To Give and Get
FADE IN:
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Bitter rays of tired sun pierce through dirtied windows, cascading upon tiny figures moving in the distance.
Closer, reveal a man and wife, hunched over a broken car, still in wedding attire.
Not a single car passes by.
The man walks around the car, studying the vehicle, kicking at the wheels.
The man opens the hood.
Seeing nothing, knowing nothing, the man slams the hood shut.
The woman, all the time, watches.
The man looks in both directions across the street.
The man begins to walk down the street.
The woman jumps to her feet, and stands in the road opposite the man.
The man does not stop.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
An early morning sun peaks over dilapidated sand as scores of seagulls screech in lackadaisical harmony.
Upon the beach, sitting side by side, with no one else around, and the grasp of the ocean reaching ever closer, sits INGRID, a young actor of about 22, and JONAH, a wanna-be-serious lawyer, just close enough to touch, but neither trying very hard to do any of that.
JONAH
You’re not coming home, are you?
INGRID
No.
JONAH
I didn’t think so.
INGRID
I’m sorry.
JONAH
Are you?
INGRID
I should be.
JONAH
But you’re not.
INGRID
Not really.
JONAH
I didn’t think so.
INGRID
Are you mad?
JONAH
No.
INGRID
Why?
JONAH
Because it doesn’t matter.
INGRID
It doesn’t?
JONAH
If it did we wouldn’t be here.
INGRID
Thats not true.
JONAH
How is it not?
INGRID
If this didn’t matter, if we didn’t matter, we wouldn’t be here, we wouldn’t be anywhere, we wouldn’t be.
JONAH
But we’re not.
INGRID
Not anymore, no, but we were.
JONAH
Or were we just pretending?
INGRID
Were you?
JONAH
No...were you?
INGRID
No.
JONAH
I guess thats good then.
INGRID
Just because this is over doesn’t mean it didn’t matter.
JONAH
Whats worth doing knowing its just going to end?
INGRID
We didn’t know.
JONAH
We should’ve.
INGRID
But we didn’t.
JONAH
That just makes us stupid.
INGRID
Or in love.
JONAH
Whats the difference?
INGRID
Love isn’t so bad, is it?
JONAH
It feels that way.
INGRID
Its just hard right now. For the both of us. It’ll get better.
JONAH
Will it?
INGRID
Of course it will.
JONAH
How do you know?
INGRID
I don’t...it just, can’t be this way, forever.
JONAH
Why?
INGRID
Nothing is forever.
JONAH
We were.
INGRID
And look how that turned out.
An awkward moment of silence.
JONAH
I wish I hated you.
INGRID
Why?
JONAH
That would be easy.
INGRID
But you don’t, do you.
JONAH
Ho.
INGRID
How do you feel?
JONAH
I don’t feel anything.
INGRID
I’m sorry.
JONAH
Don’t be. Its the truth. Do you?
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Feel anything.
INGRID
Not for you.
JONAH
But you did, didn’t you.
INGRID
I think so.
JONAH
Just not anymore?
INGRID
Just not anymore.
JONAH
But why go?
INGRID
Because love and happiness aren’t always the same thing.
JONAH
You’re not happy?
INGRID
Are you?
Jonah looks away.
INGRID
If you want whats best for us. For you. For me. You’ll end this. You’ll let this go.
JONAH
I don’t want to be happy. I want you.
INGRID
I can’t make you miserable and say I love you.
JONAH
You’re just saying that to make yourself feel better.
INGRID
That doesn’t make it any less true.
JONAH
I don’t want you to go.
INGRID
I’m not the one going.
JONAH
You know what I mean.
INGRID
If you want whats best for you, for me, for everyone, you will.
JONAH
Maybe I don’t. Maybe I can’t. Maybe I just rather be miserable.
INGRID
Then so be it. But I can’t be too. Not anymore.
Ingrid grabs Jonah’s hand as the two look out into the vast ocean.
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
Tepid, Jonah sits in front of the wheel, tapping nervously.
Ingrid gets into the car.
The two say nothing for a long, irksome moment, the wind peeling through the uninhabitable silence.
JONAH
I...I mean...I thought...maybe...this could be good for us, ya know. Out on the road, experiencing things, seeing things. Really just being there. Ya know?
Ingrid looks out the window, saying nothing.
JONAH
Look, I know things haven’t been perfect or anything, I get that, but they will, probably. I mean, not like perfect perfect or anything. But better. Things’ll get better. They will.
Ingrid doesn’t move.
JONAH
I know its not what you wanted. I get that. But I can’t, I mean, you know, just not. I mean, with everything how it is. How it was.
Ingrid draws with a finger upon the glass.
JONAH
Look, its not like I wanted this anymore than you did, okay. Its not like its all just peaches and cream for me either, you know. But this is it. This is what we got. And you gotta get used to what you got. I mean, I did. Well, I mean, I’m trying to, at least. But you’re not. You’re not even trying. I mean, you won’t do anything. Nothing. You won’t even talk. And not just to me. To anyone. Thats not fair, Ingrid. You can’t just do that.
INGRID
I know.
JONAH
What?
INGRID
I know its not fair, Jonah. I never said it was.
JONAH
Well...you can’t just do nothing.
INGRID
Why?
JONAH
Because...well, I don’t know. You just can’t.
INGRID
Okay.
The two sit in unbearable silence.
JONAH
So are you gonna say something or...
INGRID
What do you want me to say Jonah?! That I’m happy? That I’m having fun?! That I give a shit about any of this?!
JONAH
No...I just...never mind...
Jonah starts the car, breaking off into unmentionable silence.
INT. CAR - DAY
Blaring horns screech through hardly opened windows as traffic crawls to an unbearable halt.
Ingrid, crouched in stress over the wheel, honks her horn manically, sticking her head out the window, as if the simple act of seeing will change the conditions.
Far past the two, many cars ahead, stands a police officer, looking over newfound destruction, a semi slid to the side, blocking all traffic.
INGRID
Fuck!
JONAH
Hey. Its okay.
INGRID
No! Its not okay Jonah! Everything’s not always okay Jonah! We’re not even near Los Angeles!
JONAH
We knew we’d hit a little traffic, its fine.
INGRID
What the fuck is going on up there? Is he turning cars around. We can’t turn around. We have to go this way. This is the way we have to go.
JONAH
I’m sure we can find another way.
INGRID
No. We can’t. We have to go this way. This is the way the gps says we have to go.
JONAH
It’ll reroute. Its fine.
INGRID
Its not fine, Jonah. We’ve been driving in this car for six fucking hours. All we’ve done is drive. I’m tired of fucking driving.
JONAH
Do you want me to drive?
INGRID
No! I don’t want you to fucking drive.
JONAH
Well I don’t know what you want me to do.
INGRID
I don’t know, Jonah! Why don’t you do something other than just sitting there looking like an idiot.
JONAH
What? Do you think I can just walk up to the cop and say “Excuse me sir, I know theres a giant ass semi blocking the way, but do you mind if we hurl our car over the semi and past the wreckage so we’re not ten fucking minutes late to nothing.”
INGRID
You’re an asshole.
JONAH
What do you want me to do Ingrid? What can I possibly do?
INGRID
Whatever Jonah. It doesn’t matter.
JONAH
No. Obviously it does. Obviously it matters a shit ton. So please, Ingrid, tell me exactly what I must do, since I obviously can’t do anything else right.
INGRID
Its not my fault you can’t make me cum!
Jonah stares at Ingrid, the two right in front of the officer, window down.
The officer pauses, confused, and then directs them back.
JONAH
(Quietly)
Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard if you didn’t watch so much porn.
INGRID
Maybe I wouldn’t watch so much porn if you knew how to fuck.
JONAH
You’re not so great in bed either, you know.
INGRID
You’re cock seems to think so.
JONAH
Just cus I cum doesn’t mean I want to.
INGRID
Ya, but at least you do.
JONAH
Whatever...turn left.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Turn left. The gps says to turn left.
INGRID
No. That can’t be right. We just came from that way.
JONAH
Well thats what it says.
INGRID
Let me see that.
Ingrid grabs for the gps.
JONAH
Stop! Ingrid. Stop. Jesus. Just drive for fucks sake.
INGRID
How am I supposed to drive if I don’t know where I’m going?
JONAH
I just told you to turn left!
INGRID
But I don’t know where I’m going!
JONAH
Just turn left!
Ingrid makes a hard turn left, Jonah bumping his head against the window.
JONAH
Jesus.
INGRID
Oh my god. I’m so sorry. Jonah, are you okay.
JONAH
I’m fine.
INGRID
I didn’t mean to, I swear.
JONAH
Just drive.
INGRID
I mean it, Jonah. I didn’t know. I just...
JONAH
Will you just fucking drive!
INGRID
Whatever...
INT. CAR - DAY
Ingrid, solemn yet graceful, drums her fingers across the wheel, as Jonah, with cold eyes, looks out the window.
