Post by djblue on Apr 27, 2006 1:02:39 GMT -5
FADE IN
Ext: On top of Ponderosa Peak in Flagstaff, Arizona - one hour later.
The sun is high in the Northern Arizona sky. The breeze whips the American flag on a pole nailed to a large log cabin into light movement. Inside, the lights are dark. A black Camaro z28 pulls out, its top down. Anthony Douglas "dukes of Hazzard's" out of the car and walks onto the porch, visably agitated. He paces back and force, his black leather duster whipping back and forth, his cowboy hat covering his face and his fingerless black leather biker gloves on his hands.
ANTHONY
What the hell was she f*cking thinking? I don't need this bullsh*t right now! I don't want it! I don't want it!!!
Anthony punches a window, breaking it.
ANTHONY
I can't believe her! Why the hell does she tell me this sh*t? (mock voice) Anthony, I have something to tell you.
INT: Granny's Attic - One hour earlier
Anthony stands up in the bar he was in. Officer Halper has left. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a hundrea dollar bill.
ANTHONY
[flat]
What's the damage?
MELISSA
Jesus, Anthony. . .you have two glasses of sweet tea. What do you think the answer is?
ANTHONY
[looks his wallet and pulls out another hundred]
Keep the change!
MELISSA
Wait.
ANTHONY
What?
MELISSA
I'm getting off work in a couple. Want to go to lunch?
Anthony looks at his watch and sighs.
ANTHONY
Sure. . .where do you want to go?
MELISSA
[beaming]
Let's go to Beaver Street*.
(OOC. Anyone who goes to Flagstaff, please eat at the Beaver Street Brewery. The food is great and the microbrews are even better. PBA off.)
ANTHONY
Fine. Get your stuff.
EXT: Anthony's car in the parking lot - continuous.
Anthony walks out into the parking lot. He gets into his car and lowers the top. Melissa walks out seconds later, carrying her purse and wearing a pink Pi Beta Phi spaghetti strap tank top. Anthony opens the door for her.
MELISSA
[while getting in
Why thank you, Tony.
ANTHONY
It's Anthony. . .and let's go get lunch.
Anthony pulls out of the parking lot and makes a right hand turn.
Ext: In front of the Beaver Street Brewery - moments later.
Anthony's car pulls down Beaver Street, a two lane, one way south street. As his car crosses the railroad tracks, the gates lower and another train rumbles through town. Anthony pulls into the parking lot, shuts off his car, gets out and opens Melissa's door.
MELISSA
Why, thank you. What a gentleman.
ANTHONY
[rolling his eyes]
Let's go.
Int: Inside the Brewery - continuous
Anthony and Melissa are seated in a booth by the window, so Anthony can watch his car. They are given menus by the waitress.
MELISSA
Please. . .let me order.
Melissa completes the order and the waitress walks away.
MELISSA
Why don't you drink?
ANTHONY
Too many problems. Too much self medicating. I spent 5 years nursing a whiskey bottle, and another 2 nursing a vodka bottle.
MELISSA
I see. What made you stop?
ANTHONY
The fact I couldn't beat the sh*t out of people drunk.
MELISSA
[laughs]
Seriously?
ANTHONY
(smiles)
No. . .one night, I had a dream that my family wouldn't approve of my drinking. I walked into the bathroom and didn't recognize the person in the mirror. I had changed. I looked like a haggard old bum. . .I decided to listen to my family. . .well, what I thought was my family and empty the bottles in my home. It's been 18 months and 17 days since.
MELISSA
Congratulations.
ANTHONY
No. . .all I want is to see my sister one more time. I go to bed every night now and have to deal with the fact that I had whatever life I wanted taken from me. I don't self medicate myself, and it's harder now than it was when I was drunk. You wouldn't understand. You're a Greek. . .Greeks get drunk and party every damn weekend for whatever reason. "My lil bro's getting a hard on. . .let's pound a beer." "My sister removed a hang nail. . .KEG STAND!!!" You wouldn't know what it's like because you drink to have fun and get some ass from some frat guy who's probably too stupid to breed.
MELISSA
(hurt)
Stop that! You don't know me! You don't know what I do?
