Sir Mel Haze (2021)
FADE IN:
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
A young man, MEL, wakes up in a field.
He climbs to his feet and turns with the sound of screeching wheels.
Two men, dressed in white, approach, one of the men playing with a set of keys. Behind the two men follows a young woman, JUNE.
The two men grab Mel roughly by the arms. He tries to shake them. Can't.
June looks Mel over, nods.
The two men drag Mel to a car, Mel thrashing to no avail.
At the door, one of the two men pulls the handle. Won't open. He tries again. No luck.
The man lets go of Mel and pulls with both arms. Still won't open.
The second man sighs, lets go of Mel, and pushes the other man aside, pulling at the door.
The two men argue over the door, turn, find Mel hobbling off.
The two men look to each other, chase after.
One of the two men tackles Mel and drags him back to the car.
June, with ease, opens the car door. June, with ease, opens the car door.
One of the two men runs around the car to the other passenger door as the man holding Mel pushes Mel in.
June snaps her fingers.
The man who caught Mel stares. June glares, snaps again. The man's eyes go wide. He digs around in his pocket, withdraws his keys, and throws them to her.
June sighs, waits for the man to climb into the car.
June climbs in and drives off.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Trapped between two men, Mel shifts back and forth, growing tired in his defeat.
June adjusts her mirror.
MEL
Got anymore of them pills?
JUNE
What pills?
MEL
Them pills in my pocket. They be mighty scrumptious.
JUNE
Got a whole bottle of em.
MEL
Not anymore.
June hesitates.
JUNE
(To the two men)
Check his pockets.
The men oblige, withdraws an empty bottle.
GOON 1
M'am.
June looks through the mirror, sees the empty bottle, slams on the brakes, turns to face Mel.
JUNE
Spit em out.
MEL
I ain't stupid.
June grabs his jaw, pries his mouth open. Mel reveals an empty mouth.
June throws the car back into drive.
MEL
Too late.
JUNE
What?
MEL
Hospital be all the way out there and we be all the way out here. This ain't no rocket ship.
JUNE
Then retch it up!
MEL
Let me out.
JUNE
What for?
MEL
What do ya done think?
JUNE
You can just go ahead and do it right here.
June stuffs a bag into Mel's lap.
MEL
No.
JUNE
I'm sorry?
MEL
Ain't gonna do that.
JUNE
D...Mel, I'm not doing this.
MEL
Killing me?
JUNE
Controlling me!
MEL
I ain't abducting me!
JUNE
This isn't...fine.
June puts the car in park.
JUNE
(To the two men)
Don't screw this up again.
The two men nod.
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
All four climb out of the car.
Mel struggles against the men. The men's grip tightens.
MEL
Can't do it.
JUNE
What?
MEL
Stage fright.
JUNE
Just reach it up!
Mel opens his mouth wide. Dry heaves.
MEL
Wanna try?
June sighs, nods to the two men. The two men let go.
June nods to the edge of the forest.
JUNE
Five minutes.
Mel nods, rubs his bruised arms, and shuffles off to the forest, one of the men following behind. following behind.
EXT. FROEST - NIGHT
Mel attempts to dry heave, can't, the goon stares at him.
Mel motions for the goon to turn around. The goon begrudgingly does so.
Mel inches away, steps on a stick, cracks, the goon turns around, sees Mel up against a tree, attempting to heave.
The goon sighs, turns back around, smoking a cigarette. Mel hides behind the tree, throws a rock.
The goon turns, goes to investigate the sound. Mel runs in the opposite direction.
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
June drags her foot through soil as the goon smokes a cigarette.
June taps her foot, paces, reviews a pocket watch, groans, nods to the man.
The man shuffles off towards the forest. June snaps. The goon frowns, hands her his cigarette, fumbles into the forest.
June pulls on the cigarette.
The two men run out of the forest, waving their arms wildly.
June mumbles under her breath, crushes the cigarette, and hurries over. The three converse in a whispered tone.
June pushes them aside and steps into the forest. June pushes them aside and steps into the forest.
The men scan the field, searching for Mel.
June returns. One of the men moves to speak.
JUNE
Don't. Just, find him.
The two men wander off into the forest. June pulls on her cigarette.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Mel limps down the road, holding out his thumb. A car slows, stops a few feet in front of him. Mel hesitates. A woman, ROSE steps out of the car.
ROSE
Now don't go thinking this is any more than pity.
MEL
I ain't need no pity.
Rose begins to climb back into the car.
MEL
Now wait now, just wait. Maybe a little pity might go a long way.
ROSE
Well how about it then?
MEL
How do I know you ain't one of them?
ROSE
One of who?
MEL
One of them people.
ROSE
I am people.
MEL
Not like that. People people. People trying to get me.
ROSE
Everybody trying to get somebody. Most of us just ain't any good at it.
MEL
Well who you tryin to get?
ROSE
Nobody but me.
MEL
But not me?
ROSE
Whats you to me?
MEL
And who's you?
ROSE
Whoever you want me to be.
MEL
Rose?
ROSE
If thats what you call me.
MEL
Couldn't be.
ROSE
Can be.
MEL
But
ROSE
You comin or ain't ya?
Mel looks around, approaches the car, grabs the door handle, the door locks right before he pulls.
ROSE
What about you?
MEL
What about me?
ROSE
What goods you to me?
MEL
Stopped, ain't ya?
ROSE
Not for nothin.
MEL
What then?
ROSE
Find out what good you be.
Mel sighs, nods.
MEL
I don't got no money. No credit, neither. But I do got somethin...somethin you might be wantin.
ROSE
Whats that?
Mel digs through his pockets, withdraws a bottle of pills.
Rose snatches the pills from across the car, studying them
ROSE
And them people? Who they?
MEL
What people?
ROSE
Them people gettin you.
MEL
Nobody.
ROSE
Ain't nobody get nobody for nothin.
MEL
That ain't what I said.
ROSE
You said
MEL
They ain't nobody, thats all.
ROSE
Well what they want then?
MEL
Ain't them pills enough?
ROSE
Huh?
MEL
What you need to know nothin for? You got what you got. Can't we just get?
ROSE
Well gosh. I guess. I just thought a little empathy might go a good ways.
MEL
What good it do me?
ROSE
Most people tell people what people after them.
MEL
Well I suppose I ain't most people.
ROSE
No. I spose not.
Mel pulls on the car door, locked.
ROSE
It ain't federal, is it?
MEL
Huh?
ROSE
Cus small time stuff I'm down with. But if this is some sort of national stuff, well
MEL
It ain't nothin.
ROSE
Well how am I s'pose to know?
MEL
All you need is all you got.
ROSE
Well I ain't got nothin.
MEL
More than nuff.
ROSE
Look, all I'm saying is
MEL
It ain't no legal matter. So can we just get?
ROSE
Now just wait a second, just wait.
MEL
I ain't no crook.
ROSE
I mean the drugs, the look, the people.
MEL
It ain't nothin.
ROSE
What then?
Mel sighs.
MEL
Look, them people, these people. They ain't good people. Give em the chance and they'll cut your throat. So better just drop it, got it?
INT. DINER - NIGHT
Rose and Mel sit in a booth across from each other.
ROSE
Well that ain't no way to talk to a lady.
MEL
I told you I ain't hungry.