JONAH
What do you think its like...to live out here...in the middle of nowhere?
INGRID
Probably the same as anywhere else.
JONAH
No its not. It can’t be.
INGRID
Can we not do this right now Jonah.
JONAH
What?
INGRID
You know what. I’m tired of talking about this.
JONAH
I’m just trying to make conversation.
INGRID
No Jonah. You’re not. You never just make conversation. You never say anything without meaning everything.
JONAH
Whats the point in talking without meaning.
INGRID
I don’t know Jonah. Why does everything have to be so goddamn important.
JONAH
I’m just talking, is all.
INGRID
No. You’re not. You’re accusing.
JONAH
Who of what?
INGRID
Me of ruining your life. As if your life is so goddamn awful.
JONAH
I didn’t say that.
INGRID
But you thought it. You always think it. Thats all you ever think.
JONAH
Thats not true.
INGRID
Yes it is Jonah. Every time you look at me, with those sad regretful eyes, I can tell that you hate me. That you hate what I did to you.
JONAH
I don’t hate you.
INGRID
But you do Jonah! You do. You think everything thats ever happened to you is my fault. That somehow I concocted this master plan to ruin you’re life. Well I didn’t Jonah. I didn’t.
JONAH
I know that Ingrid.
INGRID
Then why do you act like it? Why do you act like the whole fucking world is my fault?
JONAH
Cus it is Ingrid! It is your fault! Its your fault I’m still here. Its your fault i didnt go to school. Its your fault i never did anything.
INGRID
No...its not Jonah. Its your fault. Its only yours. The world isn’t out to get you Jonah. Only you are out to get you. You’re the only reason you never left Cedar Springs. Not me. And you know that. Thats why you hate me. Not because I did anything. But because I didn’t. Because I let you be a coward. Because I still do. You’re a coward Jonah. And you know it. You know it every time you see me. Every time you kiss me. Every time you try to fuck me. Maybe thats why I never cum. Cus all I can see is a coward who will never be good enough for anything.
Jonah stares out the window a cold moment.
JONAH
And what about you? What makes you any different? You think I like being a coward? You think I want to be a coward? I fucking hate it Ingrid. I hate it. But you’ve never done a damn thing about it.
INGRID
Its not my job to coddle you.
JONAH
No. Its not. But its mine to coddle you. To tell you everything’s okay. To tell you I’m happy. To tell you I love you. To tell you the world isn’t so damn bad. But it is Ingrid. It is. The world fucking sucks.
INGRID
Does it, Jonah? Or just yours? Is the world really all that bad, or are you just too afraid to change it? To do something about it? To do anything about anything. Cus thats my guess. Thats what I think. You’re a coward and you know it. And what scares you the most is the fact that you can change it, and you don’t.
JONAH
And what have you done thats so great, huh? What makes you so goddamn special. You’re a preschool teacher for christ sake. No. Not even that. A theater teacher for kids who can hardly talk. You’re a college fucking drop out who barely makes minimum wage. If it wasn’t for me you’d probably be in a whorehouse.
INGRID
You’re so high and might with your college degree and your law degree and your college debt. You think its fun having to pay 1500 bucks every month for a degree you don’t even use? You think I like paying off all your fucking student loans while I’m not even allowed to buy a new goddamn dress. You think I like being your stay at home bitch who does all the cooking and cleaning and dick sucking cus my husband just works so fucking hard. Fuck you. Jonah. Fuck you. I may have a shitty life, but at least I’m happy. At least I’m that.
JONAH
You don’t do jack shit and you know it. I’m the one who cooks and cleans and does all that shit. All you do is sit around watching brainless television.
INGRID
I’m sorry I don’t come to your every beck and call your highness. Some of us actually have to work for a living. And just cus I get a shitty pay doesn’t make it my fault. All you are is an overpaid temp. At least I do something worth doing.
JONAH
I wouldn’t be if I weren’t in that shitty asshole of a town.
INGRID
No Jonah. You would. Thats just it. It doesn’t matter if you lived here or Denver or the fucking moon, you’d be exactly the same. And it doesn’t fucking matter if you went to Columbia either. You’re a shitty lawyer, thats all. And no amount of school can hide that. You think you’re so smart but you’re not. You’re a dumbass. Even your coworkers think so. Even I think so. I just pretend to act stupid so you don’t feel so goddamn jealous.
JONAH
Oh thats rich!
INGRID
And who the fuck talks like that. No one has ever talked like that. You sound like a goddamn lunatic. You think you’re smart but you’re not. You think talking like that will trick people but it doesn’t. It just makes you sound like a douchebag.
JONAH
Whatever Ingrid. What do you know?
INGRID
Me? Nothing according to you. But I’m not you, am i Jonah. And isn’t that the biggest disappointment of all. You cant fuck you.
JONAH
Fuck you!
INGRID
Oh believe me Jonah, I wish you could!
EXT. CANYON - DAY
Jonah and Ingrid stand opposite each other, across the canyon, almost close enough to touch.
Ingrid looks down at her phone.
Jonah glares, agitated.
JONAH
Can you...can you not do that.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
That. With your phone.
INGRID
Why?
JONAH
I’d just rather you’d not.
INGRID
It doesn’t matter.
JONAH
I know, its just....
INGRID
Why do you care so much?
JONAH
I just do.
INGRID
Its just a rock.
JONAH
Its not just a rock.
INGRID
Okay. A big rock.
JONAH
Its more than that.
INGRID
Its exactly that.
JONAH
No its not. Its more. Its...its...
INGRID
A canyon?
JONAH
A grand canyon.
INGRID
I don’t see why we have to be here.
JONAH
Because its fucking grand.
INGRID
Whats the point?
JONAH
To look at the goddamn canyon.
INGRID
We should’ve gone to Vegas.
JONAH
Well we didn’t! Okay? This is where we are! This is what we’re doing!
INGRID
Whatever.
JONAH
Don’t just...
Ingrid begins to look at her phone.
JONAH
Ingrid.
INGRID
(Without looking up)
What?!
JONAH
You’re acting like a child.
INGRID
I’m not the one crying.
JONAH
I’m...I’m not crying...I just...will you look at the goddamn canyon.
Ingrid looks at the canyon, then up at Jonah.
INGRID
Happy?
JONAH
Does it matter?
Ingrid shrugs.
INGRID
I guess not.
Ingrid walks away.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Wind howls with the whisper of a morning breeze.
Snow covered hills hide the tracks of couples and friends, revealing winter at its last and a spring still to come.
With a hop in her step, Ingrid lunges forward, through the open space, and past path so diligently prepared.
Groggy, Jonah follows.
JONAH
Shouldn’t we stay on the path?
INGRID
The path’s no fun.
JONAH
But the path won’t get us killed.
INGRID
Whats fun without stakes?
JONAH
Life.
INGRID
Don’t be such a coward.
JONAH
I just don’t want to die alone freezing in the middle of nowhere.
INGRID
You’re not alone and you’re not in the middle of nowhere. Denver’s hardly a few miles back.
JONAH
What if we get lost?
INGRID
We won’t.
JONAH
We could.
INGRID
You could. I won’t.
JONAH
I don’t know...
INGRID
You’re the one who wanted to go hiking in the first place.
JONAH
On the path. I wanted to go hiking on the path.
INGRID
You’ll be fine.
The two wander deeper into the forest.
Before long, the two reach a road.
INGRID
Shit.
JONAH
Wow. Good thing we didn’t stay on the path. This is much better.
INGRID
Shut up.
JONAH
Do you even know where we are?
INGRID
Shut up.
JONAH
You don’t do you?
INGRID
Stop talking Jonah.
JONAH
What exactly was your plan, Ingrid. To just walk in circles until you just so happened upon our car.
INGRID
Will you shut the fuck up.
JONAH
Well you did it, Ingrid! You finally did it. You finally fucked me.
INGRID
Fuck you Jonah.
Ingrid begins to make her way back into the forest.
JONAH
Where are you going?
INGRID
Back. Thats where we came from, so thats where we’ll go.
JONAH
Ingrid, stop.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Turn around.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Turn around.
Ingrid turns.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Don’t you see it?
INGRID
See what?
JONAH
Oh my god, look.
Jonah points straight ahead, where their car lies.
JONAH
Thats our car, Ingrid. You just took us in a circle.
INGRID
I know that.
JONAH
Uh huh. Sure.
INGRID
Like you would’ve done any better.
JONAH
At least I knew where I was.
INGRID
I did too. I was just, making sure you did too.
JONAH
Sure...sure...
The two hop into the car.
Jonah starts the car.
INGRID
What are you doing?
JONAH
What do you mean?
INGRID
You said we were going to Albuquerque.
JONAH
We are.
INGRID
Albuquerque’s that way.
JONAH
This ways faster.
INGRID
No, its not.
