If you don't want what I have to offer, then why don't you give me back the lucky rock I gave you when you were ten. Or did you lose it? No. Of course didn't lose it, or you wouldn't be going to L.A. now would you? Wouldn't have met Donald Esquins at Johnny's. Wouldn't a lot of things, would you?"
Logan lifts out a strange looking pendulum out of his drawer. It swings sideways. Underneath, he places a "fortune telling map" with various scenarios inked over in a splotchy black. The pendulum swings in every direction precariously.
"I want you to be in charge," says Logan as he scrutinizes the pendulum.
Gabriel pulls the rock from his pocket. His hand stretches forth. He's about to give it back and as it moves closer to Logan, the pendulum shifts dramatically wavering and completely unstable.
Gabriel focuses upon the pendulum. His vision blurs. His hands begin to shake. He cannot give up the rock.
Logan very carefully holds open his hand, waiting.
Gabriel closes his hand tight around the rock and pockets it. He leaves.
Logan enters, smiling. He places an arm around Gabriel. "My number #1 and only son. Of course he's going to. He just needs a little time in L.A., get his career off to its spectacular start, and then he'll be coming back home. Right Gabriel?"
Gabriel agrees "right" to cheers and applause.
Logan hands out several bottles of champagne. Corks fly.
Glasses foam over and rise in unison to Logan's forty forth.
"Though ye break trust, thy love's a must," he says. Thus completes the essence of this dark character with a caring heart.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
The end of the evening. The drunken group walks down some nameless street in Simplytown yaking about nonsense.
Roddy throws a football in the air and barely catches it. One last huddle before the "real game" commences. The game of Life. The group gathers together in a huddle.
Gabriel speaks: "Ten years from now we'll have a reunion. No matter what. And none of us will have changed. We'll all be exactly the same 'right here'. Where it counts." And he knocks upon the area of his heart, but Darnell gets him back from the day of their graduation and grabs Gabriel's crotch.
"That's where it counts my friend." Darnell laughs and remarks that it's soft as putty. Gabriel's too drunk and can't conjure even an angry stare. "So we're even. ...And we'll perfectly remember this perfect moment..."
High School Reunion. June 11, 2009.
EXT. GABRIEL'S MANSION - FRONT
Together, just as before. A circular huddle, around we go, searching their perplexed faces.
"I hardly remember that moment," Roddy says, his face a tightly woven knot of confusion.
"What moment?" Darnell adds.
"The moment!" Gabriel shouts. "The moment we were all going to remember." Gabriel remembers, but the rest have the cloud of doubt hanging over their heads.
Jeana says she remembers confessing to that priest the next day. It was just a joke, but it felt wrong. You know.
Arm-in-arm, all gathered together. Just like before. Yep. Just like before... No. Not-At-All. They break apart.
"What's wrong with us?" Cherry asks. The ole cheer leader decides to do a little cheer and this has a miraculously healing effect on group dynamics.
Jeana notices and fixes it further by pulling down Cherry's top and exposing a little more of the bobble.
Darnell, in one of his lesser known straight moments snaps his fingers to order:
"We don't remember because we're not drunk. It's the synchronicity factor. "If we get wasted, we'll remember".
Roddy acknowledges that he's been clean and sober for two weeks.
Gabriel remarks that it's no wonder he looks peaked.
Jeana contributes that she just finished reading an article that some people work better when they're stoned. Cherry nods agreement that she read that too in Science Digest.
Gabriel encourages them to go in and make themselves at home.
Jeana's about to head too, but he grabs her by the arm, holding her back.
"How did you get Cherry to go along with your Stoned is Good For You in Science Digest" bit. Jeana pulls out her wallet, packed with bills. "Father doesn't want us wanting."
Gabriel's furious. He exclaims that he doesn't want her father's charity. He's going to do this on his own. She brings up "the deal" that Gabriel and her father made years ago and that it's not charity if he fulfills his obligations.
Gabriel responds angrily that he 'doesn't want to be no Vito Corleone-- especially one who drinks the blood of virgins and chants ooram on the nights of the full moon. I've changed, Jeana.'
But Jeana won't accept that. Her memory's quick "What about 'And none of us will have changed. We'll all be the same right here.'" Jeana knocks upon her heart and then upon Gabriel's. Real hard fisted. Gabriel stares for a long cold moment, then walks off into the mansion.
Cherry walks up. She inquires about what's really happening. Jeana declines, giving Cherry a sisterly kiss and a few more dollars. Cherry declines the money, but Jeana insists.
They walk to the side of the expansive and well manicured garden, reliving a few good times when they enter upon what is the back yard grounds of the mansion. Before we see it, they do.
It's a "holy shit" moment.
EXT. MANSION - BACK GROUNDS
It's terrible. Weeds, overgrown grass. Peeling paint on the Gazebo... Cherry says something's terribly wrong. Jeana says, more than you know and hands her some more bills. She's paying off her guilty conscience because she wants to confide the truth, but can't.
Cherry announces that we're going to get together and arrange a work party. Fix things up.
Jeana enters Gabriel's study. He begins to apologize. She does likewise and then explains that Cherry's got a one track mind about arranging a work party to fix his sorry ass back yard.
"That 'ill be loads of fun to compete with Survivor for the "This Old House" crowd who spend their Saturday mornings shopping Home Depot".
Gabriel paces and determinedly says, "I'm going to produce this Reality Show Logan or no Logan! And I'll do it my way."
Jeana smirks at the Frank Sinatra vibe and gets huffy; says he should snap out of it. "I'm here for you aren't I? Things could be easy. You could accept Father's help and move on, but no. You have to prove yourself! Ok then. Let's do this whole charade! Make a mockery of the friendships we've had since grade five."