ROSE
And I told you this ain't about you.
MEL
Ain't my life mine?
ROSE
Ain't nothin never about nobody.
MEL
And what bout you? I ain't know nothing about you.
ROSE
All you need to know about me is that I'm starving
MEL
Lets just get goin.
ROSE
I ain't even eaten.
MEL
What you need to go and eat for?
ROSE
I just done said I was good and hungry.
MEL
We can stop by the station.
Mel tries to stand. Rose pulls him back down.
ROSE
Like hell we is. You think I'm gonna go eat wahtever the heck that is. No way pal. I need nutrients. Calories. Food. Got ya? And I sure as hell can't get none of that from some rickety old station clerk.
MEL
Well what we gotta sit down for? Can't we done get it and go? Take it on the road.
ROSE
If you think I'm just gonna go and put my stomach through that, you're mad.
MEL
Call me Max then! Let's just get the hell out of here!
ROSE
You be talking like this ain't legal. Like it ain't just nothin.
MEL
I done said it ain't and it ain't.
ROSE
Then why you so antsy all of a sudden?
MEL
Cus I ain't spect on gettin got anytime soon.
ROSE
Well must be something unlawful
MEL
Look, I don't know, okay. I don't know. They've been after me long as I can remember, okay? I don't know why or what for. They just are, understood? So I'd rather get, if its all the same to you.
Rose sighs, shakes her head.
ROSE
Where is that waiter, anyhow? Ain't it been too long already.
MEL
Look. Let's just go and get already. Better safe then sorry, right? Isn't that what they say.
Rose looks around the empty diner, sighs, stands.
ROSE
I ain't gettin till I get some fixins.
Rose wanders around the diner, searching for food.
ROSE
The sign says open, right? We ain't breaking or enterin or nuffin. Cus like I done said, I got enough convictions already.
MEL
How am I supposed to know?
ROSE
Cus the door was good and open. Lights too. So it's not like we're doing nothin criminal...other than you.
MEL
I done told you already, it ain't nothin and I done mean it! Forget it. I'm gettin.
ROSE
Peace be with you oh blessed one.
Mel steps out of the diner as Rose continues toi measearch for food.
Mel steps back into the diner.
ROSE
Fast ucker, aren't you.
MEL
They're here. Jesus. How? When? What?
ROSE
Ucker. You. Pretty fast.
MEL
I'm sorry. Are you saying ucker?
ROSE
Sure is. Wifey been gettin on me bout cursin lately. Says I gotta ucking mouth. Says I gotta clean it up. For the kids, you know.
Mel shuffles through the diner.
MEL
I didn't know you were married.
ROSE
Think I ain't good enough?
MEL
Just never mentioned it is all.
ROSE
Well when was I good and spose to? You never done asked.
MEL
Yet you never shut up.
ROSE
But you ain't even listening!
MEL
Where the uck are the keys!
ROSE
See. I got you doing it too.
MEL
They're here! Got it? Understand? Comprendo? We have to get yesterday!
ROSE
Well less you got one of them fancy dolorians I don't really see how
MEL
Let's go!
Mel grabs Rose by the arm.
ROSE
Well I spose a phone booth would probably work too but what if you run into superman and then it's a whole thing and then you'd have to
MEL
Do you have the keys or not?
ROSE
I mean I guess you could use that one thing with that big fan wheel but isn't that like powered by pedals or something? I don't know if I could handle that kind of effort. I mean, we're talking faster than light travel, not to mention
MEL
Let's try talking and walking, yea? How bout we try that?
Mel pushes Rose through the kitchen
ROSE
I mean a spaceship I'm all about. Sure the radiation would be terrible for your pores but my God at three hundred you wouldn't look a day more than
Mel pushes Rose out a back door.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Mel pushes Rose down an alley and to a corner.
ROSE
But then again I spose you'd never see your family again, which I s'pose would be a real bummer. I mean, can you imagine
MEL
Speaking of family, how about yours, huh? Don't you wanna see them again?
ROSE
The cost alone would be...what?
MEL
Family. The wife, kids. Don't you want to see them again.
ROSE
I ain't got none of those.
MEL
You just said
ROSE
Oh! You mean wifey! Thats my puppy.
MEL
That doesn't make any sense! Why would a dog care one bit what you gotta say.
ROSE
She gets all fidgety when I say it so I just don't.
MEL
Well what about your kids then? Huh? You wanna see them again, don't ya?
ROSE
Now what you go thinking I got any of those for?
MEL
You just said
ROSE
You must be thinking of my guinea pig kids!
MEL
Sure. Whatever! Don't you wanna go see them?
Rose shrugs.
ROSE
Com se com sa.
MEL
That doesn't even make any sense!
ROSE
Well who made you the thought police?
MEL
Thats not how this works! That's not how any of this works!
ROSE
Well why don't we go and ask them?
Mel sees the three shadows heading towards them and throws himself and Mel against the wall.
ROSE
Well that ain't very neighborly.
MEL
Just shut up for a second, will ya? Can ya do that? For one blessed second can you please just shut up?
ROSE
You ain't no ventriloquist. I ain't no dummy. You think you can just stick your hand up my
Mel throws his hand over Rose's mouth.
MEL
Get me to the car and you can have whatever you want. You wanna spaceship, rocket ship, travel to mars? Fine. No problem. Just get me to that damn car.
Rose mumbles through his clamped hand.
MEL
What?
Mel removes his hand.
ROSE
I said, thats all fine and dandy, but I don't know where I parked the damn thing.
MEL
What?
ROSE
Do you?
MEL
Well, no, but
ROSE
See! You ain't no better than me!
The shadows turn towards the alley. Mel pushes himself and Rose further against the wall.
The three shadows confer, one is sent to investigate. Closer. Closer. Closer.
Metal jangling. The man turns, grabs the shiny object, looks around, and heads back towards the other shadows.
ROSE
Quick thinking, huh?
Mel sighs in relief.
MEL
Lets just get goin.
ROSE
Can't.
MEL
What? Why?
ROSE
Them were my keys.
MEL
I'm sorry?
ROSE
Them things I threw, them were my keys.
Mel stares agape.
MEL
Your keys? You threw your keys?
ROSE
Yesm.
MEL
Why the hell would you do that!?
ROSE
To get him off our track!
MEL
And to our car! Don't you get it. He has the keys to our car.
ROSE
I'm sorry. Our car? I don't remember signing you to the lease.
MEL
Your car. Whatever. Not the point.
ROSE
But I done think it done is. You go around thinking this is mine and that is mine and everything is mine mine mine mine. Well let me tell you something mister, some things just ain't.
MEL
Well thats just great Rose! Thats just perfect! Since you seem to know everything about everything, please Rose, enlighten me, how exactly we're getting out of here.
ROSE
Well now we wait.
MEL
Wait for what?
ROSE
Well I imagine somebody's gotta be by the diner sometime.
MEL
We ain't got no time for waiting!
ROSE
Well when I get nervous I get hungry. And when I get hungry I can't do nothing. You ain't want me to just do nothin, do ya?
MEL
Will you just...can we just...you know what, forget it. I'm hitching.
Mel walks off.
ROSE
Well wait a minute! Wait! You can't just go at it alone. I ain't got no ride!
Rose runs off after Mel.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Rose follows Mel at an annoyingly close distance.