ANTHONY
How many men have you slept with?
MELISSA
That's none of your G-d damn business.
ANTHONY
(laughs)
You're right. It isn't.
MELISSA
Seriously. . .I don't hate you, Anthony. . .but don't talk to me like that. What my sisters and I do is between us. We all went to Cancun this Spring Break and we had a good time. But it stays with us!
Three guys wearing Kappa Alpha Order letters walk in and see Melissa. They walk over.
TIM
Hey you. . .where have you been, Missy?
MELISSA
(annoyed)
Look, I don't want to talk.
TIM
Come on. . .just because me and your lil'* (OOC: fraternity talk for the lil sister/brother of an active) and I broke up doesn't mean you and I can't be friends.
MELISSA
You don't get it, do you! You don't get it, do you? You broke up with her by posting the breakup letter in the Lumberjack (OOC: NAU's student newspaper). You put it in your stupid social column and now the entire damn school knows. You had no right to do that!
TIM
Listen, Missy. . .
Tim tries to sit down, but Anthony grabs his hand.
ANTHONY
(flat)
Son, you gotta go?
TIM
Who's the lame cowboy asshole?
ANTHONY
Who I am is meaningless to you, boy! Now, take your friends and get the hell out of here and leave the young lady alone.
TIM
Who is this joker?
MELISSA
(pleading)
Please Tim. . .just go. The Mad I's across the street.
TIM
(angry)
No! I want to know who the hell this punk is?
ANTHONY
Who I am is none of your. . .
TIM
Man, f*ck that. I could f*ck you up as quick as I wanted. You don't know who the hell I am and how many friends I have. You wanna go?
Anthony shakes his head.
ANTHONY
Son, I don't want to have to hurt you!
TIM
Man, f*ck you! What kind of pussies do you hang out with, Missy? Who is this lil' bitch?
Anthony stands up, towering over the shorter, thinner Tim and his friends.
ANTHONY
I make my living beating the sh*t out of people, son!
KEITH
Holy sh*t. . .that's Anthony Douglas!!!
TIM
I don't give a sh*t if it's Michael Douglas! This asshole's going down!
KEITH
This guy's famous, yo!
ANTHONY
I don't want to fight you. Good day, Melissa.
Anthony walks out into the parking lot. Seconds later, Melissa follows.
MELISSA
Anthony, wait!
ANTHONY
Melissa, I could have snapped his neck like a tree branch.
MELISSA
I know. . .I know. Look, I don't hang out with guys like that! I nevr have! I've never even been on a date dash! I'm the nerdy one who raises the GPA of the chapter.
ANTHONY
With a figure like yours, I find that hard to believe.
MELISSA
It's true. All I did in Cancun was sun on the beach and keep an eye on my girls. I didn't do anything down there.
ANTHONY
Enjoy Mountain View Hall.
MELISSA
(quickly)
Anthony, don't go.
Anthony takes his cowboy hate off and looks at Melissa.
ANTHONY
What do you want from me?
MELISSA
Anthony, for two years, you've been my best customer. For two years, you've learned everything about me. My life, my family, my schooling. I brought you into my classroom when I was student teaching! You've always been cold to me, but you've always shown and interest in me! I know that you're family's gone and nothing I do will ever replace that hole you have. I can't for a second understand that pain. . .to watch your family killed in front of you! I can't understand it. . .I don't think I want to even know it. But it's time to let that pain go. You're 27 years old and I've spent the better part of six months trying to get you to notice me and all you do is remain cold. I didn't do anything to you. Why won't you let me in?
Anthony looks at Melissa. He blinks, then puts his cowboy hat back one.
ANTHONY
You want something from me I am unable to give you. I don't know why you feel this way because I've done nothing and I will do nothing to make it. . .
MELISSA
(crying)
Because you gave a sh*t! You let my crash at your place when I had arguments with my room-mates and my boyfriends. You've all but paid my way through school. I own the car I own because of you! You listened when I talked. You didn't say much, but you listened. I know you did! You actually showed me you cared for me by being the person you are!
ANTHONY
Melissa, you need to stop this now! I don't have that. . .