But it's not about mockery, Gabriel says. "It's about fun damn it! And we're gonna have fun!"
Jeana says, "Oh yeah. Workin' to fix up your back yard-- that'll be tons of fun."
Gabriel doesn't remit. Games before work! He sounds like Darnell. "We're gonna play ourselves some Paintball!" He throws some military-like clothes at Jeana for her to suit up. She's lightened. "Ookay, but at least let me settle."
EXT. GUEST HALLWAY (OUTSIDE JOHNNY'S ROOM)
Jeana enters on the Guest Hallway and stops to hear Jimmy and Johnny arguing.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY'S)
Heated dialogue over Cherry, their mutual love interest.
EXT. GUEST HALLWAY
Jeana's heard enough. She shakes her head and continues to her room.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JEANA'S)
Jeana admires the war garb. Could be fun. She begins to undress.
EXT. GUEST HALLWAY (OUTSIDE JOHNNY'S ROOM)
Darnell arrives at the same spot. He hears the same argument, but rather than move on, he stays to eavesdrop and then spy, seeing "The Ring" and learning Johnny's plan to propose. Darnell can hardly contain himself.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JEANA'S)
Jeana wears the war garb. She notices "missed call" on her phone. She dials, but it won't work. It's dead. She looks for her charger, but it's not packed. She calls out to her father as if he might hear her telepathically.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Gabriel and Roddy engage in animated conversation. (pg 21 old draft).
EXT. GUEST HALLWAY
Jeana runs smack into Darnell. They experience a moment. Darnell learns that Jeana's worried about having left her father. She tears off and down the stairs.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Jeana's about to leave, but Gabriel won't let her. The argument. When the group appears, they're all "Why is she dressed for war?" She speaks about her father dying and that she never should have left. She finally breaks free, slamming the door behind her. The group stands shocked. Frances runs after her.
EXT. MANSION - FRONT
Frances catches up and reveals what Jeana never knew: That Frances' father might be a drunk. He might be a lot of things, but he isn't a liar and he doesn't keep secrets.
Frances confides that Jeana's father helped her with the money for the sex change. That it was Logan that set her career in motion. And that Logan wanted her father to convince Gabriel it would be easy and happily ever after if he just took his offer and not worry about it.
Jeana doesn't get it until Frances explains: "Your father and Gabriel are two of a kind. Your father has been pulling all kinds of strings to bring Gabriel up to where he was flying on dream clouds and now he's bringing him down... Just so--
She knows this all too well. Just so he will learn what it's like to be on that roller coaster. The "Life is Fickle" roller coaster.
Jeana and Gabriel have always played the "make people learn" game. Of course, they learned how to play from the best, Logan Heisberg.
Frances and Jeana experience some female bonding as Frances explains that if it wasn't for she and Gabriel, she would have never learned who she really was. Tough love is good love I guess. What is it you always said, Though ye break trust, thy love's a must. And who did Jeana and Gabriel learn that from if not from Logan?
"I know all about my father. How could I not see this one?"
Frances shrugs, but Jeana has the look of remorse. For years I've idolized my father, I've lived by every word of his. When everyone else was sneaking out, I was sneaking in to be with him..." (Frances doesn't know the whole story.) "But maybe I was wrong. Maybe we were wrong. Him, Gabriel, me. Maybe we were all completely wrong. And maybe you shouldn't be a woman and maybe what we're planning..." What? Frances wants to know.
... Jeana's character is experiencing dilemma. She's questioning all of her values. Is teaching people the hard way the best way to teach? Has she manipulated just like her step father is manipulating Gabriel? Just like Gabriel is manipulating the group?
"If my father's not really dying, he better be prepared to pay up because if Gabriel wants a show, then he's gonna get a good one. Frances' quizzical look prompts a few more "guilty conscience bills" to be stuffed into her palms before Jeana leaves.
"Did she buy your love?" comes the voice of Cherry. Frances thinks. "She bought my trust, but if it's for her own good, I might have to break it." Love first, trust second. Her words; not mine.
Cherry repeats the old saying, "Though ye break trust, thy love's a must... I have a feeling that long after Logan's dead and buried, we'll be reciting his words and looking for him around the long corridors of our dreams at night."
"Cremated". Frances offers. He wants his ashes scattered over the Simply ocean.
The question comes from Frances, "Do you think he's dying?"
The answer, "I hope not." Demonstrating a love for the old man from Cherry. No surprise though from this queen of sympathy.
INT. GABRIEL'S STUDY
Gabriel's on the phone to Logan. He demands to know if he's really dying or if this is just a game. Logan answers "Of course I'm dying, we're all dying!" But then he gets serious and says "yes", but it's went into remission before and it could easily do so again." Gabriel feels a twinge of guilt.
He requests that Logan just order her back. I need her as much as my lucky stone. Gabriel opens his drawer and pulls out a small wooden box. It's gone!
EXT. SIMPLY MARKET - DOCKS
Logan's out on a houseboat enjoying a brew. He advises Gabriel that everything is a sign no matter how incidental it seems.
Logan holds up "the stone" in his hand, twirling it around.
INT. KITCHEN
(Page 25 old draft) Gabriel attempts to make dinner, stressed about his lucky stone because he knows it's more than that. His frustrations lead to him dropping a glass.
Frances appears just in time and begins to sweep it up. Gabriel confides to Frances about Jeana being so godamned "everything". For a little while Frances is thinking that she and Gabriel can have some "time" again.