JONAH
Yes, it is.
INGRID
No, its not. If you go this way you’ll go right through town.
JONAH
Ya. I know. Thats the point.
INGRID
You’ll hit rush hour.
JONAH
Rush hour isn’t for a while, we’ll be fine.
INGRID
We’ll be sitting in traffic all day.
JONAH
No, we won’t. Its fine.
INGRID
Why don’t you just follow the gps.
JONAH
I don’t need the gps.
INGRID
Then why did we bring it?
JONAH
Just in case.
INGRID
I think the gps knows a little better than you do.
JONAH
No. It doesn’t. I know what I’m doing.
INGRID
Obviously you don’t. Otherwise you’d be following the gps.
JONAH
This ways faster, I swear.
INGRID
Why do you always do this?
JONAH
Do what?
INGRID
You say you’re going to do something and then you never do it.
JONAH
What are you talking about?
INGRID
You never listen to anyone but yourself.
JONAH
Its just a gps.
INGRID
God you’re an asshole.
JONAH
Its a fucking computer Ingrid.
INGRID
Exactly Jonah. A fucking computer. You’re not smarter than a computer, Jonah. Stop acting like such a conceded asshole.
JONAH
I’m not acting like anything. I’m just taking the way I know is the fastest.
INGRID
But how do you know, Jonah? How could you possibly know?
JONAH
I just do.
INGRID
God! You’re so stupid sometimes!
JONAH
Why can’t you just trust me?
INGRID
Why can’t you just listen?
JONAH
I am listening.
INGRID
No. You’re just sitting there, pretending to listen. Thats all you ever do. Smile and nod. Smile and nod. But you never fucking hear, do you. All you do is smile and nod.
JONAH
Why are you acting so bitchy.
INGRID
Oh my god Jonah. Whatever. Do whatever the fuck you want. Why should I care. You won’t listen anyways.
The two sit in a moment of bitter silence.
JONAH
You know, you didn’t have to come if you didn’t want to.
Ingrid says nothing.
JONAH
I mean, its not like I forced you to come or anything.
Ingrid glares out the window.
JONAH
I mean, I would’ve been perfectly happy out here on my own.
Ingrid holds her mouth tight.
JONAH
Because, you know, some of us don’t need constant attention.
INGRID
Really, Jonah? Really? Because I distinctly remember you waking me up at five a clock in the fucking morning begging me to come. Oh please, Ingrid, Please. I’ll do anything you want. I’ll do anything you say. Just don’t make me go alone. I could never go alone.
JONAH
Thats not what I said.
INGRID
No. But you thought it. You’re always thinking it. Jesus, you can’t spend a single fucking moment alone. You’re like a fucking infant. No, worse. At least an infant knows when to shut the fuck up.
JONAH
You know what Ingrid, fuck you. Okay. Fuck you. If you didn’t want to come, you didn’t have to. I’m sorry I tried to make this trip something special. I’m sorry I try to do anything Ingrid. I’m sorry I love you. I’m sorry I care. I’m sorry I give a single shit about anything.
INGRID
Don’t do that, Jonah. Don’t pretend like you’re any better than you are. All you do you do because you want to do it, thats all.
JONAH
Like you’re any better.
INGRID
You’re right Jonah, I’m not. I’m just as shitty as you are. But at least I know it. At least I have the guts to admit it.
JONAH
Whatever Ingrid. It doesn’t matter.
INGRID
No. It doesn’t. Because nothing ever matters to you, Jonah. Nothing ever has. Nothing but you.
JONAH
Whatever. Okay. Fine. I’m a piece of shit. Happy? I’m a lonely stupid ignorant piece of shit. Feel better?
INGRID
No.
JONAH
Ya, well, me neither.
Anger turns to a morose forlorn, a forsaken regret.
EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAY
Agitated, Jonah slams on the horn.
Ingrid holds a bitter smile.
JONAH
Don’t.
Jonah steps out of the car.
Ingrid follows.
INGRID
Where are you going?
JONAH
I can’t do this right now Ingrid.
INGRID
You can’t just leave.
JONAH
Why not?
INGRID
You’re parked in the middle of the road!
JONAH
So is everyone else!
INGRID
Jonah...get back in the car.
Ingrid follows Jonah through a weaving pack of honking cars
JONAH
No.
INGRID
Jonah!
JONAH
What?
INGRID
You’re acting like a child.
JONAH
I’m not going back there.
INGRID
Yes...you are.
JONAH
No. I can’t. I won’t.
INGRID
You can’t just leave Jonah. Where would you go?
JONAH
I don’t know. Away.
INGRID
Away where Jonah?
JONAH
Well I don’t know. Why does it matter?
INGRID
Because you can’t go anywhere.
JONAH
Why?
INGRID
Because this is where you are, Jonah.
JONAH
So?
INGRID
So you can’t just go. Its not right.
Jonah looks down the long road of cars.
JONAH
I can’t do this anymore Ingrid. I can’t.
INGRID
Just get in the car Jonah.
JONAH
I can’t.
INGRID
Do you want me to drive?
JONAH
I can’t.
INGRID
I‘ll drive...just get in the car.
JONAH
I can’t.
INGRID
Jonah...get in the car
Jonah steps into the car, as does Ingrid.
The two sit in agitated silence.
JONAH
What now?
INGRID
We keep going.
JONAH
Why?
INGRID
Do you have a better plan?
JONAH
No.
INGRID
Then we keep going.
JONAH
Until when?
INGRID
Until we get to where we‘re going.
JONAH
Then what?
INGRID
Then we figure it out from there.
JONAH
Why not now?
INGRID
Because I don’t know now. Do you?
JONAH
No.
INGRID
So later then. When we get there.
JONAH
Don’t you think thats a little dodgy?
INGRID
What would you rather do instead?
JONAH
Leave.
INGRID
How is that any less?
JONAH
Its not dodgy, its honest. It lets things lay where they lay.
INGRID
You can’t go.
JONAH
Why?
INGRID
I don’t want you to.
JONAH
What about what I want?
INGRID
What about it?
JONAH
Doesn’t that matter too?
INGRID
Its the only thing thats ever mattered to you.
JONAH
If you don’t want me to, I won’t.
INGRID
I don’t want you to do what you don’t want to do.
JONAH
I don’t want to go. Really.
INGRID
If you did, you can, you know.
JONAH
I know.
INGRID
I won’t stop you.
JONAH
And you.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
If you go, I won’t stop you either.
INGRID
I won’t.
JONAH
I know...I know...
The two sit silently in the car.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
Waves resound in a billowing echo across an abandoned beach, not a soul found but a young couple.
Ingrid and Jonah walk side by side down the boardwalk, neither touching the other.
JONAH
Theres not much convincing you, is there?
INGRID
Not anymore.
JONAH
I guess it is really better this way, really, when you think about. I mean, its not like theres anything I can do about it. So might as well just get used to it. And I will, truly, I will. It may take some time, sure, but I will. If its what you want, its what I want, too.
INGRID
Its not about what I want. Its about whats right.
JONAH
Which just so happens to be what you want.
INGRID
Its what you want, too, really. You just don’t know it. You can’t know it. You won’t know it.
JONAH
Knowing it makes it true. I don’t want it to be true. So I don’t know it.
INGRID
No. Knowing it doesn’t make it true, it reveals that its true, but its still true either way.
JONAH
I’d rather just not, okay? Theres no reason to. It won’t change anything.
INGRID
It‘d make you happy.
JONAH
When has knowing anything ever made anybody happy?
INGRID
It might.
JONAH
But it won’t.
INGRID
Why do you insist on being so miserable?
JONAH
Because if I’m happy and I’m not with you then I know I wasn’t happy when I was with you and I want to be happy when I am with you but I can’t be happy when I am with you if I was never happy when I was with you.
INGRID
But you weren’t. You’re not. You won’t be.
JONAH
But why can’t I be?
INGRID
Because happiness isn’t just something that just happens.
JONAH
I guess...I don’t know...It doesn’t matter. Because thats fate, right. This, I mean. All of this. Its whats meant to be. It always was. Destiny, really. So I guess I am happy. I guess I have to be. Because thats just how things go and theres no two cents about that. Life just happens and we’re just apart of it. Thats all. And I get that. I’m okay with that. So I am happy, yes, I really am. Because theres no reason not to be. Theres no reason to be anything else. Because things are going to happen regardless, so might as well just be okay with that, I guess. Might as well just smile through it. Might as well just be happy, because thats really all anyone can ever do.
INGRID
Do you really believe that?
JONAH
Why not?
INGRID
Its morbid.
JONAH
Its fate.
INGRID
Its cowardly.
JONAH
Life’s cowardly.
INGRID
Or just you?
Jonah looks down at his shoes.
INGRID
If thats what you want to believe, thats up to you. But don’t believe I didn’t try. Don’t believe I didn’t do everything I could to make this work.
