In The Night Of Day
FADE IN
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Beaten, bloodied, and broken, exhaustion overcomes euphoria.
LAMAR, a boy no more, cowers in pale blue moonlight, whimpering at the sight of self-induced madness.
A train shrieks with sweet bitterness.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY
Hidden under the morose dignity of sunglasses, a woman, AVA, stands before a blisteringly white wall, the morning sun glaring against her two windows of glass.
Slowly, the rise of a babbling maniac rears its blonde head, Ava's friend, JORDAN.
JORDAN
So I like, stop, right? And they're all like, no. I mean, like, they didn't like, say that, exactly, but like, you could just kind of sort of tell in this weird sort of way, like through like, body language and stuff. I mean, like, you couldn't, like, see them, exactly, cus like, it was dark and all, but like, you could just kind of sort of like, tell, like through like, this feeling, or something. But I mean like, not like a bad feeling or anything, but just like, you know, like, this feeling. Like, somethings wrong, and you know its wrong, so its not really all that wrong, but like, you still, like, ya know, like, know its wrong. I mean, like, you don't wanna, like, say anything or anything, cus like, snitches and stitches and all that, but like, you don't wanna not say anything or anything, cus like, you know, like, god and all that. So like, what do you do, right? Like, what do you say?
AVA
Nothing.
JORDAN
Right?! So I'm all like...
Ava stares blankly beyond Jordan’s glimmering eyes as Jordan continues to babble away.
JORDAN
...right?
AVA
Right.
JORDAN
So I like tell Kay, right, and he's all like, what? And I'm like, no, for real, I mean, like, really. And then Kay's all like, we gotta call the cops, and I'm like, fuck the pigs. And he's like, fuck you. So I'm like, fuck you! And then...
AVA
Jordan.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
I know.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
I was there.
JORDAN
Where?
AVA
With you.
JORDAN
When?
AVA
Last night.
JORDAN
Yesterday?
AVA
Today.
JORDAN
Really?
AVA
Really.
JORDAN
Oh...
INT. BAR DAY
Once full of love and memories, a now empty bar rots in the atmosphere of old smoke and dead cigars. A stubby old man, LESTER, wipes down table after table only to be thwarted by the oncoming dust which may never subside.
Though the day is young and the night never old, the man is tired, worn, and so is his bar. A small tv above the bar rumbles on about the luxury of new cars and old lots, but the man pays no heed, instead intently focused upon the one task which he has practiced for so many years, wiping down the dust covered tables day by day. Night by night.
Seeing the futility of his effort, the old man tosses the rag aside, and pours himself a beer, staring up at the television. Behind him enter two police officers, BILL, the younger, and STEVE, the older, just pulling in from a night's endeavors.
STEVE
He was scared.
BILL
So was I.
STEVE
You had a gun.
BILL
So did he.
STEVE
You were wrong.
BILL
I didn't know.
STEVE
You didn't have to.
BILL
What else could I do?
STEVE
Restrain.
BILL
And die?
STEVE
Maybe.
BILL
Well I didn't.
STEVE
So you did.
BILL
So whats there to do?
STEVE
Just know what it is.
BILL
Know what what is?
STEVE
To feel his sorrow.
BILL
I feel his sorrow.
STEVE
You don't act it.
BILL
I'm no actor.
STEVE
Just know its not right.
BILL
I know its not right.
STEVE
Then show some respect.
BILL
What for?
STEVE
Its the least you could do.
BILL
Better to live for the living.
STEVE
Maybe the dead, too.
The old man, clearly uncomfortable by the two's lackluster talk of murder and death, pours two beers, and walks over to the table, holding the beers.
BILL
No thanks.
Lester drops the beers on the table, and walks back over to the bar, wiping down the counter.
BILL
I’m not thirsty.
LESTER
Who says you was?
BILL
I don't want it.
LESTER
Who says you did?
BILL
I won’t drink it.
LESTER
Who says you would?
BILL
I won’t pay.
Lester pauses, if only for a second.
LESTER
Well, you gotta pay. This land may be free but this bar ain't.
BILL
I didn't even want it!
LESTER
Then get out.
BILL
What?
LESTER
Get out.
BILL
Why the hell would I do that?
LESTER
Private property.
BILL
Since when?
LESTER
Since always.
STEVE
Let's just buy the drinks, Bill.
BILL
No.
STEVE
Bill...
BILL
Why should I?
STEVE
It's just a drink, Bill.
BILL
Its never just a drink, Steve. Its never just anything. Its always this and, that or. One more, two more, just a couple more. Always more, more, more. Thats the problem with this country, Steve, its never just one. Its always one and, one plus, one more. We've got no control Steve. No control. All a bunch of addicts and alcoholics. Abusers and atheists. A bunch of looneys, sadists, and wackos. Hedonistic assholes. Has faith gone so rogue Steve? Principles so taboo?
STEVE
I don't know Bill, I don't know...and I don't claim to. But this here is a bar, Bill, a bar....his bar, not yours, not mine, but his. Don't we owe him at least that courtesy?
LESTER
It ain't no courtesy.
STEVE
Opportunity, then!
BILL
Hasn't he had enough of those.
STEVE
Whats one more?
BILL
To what end, Steve? To what end? Have I no rights? No liberties? No freedoms? Is this not the home of the free, land of the brave? Am I not a respected and god fearing citizen of these United States of America. Are we not...
The clicking of a gun.
The two look up.
LESTER
Out.
BILL
Jesus Christ old man, don't pull a socket, we're just fucking around.
LESTER
Out!
STEVE
Bill, maybe we should just go.
BILL
You're gonna take this shit.
LESTER
Get out! Out!
STEVE
It's his place, Bill. Just, let him be.
BILL
No! Fuck you! And fuck you too! I don't need this shit! I don't need any of this shit! You think I work twelve hours a day five days a week just so you can...
The old man fires a single shot at no one in particular. The two officers pull out their guns.
BILL
Jesus fucking Christ! You try to get one minute of peace and...
LESTER
Get out! Out!
STEVE
Lets not get excited, buddy.
LESTER
Get out.
STEVE
Okay, okay, we're leaving, okay?
LESTER
Get out!
Steve backs out the door, Bill still holding his gun towards the old man.
STEVE
Bill!
Bill doesn't budge, stranded in a mixture of fear and anger.
STEVE
Goddamn't Bill, let's go.
The old man and the officer stare for another blistering second, before the officer slowly backs away, exiting the bar.
INT. SCHOOL DAY
Bells ring as the crunching of speakers begin to announce the news of the day. Far at the other end of the hall, walks in Lamar, late for class, but in no hurry.
The halls are empty except for him.
The speakers continue to grumble.
SPEAKER (MALE)
...And last but not least, ladies and gents, let's give a big round of applause to our teacher of the week (drumroll noise) Kay Williams! Way to go Kay!
Light and dull applause resound throughout the building as Lamar finally reaches his destination, a door on the right, in which KAY stands, in front of a classroom, awkwardly bowing.
Kay and Lamar lock eyes before Lamar looks away. Kay opens the door, whispering to Lamar.
KAY
Long night?
LAMAR
You could say that.
The door shuts, forbidding whatever solace Lamar once thought so abundant.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD DAY
With the day anew and the sun rising just beyond a bleak horizon, two women foray across an old country road.
Ava slows to a brisk walk as Jordan continues to run.
Ava waves her hand in consolidation, behind Jordan, bent over in exhaustion.
Jordan turns around.
JORDAN
Coming?
AVA
Tired...
JORDAN
So?
AVA
Aren’t you?
JORDAN
Well, I mean like, ya, sure, duh. But like, thats the point, right? Like, to be tired and all that. But I mean like, you just gotta keep going, ya know, cus like, if you don’t, then like, you can’t, cus like, you don’t. Ya know? Like, you just gotta not stop, ya know. Like what that one fat guy used to always say or whatever. How like, life is just being really really tired and all that. So like, you just gotta get used to it, ya know. Like, make it or break it, I guess. Like, just be okay with it, sometimes, ya know, cus like, if you don’t, if you just like, ya know, like, stop, then like, you just, ya know, like, miss the whole point or whatever. Ya know?
AVA
Well...just...give me...a sec...
Jordan stands impatiently as Ava catches her breath.
JORDAN
Okay?
AVA
Okay.
JORDAN
Okay!
Jordan begins to run at a blistering pace.
AVA
I need a drink.
Ava runs to catch up.
INT. BAR DAY
Lester sits behind the bar, drinking a pint of beer, staring dully at the television. Upon the television plays an old film, I Vinti.
Jordan and Ava enter the bar.
LESTER
We ain't open.
JORDAN
I’m sure.
Jordan wanders around the bar as Ava stands awkwardly near the door.
LESTER
I mean it.
JORDAN
I believe it.
LESTER
Get out.
JORDAN
No thanks
LESTER
You gots to.
JORDAN
No I don’t.
LESTER
You can’t be here.
JORDAN
But I am here.
LESTER
We ain’t open.
JORDAN
You already said that.
LESTER
I’ll say it again.
JORDAN
Do it.
LESTER
We ain’t open!
JORDAN
Okay.
LESTER
Okay!
JORDAN
Okay.
LESTER
So get!
JORDAN
No.
Jordan sits in a booth, beckoning to Ava. Lester pauses a moment, accepting the inevitable defeat.
LESTER
Stubborn bitch.
JORDAN
Whats that?
LESTER
I says you a stubborn bitch.
JORDAN
The daughter of one, anyways.
Lester turns, walking to the bar, mumbling irritably.
Ava sits across from Jordans.
LESTER
What do you want?
JORDAN
Love. Joy. A brief moment of happiness.
LESTER
We ain't got that.
JORDAN
You got beer, don't ya.
LESTER
Sure.
JORDAN
Just the same.
Lester mumbles off, pouring two glasses of beer.
LESTER
Here.
JORDAN
Thank you Lester.
Lester mumbles irritably.
JORDAN
(To Ava)
A friend.
LESTER
I ain't no friend.
JORDAN
An acquaintance then.
Lester mumbles.
AVA
He seems...nice.
JORDAN
Oh he really is, he's just, well, ya know, him.
AVA
Aren't we all?
JORDAN
I suppose so...
The three sit awkwardly in still silence.
JORDAN
Ava?
AVA
Ya?
JORDAN
You okay?
AVA
Okay as okay is.
JORDAN
For real Ava. I mean it.
AVA
I don't know. I just...I don't know.