INT. GUEST WING
A light moment as Cherry, Johnny, Jimmy and Roddy stand puzzling over one of Gabriel's abstract paintings. They decide it looks like Darnell's brain.
The conversation turns to the feeling they get that Gabriel's hiding something.
Roddy heads off to score something from Darnell, proclaiming that "Sober's over".
INT. KITCHEN
Dinner's coming along, but not any further "happenings" between Frances and Gabriel.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY'S)
Johnny's feeling sorry for himself and diving into self pity and he speaks with Jimmy. Jimmy, being the man he is, tries to console him.
EXT. POND
Roddy finds Darnell and gives him "the connections list" compliments of Gabriel. Darnell's thrilled. They bitch about Johnny and his pathetic "ring thing". Roddy admits to Darnell that he found-stole money from Frances years ago. That he's going to admit to it and pay her back.
INT. GUEST HALLWAY
Cherry hears Johnny and Jimmy in the "can/can't" propose debate. She walks in asking what can't Johnny do? Johnny's answer is only a cover.
INT. KITCHEN
Darnell and Roddy enter bringing some old/new light to Gabriel's day. These guys haven't changed. It's nice to have them around again, but Gabriel cuts himself even as things are lightning.
His luck is turning bad he says. Roddy makes Devil horns and jokes that it was that "thing" Logan did back in 99. An ornament FALLS off the corner shelf and breaks. Roddy isn't laughing now. The three clean it up together and eye each other. No words.
Kay fun. Turns out Darnell has recently converted to Episcopalian and is even selling drugs to his new flock.
Some playfulness ensues as Frances discovers a book in Gabriel's pantry on "Sexual Cooking" with pictures... Soon Johnny's plans enter the conversation bringing on a downer, but Roddy changes that.
He's quick to snatch the book and run away with it. Frances and Darnell are quick to play the game and run in pursuit.
INT. GUEST HALLWAY - LATER
Jimmy and Johnny followed by Frances and Cherry head down to dinner.
Frances inquires if Cherry has heard anything about a certain "proposal". Cherry obviously hasn't. Frances reveals interest in Johnny under her breath.
INT. DINING ROOM
A glimpse of group dynamics. Cherry's a tease alright. While she shows Darnell how to make an appetizer, Roddy and Jimmy are keen on her gentle manipulations of the ingredients.
Johnny's already gone to get the ring, but O.S. comes his scream that "It's gone!"
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY'S)
A mad rush to find out what's the matter. When Cherry learns that everyone knew, but her, she's angered. Johnny is too. He runs after her.
INT. KITCHEN
Johnny calls out, but Cherry isn't there. Gabriel arrives offering some friendly advice, but Johnny lays into Gabriel. At this point, Gabriel is "that" close to punching Johnny, but he's better than that.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY'S)
After all the drama, Roddy and Darnell and Jimmy decide to dig into some coke. Frances digs into their nerves by telling them to grow up. She leaves strong, but once outside-
EXT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY'S)
She hears "Fuck him. Fuck her." She tears, but quickly pulls herself together. About to walk off...
Frances gets a text.
TEXT MESSAGES:
Frances, I know you gave Gabriel's lucky stone back to my father. It's all good. I understand. But I need to know something about Gabriel once and for all.
Frances texts back: What?
I need to know if he's gay or bisexual or whatever.
You want me to test him? I already tried. Sorry he doesn't want me.
Try again. Try harder.
Frances falls to the floor in the hallway. What the hell am I doing here? Paying for the operation, that's what I'm doing here.
Cherry tries to convince Darnell and Roddy about her fabulous plan of how the back yard should go. They laugh at her calling it a "back yard". Presidential grounds more like.
INT. GUEST ROOM (JOHNNY'S)
Johnny sulks alone.
(Note *Edit Area around page 41 old draft. Here things need to be heated up.)
EXT. MANSION - FRONT - NEXT DAY
The sun rises on a new day. Swing around back and Cherry's already up and at it.
She's not alone. She hands Roddy, Darnell and Jimmy her list.
MONTAGUE:
The men set to the heavy work while
Cherry, in a fashionable and sexy "work outfit" paints the Gazebo.
While the men do a little "real" work, they do a lot of "pretend work", while spying on Cherry in her artsy endeavors.
It turns out that it's much more fun to request her help with finding things in the tool shed than anything else. The tool shed is quite the place of action.
But there's no action here:
INT. GUEST BEDROOM (JOHNNY'S)
Johnny snoozes and loses on his bed. The covers are half off. Various half-eaten snacks lie on his bedside table.
END MONTAGUE
EXT. MANSION - BACK GROUNDS
From below, it's slightly visible: there's the small slip of the window curtain. It's Gabriel spying on the proceedings from his lofty point.
INT. GABRIEL'S BEDROOM
Gabriel can only say "Fuck! This is reality all right. I can hear them now. When Gabriel says reality, he means reality. Dull reality."
INT. GABRIEL'S STUDY
He plays back some of the tape from his security camera. Sure enough, Frances is taking the Lucky Stone from its box.
Gabriel dashes out.
EXT. MANSION - BACK GROUNDS
Dum-de-dum-dum. Darnell's hammering away at a bench. He looks up thinking of another chance to get Cherry in the tool shed.
"Where's the-" But this tool that he requests is in a "different" shed and Gabriel has the key. Shucks! Darnell heads inside to get said key from Gabriel... Roddy laughs. Darnell sneers.
INT. GUEST ROOM (FRANCES')
Frances sleeps peacefully.
Gabriel DIVES on Frances. Her eyes open, shock then--
Gabriel? Oh Gaaabriel! she says lovingly.
The affections don't last. It's clear Gabriel's furious.