JONAH
You can’t fight fate Ingrid.
INGRID
It doesn’t seem like you even tried.
JONAH
Why try what will never prevail? Its futile. Useless. Pointless.
INGRID
Is that how you see us?
JONAH
How else can I? I tried but I failed. I tried again and I failed even more. Theres no use trying anymore. You’ve made up your mind. You’ve made your decision. Thats fate. Thats destiny. Theres no use fighting that anymore.
INGRID
So this is it then? You’re just giving up?
JONAH
I thought this is what you wanted.
INGRID
I wanted to be happy.
JONAH
Are you?
INGRID
No.
JONAH
Neither am I.
INGRID
So we can’t just end this.
JONAH
But you said we must.
INGRID
I thought you’d be different.
JONAH
I thought you’d be too.
INGRID
So we won’t?
JONAH
We can’t.
INGRID
How could we?
JONAH
We couldn’t.
INGRID
So we won’t.
The two sit in a moment of tepid silence.
JONAH
This isn’t going to work, is it?
INGRID
No...it won’t.
JONAH
But we will anyways, won’t we?
INGRID
What else can we do?
JONAH
We’ll be happy. We will. I’ll make it true.
INGRID
How?
JONAH
Just let me try.
INGRID
And if you fail?
JONAH
Then no loss, really.
INGRID
But no gain, either.
JONAH
No...but thats not much of a risk, is it?
INGRID
No...I guess not.
Ingrid walks away
INT. DINER - DAY
Ingrid and Jonah sit at a booth, opposite each other, staring at neither nor the other.
A waitress, SALLY, walks up to the booth.
SALLY
How you all folks doin today?
INGRID
Fine.
JONAH
Fine.
SALLY
Oh good! Now you all new around here?
JONAH
Just passing through.
SALLY
Oh! Roadtrippers huh? I was too myself not too long ago. But I swear to god, the moment I walked into this town I fell straight in love I tell you! Straight in love. Not with a man or none of that nonsense, of course. But ooohhh, honey, you stay one day in this town and you’ll never want to leave.
INGRID
(With a gracious smile)
I’m sure.
SALLY
Mmmhmmm, I see who wears the pants around here! You show him how it is girl! Preach it to the choir honey! Hallelujah! Now what can I get you two fine folks to drink.
INGRID
Do you have tea?
SALLY
We sure do honey! Iced or hot?
INGRID
Iced please.
SALLY
Mmhmm, and I know you want it sweet!
INGRID
I don’t know..
SALLY
Ah cmon now honey, its not everyday you get to live!
INGRID
Alright...maybe just one.
SALLY
And for you sugar?
JONAH
Just water, thank you.
SALLY
Ah cmon now honey. I know fo sure you don’t want no water.
JONAH
No. I do. Water’s fine.
SALLY
Ah cmon now. I see that face. You in need of a milkshake!
JONAH
I don’t want a milkshake.
SALLY
Oh I know you don’t want one honey, but its a milkshake you need and its a milkshake you gonna get.
JONAH
But...
SALLY
Chocolate or vanilla.
JONAH
I don’t...
SALLY
How bout a swirl? A swirl sound good? It sure do. Good boy. I knew you’d come through. I’ll be right back!
Sally, with a sweet saunter, flies away.
Ingrid leans in.
INGRID
Oh honey, you just gonna love that milkshake.
JONAH
Shut up.
INGRID
You could’ve said no, you know.
JONAH
I know.
INGRID
Then why didn’t you?
JONAH
I didn’t want to be rude.
INGRID
You never do.
JONAH
Whats the point?
INGRID
Don’t you want what you want?
JONAH
I want whats ever easiest.
INGRID
Like me?
JONAH
Thats not what I meant.
INGRID
But its what you said. So what does it matter.
JONAH
Don’t be dumb Ingrid. You know I love you.
INGRID
Of course you do. I’m a goddamn catch.
JONAH
Of course you are.
INGRID
Say it.
JONAH
What?
INGRID
Say I’m a goddamn catch.
JONAH
You’re a goddamn catch.
INGRID
And don’t forget it.
Sally comes hopping back.
SALLY
Alrighty honey, here we are, the Wednesday special. And for you, sweetie pie, a nice big glass of sweet tea, my own mamas recipe.
INGRID
This isn’t your place, is it?
SALLY
Why of course it is!
JONAH
Some place.
Ingrid kicks Jonah under the table.
SALLY
Well it use to be my mama’s, but you know how things go.
INGRID
I thought you said you were new around here?
SALLY
Sure, as a child. But I ain’t no child no more honey. Tho who don’t wish a thing like that.
JONAH
Me.
SALLY
Oh honey you about as funny as a rock! Now what can I get you two?
JONAH
A grilled cheese, plain, on white, with fries, no ketchup.
SALLY
You don’t want nothin on your cheese sandwich?
JONAH
Just cheese.
SALLY
And bread too I hope! Oh, jeez, I make myself laugh. And what about you honey pie?
INGRID
Whats the daily special?
SALLY
Oh honey you gonna love that! Its my mama’s favorite recipe, right out of the oven too!
INGRID
Is it good?
SALLY
Oh honey its bout as good as anything you’ll ever eat.
INGRID
I’ll have that then.
SALLY
And a mighty fine choice that is! I’ll be back in a jiffy.
Sally skips away with a wonderful smile.
JONAH
You don’t even know what you got.
INGRID
I’ll know it when I get it.
JONAH
What if you hate it?
INGRID
I won’t.
JONAH
How do you know?
INGRID
How can you hate anything that sweet woman loves?
JONAH
I think you put too much faith in a trust.
INGRID
Whats wrong with that?
JONAH
Trust is rarely worth giving.
INGRID
But honesty isn’t.
JONAH
What makes you so sure? For all we know, she’s franchising.
INGRID
But she isn’t, is she?
JONAH
Not yet.
INGRID
You worry too much.
JONAH
I worry just enough.
INGRID
Which is too much.
JONAH
Whatever.
Jonah looks down at the table.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Nothin...
INGRID
No. Really. Jonah. What is it?
JONAH
Nothin...its just...do you ever wonder...
INGRID
About what?
JONAH
About us.
INGRID
What about us?
JONAH
Well just...what if we weren’t us. Ya know. I mean still like us, individually, but just not, ya know, us.
INGRID
What do you mean?
JONAH
I mean...like...do you remember a couple of years ago, when you got that job in L.A.
INGRID
Ya. Sure. Why?
JONAH
Well, what if...what if you stayed. After the job, I mean.
INGRID
But I didn’t.
JONAH
I know I know, but don’t you ever just...wonder.
INGRID
Well sure, I wonder. We all wonder. What does it matter?
JONAH
I don’t know. I was just thinking...
INGRID
About Columbia?
JONAH
A little
INGRID
You could’ve stayed Jonah, you didn’t have to come home.
JONAH
I know I know. I just feel guilty is all.
INGRID
Guilty? About what?
JONAH
About leaving you there. All alone.
INGRID
We would’ve been fine Jonah.
JONAH
Ya...I guess...I guess it doesn’t really matter now anyways.
INGRID
Hey...its fine, Jonah. So you don’t have the best job in the world. Thats alright. It’ll get better.
JONAH
How?
INGRID
You’ll move up. Climb the corporate ladder, as it is. Ya know. Get promoted and the like.
JONAH
But what if I’m no good?
INGRID
You’re plenty good.
JONAH
Not enough to them
INGRID
You’re young Jonah, thats all.
JONAH
So was Alexander.
INGRID
You’re not a king. Nor a fable either.
JONAH
He was real.
INGRID
Sure. A bit. But not how you think.
JONAH
What do you know?
INGRID
I know you shouldn’t worry so much. I know you’ll be okay.
Jonah looks down at his hands.
JONAH
Why did you come back, Ingrid? Why didn’t you stay in L.A.
INGRID
I told you Jonah, I love you.
JONAH
But that wasn’t really it, was it?
INGRID
Well maybe not all of it...
JONAH
Was it someone else?
INGRID
What? No. Thats not it at all. I don’t think you understand.
JONAH
Then what was it?
INGRID
It wasn’t...what I thought it was...I mean I liked it, sure. I loved it, really, but...the job, it was, different, than I thought.
JONAH
Different how?
INGRID
They wanted...they wanted something I didn’t...something I couldn’t...
JONAH
You mean...
INGRID
Yes...okay...I didn’t know. I didn’t, really. But when I was there. When it happened. I didn’t know what else to do. I had to go through with it. I had to. There was nothing else I could do.
JONAH
And after?
INGRID
Thats all there was. No other jobs out there. Not just acting, either. Anything. I couldn’t find anything. I had to come home. Its all I could do.
JONAH
So it wasn’t because of me?
INGRID
No. It wasn’t. Do you wish it was?
JONAH
I don’t know. Kind of. But also not.
