The Ugly Life
EXT. BUS STOP, DAY
Open on SOUR MIX ("Mix"), mid-twenties, squat and
muscular, dressed the quintessential slacker. He's waiting at a bus
stop, asleep standing up with a can of
Rockstar in one hand, a burned out cigarette in the other.
It's not particularly early in the morning.
A dance remix of "In Da Club" by 50 Cent is playing in his
headphones when a
car HONKS as it drives by and Mix jerks awake.
MIX
(at music)
Fuck!
Mix puts the cigarette in his mouth and reaches into his
hoodie pocket. "In Da Club" cuts off and the closing of "Fade to
Black" by Metallica comes on.
MIX
Better.
Now that he's awake we can appreciate that Mix looks like
crap, the morning
after of the rock and roll lifestyle. He spits out the cigarette, chugs
the rest of the Rockstar and drops the can. Then he starts to doze off
again.
A few beats later a bus comes
to
a stop in front of him. The doors open.
DRIVER
Hey!
Mix wakes up and boards.
MIX
Thanks, man.
He shows the driver his pass and collapses into the first
open seat, falling asleep again to "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day.
ext. uncle chuck's bbq & sandy's
dog grooming, day
Mix is walking along the big-window storefront of a dog
grooming parlor called Sandy's to his job at Uncle
Chuck's BBQ. He still looks awful and is smoking a cigarette. On
the
walkway walking toward him is a cute chick who's intent on ignoring him.
As they pass.
MIX
Hi.
The chick doesn't acknowledge him, keeps walking.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S dining room,
DAY, continuous
Mix opens the front door, looking back at the chick.
MIX
(to chick)
I guess a blow job's out of the question, huh?
(to himself)
Bitch.
Mix enters, still smoking. There's a
sign over the hostess station that identifies the restaurant. At the
hostess station in front of the door, MADISON, early twenties, very
fashionable,
is on the phone. She looks at him, amused.
MADISON
Always the charmer.
Mix makes a noisy kissy face at her as he walks by. Madison laughs and returns to her conversation.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S WAIT STATION, DAY
Muffled BARKING DOGS can be heard.
DRINKING DOG ("DD") is a taller, skinnier slightly more emo
copy of Mix. He's robotically combining ketchup bottles when Mix enters
the wait station, already reaching into his backpack.
No greetings are made. Mix takes a bottle of vodka from
his backpack and hands it to DD as he walks past DD and exits through a door.
DD
(to bottle)
Ahh, good mornin'
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S STORE ROOM, DAY
DD follows Mix, guzzling vodka as Mix drops his backpack in the middle of the floor and opens a locker to reveal a green three foot bong.
MIX
This cash?
DD
Nope.
DD returns to the vodka while Mix bends over. He isn't
shown smoking from the
bong, but the SCRAPE of a lighter and BUBBLING WATER can be heard. Then
Mix sits on a stool made from milk crates taped together, exhaling a large
stream of smoke.
MIX
See, that's much better. Gimme.
DD passes the bottle to Mix, who drinks. DD has already
perked
up.
DD
How was the booty call from Hell?
Mix stops drinking long enough to show DD a vicious scratch
on the side of his neck that amuses DD.
MIX
I swear she's crazier every time I go over there.
DD
So you're gonna stop fucking her?
Mix's stare is answer enough. DD takes the
bottle from him.
DD
Was this hers?
MIX
I figured she owed me.
Mix reaches into his backpack and takes a can of Rockstar out
that he cracks and chugs in a few long guzzles. Then he gets the vodka
and takes a pull from it.
MIX
Okay, now I might actually do some work today.
DD
Likely story.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S WAIT STATION, DAY
They exit the room, now wearing
aprons. DD washes his hands and walks to the
window. The dogs are still BARKING over at Sandy's.
DD
Hey, Boyce.
On the other side of the window, on the line is
the cook BOYCE, drinking from a quart of Miller High
Life. He salutes with the bottle before putting it back on a shelf and
returning to his cooking.
BEGIN WORKING DAY MONTAGE
DD looks at a ticket on a tray, then hefts the tray onto
one shoulder and walks out of the wait station, almost running into Madison,
who dodges him.
MADISON
(once again...)
Corner?
DD ignores her, walks to a table of three and sets the
entire tray down, then walks away without acknowledging the customers. Mix
walks up behind him and puts a caddy with several bottles of sauce on the table
also with no acknowledgment. Two of the customers look confused, but the third
just reaches for a plate.
DD takes a bus tub to a table and sweeps the
plates and silverware into it with no heed of the noise it makes. A few
lunchers flinch at the sound. He's more careful with the glassware.
Mix walks toward the kitchen.
CUSTOMER #1
Excuse me, the brisket...
Mix doesn't acknowledge the customer.
CUSTOMER #1
... does that come with, um, excuse me?
Mix walks to two more waitresses, SARA and NICOLE who are
chatting and grabs Sara by the arm.
SARA
Okay, but we have to be quick.
Mix ignores them and drags Sara to the customer.
NICOLE
We were talking!
MIX
He has a question.
Mix walks away. Sara laughs.
sara
(to customer)
So, I hear you have a question?
In the wait station Mix is waiting for a big order
to finish being laid
on trays when Nicole storms in.
NICOLE
Table seven had dog hair in their food!
BOYCE (O.S.)
Dammit, Arturo!
MIX
(sighs)
Fuck this.
He walks into the store room.
In the lounge, the bartender, MATT, is serving a few early
starters. DD walks
behind the bar and pours himself a very stiff drink in a pint glass.
matt
Hey, DD.
DD waves as he takes a drink from his glass. He cleans
up after himself before he leaves.
Two customers at a nearby table notice the exchange.
CUSTOMER #2
Are you kidding me?
CUSTOMER #3
Just wait.
DD walks through the dining room, passing a table of two
stylish, muscular guys with spiky hair getting very attentive service from
Madison and Sara. Sara notices the attention and DD rolls his eyes at
her. She sticks her tongue out at him.
END WORKING DAY MONTAGE
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S WAIT STATION, DAY
DD walks in with his glass. UNCLE
CHUCK, a strung out gaunt man in his 60's wearing a cheap suit is
kind of listening to Nicole talking about the dog hair until he
sees DD.
UNCLE CHUCK
Hey, Dog! What's up?
Nicole throws her hands up in the air and growls
before storming through a swinging door. The BARKING grows more distinct for a
second.
DD
Chuck! Finally woke up.
DD and Uncle Chuck slap hands and tap fists.
DD
Was just about to step into the office, c'mon in.
UNCLE CHUCK
Don't mind if I do.
int. uncle chuck's WAIT STATION, DAY
Sara opens the store room door, smoke rolls out.
SARA
Damn, that smells good.
She enters. BUBBLING sounds for a few moments.
sara (o.s.)
Oh, Mix, someone's outside for you.
Mix (O.S.)
Well, fuck.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S DINING ROOM, DAY
DD enters the dining room from the wait station with his
empty glass in his hand. Mix is standing outside on the sidewalk with a
small group of people, including WORTHY, a more put-together friend and EMILY,
a pretty younger girl in
braids. Emily nudges someone who speaks to Worthy. Worthy turns and
pounds on
the glass, then motions to DD. DD gives him the finger, causing laughter
outside, then continues to the lounge.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S STORE ROOM, DAY
Mix enters the store room. Sara is gone but Uncle
Chuck is still there. DD now has a full drink again and his spirits are
remarkably improved.
DD
You gonna sit on that mother fucker all day?
UNCLE CHUCK
If you think about it, I really bought this weed, so....
MIX
We goin' to a party!
DD
Why the fuck would we want to do that?
UNCLE CHUCK
Girls and booze someone else paid for.
MIX
You are a wise man.
UNCLE CHUCK
I try.
DD is tipping back his drink, it's half gone already.
DD
Shit, I should have got a bottle.
MIX
We'll get one on the way out.
UNCLE CHUCK
Get one for me, too.
DD
Night boys here yet?
MIX
I think so.
DD
We shouldn't leave until they are.
UNCLE CHUCK
I appreciate that professionalism in my staff.
Uncle Chucks stands, he's not very steady.
UNCLE CHUCK
If you guys eat, don't snag any of the specials.
The guys mutter assents as Uncle Chuck staggers from the room.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S WAIT STATION, night
They come out of the store room in street clothes.
Mix hands off his apron to another slacker type.
MIX
Another day, another dime bag.
They each take a plate from the window and walk toward the back, shoveling the food into their mouths.
ext. ALLEY, night
They leave out the back door, DD is backing out the door
still eating. He gulps the last bite of food.
DD
Paco, catch!
He frisbees the plate back inside and lets the door close.
WORTHY
Hey, kids.
Mix cracks a bottle of Captain Morgan's and looks up, the
group from
earlier is standing in the alley smoking pot. DD takes a sniff.
DD
All the way from Mexico, I'm impressed.
HANGER ON #1
Can you do better?
mix
Shit, son, this is not where you want to challenge us.
Mix hands the bottle to DD who immediately tips it
back. Mix intercepts the pipe and knocks it empty.
HANGER ON #1
What the-?
DD
You won't miss it.
Mix loads the pipe and
hands it back to Hanger On #1.
MIX
Try that, scout.
DD
Small hit, baby.
Hanger On #1 lights the pipe and
takes a puff. He clearly has trouble not coughing it out. Mix and DD join
the circle and the
pipe changes hands it to the person next in the circle as they insert
themselves. Emily pulls the person next to her aside so she can stand
next to DD.
MIX
Take note, this brown shit you've been smoking, my pubes will
get you higher.
As he speaks one of the circle starts coughing
uncontrollably from the pot.
MIX
And this is about the worst stuff I'm willing to smoke.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
The crowd is walking down the street. Emily moves to get next
to DD.
EMILY
I love your hair!
DD
Thanks. You don't think it makes me look like a girl?
EMILY
Oh, not at all.
DD
(to Worthy)
Told you.
WORTHY
You're still the prettiest boy I've seen all day.
DD
(points to Emily)
Nothing compared to her, of course.
Emily doesn't quite roll her eyes, but she's losing interest
fast.
DD
Hey, now. Brown nosing ain't lying.
And he's redeemed himself.
WORTHY
Man, I'm fucking hungry.
dd
Too bad you don't work in a fine dining establishment.
WORTHY
Shit, you two wouldn't know fine dining from smelly pussy.
MIX
Hey! I do!
WORTHY
Okay, maybe you.
HANGER ON #1
We need to find a bus.
DD
And yet we've got all this rum.
MIX
I have an idea.
CUT TO:
EXT. BUS STOP, NIGHT
A bus pulls up to the stop the group is waiting at.
They all have Slurpees they are suspiciously enjoying more than they should.
INT. SOMEONE'S HOUSE, NIGHT
There's several large coolers filled with beers in the front
room of a fairly nice house filled with preppies. DD,
Mix, and Worthy stand in front of it with Emily and a girlfriend of
hers. The guys are finishing loading beers into pockets, then crack two
each.
GUYS
Hot bitches.
Their toast amuses Emily, her girlfriend not so much.
The girls take healthy drinks, but the guys
guzzle the beers and drop the cans where they stand. Only then do they look at
the crowd.
DD
If I gave a shit about such things, I'd feel out of place.
MIX
It's like snow blindness, but khaki.
WORTHY
Hey, a bong.
dd
We're so there.
INT. SOMEONE'S HOUSE, NIGHT
RANDOM #1 exhales smoke and then slumps over as RANDOM #2
hits it the bong and starts coughing.
DD
What pussies. Give me that.
MIX
Rotation!
DD
Fuck that.
Random #2 is still coughing, hands the bong off to DD.
EMILY
Damn. I'm really high.
DD
And the night is young.
WORTHY
So is she.
dd
What?
WORTHY
Nothing, are you gonna hit that or what?
DD
I have a better idea.