"If you weren't a woman I'd..." Finally Gabriel just holds her down.
If you didn't know, you'd think he's about to rape her.
"Where is my rock and why did you take it?"
Frances can't get over the way he's acting.
"Why the hell do you care so much about a stupid lucky rock? It's just a rock!"
"Because it really is lucky! Logan is involved in a special organization. And when I was a kid, he gave it to me and when he did, my luck changed, I swear to God."
"You're crazy. Let me go." She screams.
Gabriel presses his hands down hard on Frances' wrists as she squirms to break free.
"Tell me where it is... I want--
Darnell walks in.
"To get lucky again!"
Darnell's in hyper-mode "I heard screaming and I thought, I didn't mean to intrude..."
He leaves.
Thus Gabriel lets Frances go. He apologizes. She apologizes and explains that she's "paying" for her operation.
Gabriel admits that he's sorry. He's really really sorry.
He has visions of giving Frances the best damn blow job he could give him. And maybe he regrets it now. "I was only trying to help. I was only trying to help." And Gabriel breaks down into tears. Frances comforts him.
EXT. BACK GROUNDS
Darnell explains to Cherry and Roddy that he saw Gabriel cheating on Jeana. He thinks he really is bi-sexual after all.
Ya think?
What is bi or tri or anything really? And maybe that's what this story's about after all. Defining people not as isolated individuals, but as grouped, groupies, and groupesque.
The reason these people chose to be together might also be firmly fixed to their own personal needs which, after all, were fulfilled by the power and money that Logan offered to them all. Logan Heisberg. He's a savior. He's Jesus Christ. He's Lucifer. All wrapped up in one.
Gabriel sits alone. Drinking. Cherry enters. Inquires on his "state". State of "Where the hell am I and what am I doing here anyways? Sympathetic Cherry tries to offer him comfort. Gabriel rejects it. He apologizes for not telling her about Johnny's intentions.
Cherry emphasizes how she thinks Johnny is a spoiled "pop tart" brained lazy ass baby. This, from Miss Sympathy. Gabriel raises an eyebrow. Why does Cherry hate him so much?
Because if Johnny's been like a brother to her, he also reminds her of her Dad, who was a lazy ass and her mother wound up divorcing him because of it. Cherry doesn't want to wind up like her Mom. She'll be with someone who has some self-esteem and something opposite the scale of apathy that Johnny's weighing heavy on.
INT. GUEST BEDROOM (FRANCES')
Frances sees the mysterious RV pull in the driveway. She sees Jeana exit wearing a black abaya. Gabriel wants a show and he's gonna get it.
Off Frances goes in a hurry. She needs to talk about Gabriel's "state" now! One that Jeana, having been away, doesn't know about.
INT. KITCHEN
Frances runs into Johnny. They are clearly in a "get to know the real you" mode even though Frances is still in a hurry and speaks about what she just saw, which is:
Jeana. She enters dressed as a Muslim. Just as before with, "Why are you dressed for war?" Now it's, "Why are you dressed as a Muslim?" Noticing a pattern here?
Jeana explains that Logan's in the RV and he's demanding that Gabriel come clean with the deal he made on his birthday.
Frances knows that Logan's not in the RV. She remarks something in that regard and Jeana is "Ok maybe not."
EXT. MANSION - SIDE
Darnell gets a call from his drug man. He owes big time. The drug man makes death threats. Darnell is very intoxicated and his level of caring is suppressed. He promises he'll pay up.
He enters on the front.
INT. MANSION - FRONT
Darnell sees the RV and is freaked that maybe he better lay off the stuff because he thinks he's seeing things. He goes to touch it and sure enough it's real.
Gabriel approaches furious. "What the hell Darnell?!" He thinks Darnell stole the RV.
INT. KITCHEN
Johnny admits to Frances and Jeana that he borrowed the money from his parents without them knowing it. Jeana proclaims that's not borrowing; that's stealing.
Roddy's just come in, really loaded. (Just before the make-up scene). He admits to Frances that he stole the "lost" purse years ago on graduation. Roddy gives the money to Frances.
Frances gives the money to Johnny to pay for the ring. Johnny is overwhelmed and kisses Frances.
Jeana kisses them both. O.S. Gabriel yells at Darnell. Jeana and Frances rush out to see what's going on. Johnny says that the weird shit that's going on is making him hungry. He stays behind.
EXT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY'S)
Roddy knocks. No answer. He presses his forehead up against the door, contemplating what to do. He enters.
EXT. MANSION
Gabriel's yelling at Darnell to get the gawdamned thing out of his driveway, but Darnell insists it's not his.
INT. KITCHEN
Johnny gets an evil grin, dons an apron and sets to work.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY'S)
Roddy gets a sinister grin like Johnny. He finds a make-up bag and begins applying make-up a-la Joker.
EXT. MANSION
When Gabriel sees Jeana coming into view wearing the black abaya, his jaw drops in "What the hell, Jeana?!"
The manipulating dialogue that comes from Jeana and Gabriel can only come from these two twisted sorts and while Frances tries to figure out what Gabriel's so angry about, Gabriel and Jeana go into a full rendition of "The Money Changers" scene from Jesus Christ Superstar.
After "the performance", Darnell asks, "Does this mean you're not angry with me anymore?"
Jeana answers for Gabriel, that he's not, but oh yes he is angry, but he's ESPECIALLY angry with Jeana.
Darnell is swiftly yanked away by Jeana who attempts to get Darnell to lie and admit to stealing the RV because she isn't ready to admit to him that she was using it to channel to her dead "real father" asking questions about The Legacy that Gabriel is supposed to assume from her step-father. And yes, the sentence is very run-on.