ROSE
Where we going?
MEL
Like you done said, there is no we.
ROSE
Alrighty then. Where you goin?
MEL
None of your damn business.
ROSE
None of my business? Why I just done almost got killed back there.
Mel turns on his heels, finger in his face.
MEL
Ain't no one almost got killed nowhere, cus they ain't killin nobody. And even if they done did, it ain't you that they want. It's me. Got it? Me! And I almost got got cus YOU can't keep your damn trap shut. Not the other way around.
ROSE
Well I'm not the one who got people getting after him.
Mel grits his teeth, turns around, walks on.
ROSE
Well ain't no need to get angry or nothin. I'm just sayin how it is.
MEL
Yes. Thank you Rose for constantly reminding me that you indeed know how it is.
ROSE
Thats what I'm here for.
MEL
And what about you, huh? Where you be headed?
ROSE
Wherever it is you be goin.
MEL
Why the hell do you care where I'm goin?
ROSE
Don't know. Lonely is all.
MEL
Well go be lonely somewhere else.
ROSE
Thats the funny thing about loneliness. It done be about everywhere.
MEL
Well can ya be lonely a little bit quieter?
ROSE
Sure could.
MEL
Well why don't we try?
ROSE
What for?
MEL
So I can figure out how to get the hell outta here!
ROSE
Outta where?
MEL
Here! This place! This wasteland! This goddamn miserable world!
ROSE
Well ain't I go somethin for you.
MEL
Somethin tells me you don't.
ROSE
No. No. Hear me out. For real. I got just the thing.
Mel stops, turns back to Rose.
MEL
Go on then.
ROSE
Suicide.
MEL
Pardon?
ROSE
You know, suicide. Put a gun to your head and pull the trigger. Really not all that difficult when you go and think about it.
MEL
You gotta gun?
ROSE
Well no, not at the moment.
MEL
Then whats the use?
Mel turns away, walks off.
ROSE
We could get one.
Mel stops mid-step, doesn't turn.
MEL
I ain't got no money.
ROSE
I do. Will, anyways. Once we sell these things.
Rose shakes the bottle of pills.
MEL
And how the hell you gonna go do that?
ROSE
I got an idea.
A long pause.
MEL
You gonna tell me or what?
ROSE
Theres this place I go to sometimes. Gets a lot of truckers and the like. Stopping and sleeping and eating and all that.
MEL
You mean a truck stop.
ROSE
If thats what you wanna call it.
MEL
Thats what its called.
ROSE
Anyhow. Theres one not too far down the ways.
MEL
How far?
ROSE
Not far.
MEL
Can we walk it?
ROSE
Doubt it.
MEL
Then whats the point?!
ROSE
Couldn't we hitch it or something?
MEL
I don't know if you noticed, Rose, but its the middle of the night! And even if we did, even if we could, why the hell would we go do that when we could just get the hell out of here?
ROSE
Why don't we ask him?
Rose points. Mel turns. A man, standing next to a car, waves over to them.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
The man, JOHN, smokes a cigarette as Mel impatiently taps his foot, June in the front sitting next to the man.
JOHN
So you're telling me all you gotta do is sell some drugs, get some cash, find a gun, and kill these guys?
ROSE
Yes!
MEL
No.
JOHN
Well which is it?
ROSE
All we gotta do is
MEL
She doesn't know nothin.
JOHN
Now thats just disrespectful. This is a fine young woman here and you can't just
MEL
No. You don't understand. She literally does not know what she's talking about.
JOHN
Well maybe with an attitude like that, sure. But thats the problem with you men.
MEL
What do you mean you men? Ain't you one of them?
JOHN
Well sure. All of us is a bit. It's the patriarchy, you see.
MEL
This ain't about no patriarchy.
ROSE
I think
JOHN
Now hold on there Ms Lady, the men are talking. Now what was I saying? Yes. Thats right. You see, you men silence the voices of women and just pretend
ROSE
Actually when you
JOHN
Now just you wait a darn sec, will ya? As I was saying
ROSE
If you'd just let me
JOHN
Well gosh darn it miss! You went and gone lost my place! Here I am trying to be a proud feminist and you go about perpetuating the patriarchy!
ROSE
I just think
JOHN
Now I don't wanna hear another gosh darn word out of you. Mel, spit it out. You gonna kill them or ain't ya?
MEL
No ones killing anyone.
JOHN
Then what ya good and need a gun for?
MEL
I don't.
JOHN
Then whats ya need the money for?
MEL
I don't.
JOHN
Then what's ya need her for?
MEL
Who? Rose?
John pauses, recoups.
JOHN
If thats what you call her.
MEL
I don't need nobody.
JOHN
Then whats ya doin all the way out here in the middle of nowhere when we all got beds to sleep in and work to get doing.
MEL
I could ask you just the same.
JOHN
Ask away.
MEL
Why you so eager to pick us up?
JOHN
Why you so eager to get picked up?
MEL
I told you already. Them people
JOHN
Ya ya ya. I know. I got it. What I means to say is, why are you going around trusting people like me?
MEL
I didn't really have much of a choice.
JOHN
Well I'll say! With a night like this and people like that and
ROSE
May I speak?
JOHN
Well ain't nobody stopping you!
Mel sighs, lights a cigarette.
ROSE
Them people he talking about, they trying to kill us, understand. Now sure, he's right, we're not going around killing them. Cus there be three of them and two of us. Outnumbered, get it. But if you wanna get, I mean really get, what do you do?
JOHN
I'd say I'd probably get up and move to the land of the free.
ROSE
Well if you can't.
JOHN
Ain't this done it. Ain't you already here?
ROSE
I mean to say is, what if that ain't enough?
JOHN
Well how is the gosh darn United States of these wonderful Americas not good enough?
ROSE
I mean to say is, they're still after us, despite all that.
JOHN
Well thats just silly.
ROSE
Could be. But its true. So what do you do then?
JOHN
Well I suppose I don't really much know
ROSE
You go ahead and shoot yourself in the head.
John hesitates.
JOHN
So you're saying you need to sell them pills to get that money to get that gun so you can go and shoot yourself in the head?
ROSE
Not me, him.
JOHN
Well what about you?
ROSE
What about me?
JOHN
What do you get out of all this?
ROSE
Nothing.
JOHN
You saying you doing all this for diddly squat?
ROSE
Well I wouldn't say that.
JOHN
Well say it how you gosh darn well please but the truth of the matter is you giving up just about everything for just about nothing.
ROSE
What then?
JOHN
Just get ya thinking, considering, ya know. Going to all this trouble and for what? This poor soul?
ROSE
Thats what friends do.
JOHN
What friend is he to you?
Rose moves to speak, hesitates.
JOHN
You know what, forget it. It's none of my damn business. You wanna throw your life away for this poor rag of a man, go right ahead and be my guest. See if I care. All I'm saying is, theres a whole lot more to this world than him.
Rose looks back at Mel.
MEL
What ya looking at me for? I ain't ask for nothin.
JOHN
So whats it gonna be Miss? You still wanna head on over or should I just go and get ya on home?
Rose looks out the window.
ROSE
Lets just go.
EXT. PHONE BOOTH - NIGHT
The car pulls over to the side of the road.
MEL
What the heck we stoppin for?