JORDAN
Was he really all that bad?
AVA
He wasn't all that good.
JORDAN
Better than nothing.
AVA
Hardly.
JORDAN
I just don't understand why...I mean...you seemed so happy.
AVA
I was.
JORDAN
What happened?
AVA
Bo.
JORDAN
I'm sorry Ava...
AVA
Don't be...people die...it's what they do.
JORDAN
Do you miss him?
AVA
Do you?
JORDAN
He wasn't my kid.
AVA
Ya, well, it happens.
JORDAN
Well...at least you're home.
AVA
Ya....
Kay and Lamar walk into the bar.
Lester passes Kay a drink down the bar, Lamar sitting morosely beside Kay, Ava and Jordan subdued but still conversing.
LESTER
He can't be here.
KAY
Who? Him? Why?
LESTER
He ain't drinking age.
KAY
No, I suppose he "ain't".
LESTER
Its unlawful.
KAY
Is it?
LESTER
Of course it is!
KAY
Since when?
LESTER
Since always!
LAMAR
Maybe we should just...
KAY
No. We shouldn't. And we won't. If our presence is such a burden, he is more than welcome to call the cops.
Lester stares coldly at Kay, then at the boy, then back at Kay.
LESTER
You lucky boy.
KAY
Am I?
LESTER
More than you know.
Lamar looks down in shame. Lester mumbles irritably before walking off. Kay takes a sip of his beer. Lamar looks as if to speak.
KAY
He won't.
LAMAR
He won't?
KAY
He won't.
LAMAR
And if he does?
KAY
He does.
LAMAR
But he won't?
KAY
He won't.
LAMAR
You're sure?
KAY
I'm sure.
LAMAR
How sure?
KAY
Very sure.
LAMAR
Because?
KAY
I'm right.
LAMAR
And if not?
KAY
I'm wrong.
LAMAR
But you're not?
KAY
I'm not.
LAMAR
Because?
KAY
It isn't worth it.
LAMAR
What is?
KAY
What do you mean?
LAMAR
You said theres no point.
KAY
So what if I did?
LAMAR
So why go through with it?
KAY
Because thats what you do.
LAMAR
But whats life got to do with it?
KAY
Because thats all there is.
LAMAR
But life's just another way dead.
KAY
Its the only way dead.
LAMAR
So whats the point of even trying? It all ends up the same anyways.
KAY
Thats a funny way of looking at it.
LAMAR
Its the only way of looking at it.
KAY
What about love?
LAMAR
What about it?
KAY
Isn't love life too?
LAMAR
No life of mine.
KAY
Your'e young.
LAMAR
So was Alexander.
KAY
You don't know any better.
LAMAR
Do you?
KAY
Maybe.
LAMAR
No you don't.
KAY
What can you do?
LAMAR
About what?
KAY
About anything.
LAMAR
End it.
KAY
Just like that?
LAMAR
Why not?
KAY
By your own hand?
LAMAR
If neccessary.
KAY
That seems cruel.
LAMAR
So is life.
KAY
Its not that easy.
LAMAR
I didn't say it was. I said it's what you do. Or should, at least.
Kay pauses, if only for a moment, taking in all that has transpired. A slow release of breath escapes Kay's lips before he speaks again, slower in pace.
KAY
Have you ever thought about it?
LAMAR
What?
KAY
Death.
LAMAR
Sure.
KAY
Your own?
KAY
Occasionally.
KAY
By your own hand?
LAMAR
Sometimes.
KAY
But?
LAMAR
I'm a coward, thats all.
KAY
Perhaps its better to be a coward than a corpse.
LAMAR
Maybe, but I doubt it.
Lamar turns to Kay with a morose sense of confusion. Jordan turns to Lamar and Kay.
JORDAN
(To Kay)
Hey! Hey! You, with the hat.
Lamar turns to the two women shyly, Kay turning only in curiosity.
JORDAN
Would you fuck her?
AVA
Jordan!
JORDAN
Well? Would ya?
Lamar stares blankly at the two. Kay grabs him by the shoulder and pulls him back, Lamar failing to ignore the two women.
JORDAN
Well fuck you too.
AVA
(Whispering)
Jordan! Stop it.
KAY
(To Lamar)
See, life's not so bad.
Lamar flashes a quick smile.
LAMAR
Ya...I suppose so.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Dying daylight curves across the pale blue sky as pops of vibrant color radiate upon the ever falling snow, a blue haze swaying with the wind.
Among the haze stands Lamar, as if swimming in a sea, next to a reflective object and a large hole.
Lamar grabs the shiny object, a shovel, and begins to fill the hole, shaped like a rectangle, with dirt and snow.
Lamar whimpers.
INT. HOUSE - DAY
Lester sits stoically against a white wall, leaning against it with what little strength he has, staring out a window across the room.
Jordan, his daughter, steps into the room, wearing a black dress.
JORDAN
Dad?
LESTER
What?
JORDAN
Ready?
LESTER
I ain't goin!
JORDAN
Dad...please.
LESTER
It ain't none of my business.
JORDAN
I know it's hard dad, but...
LESTER
It ain't hard. I just don't give a damn.
JORDAN
Dad...
LESTER
What'd that bitch ever do for me?
JORDAN
Dad!
Jordan’s ex husband, AMIR, enters the room.
AMIR
Is everything alright here?
JORDAN
(Irritated)
Everything's fine, Amir, okay? Will you just, will you just go.
AMIR
Is there anything I can do to...
JORDAN
Goddamn't Amir! Will you just go!
AMIR
Alright alright. I'm going, I'm going.
Amir exits the room.
LESTER
Bastard.
JORDAN
Dad!
LESTER
Why can't you just ditch him like the rest of'em?
AMIR
I loved him.
LESTER
Bullshit.
JORDAN
Stop...
LESTER
He's a piece of shit and you know it.
JORDAN
Can we please not do this right now?
Lester mumbles irritably.
JORDAN
Can we...can we just go?
LESTER
I told you I ain't goin and I aim to mean it.
JORDAN
Fine! Don't go. I don't give a shit anyways.
Jordan exits the room.
Thunder yelps as drops of rain begin to fall from the sky. The window, which once lit his face, now darkens with the oncoming clouds.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Jordan sits on a stump, in the middle of a field, rain pouring, Jordan soaked. Ava appears, mumbling to herself, both exhausted and anxious, walking back and forth, searching.
Defeated, Ava sits in the mud, whimpering.
JORDAN
What about Kay?
AVA
What about him?
JORDAN
He could help.
AVA
He can’t.
JORDAN
He could.
AVA
He won’t.
JORDAN
He might.
AVA
He shouldn’t.
JORDAN
But he will.
Ava pauses.
AVA
No.
JORDAN
Why not?
AVA
Its not right.
JORDAN
Its not wrong.
AVA
He doesn’t deserve this.
JORDAN
No one deserves this.
AVA
What good would it do?
JORDAN
A little at least.
AVA
He might get caught.
JORDAN
So what if he does?
AVA
He may never come back.
JORDAN
For what?
AVA
For aiding and assisting.
JORDAN
He doesn’t know.
AVA
Neither do you.
JORDAN
So what harm could it really do?
Ava sits silently for a minute.
AVA
Fine.
Jordan dials her phone.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Lester haphazardly stuffs a large bag into the trunk of his car, heightening in frustration with the futility of the task. No matter how Lester situates the oddly shaped bag, it won't seem to fit in the trunk.
LESTER
(Mumbling)
Mother fucking, fucker, fucking, fuck!
After much to do, Lester finally fits the bag into the trunk, and slams the top. Lester gives a brief smile of satisfaction, a cool bead of sweat running down his forehead.
Lester jumps into the car, starts it, and drives off.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY
Ava and Jordan patiently await a train which never seems to reach its destination. The weather is unseasonably warm for the winter months, but nothing particularly unusual.
Ava wraps herself in a small blue winter jacket as Jordan begins to disrobe her flamboyant pink winter coat.
Jordan sits on a suitcase, whistling, while Ava stands, tapping her foot, looking down the line of the tracks. Ava glares at Jordan. Jordan looks down at her shoes.
JORDAN
I just wanted to look pretty.
AVA
For who, Jordan?
JORDAN
I don't know. Men, I guess.
AVA
What men?
JORDAN
I don't know. All of them.
AVA
Theres no one here, Jordan.
JORDAN
Well I didn't know that.
AVA
Well you sure as hell do now.
JORDAN
Why does it matter, anyways?
AVA
It just does Jordan.
JORDAN
They already hate you.
AVA
I'd rather they didn't.
JORDAN
But they've always hated you.
AVA
I'd rather they'd stop.
JORDAN
I don't think they can.
Ava glares at Jordan.
AVA
At least I can try.
JORDAN
Why do you care so much?
AVA
I like being liked.
JORDAN
Everybody hates somebody.
AVA
I don't.
JORDAN
Not even Jackson?
AVA
No. Not even Jackson.
JORDAN
Not even, like, a little bit.
AVA
No. Not even, like, a little bit. I just don't love him, okay? Thats all.
JORDAN
Then how do you feel?
AVA
I don't feel anything.
JORDAN
Well, I never liked him.
AVA
You never like anybody.
JORDAN
What's to like?
A train comes rushing by, as if only passing by the station, coming to an almost immediate halt in front of the two women.
INT. TRAIN CAR - NIGHT
Lamar sits inside a train car, staring at the blank seat which sits across from him.
The train car door opens as a middle aged man, HENRY, enters the room, wearing a business suit, a tad on the tipsy side.
HENRY
Taken?
Lamar shakes his head. Henry gives a big smile, and sits in the seat across from Lamar.
HENRY
Where ya from?
Lamar looks up only for a moment, before moving his eyes to the window.
HENRY
I'm from Texas myself. North end, near the border.
HENRY
Ya like gum?
Lamar takes a piece of gum.
HENRY
Yes sir ree, when I was your age, gum was all the rage.
Lamar places a single piece of gum on his tongue, and chews solemnly.
HENRY
Ain't much of a talker, huh? Ya, well, I guess I wasn't much so either when I was your age. Say, son, ya got somethin on your sleeve.
Lamar quickly pulls his sleeve back into his jacket, closing his body off from the world.
HENRY
Oh I didn't mean to offend, I was just trying to be kindly and the like.
Lamar relaxes a little.
HENRY
Well, if ya ain't gonna talk, mind if I?
Lamar shakes his head.
HENRY
No as in ya don't or no as in ya do?