While Jeana convinces Darnell, Frances and Gabriel are enjoying the memory of The Beginning of this Movie, when everything was normal. Well, normally abnormal and Graduation was a funeral and a wedding all rolled into one.
Darnell and Jeana come back from their little "discussion" and Darnell now freely admits that yes, he stole the RV. Gabriel can't believe this. What the hell? And then it's Roddy from the upstairs window:
"Rooked me. He-he-he!"
Gabriel doesn't waste any time. He's off to make sure nothing in his house gets broken.
INT. LIVING ROOM
It's soft inside compared to the craziness out. Cherry is missing Johnny in a sentimental way as she chooses a sitcom to watch like she did years ago together with the lazy ass pop tart brain.
She's also missing her cigarettes and she reaches for a pack that Darnell left behind. She notices her empty ring finger. Lights a smoke. Blows a smoke ring and begins to cry "Ro- Rah- Rod".
INT. FOYER
Gabriel sprints up the stairs. He trips. A black cat runs past him. He doesn't own any cats. A dog chases the cat. He doesn't own any dogs.
INT. GUEST WING
He strides down the hallway; arrives at Cherry's room.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY'S)
He finds the room empty and sees on the mirror "The Ring = Johnny = Loser" written in lipstick. Gabriel cusses while he wipes the mirror off.
O.S he hears Roddy. "Here kitty-kitty-kitty. Rover's big, but he won't hurt you. He only wants to play." He exits the room at the height of rage.
INT. GUEST WING
Roddy's drunk, wearing Joker make-up and petting the black cat, who's now purring and rubbing up against Roddy's face.
"A stolen RV in my driveway compliments of Darnell and now you're stealing my neighbor's pets?"
"Borrowing," comes Roddy's reply. "And how come you don't have any pets anyways? Don't you like animals?"
It wouldn't be fair. When he's working all the time. When he WAS working all the time... Gabriel falls down into his ever-loving pit of despair. He pulls a hefty bottle of pills from his pocket and pops one. Roddy pulls them out of his hand. Xanax. "You've got everything. What the fuck is wrong with you? Here." He hands the purring cat to Gabriel. He pets it, gratefully.
Jimmy enters silently while Cherry speaks to the television actors like in the old days.
They share a sentimental moment and the surprised Jimmy gets a hug from Cherry. He's not sure how to take it.
INT. KITCHEN
Darnell makes a mocking imitation of Gabriel angry about the gawdamn RV in the gawdamn driveway.
Jeana and Frances laugh. They head to leave, Jeana's laugh dying down...
Roddy pops his Joker head in the doorway. The laughter's back up to speed when Roddy takes it too far, wipes his make-up off on Johnny's shirt and "picks on him" before running off.
INT. POOL ROOM
Jeana whispers to Frances: Ready to pay big time?
Frances smiles. "Should I go with a "really evil" or "semi evil". She does an "eye thing".
Jeana whispers, "I like the "really evil" personally.
Thus:
Comes the elaborately staged "pool fight" between Frances and Jeana. Roddy joins in the pool fun and then Gabriel enters. He shoots a knowing look at Jeana. He's upset that things aren't going as he planned and his words say so very little but so very much.
Both Frances and Jeana jump up to follow after him as he exits. Will they tell him that they're manipulating the manipulator?
INT. FOYER
Jeana and Frances meet up with Johnny and Darnell. Noting the "wet" clothes, Darnell asks if they spilled their drinks.
Johnny wants to know who slammed the door.
The explanations come round about and about round and both Jeana and Frances conceal the fact that they're "working the show" and "playing the player".
The ring and who stole it and why is brought up. Darnell brings it down as he reminds Jeana about the favor she owes him.
Instead of "paying the favor", she pays it with cash and stuffs some of her guilt bills into Darnell's hands. Jeana should start her own currency. Darnell flatly refuses. He's acting just like Gabriel. Darnell pulls Jeana close. "You know what they're gonna do to me if I don't come up with the money?"
For crying out loud Darnell, she just gave you the money now take it!
"They're gonna break my arms, pluck out my eyes and leave me floating in a little dingy off some nameless coast until the sea birds come along and start eating at my half-dead flesh... And it will be because you didn't "do me" my favor."
Jeana knows Darnell's absolutely serious. She can't be responsible for that. He'll take the money from her alright, but first...
INT. HOME THEATRE ROOM
Time to screw some sense into Jeana.
Wait. Jeana tries to get away to turn off the camera, but Darnell gets rough. That's the way she liked it with Darnell.
Please don't's are all we hear as the screen goes black.
INT. GABRIEL'S STUDY - LATER
Jeana enters, looking around the room, trying to think of a way to get Gabriel out.
Instead, Gabriel says, this time it is definitely time for paintball. It's been long enough.
Jeana says that something's awful happened and she tries to tell him, but Gabriel says it can wait.
INT. POOL ROOM
Roddy plays dead in the water. Johnny tries to rescue him, but is pulled in and rewarded by Roddy with several "holds" under the water. Johnny can't fight against Roddy. Roddy just plays with him.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Spy-themed music plays as Gabriel dresses in a black turtle-neck over his head, completing his black ensemble.
Jeana does the same.
O.S. Roddy is heard. "Fat boy can swim!"
INT. POOL ROOM
The lopsided fight continues until Johnny makes his get-away.
EXT. POOL ROOM
Johnny storms the hallway, muttering his revenge.
INT. POOL ROOM
Jimmy, still standing at the side of the pool, calls Roddy a jerk. Roddy just back strokes happily.