INGRID
Do you blame me? For you? For Columbia? For dropping out?
JONAH
I don’t want to. I shouldn’t. But I do. I don’t try to. I really don’t. But I can’t not blame you. I know its not your fault. I know that. But I don’t know what else to do.
INGRID
I’m sorry Jonah.
JONAH
Don’t be. Its not your fault. And even if it was, I know you didn’t want it. I know you wanted whats best for me. And I tell myself I wanted the same for you. But I couldn’t. I can’t. I’m a coward. All I want is to be with you. And that makes me feel like shit.
Sally returns, with two hot plates of food.
SALLY
Alrighty then! We got one hot cheese with bread and fries, and another just the same!
Sally hands out two hot cheese sandwiches.
The two share a long, horrid glance.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Jonah, flustered, stands across from a young host, apathetic to anything and everything, tied to nothing.
Jonah, pleading, leans over the host stand.
JONAH
Please. You must have something.
HOST
I’m sorry sir, but everything seems to be filled up.
JONAH
But we have a reservation!
HOST
At six, yes. But it is no longer six, sir.
JONAH
Its hardly past!
HOST
Its seven sir.
JONAH
I know goddamn well what time it is you filthy little prick.
HOST
I’m going to have to ask you to keep your voice down sir.
JONAH
My voice is down!
HOST
Sir. Please. This is a place of taste. Please do not disgruntle the other clients, sir.
JONAH
Fuck the clients.
HOST
Sir, please.
JONAH
Don’t tell me what the fuck to do.
HOST
I’m going to have to ask you to leave sir.
JONAH
I’m not going nowhere!
HOST
Thats not a request, sir.
JONAH
What are you going to do, glare me to death.
The host waves his hands as two large men lumber over.
Jonah looks at the two, far beyond any sense of reason.
Ingrid grabs his arm.
INGRID
I think its better if we just go, yes?
EXT. CAR - NIGHT
Jonah slams his hands against the wheel
JONAH
Mother fucking fucking fucker fucking shit!
INGRID
Jonah. Stop.
JONAH
Why can’t anything ever go right?!
INGRID
Jonah. You’re being ridiculous.
JONAH
Why does it fucking matter if we’re a few fucking minutes late.
INGRID
It was a lot more than a few minutes Jonah.
JONAH
And whose fault is that?
INGRID
You’re the one who wanted to stop for lunch!
JONAH
I thought it’d be a nice gesture!
INGRID
For who Jonah?
JONAH
For you!
INGRID
I don’t even like diners!
JONAH
You’re the one who wanted to go!
INGRID
I was hungry!
JONAH
So was I!
INGRID
You’re still hung up about earlier, aren’t you.
JONAH
What? No. Why?
INGRID
Yes you are. You can’t stop thinking about it. Thats all you think about. You haven’t said a goddamn word to me since we left that place.
JONAH
I don’t have to constantly be talking.
INGRID
No. But you haven’t said anything all day.
JONAH
Whats there to say?
INGRID
Why is it so hard for you to talk to me?
JONAH
Because I don’t know! Okay. I don’t know.
INGRID
Jonah. You can’t do this.
JONAH
What do you want me to do?
INGRID
I want you to be happy.
JONAH
How can I be happy when I know I could be happier?
INGRID
Is that what you think? That you’d be happier without me.
JONAH
Thats not what I said.
INGRID
No. But its what you meant, isn’t it? You’re right Jonah. Maybe you would be happier without. But you know what Jonah, I’m sure as hell I’d be happier without you.
JONAH
You don’t know that.
INGRID
You are so goddamn conceded.
JONAH
I’m not the one obsessed with marriage.
INGRID
You’re the one who wanted to get married Jonah! This was all your idea! Your the one who wanted to go on this stupid ass road trip instead of a real honeymoon. This was all you Jonah. All you.
JONAH
I thought it’d be nice.
INGRID
Well you thought wrong Jonah.
JONAH
Why can’t you ever appreciate anything.
INGRID
I do Jonah. I do. But what the fuck is left to appreciate?
JONAH
You don’t give a shit about me.
INGRID
No. I give a lot more than that. I give you fucking everything Jonah. And you’re shit. You’re shit to me. To my friends. To everyone. You’re so obsessed with yourself that you think anyone gives a shit about what happens to you. Newsflash dumbass, no one fucking cares. No one fucking cares about your trip to New York or your time in Columbia or how you could’ve been this great success. Cus guess what Jonah. You couldn’t. You can’t. You’re a natural born failure. A quitter by trade. No one quits like you Jonah. No one has ever quit quite like you.
JONAH
Look whose talking? The girl who didn’t even go to college. Who didn’t even try to audition. The girl who gave up at the first opportunity she got.
INGRID
Maybe you’re right Jonah. Maybe I did fuck up. Maybe I never should’ve stayed with you. Maybe I should’ve just stayed in L.A.
JONAH
Maybe you should’ve.
INGRID
Would that make you happy Jonah. To rid of me? So you can fuck all the girls who have been dying to get in your pants.
JONAH
You don’t have to be a bitch about it.
INGRID
But I do Jonah. I do. You’re a fucking coward Jonah. A coward. You can’t do anything for yourself. If I don’t tell you what to do, no one will. And if they don’t, and I don’t, you’re as good as fucking dead.
Jonah jumps out of the car.
JONAH
Fuck you!
Ingrid rushes out the door.
INGRID
Where the fuck do you think you’re going?
JONAH
Out of here!
INGRID
Theres nowhere for you to go, Jonah. We’re in the middle of fucking nowhere.
JONAH
I know where we are.
The two begin to journey into the forest.
INGRID
Jonah. What the fuck are you doing?
JONAH
Leave me alone.
INGRID
Jonah, you’re going to get hurt.
JONAH
I’m fine.
INGRID
You don’t know what you’re doing.
JONAH
What does it matter?
INGRID
Get back here Jonah. We have to go.
JONAH
We don’t have to be anywhere. No one does.
INGRID
Jonah. Stop. You’re going to get yourself killed.
JONAH
So what if I do?
INGRID
Jonah. Please. Lets not do this right now. Lets just go back to the hotel.
JONAH
And what.
INGRID
Sleep for christ sake.
Jonah doesn’t move.
INGRID
Fine. Whatever.
Ingrid walks back to the car.
Jonah stands for a brief moment, undecided, and then follows Ingrid to the car.
Ingrid and Jonah sit silently in the car.
JONAH
(Mumbling)
I’m sorry.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
I’m sorry. Okay? I’m sorry.
INGRID
Its fine Jonah. Lets just go to the hotel.
JONAH
I thought it’d be better.
INGRID
Its fine Jonah.
JONAH
No. Its not. And I know its not. And I’m sorry.
INGRID
So we’re late for one dinner? Who cares? We’re still having fun, right?
JONAH
Ya. I guess.
INGRID
And hey, maybe in the morning we could go hiking.
JONAH
I don’t know. I mean. Tomorrows a long day. And...
INGRID
Please Jonah. For me? It’d be fun
Jonah turns to Ingrid.
JONAH
Okay.
INGRID
Okay?
JONAH
Okay.
INGRID
It’ll be fun.
JONAH
Ya. You’re right. It will! Lets go hiking tomorrow. Real hiking. In the mountains and everything.
INGRID
Lets do it.
The two drive off into the darkness.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Jonah sits hunched over the bar, weary with exhaustion, tearing heavy eyes open with what little strength he still has, downing another shot.
Next to him, nursing a beer, sits Ingrid.
INGRID
You’re drunk.
JONAH
(Surprised)
I’m not drunk.
INGRID
I think you’ve had enough.
JONAH
I’m fine.
Jonah waves his hand to get the attention of the bartender. The bartender does not notice.
INGRID
I think you should stop Jonah.
JONAH
Why?
INGRID
You’re drunk.
JONAH
So? Isn’t that the point?
INGRID
I think its better if we just go.
JONAH
I’m not going anywhere!
INGRID
Jonah!
JONAH
What?
INGRID
Please. Lets just go.
JONAH
Why do you wanna go so bad?
INGRID
Its late. I‘m tired. Lets just go.
JONAH
No.
INGRID
Please. Jonah. Stop.
JONAH
You didn’t even wanna come in the first place.
INGRID
Of course I did
JONAH
No you didn’t. You never did. You never want to do anything fun.
INGRID
Lets not do this here Jonah?
JONAH
Then where, Ingrid? Where do we do it?
INGRID
Lets just go back to the hotel, okay? You can sober up a bit, maybe take a shower, then we can talk.
JONAH
I wanna talk now!
INGRID
Jonah.
JONAH
Why don’t you love me no more?
INGRID
I love you very much Jonah.
JONAH
It don’t seem like you do.
INGRID
Of course I do Jonah.
JONAH
Then why don’t you act like it?
INGRID
I do...I just...I don’t wanna talk about this right now, okay?
