Miss Pearly May’s Homemade Fudge

An original short piece

By

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FADE IN:

EXT. SWANSON & JEFFERSON RANCH -- PORCH -- MORNING

Two old men sitting on rocking chairs, watching the sun rise. NATE SWANSON (70), white, holding a scrunched up piece of paper. He wears a ragged, upward pointing COWBOY hat, faded three quarter length trousers, stained white vest and braces. MANNY JEFFERSON (70), black, wears brown trousers and a long gray, buttoned-up shirt.

NATE
(reads from paper)
"Miss Pearly May's homemade fudge. Fudge so good, you'll never budge"
(laughs)
Good Lord, Manny. You 'member that?

MANNY
Lemme' see that, fool.

Manny takes the paper from Nate. Nate cracks a smile, revealing two yellow-stained, front teeth.

MANNY (CONT'D)
(laughing)
Where'd you find that old thang Nate? Brings back some mighty ol' memories, kid... Some good times, friend, good times.  Why, we were jus' children.

Nate and Manny both smiling and nodding.

NATE
Yup, that we were, pally, that we were.  Bellyaching little critters too. Paw whupped my ass somethin' good over that there fudge.

MANNY
He damn near killed me too! Tore my hide so bad I still can't feel my left cheek. Ain't never gonna' again neither, mind.

Nate and Manny burst out laughing, croaking and coughing. Manny taps Nate's knee and gives him back the paper.

NATE
He sure was a stubborn ol' mule.

MANNY
As stubborn as they come.

NATE
But he had a heart of gold. A heart of gold I tell ya.

MANNY
Lordy, lordy. George Swanson. A man never to be reckoned with! Whew!

He pretends to rub his left butt cheek better.

NATE
An' another thang.
(beat)
Was all yer fault and quit callin' me kid!

MANNY
Say what ol' man?

NATE
You're darn tootin' it was. Y'always were a good fer nothin' little rascal.

He looks over at Manny.

NATE (CONT'D)
Yer reckon on somethin' different?

MANNY
Hush now, fool! We gonna' keep arguin' over the same damn thing till the day we die?

Nate pokes his tongue out. Manny shakes his head. Both men look at each other and laugh. Manny takes out a harmonica from his shirt pocket and starts to play a lazy, summer tune. The burning red sun sneaks up on the desert land. 

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEARWATER CREEK -- RIVER'S EDGE - DAY

Nate (8) sits by the creek, sobbing. An old heap of a hound dog lies in front of him. Nate is struggling to hold his heavy SHOTGUN. Loud PANTING noises coming from the dog, in the scorching heat.

NATE
I can't do it.  I won't. Paw can't make me. Yer gonna' git better boy, you'll see. Please, git up!

He puts the shotgun down and lies next to the dog.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEARWATER CREEK -- OPEN ROAD -- MOMENTS LATER

MANNY (8) is running down a dirt-covered road. His face is covered in dust and the tracks of his tears glisten in the blistering sunlight. He spots a creek up ahead and continues toward it.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEARWATER CREEK – RIVER’S EDGE -- CONTINUOUS

POUNDING FOOTSTEPS. Nate spins round, teary-eyed. Manny crashes to the ground nearby and starts drinking from the river. He stops to catch his breath. Nate eyes him up and down.

NATE
(cautiously)
You dyin' a thirst, boy?

MANNY
(nods, panting)
The Lord set the devil 'pon me! I need to find me someplace ta hide.
(tearfully)
Help me, please!

Nate looks up and down the road. NOTHING.

NATE
Can't. My dog's sick. Paw says I gotta' learn to be a man and shoot 'im. I can't do it. He's my best friend, since I was a kid.

MANNY
(confused)
Ye are a kid, kid.

NATE
Well, he's all I've ever known. I hate seein' him so sick. Paw's gonna' tear my hide if I don't.

The dog makes YELPING NOISES.

NATE (CONT'D)
It's OK, boy. It's gonna' be OK.

Nate looks back at Manny. BIG EYES. Manny nods and walks over.

MANNY
I ain't never shot a dog before. Ain't shot anythin' 'fore. I'll get 'im first time, mind.