Lamar shakes his head again.
HENRY
Well son ya ain't makin much sense.
LAMAR
No...
HENRY
Oh well then...
Henry moves to stand.
LAMAR
I don't mind.
HENRY
Well why didn't ya say so?! Ya like stories son?
Lamar shrugs. Henry moves to the seat next to Lamar.
HENRY
Well I'll tell you one anyhow. You ever hear of a man named Cronus?
Lamar shakes his head.
HENRY
Well, see, it's this man. A big man. A big little man. That is, a big man for a little man. More average now that I think about it. An average man. With an average name. Joe.
Lamar moves as if to speak.
HENRY
I know, I know, I'm getting there...anyhow, this man, Joe, is an average sort of fella, in an average sort of way. Not overly average, just, regularly average, an average sort of average. Kind of like you or me or anyone else. So Joe, being that sort of average only average people can be, falls in love, as we do, with a girl. But his fall ain't so average. And this girl, well, shes anything but. There's just one thing...
LAMAR
What?
HENRY
(Chuckling)
She ain't no woman.
LAMAR
I don't understand.
HENRY
She's a dream kid. A fiction. A fantasy.
LAMAR
And?
HENRY
And nothin, that's it.
LAMAR
That's no story.
HENRY
A good one? No. But a story? Sure.
LAMAR
But there's no beginning or middle or end or anything.
HENRY
There never is son.
LAMAR
But whats the point?
HENRY
Of what?
LAMAR
The story.
HENRY
Well kid, I'd never thought about that.
LAMAR
Well think about it now.
HENRY
Well..I suppose it’s about love.
LAMAR
I don't think so.
HENRY
No? What do you think?
LAMAR
I think it's about fate.
HENRY
Ya?
LAMAR
About how its sort of futile, ya know, but also kind of inevitable, I guess. Like a puzzle, sort of.
HENRY
How do you mean?
LAMAR
I mean...well....in a puzzle, you got all these pieces, right?
HENRY
Sure.
LAMAR
And you gotta put them together, or whatever, right? To make the picture and all that?
HENRY
Sure.
LAMAR
But when you put them together they’re always put together in the same sort of put together way. All neat and orderly and all that.
HENRY
I s’pose so.
LAMAR
So whats the difference? Between all that and all this, I mean. It seems like the same, to me.
HENRY
You believe that son?
LAMAR
The story seems to.
HENRY
Well I don't know about that...
Lamar looks down as if recognizing for the first time the man in the room, embarrassed.
LAMAR
I don't know...it was just an idea I guess.
HENRY
A good idea, kid. A great idea! Say, shouldn't you be in school?
LAMAR
It's two in the morning.
HENRY
I know that, I mean tomorrow. Or...today, rather.
LAMAR
I don't know...I guess.
HENRY
You ain't one of those gangsters, are ya?
LAMAR
No...I don't think so.
HENRY
Alright..well, I'm keeping my eye on you.
The train car continues to rush by, a field sprinkled with snow taking its place.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
In a barren field covered with a light blanket of snow, stands Kay, searching but lost.
Kay pulls out his phone, dials a number, and puts it to his ear.
No one answers.
Kay looks in all directions, before moving west.
INT. BALLROOM - NIGHT
Young couples sway with beauty and grace as a light sweet jazz rolls off the tongue of worn instruments and worn hands.
The faces are beautiful and the clothes magnificent, a ball as if from another era, men and women sliding across wood paneled floor with wonderful grace.
At the far end of the room, standing in near darkness, sulks Lamar, peering quietly down at his shoes.
Kay, dressed for the occasion, approaches.
KAY
Care to dance?
LAMAR
Funny.
KAY
Eye any cuties?
LAMAR
I would neber do that.
KAY
Oh no, of course not.
LAMAR
I don't even know why I came.
KAY
To dance.
LAMAR
I don't dance.
KAY
Then why'd you come?
LAMAR
I don't know.
KAY
A girl?
LAMAR
Isn't it always?
KAY
Oh, I suppose so...what's her name?
LAMAR
I don't know.
KAY
You don't know?
LAMAR
No.
KAY
Well what does she look like?
LAMAR
I don't know.
KAY
Well what do you know?
LAMAR
I love her.
KAY
Wow...may I meet her?
LAMAR
Sure.
KAY
When?
LAMAR
When I meet her.
Lamar walks off with a sly smile, Kay slightly amused.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
With great solace and care, Lester slowly pulls his car along the long winding road, leading neither up nor down, but simply across.
As Lester delves deeper into the wilderness, his face begins to relax, though his nerves are anything but calm.
A light thump begins to resound across the car. Thump...thump...thump...thump.
Faster, then faster, then faster. A bead of sweat rolls down Lester's face as he runs through the trillion and one possibilities which may be playing out.
Seeing a dirt road in the distance, Lester pulls off, and drives deep past the few wandering cars which ramble across the main road.
When at a safe distance, Lester pulls over, into the dying earth, and stops the car.
The thumping has yet to cease.
Lester opens his door, walks out of the car, and walks to the trunk.
Lester stares at the trunk. The sound of the thump rises, mixing with the sounds of an oncoming train.
INT. TRAIN - NIGHT
Lamar stares at the snoring man sitting next to him, full of angst and nerves.
Henry continues to snore.
Lamar taps Henry on the shoulder.
LAMAR
Is it true?
Henry jumps, awakened.
HENRY
What?
LAMAR
The story, is it true?
HENRY
(Chuckling)
You sure got a funny way of doin things kid.
LAMAR
Is it?
HENRY
Well of course its true!
LAMAR
But I don't understand...
HENRY
You can't understand what you don't know.
LAMAR
What do you mean?
HENRY
I ain't finished my story!
LAMAR
But I thought you said...
HENRY
Kid, if everyone believed everything everyone said no one would believe nothin.
LAMAR
Oh...
HENRY
Oh? That's all? Not even a bit of curiosity.
Lamar looks down in shame.
HENRY
I'm just kiddin kid, I'll tell ya.
Lamar gives the slightest hint of a smile, but keeps his head low.
HENRY
So we got this man, ummmm, uhhh, what was his name again?
LAMAR
Joe.
HENRY
Right. Joe, and he's in love and all that, right. So he gets to this sort of wonderin.
LAMAR
About what?
HENRY
Why, how to love.
LAMAR
He doesn't know?
HENRY
Do you?
Lamar looks down.
HENRY
As I was saying, this man, Joe, gets to this sort of wonderin, and I mean really wonderin. And then it hits him.
LAMAR
What?
HENRY
Why can't this girl be real? God's real, ain't he?
LAMAR
Sure.
HENRY
And if God's real, she must surely be real, right?
LAMAR
I guess.
HENRY
You guess? Why it's a cold hard fact!
LAMAR
Okay.
HENRY
So he starts to wonderin, and this wonderin leads to lookin, and this looking leads to findin, and eventually, well, eventually, he finds her.
LAMAR
Really?
HENRY
Sure. And they fall in love and get married and all that. There's just one thing...
LAMAR
What?
HENRY
Well, after a while, he starts to thinking. And you know how thinkin leads to doin. Well, he starts to thinking about this little old blemish upon her cheek, nothing really, just a birthmark of sorts. But it starts getting to him. I mean really gettin to him. So he does what anyone does.
LAMAR
What?
HENRY
He tries to fix it.
LAMAR
Does he?
HENRY
Well, see, the thing is, he ain't no doctor or nothing, so he just kinda goes at it with a knife, ya know, thinking it's just a skin thing or somethin. But the thing is, it ain't. So he keeps cuttin and cuttin and cuttin and well, eventually...
LAMAR
What?
HENRY
Well, eventually, he cuts right through her.
LAMAR
What?
HENRY
He cuts right through her, bone and all.
Lamar looks down.
LAMAR
What happened to him?
HENRY
Who? Joe? Oh, well, he gots what's comin.
LAMAR
Jail?
HENRY
No. Worse. Guilt.
LAMAR
Did he...did he ever get over it...
HENRY
I can't say I reckon...maybe.
LAMAR
Why'd they call him Cronus?
HENRY
You ever read Greek son?
Lamar shakes his head.
HENRY
He was a killer son...Cronus. Devoured his own children out of fear.
LAMAR
Fear of what?
HENRY
Fate. The man was fraid of fate. Too bad too, cus that sort of thing always seems to happen.
LAMAR
What's that got to do with Joe?
HENRY
Oh I don't know. I suppose they saw his sort of killing in the same sort of light or something. Messin with fate and all that.
LAMAR
Why'd he do it?
HENRY
Why? Well I suppose he was ambitious, is all.
LAMAR
But he killed her.
HENRY
Ya...I suppose he did.
LAMAR
Wouldn't he be happier with a birthmark than a corpse?
HENRY
No...I don't suppose he would.
Lamar looks as if to speak, but only looks down at his hands.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Ava and Jordan sit upon the trunk of a tree, Jordan playing on her phone, Ava looking down at her watch.
Kay appears walking towards the two from the east.
KAY
Hey.
Ava stands, abruptly, cowardly. After recognizing Kay, she glares at Jordan.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
(To Kay)
You should go.
KAY
Why?
AVA
You just should.
KAY
(Shrugging)
Okay
AVA
Wait.
KAY
What?
AVA
Don't.
KAY
Okay.
AVA
Just...don't...tell anyone...Or say anything...Or ask anything...okay...Just...do what I say, okay?
KAY
Okay.
AVA
I need something.
KAY
What?
AVA
That kid, from the bar.
KAY
Lamar?
AVA
Ya. Him.
KAY
What about him?
AVA
I need him. His number, I mean. Do you have it?
KAY
Well ya, sure, but...why?
AVA
I need it.
KAY
What for?
AVA
I just do, okay.
KAY
I don't know...
Jordan walks up to Kay with a flirtatious smile.
JORDAN
Please Kay? For me?
KAY
Well...I guess...
Kay hands Ava his phone. Ava dials Lamar's number
EXT. DIRT ROAD - NIGHT
Lester stares at the open trunk, his hand on the phone. The phone rings, but no one answers.
LESTER
Shit.
Inside the trunk lays the corpse of a teenage girl. Blood still spilling out from recent wounds.
Lester closes the trunk.
INT. BALLROOM - NIGHT
Lamar shuffles through a crowd of people before being pulled to the side by a sophomore, JACOB, two years Lamar's younger.
JACOB
Yo Lamar, you got a sec.
LAMAR
Sure. Why?