JOHN
I just gotta make a quick call.
MEL
What for?
JOHN
Just sit tight and I'll be right on back.
MEL
Well I ain't just gonna sit here and do nothing.
JOHN
Then get.
Mel crosses his arms, grumbles to himself. John steps into the phone booth.
John dials a number, mumbles.
Rose searches the car.
MEL
What do you think he done doin?
ROSE
Spect he spect on callin somebody.
MEL
Who he gotta go and talk to?
ROSE
How should I know?
MEL
And what if he be one of them?
ROSE
One of who?
MEL
Who do ya think? Them people chasin after me.
ROSE
Now if he's just gonna go and be one of them, what good he need me for?
MEL
Ain't you ever listen to nothin? He's trying to rid of you.
ROSE
He ain't said nothin like that. Care is all.
MEL
He care about you bout as much as he cares about a sack of rocks.
ROSE
So I spose you be one of them too, huh?
MEL
One of who?
ROSE
Cus you care about everybody but me.
MEL
Not now Rose.
ROSE
Ain't never gonna be now. Ain't never wanna talk about me. All you wanna talk about is you you you.
MEL
Rose, this is life or death. All or nothing, I really don't think we have time to talk about
ROSE
And when is we? All we ever say is you this and you that and gosh darn it I'm getting a little bit tired of it!
MEL
Well who asked you to come along anyhow?
ROSE
Ask? Why you went out and begged when I first met you! And now you just go thinking you can just...say, who do ya suppose them is?
Rose holds up a picture of Me. Mel snatches the picture.
MEL
June?
ROSE
Who's that?
MEL
The lady after me.
ROSE
She looks a bit young for ya.
MEL
That ain't her now.
ROSE
Well then how do ya done know its her?
MEL
I just do.
ROSE
And him? I suppose ya know him too, huh?
MEL
Who do ya done think?
ROSE
Can't much say.
MEL
Why it's me!
ROSE
Well I spose maybe a little.
MEL
Why this cudda been taken yesterday!
ROSE
Well I don't know if
MEL
Where'd you get that?
ROSE
Pardon?
MEL
The photo?
ROSE
Where do ya done think?
MEL
Well whats he doing with that?
ROSE
Whats you doing with her?
MEL
Why I...musta been a fake.
ROSE
Fake huh?
MEL
Ya done think I go fishin with my abductors?
ROSE
Well I ain't saying like that. All I'm sayin is
The front door opens. Rose hides the photo. John steps back into the car.
JOHN
Problem?
Rose shakes her head. John too. The car drives off.
EXT. TRUCK STOP - NIGHT
John's car pulls into the lot and stops in front of a pump. All three step out.
JOHN
Been mighty nice meeting yall, but I gotta go and get now.
John pulls Rose aside as Mel walks off
JOHN
You sure you wanna go and do this?
Rose nods. John sighs, fills his car with gas.
Mel follows Rose to the edge of the station.
ROSE
You better stay here. Might scare em off.
MEL
Scare who off?
ROSE
Just sit right on down and don't do nothing.
Mel moves to speak, stops, and sits on the curb.
Rose disappears into the station Mel plays with a rock, taps his foot, looks around, grows bored, stands, paces.
A car pulls into the station. From the car withdraws June and the two men.
Mel runs, sprints, throws his body against the side of the station.
June talks to John.
John nods, points at the station.
The three approach. Closer. Closer. Closer.
The three walk into the station.
Mel inches his body around the corner and ducks under the glass, looking into the station where the three speak to some Rose.
JUNE
Now just listen good and listen quick. Me and my friends here, we work not too far off, at one of them memory units. Man went missing a while back. Heard word he might be round these parts. You ain't seen him, have ya?
ROSE
That ain't the story I heard.
JUNE
Yes, well, paranoia can be a bit, discombobulating.
ROSE
Spose paranoia be one word for it.
JUNE
It's the only word for it.
ROSE
Less you be lyin.
JUNE
Look, we don't want no trouble, all we askin is
ROSE
Yea, yea, yea. You askin and I knowin. Well whats in it for me, huh? What do I get out of all this? Tit for tat, yea.
JUNE
A handsome compensation would be kindly rewarded to whomever provided ample information.
ROSE
So you think I'm just some sort of snitch then, do ya? A knife and some cash and suddenly I'm stabbin my best friend in the back.
JUNE
I understand this may be difficult but
ROSE
It ain't none difficult! I knows from the moment I met ya you ain't nothin but trouble and if you think I'm just gonna
June slaps Rose in the face, pulls her in close, whispers.
Rose's eyes go wide. She nods, whispers.
Spoken, the three turn back and head towards the door.
Mel hobbles back to the side wall of the station.
Out of the station, June points one way, then the other, and the three split up, one of the two men moving towards him.
Mel retreats to the back of the station, where he bumps into Rose.
Mel yelps, covers his mouth.
ROSE
Met your friends back there. Mighty nice.
MEL
We have to go Rose. Now. We can talk about this later.
ROSE
Ain't talking about nothin never. You went and said you done something criminal.
MEL
I ain't never said nothin like that! You're the one who keeps saying that! Ain't you even member what you done said?
ROSE
Well I
MEL
Doesn't matter. We have to go. Understand? They'll be here any minute.
ROSE
Oh I know. I told em.
MEL
What?
ROSE
Well when I figured what was really going on I couldn't just do nothing, could I?
MEL
Jesus, Rose. Don't you know nothin! They were lying, fibbing, tricking! Don't you get it.
ROSE
Now why would they go and do a thing like that?
MEL
They're trying to kill me!
ROSE
Now I thought you done said
MEL
Lets just get going.
ROSE
I ain't never going nowhere with you never.
MEL
We can talk about this later.
ROSE
There ain't no later.
MEL
Look, I ain't never been nothin to no one. Not never. But you, you been somethin. What that somethin means I don't really much know. But you means an awful somethin. And thats gotta mean something, don't it? Can't it? Won't it? But none of it gonna mean nothing if we get good and got. So we gotta get. And we gotta get now.
A shadowed figure steps out from the side of the station. Mel turns only to find another. Mel turns to make a break for it, only to find June in front of him.
JUNE
Mel. It's time to come home. Understand? Home. We just wanna go home.
Mel backs up against the wall, Rose next to him.
MEL
Rose, give me those pills.
ROSE
This ain't no time to get high!
MEL
Give me the pills!
Rose searches her pockets.
JUNE
Don't.
ROSE
Yea. Like I'm gonna listen to you! Fool me once and all that.
JUNE
Listen to me. Whatever you do, don't give him those pills, you understand?
ROSE
Why everybody always asking if I understand? What am I? Stupid or something?
MEL
The pills, Rose.
JUNE
Don't.
MEL
Please!
JUNE
Mel.
MEL
Running out of time here!
JUNE
Listen to me. If you would just
Rose stuffs the pills into her mouth. The two men pounce on Mel. June runs to Rose.
MEL
You stupid, ignorant, good for nothing, know nothing fool! Can't you do nothing right!
JUNE
I need you to spit those out. Now. Less you spect on suicide.
Rose shakes her head, swallows.
JUNE
Goddamn't!
June looks to the two men.
JUNE
Get him to the car.
The two men drag Mel off.