Nate gives Manny the rifle and shows him what to do. Nate kisses and hugs the dog. He gets up and stands behind Manny, eyes closed. 
Manny takes a deep breath.  BANG! Nate bursts into tears. Manny checks the dog. DEAD.

MANNY (CONT'D)
Sorry, kid. He's restin' now.
(pause)
Momma always said when folk die, it's just them takin' a rest from livin'. Lookit,  he's sleepin' now.

Nate composes himself and looks at the dog.

NATE
I figger your momma's right. Thank you fer helpin' my dog.

Manny shrugs his shoulders and smiles. Nate smiles back.

NATE (CONT'D)
Let's  git you a hidin' place, pally.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- BACKROOM -- LATER

Nate and Manny creep around a dimly lit room. Nate shushes Manny. Nate peers under the SALOON-STYLE DOORS. GEORGE SWANSON (40) a tall, built, handsome man, is sweeping the store.

NATE
(whispering to Manny)
That's paw right there. If anyone sees a Negro in store, there's gonna' be hell to pay.

Manny looks petrified. Nate turns to leave. Manny follows.

CUT TO:

INT. SUPPLY CLOSET -- CONTINUOUS

Manny sits inside a broom cupboard sized room. He looks scared. Nate closes the door. DARKNESS.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- CONTINUOUS

CREEKING sounds as the back saloon doors open slowly. Nate's FOOTSTEPS creep along the dusty, old wooden flooring of the shop. George is cleaning the windows. Nate stops behind him, holding the shotgun. George turns around, startled.

GEORGE
Don't be creepin' up on your father like that!

NATE
Sorry, paw.

Nate holds out the shotgun. George takes it, eyeballing him.

GEORGE
D'ya take care of the ol' boy?

Nate nods.

GEORGE (CONT'D)
Was fer the best, son. I'm proud of you.

Nate smiles, feebly.

GEORGE (CONT'D)
Run along now. Git washed an' cleaned up. 'Bout suppertime now.

Nate nods and glances over at the closet door as he leaves.

CUT TO:

INT. SUPPLY CLOSET -- EVENING

CREEKING FLOORBOARDS. Nate's hand opens the closet door to reveal Manny sleeping peacefully, huddled up. Nate nudges him gently.

NATE
(whispering)
Wake up, boy.

MANNY
(yawning)
Say what?

NATE
Hush now! Don't make a sound, y'hear? Follow me.

Manny rubs his eyes and nods.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- CONTINUOUS

"Miss Pearly May's home-made fudge" candy box sits high on a wooden counter top. Manny stares up at it, curiously. Nate stands on a wooden stool, behind the counter, with a white apron wrapped around his waist. He looks down at Manny authoritatively.

NATE
(imitating George)
Now, sonny.  That there ain't no ordinary fudge. That's the finest fudge in all the land that money can buy. It ain't cheap, mind, but if yer willin' to do some hard work 'round store, consider yer debt...
(pauses thoughtfully)
settled.

MANNY
I want one piece.

NATE
Didn't your momma teach you none of them manners?

MANNY
One fudge, purty please.

BIG EYES staring back at Nate. Nate swipes two pieces of fudge and gets down from the stool. Both boys frantically open their candy. Nate watches Manny eat. Manny's face is content and grateful. Nate smiles and eats too.

MANNY (CONT'D)
(fudge-filled mouth)
Manny.

He holds out his hand, offering a handshake.

NATE
(fudge-filled mouth)
Nate.

They shake hands.

MANNY
(loud and garbled)
Say what?

NATE
(loud and garbled)
Nate!

LAUGHTER. THUD! Both boys stare up at the ceiling, startled. FOOTSTEPS. Petrified, chocolate-smeared faces.

NATE (CONT'D)
 I think ye done woke up my paw.

Nate looks at Manny, worried.

MANNY
Uh-oh.

NATE
Let's get outta' here!

MANNY
'Allelujah!

Manny and Nate jump up and make their way to the back door.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- CONTINUOUS

George holds the boys by the scruff of their shirts. Lots of FUDGE WRAPPERS on the floor. Nate and Manny are petrified. George looks back and forth between the boys and the mess. He shakes his head disapprovingly.