INT. SOMEONE'S KITCHEN, NIGHT
Worthy is standing by the fridge, Mix by the
stove. Emily and a small crowd are watching DD sort through a baggie.
MIX
Okay, these are ready.
DD
This one.
DD puts a bud on the stove and dons a pair of oven
mitts. Worthy opens the freezer door, DD takes a metal funnel with a
paper
towel wrapped around the spout out and Mix
pulls a pair of butter knives off a burner. Mix picks up the bud with the
knives and squeezes it, DD sucks the smoke up through the funnel.
The crowd cheers.
DD pulls back and offers the funnel to Emily.
DD
(exhaling smoke)
Yeah, that's the stuff.
Emily goes to it.
ext. SOMEONE'S BACK YARD, NIGHT
Emily is laughing at something apparently witty DD just said
in the near
background. Mix is supervising two kids shotgunning beers.
MIX
Almost there, almost there.
WORTHY
This is getting interesting.
MIX
That's never a good thing.
WORTHY
Well, I wasn't specifically invited to this party.
MIX
Of all the parties to crash we came here?
Worthy hand signals to DD.
WORTHY
I think we're wearing out our welcome.
MIX
We don't exactly fit in with the Hollister cult.
DD
You are fucking up my flow.
worthy
Sorry, Casanova, I couldn't see your tiny little flow.
MIX
Shoulda wore tighter pants.
DD
Why are we bailing? We haven't broken anything, or started
any fights.
WORTHY
Shockingly enough, some people have tighter standards for
party fouls.
MIX
We should load up on our way out.
DD starts to walk away.
dd
Okay, I'll wrap up. But I'm telling her you're a pussy.
WORTHY
Dude, wait, she-
MIX
C'mon. My backpack's too light.
INT. SOMEONE'S HOUSE, NIGHT
Worthy and Mix are loading beers into a trash bag inserted
into Mix's backpack.
WORTHY
Trash bags. Sometimes I think you're a genius.
MIX
I have my moments.
DD arrives, very excited.
DD
Dude-
MIX
Turn around.
Mix produces another trash bag and sticks it into DD's
backpack empty, then starts loading it up.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
DD
I got her number!
MIX
Dude, no way that chick's legal.
DD
What?
WORTHY
We tried to tell you all night, man.
DD
FUCK!
WORTHY
Half that crowd was still in high school.
MIX
How did YOU meet up with them?
WORTHY
They're not all in high school.
DD
Too good to be true.
He produces a beer from the pocket of his hoodie and chugs it.
Mix's phone rings.
MIX
Hey, Will. Really? Yeah, we're in
Hillsdale. Hey, that's too good. We'll meet you up there.
Mix ends the call.
MIX
Potty's in town.
WORTHY
That's usually a good thing.
MIX
He's got a ton of Red Rock.
dd
Good timing.
He tosses the empty and cracks another beer.
INT. MIX'S BEDROOM, NIGHT
Mix is fast asleep when DD bursts into his room.
DD
Dude! Dude!
MIX
Augh! What the fuck?
DD collapses on the edge of the bed.
DD
I found it. I found it.
MIX
Jesus, man, where the fuck did you go?
DD
Dude, I found us a house.
MIX
We want a house?
DD
It's, like, abandoned, and shit. It's perfect.
MIX
Uh huh. Go to bed. Wake me up again I'll rape you to death.
DD
Dude, c'mon, we gotta pack!
Mix lays down, covers himself again.
MIX
If you're still here, or making any noise, in a minute, I'm
getting the stun gun.
DD
No no no! I found it! It's there!
DD paws at Mix's covers.
DD
(continuing)
I'll show you, get up.
MIX
Stun gun, I fucking swear.
Mix pushes DD with his foot. DD collapses onto the floor.
MIX
Motherfucker gets wasted and disappears. I might stun
gun you anyway.
Mix settles into sleep, DD mutters quietly until he passes out.
INT. MIX'S BEDROOM, DAY
Mix's hangover is just starting to wake him up. A
bleary but alert DD is rifling through Mix's coat. He's watching Mix, but Mix
has his arm thrown across his eyes and a mind for nothing beyond his pain.
DD comes up with Mix's cell and sneaks out of Mix's bedroom.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY,
CONTINUOUS
DD enters a phone number into Mix's cell from a scrap of
paper. DD listens to it ringing.
DD
Should have had a drink first.
TARA
Hello?
DD
Hi, is Emily there?
Pause.
TARA
Is this DD?
Hesitation.
DD
Yes.
TARA
My sister's only sixtee-
DD
Damn! I knew it was too good to be true.
Tara has aborted her tirade, listening to DD.
DD
Look, I wasn't sure. I thought she was, y'know, old enough.
Oh, never mind. You're going to yell at me now, right?
TARA
I was. But, you really thought she was older?
DD
Yeah. Well, I guess I more hoped she was.
(pause)
Did she tell you about me?
TARA
Yeah.
DD
So she could get you to blow me off.
TARA
No, it's not like that. She was glad to meet you, she just
didn't
realize you were older at first.
DD
Okay. Well, thanks for not
yelling
at me, I won't call your sister again.
DD ends the call and draws back to throw the phone before
remembering it's Mix's. A toilet FLUSHES. DD flops onto a
couch. Worthy exits the bathroom, he looks run down as well.
WORTHY
Shitty, dude.
DD
Par for the course.
WORTHY
Yeah. Who was it?
DD
Sister. Nice enough not to chew me out, or call the
cops.
WORTHY
Shoulda called the cops, if there ever was a sexual predator
it's you.
DD
Yeah, suburbanite moms hate me.
WORTHY
And they are right to do so.
Worthy walks to the TV and starts fiddling with the
Playstation.
WORTHY
You gonna sneak Mix's phone back?
DD
Oh. Yeah.
DD goes into Mix's bedroom. Worthy loads a game and sits on
the
couch. He picks up a controller. DD enters, looks at the game and sits.
DD
It's all about makin' that GTA.
WORTHY
I'm going to get this motherfucker to the hospital.
DD
It's so cute you do missions. I just kill hookers and
old ladies.
WORTHY
I like hookers and old ladies.
DD digs under the
coffee table for a large glass pipe. He loads it then he and Worthy start
smoking. Worthy pauses the game each time he takes the pipe.
WORTHY
Where the fuck did you go last night?
DD
I don't even know, but I think I found an abandoned house.
WORTHY
Really?
DD
I think so. After I got out of the van.
MIX (O.S.)
You're a dick.
Mix enters and heads for the pipe.
MIX
Bring me back from the shadow lands, friend.
He gets the pipe and takes a hit, then shambles into the
kitchen.
INT. MIX & DD'S KITCHEN, DAY
There's a plate with a dozen or more burritos in the
microwave.
Mix is dropping three packets worth of Alka Seltzer
tablets into a pint glass of water. EXPLOSIONS and GUNFIRE from the game
can be heard, along with the LIGHTER.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Mix thunks the plate of burritos and a six pack of beer on
the table. He begins to guzzle his Alka-Seltzer while DD helps himself to
a burrito and a beer. There's a loud EXPLOSION from the TV.
worthy
Fuck!
Worthy
reaches for a burrito.
WORTHY
That one's a bitch.
dd
Might help if you stopped pausing it.
Mix slams the empty glass on the table.
MIX
It keeps me alive, but oh, that sucks.
WORTHY
I can't smoke and play at the same time.
DD
Well, you've got a point.
MIX
Got a cigarette?
EXT. PADDY'S, DAY
The trio are sitting around a sidewalk table, WILLOW, a hippyish girl the same age range as the guys approaches and sits. Ad lib greetings.
WILLOW
Where the fuck did you disappear to last night?
DD
I walked home.
WILLOW
Damn.
WORTHY
I could barely stay awake.
MIX
You're a pussy.
DD
I think I found a house. I remember stumbling through a
field,
it was steep, must have been in the Hills. The grass was all overgrown but the
lights were on.
MIX
A field in the West Hills?
WORTHY
You're sure it was real?
dd
Hey, it was opium, not acid.
MIX
If I was going to trust a drug vision, it would be DD's.
WILLOW
This is true.
MIX
So what's the fallout from the party?
WORTHY
Well, after ruining silverware, staining carpets and
hitting on underage girls.
DD gives Worthy the finger.
WORTHY
(continuing)
Who gives a fuck?
MIX
I like the way you think.
DD
I called her.
MIX
Wear something nice for the mug shot.
DD
Her sister answered the phone. Wasn't so bad I guess.
DD drains his beer.
DD
And soon I won't care at all.
Mix's cell rings, it's his sister, SANDRA.
MIX
Shit.
(answers)
What, Sandra?
WILLOW
You go to underage parties, you meet underage girls. You do
okay, man.
SANDRA
Can you fill in next week?
Worthy looks around, waves to a waitress.
DD
But I never hit it off like that with chicks. And she
was sober, even, at first. She was so hot.
Man, I haven't fucked a chick with nice tits
in years.
MIX
Now why would I want to do that?
WORTHY
She did have some nice titties.
SANDRA
Because I need your help, and the kids love you.
WILLOW
It could have been the bra. I have some that do incredible things.
MIX
But I hate them.
WORTHY
No, she was wearing this
little lacy thing and her
sweater was so low cut you could- Oh.
DD
Yeah, I noticed.
Waitress NANCY walks up.
NANCY
What's up?
WORTHY
Sorry, dude.
SANDRA
Whatever, tough guy.
WILLOW
Girl problems.
NANCY
Jagers?
DD
You are a goddess. Why won't you come work for Uncle Chuck?
MIX
I have to work next week.
NANCY
Because you guys are probably terrible bussers. Four Jagers coming up.
She picks up DD's empty glass.
NANCY
And another beer.
SANDRA
Please?
MIX
Fuck.
Sandra
Day after tomorrow, noon. Thanks.
Mix drops his phone on the table.
DD
Kiddies?
MIX
Kiddies. Fuck.
Nancy arrives with DD's beer and large shot glasses full to the brim with Jagermeister.
NANCY
What have you three been up to?
WORTHY
Attempted debauchery, public drunkenness.
NANCY
Any new outrages?
MIX
DD hit on an underage chick last
night.
NANCY
Dee!
DD moves to defend himself, but Worthy cuts him off.
WORTHY
She looked older. I swear. With beer goggles, totally
looked eighteen.
NANCY
Yeah, right.
MIX
They develop so fast these days. I swear when I was in
high school they didn't look like they do now.
NANCY
Oh, no.
Nancy walks away in moderate disgust.
WILLOW
You've been hanging around Dent too much.
They carefully pick up their shot glasses.
ALL
Self loathing.
They take the extra large shots and grimace to
varying degrees.
MIX
What the fuck is wrong with German people?
DD
I love that stuff.
WILLOW
And it loves you.
MIX
Yeah, sometimes love makes you puke, too.
DD
True.
INT. Worthy's APARTMENT, NIGHT
Worthy is sitting at a computer, Mix & DD stand behind
him.
They're passing a bong around and looking at Google Maps (or something
similar), viewing aerial photos.
DD
Last thing I remember clearly was you guys arguing how long
it would take to climb the radio towers.
MIX
Heh. Someone got his ass shocked.
Mix's cell phone rings.
WORTHY
Fuck you. So that's right here, and you came down onto
Broadway?
MIX
Hello?
DD
I'm pretty sure.
TARA
Um, is DD there?
WORTHY
That's mostly stilt houses, though.
MIX
Uh. Yeah. Hold on.
Mix presses his phone against his leg.
MIX
It's for you. Did you call your Lolita from my phone?
DD
Shit! Yeah. Her sister's going to kill me.
Mix hands his cell to DD.
DD
Hello?
TARA
Um, hi.
DD is stricken. He goes onto the balcony.
ext. Worthy's balcony, NIGHT
Tara is a little tipsy and there's a lot of
BACKGROUND CHATTER.
DD
Hi.
TARA
I'm Tara. You, uh, called-
DD
Yeah, I remember. Uh, what's up?