JUNE
Now listen here and listen good. You got about ten minutes, understood? I know, I know, no more of that understood stuff, but you're on the fringe of death here, so lets not get too concerned with technicalities. You gotta spit em out, retch it, that sort of thing. Clear your stomach right away.
ROSE
I ain't never throwed up and I ain't starting now.
JUNE
Well ain't no ambulance round these parts. And theres no way in heck you'll make it back before the end, so you better just retch em out
ROSE
I ain't gonna do it! I ain't gonna do it!
JUNE
Just throw em up!
June grabs Rose by the collar, stabbing fingers at Rose's mouth. June grabs Rose by the collar, stabbing fingers at Rose's mouth.
ROSE
No! No! I won't do it.
The two struggle, fall onto the ground, first one on top, then the other. June gains the advantage, pries Rose's jaw open.
Rose thrashes and slashes.
June forces a finger down Rose's throat. Rose bites, hard.
June screams, jumps back.
JUNE
You crazy washed up
ROSE
Ain't you better spect on finishing
JUNE
You know what? Forget it. You wanna go right ahead and give it all up for that dumb fool, fine? Go right ahead. Be my guest. I have my own shit to deal with.
June walks off. Rose spits out the pills.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Mel sits between the two men as June hands over a set of keys to the man in the car.
June steps out of the station and climbs into the front seat.
MEL
Well?
June starts the car.
MEL
What happened?
June shakes her head.
MEL
You can't just leave her!
June puts the car in drive.
Mel thrashes, grabs, held back, down
JUNE
It's over Mel. Forget it.
Mel struggles, strains. Useless. Mel gives in.
EXT. ASYLUM - DAY
June pulls into the drive and steps out of the car.
The two men drag Mel out the back door.
Mel flails in front of June.
JUNE
There was nothing we could do.
MEL
You sure as hell didn't try nothin!
JUNE
Ambulances don't go out that way.
MEL
And what about us? We sure as hell didn't try nothing!
JUNE
What could we do?
MEL
I don't know. A hospital. A doctor! Something!
JUNE
And then what Mel? Assuming we did all that? You know as well as I do that she'd be just as dead already. You spect on takin her to the morgue, do ya? Splaining to the cops how it was all just some sort of big misunderstanding?
MEL
Lie for God's sake! Fib! Sin! Do something!
JUNE
Lie about what? She was dead! Understand! Dead! You can't exactly con your way out of an autopsy report!
MEL
Guilt. Thats all this is. Manifested guilt. You went and killed that poor girl and now you wanna make believe like you didn't.
JUNE
And what about you? What did you do? While you watched your friend kill herself over you.
MEL
That ain't have nothing to do with me.
June cackles.
JUNE
No! Course not! Cus everything got something to do with you till it don't go right, right? Then it ain't none of your damn business!
MEL
I ain't mean
JUNE
I don't give a shit what you mean! It doesn't matter what you mean! You always do this! Don't you get it? You've always done this! All you ever do is push your shit onto everybody else until something good finally comes and then suddenly its just me me me me.
MEL
That ain't true!
JUNE
Who gave her those pills Mel?
MEL
I...
JUNE
Who gave her those pills?!
Mel looks away. June shakes her head, stomps off into the asylum.
MEL
(To the two men)
You ain't stupid, is you?
The men stare at him.
MEL
Cus if you spect on me just doin nothin you more than just stupid. So heres how it is. You let me go, go and get that is, and I ain't never say nothin never to no one. Just nice and easy. No real worries. Huh? What do you think?
The men stare at him.
MEL
Okay. Okay. I get it. I got it. A little tit for tat. Okay. Okay. I can do that. How bout this. You let me go and I'll get you what you never got. You like cars, girls? Whatever you like. You just grab that pen over there and scribble your address right there on my arm there and I'll send ya somethin real nice like western union or somethin. What do you say? We gotta deal?
The two men just stare him.
June returns.
JUNE
Mel. Stop.
MEL
Stop? Hell I ain't even started till you went and snatched me! Don't you think I got rights! Freedoms! Personal property! This ain't right you know! You can't do this!
JUNE
Stick him somewhere safe.
MEL
(To the two men)
Wait. No! No! You gotta listen to me! You gotta understand! You got the wrong man!
The two men drag him away.
INT. ASYLUM - DAY
The two men throw Mel into the room and close the door behind him.
Mel tries the door only to find it locked. Mel tries the door only to find it locked.
Mel searches the room for some sort of escape, finds none.
Mel paces the room, back and forth, back and forth. Stops.
Mel studies his ten fingers, puts his pinky in his mouth, and bites hard.
Blood spurts out of his mouth as he screams in pain.
One of the two guards comes running, stands at the door.
Mel reveals his profusely bleeding finger.
The guard runs off, returns with the other guard, medical tape in hand, and the two open the door.
The two men step towards Mel as Mel steps towards the back wall. Hitting the wall, Mel pounces, struggles, restrained.
What's left of his pinky is tied to his ring finger.
Mel faints.
The two men sigh, set Mel on the bed, and step out of the room.
As the door closes Mel opens his eyes, smirks. In his left hand is a set of keys.
Footsteps gather. Mel steps back. The door opens. A MAN is thrown in. The door closes behind him.
Laying on the ground, the man doesn't move.
Mel hesitates, approaches, presses his foot into the man's side. The man groans.
The man pushes himself up, leans against the wall.
Mel's eyes widen with recognition.
JOHN
What happened there?
John nods to Mel's pinky.
MEL
Spect on getting outta here.
JOHN
Like that?
MEL
How else?
JOHN
Ain't look much out to me.
MEL
Miscalculation.
JOHN
Spect that what got you here.
MEL
Nah. Some dumb bimbo go thinking I'm somebody I ain't.
JOHN
What dumb bimbo?
MEL
Same dumb bimbo that went and got you, most likely.
JOHN
Who's that?
MEL
No one to me.
JOHN
And this all just happened out of the blue? Ain't no reason or nothin?
MEL
Oh theres reason.
JOHN
Oh?
MEL
Fars I see it, if this were just plain happenstance, what they go chasin me for?
JOHN
Don't spose I much know.
MEL
So I figures its some sort of case of mistaken identity.
JOHN
How so?
MEL
Seems to me whoever theys be looking for looks a heck of a lot like me. What he did, why he did, I ain't never knowed, nor cared to, neither. All I know is, they thought him me and me him and now I'm here.
JOHN
So you thinkin they got the wrong man?
MEL
Think? Why I done right know it!
JOHN
Now how do you go knowin a thing like that?
MEL
Well ain't no other way about it! Why else they go to all this trouble to catch an old fool like me?
JOHN
Old?
MEL
Figure of speech.
JOHN
Some figure.
MEL
So if they ain't just trying to kill me, which clearly they ain't, then I, I mean he, must be somethin real special.
JOHN
But he ain't you?
MEL
How about you?
JOHN
Gotta be somebody.
MEL
Somebody need keepin?
JOHN
Keepin?
MEL
Ya know? Like, crazy or somethin.
JOHN
Don't much spose.
MEL
Then you ain't even know why you here either?
JOHN
Just like you I spose.
MEL
So you is you and me is me and ain't neither of us need this place never.
JOHN
Guess that be about right.
MEL
But they ain't even listening!
JOHN
Ain't got much need for it, I spose.