JONAH
Then when? When do you ever wanna talk about it? You don’t. Ever.
INGRID
What can I say that I haven’t already said.
JONAH
Tell me why.
INGRID
Why what?
JONAH
Why don’t you love me no more?
INGRID
I do.
JONAH
Bullshit
INGRID
Jonah!
JONAH
Why don’t you love me?
INGRID
Jonah!
JONAH
Why don’t you love me?
INGRID
Stop.
JONAH
Why don’t you love me?
INGRID
Because I can’t!
Silence overtakes the once busied room.
Ingrid lowers her voice.
INGRID
Can we just go?
Jonah sits in stunned silence.
INGRID
Please, Jonah.
Jonah pulls out his wallet, slams cash on the table, and walks out of the bar.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY
HAL, a gentile, middle aged clerk, stands smiling behind a wide desk, radiated by evening sun, openly listening with false concern to the complaints of its future inhabitants, Ingrid and Jonah.
JONAH
No, I’m telling you, I did.
HAL
I’m sorry sir, but it seems as if you didn’t.
JONAH
But I did!
HAL
Another hotel, I’m sure.
JONAH
No. No other. This hotel. I’m sure.
HAL
Another name, perhaps?
JONAH
No. No other name. Just Jonah. Jonah. Understand? Jonah.
HAL
Hmmmm, I see, yes, yes, ah, here we are. Jonah, yes?
JONAH
Yes, yes. Thats it.
HAL
I see. Well, perhaps another time then.
JONAH
What?
HAL
Another time, sir.
JONAH
What do you mean another time?
HAL
The reservation, sir. Its for another time.
JONAH
So change it.
HAL
No. I don’t think you understand. Not another time of day, sir. Another time of year. Next year, actually.
JONAH
No. No. Its not. Thats wrong.
HAL
But it is, Mr...Jonah.
JONAH
Let me see that.
Jonah grabs at the computer.
Sean swats his hand away.
HAL
I’m afraid you can’t do that, sir.
Jonah grabs for it again, Hal grabs him by the arm, twisting it.
Jonah screeches in pain.
HAL
I’m afraid you don’t understand, sir. You can’t, sir. I can’t. This is a place of business, sir. A place of privacy. Are you a man of privacy, sir?
JONAH
Yes. Yes. Please. Stop. Ow!
HAL
Will you, sir?
JONAH
I’m just...Ow! God. Yes. Yes. I’ll stop. Okay? I’ll stop.
Hal drops Jonah’s arm.
Jonah cradles it like a newborn.
Ingrid glares at Jonah, stepping to the desk.
INGRID
A room, then.
HAL
How many, Miss?
INGRID
Two.
HAL
And how long will you be staying with us?
INGRID
Just the night.
HAL
And what room would you prefer, miss.
INGRID
Whatever. It doesn’t matter.
HAL
Oh but there are many options Miss. Quite too many to list. Certainly you must choose.
INGRID
I don’t care. Just a room. Any is fine.
HAL
But certainly not just any room for a couple like you.
INGRID
I just want to sleep.
HAL
Don’t we all?
INGRID
Well?
HAL
I’m sorry Miss, but I’m afraid you’ll have to choose.
INGRID
Why?!
HAL
Why Miss, its policy.
INGRID
Screw policy.
HAL
Now miss, I’m sure you are fatigued, as we all are time and again, but there is no need for profanity.
INGRID
Just give me a room, please.
HAL
I’m afraid I can’t do that, Miss.
INGRID
Why not?
HAL
Policy, Miss.
INGRID
Fine. Whatever. Honeymoon. Do you have that? Do you have a honeymoon suite?
HAL
I’m afraid not, Miss.
INGRID
A one bed, then.
HAL
None available, Miss.
INGRID
Two beds.
HAL
Unfortunately, no.
INGRID
A fucking apartment, then.
HAL
No, I’m afraid not that either.
INGRID
Then what the fuck is available?
HAL
Hmmmm, yes, I see...it seems nothing, miss.
INGRID
What?
HAL
There seems to be some kind of convention in town.
INGRID
What?
HAL
A convention, miss. Of the business sort, it seems.
INGRID
So?
HAL
So, miss, there is no room. Or, rooms, rather. For you or your guest.
INGRID
Fuck you.
JONAH
Ingrid.
INGRID
You lying piece of shit!
Ingrid pounces towards Hal.
Jonah pulls her back.
JONAH
Ingrid, honey, its fine. We’ll just go somewhere else.
INGRID
You’re goddamn right we will. And we’re never coming back here again! Ever! This place is blacklisted! Blacklisted!
HAL
Have a wonderful night miss.
Jonah follows Ingrid out of the lobby.
Hal smiles a false smile, staring blankly beyond the doors which the two entered.
EXT. HOTEL - NIGHT
Ingrid and Jonah stand defeated, hiding from the pouring rain.
JONAH
Well...what do we do now?
INGRID
Theres gotta be another hotel somewhere.
JONAH
Not one we can afford.
INGRID
You payed for that one didn’t you?
JONAH
No. It was a gift.
INGRID
How much do we have.
JONAH
Not enough.
INGRID
What about a motel?
JONAH
No.
INGRID
Why not?
JONAH
I’m not staying in some scummy, grimy, dirty hotel.
INGRID
Those are synonyms.
JONAH
What?
INGRID
Those words. They all mean the same thing.
JONAH
They’re different sort of.
INGRID
But not really though. You could of just said dirty.
JONAH
But thats not enough.
INGRID
But it is. You might as well have just said dirty three times.
JONAH
Dirty dirty dirty then. The point is clear. I’m not staying in some goddamn motel.
INGRID
Well what do you wanna do then?
JONAH
Well I don’t know.
INGRID
We can’t just sleep on the streets.
JONAH
I know that.
INGRID
So what do we do?
JONAH
Just let me think.
Jonah stares out into the rain, Ingrid tapping her foot impatiently.
INGRID
Well?
JONAH
I’m thinking!
INGRID
Jesus Christ Jonah! We can’t just sit out here all night.
Jonah walks out into the rain.
INGRID
Where are you going.
JONAH
The car.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
The car! I’m going to the car!
INGRID
Why?
JONAH
Cus I’m fucking cold!
INT. CAR - NIGHT
The two sit in the car, shivering, soaked to the very bone.
INGRID
Now what?
JONAH
Let me think.
INGRID
We already tried that.
JONAH
Well why don’t you come up with something.
INGRID
I already said the motel.
JONAH
I’m not staying in some goddamn motel.
INGRID
The its your turn to pick.
Jonah starts the car.
INGRID
What are you doing?
JONAH
I’m cold.
INGRID
You’re gonna waste gas.
JONAH
Cheaper than a hotel.
The two sit in the car quietly.
Jonah shuts his eyes.
INGRID
I’m not sleeping in the car.
JONAH
What?
INGRID
I’m not sleeping in the car on my goddamn honeymoon.
JONAH
Well what do you want to do Ingrid?
INGRID
Take me to a goddamn motel!
JONAH
I’m not doing that goddamn’t!
INGRID
If you don’t want to sleep in the motel. Thats fine. But you sure as hell aren’t stopping me.
Ingrid hops out of the car.
Jonah, seeing her not stopping, hops out the drivers seat.
JONAH
Where are you going?
INGRID
To find a motel!
JONAH
Ingrid stop!
Ingrid stops, turning around.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Its not safe. To go out there at night. Alone.
INGRID
You scared.
JONAH
Yes. Very!
INGRID
Well I’m not.
Ingrid moves to walk towards the darkness.
JONAH
Ingrid!
INGRID
What?
JONAH
Please Ingrid. Get in the car. We’ll find something somewhere.
INGRID
And if we don’t?
JONAH
We sleep at a rest stop. Thats not so bad. Is it?
Ingrid mulls it over.
INGRID
Fine. But I want snacks.
JONAH
Whatever you want.
INGRID
Anything?
JONAH
Anything.
Ingrid holds a dirty smile.
INT. GAS STATION - NIGHT
Screams of ecstasy exit a closed door, before two appear,hair in a mess, walking out the door.
Jonah, disheveled but happy, walks to the counter.
Ingrid walks around the gas station in search of something.
JONAH
Pack of Winston’s please.
A red eyed teenager looks at the man.
TEENAGER
I.D.?
Jonah hands over his drivers license and stares, high as a kite.
TEENAGER
Alright.
The teenager grabs a pack of Winstons
TEENAGER
That all?
Ingrid throws a dozen donuts on the counter.
JONAH
Do you really need those?
INGRID
Do you really need those?
JONAH
Donuts too I guess.
TEENAGER
6.80
Jonah hands over a twenty.
The teenager opens the drawer, puts the ten in the drawer, and closes the drawer.
Jonah stares, confused.
TEENAGER
What?
JONAH
I thought you said 6.80
TEENAGER
I did.
JONAH
I gave you a twenty.