TARA
I just wanted to. Well, you seemed so nice about, you know. I
just. Wanted to. Call you.
DD
Oh.
DD smacks himself, incensed that he couldn't think of a
better response.
DD
Are you eighteen?
Tara laughs, DD almost collapses with relief.
TARA
I'm twenty four, actually.
DD
Okay, that's good to hear. But it's a better defense if I
meet you in a bar.
Tara laughs again.
TARA
Fortuitously, I'm in a bar.
DD
Which one?
TARA
Night Light.
DD is jubilant.
DD
Equally fortuitous, I'm at a friend's place not far away
from Night Light.
TARA
Oh, really? Well.
DD
I'll be on my way. Uh, how will I recognize you?
TARA
Well, I look a lot like my sister, I'm in a black leather
jacket, and I'm sitting under a painting of a naked woman with an umbrella.
DD
I'm, like, ten minutes out. I'll see you soon.
TARA
Okay.
DD
Okay. Uh, be right there.
DD ends the call and heads inside again.
INT. WORTHY'S APARTMENT, NIGHT
DD tosses
Mix's cell back to him.
MIX
Are you going to need a lawyer?
DD
Money, I need money. That was the sister.
Mix and Worthy gape.
WORTHY
No shit?
DD rifles through his pockets.
DD
No shit. How much do I have? How much do I have?
Mix starts rifling through his own pockets and Worthy leaps
up,
entering his bedroom. He comes back a moment later with a Mason jar stuffed
with bills.
DD
Dude, that's your 'shroom money.
worthy
Take it, you're good for it. Go. Why are you still
fucking here?
DD grabs a fistful of bills and stuffs them into his pocket.
He puts on his jacket and stutters towards the door before he cracks two more
beers and starts chugging one.
EXT. NIGHT LIGHT, NIGHT
DD stops jogging outside the bar. He tries to catch his
breath, coughing at the cold air in his lungs.
DD
Okay, slow it down. Don't want to look too eager. Ow.
DD rubs his side for a moment, then reaches for the door
handle.
DD
I hope she's not fat.
INT. NIGHT LIGHT, NIGHT
DD enters the bar, still somewhat out of breath. His eyes
catch the painting and look under it. A slim young woman in a classy leather
jacket
with a remarkable resemblance to Emily is sitting under it, looking at
something on the table. DD makes a subdued fist pump in victory. He walks to
the table. Tara looks up from a menu when he's mostly there. She smiles.
TARA
DD?
DD
Tara?
TARA
Wow, Emily was right, you are a hottie.
DD
For all the charms your family has, clearly there's insanity.
Tara laughs. DD sits down.
DD
So.
TARA
Yeah.
DD
Yeah.
Pause.
DD
Okay, basic biographical information in thirty seconds. You
go first.
TARA
Me? Why do I have to go first?
DD
Because I ran here and I can barely breathe.
Tara melts a little.
TARA
You ran?
DD didn't mean to reveal that.
DD
Ah, I didn't want you to come to your senses.
Tara laughs.
TARA
Okay, I'll go first. Thirty seconds?
DD
Give or take a few minutes.
TARA
Okay. Um. You know my name, and that I'm twenty four,
sooo.
DD
Faster.
TARA
Jeez, okay. Uh, born in upstate New York, moved here
with my family when I was seven, I don't remember much about back East. Um,
college graduate, work downtown, nuclear family, um, mom, dad, sister, who
you've met.
DD cringes for show, Tara laughs.
TARA
(continuing)
And a brother who's in the Army. Catholic, Taurus, um,
Democrat,
uh.
DD
Long walks on the beach, horse rides and a roaring fire.
Tara laughs.
TARA
Yes, all of that. Your turn.
DD
Twenty three, born on the coast, moved here when I was twelve
because the coast fucking sucks. Bit of a potty mouth, not a member of a
political party, I like video games, Irish whiskey, blended or single malt, I
work in a restaurant, I have bad luck with cell phones and ooh a waiter.
I'll have a Mirror Pond.
TARA
Cheater!
DD
What are you drinking there?
TARA
Um.
WAITER
Irish coffee?
Tara blushes.
DD
It's fate. I'll get her another.
TARA
No, you don't have to do that.
DD
You can get the next round if it'll satisfy your wimmin's
libber conscience.
TARA
I'm hardly one of those. I was in a sorority.
DD
No women's studies?
TARA
Just one class.
DD
I love women's studies.
TARA
And before you turn that into something dirty, what do you do in your restaurant?
DD
You're quick. I'm a busser and a runner. But not
literally. Well, I do ride the bus, but I generally avoid running.
Speaking of which, do you mind if I smoke?
TARA
Go ahead.
DD
Thanks.
DD gets and lights a cigarette. He offers the pack to
Tara, who waves it off.
DD
What do you do downtown?
Their drinks arrive, DD toasts with Tara's existing drink
then takes a healthy gulp. Tara finishes her drink.
TARA
Really complicated and yet utterly boring stuff. I don't even
want to get into it.
DD
Fair enough. I did some office time. Mail room.
TARA
Fun.
DD
No. Not a bit. It was excruciating. I begged for my job
at the restaurant back.
TARA
Aw, poor you.
DD
It was awful. I was scarred.
DD makes a sad face, Tara laughs.
DD
But I'm much better now.
TARA
I'm glad to hear that.
DD
Me, too. The constant weeping got on everyone's nerves.
TARA
That would get pretty old.
Pause.
TARA
But my day job isn't nearly that bad.
DD
Good, good to hear. You're right downtown?
TARA
Yeah, kind of south, not as far as the college, though.
DD
Was that your school?
TARA
No, I went to Illinois.
DD
How did you end up there?
TARA
It was the school farthest way from home that accepted
me.
That my mom wouldn't freak out about, anyway.
DD
No big city schools for you?
TARA
No way. Mom hated that I was going away at all, but I needed
to.
DD
But you came back.
TARA
I did. I missed the mountains, and the ocean. And I
guess I made peace with my family. Now my sister's going through all of
that.
DD
No comment.
TARA
Yes. So, you said your friend lives nearby?
DD
Yeah. I live over by Lloyd Center with another friend.
You?
TARA
Oh, mom and dad still have me at home.
DD
Well, girls can get away with that.
TARA
Yes, we can. Mom again.
DD
Ah, yes. Mom.
DD finishes his beer.
DD
You're not drinking.
TARA
I've already had a few. I was here with some girls from
work.
DD
Ah, wild girls and foo foo drinks.
TARA
Foo foo drink? This is not a foo foo drink.
DD
Really? Let me have a taste.
Tara hesitates shyly, then pushes her glass over. DD
takes a
sip.
DD
Mmm, whisky. Oh, sorry.
DD puts the glass back.
DD
Not bad. I'll give you credit for it.
TARA
Oh, you're so kind.
DD
I know, I'm forever being taken advantage of.
TARA
I bet. Well, I guess I'd better.
Tara finishes her drink.
TARA
I'll get this round.
DD
You don't have to.
TARA
My wimmin's libber pride, remember?
DD
Oh, right. I forgot.
TARA
Male chauvinist pig!
DD
Damn, you caught me!
TARA
I knew it! You men are all alike.
DD
Jeez, so harsh.
TARA
Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to scar you again.
DD
Yes, I'm very fragile.
Tara flags down the waiter.
TARA
I bet you are.
INT. Worthy's APARTMENT, NIGHT
Mix is looking through Worthy's DVDs when there's a THUMP on
the door. Worthy exits the kitchen and opens it without really looking.
WORTHY
Hey, Dent.
DENT, extremely drunk, slightly older than the others wearing
a disheveled suit, has a grocery sack of forty ounce bottles in one hand and a
case of cheap beer under the other arm. Sara follows him in.
MIX
Hey, Sara.
worthy (O.S.)
Sara?
MIX
Rough day at work?
WORTHY
I'm gonna quit. Swear to God.
MIX
Yeah, yeah. Let me lighten your load.
Dent thrusts the bottle of forties at him and collapses on
Worthy's couch.
DENT
Don't ever work in an office. It's just sodomy, constant
fucking bleeding sodomy.
SARA
Do you really need to tell us that?
He pulls a pipe from his jacket and sparks. Mix passes
forties to Dent and Sara, then cracks one for himself.
DENT
Is that pizza?
WORTHY (O.S.)
Take and bake. Ready in ten.
DENT
This is the life.
SARA
Where's DD?
MIX
He's on a blind date.
DENT
No fucking way.
WORTHY (O.S.)
Way.
SARA
Alright! To DD!
The three toast and start chugging.
SARA
I hear you got drafted into babysitting again.
MIX
I believe that children are our future.
DENT
I thought you believed they should be kept in cages.
MIX
They're the future after we let them out.
INT. NIGHT LIGHT, NIGHT
A loud group has moved in and DD and Tara are sitting on
adjacent sides of the table, leaning close to each other.
DD
Time for another round.
TARA
No no, I have to drive.
DD
There are other options.
Googly eyed moment.
DD
I meant those guys who come on scooters and drive you
home. Of course.
TARA
I've used them before. And that's disappointing if that's all
you were thinking of.
DD
Well, you have a day job and all.
More googly eyes.
TARA
Yes. That's a good excuse. And, well, there's enough
potential drama already. I, I'll call you, though.
DD
Actually I called you from a friend's cell, so I should
probably call you. I promise I will.
The moment is too heavy.
DD
And speaking of drama, can Emily throw a punch? Because that
would help when we go on Jerry.
Tara laughs, a bit embarrassed.
TARA
Oh, she'll be so pissed. But. It's worth it. So far.
Tara stands before DD can respond. DD stands with her.
DD
The number you called from, that's you?
TARA
My cell.
DD
I'll call you.
TARA
Okay.
DD
I will.
TARA
(smiles)
I said okay. Bye.
Tara leaves.
DD
Holy shit, did that just happen?
EXT. PADDY'S, DAY
It's late in the afternoon. DD, Dent, Willow and Sara
are sitting at
a table.
DENT
So ya didn't go for the quick fuck?
WILLOW
Probably wise.
DD
I think I just pussed out.
sara
No, it's nice! This isn't some skank, Dee.
DENT
Drinking on a weeknight? We're not talking schoolmarm
material here.
SARA
I think you've got something quality here.
DD
I don't know about that. I mean, she seems great,
but. Well, there's a reason we're all single.
SARA
Bullshit, you're just freaking out.
DD
I'm just gonna roll with it. We'll see how it goes,
right?
General agreement.
EXT. PADDY'S, NIGHT
Mix and Worthy have shown up. The sidewalk patio is a little more crowded, but the after work office crowd is keeping some distance from our crew.
Worthy, DD & Mix are looking at a number of print outs.
worthy
I wouldn't have thought it, but there are fields in the West
Hills. I just don't know how old these photos are. The sites don't
say.
DD
I think it was near the bridge. I remember stumbling
across it after I found the house.
WORTHY
That would be around-
SARA
Hey! We're drinking here.
MIX
Gee, sorry mom.
Nancy walks by with a tray of drinks.
worthy
Hey, Nancy, who's cooking?
NANCY
Jorge.
WORTHY
Awesome!
DD
I go first!
DD leaves to smoke pot in the kitchen.
WORTHY
I thought of it you fucking cock smoker!
DD
Eat my ass, bitch!
Unhappiness from the surrounding crowd. Sara rolls
her eyes. DD returns a moment later, coughing.
DD
And now it's time to party. Nancy, I need an AMF.
WILLOW
This won't end well, I can already feel it coming. Hey,
Nancy, can I get a black opal?
MIX
Oh, hell.
He stops to look at a professional hottie walking by.
MIX
Whoa. That was a tasty slice.
WORTHY
What, where?
DD sees her as she disappears inside.
DD
That was nice.
WORTHY
Fuck, I missed it.
MIX
She'll be out in a few hours.
Nancy reappears, two pint glasses on her tray, one full of
light blue liquid, the other dark purple.