MEL
What that done mean?
JOHN
Seems to me they already got their hearts set on us being them.
MEL
Ain't none mean we gotta listen.
JOHN
But wouldn't that be a whole lot easier?
MEL
You out here talking about turning over and quitting.
JOHN
Not quitting, buying time.
MEL
Ain't no need. We can get out good and quick.
JOHN
I don't think thats such a good idea.
MEL
And why the hell not?
JOHN
They just gonna go do it all over again.
MEL
So you just giving in?
JOHN
I ain't giving nothin. All I'm saying is, this ain't half bad.
MEL
Half bad? We went and got kidnapped!
JOHN
We ain't no kids.
MEL
Abducted then!
JOHN
Now if they were just gonna go and do somethin awful terrible wouldn't they have gone and done so already.
MEL
Well maybe this be like one of them psychosomatic sort of things.
JOHN
Don't ya think ya may be reading into nothin.
MEL
You call this nothin?
JOHN
All I'm sayin is, we feel it out.
MEL
We ain't got time to feel it out!
JOHN
I'm just saying maybe we give it a try.
MEL
Well I ain't.
JOHN
Well it ain't much look like you got much of a choice in the matter.
MEL
Maybe I do.
Mel withdraws keys from his pocket. John steps in front of Mel, between him and the door.
JOHN
Well now just wait a second, will ya.
MEL
I done tired of waiting.
JOHN
Just think it through, will ya? Can't ya least do that. I mean sposin you do open that door, then what you spect on doing?
MEL
I spect on gettin the hell out of here.
JOHN
And you just done think they gonna let you walk on right out?
MEL
Well ain't no use in talkin.
Mel push past John. John grabs him by the arm.
JOHN
You ain't thinkin Mel. You open that door and you ain't never stop runnin.
MEL
What I spose to do? Give in and quit?
JOHN
Just give it time, Mel. Can't ya just try.
Mel shakes his keys, looks at the door, sighs, nods. John sighs in relief.
MEL
Now don't none think I ain't none givin in. I just gettin things ready for when I'm good and ready. I just ain't none ready.
JOHN
Ain't askin for nothin more.
MEL
Well don't none think this ain't for nothin. Tit for tat.
JOHN
What's that?
MEL
Rose.
JOHN
Who?
MEL
That girl with me. Where she at?
JOHN
Ain't ya done see'd?
MEL
I ain't see nothin.
JOHN
Well fars I can tell theres nothin to see
MEL
Whats that spose to mean?
JOHN
What ya done think it mean?
MEL
Saw so yourself?
JOHN
Didn't have to.
MEL
So you didn't?
JOHN
That ain't what I said.
MEL
So ya did?
JOHN
All you need to know is there ain't no use thinkin bout her no more.
MEL
You ain't do nothin?
JOHN
Nothin to do.
MEL
Ain't even call nobody?
JOHN
Somebody already did.
MEL
That girl? The one who went and got me?
JOHN
Don't know. Probably.
MEL
She done said it was done and over.
JOHN
Then what ya go askin me for?
MEL
Cus I ain't none believe her.
JOHN
But me?
MEL
I ain't sure.
A long pause.
MEL
She look dead to you?
JOHN
Ain't look alive.
MEL
Who got her?
JOHN
Huh?
MEL
Doctor, ambulance, what?
JOHN
Uhh, ambulance, I think.
MEL
Cus ain't no ambulance go out that ways.
JOHN
Oh, well, maybe it wasn't.
MEL
Did ya see her? The doctor?
JOHN
What doctor?
MEL
You said they got a doctor.
JOHN
I said they called a doctor.
MEL
Who called?
JOHN
Don't know, somebody.
MEL
Cus she ain't.
JOHN
Who ain't?
MEL
That lady who got us.
JOHN
Oh, well, somebody else then.
MEL
But you saw them?
JOHN
Saw who?
MEL
Whoever called them.
JOHN
Ain't said so.
MEL
But you done said somebody called.
JOHN
Yea, well, I don't much member
MEL
But you saw her? Taken off or what have you?
JOHN
Sure.
MEL
Dead?
JOHN
Could be.
MEL
But why ain't they called the morgue?
JOHN
Huh?
MEL
Well if she dead already what they go and need a doctor for?
JOHN
You know what, I might of left already.
MEL
So you ain't even do nothin?
JOHN
Nothin to do.
MEL
You just left with no doctor or nothin?
JOHN
I done told you somebody called already.
MEL
Who?
JOHN
I ain't no phone book.
MEL
So you go seeing a dead girl and you just get? Thats it? You just one of them?
JOHN
What you done talkin about?
MEL
One of them people.
JOHN
What people?
MEL
People who just leave for no good reason.
JOHN
I ain't see you do nothin!
MEL
Spose I was a bit preoccupied.
JOHN
And you think I ain't. I'm here just as you!
MEL
And how you done do that?
JOHN
Pardon?
MEL
If you went and left right on after, how'd they good and get you?
JOHN
Think theres just two of em, do ya? Think this is it? Think this is just all about you?
MEL
Well that ain't what I said.
JOHN
You ain't done have to! And what you goin around accusin me for, I ain't the one who gave her those pills!
MEL
Now you just watch your mouth now.
JOHN
And what about that gun? Huh? Or them people? That ain't my doin. This ain't me. Why everything got something to do with you except the things that actually got something to do with you?
MEL
Now you done know that ain't none my fault.
JOHN
I ain't know nothin. Fact, fars I see it, seems to be no one else's.
MEL
You think I gave her them pills?
JOHN
Who else?
MEL
Well you done better think again cus I
JOHN
Cut the crap, Mel. I ain't stupid.
MEL
What ya done sayin?
JOHN
You know just as well as I do what you doing. You go around fooling people with that innocent little know nothin act and everybody goes and buys it cus you just different, you just special. Well I got news for you Mel. You ain't nothin. Nothin to me! Nothin to June! And you sure as hell ain't nothin to Rose.
MEL
Now you just go on and take that on back.
JOHN
Ain't nothin worth takin.
MEL
I ain't askin again.
JOHN
You kill that poor young woman all for nothin and now you go whining about your poor old pride.
MEL
This ain't about no pride and you done know it.
JOHN
What then Mel?! What?! What could possibly be more important than your pride? Cus it sure as hell ain't Rose. Lying on the ground spitting up blood.
MEL
Stop it.
JOHN
Vomitin, heaving, squealing
MEL
I done said stop it
JOHN
Groveling, begging, crying, whining
MEL
I done said stop it
JOHN
You shudda seen her. Damning the very ground you walk on. Telling me you ain't even nothin. Nothin more than
Mel punches John in the face. Again. Again. Again.
John slams on the door.
The door to the room flies open, and the two burly men pull Mel to one side of the room and John out of the room.
The man drops Mel and closes the door behind him.
As footsteps fade, Mel digs through his pockets and withdraws the set of keys.
Mel presses his ear to the door, hears nothing, and tries a key. Another. Another. Another.
The keys won't fit.
Mel comes to the final key, closes his eyes, prays, tries. Doesn't fit.
Mel screams, yells, batters the door, bruises his shoulder.
Growing tired, Mel ceases, slumps to the floor.
A knock on the door.