JACOB
You know that girl Dot?
LAMAR
Ya, what about her?
JACOB
I think she's got a thing for you.
LAMAR
Good for her.
Lamar pushes Jacob off as if to walk away.
JACOB
Bro?!
LAMAR
What?
JACOB
You can't just do nothing!
LAMAR
Why not?
JACOB
Bro, this girl, she fine.
LAMAR
Cool.
JACOB
And she ain't just for lookin.
LAMAR
Cool.
JACOB
Bro. I don't think you get it. She's...ya know, friendly.
LAMAR
I know.
JACOB
No bro, I don't think ya do...I mean...ya know, friendly.
LAMAR
I understand.
JACOB
Bro. Don't you get it? She gives head. Head! And good head, too, I hear.
LAMAR
Good for her.
JACOB
I don't think you understand the severity of this situation.
LAMAR
Maybe I don't.
JACOB
Look bro. If you don't, I will.
LAMAR
Go for it.
JACOB
For real?
LAMAR
Sure.
JACOB
You're a real bro bro. A real team player.
LAMAR
Okay.
Jacob pats Lamar on the shoulder and crawls away with a certain gleam in his eye. A sly, mischievous smile upon his crooked face.
DOT walks up to Lamar.
DOT
(Flirtatiously)
Hey honey, wanna dance.
LAMAR
No thanks.
DOT
Ah cmon baby, just one dance.
LAMAR
I'd rather not.
DOT
Playing hard to get, huh?
LAMAR
Not really.
Dot forces a fake laugh.
DOT
You're cute.
LAMAR
Thanks.
DOT
So you wanna dance or what?
LAMAR
No.
DOT
(Irritated)
You're a real piece of shit, you know that?
LAMAR
Okay.
Dot walks away.
DOT
(Mumbling)
Nigger.
Jacob walks back up to Lamar.
JACOB
Bro, what was that?
LAMAR
What was what?
JACOB
You and Dot? I thought you said...
LAMAR
I did.
JACOB
Then why'd ya hurt me like that bro?
LAMAR
I didn't.
JACOB
You think I'm stupid or somethin?
LAMAR
Ya.
Jacob pushes Lamar.
JACOB
What'd you just call me?
LAMAR
I didn't call you anything.
Jacob pushes Lamar again.
JACOB
You wanna go, bro?
LAMAR
Not really.
JACOB
Oh. So you're scared now. Huh? Is that it?
LAMAR
Reasonably.
JACOB
You're a pussy. You know that?
LAMAR
Alright.
Jacob pushes Lamar again.
JACOB
You gonna fight pussy?
LAMAR
No.
JACOB
No? What do you mean no?
LAMAR
I mean no imbecile.
JACOB
What'd you just call me?
LAMAR
An imbecile. An idiot. A twit.
JACOB
You think you're funny huh?
By this time, quite a large crowd has surrounded the two.
LAMAR
Not particularly.
JACOB
(To the crowd)
A jokester!
Jacob grabs Lamar by the shoulder.
LAMAR
Would you just lay off?
Jacob throws Lamar to the floor.
JACOB
You're a real gansta, huh.
LAMAR
No.
JACOB
You think you're better than me, don't ya?
Jacob kicks Lamar in the stomach.
LAMAR
(Grunting)
No.
JACOB
Well ya ain't, nigga. Ya ain't. All you is is a no good nigger! A no good nigger! A chitlins lovin cotton pickin no good nigger.
Dot, pushes to the front of the crowd, pulling on Jacobs arm.
DOT
Jake...stop.
JACOB
Shut the fuck up bitch!
Dot cowers back. Jacob kicks Lamar again. As Jacob goes for a third kick, Lamar grabs Jacob's leg, and pulls him to the ground.
Jacob laughs and climbs to his knees.
JACOB
You are funny, nigger.
Jacob pins Lamar to the ground and begins to wale on him, punch after punch after punch.
After what seems like an eternity, the crowd parts, and Kay comes flying through, pulling Jacob back by the arms.
Lamar is crying.
JACOB
(Held back by Kay)
You cryin, nigger?
Lamar curls into a ball. The crowd looks over Lamar, slightly terrified by the violence.
KAY
Let's go.
JACOB
That's alright. I got better pussy to bash anyways.
Kay pulls Jacob past the crowd and out of the ballroom. Kids slowly begin to disperse as Jacob leaves.
Dot comes over to Lamar. Touching his shoulder
DOT
Lamar?
LAMAR
Get off of me.
Dot jumps back in fright. Not sure what to say.
LAMAR
You think this is funny?
DOT
Lamar...
LAMAR
What do you want from me?
DOT
I...I just wanna help.
LAMAR
Fuck you.
Dot begins to cry.
LAMAR
Fuck all of you!
Kay taps Lamar on the shoulder.
KAY
Lamar.
LAMAR
Get off of me.
KAY
Can you walk?
LAMAR
Get off of me!
KAY
Lamar...
LAMAR
I said get off!
Lamar pushes Kay back and slowly climbs to his feet.
LAMAR
What do you want from me?!
Kids still crowded across the floor look ashamedly away.
KAY
Lamar...stop.
LAMAR
What do you want?!
KAY
No one wants anything Lamar. Lets just go.
LAMAR
Go? Go where? What for? What good will that do?
KAY
You're hurt Lamar. Anyone can see that. You need a doctor.
LAMAR
I don't need anything, you prick.
KAY
You're hurt. You don't know what you're saying.
LAMAR
I know how to talk you piece of shit.
KAY
Why are you doing this Lamar?
LAMAR
Why? Why?! Who the fuck gives a shit why! There is no why Kay. You said it yourself. Nothing really matters, Lamar. Nothing ever will, Lamar. Its all just a game, Lamar. Its all just pretend, Lamar. Everything's fine, Lamar. Everything's good, Lamar. Its all gonaa be alright, Lamar. Its all gonna be okay, Lamar. But its not, Kay. Its not...So when is it, Kay? When is it all gonna be okay?
KAY
(In hushed voice)
You should go.
LAMAR
But its true, isn't it? Isn't it?
KAY
Of course not Lamar.
LAMAR
You little fucking lying piece of shit!
KAY
Lamar...
LAMAR
You're a coward Kay. You know that? A coward...Just like everyone else.
KAY
Lamar, stop, you're being...
LAMAR
A coward. I know. But what else can I be, Kay. What else can anyone be, Kay. It seems to me its all anyone ever is, Kay. It seems to me, its all anyone has ever been, Kay. It seems to me, its all anyone will ever be, Kay. It seems to me no one really cares, Kay. It seems to me, no one really gives a shit, Kay. Does anyone really give a shit, Kay? Has anyone ever given a single fucking shit, Kay?
KAY
Of course they do Lamar. We all do. We...
LAMAR
Don't Kay, just...don't
Lamar pushes past Kay and walks out of the ballroom.
KAY
Lamar!
EXT. BAR - NIGHT
Ava slowly walks Jordan out of the bar and into a taxi.
AVA
Would you mind taking her home?
TAXI DRIVER
Thats my job lady.
AVA
No. I know, I know. But could you just...keep an eye on her. I mean, not like, watch her or anything. But just, make sure she gets home okay, okay? And it is home that she gets to. Not like a bar or club or anything. I just...I just don't want her getting hurt or sick or...
TAXI DRIVER
Lady.
AVA
Yes?
TAXI DRIVER
I do my job, you do yours, okay? You tell me where, I go there. Thats all.
AVA
I know. I know. I just, you see, the thing is, I haven't been home in a while, and we were supposed to meet her parents tonight, and...
TAXI DRIVER
Lady!
AVA
What?
TAXI DRIVER
Look, lady. I don't mean to be rude or nothin, but, I don't really give a shit. I drive car, you sit in car, I stop car, you get out of car. That is all.
AVA
You're right, you're right. I know I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Just, make sure she gets home okay, okay?
TAXI DRIVER
I do my job, you do yours. Okay?
AVA
Okay. Ya. You're right. I'm sorry. What'll it be?
TAXI DRIVER
What?
AVA
How much will it cost?
TAXI DRIVER
Do you not know how taxi work? You get in car. I drive car. You pay in car. You get out of car. Thats how it works.
AVA
No, I know, I know. Its just. Its better this way, you know. With temptation and all that.
TAXI DRIVER
Jesus Christ lady, why don't you just come with.
AVA
No. I can't. I can't...I...I just...can't...will, fifty do?
TAXI DRIVER
75.
AVA
Its ten blocks!
TAXI DRIVER
Then I go without you.
AVA
Alright. Alright. Fine. Fine. Jesus. Here.
The taxi driver accepts a wad of cash. Ava puts Jordan's hands in her lap, shuts the door, and watches as the taxi drives away.
A drunk man walks out of the bar and grabs Ava by the hip.
DRUNK MAN
Hey baby. How bout you and I go grab a drink?
AVA
Get off me.
DRUNK MAN
Scared of a little fun, honey?
AVA
I don't want a drink, thank you.
DRUNK MAN
(Grabbing at Ava)
A cmon now, don't be silly.
AVA
Please let go of me.
DRUNK MAN
Afraid of a little intimacy baby.
AVA
Let go of me.
DRUNK MAN
Ah cmon baby, just a quicky.
AVA
I said let go.
Ava pushes the drunk man back and he falls on his ass. The drunk man wipes his mouth and climbs to his feet, beer from a broken bottle in pieces across the pavement.
DRUNK MAN
Bitch!
Ava turns and walks away.
As Ava walks down the lonely street, she passes Lester's bar. Pausing for a moment, Ava looks at the bar, and then at her watch, and then back at the bar.
Ava walks into the bar.
Inside the bar is a small crowd of a rather quiet type, drinking mostly in silence and solitude.
Street lights intrude from the only window in the small venue, but is otherwise lit only by the tv, giving the space sporadic spots of complete darkness.
Lester pours a whiskey as Ava enters the bar.
Ava sits at the bar.
AVA
Thanks.
LESTER
Where's your friend?
AVA
Drunk.
Lester nods with a sense of understanding. Lester goes to serve another man his beer. A few people step out of the bar leaving only Ava, a group of teenagers, and a middle aged man at the bar, Lester wiping the table cautiously.
AVA
Aren't they a little young to be...
LESTER
They got IDs.
AVA
Well ya but...
LESTER
Not my problem.
The young girl giggles as the two boys flirt with her.
AVA
They’re kids.
LESTER
Not mine.
AVA
But the police...