Melissa runs up and kisses Anthony. then darts back. Anthony touches his lips, then looks at Melissa.
MELISSA
(quietly, apologetic)
I'm sorry.
Anthony gets into his car. Melissa runs up to the door.
MELISSA
(yelling, crying)
Don't do this to me! Say something to me!
ANTHONY
(cold)
Get off the G-d damn car before I run you over.
MELISSA
(while Anthony puts the car in first)
Anthony, don't do this.
ANTHONY
You never should have. . .
Anthony drives away, leaving Melissa in the dust, standing watching and crying.
EXT: Anthony's porch - present time.
ANTHONY
What the hell is this sh*t? I don't need this right now! I don't need this!!! Not now! Not ever!
A red 3000 GT makes its way up the long driveway. Anthony sees it and walks inside. He locks the door to the house and walks into his bedroom.
ANTHONY
Leave me the f*ck alone, already! What the f*ck more do I have to do???
The car pulls up to the door and Melissa walks out. She runs to the door and starts banging on it.
MELISSA
(shouting)
Anthony, please let me in! I want to talk to you!!!
Anthony walks into the bathroom and looks in the mirrior. His reflection stares back at him, smiling.
RAD
You really are a chicken sh*t! You're everything Blade says you are!
ANTHONY
(torn voice until further notice)
Shut the hell up! You don't know sh*t about me?
RAD
What the hell are you talking about? I am you, dammit!!! I know everything about you! I know your weaknesses, your strengths, your fears and your insecurities. I know deep down you want to go outside to that little whining sorority slut and let her in! You are such a G-d damn chicken sh*t!
ANTHONY
Shut up! Don't talk to me that way!
ISABELLE
Anthony?
Anthony turns around to see his sister staring at him.
ANTHONY
Why are you tormenting me?
RAD
She's only in your head, jackass! She isn't real!
ISABELLE
Why have you turned away from everything this family is and was? Dad was a philanthropist, Mom was a School Superintendent. They stood for something. What do you stand for?
RAD
He does what I tell him to do, little sister! Ever since you died, I'm all he has!
ISABELLE
Anthony, look at me! I'm still your sister. I take your hands off the gun you load every night. I took the bottle out of your mouth. I brought you back from the depths.
ANTHONY
(angry)
You left me alone! All of you did! You left me! What more do I have left?
ISABELLE
I'm not arguing with you! I know how dead you feel. I know you have nothing left to lose. But look outside. There is a beautiful woman outside banging on the door wanting to come in and be with you. Even if it doesn't work out, at least someone cares about you!
ANTHONY
Don't do this to me! You have no right!
ISABELLE
You've shown the world that you have a soft spot for children. That's the Anthony I knew and grew up with! I know how you feel, Anthony. I'm not asking you to give up your hatred or your resentment. I'm not even asking you to give up your emptiness and rage. I'm asking you, if you ever loved our family. . .if you ever loved me. . .let that girl in. Let her talk to you!
RAD
She'll only desert you, just like your sister did! Just like everyone you ever knew did!
ANTHONY
Okay, Isabelle! Just f*cking leave me ALONE!!!.
Anthony stands alone in a dark bathroom. He starts at himself in the mirror. A cold, almost eerie calm comes over his face as he coughs twice. At the front door, Melissa is still pounding on the door.
MELISSA
Anthony!!! Ple. . .
The door unlocks. Anthony stares at Melissa, who has shown all the signs of crying uncontrollably. Anthony sees the sun setting in the west.
MELISSA
(panting)
Anthony, please don't shut me out like you do everyone else!
ANTHONY
(breathes in)
I can give you what you want! I won't give you what you need! I have nothing like that in me, not anymore! If you can accept that, you're just as insane as everyone says I am! If you were at all a good judge of character, you'd get into that car, drive down the hill and never look me up ever again!
MELISSA
(smiles)
I'm a very good judge of character, Anthony. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't.
ANTHONY
I'm going to be gone most of the time.
MELISSA
I'll watch you on TV. Hell, I do now anyway! I have since your HHW days.
ANTHONY
(sighs)
Come in. . .the guest room is always prepared.
Melissa walks into the house. The living room light turns on.