INT. POOL ROOM - LATER
Roddy's in the hot tub, sobering up quickly. Darnell enters asking about the cost of the ring. He reveals that he stole it to get the money to pay off some debts.
Roddy tells him to just ask Jeana. "I hear she's been passing out "the bills" like there's no tomorrow."
Darnell, full of guilt says, that yeah, he thought of that. Twice. But he can't. Because he thinks he maybe loves her. And you know what they say about Can't buy me love?"
No shit, you serious Darnell? I can't even believe it. He won't take the fucking money and what's he trying to prove. Gotta be a hero or something.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Darnell enters. Jimmy's there bumping very purposefully into him and his hands are all over Darnell. A quick slide into his pocket and voila.
After Darnell questions Jimmy about the worth of the ring, he leaves, satisfied that it's worth enough to pay his debt.
Jimmy opens the palm of his hand, exposing the stolen "stolen" ring.
INT. POOL ROOM
Cherry enters. This is the scene all men have been waiting for. She slowly undresses and dives naked into the water.
Someone's in a changing area behind a Japanese screen. They take their pants down and "stroke" as Cherry strokes her laps in the pool.
INT. FOYER
Darnell's about to leave when he's confronted by Gabriel.
Gabriel convinces him to have some fun with Paintball. How hard is it to convince Darnell to have fun? The answer's obvious.
You know, Darnell could ask Gabriel for the money. "If you ever need anything, I'm here for you," Gabriel says. But Darnell's #1 competitor isn't Roddy despite what everyone thinks. It's always been Gabriel. Bi-sexual or whatever he is, Gabriel is one he will take an honest "drug lead" from, but nothing else.
Maybe Darnell decides to stick around because of "fun", that's a good supposition, but perhaps it's more than that. Maybe he's afraid of leaving Jeana alone with Gabriel, playing paintball in the dark. Having fun. Alone. In the dark.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Gabriel gathers them together notifying that they're about to have some real fun. Like they used to. Back in the day.
INT. POOL ROOM
While Cherry does her laps, she also sings a mocking chant on the craziness of our eight crazy onions.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Gabriel reveals what's in the bag-- a gun.
Roddy wanders in asking what's going on.
Gabriel points it. Roddy thinks it's real.
Gabriel shoots it right at Roddy's crotch.
DAMN!!!! FUCK!!! Roddy's in pain and hopping to try and wear it off.
Roddy accepts the challenge of the game by virtue of the fact that he wants revenge and he wants it bad.
Gabriel tosses them each a bag with the paintball gear.
INT. POOL ROOM
Cherry sighs. The waters have soothed her. Johnny sighs, bigger. More. He comes. And that is real good, but then--
SIX BAD MOTHERS dressed in black arrive, pointing guns at the naked Cherry.
Johnny runs. Correction. Tries to run with his pants down. "Leave her be!"
Oh man, the looks on the face-masked six. If you could only see. And then the look on Johnny's face, as they take off their masks.
Holy shit. "You wanna play paintball, Johnny?" Sure. Anything to forget this nightmare, but I'm just not fit enough.
Frances brings Cherry a robe. What'd you go and do that for, Frances? Geeze.
Roddy sprints left, Gabriel sprints right. Jeana follows Gabriel.
Darnell, Frances and Jimmy head in different directions.
EXT. MAZE - GABRIEL AND JEANA
Jeana tries to express herself, but Gabriel's wrapped up in "the game". She needs to know that he'll forgive her. But no, he's trying to have fun damn it.
Darnell spies. He SHOOTS Gabriel and takes off. Fuck. Gabriel's mad at Jeana for taking away his concentration.
He steers her ahead and she runs, looking aimless.
Frances appears. She pretends to "think" that something's going on when she "knows" something's going on. Gabriel upholds that the cameras are only for security.
As Frances turns around. Gabriel shoots her in the back. He meant that. Frances is angry. The game's went up a notch.
EXT. MAZE
Roddy's all Bravo Bravo, Charlie Charlie... trying to call Darnell, but Darnell won't answer. He's involved with the picking of "buds" he's found in the maze.
When Roddy finally proclaims, "Damnit, where the hell are you, Darnell? Darnell answers. Why didn't he answer? Because as far as he's concerned, Roddy was calling for Bravo and Charlie. Darnell's just having fun with Roddy, getting him back.
Darnell breaks off and resumes with his buds.
Roddy tries to call back, but soon finds himself looking down a gun barrel. Johnny's. And he's got the look of a Cheshire cat.
Roddy raises his hands, but it's time to pay the piper. Johnny gives his revenge spiel and then he's about to "pull", but Cherry shows up, trying to apologize for the way she's acted and convince Johnny that they all love him.
"Even you?" he asks. For a moment even we wonder if it might be true. That maybe Cherry does have some kind of feelings for Johnny.
But alas, she doesn't have an answer, and right then, Roddy seizes the opportunity to shoot Johnny and make his get-away. So long sucker. Johnny thinks Cherry was helping him. No. She wasn't. But Johnny's a ruined man. He drops the gun and heads to exit. He can't even do that. He falls down, hopeless.
Jimmy arrives. He tries to question. To help. Do something, but Johnny only sputters about what a fat slob he is and what an idiot. A fat idiot slob, is all he winds up able to say in between his blubbering hiccups.
At this time, Jimmy pulls out the "recovered" ring. Bad timing. Johnny at once believes "the whole group" if not the "whole world" is out to get him. Jimmy is part of the conspiracy to make him look like a fool, he thinks. "You bastard!" echoes through the maze. No Johnny. You're doing a fine enough job on your ownsome of making yourself look like an idiot.