GEORGE
How in God's name d'you fellas think you was gonna' git away with this? Shame on you, Nate! You brought shame on this family, boy.

George crouches down in front of them with one eyebrow raised. He flashes Nate an evil glance.

GEORGE (CONT'D)
(barks)
Speak up, son! Cat got yer tongue?
(beat)
Well? Don't feed me no sorry, good fer nothin' story, ya li'll squirt!

NATE
I'm sorry, paw! I swear it!

MANNY
I'm sorry, sir. I swears it too!

George flashes Manny an evil glare. Manny gulps.

GEORGE
Who the heck are you, boy? What’s a Negro doin' in store?  Don't ya know better? If that old coont sheriff sees you in ‘ere, there's no tellin' what he's gonna' do!

MANNY
I.. I...  er-

GEORGE
- Well? Speak up! Crazy li'll runt!

NATE
I brought him here, paw. Was my fault. I said I was gonna' help him.

George squints harder at both boys who are now teary.

GEORGE
Buck up, sissies. Stand straight 'n face the wall. You should know better 'an that.

NATE
But, paw!

GEORGE
Git!

Nate and Manny face the wall. They look at each other, squirming right before the impending WHOLLUP! A newspaper sits on a nearby stool, which catches Nate's eye. The headline reads - "Negro lynching on the rise".

CUT TO:

EXT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- DAY

Nate sweeping outside the store. Manny on a ladder cleaning the windows. His pants have a big patch of material sewn across his backside. Nate also has the same patch. George sits on a rocking chair chewing TOBACCO with his cowboy hat on. Passers-by stop and stare at Manny with looks of disgust. George spits the tobacco at their feet, smiles sarcastically and ushers them on. They walk away flustered. George chortles. Manny looks down at George and smiles. George pushes his hat back, winks at him and lowers it back down.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- DAY

George nails a poster on the wall, which reads "$100 REWARD". Around him are low shelves stocked with books, utilities and baskets with groceries. The higher shelves are stocked with candy, tobacco, ammunition and guns. The back section of the store has a selection of ladies wear from the 19th century. Manny walks up to him holding something behind his back. He tugs the back of George's shirt.

MANNY
Mr. Swanson, sir...

GEORGE
Uh-huh...
(beat)
Speak up!

MANNY
(innocently)
What's this for?

Manny holds out a red, laced garter belt. George looks flabbergasted.

GEORGE
Where'd you git that, boy?

He snatches it out from Manny's hands, embarrassed.

MANNY
On floor. Roun' back.

GEORGE
Don't be touchin' these uh... these things. Nate! Git out here!

Nate rushes in, worried.

NATE
Yes, paw?

GEORGE
I thought I told you boys to stay away from all them shelves bigger 'an you.

An open CABINET door, revealing a multitude of COLORFUL MATERIALS matching the garter belt.

GEORGE (CONT'D)
Don't be touchin' none of them ladies clothes. Boy, git out back 'fore someone sees you in 'ere. 

Manny nods and goes with Nate. Front door SWINGS open. The SHERIFF storms in.

SHERIFF
George.

GEORGE
Sheriff. Can I help ya with somethin'?

SHERIFF
Warnin' the locals, George. Negro on the run.

He looks around the store.

SHERIFF (CONT'D)
Goes by the name of Clifford Jackson. Ya heard of him?

GEORGE
Can't say I have to be truthful with you. What he do?

SHERIFF
Rumor has it he's the man responsible for burnin' down the Wilder farm. Killed the whole family too. Now he's missin' an' there's a lynch mob chasin' to fix 'im up.  Watch them guns in store and lock up tight.

George nods as the Sheriff leaves.

GEORGE
Evenin' to you... you no good son of a --

George locks the door. Nate and Manny walk back over to him.
MANNY
-- Mr. Swanson?

George, deep in thought, spins around.

MANNY (CONT'D)
What the sheriff want?

GEORGE
Jus' business boys. Git back to yer chores now.

NATE
What's a lynch mob?

GEORGE
(snaps)
Boy, I told you not to be eavesdroppin' on other people's business didn't I?

Nate hangs his head low. George looks remorseful and waves the boys to come over. He sits on the stool and wraps his arm around each of them.