EXT. PADDY'S, NIGHT
Nancy and another waitress are bringing the next round. DD
& Willow get another round of their super drinks, every one else has
switched from beers to cocktails.
MIX
There she is.
Worthy leans back in his chair and looks at the professional
hottie from earlier.
WORTHY
Very tasty.
SARA
Subtle, dude.
The hottie snarls at Worthy as she walks by.
WORTHY
So we won't be making sweet love any time soon?
Willow smacks him in the back of the head.
SARA
You guys are fucking douchebags.
DD
Us? We're just happy assholes.
WORTHY
Jovial rectumus.
MIX
Yeah, they're douchebags.
Mix points at a party of Boy Band types a few tables
over.
Everyone turns to look.
DENT
Western spiky haired douchebags to be specific.
Sara sprays her drink.
DD
The happy asshole's natural competition. In fact when
she comes to her senses, that Tara chick will probably. Oh, fuck.
DD starts to drain his mostly full AMF through the straw.
SARA
Oh, bullshit. She'd be lucky to have you.
DD slams his empty glass down. No one else rushes to
agree.
EXT. PADDY'S, NIGHT
It's late. The patio crowd is mostly gone. DD is
slumped back in his chair, mouth open to the sky. Willow isn't in much
better shape. The rest of the crowd is pretty drowsy at this point.
All in all, a poster for moderation.
MIX
Fuck. Hey. Let's go.
He slugs DD, who doesn't budge.
MIX
Shit. Do you?
Worthy hands him a small brown glass
vial. Mix waves the vial under DD's
nose. DD writhes, but Mix doesn't let up until DD sits up.
DD
Oh, fuck, man. Do you have to do that?
MIX
C'mon, let's go.
DD
Fine. Fine.
DD levers himself out of his chair and picks up his backpack. Mix follows suit. As they leave, Dent starts poking Willow.
ext. street, night, continuous
DD & Mix stumble down the street, getting a block or so
until they come on a bunch of large plastic garbage cans just past a
convenience store's entrance.
DD
Gotta, gotta piss.
DD leans against the wall with one hand and opens his fly
with the other. As he urinates against the wall, he leans forward a
little more and vomits.
Mix waits for him with only a hint of impatience.
MIX
Mother fucker's gotta drink the AMFs. Jesus.
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE, DAY
Goodtots is an attentive book-learned parent's wet dream,
with clearly marked play areas obsessively vetted for safety and educational
content. Mix walks in still exhaling smoke. The receptionist glares at
him.
MIX
Sandra in the back?
RECEPTIONIST
Yes, you need a badge!
Mix doesn't bother.
There are thirty or so kids in attendance, a dozen or so are
six to nine. One looks up and sees Mix.
KID
Mix!
The kids cheer and all of the boys and most of the girls in
six to nine run
to Mix.
MIX
Kids!
Mix spends a few minutes tapping fists and slapping palms
with his admirers. Sandra comes out of the back room and watches Mix hold
court with a smile.
MIX
Alright, go do something, kids.
The kids happily scatter.
SANDRA
Thanks for coming in -
Mix cuts her off with a glare as her lips start to form a
consonant that's not M.
SANDRA
Oh, do I still have to call you-, Fine. Fine. Mix. Thanks for coming in.
MIX
You're paying me in cash, right?
SANDRA
Give me your coat, pick up your badge and go be nurturing.
And I don't want to see you teaching anyone poker.
Mix tosses Sandra his coat and backpack.
MIX
They already know that.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S WAIT STATION, DAY
DD and Madison are sitting on the counter. Uncle Chuck is
standing facing them.
UNCLE CHUCK
Well, have you called her yet?
DD
No, not yet.
MADISON
Oh, God.
UNCLE CHUCK
Why the hell not? Is she cute?
DD
Yeah, she's pretty cute.
UNCLE CHUCK
Is she nice?
DD
Seems so.
UNCLE CHUCK
And you haven't called yet? Call
her now.
DD
I will.
MADISON
You'd better!
UNCLE CHUCK
Now, jack ass. Use my office phone.
(pauses)
Go!
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S OFFICE, DAY
The office is virtually empty and somewhat dusty. DD sits in
a cheap office chair behind a cheap desk. He dials a number from a piece of
paper.
DD
Why do I do this sober?
TARA
(whispering)
Hello?
DD
Hi.
TARA
(whispering)
Oh, hi! I'm at work, can I call you back?
DD
Well, I'm at work, too. Uh, sure, yeah, call me
back. I'm off at six.
TARA
(whispering)
Okay, bye.
DD
Bye.
DD slams the phone down.
DD
Anti fucking climactic!
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE, DAY
Mix is sitting with
a boy and a girl plying paper and crayons. Mix is teaching them graffiti.
MIX
No, that one's taken.
BOY
Damn. I liked that one.
MIX
It's pretty good. That's why it's taken.
TERRELL
MIX!
A new arrival races up to Mix, his arms held behind him like
an airplane.
TERRELL
I'm gonna be a fighter pilot!
Terrell zooms around the table, making jet
noises, then "flies" away.
MIX
Isn't he diabetic?
GIRL
Yes. How's this?
Mix looks at the girl's tag.
MIX
That's pretty good. You might want to try a lighter
blue on the top.
GIRL
You think?
MIX
Yeah. It's good, but a lighter blue would make the crimson really pop.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S DINING ROOM, NIGHT
DD is clearing a table. Nicole answers the phone.
NICOLE
Uncle Chuck's Barbecue. Who? Really? Are
you sure? Well, okay. DD!
DD puts a few dishes back down and walks to the hostess stand.
NICOLE
There's a phone call for you?
DD takes the phone.
DD
Hello?
TARA
Chuck is a good barbecue name.
DD
Chuck can't cook, actually. The mastermind's name is Boyce.
TARA
Boyce?
DD
Yeah, long story. I guess, I don't actually know
it. So you're off work?
TARA
Yes, finally. Should I come there? I'm kind of hungry.
DD's eyes swivel to Nicole, who's glaring at him with a
mixture
of disgust and amazement.
DD
Nah, I wanna get outta here. I'm off in half an
hour, and I'm in Gateway.
TARA
Okay.
DD
How about dinner, you're hungry, right?
DD cringes at his clumsy delivery.
TARA
That would be great.
DD
Okay. Did you have a place in mind? I'm kind of a Taco Bell
guy.
TARA
Not while I'm sober. I'll think of a place. Somewhere
on the
rail?
DD
Yeah. I'll call you before I leave.
TARA
Great.
DD
Okay, I'll talk to you later.
TARA
Bye.
DD
Bye.
DD hangs up and turns on Nicole.
DD
What?
NICOLE
Was that a girl?
DD
No, it was my drag queen boyfriend, want to come along? He
can teach you how to put make up on with some class.
Nicole makes a noise and walks away.
DD
Bitch. Shit, how much money do I have? Yo, CHUCK!
INT. INDIAN RESTAURANT, NIGHT
DD can be seen through a window approaching the door, tucking
a pint bottle of vodka away. He walks in, there's a hostess stand just
inside the door.
DD
Hi, I'm meeting someone here.
MARTA
This way.
Marta leads DD into the dining room, Tara is in a business
suit looking over a stack of papers, drinking a glass of wine. She looks up as
they approach.
TARA
Thanks, Marta. Hello again.
DD
Hi. Wow, I'm definitely outclassed.
TARA
You look very rugged.
DD
Yeah, Carhart's hot, baby.
Tara laughs. DD shucks his coat and backpack and sits.
Tara puts the papers into a briefcase next to her chair. DD notices the hostess
is hovering.
MARTA
Something to drink?
DD
Oh. Do you have Mac's? Thanks.
MARTA
More wine, Tara?
TARA
No, I'm fine for now. Thanks, Marta.
The hostess leaves.
DD
You know everyone here? Is this a trap?
TARA
Yes, I've got you right where I want you.
DD
I hope this isn't where you really want me.
Tara blushes a little.
TARA
I, uh, I told Emily.
DD
Ouch.
TARA
It wasn't bad, actually. She, I mean she knew that you two
weren't happening. Because I'd have killed you and put her in a convent.
DD
And all that before your parents got involved.
TARA
So, she was a little envious.
DD
Have we given her a reason to be envious yet?
Tara blushes again, but is saved by a waiter arriving with
DD's beer.
WAITER
Ready to order?
DD
Oh, I haven't even looked at the menu yet.
DD looks.
DD
And it's not going to help.
(to Tara)
Recommendation?
TARA
Number four. Do you like spicy food?
DD
Oh, I like all kinds of spicy things.
TARA
Oh, God. Go three stars on that.
DD
Sounds good to me.
He hands the menu back to the waiter. The waiter leaves.
TARA
I already ordered. But they're waiting.
DD
Very efficient. Goes with the outfit, which, would it be
horrible if I asked to get a better look?
TARA
As long as I don't have to strut.
Tara stands and does a slow twirl. The suit is closely
tailored and the skirt is a bit shorter than is strictly professional.
But apart from that it's rather conservative in cut and color and her shoes
were chosen more for comfort than for super cuteness. Still, hot.
DD
No, but I'd love to see the beauty queen wave.
TARA
Going to have to disappoint you. Happy?
DD's happy.
DD
Very. Thanks. Should I model?
Tara sits again.
TARA
It's a lovely hoodie, but I own one.
DD
But the pants, they're high fashion. I mean, for, y'know,
surplus stores.
TARA
I saw them earlier, when I was checking out your ass.
DD
It is fabulous, my ass.
Tara laughs.
TARA
You're just rotten, aren't you?
DD
And this is my best behavior. If you like rotten,
you're in for a treat.
TARA
I bet I am.
DD
I shouldn't be getting your hopes up so quickly.
TARA
I'm very optimistic anyway.
DD
Good. That's good. I need all the help I can get.
Speaking of which, how's that wine?
TARA
Ah, yes. I'm afraid I have to take it easy on the, um,
social lubricant tonight. The last time we, um.
DD
Yeah.
TARA
Went out doesn't fit, does it? Since, um.
DD
You drunk dialed me.
TARA
I did not drunk dial!
DD
You didn't?
TARA
Well. Okay, I did. At any rate, the next day at
work was...
Tara shudders a little.
DD
Ugly?
TARA
It wasn't fun. So tonight I have to be more careful.
DD
So I shouldn't get a few rounds of Jagers?
Tara looks ill.
TARA
Oh, no. No Jagermeister.
DD
Bad times?
TARA
The worst.
DD
I'd like to hear about that.
Tara blushes yet again and won't look at DD.
DD
Ooh. Now I really want to hear about it.
TARA
So how was work?
DD
Change of subject?
TARA
How long have you worked there?
DD
Fine. Work. My job is, unusual.
TARA
You're an unusual busser?
DD
Not that. That's pretty typical I guess. It's.
See. My boss, he's, um.
(whisper)
A drug user.
TARA
In a restaurant?!
DD
Ah, you've worked in the industry!
TARA
During college.
DD
Well, Uncle Chuck's is a place for barbecue zealots. So
they come no matter what.
TARA
Oh, no!
DD
Yeah, we're not very good.
TARA
That's terrible!
DD
Well. Yeah.
DD shrugs. Tara shakes her head again.
DD
From our standpoint, me and my friends, it's the perfect
job. We even, um. Do you..?
TARA
Smoke pot?
DD
Did someone paint a leaf on my forehead?
TARA
I could smell it on you at Night Light.
DD is genuinely embarrassed.
DD
Ah. Yeah. I would have freshened up, but I didn't
want to keep you waiting. And, you know, truth in advertising.
TARA
Well, you're in luck, I do. Not as much as in college,
but yeah.
DD
College. I'm afraid to think of me at college. My
friend Mix went to Miami for a few years and, well, actually he was the king of
parties from the go.
TARA
Is that why he only went a few years?
DD
Um. No.
TARA
Something tells me I shouldn't ask.
DD
So how was work?