FADE TO BLACK
Ext: On top of Ponderosa Peak in Flagstaff, Arizona - one hour later.
The sun is high in the Northern Arizona sky. The breeze whips the American flag on a pole nailed to a large log cabin into light movement. Inside, the lights are dark. A black Camaro z28 pulls out, its top down. Anthony Douglas "dukes of Hazzard's" out of the car and walks onto the porch, visably agitated. He paces back and force, his black leather duster whipping back and forth, his cowboy hat covering his face and his fingerless black leather biker gloves on his hands.
ANTHONY
What the hell was she f*cking thinking? I don't need this bullsh*t right now! I don't want it! I don't want it!!!
Anthony punches a window, breaking it.
ANTHONY
I can't believe her! Why the hell does she tell me this sh*t? (mock voice) Anthony, I have something to tell you.
CUT TO: FLASHBACK
INT: Granny's Attic - One hour earlier
Anthony stands up in the bar he was in. Officer Halper has left. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a hundrea dollar bill.
ANTHONY
[flat]
What's the damage?
MELISSA
Jesus, Anthony. . .you have two glasses of sweet tea. What do you think the answer is?
ANTHONY
[looks his wallet and pulls out another hundred]
Keep the change!
MELISSA
Wait.
ANTHONY
What?
MELISSA
I'm getting off work in a couple. Want to go to lunch?
Anthony looks at his watch and sighs.
ANTHONY
Sure. . .where do you want to go?
MELISSA
[beaming]
Let's go to Beaver Street*.
(OOC. Anyone who goes to Flagstaff, please eat at the Beaver Street Brewery. The food is great and the microbrews are even better. PBA off.)
ANTHONY
Fine. Get your stuff.
EXT: Anthony's car in the parking lot - continuous.
Anthony walks out into the parking lot. He gets into his car and lowers the top. Melissa walks out seconds later, carrying her purse and wearing a pink Pi Beta Phi spaghetti strap tank top. Anthony opens the door for her.
MELISSA
[while getting in
Why thank you, Tony.
ANTHONY
It's Anthony. . .and let's go get lunch.
Anthony pulls out of the parking lot and makes a right hand turn.
Ext: In front of the Beaver Street Brewery - moments later.
Anthony's car pulls down Beaver Street, a two lane, one way south street. As his car crosses the railroad tracks, the gates lower and another train rumbles through town. Anthony pulls into the parking lot, shuts off his car, gets out and opens Melissa's door.
MELISSA
Why, thank you. What a gentleman.
ANTHONY
[rolling his eyes]
Let's go.
Int: Inside the Brewery - continuous
Anthony and Melissa are seated in a booth by the window, so Anthony can watch his car. They are given menus by the waitress.
MELISSA
Please. . .let me order.
Melissa completes the order and the waitress walks away.
MELISSA
Why don't you drink?
ANTHONY
Too many problems. Too much self medicating. I spent 5 years nursing a whiskey bottle, and another 2 nursing a vodka bottle.
MELISSA
I see. What made you stop?
ANTHONY
The fact I couldn't beat the sh*t out of people drunk.
MELISSA
[laughs]
Seriously?
ANTHONY
(smiles)
No. . .one night, I had a dream that my family wouldn't approve of my drinking. I walked into the bathroom and didn't recognize the person in the mirror. I had changed. I looked like a haggard old bum. . .I decided to listen to my family. . .well, what I thought was my family and empty the bottles in my home. It's been 18 months and 17 days since.
MELISSA
Congratulations.
ANTHONY
No. . .all I want is to see my sister one more time. I go to bed every night now and have to deal with the fact that I had whatever life I wanted taken from me. I don't self medicate myself, and it's harder now than it was when I was drunk. You wouldn't understand. You're a Greek. . .Greeks get drunk and party every damn weekend for whatever reason. "My lil bro's getting a hard on. . .let's pound a beer." "My sister removed a hang nail. . .KEG STAND!!!" You wouldn't know what it's like because you drink to have fun and get some ass from some frat guy who's probably too stupid to breed.
MELISSA
(hurt)
Stop that! You don't know me! You don't know what I do?
ANTHONY
How many men have you slept with?