GEORGE (CONT'D)
Yer practically brothers now. Always look out fer one another, y'hear?

He turns to Nate.

GEORGE (CONT'D)
Mind little Manny, Nate. Some bad folk in town. Might be lookin' for some trouble. Keep a lookout, at all times.

Nate nods. Manny proudly steps forward to face them both. He recites gracefully...

MANNY
"As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them".

GEORGE
(smiling)
Thatta' boy. Now git!

CUT TO:

INT. WASHROOM -- EVENING

Low ceiling room with WALL TO WALL WOODED BEAMS. Nate and Manny wear their LONGJOHNS and are washing their faces in a tub filled with SOAPY WATER. Nate looks over at Manny. SOAPY FACE.

NATE
Got suds in yer hair, again.

Manny's face is covered in bubbles. He tries to open one eye, but is squinting in pain from the soap.

MANNY
Dangit!

Nate takes a nearby towel to Manny's head and face and dries off the soap. They both put their arms into the water, up to the elbow. Just the tops of their sleeves be seen. Nate laughs.

MANNY (CONT'D)
What's so funny?

NATE
Look!

Manny looks into the sink, confused. NOTHING. Nate keeps Manny's arms under water.

MANNY
You're crazy, kid. You need to wash that soap outta' your brain.

NATE
Don't ya see?

Manny peers into the sink even closer. NOTHING. Nate splashes his fingers, flicking water at Manny's face.

MANNY
Quit foolin' already!  Can't see nothin' but soap.

NATE
Exactly!

They both take their arms out and look at them closely. Then they inspect each other's hands. A closer inspection of their skin. They dip them back into the soapy water.

MANNY
No color in the water?

They start flicking water playfully at each other.

NATE
Exactly! Jus' wet hands, pally!

For a moment they pause and stare back into the sink, and then carry on.

CUT TO:

INT. GEORGE'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Sounds of GALLOPING HORSES. INFREQUENT GUN SHOTS. MALE VOICES YELLING. George slowly moves the curtain to see the main street. 
DRUNKEN MEN staggering out of a drinking hole opposite. A fight ensues between the men. PROSITUTES loiter along the street.

GEORGE
Figger's.

He draws the curtain back and makes his way to bed. SMASH! The sound of glass breaking. George leaps up. He opens the closet door and takes out a Remington 10-gauge shotgun.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- BACKROOM -- CONTINUOUS

George tiptoes quietly, holding the shotgun as if ready to shoot. Sounds of MALE VOICES in the store.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON GENERAL STORE -- CONTINUOUS

MOONLIGHT RAYS shine brightly into the store. HOODLUM ONE is trashing the shop, throwing goods on the floor. HOODLUM TWO tries to break open the gun rack. HOODLUM THREE is drinking a bottle of whiskey and shouting the odds to noisemakers outside. BILL SPROCKETT (45) stands patiently amongst the chaos.  Less intoxicated than the other men, but a rough looking cowboy nonetheless. George enters and sees Bill. He points his shotgun directly at him.

GEORGE
That you, Sprockett?

BILL
Howdy, George.

GEORGE
What the hell's goin' on here?

BILL
Put yer gun down, ain't nobody fixin' to brawl or nothin'. Jus' tell us where you're hidin' Jackson and we'll be on our way.

The hoodlums continue to be rowdy as they violate the store. Bill turns and shushes them into silence.

GEORGE
He ain't here. Now git!

Bill looks unconvinced. He pulls out a pistol and points it at George. George looks at it uneasily and then grips his shotgun more. FOOTSTEPS running down the stairs. George looks up.

NATE (O.S.)
(faintly)
Paw, what's happenin'?

GEORGE
(shouting)
Stay back!

The footsteps stop suddenly. SILENCE.

BILL
What you hidin' up there, George? Negro lover!

GEORGE
Go on about yer business, Sprockett and leave. Like I was sayin', what you’re lookin' for ain't 'ere. Now go on, git!

BILL
Since when did a Negro become family all of a sudden?

GEORGE
I said get outta' here, you sonfoabitch!

Bill steps towards George, with his pistol firmly aimed.

BILL
Temper, temper, George.