LESTER
They got IDs.
AVA
Fakes.
LESTER
At the determination of the law.
AVA
You could lose your license.
LESTER
So what if I do?
AVA
This is a bar.
LESTER
So it is.
AVA
How do you plan to serve liquor without a license?
LESTER
I don't.
AVA
All for a bunch of snotty nosed kids?
LESTER
Not my problem.
AVA
But it is!
LESTER
If my inadequacies so offend, you are more than welcome to get up and go.
AVA
No. It's just...
LESTER
What?
AVA
I don't know. Don't you care?
LESTER
For what?
AVA
Anything.
LESTER
No.
Ava looks down, suddenly ashamed, as if she has stepped out of place.
One of the boys steps out of the booth, tripping over his own feet. The girl laughs with hysteria. The boy doesn't get up.
LESTER
Shit.
Lester nonchalantly walks around the bar and picks up the boy, pulling him out the door. He sets the boy against the door, propping the door open with his body.
LESTER
(Referring to the two kids)
You too.
The girl and boy climb to their feet, ashamedly, and walk out the door.
The boy pulls the other from the floor, and all three walk out of the bar.
LESTER
Happy?
AVA
How is that any better?
LESTER
I never said it was.
Lester pours the middle aged man another drink.
AVA
Is it really all that bad?
LESTER
What?
AVA
All of this. Any of this. Whatever this is.
LESTER
I can't say I know.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
It ain't.
AVA
What?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
I said it ain't.
AVA
What? Life?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Ya life. What else?
AVA
What makes you so sure?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Sure? I ain't sure. Nobody sure. Who said anything bout being sure?
AVA
No I just thought...
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Well don't.
AVA
What?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Think. It ain't got nobody nowhere.
AVA
Well I don't know...
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Ya know what I think?
AVA
No.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
I think it's all a scam.
AVA
A what?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
A scam. All of this. Everything.
AVA
Well I don't know...
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Well I do. And it is.
AVA
Okay...so what's so good about that?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
That? Nothin. But that ain't the point.
AVA
What is?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
The point is, life ain't all that bad, cus life ain't all that good. Life ain't nothin. Life just is. The sooner you get that, the sooner you lose that big dumb look off your big mopey face.
AVA
That's not entirely motivating.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Motivating? I ain't said nothin bout no motivation. It ain't supposed to be. You do what you do cus you gotta do it. Not cus of some goddamn motivation.
AVA
And happiness?
MIDDLE AGED MAN
A choice.
AVA
To you.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
To everyone.
AVA
You're drunk.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Maybe, but the truth is the truth and there ain't no way around it.
The middle aged man takes another shot.
LESTER
Alright old man, thats enough out of you. Closing time.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
Ah you ain't closin. You just wanna rid of me.
LESTER
That's right. So get.
The middle aged man takes one final shot.
MIDDLE AGED MAN
(To Ava)
Alright. Alright. I'll leave you here. But you better choose before it all disappears.
Lester opens the door for the middle aged man, and the man stumbles out. Lester closes the door after him.
AVA
Why'd you do that?
LESTER
Closin time.
Ava gets up as if to leave.
LESTER
Not you.
Ava sits back down as Lester wipes down the bar. Lester grabs a broom and offers it to Ava. Ava stares at it a moment, and then takes it, sweeping the floor.
AVA
Why don't you hire somebody?
LESTER
What for?
AVA
To help.
LESTER
I don't need no help.
AVA
You need something.
LESTER
I don't need nothin.
Ava goes back to sweeping.
AVA
Lester?
LESTER
What?
AVA
What was that guy talking about?
LESTER
Who? George? Oh, he don't mean nothin, he just takes to joking sometimes.
AVA
He seemed pretty serious to me.
LESTER
Ya, well, to each his own I suppose.
Ava pauses.
AVA
When that man said choose...
LESTER
(Quickly)
He don't know what he's talking about.
AVA
Oh...ya...I guess...
Ava finishes sweeping the floor, and sets the broom against the bar, holding her arms against her chest. Lester turns off the tv.
Lester opens the door, keys in hand, and motions Ava out. Lester follows, locking the door.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
A blistering knock is heard against an empty void of a black door.
Footsteps lazily and wearily fall towards the door.
Jordan answers the door, to find Ava, drenched in sweat and blood, standing, horrified.
Jordan stares cooly with two drunken eyes, and Ava pushes past, into the apartment.
AVA
We have to go.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
Now.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
Where's your bag?
JORDAN
(Groggy)
Bedroom...why?
Ava paces into the bedroom.
JORDAN
What are you doing?
AVA
I told you. We have to go.
JORDAN
Why?
AVA
We just do.
JORDAN
But...
AVA
Please, Jordan, not now.
JORDAN
When?
AVA
Later.
JORDAN
But Ava...
AVA
What?!
JORDAN
What about Kay?
AVA
Who?
JORDAN
Kay. From the bar.
AVA
What about him?
Jordan points to the bed, where Kay lays half asleep.
AVA
Jesus Christ Jordan.
JORDAN
What? He's cute.
AVA
How?
JORDAN
I blew the guy.
AVA
Kay?
JORDAN
No, the cab driver.
AVA
Jesus.
JORDAN
Well I mean, like, just a little bit, ya know. Like I didn’t like swallow or anything. I just, ya know, didn’t want to be there anymore so I didn’t and then I wasn’t and then I was, where I wanted to be, I mean, but only kind of because before I cud even be where I wanted to be I was not where I wanted to be which was this real dark alley with all this scary screaming and creepy yelling and stuff. So I’m all like, not today motherfuckers. So I like get the hell outta there. Or I think I do, but really I’m not getting outta there I’m getting in there and before I know it I am there and then I...then I see it.
AVA
What?
JORDAN
Dead people. No, for real. There had to be like three of em, not counting the dead one, obviously. So I start freakin out, right? I mean like really freakin out, and I just book it. But I swear to god I don’t get three feet before I run into...
AVA
Kay?
JORDAN
Ya! So I tell him whats up, right, and he's all like, we gotta call the cops, and I'm like, fuck the pigs, and he's like, fuck you, and I'm like, fuck you. And then we started making out.
AVA
Did you call the cops?
JORDAN
The pigs? No. We came here.
AVA
Jesus.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
Nothing. Let's just go.
Ava pulls Jordan out the door, bag in hand.
JORDAN
But Kay...
The door slams shut.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Lamar sprawls through the closed bedroom door with hidden ferocity, floundering with angst and unnerve. Upon his clothes lie a layer of flurried blood, tears rolling down Lamar's long face.
Lamar sits against the door, devastated.
Lamar's mother, MOM, knocks on the door.
MOM
Lamar? Honey? Is everything alright?
LAMAR
(Blubbering)
I'm fine.
MOM
Are you hungry? There's some leftovers in the fridge if...
LAMAR
No.
MOM
Did something happen?
LAMAR
No.
MOM
Lamar, honey, you know you can tell me anything.
LAMAR
Nothing happened.
Lamar's father, DAD, knocks on the door.
DAD
What the hell do you think you're doing?
MOM
(Soothingly)
Charles, stop, Lamar's had a long day.
DAD
I don't give a damn what that boy's had. When I say ten I mean ten.
MOM
It's hardly 11 Charles, you're being ridiculous.
DAD
Lamar, open this door this minute.
MOM
Now Charles, don't be so melodramatic.
DAD
Lamar, if you don't open this goddamn door this minute...
Lamar opens the door. Love turns to fear as they recognize the agony on their son’s young face, beaten to a pulp, eyes swollen, lips bleeding, blood everywhere.
Father and son share a passing glance, a look of almost pride filling the father's eyes.
Lamar's mother lunges forward in empathy
MOM
Oh poor baby!
LAMAR
Mom...stop.
Lamar's mother rushes out of the room in near tears.
DAD
Who did this?
LAMAR
No one.
DAD
Lamar, this is no time for pride.
LAMAR
What pride?
Lamar's mother comes rushing back in with a pack of ice and a cool towel.
MOM
We should call the school.
DAD
It's practically midnight.
MOM
Well, Harold then.
DAD
Mr. Hanako?
MOM
Yes. Yes. Mr. Hanako.
DAD
I don't...
MOM
Here.
Lamar's mother hands her husband her phone.
DAD
How do you...
MOM
(Sternly)
Call him.
Lamar's father leaves the room to make the call.
MOM
(To Lamar)
What happened?
LAMAR
Nothing.
MOM
You call this nothing?
LAMAR
I don't call it anything.
MOM
Lamar, honey, I love you. But if you don't tell me what happened this instant, I swear to god I'll beat you to a breathless pulp.
LAMAR
(With fear in his eyes)
It was just a little skirmish, thats all. Its nothing mom, I promise.
MOM
Now don't you lie to me.
LAMAR
Mom, stop.
MOM
Lamar, do I look like I'm playing.
LAMAR
No.
MOM
Then you better start talking.
Lamar's father reenters the room.
DAD
He'll be right over.
MOM
What good will that do?
DAD
I thought that's what you wanted.
MOM
I wanted retribution.
LAMAR
Mom!
DAD
Well this is what you get! What are you doing with his number anyways?
MOM
That's none of your concern.
DAD
None of my concern? I'm your goddamn husband for christ sake.
MOM
What a woman does in her time is hers to choose.
LAMAR
Mom!
MOM
There's nothing wrong with being happy, baby.
LAMAR
Mom!
The doorbell rings.
MOM
That must be him.
As Lamar's mother goes to leave, her husband grabs her by the arm.
MOM
(Pushing him off)
We'll talk about this later.
Lamar's mother goes to answer the door. At the door stands not Mr. Hanako, but Kay.
MOM
Who are you?
KAY
I'm Mr...um...I'm...a friend...of Lamar's.
MOM
Aren't you a little old to be a friend.
KAY
Friendship holds no prerequisites.
Lamar's mother gives him a suspicious and stern look.
MOM
What do you want?
KAY
I...well...could I speak with Lamar.
MOM
Why?
KAY
Its important.
MOM
I see that. But what for.
KAY
Surely you can respect the privacy of two gentlemen.
Lamar's mother squeaks a shrill laugh.
MOM
Gentleman? My boy? Well, if you say so.
Kay motions to come in.
MOM
Is it so important?
KAY
Dire.
Lamar's mother glances up the stairs, then back at Kay.
MOM
Five minutes.
Kay flys through the door and up the stairs to Lamar.
Lamar's father, as if standing guard, grabs Kay by the shoulder.