MELISSA
That's none of your G-d damn business.
ANTHONY
(laughs)
You're right. It isn't.
MELISSA
Seriously. . .I don't hate you, Anthony. . .but don't talk to me like that. What my sisters and I do is between us. We all went to Cancun this Spring Break and we had a good time. But it stays with us!
Three guys wearing Kappa Alpha Order letters walk in and see Melissa. They walk over.
TIM
Hey you. . .where have you been, Missy?
MELISSA
(annoyed)
Look, I don't want to talk.
TIM
Come on. . .just because me and your lil'* (OOC: fraternity talk for the lil sister/brother of an active) and I broke up doesn't mean you and I can't be friends.
MELISSA
You don't get it, do you! You don't get it, do you? You broke up with her by posting the breakup letter in the Lumberjack (OOC: NAU's student newspaper). You put it in your stupid social column and now the entire damn school knows. You had no right to do that!
TIM
Listen, Missy. . .
Tim tries to sit down, but Anthony grabs his hand.
ANTHONY
(flat)
Son, you gotta go?
TIM
Who's the lame cowboy asshole?
ANTHONY
Who I am is meaningless to you, boy! Now, take your friends and get the hell out of here and leave the young lady alone.
TIM
Who is this joker?
MELISSA
(pleading)
Please Tim. . .just go. The Mad I's across the street.
TIM
(angry)
No! I want to know who the hell this punk is?
ANTHONY
Who I am is none of your. . .
TIM
Man, f*ck that. I could f*ck you up as quick as I wanted. You don't know who the hell I am and how many friends I have. You wanna go?
Anthony shakes his head.
ANTHONY
Son, I don't want to have to hurt you!
TIM
Man, f*ck you! What kind of pussies do you hang out with, Missy? Who is this lil' bitch?
Anthony stands up, towering over the shorter, thinner Tim and his friends.
ANTHONY
I make my living beating the sh*t out of people, son!
KEITH
Holy sh*t. . .that's Anthony Douglas!!!
TIM
I don't give a sh*t if it's Michael Douglas! This asshole's going down!
KEITH
This guy's famous, yo!
ANTHONY
I don't want to fight you. Good day, Melissa.
Anthony walks out into the parking lot. Seconds later, Melissa follows.
MELISSA
Anthony, wait!
ANTHONY
Melissa, I could have snapped his neck like a tree branch.
MELISSA
I know. . .I know. Look, I don't hang out with guys like that! I nevr have! I've never even been on a date dash! I'm the nerdy one who raises the GPA of the chapter.
ANTHONY
With a figure like yours, I find that hard to believe.
MELISSA
It's true. All I did in Cancun was sun on the beach and keep an eye on my girls. I didn't do anything down there.
ANTHONY
Enjoy Mountain View Hall.
MELISSA
(quickly)
Anthony, don't go.
Anthony takes his cowboy hate off and looks at Melissa.
ANTHONY
What do you want from me?
MELISSA
Anthony, for two years, you've been my best customer. For two years, you've learned everything about me. My life, my family, my schooling. I brought you into my classroom when I was student teaching! You've always been cold to me, but you've always shown and interest in me! I know that you're family's gone and nothing I do will ever replace that hole you have. I can't for a second understand that pain. . .to watch your family killed in front of you! I can't understand it. . .I don't think I want to even know it. But it's time to let that pain go. You're 27 years old and I've spent the better part of six months trying to get you to notice me and all you do is remain cold. I didn't do anything to you. Why won't you let me in?
Anthony looks at Melissa. He blinks, then puts his cowboy hat back one.
ANTHONY
You want something from me I am unable to give you. I don't know why you feel this way because I've done nothing and I will do nothing to make it. . .
MELISSA
(crying)
Because you gave a sh*t! You let my crash at your place when I had arguments with my room-mates and my boyfriends. You've all but paid my way through school. I own the car I own because of you! You listened when I talked. You didn't say much, but you listened. I know you did! You actually showed me you cared for me by being the person you are!
ANTHONY
Melissa, you need to stop this now! I don't have that. . .
Melissa runs up and kisses Anthony. then darts back. Anthony touches his lips, then looks at Melissa.