George's expression is fierce and his gaze fixated on Bill. Bill's face gets angrier.

GEORGE
Goddammit Bill, take one more step an' I'm sendin' you straight to hell, asshole.

Bill smirks. The Sheriff struts into the store holding his gun.

SHERIFF
You fellas go on an' get outta here, 'fore I do somethin' I'm not gonna' regret.

NOTHING. The sheriff fires the gun into the ceiling. BOOM!

SHERIFF (CONT'D)
Beat it!

Bill and his gang spit and stumble on the way out. George's barrel follows them. Pieces of the ceiling chip and fall down. George lowers the shotgun and eyeballs the sheriff.

CUT TO:

EXT. SWANSON & JEFFERSON RANCH -- DAY

A sign above the barn reads "Swanson & Jefferson Ranch". A celebratory, red and white ribbon is tied across the sign and all around the barn. Rows of horse drawn carriages line up alongside of the ranch. 
A PHOTOGRAPHER is taking pictures around the yard. Horses drink from a trough.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON & JEFFERSON BARN -- DAY

Nate (75) and Manny (75) standing on a mock stage dressed in FINE SUITS. STRAW COVERED barn floor. In the center of the barn is a large group of children, black and white aged between 5-16. They gather around the front of the stage. Adults, both black and white, form a large audience. Manny starts playing his harmonica to "Skip to my Lou" while Nate sings.

NATE
Choose your partners, skip to my Lou, choose your partners, skip to my Lou, choose your partners, skip to my Lou, skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

During the verses, the children hold hands and walk into the circle. They then raise joined hands as they all meet in the center, then back up to their original position while lowering joined hands. During the chorus, they stand in a circle and clap hands.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEARWATER CREEK -- OPEN ROAD -- DAY

Nate (13) and Manny (13) riding a horse-drawn surrey. The two horses gallop suddenly after Manny whips the reigns too hard, thus sending them bolting out into the fields where the surrey gradually slows and topples to the ground sideways.

NATE (V.O.)
Can't get a red bird, a blue bird will do, can't get a red bird, a blue bird will do, can't get a red bird, a blue bird will do, skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

Nate gets out and walks round to Manny, pulls him up and starts smacking him with his cowboy hat.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEARWATER CREEK -- OPEN ROAD -- DAY

Nate (17) lining up tin cans along a cobbled old wall. He weighs half of them down with rocks and leaves the other half empty. MANNY (17) waltzes over and begins target practice with a slingshot. None of his tins fall.

NATE (V.O.)
I got a red bird, a pretty one too, I got a red bird, a pretty one too, I got a red bird, a pretty one too, skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

Nate takes the slingshot and hits a succession of tins on target. Manny investigates and discovers the rocks. He starts throwing them at Nate, who dashes off in hot pursuit.

CUT TO:

INT. WASHROOM -- NIGHT

George (55) is taking a bath. He has suds all over his face and reaches out blindly fumbling around for a nearby jug. Manny (23) sneaks in and switches the jug for another one. George pours the jug over his face and body, and is covered in syrup.

NATE (V.O.)
Cat's in the cream jar, what'll I do? Cat's in the cream jar, what'll I do, cat's in the cream jar, what'll I do, skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

Nate (23) and Manny hover in the doorway laughing. George fuming, waves his FISTS in the air.

CUT TO:

INT. SWANSON & JEFFERSON BARN -- DAY

Nate (70) prances around singing on stage.

NATE
Fly's in the buttermilk, shoo, shoo, shoo, fly's in the buttermilk, shoo, shoo, shoo, fly's in the buttermilk, shoo, shoo, shoo, skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

REJOICING and APPLAUSE. Manny and Nate (70) hug one another.  A YOUNG MAN brings a large BASKET to the stage, which has a RIBBON on it. He places it in front of the old men.  A PHOTOGRAPHER positions them on either side of the basket. They both hold SCISSORS and pose as if ready to cut the ribbon. The photographer's BLINDING FLASH snaps the moment.  With arms around each other and huge smiling faces, they each take some candy and hold it up to the camera. The wrapper reads, "Swanson & Son's Homemade Fudge". Another BLINDING FLASH.

FADE OUT:

THE END