TARA
Right. Work was the same thing I do every day and a lot of shit that would take a few weeks to catch you up on. Oh, that reminds me. What was up with that bitch who answered the phone?
DD
(laughs)
That was Nicole. Um, you know how there's one at every
job? Ours is Nicole. She's a Midori sour and blow jobs
in the back room type of girl.
TARA
Oh?
DD
Not me. There are a few customers-
TARA
NO!
DD
Chuck isn't what you'd really call an active manager.
TARA
Damn. I can't decide if it's a good or a bad thing that I
didn't work in a place like that.
DD
Where did you work?
TARA
I was a chain girl. I'm embarrassed to say which ones.
DD
So you had fun in college?
TARA
Ohh, you don't get to hear those stories yet. Look, our
food's coming.
DD
Hrm.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
Tara has DD pinned against the side of her car (something
small, cute and midrange, probably a VW) and they're
kissing.
DD
Wow. Your dinner was a lot spicier than mine.
TARA
I thought you liked spicy women.
DD
Oh, that wasn't a complaint.
More kissing.
DD
Why can't all girls be like you? This is so much better than
figuring out if trying for the kiss is going to get me a knee.
TARA
And your hands are behaving themselves. Definitely a nice
change.
DD
Not that they aren't tempted.
TARA
Thank you.
Tara kisses DD again, then pushes him back a bit.
TARA
I hate day jobs sometimes.
Tara's look is suddenly intense.
TARA
Will you take your hair down?
DD didn't see that coming.
DD
Sure.
Unbound, DD's hair goes just past his shoulders. Tara
shyly reaches out to touch it.
TARA
It's so soft.
DD
I had to use my sister's shampoo once?
Tara laughs, then abruptly lets go of DD's hair and looks
down. DD doesn't put his hair back up.
TARA
(muttering)
Stupid day jobs.
DD
What are you doing Friday?
TARA
Blowing off after work cocktails with the girls?
DD
I think you are.
DD steps into her and they kiss again.
TARA
Call me at four thirty.
DD
On the dot.
TARA
Okay, I have to go while I can.
DD
Okay.
DD opens the door for her.
TARA
Thanks.
She gets in.
DD
Hey, I'm curious.
TARA
About what?
DD
When you called me, did you pull the number off caller ID or
something?
TARA
Oh. Emily gave you my cell phone number. She's
not allowed to have one.
DD
Mom?
TARA
Yeah. And if boys call...
DD
I can imagine. Okay. Friday.
TARA
Friday.
She smiles and DD closes the door. She hesitates, then starts the car and drives away. DD watches her tail lights disappear. Ambivalence reigns.
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE, DAY
Someone's reading a story to the kids. Sandra is filling out a form on a counter when Mix approaches her.
MIX
Terrell wants to be a fighter pilot?
SANDRA
Yeah. Someone from the Navy got to him.
MIX
But he's diabetic.
SANDRA
I know.
MIX
Don't you think that's a problem?
Pause.
SANDRA
He's only
six. He'll want to be a fireman next week.
MIX
So this is a new thing?
Pause.
SANDRA
It's not that big a deal, Mix.
MIX
Have you talked to his parents about it?
Sandra's uncomfortable.
SANDRA
They don't think it's that big a deal, either.
MIX
Great. We know how this one ends up, right?
Mix walks away. Sandra takes a moment to return to her paperwork.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
Mix, DD and Worthy are walking along a narrow, poorly lit
street on a steep hillside. DD is rooting through Mix's backpack.
The city lights indicate they're pretty high.
MIX
One a scale of suck to ten, I rate this a suck.
Worthy is holding the printouts, looking at them with a
flashlight.
DD
It's about to get a little better.
DD pulls a bottle of vodka out of Mix's backpack.
WORTHY
There are several bars up here and we're not a quarter mile
away from
the first one.
MIX
Let's pick up the pace, soldiers!
WORTHY
Should be just ahead. This side of the bridge.
DD opens the bottle and drinks. Mix takes it next.
DD
Oops, Worthy's hands are full.
MIX
Sucks to be him.
WORTHY
Fuck you. I think we're here.
DD looks over Worthy's shoulder at the papers.
DD
By that tee?
WORTHY
Yeah. I think that's where we just came from.
Worthy takes the bottle and drinks, then passes it and goes
back to the papers.
DD
So where's the field?
WORTHY
Here.
DD
What's the scale like on this thing?
WORTHY
I'm not really sure. Let's keep walking.
They start walking.
MIX
Hup! Two! Three! Four!
Worthy checks house numbers and
street signs as they walk.
WORTHY
Here. This is definitely it.
Worthy and DD look at Worthy's printout. Then they
look
up. There's a neatly tended house with a car parked in the driveway in
front of them.
DD
So it's old.
Worthy tosses the papers in the air.
WORTHY
Yup.
MIX
Sucks. Let's find somewhere warm to drink.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S DINING ROOM, DAY
DD approaches a table.
DD
How is everything can I get any of these plates out of your
way?
CUSTOMER #4
Uh, no, we're good.
DD
Still working on those onion rings?
CUSTOMER #4
Yeah.
dd
Okay.
DD doesn't move for a few seconds, then only
reluctantly. He beelines to the next table.
DD
Finished yet?
customer #5
What?
MADISON
DD!
DD turns on her.
DD
WHAT?
MADISON
Here. Now.
Sara walks onto the floor as DD goes to Madison.
MADISON
What is your deal?
DD
It's four o'clock!
MADISON
And...?
SARA
He's got a date tonight.
MADISON
Go have a drink. I hate sober DD.
Madison leaves.
dd
Sara?
SARA
Get a drink, then go.
DD removes his apron and drops it on the floor. He
hands
Sara a little baggie.
DD
Thanks, here.
He makes a dash for the lounge.
SARA
Oooooooooh. I love you, DD.
cut to:
int. rialto, day
DD is taking a healthy drink from a cocktail in a pint
glass. He's much more relaxed now.
He's with Tara in a very smoky large pool hall bar.
She's in jeans and a simple v-neck T-shirt. She has a sweater hanging up
nearby.
TARA
I used to hate this place.
DD
It was very scene. We used to come here to pollute it.
TARA
We?
DD
Dropping hints?
Tara
Tell me about your friends, DD.
DD
We've mostly known each other since high school.
TARA
Were you the cool smoking kids?
DD
We weren't cool. Mix was on the football team but that
was the extent of our coolness.
TARA
Mix? That's a nickname, right?
DD
Ohhh, no. You don't just get all the secrets right away!
Tara turns pouty-flirty.
TARA
Aww, why not?
DD
Well, we'll see. So, yeah. I started drinking on the
coast
and would sneak booze to school when I moved. They caught onto that and
usually had pot, so we spent the later periods altered.
Tara thinks a moment about "drinking on the coast", then
seems to shrug it off.
TARA
I can't imagine that. I went to parochial school.
DD is interested.
DD
Really?
Tara glares.
TARA
Don't. Ask.
DD
Okay.
(pause)
Mix went off to Miami after high school and I
hung around. He came back and well, here we are.
TARA
None of you finished school?
DD
(Duh!)
No.
TARA
You've never tried to get your degree?
DD
What would be the point of that?
TARA
The point? Of education?
DD
I just never knew what I'd use a degree for. I'm not
really cut out for corporate jobs, I learned that the hard way. One of my
friends has an MBA and he's about the most miserable bastard I ever knew.
TARA
So you're career restaurant?
dd
Yeah, I suppose.
Tara
Wow. I could never handle that.
dd
You've never worked for anyone like Uncle Chuck.
Tara
No, my managers were always coke heads.
DD
Surprise.
TARA
Plus they were always trying to grab my ass.
DD
Well, it is a nice ass.
TARA
Nice?
dd
Fabulous. Spectacular.
TARA
That's more like it.
DD
I have to admit I was a bit disappointed you have casual
Friday.
TARA
I like dressing up well enough-
dd
I like you dressing up, too.
TARA
Okay, now you're just being cheesy.
DD
(super cheesy)
Oh, really?
Pause.
Tara
It's a good thing you're really cute.
DD
Isn't the guy supposed to be the suck up?
INT. SASSY'S, DAY
Small strip bar. Not the flashy Vegas style place, more
like a
neighborhood joint that went smutty.
It's not busy yet, the pool table in an adjacent room is
getting more traffic than the stages. Mix is sitting at the bar
with Willow and Madison. We might see that Sara and Worthy are sitting at
one of the stages.
One of the strippers, "SIREN", steps up to the bar next to
Mix. The barmaid, STACY, comes down to take Siren's order.
SIREN
Where is everybody?
MIX
Yeah, doesn't anybody support single mothers in this town?
He is smacked on the head in rapid succession by Siren, Stacy
and Willow. Madison erupts into laughter.
MADISON
I think you just bought a round.
Stacy
I'll say.
SIREN
Cherry bombs?
MIX
Only if I can put a roof-
Only Stacy and Siren hit him this time.
INT. LOW BROW LOUNGE, NIGHT
Dark bar, very kitschy. Tara and DD are pretty tipsy
and sitting in a corner with a selection of monumentally unhealthy foods.
TARA
I love the mini corn dogs.
dd
They're hard to beat.
A beat of munching and beer sipping. Then DD lights a
cigarette. Tara stares at it for a second before sighing.
TARA
Okay, give me one.
DD does a seated happy dance.
DD
Yay!!
DD slides the pack across the table to her. Tara lights
a smoke and inhales deeply.
DD
I'm impressed, most "I only smoke when I drink" people barely
puff.
TARA
Well, I smoked at B-, mmmm.
DD
Ah, the chain restaurant?
TARA
Anyway. You know.
DD
You only get breaks to smoke.
TARA
Exactly.
(puff)
Besides, I love it. Even though it will kill me.
dd
Bah! Gotta die of something.
TARA
Why do I get the feeling you're not just talking shit there?
DD
Uh oh, you're getting serious. Time for more shots.
DD bolts for the bar.
INT. SASSY'S, NIGHT
Now it's busy. They've moved to a table near one of the
stages. Mix and Sara are munching on a pile of French fries, Willow
is in deep conversation with Siren, who is now in street clothes. Another
stripper, "RAIN" sits next to Mix and Sara and helps herself to a fry.
RAIN
It's like someone's hosting an
asshole convention here and forgot to tell us.
SARA
I can help.
RAIN
Really?
SARA
Really.
mix
Safety meeting time?
RAIN
I can't take you into the dressing room any more.
MIX
(pointing over his shoulder)
We'll hit the little girls room.
Rain gives him a look.
sara
Don't worry, we've done it before. With your
manager. C'mon.
(to Willow and Siren)
Hey, safety meeting. Let's go.
They get up and leave.
INT. DD'S BEDROOM, DAY
Morning light comes in through the window. DD's bedroom is
neat and spare except for an astonishing amount of boyish knicknackery.
Tara comes dashing in and leaps back into bed, snuggling against DD.
TARA
Your bathroom is really nice for two bachelors.
DD
We try.
Silence while Tara plays with DD's hair.
TARA
I've never dated a guy with long hair before.
DD
I'm uncharted territory. Terra incognito. Here there be
giant-
TARA
Stop!
DD
-monsters-
Tara rolls on top of him and they kiss. She jumps when
something slams into the front door.
TARA
What was that?
DD
I think you're about to meet Mix.
Dent (O.S.)
(very muffled)
Dude, get up.
DD
And Dent. I'd better close the door.
DD gets out of bed and closes his bedroom door. He
returns as the front door UNLATCHES and Mix and Dent STUMBLE in.
MIX (O.S.)
I wonder how DD's hootchie went?
Tara is surprised. DD sighs and shrugs.
TARA
You must be Mix.
Silence from the living room.
MIX (O.S.)
Whoa. He scored. How the fuck did he find a chick with
judgement that bad?
dent (O.S.)
Dude, you're not whispering.
MIX (O.S.)
Oh.
dent (O.S.)