EXT. MAZE - NEAR DARNELL
Darnell's drug dream is interrupted by Johnny's "bastard!". But he returns to his precious.
EXT. MAZE - NEAR RODDY AND CHERRY
Cherry chases Roddy down a path. Roddy tackles Cherry to the ground. He's on top and she can't help but laugh until he leans in to kiss her and she "bites" his nose.
"What the hell'd you do that for?" he asks, but it's evident if not to Roddy.
"You should have let him shoot you! Can't you at least let him gain back a little self respect?"
"OK, you want me to let him shoot me, I will, OK?"
This makes Cherry very very happy. And they kiss.
EXT. MAZE - NEAR JIMMY AND JOHNNY
Jimmy tries to convince Johnny that he didn't steal it, but Johnny just thinks he's been played. Jimmy draws a kind of blank sadness. Maybe Johnny is hopeless after all.
EXT MAZE - NEAR FRANCESCA
Frances runs with words breathing fast upon her lips. "Though ye break trust, thy love's a must..."
EXT. MAZE - NEAR JOHNNY AND JIMMY
The argument continues and now Johnny is about to pay back Jimmy with a "shot" in the crotch.
Frances and Darnell come rounding the corner. Frances spills it.
"This has all been one big game!"
"Yeah. It's called Paintball," says Jimmy.
"No, this whole week has been a pre-planned pre-fab lego legopolis of unfathomable heights of leg-pulling depths of which couldn't sink any lower and so I helped to fix it so he thought he was "doing his thing", but I was doing mine. And Jeana, she was doing it too." Darnell looks hard at Frances.
"No way. What we had was real, Baby."
Frances doesn't know. She admits to not knowing what is between her and Darnell, but Jeana was working with her to make a "different show" than the one Gabriel was planning.
These onions reek with malice towards the one who would trick them, try and steal their personal property and lie about what he was going to actually "show".
Francesca leads the group of Jimmy, Johnny and Darnell to the love-struck couple.
Francesca reveals what Gabriel was planning. Cherry and Roddy are game to game on Gabriel.
EXT. MAZE - CENTER TOWER - NEAR GABRIEL AND JEANA
Gabriel and Jeana look down upon the maze. Gabriel turns to look at the camera. At once, he sees, six mooning onions. "(GA) (BR) (IE) (LS) (UC) (KS)"
Not only has his luck turned on him, but his group has.
Jeana tries to "teach" Gabriel about life and how you can't control it like you think you can. Gabriel remembers Logan's words, but if anything's clicked in his brain, it's not enough.
Instead, he figures on something he has that no one else has. what's that? The Gabriel factor. Good going. You're right there.
EXT. MAZE - NEAR THE MOONERS
They high five each other. Just like at the graduation.
Darnell asks Frances if she thinks he taped everything?
Yes, most certainly EVERYTHING. He even knew I stole his lucky rock. She holds it up. But Logan says, if Gabriel accepts, I can give it back.
Darnell is too upset about the idea of his apparent "raping" of Jeana on tape. They always did that years ago. It was a game.
Remember, this whole thing is a game.
But it's too real. And Darnell doesn't want this out.
"Why the hell would Gabriel give a shit about a stupid rock?"
Frances gives the WRONG ANSWER. She tells the truth.
Because it's not just a rock. It will give Gabriel complete control over all elements of Logan's dynasty. He's some kind of witch or something and that's the way he organized it. All Gabriel needs to do is say "Yes, he agrees". He'll have not only his luck back, but Logan's entire legacy.
Darnell, openly STEALS the rock from Frances and takes off.
O.S. Gabriel's voice booms over a loud speaker. It might as well be the great and powerful man from OZ.
Gabriel announces that "The game's not over yet".
It is for Darnell. He's high-tailing it up to the tower.
GABRIEL O.S.
"The beneficent Gabriel has every intention of granting your requests." Booms the voice.
Gabriel's gone mad hatter.
"Bring me the broomstick of the wicked witch of the west!"
The group hisses and boos. His attempt at humor and charm fails him.
PING! PING! PING! They shoot towards the tower.
Gabriel's final card, is a pathetic attempt and he fails miserably with Jeana saying via the mic, "The game's over!"
The group demands, "We want Gabriel!"
And then, Darnell appears in the tower.
Something strange is happening. A creepy fog seems to roll in.
The group senses it and begins to race upwards to the tower.
Darnell stands there, almost crazed. Have the drugs finally done it to him? Is this the "party animal" we know and love?
He begins his spiel. If we can't be friends, then we must be enemies, Gabriel. Real, honest, not "fuck with your head in a game" friends, but enemies.
Jeana's shaking her head, "No!"
EXT. MAZE - TOWER STAIRS
The group dashes up the stairs. You'd think this is a medieval movie, the stone of the stairs, the echoes. The fortresses.
EXT. MAZE - CENTER TOWER
Darnell is shaking. Complete tremors.
"Logan wanted you. You were always his #1 son even though you never had a trace of Heisberg blood. But I've got it. I've got Heisberg blood and it's something you'll never have."
The group manages to make it up to the top.
They witness Darnell there, shaking like a leaf. A Darnell that none have ever seen before.
Darnell holds out the "lucky rock". I'll give it to you, Gabriel. You'll get it all back and I'm sure you'll appreciate it now that you know what it's like to be without it."
Gabriel reaches for it, but Darnell snatches it away. But first you have to give me your precious "Reality Show Tape".
No. Gabriel's not giving it. He's even got their signatures, that he had them sign under a twisted "You Tube" guise. Everything's Kosher.
Darnell calls Jeana over. "Jeana, come on." Jeana is a Heisberg. Gabriel needs to do the deal. Period. If he takes the rock now, he's saying "Yes". Deal sealed.