DAD
What do you think you're doing?
KAY
I...I thought...well I just...
MOM
Let him go Charles, that's none of your concern.
DAD
None of my concern, why...
MOM
Charles...
Charles reluctantly lets go of Kay. Kay enters Lamar's room.
LAMAR
What do you want?
KAY
Nothing.
LAMAR
Then go away.
KAY
Lamar.
LAMAR
What good are you?
KAY
I just wanna help.
LAMAR
Real help you were.
KAY
If I had known...
LAMAR
Well you didn't!
KAY
I'm sorry Lamar.
Lamar turns his body away from Kay.
KAY
Jake's been suspended.
LAMAR
Cool.
KAY
Mr. Hanako is considering expulsion.
LAMAR
Good for him.
KAY
I could make it happen.
LAMAR
Sure.
KAY
Is that what you want?
LAMAR
I don't care.
KAY
He really hurt you.
LAMAR
I know.
KAY
What happened?
LAMAR
What always happens. You say one word to that kid and he explodes. He's a freak.
KAY
He's emotional.
LAMAR
That's a word for it.
KAY
He didn't mean anything.
LAMAR
How would you know?
Kay pauses, unsure where to go from here.
KAY
Did you find her?
LAMAR
Who?
KAY
The girl.
LAMAR
(With a smile)
Oh, her...no.
KAY
That's too bad. Maybe next time.
LAMAR
Ya...maybe.
Kay gets up to leave. Lamar tries to stand up.
KAY
Don't bother...school tomorrow?
LAMAR
What else?
Kay smiles and exits the room. Lamar closes the door behind him and begins to cry.
A rhythmic bumping begins to rise with the faintest sound of steam. The sound grows and grows and soon a blinding light encroaches all that is seen.
INT. TRAIN - NIGHT
Jordan sits sulking in a booth next to Ava, Ava looking around nervously.
JORDAN
Why'd we have to go?
AVA
We just do.
JORDAN
But what about Kay?
AVA
What about him?
JORDAN
He's gonna wake up all alone in that big empty house.
AVA
He'll manage.
JORDAN
But what if he doesn't?
AVA
It's a small apartment on a small street in a small town, I think he'll manage.
JORDAN
But what if he thinks I left him?
AVA
You did.
JORDAN
Not on purpose!
AVA
Jordan...
JORDAN
What?
AVA
We don't have time for this.
JORDAN
What else do we have?
Ava stares intently at Jordan, before looking away.
AVA
I don't know.
JORDAN
Maybe we should go back.
AVA
We can't.
JORDAN
Why?
AVA
We just can't.
JORDAN
Are you in trouble?
AVA
No.
JORDAN
Is someone else?
AVA
Sort of.
JORDAN
Is it someone I know?
AVA
I don't know.
Jordan looks down at the ground, hurt.
JORDAN
You think I'm stupid.
AVA
What?
JORDAN
You think if you tell me I'll do something stupid.
AVA
That's not it.
JORDAN
Yes it is. Otherwise you'd tell me.
AVA
Jordan, don't be ridiculous.
JORDAN
You always act like you’re smarter than me. Like you think I don't know any better. Like you think I'm stupid.
AVA
I don't think you're stupid, Jordan.
JORDAN
Then why do you act like it?
AVA
I don't know.
JORDAN
I wanna go home.
AVA
We will.
JORDAN
When?
AVA
Soon.
Jordan looks at the sleeping man across from her. She whispers to Ava.
JORDAN
Do the police know?
Ava stares at Jordan, surprised, and then gives a cautious glance to the sleeping man.
AVA
No.
JORDAN
Will they?
AVA
Probably.
JORDAN
I don't think this is right.
AVA
Left hardly is.
JORDAN
If what you did was so bad, why can't you just tell me?
AVA
You know I can't.
JORDAN
I won't tell.
AVA
Liability.
JORDAN
What do you mean?
AVA
Only what you know can be used against you.
JORDAN
I want to help.
AVA
You can. You are.
JORDAN
How?
AVA
By being you. Now drink.
Ava pulls out a bottle of whiskey from her purse.
JORDAN
Ava! At this hour.
AVA
It's for your own good.
Jordan stares at Ava, astounded, but soon understands. Jordan takes a big swallow of the whiskey.
AVA
I'm sorry.
JORDAN
Don't be.
AVA
If I had just...
JORDAN
What?
AVA
I don't know.
JORDAN
And if you did? What good would that do? Knowing what could've been or should've been doesn't change what has been. What was just was. Thats all. You think theres some way out of this but theres not. Theres not. People just are who they are, thats all. Thinking anyone can ever change anything is just stupid. We don't do stuff cus we want to, we do stuff cus we just do. Cus some strange part of us just says thats how things go. Theres no logic or reason or anything to it. Things just happen. They just do. So might as well just accept that and move on. Just be with it and be okay with it cus its gonna happen either way. So smile Ava, smile, cus there isn't a damn thing you can do about it, or anything for that matter. All that you can do is be happy, and isn't that something. Isn't that something? Isn't that at least something worth doing?
AVA
That's the funny thing about you Jordan, you just don't seem to care.
JORDAN
What's the point?
AVA
I don't know...I don't know...
Jordan looks down at her shoes as Ava stares with a deathly hollow out the window.
The train whirs by.
EXT. WOODS - SUNRISE
Lester pulls his car off a dirt road onto virgin soil sliding his tires with as much aptitude as he can bear.
Lester turns off the lights, puts his car in park, and gets out of the car.
Lester meanders around the car feeling the cold, hard ground, a light mist of snow falling upon Lester's bare head.
Lester grumbles, and opens the backseat of his car, pulling out three shovels.
Lester pushes the shovels into the soil, creating a semicircle, and stands between them, looking at the car.
Lester grabs a shovel, and begins to dig.
INT. TRAIN - NIGHT
Lamar looks down at his small pack as Henry dozes in and out of consciousness.
A train conductor stops at the door.
CONDUCTOR
Tickets?
Lamar hands the man his ticket. The conductor studies it for a moment, clips it, and hands it back.
The conductor stares at the sleeping man.
CONDUCTOR
Tickets?
Henry doesn't move.
LAMAR
He's sleeping.
CONDUCTOR
I got eyes.
The conductor stands stoically. Many uncomfortable seconds pass by.
LAMAR
Should I wake him?
CONDUCTOR
Wake him or not, I need his ticket.
Lamar taps Henry lightly on the shoulder. Henry jumps to attention.
CONDUCTOR
Tickets?
Henry shuffles around in his pocket for a minute.
HENRY
(Laughing)
I seemed to have misplaced my right of passage.
CONDUCTOR
No ticket, no ride.
HENRY
(False seriousness)
Yes. Yes. Of course. Of course.
CONDUCTOR
Come with me.
HENRY
No need! This is my stop anyhow.
The conductor stands impatiently as Henry grabs his things.
HENRY
One more thing kid.
Lamar leans in close.
HENRY
Whatever you did, it ain't so bad. Life goes on. Mistakes are made, people are blamed, but time still ticks. It's all a matter of perspective. No ones nothing but what they are, and you're hardly something yet. So don't go spendin too much time thinking and worrying and all that, it'll just get ya into trouble.
Lamar gives a half smile. Henry gives Lamar a wink, and walks out the door, pausing for just a moment.
HENRY
Oh, and one thing more. Don't go chasing what you already got. It'll take your breath and hurt your chest, but won't give ya a damn thing more.
Lamar smiles as Henry exits, the train stops, and Henry steps off the train. Behind Henry follow Jordan and Ava. The train brushes by all three, the only people to exit the train.
Lamar stares with morose satisfaction.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Lester climbs out of a small hole, hoisting himself forward with his shovel.
Lamar arrives, standing timidly next to the car.
LAMAR
Is she...dead?
LESTER
No.
Lamar feigns a half smile before recognizing the grave beyond Lester.
LAMAR
You don't mean that.
LESTER
No.
Lester walks to the car and opens the trunk. Lamar jumps back in horror, on the verge of tears.
LESTER
Legs or arms.
LAMAR
What?
Lester points to the body.
LESTER
Legs or arms.
LAMAR
Legs...I guess.
Lester pulls the body out of the car, and motions to Lamar to grab the legs.
Lamar does so.
Lester and Lamar edge their way to the grave and set her down next to it.
LESTER
Push.
Lamar hesitates.
LAMAR
Shouldn't we...say something...at least...a few words maybe.
Lester pauses, the dead body hanging over the hole.
LESTER
She's dead.
LAMAR
Well I know that, I just thought...
LESTER
You believe in that kind of stuff?
LAMAR
Well no, but...
LESTER
But what?
LAMAR
It just seems wrong to leave her like this.
LESTER
We ain't. Now push.
Lamar gives into Lester's demand and pushes the girl into the hole.
LESTER
You got an alibi?
LAMAR
Ya...school.
LESTER
Witnesses?
LAMAR
Ya...Kay.
LESTER
Good.
Lester walks towards the car.
LAMAR
Where...
LESTER
Alibi.
Lamar stares blankly as Lester jumps in his vehicle and drives away.
Lamar stares at the open grave for a deathly long minute, before grabbing a shovel and beginning to bury the body.
INT. CAR - DAY
Lester speeds through the city with the finesse of a formula one enthusiast, speeding past truck and sedan alike.
Lester picks up his ringing phone.
LESTER
What?
JORDAN
Dad, where are you?
LESTER
Home.
JORDAN
Will you open the door? It’s Amir. He wants to talk to you.
LESTER
No.
JORDAN
Dad...please...its important.
LESTER
No.
JORDAN
Dad...don't be like this.
LESTER
What do you want?
JORDAN
It's about Dot.
Lester stares silently for a moment before speaking.
LESTER
What about her?
JORDAN
She never came home. She was supposed to be at her dads this week, but Amir said...
LESTER
Can't kids be kids no more?
JORDAN
Dad...I'm worried.
LESTER
Jordan.
JORDAN
What?
LESTER
You worry too much. I'm sure she's fine.
JORDAN
But what if she's not.
LESTER
Jordan...
JORDAN
I'm scared, Dad...
LESTER
You're sure she didn't sneak in?
JORDAN
Yes I'm goddamn sure!
LESTER
Jesus.
JORDAN
What?
LESTER
Nothing...it's just...Last night. When I closed the bar. I saw her. Dot. With a boy.
JORDAN
Who?
LESTER
Jacob...I think...I wouldn't have said nothin, but...