MELISSA
(quietly, apologetic)
I'm sorry.
Anthony gets into his car. Melissa runs up to the door.
MELISSA
(yelling, crying)
Don't do this to me! Say something to me!
ANTHONY
(cold)
Get off the G-d damn car before I run you over.
MELISSA
(while Anthony puts the car in first)
Anthony, don't do this.
ANTHONY
You never should have. . .
Anthony drives away, leaving Melissa in the dust, standing watching and crying.
CUT TO: Anthony's home
EXT: Anthony's porch - present time.
ANTHONY
What the hell is this sh*t? I don't need this right now! I don't need this!!! Not now! Not ever!
A red 3000 GT makes its way up the long driveway. Anthony sees it and walks inside. He locks the door to the house and walks into his bedroom.
ANTHONY
Leave me the f*ck alone, already! What the f*ck more do I have to do???
The car pulls up to the door and Melissa walks out. She runs to the door and starts banging on it.
MELISSA
(shouting)
Anthony, please let me in! I want to talk to you!!!
Anthony walks into the bathroom and looks in the mirrior. His reflection stares back at him, smiling.
RAD
You really are a chicken sh*t! You're everything Blade says you are!
ANTHONY
(torn voice until further notice)
Shut the hell up! You don't know sh*t about me?
RAD
What the hell are you talking about? I am you, dammit!!! I know everything about you! I know your weaknesses, your strengths, your fears and your insecurities. I know deep down you want to go outside to that little whining sorority slut and let her in! You are such a G-d damn chicken sh*t!
ANTHONY
Shut up! Don't talk to me that way!
ISABELLE
Anthony?
Anthony turns around to see his sister staring at him.
ANTHONY
Why are you tormenting me?
RAD
She's only in your head, jackass! She isn't real!
ISABELLE
Why have you turned away from everything this family is and was? Dad was a philanthropist, Mom was a School Superintendent. They stood for something. What do you stand for?
RAD
He does what I tell him to do, little sister! Ever since you died, I'm all he has!
ISABELLE
Anthony, look at me! I'm still your sister. I take your hands off the gun you load every night. I took the bottle out of your mouth. I brought you back from the depths.
ANTHONY
(angry)
You left me alone! All of you did! You left me! What more do I have left?
ISABELLE
I'm not arguing with you! I know how dead you feel. I know you have nothing left to lose. But look outside. There is a beautiful woman outside banging on the door wanting to come in and be with you. Even if it doesn't work out, at least someone cares about you!
ANTHONY
Don't do this to me! You have no right!
ISABELLE
You've shown the world that you have a soft spot for children. That's the Anthony I knew and grew up with! I know how you feel, Anthony. I'm not asking you to give up your hatred or your resentment. I'm not even asking you to give up your emptiness and rage. I'm asking you, if you ever loved our family. . .if you ever loved me. . .let that girl in. Let her talk to you!
RAD
She'll only desert you, just like your sister did! Just like everyone you ever knew did!
ANTHONY
Okay, Isabelle! Just f*cking leave me ALONE!!!.
Anthony stands alone in a dark bathroom. He starts at himself in the mirror. A cold, almost eerie calm comes over his face as he coughs twice. At the front door, Melissa is still pounding on the door.
MELISSA
Anthony!!! Ple. . .
The door unlocks. Anthony stares at Melissa, who has shown all the signs of crying uncontrollably. Anthony sees the sun setting in the west.
MELISSA
(panting)
Anthony, please don't shut me out like you do everyone else!
ANTHONY
(breathes in)
I can give you what you want! I won't give you what you need! I have nothing like that in me, not anymore! If you can accept that, you're just as insane as everyone says I am! If you were at all a good judge of character, you'd get into that car, drive down the hill and never look me up ever again!
MELISSA
(smiles)
I'm a very good judge of character, Anthony. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't.
ANTHONY
I'm going to be gone most of the time.
MELISSA
I'll watch you on TV. Hell, I do now anyway! I have since your HHW days.
ANTHONY
(sighs)
Come in. . .the guest room is always prepared.
Melissa walks into the house. The living room light turns on.
FADE TO BLACK