Got any Percosets
left?
MIX (O.S.)
Ooh! Good idea.
Pause. Tara is laughing silently. A door OPENS.
MIX (O.S.)
Dude.
Pills SHAKE as Mix tosses a prescription bottle to Dent.
dent (O.S.)
Thanks.
A door CLOSES.
DD
So, now that you're never going to see me again.
TARA
Apparently my judgement is bad enough that I am.
DD
I love bad judgement. We should sneak out to breakfast
while those two are passed out.
DD gets out of bed. With no clothes on we can see that
he's skinny and wiry. Tara happily watches him. He
checks
the pipe on his nightstand.
DD
Morning bowl time.
TARA
I'm so having a college flashback.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Tara and DD enter. Dent is sitting on the couch
drinking coffee. He's in rumpled business-casual clothes, extremely
hung over.
There's
a whisky bottle on
the coffee table.
DENT
Hey.
DD
Hey. This is Tara. That's Dent.
TARA
Hi.
DENT
Hi.
DD
You look horrible. You want I should shoot you?
DENT
This? This is nothing.
DD picks up the whisky bottle and takes a pull. Tara is
a little surprised.
DD
We're gonna get some Army game on, Tara's never played it.
DENT
Ooh, you're in for a treat.
DD goes to the bookshelf of games.
Mix enters, shirtless. He's still built like a star
runningback.
MIX
Well, if no one's going to sleep. Oh, shit. The light.
DD
Tara, you've met Mix, sort of.
TARA
Hi, I'm DD's hootchie.
MIX
At least one of you has good taste.
DD
That would be me.
MIX
Clearly. Does anyone have a bowl loaded? I'm too shaky
to do it.
DD
On my nightstand.
MIX
Thanks.
Mix leaves. As DD loads the game, Sara comes out of
Mix's bedroom still fully dressed.
DD
Did you make the mistake again?
Sara sits next to Dent and looks in his cup.
SARA
Not so far. Is this virgin?
DENT
No, it's
fortified.
Mix enters with DD's pipe. Sara gets
up and heads toward the kitchen.
MIX
There was only a puff.
TARA
Can I see the manual?
DD tosses Tara the games' case. Sara notices Tara.
SARA
Oh, you're new. Sorry, that was rude.
DD
Shit, you are shaky. Oh, yeah. Tara, this is
Sara. Sara waits tables for Uncle Chuck.
The girls shake hands and ad lib greetings. Sara
completes her journey to the kitchen. She can be seen mouthing "WOW!" to
DD before turning to the coffee.
MIX
I feel like angry leprechauns have been beating me with ball
peen hammers all night.
DENT
He has a way with words.
TARA
Apparently.
SARA
Part of the rock and roll lifestyle.
MIX
After two Percosets. Please tell me we're not working
today.
DD
We're not working today. Okay, we're up. Ready to waste some tangos?
MIX
Is he lying?
SARA
Yes, you're both working dinner.
TARA
Yeah.
MIX
Why does God hate me so much?
DENT
Oh, buddy, you have no room to talk.
Tara sits on the couch and starts playing. Sara returns
with coffee
for herself and Mix. Mix pours a healthy shot of whisky in his. He plays
at pouring some into Sara's until she slugs him. The boys are watching
Tara's game skills and they're impressed.
TARA
(Meh.)
It's cool.
DENT
It's really made for online play.
MIX
Load this, bitch.
DD produces a baggy and loads the pipe. Mix hits and passes
to Sara. Then it comes to Tara, who pauses the game, hits the
pipe and holds it out for Dent.
SARA
I think we're officially impressed.
MIX
I'm impressed.
TARA
Are you talking to me or him?
DD
I'm impressed.
DENT
Both.
TARA
I am pretty impressive.
DD
I'll say.
Mix's phone RINGS from his bedroom. He leaves to answer
it.
MIX (O.S.)
Hello? Hey, Will. Nope, we're just hanging.
No doubt, oh, you're in for a treat. You'll see. Later.
Mix returns.
SARA
Siren let Willow go?
MIX
She's downstairs.
DENT
Looks like everyone's hung over.
DD
Almost everyone.
MIX
Yeah, you're a bad influence on him.
TARA
That's a shame.
The door opens and WILLOW walks in, carrying a half rack of
beer.
WILLOW
Hey, guys. Oh, you're new. I mean, hi, I'm Willow. You
must
be Tara.
TARA
I am.
WILLOW
(to DD)
And I was thinking you missed out on last night.
TARA
What the hell did you all do last night?
MIX
We were at Sassy's.
dd
Which means cherry bombs.
WILLOW
Oh, don't say those words.
MIX
Then we went back to Rain's
SARA
Except whore Willow.
WILLOW
That's me.
MIX
And Dent showed up just in the nick of time to pick a fight
with Rain's latest error in judgement.
DD
Knowing Rain he had it coming.
DENT
I was in a bad mood and he was giving me shit about my work clothes.
Tara pauses the game to look over Dent.
TARA
You clothes look nice. Well, when you put them on they
did.
DENT
Well, you're sober.
Tara
That made no sense.
DENT
That's because I'm sober, too. Bottle!
MIX
Shit, what happened to Worthy?
EXT. STREET, DAY
Tara and DD are walking down a busy street.
TARA
I told you your friends are more interesting than mine.
They arrive at Tara's car.
DD
So here we are.
TARA
Yes.
Tara unlocks her car and opens the door. DD takes her
arm and she turns. They kiss.
DD
Do you have to go?
TARA
If I don't get home soon...
DD
Okay.
Another kiss.
DD
What are you doing tomorrow?
TARA
Um, church. And Sunday is our family day.
DD
Family day?
TARA
I know, it's weird.
DD
No, it's nice.
Tara's happy he thinks that.
DD
After work this week, then.
TARA
Yes. Definitely.
DD
I have to check my schedule, I'll call you. Might be
short notice, though.
Tara
Surprise, surprise.
DD sticks his tongue out at her. Tara laughs and they kiss
again.
TARA
Bye.
DD
Bye.
Tara gets in and starts the car. She rolls
down the window.
TARA
By the way. Yes I have one, and yes it still fits.
She drives away. DD is left stunned.
DD
Whoa.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
DD enters, arms held aloft like a champion.
SARA
Way to go, DD!
MIX
She's even hotter than her sister. How are the titties?
DD
Fabulous. And that's all the detail you're getting.
WILLOW
She seems really nice.
This calms Mix and DD down, which perplexes Sara a bit.
DD
I know.
SARA
Is something wrong with you dating a nice girl?
DD
Uh. You know, I'm just going to roll with it.
MIX
Absolutely.
DENT
Word.
SARA
Word?
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Mix and DD are playing a video game. Willow and Sara
are on the balcony. Dent is gone.
MIX
I've got a problem.
DD
A problem?
MIX
Seriously.
DD pauses the game.
DD
What's up?
MIX
There's this kid at Goodtots, I said this was serious.
DD
Wasn't going to say anything. Go.
MIX
Terrell. I got to know him pretty well when I worked
there last summer. He's diabetic and he wants to be a fighter pilot.
DD
Aw, that sucks.
mix
Yeah. But no one's told him.
dd
You're shitting me.
MIX
No.
DD
Fucked up! You hafta tell him.
MIX
That's what I thought but Sandra says it's not a big deal.
DD
Did she talk to his parents?
MIX
They're the pussies in this scenario.
DD
Huh.
Thoughtful pause.
DD
You gotta tell him. Fuck the parents.
MIX
And they sue Sandra?
DD
Nah, they won't fucking sue. Well. Shit.
MIX
Yeah.
DD
Can Terrell keep it quiet?
MIX
Could you? Okay, bad example.
DD
No shit.
MIX
I wouldn't have.
DD
He's gotta know.
MIX
I agree.
DD
Maybe you should talk to the parents.
MIX
Really?
DD
Yeah. Tell them a story about a certain fifteen year old.
MIX
Huh. Not a bad idea.
(pause)
Yeah, I'll think about that. Thanks, man.
They go back to gaming.
DD
Is he hot?
MIX
Dude, he's so hot.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S WAIT STATION, NIGHT
Willow is sitting on the
counter. DD's standing at a pop
fountain with a flask, pouring cola into a glass. Boyce hands a pipe back
to Mix through the window and blows smoke up into the draft hood. Mix
starts to hide the pipe when someone comes into the wait station, but it's only
Uncle Chuck.
UNCLE CHUCK
(speaking to someone outside the wait station)
That guy's a fucking dick. I should have eighty
sixed him a long time ago.
He sees Willow and gives her a hug.
UNCLE CHUCK
When did I hire you?
willow
I'd never work for a dirtbag like you.
UNCLE CHUCK
Awww.
Chuck jumps up to the counter next to Willow and signals for
DD's flask. DD tosses it to him.
WILLOW
What are you doing with this chick, DD?
DD
It's called dating.
UNCLE CHUCK
Oh, I forgot about that. You score?
dd
Damn right.
WILLOW
See? This is what I'm talking about.
MIX
Are you one to talk? What did you
do last night?
UNCLE CHUCK
Ooh, what did you
do last night?
WILLOW
Okay, she smokes out and plays games, but she's from a
nuclear family, she's a college graduate, she's a professional woman. She
doesn't strike me as the type that fucks around and you, well. You're not
serious.
UNCLE CHUCK
Okay, girl. You are way too serious about this.
dd
Yeah. I'm just rolling with it.
UNCLE CHUCK
You never know what's going to happen. Sometimes all it takes
is someone you like,
someone cute. I mean, that's basically all it was for me and, and Sandy.
Everyone is suddenly
respectfully still.
UNCLE CHUCK
Sometimes it just works, you know? Sometimes nothing comes
of it. But sometimes, hell, thirty years. That's the only reason I keep
that damn dog grooming parlor over there. Because it was hers.
No one responds.
UNCLE CHUCK
Sometimes it just works.
MADISON (O.S.)
Chuck!
UNCLE CHUCK
Oh, hell, if she jammed the credit machine again...
Chuck tosses DD's flask back and leaves.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
DD takes a tumble down a tumble down a hillside dense with
foliage. Dent, Worthy and Mix, waiting for him on the roadside, break
into
laughter.
DD
Eat me, bitches. Something's got me here.
local
What the fuck is going on down there?
MIX
Eat me, bitch!
LOCAL
Get the fuck out or I'm calling the cops!
DENT
Shut the fuck up or I'll do your wife again.
DD struggles down the hillside and snatches a bottle of
tequila from Worthy.
dd
Better get rid of the evidence.
DD chugs.
LOCAL
Fuck you! I'll call the cops!
MIX
The streets are public property, jackass, go back to the
fucking History Channel!
dd
Fucking yuppies. Where are we?
Dent gets the bottle.
DENT
I told you I should have drove.
He takes a long drink.
MIX
Yeah, that wouldn't have been a fucking awful plan.
WORTHY
This way.
They stumble down the street.
DD
What if he really calls the cops? How much are we
holding?
MIX
I've only got a bud or two left.
WORTHY
We haven't smoked in a while, and you just smell like freshly
turned earth.
dd
The drunk tank is close to the apartment anyway.
dent
That's the spirit.
WORTHY
Okay, right there.
DD
Here?
WORTHY
No, behind it, on the other switchback.
MIX
There's a house there.
WORTHY
No. Fucking. Shit.
DD
Why don't they put the dates on these fucking pictures?
mix
Shit.
DENT
Is that a siren?
INT. VERITABLE QUANDARY, DAY
Tara and DD are sitting in a booth, drinks and appetizers in front of them.
TARA
You need a cell phone.
INT. SOMEONE'S BATHROOM, NIGHT
DD is pissing and talking on a cell with a cigarette in his
mouth. He coughs suddenly and the cell goes into the toilet.
INT. SOMEONE'S BEDROOM, DAY
Crawling on all fours, DD's cell (a different one, of course)
falls onto the floor and he
pukes on it.