TEENAGER
Ya.
JONAH
So shouldn’t there be change.
TEENAGER
What are you trying to say?
JONAH
I think its pretty clear what I’m trying to say.
TEENAGER
Ya? And whats that?
JONAH
Well...nothing. Never mind.
TEENAGER
No. Say it why don’t ya?
JONAH
No its nothing, really.
TEENAGER
You got a problem with me?
JONAH
What? No. Its nothing. Really. You did a fine job.
TEENAGER
Of course I did. You think I don’t know how to do my own job?
JONAH
I’m sure you do.
TEENAGER
So whats your problem?
JONAH
Me. Nothing. I’ll just take my donuts and go.
TEENAGER
Ya damn right you will!
Jonah hurries Ingrid out of the gas station and into the car.
INGRID
What was that?
JONAH
What was what?
Ingrid looks at Jonah suspiciously.
JONAH
Oh you mean that? Oh that. That was nothing.
INGRID
He stole your money.
JONAH
He didn’t steal it, per say.
INGRID
No? What would you say.
JONAH
He miscalculated, thats all.
INGRID
Some miscalculation that was.
JONAH
He was tired.
INGRID
He was high.
JONAH
Its not our place to judge.
INGRID
Its not his place to steal.
JONAH
It was a simple mistake, thats all.
INGRID
Ya. He should’ve asked for more.
JONAH
Don’t be cruel.
INGRID
Don’t be stupid.
JONAH
I don’t exactly recall you saying much back there.
INGRID
Well...I didn’t want to be rude.
JONAH
Ya...exactly. You’re no better.
INGRID
But prettier though.
JONAH
Much prettier.
INGRID
And smarter.
JONAH
Well that too.
INGRID
And cooler.
JONAH
Well...lets not get too ambitious.
INGRID
What do you mean?
JONAH
Love. You are a lot of things. But cool is not one of them.
INGRID
Whatever.
JONAH
But hey, I think you’re cool.
INGRID
Ya, but who are you?
JONAH
Just the worlds most handsomest guy.
INGRID
Ya. A real stud.
JONAH
Thats right. A stud. A stud that loves you.
INGRID
I must be one lucky gal.
JONAH
Thats right. You are. And I am too.
INGRID
A lucky gal.
JONAH
You know what I mean.
INGRID
I love you.
JONAH
I love you too.
The two drive off into darkness.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Ingrid and Jonah lay next to each other in bed, half smiles of euphoria covering the two.
INGRID
Do you think it will always be like this?
JONAH
It always was.
INGRID
Ya, but thats different.
JONAH
How?
INGRID
That was then. When things were easy.
JONAH
And now?
INGRID
Its different.
JONAH
How?
INGRID
It just is.
JONAH
Then no.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
No.
INGRID
What do you mean?
JONAH
I mean, it can’t always be like this if it was never like this. You said it yourself. This is different. So it will always be.
INGRID
Like this?
JONAH
No. Different.
INGRID
But thats not really a bad thing, is it? Different is good.
JONAH
I guess.
INGRID
I guess you wouldn’t know.
JONAH
Like you would.
INGRID
I might.
JONAH
You don’t.
INGRID
You don’t know. Maybe there was someone before us.
JONAH
Middle school doesn’t count.
INGRID
Maybe I have a lover.
JONAH
Who? You? You don’t know anybody.
INGRID
Maybe I do.
JONAH
I doubt it.
Ingrid punches John’s shoulder.
JONAH
Ow!
INGRID
Thats for being mean.
JONAH
I’m not being mean. Just truthful.
INGRID
Like you could do any better.
JONAH
I never said I could.
INGRID
You think it.
JONAH
I think a lot of things.
An awkward break in conversation occurs.
INGRID
Would you?
JONAH
What?
INGRID
Cheat?
JONAH
What? No. Never.
INGRID
Ya...me neither.
A long pause.
JONAH
But what if...it just happened.
INGRID
It doesn’t just happen.
JONAH
It could.
INGRID
No. It couldn’t. It can’t. You can’t. I can’t. No one can.
JONAH
Love is strange.
INGRID
Fucking isn’t love.
JONAH
Who said anything about fucking?
INGRID
If it isn’t fucking it isn’t cheating.
JONAH
But fucking isn’t love.
INGRID
Do you love me?
JONAH
Of course I love you.
INGRID
Then you can’t cheat on me.
JONAH
Why?
INGRID
You can only love one.
JONAH
But I love my mom and my dad and...
INGRID
Thats different. Thats something else. This, us, thats what I mean. This can’t just happen. This can’t just be. This can only happen once. This can only be once.
JONAH
Once in forever?
INGRID
Exactly.
JONAH
Or just once at a time.
Ingrid looks away.
JONAH
It doesn’t matter.
INGRID
(Quietly)
No...it doesn’t.
EXT. CHICAGO - NIGHT
The two, bundled up, walk down near the pier.
INGRID
Hey...I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to...well, you know.
JONAH
I know Ingrid, its fine.
INGRID
But its not fine, is it?
Jonah stops, pulling Ingrid around to look at him.
JONAH
Hey. Its fine. I mean it. Okay? It happens. Its no big deal. Really.
INGRID
I love you.
JONAH
I love you too.
The two share a kiss.
INGRID
God its cold outside.
JONAH
Coffee?
INGRID
We’ll be up all night.
JONAH
Who cares?
INGRID
I don’t know.
JONAH
C’mon. It won’t kill ya.
INGRID
It might.
JONAH
We can hope.
Ingrid punches Jonah on the shoulder.
INGRID
You’re a real dick, you know that.
Jonah shrugs.
JONAH
Ladies love the dick.
INGRID
You’re the worst.
JONAH
Ya but like, Hitler.
INGRID
Okay, Hitler...then
JONAH
Stalin. Don’t forget Stalin.
INGRID
Then Stalin...
JONAH
Then me.
INGRID
Then you.
JONAH
So coffee?
INGRID
What about beer?
JONAH
On a Monday?
INGRID
Where do you have to be?
JONAH
Places.
INGRID
What places?
JONAH
Many places. Who knows? Kansas city, Denver, Albuquerque, Los Angeles...
INGRID
But not tonight.
JONAH
No...not tonight.
INGRID
So why not a beer?
JONAH
Fine...but just one.
EXT. BAR - NIGHT
Jonah, held strong by the steady Ingrid, stumbles out of the bar.
JONAH
(Drunkenly)
I’m not drunk.
INGRID
Of course not.
JONAH
I’m at like, 10 percent. I got 90 in me.
INGRID
Of course you do Jonah.
JONAH
Hey, I thought we were going to the bar?
INGRID
We are. We will. But lets just head back real quick. To sober up.
JONAH
I’m sober.
INGRID
I mean clean up. Freudian slip, I guess.
JONAH
I’d never fuck my dad.
INGRID
What?
JONAH
I just wouldn’t do it. I mean, not even for like, money.
INGRID
I don’t think thats what...
JONAH
But like, my mom...
Ingrid stares at him in disgust.
JONAH
No, I wouldn’t kill her either.
INGRID
I don’t think you understand Oedipus.
JONAH
I don’t think you understand your face!
INGRID
You’re drunk.
JONAH
Maybe just a little.
INGRID
Home then?
JONAH
We ain’t got no home.
INGRID
You know what I mean.
JONAH
I don’t live at no hotel you know?
INGRID
I know, honey. Just for the night.
JONAH
Ya. Just for the night.
Jonah stumbles ahead of Ingrid.
JONAH
Ya know, if it wasn’t for you, I’d be a lawyer.
INGRID
You are a lawyer honey.
JONAH
No I mean like, a real one.
INGRID
You are a real one.
JONAH
Nooo...you don’t get it. Like. One of those big shots. Like on wall street and stuff, ya know.
INGRID
Sure honey.
JONAH
I...I love you.
INGRID
I know Jonah...I know.
The two stumble into darkness.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
Forgotten bells toll across silent rolling hills.
Below the bells and beyond the hills a tattered car drives by.
Within the car, Ingrid sits cross legged, dressed in all white, a wedding dress, next to Jonah, still dressed in his tux.
The two hold hands, smiles as wide as can be, yet neither looking at the other.
INGRID
This is right, right?
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
We didn’t just make the stupidest decision of our life, right?
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
Cus you didn’t really wanna go, right?
Jonah turns to Ingrid with an ironic smile.
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
Because we’re happy now.
JONAH
We are.
INGRID
Happier than ever.
JONAH
We are.
The two sit in uncomfortable silence
INGRID
Even if I didn’t take the job..
JONAH
Even though you didn’t.
INGRID
And even though you didn’t go to Columbia.
JONAH
Even then.
INGRID
So this is right.
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
Does it feel right?
JONAH
It feels right.
INGRID
Even if its wrong?
JONAH
Even then.
INGRID
And you’re not just agreeing to agree.