JORDAN
What?
LESTER
Well...I don't mean to pry into other people's business or nothin, you know that. But, when I see an innocent girl being beat like that...
JORDAN
Where is he?
LESTER
I tried to stop him. I did. But...well, I'm not what I was. Not anymore. When push comes to shove, well, I'm no kid no more. So when he swung, I ducked, but it was too late. I went down like a rock. When I got up, they were gone.
JORDAN
Where is he?
LESTER
I don't know. School, probably.
Jordan hangs up the phone. Lester stares, sitting at a green light. The man behind him honks, and Lester moves on.
Behind Lester's car is a barren field, a small mist of snow beginning to melt.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
Ava trots through the few inches of snow as Jordan and Kay lallygag behind.
JORDAN
Are you sure...
AVA
(Interrupting)
Yes.
JORDAN
That's what you said at the train station.
Ava stops, glaring at Jordan and Kay.
AVA
Then leave.
JORDAN
What?
AVA
Leave. Go. Get.
JORDAN
Ava...
AVA
What the fuck do you want from me?
JORDAN
Ava...calm down, I was just joking.
Ava falls to the ground bursting in tears.
JORDAN
Oh my god.
Jordan runs over to Ava and pulls her head close, caressing her head.
JORDAN
It's okay...it's okay.
AVA
I can't do this.
JORDAN
Shhhhh...
AVA
I didn't mean to hurt anybody.
JORDAN
Shhhh...I know Ava, I know...
AVA
I just wanna go home.
JORDAN
We will Ava, we will.
Kay stands awkwardly looking at the two. Jordan mouths the word go to Kay. Kay walks away, out of sight.
AVA
(Blubbering)
I don't...think...I...it was just...I mean...I can't...if I...
JORDAN
Shhhh...it's okay...it's okay...
AVA
She was just a kid, Jordan. A little kid. She never hurt anybody. All she wanted was a little love. Is that so wrong?
JORDAN
Of course not.
AVA
Then why did he do it? Why did he hurt her like that?
JORDAN
I don't know, Ava. I don't know.
AVA
He didn't have to do it. He didn't have to hit her. She wasn't all that bad. It woulda been okay. It woulda been okay.
JORDAN
It is okay Jordan...it is.
AVA
I don't wanna die.
JORDAN
Nobody does.
AVA
But we all do.
JORDAN
Sure. Eventually. But not now.
AVA
Do you think...do you think they'll convict.
JORDAN
Convict? Ava, you've hardly been charged.
AVA
They will. They have to. I'm their only lead.
JORDAN
Ava, honey, you're being ridiculous.
AVA
I just want everything to be okay.
JORDAN
Of course it will Ava. It just takes time.
AVA
Time is a luxury of the rich.
JORDAN
And a gift to the poor...now get up.
AVA
What?
JORDAN
Get up.
AVA
Why?
JORDAN
To go.
AVA
Where?
JORDAN
To end this.
Ava feigns a half smile, stands to her feet, and follows Ava along the dirt path next to the road.
The sound of a train can be heard in the distance.
INT. TRAIN - DAY
Lamar sits staring out a window in an empty train car. The sound of the bumping train mimics that of the heart.
KAY
No school?
Lamar jumps in fright, turning to see Kay standing at the door.
LAMAR
How did you...
KAY
Fear.
Lamar looks down at the ground, nodding.
LAMAR
And now?
KAY
No less.
LAMAR
What do you want?
KAY
Come home.
LAMAR
What for?
KAY
For your parents. Your friends. Your life.
LAMAR
I don't have any.
KAY
What about school?
LAMAR
What about it?
KAY
There's only six more weeks.
LAMAR
Yea.
KAY
You can't pass without finals.
LAMAR
Yea.
KAY
You'll be a high school dropout. A loser. A failure.
LAMAR
Yea.
KAY
Please don't do this.
LAMAR
I have no choice.
KAY
Don't choose. Just do.
LAMAR
(With a half smile)
If only life were so easy.
KAY
But it is Lamar! It is. All you have to do is try.
LAMAR
Kay, the king of meaningless epithets.
KAY
Don't you see Lamar, you have your whole life ahead of you. You could be anything.
LAMAR
All I could be is what I can be and all I can be is what I am and all I am is what I was.
KAY
You're too smart for your own good.
LAMAR
Maybe...or maybe I'm just clever.
KAY
You're making a mistake.
LAMAR
You don't know what I'm making.
KAY
You still have a chance.
LAMAR
(Smiling ironically)
I ran out of chances a long time ago.
KAY
I don't want you to go.
LAMAR
There's a funny thing about wants, you never really need them.
KAY
What will I tell your parents?
LAMAR
Anything. Nothing. It doesn't really matter. What should they care, anyways?
KAY
But they're you're parents!
LAMAR
By birth, sure, but anyone can fuck.
KAY
I think what you're doing is wrong.
LAMAR
What you think is childish and ignorant, foolish and naive.
KAY
Maybe, but at least it's something.
Lamar looks down at his hands, stands, and closes the door. Lamar sits back down.
LAMAR
Do you wanna know something?
KAY
Knowledge is the key to happiness.
LAMAR
I'm not a good man.
KAY
Who is?
LAMAR
I mean it.
KAY
How so?
LAMAR
I hurt people.
KAY
You've had your run ins with the law, sure, but never...
LAMAR
No. You don't understand. I hurt people. I've hurt people. Good people. Innocent people.
KAY
Success rarely goes without casualties.
LAMAR
No. This is different. Pain without cause, without reason, without anything. Just pure, blissful, pain.
Lamar's fists are held tight in a fist.
KAY
Do you plan on hurting me?
Lamar unclenches his fists.
LAMAR
No. I suppose not.
KAY
So this is it?
LAMAR
This is it.
KAY
Will you at least do one thing for me?
LAMAR
What?
KAY
A favor, of sorts.
LAMAR
What do you want?
KAY
I want you to be happy.
LAMAR
That's a tall order.
KAY
So are trees, yet they tend to stand.
Lamar smiles.
LAMAR
I'm sorry.
KAY
Don't be. Whatever you did, you did. It is what it is. There's no going back. The least you can do now is move on. There's no sense in dwelling.
LAMAR
Ya. I suppose that's true.
KAY
True or not, its what we do, it's what we must. If not, we may all die of guilt.
LAMAR
I don't wanna die.
KAY
A man hardly does.
LAMAR
Do you suppose this is it?
KAY
I suppose a lot of things.
LAMAR
You don't believe in god or anything like that?
KAY
Believe? No. I haven't hardly the time. Wonder? Sure. Real or not, I'll hardly ever know. In this life, that is.
LAMAR
So you think there's more, than just this, I mean?
KAY
More, less, I don't know. I just know there's something.
LAMAR
How do you know?
KAY
There is no something without something. Nothing is a lack of, not an of.
LAMAR
And if you're wrong?
KAY
I die like everyone else.
Lamar frowns and peers out the window.
LAMAR
I suppose death is a fantasy in your eyes.
KAY
No. A stone cold reality.
LAMAR
Have you seen it?
KAY
What?
LAMAR
Death.
KAY
I can't say I have.
LAMAR
Count yourself lucky.
KAY
Math isn't my study.
LAMAR
I never understood what was.
KAY
Psychology.
LAMAR
(Smirking)
Figures.
KAY
Stigma is the key to ignorance.
LAMAR
Sure, but a hell of a lot easier than empathy.
KAY
I think you'll come back.
LAMAR
Thinking isn't doing.
KAY
Just the key to it.
LAMAR
If you do it right.
KAY
Or do it at all.
LAMAR
I can't say if I'll ever be happy.
KAY
Happiness is a skill best left practiced.
LAMAR
Then I'm a terrible athlete.
Kay pauses, looking out the window.
KAY
I'm gonna miss you.
LAMAR
Ya...me too...
KAY
Are you sure...
LAMAR
No. But what can I be?
KAY
I don't know...I don't know...
The train passes on.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
A single shovel stands pitched in the death of earth, swaying with the bitter breeze of winter.
Jordan comes along the peculiar scene, followed by the defeated Ava.
The two walks past the shovel, neither giving the slightest concern.
Ava turns around, runs back to grab the shovel, and carries on with Jordan.
JORDAN
What...
AVA
To end this. All of this.
JORDAN
I don't understand.
AVA
If everyone understood everything nothing would ever go wrong.
JORDAN
What do we do with it?
AVA
Bury it.
JORDAN
And then?
AVA
Leave.
JORDAN
For how long?
AVA
Forever.
JORDAN
I can't.
AVA
Then don't.
JORDAN
What about you?
AVA
I'll do what I always do.
JORDAN
What's that?
AVA
Survive.
JORDAN
Is it really all that bad?
AVA
It certainly isn't that good.
JORDAN
Where do we go now?
AVA
Go home. See Kay. Be happy.
JORDAN
And you?
AVA
(Shrugging)
What I can.
The two stand stranded from each other, pulled away by inevitable consequences.
Ava turns and walks away.
Jordan, entrapped by guilt and sacrifice, stands solid as stone in fear of choice.
After a long heavy moment, Jordan leaves, heading back home, away from Ava.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Jordan walks alone along a tattered, grimy street, guided by the few lamps which pave the worn path within the small town.
Far off in the distance, beyond the square, near Lester's bar, stands Lamar, in the middle of the street, haloed by a streetlight.
From behind appears Jacob, with Dot.
JACOB
Hey nigger! Long time no see.
Lamar pushes Jacob off of him.
JACOB
Ahhhhh, does pussy got a wound?
Lamar looks away as Jacob confronts him, looking straight at Lamar.
Dot whispers into Jacob's ear. Jacob laughs neurotically.
JACOB
My girl here says she wants to suck you off. You in?
DOT
Jake...don't.
Dot grabs for Jacob’s arm, but Jacob pushes her away nonchalantly. Lamar looks away.
JACOB
Oh, so you a fag now?
Lamar looks down at his shoes.
JACOB
By god, you are! Do you hear that Dot! Nigger boy here’s a fucking fag!
Dot giggles ashamedly.
LAMAR
(In a hushed whisper)
Stop.
JACOB
What's that nigger boy? I couldn't hear you over that cock in your mouth.
LAMAR
Please. Stop.
DOT
Jake, stop, you're scaring him.
LAMAR
I'm not scared.
JACOB
You ain't? Then suck my cock.
Dot begins to laugh uncontrollably.