MEL
Ain't no need in knocking. Not like I got much of a choice in the matter
Another knock.
Mel groans, stands.
MEL
Alright then, Nosferatu. Come on in if needed.
June steps into the room.
JUNE
Can we talk?
MEL
Can't much stop you.
JUNE
I know this ain't easy.
MEL
And how the hell do you know that?
JUNE
What I mean to say is
MEL
I don't have much of a heart to hear what you mean.
JUNE
I realize that.
MEL
You ain't realize nothin if you just keep talking.
JUNE
What I mean is
MEL
You ain't even know nothing
JUNE
You have to understand.
MEL
Ain't nothin worth understandin.
JUNE
I know you think I'm trying to hurt you
MEL
Think? I ain't think nothin. What I know is what I see and what I see ain't much lookin good for you.
JUNE
Well whatever you think you know you don't, okay? It's not like that. Like this. It's so much more complicated than you could possibly
MEL
Complicated, huh? Whats so complicated bout this?
June sighs.
JUNE
Look
MEL
I ain't looking nowhere till I start getting some answers.
JUNE
What do you think I'm doing?
MEL
Oh so now you're the good cop? Huh? Classic good cop bad cop move. First you try to kill me, now you try to save me. Classic Stockholm stuff right there. Don't think you can just play me.
JUNE
I'm not trying to
Mel pushes June.
JUNE
Stop.
MEL
What are you gonna do, snatch me?
Mel pushes again.
JUNE
Mel, stop.
MEL
Why should I? You're just gonna kill me anyways.
Mel pushes harder. Harder. Goes to push again, held back, pushed back, Mel falls into the wall, crumbles to the ground.
June rushes over to Mel.
JUNE
Oh my God. Mel. Are you okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I just...Mel? Mel? Can you hear me? Mel. Open your eyes. Oh my god.
Mel opens his eyes, smirks, throws his body into a punch.
June falls to the ground, hits her head, hard, doesn't move.
Mel crawls over, searches for breath, finds it, sighs.
Mel props her against the wall, stands, and steps to the door left ajar.
INT. HALL - NIGHT
Mel looks left, right, finds no one, and steps out into the hall, shutting the door behind him.
Mel wanders down the hall, pressing his ear against every door.
MEL
John? You in there?
Silence. Mel attempts the same act at another door. Another. Nothing.
Mel sighs, looks down the long hall, towards the exit sign.
Mel shakes his head, sighs, and abandons the building.
EXT. ASYLUM - NIGHT
Mel steps out of the building and stops in his tracks.
In the drive stands Rose, leaning against a car. In the drive stands Rose, leaning against a car.
ROSE
Need a ride?
MEL
How
ROSE
Dummies back at the station told me where you might be. Figured I'd sit around and wait a while and see what might happen.
MEL
But the pills, the station, the
ROSE
I ain't stupid.
MEL
But how
ROSE
Look, I'm all for talking as much as the next fella, but maybe lets not do that here, yea?
Mel nods, shuffles his way over to the car, climbs in, the two drive off.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
MEL
What about John?
ROSE
What about him?
MEL
He's still in there.
ROSE
Probably.
MEL
And you ain't gonna do nothin?
ROSE
Ain't see you doin nothin.
MEL
What do you think I'm doin?
ROSE
Just making yourself look good.
Mel hesitates.
MEL
We have to go back for him.
ROSE
Be my guest.
MEL
He needs our help!
ROSE
Who told you that?
MEL
He did! Who else?
ROSE
And yet here you be all by your lonesome.
MEL
That ain't the point!
ROSE
So you go and leave and thats all fine and dandy. But I go and save your patootie and I'm some sort of villain?
MEL
We have to do something!
ROSE
Suggestions?
MEL
Well what about me?
ROSE
What about you?
MEL
You saved me!
Rose cackles.
ROSE
I was just waiting around to see what would happen. You think I'd risk me for you? End up in there like that? Yea, no thanks.
MEL
What do you mean end up like that?
ROSE
Ya know, in there, with you...in that, place, with those, people
MEL
What people?
ROSE
Just people. People people. It's nothing. Forget it.
MEL
If it ain't nothing you'd just come out and say it.
ROSE
I don't know, looneys, schizos, memoroids
MEL
How did...what the hell are memeroids?
ROSE
I don't know. Like, those people, without memories, you know. Forgotten people.
MEL
What are you sayin?
ROSE
I ain't saying nothin, it's just...
MEL
You think I'm one of them.
ROSE
I didn't say that.
MEL
You think I belong there.
ROSE
Mel.
MEL
Well it's true, ain't it! Tip toeing around like I ain't know nothing! You think I'm one of them! One of those...those
ROSE
Memeroids
MEL
So ya do done think it!
Rose looks away.
MEL
So what about John, huh? You think he's one of them too?
Rose shakes her head.
ROSE
I don't think thats it.
MEL
Oh so I'm a looney but he's just fine and dandy.
ROSE
That's not what I said.
MEL
What then?
Rose sighs.
MEL
What?!
ROSE
I think I mighta saw him.
MEL
Well course ya done did! He was in there just like me.
ROSE
I don't mean like you.
MEL
Well what do ya done mean?
ROSE
I think, maybe, well
MEL
Spit it out!
ROSE
I saw him with her, okay. June. The one out and getting you.
MEL
Well course ya done did! She's the one getting him.
ROSE
No, I mean, like, talkin
MEL
Ain't no shame in squealing.
ROSE
But it ain't like that Mel. It ain't be like that. She ain't tellin him what to do. Seems to me like he telling her.
MEL
What she go listening to him for?
ROSE
Thats what I'm saying. I think they on the same team.
Mel cackles.
MEL
You sayin he done be with her? Like some sort of conspiracy or something.
ROSE
I ain't saying its any thing like that, all I saying is
MEL
You don't know what you're saying.
ROSE
But what about the station? What about the call?
MEL
Ain't nothin but coincidence.
ROSE
Ain't you think its weird that he go and pick us up.
MEL
You done did.
ROSE
Yea but that's different.
MEL
Different how?
ROSE
Ain't you see how eager he was, wanting to find out our business.
MEL
Ain't you do the same?
ROSE
Well what about the call then? The station. Ain't you think its strange they just showin up just as we did. Ain't that just somethin different?
MEL
And what about the diner, huh? And the keys? And your car. If I be thinkin straight, maybe you the one workin for them
ROSE
Mel, don't be stupid.
MEL
Why thats the only good thought I done did ever have! I be just fine till you came along. Why, before you, I was plain near safe.
ROSE
You was running just the same
MEL
Still would be if not for you!
ROSE
You think this ain't that?
MEL
Ain't none put it past ya. Hell, probably been workin with them all along. Probably driving in circles till she go and wake.
ROSE
Wake? Who?
MEL
Oh don't go pretendin like you don't done know. I knocked her out and knocked her good and now you ready to take me right back.
ROSE
I ain't doin nothin like that. All I doin is trying to help. All I doin is
MEL
Well if you wanna help why don't you just go ahead and pull on over.
ROSE
Mel.
MEL
Pull over! If you ain't one of them you just go on and pull on over.
Rose sighs, pulls over.
ROSE
Happy?
MEL
Open the door.
ROSE
Mel.
MEL
Open the door.
ROSE
If you would just
MEL
Open the goddamn door!