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
But if you did go, you wouldn’t be happy, right.
Jonah sits in cold silence.
INGRID
Right?
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
And I wouldn’t either right?
JONAH
Right.
INGRID
But I am happy.
Jonah says nothing.
Ingrid turns to Jonah, on the brink of tears.
INGRID
I am!
JONAH
Are you?
INGRID
Yes! Of course I am! We just got married. I’ve always wanted to get married. How could I not possibly be happy. I just got married.
JONAH
Marriage won’t make you happy.
INGRID
You’re not happy?
JONAH
I am...I mean...I should be...I love you, don’t I?
INGRID
Do you?
JONAH
Of course I do.
INGRID
Then why aren’t you happy?
JONAH
I am happy.
INGRID
So am I. I’m happy. Really. I’m happy. I’m really happy.
JONAH
Me too.
INGRID
So we did the right thing then.
JONAH
What else could we do?
INGRID
Exactly.
JONAH
Whose to say we can’t be happy?
INGRID
No one.
JONAH
So we are happy.
INGRID
Exactly.
JONAH
Because we’re married.
INGRID
And because we’re happy.
JONAH
So we are happy.
INGRID
And this is right.
JONAH
Because we are happy
INGRID
And we always will be.
JONAH
Because we are.
INGRID
And we always were.
JONAH
Always.
INGRID
So this was right.
JONAH
This is right.
INGRID
And it always will be.
JONAH
Forever.
INGRID
And always.
JONAH
No regrets.
INGRID
None.
JONAH
Not a single one.
INGRID
Not even L.A.
JONAH
Not even Columbia.
INGRID
Well maybe just one.
JONAH
What one?
INGRID
Maybe a bit sooner.
JONAH
What sooner?
INGRID
Us sooner.
JONAH
So much sooner.
INGRID
But thats okay.
JONAH
Its okay.
INGRID
Because now we are.
JONAH
Now we are.
INGRID
And we never won’t.
JONAH
Never.
INGRID
Until death do us part.
JONAH
Or something like that.
INGRID
But really just that.
JONAH
Pretty much just that.
INGRID
No. Only that. Nothing else.
JONAH
Nothing else?
INGRID
Nothing else
JONAH
No matter what?
INGRID
No matter what.
JONAH
Will that make us happy?
INGRID
It will.
JONAH
Even if mutual destruction occurs.
INGRID
Especially if mutual destruction occurs.
JONAH
I don’t know Ingrid.
INGRID
I do.
JONAH
Then I guess this is right.
INGRID
I guess it is.
JONAH
Otherwise we would be reasonable.
INGRID
But nothings really reasonable.
JONAH
So I guess this is as much as anything else.
INGRID
It is.
JONAH
Even if it means the literal destruction of ourselves.
INGRID
Even so.
JONAH
Even though that seems a little archaic.
INGRID
Even so.
JONAH
Even if that seems sincerely naive.
INGRID
Even so
JONAH
Okay Ingrid.
INGRID
Okay.
JONAH
This is right.
INGRID
I know.
JONAH
Just don’t ever leave me.
INGRID
Not even if I want to.
JONAH
Especially if you want to.
Ingrid smiles.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
A bitter sun burns in vengeful spite as Ingrid lays sprawled out across the desert sand, staring blankly at an inept man.
Jonah, inept in all things mechanical, fumbles around with the hood of the car, moving this thing and that without any real assurance.
JONAH
No its fine Ingrid. I don’t need any help. Thanks for asking.
INGRID
You didn’t ask.
JONAH
I shouldn’t have to.
INGRID
What could I do?
JONAH
You could help.
INGRID
How?
JONAH
I don’t know. Hand me my tools, hold the flashlight, lots of things.
INGRID
I’m not your bitch.
JONAH
I’m just asking for some help.
INGRID
You didn’t ask for anything.
JONAH
Will you please do something for christ sake.
INGRID
Alright. Jesus. I’m coming, okay? What do you want.
JONAH
Will you hand me that wrench?
INGRID
Which one?
JONAH
That one.
INGRID
This one?
JONAH
No. The other one.
Ingrid looks around, but sees nothing.
INGRID
There isn’t another one.
JONAH
What do you mean there isn’t another one? Of course there is.
INGRID
Then where is it?
JONAH
I don’t know Ingrid. Why don’t you look. As you can see I’m a little busy.
INGRID
I don’t see it.
JONAH
I see you put a lot of effort into that search party.
INGRID
Don’t be an asshole.
JONAH
Can you at least try to be helpful.
INGRID
I did. And all you did was yell at me.
JONAH
I wouldn’t yell at you if you would just listen to me.
INGRID
I am listening to you.
JONAH
No Ingrid. You’re not. You’re being difficult.
INGRID
What do you want me to do Jonah?
JONAH
Something. Anything. Just stop acting so goddamn stupid!
INGRID
I’m calling a mechanic.
JONAH
Don’t.
Ingrid walks away, dialing a phone number.
Jonah runs towards Ingrid, grabbing her briskly by the arm.
JONAH
Ingrid, stop.
INGRID
Let go of me Jonah.
Jonah doesn’t let go.
Ingrid struggles.
JONAH
Give me the phone, Ingrid.
INGRID
Jonah. Stop. You’re hurting me.
JONAH
Give me the phone Ingrid.
INGRID
Jonah stop!
JONAH
Give it to me.
Jonah grabs for the phone, pulling at Ingrids arm, and Ingrid drops the phone.
Ingrid pushes Jonah away.
INGRID
Jesus Christ Jonah! What the fuck is wrong with you.
Jonah, realizing his absence of mine, and violence to count, looks away ashamedly.
INGRID
Really! Jonah! Tell me! What the fuck is wrong with you? Fuck! Why can’t you just be like anyone else? Why do you have to be such a goddamn prick all the time?
JONAH
I’m sorry Ingrid...I didn’t mean to...
INGRID
It doesn’t matter what you meant Jonah, cus you did. Okay. You did.
Ingrid, holding her arm in pain, stomps back over to the car, and slams the door, sitting in the passenger seat.
Jonah grabs the phone, looks at the number, and puts it in his pocket.
After some to do, Jonah shuts the hood, and steps into the car.
JONAH
I’m sorry Ingrid...I didn’t mean to hurt you...if I had known it had meant that much to you...if you had just given me the phone...
INGRID
You don’t get it Jonah, do you?
JONAH
What?
INGRID
I don’t give a fuck about my arm Jonah.
JONAH
Then why are you so mad?
INGRID
Because its still my fault Jonah. Even when you hit me, its my fault.
JONAH
I didn’t hit you.
INGRID
You hurt me.
JONAH
Not on purpose.
INGRID
Does it matter?
JONAH
Of course it matters!
INGRID
Abuse is abuse, Jonah.
JONAH
So now I’m abusive, is that it? Because I fucking asked for your phone.
INGRID
You didn’t ask.
JONAH
What do you want me to do Ingrid. You won’t talk to me. You won’t listen to me. I have to do something to get your attention.
INGRID
So you hit me?
JONAH
I didn’t hit you!
INGRID
Then what would you call that?
Indicating her bruised arm.
JONAH
I just got excited, is all.
INGRID
You’re a real prick, you know that.
JONAH
I said I’m sorry already, what else do you want me to do.
INGRID
Oh my god Jonah. Just because you say you’re sorry doesn’t make it okay.
JONAH
Well I can’t change what I did.
INGRID
Just don’t do it!
JONAH
I didn’t! I mean, not on purpose.
INGRID
And what about next time? Huh. What about when it is on purpose.
JONAH
I would never do that.
INGRID
You already did.
Jonah looks as if to say something, but Ingrid doesn’t acknowledge him, and instead stares out the window.
JONAH
Maybe we shouldn’t keep doing this.
INGRID
What do you mean?
JONAH
This. Us. I mean. This whole trip has been shit.
INGRID
Don’t be melodramatic.
JONAH
I’m not. I mean it. I mean, you and I both know how its been.
INGRID
Its been three days.
JONAH
Four.
INGRID
We just got married.
JONAH
Shouldn’t we be happy?
INGRID
Its just a rough patch.
JONAH
Is it? Or is it more than that.
INGRID
Its not.
JONAH
But what if it is. What if we aren’t? What if the reason we fight is because we don’t really give a shit about each other.
INGRID
Do you?
JONAH
Ya. I mean, I guess.
INGRID
Well I do. And I don’t think you should just quit after a few bad days.
JONAH
Its not quitting.
INGRID
Then what is it?
JONAH
Its doing whats right.
INGRID
Is this so wrong.
JONAH
I don’t know...maybe.
INGRID
Lets just go.
JONAH
Ingrid...
INGRID
I don’t want to talk about this anymore, okay? Lets just go. Can we do that? Can we just go?
Jonah starts the car, a slight sense of relief masking the pain.
The two drive off into the desert sun.