Jacob lunges for Lamar and grabs him by the collar.
JACOB
I said, suck it.
Jacob throws Lamar to his knees with his hands on Lamar's head.
Lamar turns his head away in disgust.
DOT
I think that's enough babe.
JACOB
(Laughing)
Nah babe, I'm just having some fun.
DOT
Let's just go..
Lamar tries to stand but Jacob throws him back to his knees.
JACOB
Go? We're already here.
DOT
I just wanna go home.
JACOB
Honey, we are home.
DOT
Jake, I mean it, for real.
JACOB
What about this nigger?
DOT
Just leave him.
Jacob looks down at the bruised Lamar, holding his head down in submission.
JACOB
I got better pussy to lick anyways.
Jacob throws Lamar to the ground. Lamar falls with a thud, looking at the two with a glazed over glance.
LAMAR
Asshole.
Jacob stops, Dot pleading with him to just leave.
JACOB
What'd you just say.
Lamar climbs to his feet.
LAMAR
I called you a fucking asshole, asshole.
JACOB
You must think you somethin special, don’t ya? Some kind of rich nigger king or somethin.
Lamar stares him in the eye, feet in a fighting stance.
JACOB
Well you ain't. You ain't nothin. Never were. You just like your parents. Bunch of cotton pickin niggers.
Lamar jumps for Jacob, but Jacob moves with an efficient swiftness, throwing Lamar against the wall.
JACOB
Now Dot here thinks you a fag, but I think that ain’t true. I think you got that look about you. That look every nigger gets. That look that says you somethin special or somethin. Like you want somethin or somethin. Like you need somethin or somethin. Well nigger, I aim to please.
Jacob, with one arm still against Lamar, grabs Dot.
JACOB
Kiss em.
DOT
Jake...stop.
Jacob slaps Dot across the face.
JACOB
I said kiss him.
Dot, with a tear in her eye, kisses Lamar's cheek.
JACOB
Goddamn't Dot! Can't you do anything right?!
Jacob slaps Dot with the back of his hand, Dot falling to the ground. Lamar tries to fight back, but is held strong by Jacob.
JACOB
Now you gotta blow em.
LAMAR
What?
JACOB
You heard me nigger.
Dot begins to cry.
Jacob grabs her by the hair, Dot still on her knees, and pulls her to Lamar.
Lamar pushes and squeals but with no effect.
Dot pauses, tears rolling down her cheek.
JACOB
Do it, bitch.
Dot slowly unbuttons Lamar's pants.
Jacob stares at Lamar with a big grin.
JACOB
You like it nigger, don't ya.
Lamar spits in Jacobs face.
Jacob jumps back in disgust.
Dot immediately stops.
Lamar quickly buttoning his pants
Lamar stands horrified, not moving, Dot still on her knees, refusing even the slightest movement.
Jacob pulls out a gun, pointing it at Lamar.
JACOB
You think you're funny nigger, don't ya?
Lamar looks away, saying nothing.
JACOB
Don't ya?
Lamar looks down at the ground, no longer in fear, but frustration.
JACOB
Now apologize.
Lamar looks away.
JACOB
I said apologize!
LAMAR
(Mumbling)
I'm sorry.
JACOB
Nigger say what?
LAMAR
(Still mumbling)
I'm sorry.
JACOB
Nigger say what?
LAMAR
I said I'm sorry!
Jacob smiles and toys with his gun. He pulls Dot up by the hair.
JACOB
How was it?
Dot looks away without a word.
JACOB
That good? Shit. Maybe I should get a nigger cock.
Jacob laughs and throws Dot against the wall.
JACOB
There's a funny thing about you niggers, you’re always dreaming. Hoping for this and that and what have you. Always wantin more. Always wanting better. You never want what you got. You never use what you get. You a bunch of greedy ass stuck up pricks. Just like you. You think you run the world and still ain't happy. Why can't none of you niggers ever be happy? I come in, offering my girl to suck you off, and suddenly I’m the asshole? You a nigger, nigger. A slave descendant motherfucking nigger! You may gotta big cock, but so what? You should be praising the fucking lord almighty for this opportunity! Hell, you should be sucking my cock in gratitude! You a slave, nigger. Nothing but a slave.
Dot laughs nervously.
DOT
Hun, I think that's enough.
JACOB
Shut up!
Dot looks away ashamed.
JACOB
(Smiling)
You and me, we're kind of the same in a weird sort of way. We're neurotic. Perfectionists. I guess it's that nigger blood in me. Ain't nothin ever good enough.
Jacob paces from place to place never staying in one spot too long.
JACOB
But I guess that's the curse of the human race, right? We all want what we don't got. It's not like we don't got nothin or nothin, we all got somethin, but somethin is never much, no matter how much somethin we got. The world is funny that way, don't ya think?
Dot glances at Lamar in a pleading manner, but Lamar just looks down at his shoes.
Jacob toys with his gun.
JACOB
I think we're too dramatic about the whole thing, I mean, life, ya know. What's so great about it anyhow? We live, we fuck, we die. The circle of life, am I right? And so what. What do we get out of all this. A fucking shot to the head. Cancer. Hit by a bus. It's all the fucking same. We all die. It's the only thing anybody ever seems to fucking do!
Jacob's laugh turns into a grimace.
JACOB
(Referring to Dot)
And you. You think you're gods fucking gift to earth. Well I got news for you bitch, you ain't! You no better than a nigger. You a hoe ass bitch!
Dot turns timid with fear.
JACOB
I don't need this shit. I don't need any of this shit.
Jacob pulls the gun to his head.
DOT
Jake no!
Jacob pulls the trigger.
Lamar stands in horror. Dot doesn't move. Jacob lays on the ground.
After a cold hard moment, Lamar goes to check on Jacob
DOT
Is he...dead.
LAMAR
No.
DOT
What?
LAMAR
It's a blank.
DOT
What?
LAMAR
The shot. It‘s a blank. See. Probably didn't even know...dumbass
Dot walks up close to Lamar.
DOT
Too bad. He was a real dick.
LAMAR
Still is.
Dot begins to laugh hysterically.
LAMAR
Stop.
Dot's laugh grows with anxiety.
LAMAR
Dot....Stop.
Dot laughs even harder. Lamar stands to his feet, grabbing her by the shirt.
LAMAR
Stop it!
Dot's laugh turns hysterical. Lamar slaps her across the face. Again. And again. And again.
Still Dot continues to laugh, as if unphased by the pain.
Lamar throws a punch this time, Dot stepping backwards, thrown off by the strength of the blow.
Lamar takes a step back, horrified.
A long moment passes, before the growling of Dot's laugh begins to rise all over again.
LAMAR
Stop.
Dot begins to laugh louder. Lamar hits her again. Dot continues to laugh.
LAMAR
Stop!
Dot breaks into an uncontrollable frenzy of laughter. Lamar hits her to the ground, Dot curling into a ball deep with laughter. Lamar hits her again, and again, and again.
Tears mix with blood as rage mixes with relief. Punches continue to fly until Lamar is suddenly pulled back.
Lester holds the boy by the arms, a cold stare filling his eyes.
LESTER
Stop it boy! I said stop it!
Ava stands horrified looking down at the scene.
Lamar calms down and is soon on the verge of tears. Lester twists Lamar around.
Lester slaps Lamar.
LESTER
This ain't no time for crying boy.
AVA
Jesus Christ.
LESTER
Dead?
AVA
Looks like it.
LESTER
Shit...you done this before?
LAMAR
What? No. I...
LESTER
Later. Was she alone?
LAMAR
I...uhh...
LESTER
Speak boy!
LAMAR
No. There was a boy. Jacob.
LESTER
Where is he?
LAMAR
He...fell.
LESTER
You kill him too?
LAMAR
What? No. I...he...he's fine.
LESTER
Breathing?
LAMAR
Yes sir.
LESTER
Awake?
LAMAR
Not that I know of.
LESTER
Good. Now here's what's gonna happen. You're gonna go straight home, ya here? No fooling or lallygagging or anything like that. We don't need no more witnesses than we got. Go straight home. Talk to your parents, siblings, whoever you got, we need alibis boy, alibis. And don't half ass it either, we need real, time stamping evidence, they need to be sure.
LAMAR
But how...
LESTER
However you got. But don't go wasting no time neither, when you done, you done, and best be sending yourself straight to bed, door closed, locked, if you got it. Then start packin.
LAMAR
Packing?
LESTER
Life ain't so free no more boy. You gotta start packin.
LAMAR
For what?
LESTER
For everything.
LAMAR
For how long?
LESTER
For as long as forever takes.
LAMAR
Forever?
LESTER
Just till death.
LAMAR
...then what.
LESTER
You're gonna hop the 12:20 in Bloomington. Buy a ticket if you gotta, but no identification. We don't need no evidence draggin us down. Take that to Leeville, and trek the last five miles to the river. I'll be waitin.
LAMAR
Okay...
LESTER
And don't go pulling no stupid moves neither. Back alleys and back streets only, at least for now. No gettin friendly, friend or otherwise. No smooching or kissin or anything like that, life ain't got no time for such frivolities no more. Oh, and one thing more...
LAMAR
What?
LESTER
When you leave, your house that is, don't go using the front door.
LAMAR
I'm not stupid.
LESTER
The frightened often are.
LAMAR
I'm fine.
LESTER
Do you understand everything I just said?
LAMAR
I think so.
LESTER
This ain't no time for thinking, boy. Do you or don't you?
LAMAR
I do.
LESTER
Good. And you.
AVA
Me?
LESTER
Yes you?
AVA
I didn't do anything!
LESTER
What you did don't much matter.
AVA
But I didn't do anything!
LESTER
You saw plenty.
AVA
I won't breath a word.
LESTER
Of course you won't, cus you gonna do what I say.
AVA
Why...
LESTER
Cus if ya don't, this boy gonna hang.
Ava stares frightened, doe eyed.
AVA
What do you want?
LESTER
I want you to get and never get back. You here?
Ava nods, frightened.
LESTER
Good. Now help me get this thing out of here.
The three carry the body to Lester's car.
LESTER
Now get.
The two scurry away in opposite directions. Lester releases a long sigh.
Darkness encompasses all that is, was, and ever will be.
EXT. SOMEWHERE - DAY
Revealed and hidden, hidden and revealed, light glowers upon rough patches of quick motion.
Unfazed, unscared, and unconcerned, Lamar confronts an inevitable destiny.
Sirens echo in a grotesque growth.
FADE OUT