EXT. BRIDGE, NIGHT
DD and Dent are walking across a bridge, playfully
struggling over a bottle of rum. Yet another of DD's cells hits the
ground and
bounces over the side. DD doesn't even notice.
INT. DD'S OLD BEDROOM, NIGHT
Willow is sleeping in a recliner. She wakes up and finds DD
pissing on a stack of things including his latest cell phone.
WILLOW
DD, you're pee-
DD
Fuck you! Get out of my room! Get out of my house!
INT. VERITABLE QUANDARY, DAY
DD
I have really bad luck with cell
phones.
TARA
You told me that, but when I want a quicky...
DD
You make a compelling
argument. But I have really bad
luck with cell phones. I mean, you can't even imagine.
Tara's displeased.
DD
It'll just disappear, or be
destroyed. Poof.
Gone.
No, really. My friends will back me up.
TARA
Hm.
DD
So when do I face the firing
squad?
TARA
Huh?
DD
Your friends.
TARA
Oh. I hadn't really thought
about it.
DD
Ahh, you're ashamed of me.
TARA
Mortified.
DD
And just using me for sex.
Tara
Obviously.
DD
That's a relief.
TARA
Jerk!
DD laughs. Tara does a cute fake
anger thing.
DD
Aw, don't pout.
Tara continues to pout and throws
something at DD.
DD
Agh! No! I'm being
abused.
TARA
You deserve it.
DD
Yeah.
Tara headshakes at him.
TARA
Let's do something.
DD
Okay. You said something about a quicky?
TARA
No no no. You missed your chance for that. Today.
Um, when was the last time you made out at a movie?
DD
You know, I don't think I ever
have.
TARA
What? Really?
DD
Really.
TARA
Well, let's correct that.
DD
I'll find a paper.
DD dashes from the booth.
TARA
Does the movie matter?
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
They're leaning against her car
kissing.
TARA
I told you it didn't matter what
movie it was.
DD
I didn't want something with a
lot distraction. You
know, cool explosions and stuff.
TARA
Oh, boys are so silly.
DD
Yes.
Kissing.
DD
You should hang out Saturday. Maybe, y'know, spend the night? Friday? And hang out. All day.
TARA
Absolutely.
Kissing. Then Tara pushes
him away reluctantly.
TARA
Okay. I have to go.
Your hands are straying and
it's too nice.
DD
The hell with the phone.
I'll meet you where I met you
last Friday.
TARA
Okay.
She leans forward and kisses him
quickly, then gets in her
car.
TARA
See you then.
DD
Definitely.
Tara drives away.
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE, DAY
Mix and Sandra are in a room with a window over looking the play floor. They're discussing something heatedly, not quite arguing. Outside Terrell draws a picture of a jet.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
Worthy collapses and pukes into a
grassy drainage ditch.
MIX
Dude, you're partied out!
DD
Again!
Laughter.
DD
I hope you didn't puke on the map.
MIX
I've got it. It would be
right there.
Mix points at a convenience store.
DD
Let me see. Shit.
Yeah.
MIX
It's too quiet for here us,
anyway.
Worthy retches again.
MIX
See how that carries?
INT. DD'S
BEDROOM, NIGHT
DD and Tara are kissing and undressing each other. They fall into his bed.
INT. DD'S BEDROOM, DAY
DD and Tara haven't JUST
finished having sex, but there's
some afterglow. Tara is playing with DD's hair.
TARA
The best part is I know I'll have something good to wash my
hair with.
DD
I'm glad I can be of some use.
TARA
Yeah, you're okay.
DD
This is all I aspire to be.
DD kisses her then sits up.
DD
Hungry?
TARA
Yes! Breakfast.
DD
First, of course. The shower.
INT. BREAKFAST PLACE, DAY
Both still damp haired, they've just finished placing orders.
DD
You know, I think this is only the second time I've been here
clear headed.
TARA
Does that make me a bad influence or a good one?
DD
Hmmmm.
Tara
Don't think about that too long.
DD
You're an excellent bad influence.
Tara
Nice. Nice.
DD
Thank you.
Pause.
TARA
What does "DD" stand for?
DD
Drinking Dog.
TARA
Huh?
DD
Drinking Dog. Mix gave it to me.
TARA
Okay. What's your real name?
DD
That's. Um. I, can't use my real name.
Except on tax stuff and the like.
TARA
Okayyy.
DD
It's not my rule, it's Mix's
Tara
Huh?
DD
You'd have to ask him, really. Right after high school,
Mix and Worthy renamed me Drinking Dog. It was, ah, I needed a change.
TARA
And you don't use your name any more.
DD
I can't, it's the rule. I have to correct people the
first chance I
get and I can't tell anyone what it is if I can avoid it.
Tara
Wow.
dd
I know you're close to your family and
it might be hard to understand, but, I hope it, um, I hope it's not a problem.
TARA
Well, it's weird.
dd
I bet it is.
Tara struggles with it, then relaxes.
TARA
There was an art major in college, he didn't even have a good
reason. Made me call him Spark.
DD
Wow, I thought Drinking Dog was lame.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Tara and Mix are playing a fighting game. DD enters
from the kitchen with two beers. He sits
next to Tara and puts one in front of her.
MIX
Thanks, I'm thirsty, too.
DD
I could pee in your mouth.
Tara
I'd get jealous.
MIX
You should, his pee is fantastic.
The door opens, Willow and Dent enter carrying half gallon
bottles of liquor.
WILLOW
Hey, everyone!
DENT
Fuckers.
Dent plops down on the couch, Willow sits on the floor.
DD
I see someone hit the liquor store.
WILLOW
It's going to be one of those days.
MIX
I was so hoping someone would say that.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Mid afternoon and everyone's pretty wasted when Tara's
phone rings.
TARA
Hello?
EMILY (O.S.)
Hey, where are you?
TARA
DD's, why?
EMILY (O.S.)
I know that, where are you?
TARA
Why?
EMILY (O.S.)
I'm in a park by the light rail tracks.
TARA
What? How did you get there?
EMILY (O.S.)
And what did I say I was standing by?
TARA
Oh, you're such a punk.
The crowd is wondering who she's talking to.
EMILY (O.S.)
Or, I could just wander around the big, bad city.
TARA
Bitch. I'm at 2201 northeast Lloyd, apartment 619.
EMILY (O.S.)
See ya!
DD
Who was that?
TARA
Emily.
DENT
She's coming here?? I finally get to see the underage
temptress?
Tara glares at him. He's unaffected.
TARA
Yes.
There's a knock on the door. Dent leaps up to
answer it. It's Worthy.
dent
Shit.
WORTHY
Good to see you, too, buddy.
dent
Oh, it's not- Come on in.
WORTHY
Sorry, were you expecting the Victoria's Secret catalog?
TARA
Don't answer that!
dent
Damn, I had such a good one, too.
Worthy enters, ad lib greetings.
WORTHY
Hi, you must be Tara.
Tara
And you must be Worthy.
WORTHY
I am, quite. Especially since I have some hash.
Enthusiasm. Except-
TARA
Emily doesn't get any.
WORTHY
If she's tasty she gets whatever she-
Tara glares.
WORTHY
Oh, Emily's coming over!
Another knock. Worthy beats Dent to the door.
Emily is
standing there, rocking the girl's gym class look.
TARA
(under her breath)
Bitch!
EMILY
Hey, Worthy!
Emily enters and hugs Worthy. Tara rolls her eyes.
EMILY
Ooh, popular place. Hi, DD!
DD
Hi.
Tara
Hi.
EMILY
Hello. Do I get a beer?
TARA
Can we see your ID?
EMILY
Oh, you're so funny.
Emily bats eyelashes at Worthy.
EMILY
Can I have a beer?
WORTHY
Absolutely.
Worthy leaves, Dent returns to his seat. Worthy
returns with a beer for Emily.
EMILY
Ooh, thank you so much.
WORTHY
No problem.
DD
Here's to M.I.P.
EMILY
Don't forget contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Isn't that how we met?
DD
Ah, memories.
WORTHY
So, about this hash?
Worthy produces a foil wrapped brick that reveals a baked
good.
DD
Oooh, hash shortbread! You just earned a blowjob.
WORTHY
Do I get to pick who gives it?
DD
Nope, you're stuck with me.
WORTHY
You never pay off.
DD
Funny how that works.
DD rises and gets some money out of his pocket for Worthy. Worthy soon has a decent sized pile of bills and starts breaking off chunks of the shortbread. Tara assents when Worthy gives her a questioning look before Emily gets some.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
TARA
It's just such an important experience!
DD
You're saying I don't party enough?
TARA
No, it's not that.
dd
So it is the partying?
Tara
Oh, God! It's not- Hey, Dent!
Dent looks up from watching a video game.
TARA
The college experience?
DENT
Oh, shit. These assholes are way more hardcore than any
of the pussies I knew in college.
DD is satisfied.
Tara
Oh, hell.
DENT
Business school, on the other hand. That was booo-ring.
Tara
Okay, you're not helping. Be silent. The things you can learn. The community, it's-
worthy (O.S.)
(coughing)
Here.
TARA
Ooh! Thanks.
dd
I have to piss.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Tara's POV. The room is blurry and voices are heavily
muffled.
Smoke fills up the scene.
CUT TO:
Tara is wearing a World War
One era gas mask that covers most of the head, including the ears (this is
important). The tube is attached to a bong.
DENT
Hey, Tara! Dammit.
Dent whacks the gas mask with the XBox controller. Tara
peels it off and starts coughing.
TARA
WHAT?
DENT
You're up.
TARA
Huh?
Dent waves the controller in front of her face.
TARA
Oh. Why didn't you tell me?
DENT
I've been yelling at you!
MIX
My turn.
Tara passes the gas mask to Mix and takes his spot on the
couch.
TARA
Holy shit. It's just like college.
(pause)
I'm glad DD didn't hear me say that.
DD exits the bathroom.
DD
I had a revelation.
MIX
Your dick is really small.
TARA
False.
DENT
I really wish I didn't already know that.
MIX
What the fuck?
DD
About the house.
WORTHY
Yeah?
MIX
In a year here I've never seen his dick, how have you?
TARA
Ohhh, the thoughts I'm having.
DD
The night I found that house I was
pissing on the roadside and I
could see the hospital.
WORTHY
No shit? That means we've been looking on the wrong
part of the hills. Hold on, I better remind myself.
Worthy gets his cell and starts tapping keys.
TARA
Are you guys getting a house?
DD
I found one. I was stumbling around the West Hills,
well, after the party and I found a house. It was abandoned, but it still
had
power.
TARA
Uh, why is that important?
The guys clearly think this is a dumb question.
DD
Tara! No rent! More fun money.
TARA
You'd just squat?
WORTHY
Exactly.
TARA
Squatting. You're seriously talking about squatting.
MIX
Depends on where in the hills it is.
DD
We pay a thousand a month for this place.
WORTHY
Really? That's pretty good. I pay seven hundred for
mine.
DENT
You don't even want to know what my loft costs.
DD
And that's a lot of money we could use for other stuff.
WORTHY
Imagine the size of my 'shroom fund, if I could find any.
MIX
But when you do, you get the entire city's supply.
Tara's mind is boggled.
DD
We've got to find this place. You'll check on it?
WORTHY
I was going to work my way over there on the satellite
photos, but I'll jump straight to that part of the hills.
He puts his cell away.
WORTHY
And now I'll remember to do it.
Emily
gives her a questioning look from where she's sitting on the arm of the
couch talking to Worthy, Dent and Willow. Tara stands.
TARA
I think it's time to get you out of here.
EMILY
What?
TARA
DD?
DD
Oh, yeah. Okay. Um, yeah! Ice cream.
TARA
Oooh, good idea.
(to Emily)
C'mon.
EMILY
Aww.
Tara's expression forestalls further argument.
EMILY
It's been fun, everyone, but my sister's a fucking cow.
DENT
Booo!