Rose unlocks the door.
ROSE
Mel
MEL
Just, leave me the fuck alone.
Mel walks away into darkness.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT (MONTAGE)
Mel walks down the road, holding out his thumb. Mel walks down the road, holding out his thumb.
Cars pass by without a care in the world.
A light in the distance.
Mel follows the light.
INT. DINER - NIGHT
Mel steps into the diner, looks around, only him and a few patrons.
Mel stumbles over to a booth with a set of menus.
Mel studies the menu, the room, two men in a corner. The two men who captured him.
Mel shakes his head, studies his menu, a woman steps up to the table.
VOICE
What can I get for ya honey?
Mel looks up.
MEL
Rose?
ROSE
Ain't no Rose here, sweetie. Names Cheryl.
MEL
How'd you find me?
ROSE
Well when I saw you go and sit down I figured you'd probably need ordering. So I made my way on over and now I'm here taking your order. Ain't no quantam physics sweetie. Just plain sense.
MEL
No. No. Not that. I mean me. Here. At the diner.
ROSE
Well like I done said you walked on in and I done did the rest. Ain't much more to it.
MEL
You mean, you got a job at this here establishment?
ROSE
Sure did, comin in on a few years now.
MEL
So you ain't angry no more?
ROSE
What I gotta be angry for?
MEL
Well its just back in the car you
ROSE
I ain't never been in no car with you.
MEL
Rose. Don't be stupid. Just a couple days back
ROSE
Ain't never seen you no couple days till today.
MEL
Rose, it's me, Mel. Don't you know nothin?
ROSE
Look, sweetie, I don't know what this is, but it ain't funny no more. If you want some fixins, I good and got some. But if you're just gonna keep
MEL
How do you not remember! How can you not remember? Why, its hardly been
ROSE
Sir, this ain't no rodeo. If you wanna good and holler you can go and do so elsewhere.
MEL
I ain't hollering! Who says I'm hollering?
ROSE
Sir, please.
MEL
Oh so now its please and thank you then? Well let me tell you what, you better
ROSE
Sir, if you can't control yourself, I'm gonna have to ask you to leave.
MEL
Leave? Why I just got here and I
ROSE
Sir!
Men and women look to the two arguing.
ROSE
I ain't asking again.
MEL
Alrighty then, so be it.
ROSE
So you eatin or ain't ya?
Mel studies the menu, covers his lips, lowers his voice. Mel studies the menu, covers his lips, lowers his voice.
MEL
Alright now, I'm catching on. Ain't wanna make no trouble or nothin. Might tip em off or the like. I get where you're going. I got what you're doing. They're playin you like the devil plays that old fiddle. Ain't that the truth? Just go on and blink twice if it done is.
ROSE
Sir, I think it might be best if
Mel jumps up on to the table.
MEL
Thats it! I knew it! You think I don't see you, off in the corner! Like you can hide from me! No sir ree! Not me!
The two men stand, approach.
MEL
Oh no you don't! Not a chance! You think I'm falling for that again? Well you better think again if
Mel backs away, further, farther, trips, falls, hits the ground.
Darkness.
Mel comes to, lying on the ground, June mumbling to Rose.
JUNE
Thanks Cheryl. I owe you one.
ROSE
Don't mention it honey. When I heard what happened with
June grips Rose's arm tight.
ROSE
Well, I know how it is. Holler if you need anything, ya hear?
June smiles and nods and Rose heads off to serve the two former men now sitting at another table.
Mel groans, sits up.
MEL
If you think I'm just giving in you got another thing coming.
JUNE
Yea?
MEL
You may go and get Rose and lock her up and wash her brain and trick her and fool her and tell her all about big brother, but if you think you can just go and do the same to me you got another thing comin.
JUNE
Who's Rose?
MEL
Well who do ya done think! That girl right over there smiling all sweet and innocent serving up burgers and fries like it's her job or something!
JUNE
It is her job. She's a waitress. Her name's Cheryl.
MEL
Now really, how stupid do you done think I am? You don't think I can't see her right over there.
JUNE
Yes. I know, but
MEL
And another thing while we're at it. Whats the use of locking me up if you ain't even gonna do nothing. I mean sure, theres procedures and habits and that sort of thing but honestly the beaurocracy is just absolutely revolting, I mean really when you think about it
JUNE
Can we not do this today?
Mel cackles.
MEL
Well if you done think theres gonna be any other time other than now you must be plain stupid, cus there ain't no way in hell I'm
JUNE
How bout we go for a ride, huh? That always cheers you up.
MEL
Oh, sure, smile right into the looney bin
JUNE
A walk, then, yea? Clear our heads a little.
MEL
So them men of yours can grab me and get me and end up right back where I started? Yea, no thanks.
JUNE
Okay, well how about
MEL
Ain't you get it? I ain't goin with you! Not now, not never! Get it? Got it!? Good. Now go on then. Get.
June sighs, nods, digs through her pockets.
June withdraws a wallet, pictures, hands them over.
Photograph of Rose and Mel at their wedding. Mel turns it over, dated 63.
Photograph of Mel, much older, with John and June at high school graduation, dated
Mel looks at June oddly.
June sighs.
JUNE
Dad...
Mel drops the photos, stands, cackles.
MEL
I don't think you got your math there right pal.
JUNE
Dad...
Mel stumbles back, bumps into a table.
MEL
Don't call me that.
JUNE
Dad...
Mel steps back further, farther. Mel steps back further, farther.
MEL
I said stop it God Damn't! Just stop it!
JUNE
Dad, you have to understand
MEL
Who the hell are you! And whats going on? And why
Mel bumps into another table.
JUNE
Dad, listen to me.
MEL
Ain't I done told you don't done do that! Just stop it! Stop it! Just get! Go on! Get!
JUNE
Dad, stop.
MEL
I done said don't call me that!
JUNE
D...Mel, I'm sorry, okay. This is a lot. I know. Lets just take a sec, yea. Lets just take a breath, if you'd just
June steps closer. Mel holds the knife to his own throat.
MEL
Nother step closer and its done and over.
June freezes.
MEL
Now you listen here and you listen good. I'm gonna get and ain't nobody comin with, understood? This is it. This is the end. Of all of it. Everything.
JUNE
I
Mel draws blood. June stops.
Mel hobbles out the door.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
Mel hobbles through a graveyard, legs growing heavy. Mel falls to his knees, drops the knife, breathing heavily.
A hand upon his shoulder. Mel turns to find June looming over him.
Mel lurches for the knife. June steps on the knife.
Mel crawls away.
JUNE
Dad
Mel trips over a shovel, grabs it, swings.
MEL
Ain't you better done do that.
JUNE
Dad, please.
June steps closer. Mel against a tree, swinging wildly.
Closer. Closer.
Mel hits June across the head. June falls, silent.
Mel drops the shovel, swallows hard, steadies himself, crawls over to June, checks for breath.
Nothing.
Mel falls back in horror, mumbling to himself.
Gathering his breath, looking all around, Mel fumbles away.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Mel walks down the road, blood on his face, holding up his thumb.
A car slows, stops.
Rose steps out of the car.
ROSE
Need a ride?
MEL
Rose?
ROSE
Could be.
Mel offers a crooked smile, steps into the car.
The car drives off.
FADE OUT