Jeana walks over to Darnell's side. She puts her hand upon his shoulder. Gabriel promises. The tape is all yours. Just give me the rock.
"I trust you, Gabriel, but if Ye break trust, thy love's a must." Darnell says, and he hands him the rock.
"My love, he looks at Jeana, is yours." Is that what that means? Or is it something different?
Jeana's eyes are closed.
Roddy drops the big question. Why'd you do it, Gabriel?
Gabriel tells of his downturn. His money woes. How he over indulged in art-- in everything. And none of it was enough.
His apology works. The group accepts it. He's being sincere. We hope.
INT. GUEST WING (NEAR JOHNNY'S)
Frances and Johnny stand outside Johnny's room.
She thanks him for being there for her and gives him a kiss.
Jeana, Jimmy and Cherry appear.
Frances walks away to her room. Johnny runs inside his room to hide. He shuts the door and holds onto it for support. What just happened? Is it for real?
INT. GUEST WING
Cherry and Jimmy are about to enter their respective rooms. Cherry flirts with Jimmy. Jimmy is done. He says he has a headache. Cherry's in shock.
EXT. POND
Darnell speaks to his drug man. He's got the money. No prob. And "the tape". He hangs clicks his cell and looks at the tape, wondering what to do with it.
Behind him is Gabriel.
"Taking the money wasn't so hard was it?"
"Every bit as hard as you taking the rock, I suppose."
Jeana shows up.
"How do you think this is gonna end?"
Gabriel takes "the tape", looks at it, hands it back.
"That's up to Darnell."
INT. GUEST WING
Johnny tip-toes across the floor to Frances' room.
He knocks on the door.
EXT. GUEST ROOM (FRANCES')
Frances opens the door. She wears a sheer robe.
Johnny stutters, but Frances encourages him and they fall into her room.
THE LAST MORNING
INT. GUEST ROOM (JIMMY'S)
Jimmy packs. He looks at the ring lying on his desk. He pockets it with a laugh, and walks out.
EXT. GUEST WING
Jimmy leaves, his bag strung over his shoulder. He throws the ring into the air once and catches it.
"He'll come see me just to ask for it back. We'll see. We'll see."
Down the
STAIRWELL
Out
The door
EXT. MANSION
The RV is still parked.
Logan Heisberg gets out.
Jimmy hands him a camera.
"You did a good job, Jimmy Green. Thanks for the proof. Can't have a cutting room messing around with the truth... Don't you want me to call up a limo?"
"No. I think I'll just hoof it for now. Wanna keep a low profile for awhile."
Logan goes back inside the RV.
INT. GUEST ROOM (CHERRY'S)
Roddy and Cherry enjoy the afterglow of their lovemaking.
At first Cherry thinks Roddy is making the remark of "splitting" their relationship, but he means, "Split" as in leave the mansion.
INT. GUEST ROOM (FRANCES')
After some clarifications, on their relationship "status", Johnny comes to terms with his love for Frances. They agree it's time to leave.
EXT. MANSION
Frances and Johnny head to his vehicle. Following behind are Roddy and Cherry.
They agree to do this again. But not to wait ten years.
The two happy couples drive off.
INT. GUEST ROOM (DARNELL'S)
He drops a pair of handcuffs inside his luggage and snaps it shut.
Jeana exits the en suite, brushing her hair. She brings Darnell a joint to smoke. He refuses. Just calming down some is all. "I need a vacation."
EXT. MANSION
Jeana and Darnell exit. They enter his vehicle and drive off in silence.
INT. MANSION
Inside, the silence permeates everything. The Back Grounds might have been fixed up, but the faucet drips loudly, exhausting itself in a continuous beat that turns into the pounding of Gabriel's head.
He wakes up to a terrible migraine and he pops a Tylenol three with codeine.
He looks around, realizing the silence. He searches the house. Everyone's gone. Outside, he sees the RV.
Half-dressed, he runs to
THE HALLWAY
DOWN
THE STAIRS
OUT
THE DOOR
TO
EXT. MANSION - THE RV
He opens it. Calls. Logan? Are you in here?
No answer. He goes to the back. A thin veil of a black curtain exists for privacy to what is a bed area.
Gabriel opens the curtain and walks through.
There is Logan, lying upon the bed. In absolute peace he rests there, the eternal sleep of death, like moonlight on his face, although it is indeed morning. Gabriel checks, to make sure. The sun shines golden, faithful, as always.
Rising in Gabriel's ears are all of Logan's heartfelt ministrations, his words of sin and wisdom, his laugh, his stupidity, his intelligence.
Gabriel doesn't leave him for a moment. He cries and night falls.
EXT. MANSION - NEXT DAY
The sun again rises once more.
INT. RV
But still, Logan lies dead. He looks deader, the way you look after a day after death.
Gabriel's wistful countenance kneels down to the old man.
He kisses his forehead and thanks him.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Gabriel drives the RV. Sadness. Alone.
A black stretch Hummer passes him on the right. Tinted glass. The works. SOB!
"Egoistic sonova!" shouts Gabriel.
Darnell rolls down the window of the Hummer.
"Follow me! I know the way!"
"And then there's Frances and Johnny passing in their vehicle..."
"And Cherry and Roddy in their's..."
We've got ourselves a convoy.
No one notices Jimmy, hoofing it, until, he turns around to stick out his thumb.
Gabriel notices and picks him up.
"You goin' back to Simply?"
"Non stop."
And that's where they're headed. For now.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING OF THE END
OF THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER END.... YADA YADA YADA....
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