WORTHY
Mooo!
Emily gets up and joins Tara and DD heading for the door.
EXT. STREET, DAY
DD
Maybe we should get pizza first.
TARA
When do you ever wear pigtails?
EMILY
I was inspired.
Emily takes the pigtails out and pulls her hair back into a
simple ponytail.
TARA
And the knee socks?
EMILY
Aren't they awful?
Emily pushes the socks down, hopping along the sidewalk to do so.
TARA
Are those my shorts?
DD
Is this a family thing?
EMILY
Strangely enough, I think we get it from our dad.
Tara
I don't think you're supposed to know about that stuff.
EMILY
Are you?
DD
So, pizza first?
EMILY
I think that Willow chick was the most interested.
DD plugs his ears.
DD
LA LA LA I'M NOT LISTENING TO YOU!!!
TARA
You'd better not be!
Emily seems satisfied at the chaos.
INT. HOT LIPS PIZZA, DAY
They get in line.
EMILY
I have to pee.
TARA
T.M.I.
DD
Right there.
EMILY
Get me a sausage and pepperoni.
Emily bolts.
DD
They don't have, okay, whatever.
DD puts his arms around Tara's waist as they inch forward. No
speaking for several beats. Emily returns and sees them standing like
that, gets a little
smile before returning. She resists the temptation to snark at them.
TARA
I'll have a meat special and a, um, pepperoni.
DD
Jeez. Pepperoni and a bread stick.
EMILY
Aw, no sausage and pepperoni? I'll go with the meat
special, then.
DD
You two are scaring me.
Tara produces a debit card.
DD
You don't have to do that.
TARA
No, I don't mind.
DD
Sure?
TARA
I do have a job.
EMILY
Jobs suck.
dd
Unless you can get high with your boss at work, then they're
awesome.
PIZZA PERSON
Uncle Chuck's! I thought you looked familiar!
TARA
It's a miracle that place stays in business.
INT. STREET, NIGHT
DD, Worthy and Mix are in Dent's really nice car driving down
a
tree lined
windy road on a steep hillside.
WORTHY
Any of this look familiar?
DD
Kind of. I think I was looking for a shortcut.
MIX
You'd break your neck trying to go down this.
dent
Or get shot by some assy homeowner.
DD
I was fucked up. But my point is it didn't look like
there was a house. THERE!
Dent stops the car.
EXT. STREET, NIGHT
They pile out and are standing in front of a hedge with a
overgrown gravel driveway. There's a forlorn No Trespassing sign half
buried in the hedge. DD looks around the hedge.
DD
That's it.
He leads the way.
ext. front yard, night, CONTINUOUS
The lights on the car shut off and
Dent comes trailing after them. They're walking under a tree over a lawn
large enough to be mistaken for a field. Everything is unkempt. There's a
house with a few lights on inside.
They walk quietly up to the
front door. DD peeks in, then takes a pocket flashlight out and
shines it in. He flips a switch and the front room lights come on.
DD
I knew it!
They enter the house, which is untrashed and not in too bad a
shape. Dent looks at the door, which has a pile of documents stapled
to it.
Dent
Probate.
MIX
Huh?
DENT
These are from the court, some kind of probate stuff.
MIX
So this is in someone's will.
DD
And they're fighting over it. That could take years.
DENT
Explains why the lights are on. The court's
controlling it.
DD
We're lucky it's not some judge's love den.
They spread out.
EXPLORATION MONTAGE
They explore the house. The condition, furnishings and lighting is uneven from room to room. Several water fixtures are tried in the kitchen and bathrooms, but they don't work.
INT. FRONT ROOM, NIGHT
They assemble and look at each other. DD is excited, Worthy
is curious, Mix is frowning and Dent is neutral.
DD
Here it is. And here we are.
WORTHY
It's not bad, really. Neighbors are kind of close,
though. I
think someone would notice we were here.
DD
I don't think so, that hedge is pretty tall and looks like it
runs all the way around the property.
MIX
There's no water.
DD
Yeah, that's a problem.
WORTHY
What do you think, man?
DENT
I'm not selling my loft for this.
DD
Dude, this is awesome. No water stains, no critters.
WORTHY
No, I mean about the probate stuff. Don't you work with that
kind of stuff?
DENT
Well, odds are someone's keeping an eye on it. If the
county has time. And the family, whoever's family might be, too.
A bit of cold water for DD.
MIX
I dunno. We've got a month left on our
lease, no rush.
DD
Yeah. Worthy?
WORTHY
I've got like three months.
DENT
I can check on it in the meantime.
DD
Okay. Yeah, that'll work. Okay, let's roll, I'm buying the first round.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, NIGHT
Mix and DD are watching TV. Mix's cell rings.
MIX
Hello? Yeah, he's here. Hold on.
(to DD)
It's Tara.
Mix tosses the phone to DD.
DD
Hey, what's up?
TARA
Can I come over?
DD
Of course.
TARA
I'm off work so I'll be by in a bit.
DD
Do you want to meet somewhere?
TARA
(pause)
No. I'll just come to your place.
DD
Sure thing. See ya.
TARA
See you.
DD tosses the phone back.
MIX
It's disgusting, the way she throws herself at you.
DD
Dude, it so rocks.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
Tara enters, in a business suit. She seems nervous and
has a carry on bag with her. Ad lib greetings.
MIX
Wow. Look at you.
TARA
Thanks.
MIX
There's beer in the fridge.
TARA
Oh, thanks.
Tara sits next to DD with a beer a moment later. DD kisses
her, she doesn't quite kiss back.
DD
What's up?
TARA
Just wanted to hang out.
DD
Cool.
They watch TV.
INT. DD'S BEDROOM, NIGHT
Tara is sitting on DD's bed. She's removed her jacket and
shoes but is otherwise clothed. DD is looking through his DVDs.
DD
We found that house.
Pause.
TARA
Yeah?
DD
Yeah, it's in pretty good shape.
TARA
Oh.
(pause)
So, are you moving?
DD
We're thinking about it. Hafta check on the place, it's
in probate.
Pause.
TARA
Squatting. That's pretty heavy, don't you think?
DD
I guess. But it's whatever.
She looks down. DD sits next to her and starts fussing with
something below frame.
TARA
It's a thing, though. Living like that. It's a statement,
really. That's why it's such a big thing with punks, right? It's a big fuck you
and it's not caring. It's saying nothing's important and we'll just stay
here because it doesn't matter anyway. I don't think it's good to think
like that. It's important to care. Right?
Tara is just getting warmed up. She finally looks at DD,
who's wearing the gas mask bong. She looks at him bleakly. After a moment
DD peels it off.
DD
You want to hit this? Shit, you were saying something,
weren't you?
Tara forces a smile.
TARA
It's not important.
Tara takes the bong from his hands and puts it on
DD's night table, then tackles him with a kiss.
DD
Ooh, and it's on!
INT. DD'S BEDROOM, DAY
It's morning. Tara is putting on the business suit she
packed when DD wakes up.
DD
Leaving already?
Tara freezes, but DD's question is innocent.
TARA
I can't do this.
DD
Do what?
TARA
I can't spend all this energy to be with someone who doesn't
care about
anything.
DD
Oh.
Tara waits, but DD has nothing to say. She finishes
dressing, stuffs yesterday's suit into her carry on and stands.
TARA
I hope you find your way, DD. Bye.
Tara leaves.
INT. MIX & DD'S LIVING ROOM, DAY
DD is eating cereal, watching TV. Mix comes out of his
bedroom, looking at the TV.
MIX
Tara leave already?
Pause.
DD
She's gone.
Long
pause. Mix doesn't react, doesn't look away from the TV.
MIX
Well, that had to happen.
Long pause.
DD
Yup.
Pause.
MIX
Huh.
Mix goes into the bathroom.
EXT. LIGHT RAIL PLATFORM, DAY
Mix and DD arrive at the platform. DD's body language is bummed.
DD
I thought you were done with the kiddies.
MIX
Last day. Just got something to finish up.
DD
Okay.
Pause
DD
Guess I'm clear for the house now, huh?
MIX
I really don't know about it, man. There's no water,
it's in the hills and we don't have a
car.
DD
It is a bitch of a hike.
mix
Fuck yeah.
(pause)
We could get a car, but the water.
DD
Yeah, you stink after a few days without a shower. And I
don't wanna fuck with a car. Okay, fuck it. Too much hassle.
Pause.
MIX
Yeah. Hey, train's coming. See ya.
dd
Yeah.
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE MEETING ROOM, DAY
Mix and Sandra are sitting in a meeting room.
SANDRA
This is a terrible idea, you know.
A couple in their thirties, Terrell's parents ALEX and MINA,
are shown in. Sandra and Mix stand to greet them.
SANDRA
Hi, thanks for giving up your lunch for this meeting.
ALEX
I think this is something we've already discussed.
MINA
Honey.
MIX
I asked her to call you.
SANDRA
Mina, you've already met Robert. Alex, this is my
brother. He works here for me
sometimes and he's very close to Terrell. Please, can we all sit down?
They all sit.
MIX
Terrel told me about his ambition and I've talked to Sandra about it. And I think it's important that you hear the story of a certain fifteen year old.
INT. UNCLE CHUCK'S DINING ROOM, DAY
Lunch rush is over and Madison is rolling silverware on a
table. DD is not far away with a little vacuum cleaner.
MADISON
What is that girl doing?
DD looks up. Emily is looking through the front window.
DD
Shit.
EXT. UNCLE CHUCK'S BBQ & SANDY'S
DOG GROOMING, DAY
DD
What are you doing here?
EMILY
Fuck you. Fuck. You.
DD
Whoa.
EMILY
What did you do to my sister?
DD
I didn't do anything to her!
EMILY
Bullshit. What did you do? What did you do?
DD
She just left.
EMILY
Because you did something!
DD
(amused)
You have no idea what you're talking about.
EMILY
Did you cheat on her? Did you stand her up, what did you do,
did you hit her?
DD
Whaaaat? It's been a few weeks!
EMILY
You're a fucking pussy.
DD
Jesus. I know that being sixteen and hot you think
everything's sunshine and roses -
EMILY
(interrupts)
You are a dick!
DD
Okay, I'm a dick. Can I go back to work?
EMILY
She's just sitting at home, she called in sick today. I
really liked you and Tara liked you so much. And you don't even
care. You. You suck. You just suck.
Emily storms off. DD watches her go.
DD
Shit.
DD goes back inside.
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE MEETING ROOM, DAY
Mix, Sandra, Alex and Mina are in the meeting room.
Terrell is shown in. He stalls in the doorway.
TERRELL
What's going on?
MIX
You're not in trouble.
TERRELL
Really?
ALEX
Really, champ. Come here.
Mix stands to give Terrell a seat. As Terrell sits, Mix
leaves. Terrell watches him exit as Alex and Mina lean over to talk to
their son.
INT. GOODTOT'S DAYCARE, DAY
Outside, Mix is looking in through a window as Alex speaks to
Terrell. Terrell becomes increasingly agitated as his father talks to him.
After a few moments he sees Mix. Mix's expression calms Terrell down and they
have a moment.
Alex and Mina follow Terrell's look and see Mix. Mix
instinctively looks away, then leaves.
Mix
(that was pretty cool)
Huh.
As Mix leaves, we can see Terrell listening to his parents
much more calmly.
EXT. MIX & DD'S APARTMENT, DAY
Mix and DD exit their apartment's leasing office. Mix
lights a cigarette.
DD
Thousand dollars a month.
MIX
Yeah. I'm going to get a drink.
DD
I'll catch up with you. I gotta do something.
MIX
Okay.
Mix walks away. DD walks in the other direction.
EXT. STREET, DAY
DD exits an electronics store with a bag. He's holding
a cell phone and dials a number.
DD
Sometimes it just works.
He puts the phone to his ear.
DD
You know?
TARA (V.O.)
Hey, leave me a message.
DD
Hi, this is Quinn.