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A TRAFFIC JAM - DAY
A hard RAIN falls over all we see.
And... a FREEWAY snakes far, but the cars do not move in the
northbound lane.
Southbound is moving fine.
IN STOPPED TRAFFIC-- horns are not blaring. The situation is
accepted by everyone behind the wheel. Just like the guy in
that car. The blue Honda. In the number three lane.
THE LEGEND APPEARS:
Modern Day
INT. HONDA - DAY
TIM COUCH, 28 but with eyes that betray his age, drums his
fingers on the wheel. Staccato beats a way of removing
himself from this frustration.
Beside him, in the passenger seat, EMILY COUCH, 26, folds her
hands.
EMILY
Knock it off, please.
TIM
Sorry.
He stops the drumming. Turns on the radio.
EMILY
Please...
TIM
It's one or the other, Emily.
EMILY
You need more options.
TIM
Don't I know it.
A moment of silence. Tim resumes the tapping.
EMILY
We're going to be late.
TIM
You think?
Emily unlatches her seatbelt.
TIM
What are you doing?!
EMILY
Walking.
She opens the car door and climbs out.
TIM
Emily, what the hell are you doing?!
You'll kill yourself!
EMILY
I wish.
EXT. FREEWAY - DAY
Defying the pounding rain, Emily shuts the car door and worms
her way between cars trapped in traffic. To the median.
Over it. Where... and this stops our heart... she casually
crosses the OTHER LANES OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC.
Cars whip by at 80 mph missing her by inches but there's NO
FEAR IN HER EYES; a Sunday stroll in the park as far as she's
concerned.
She SOMEHOW makes it to the other side of the freeway, swings
one leg over the guardrail, and continues down an incline...
to a neighborhood a few hundred yards away.
INT. HONDA - DAY
Tim is FREAKING OUT! Panting hard, he steers the car to the
median and cuts the engine. Explodes out of the car.
EXT. FREEWAY MEDIAN - SAME
Tim stands. Watches Emily in the distance. She's safe. He
exhales.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Pretty, shingled homes, quiet streets.
Emily walks with determination through the rain, quickly
drenched.
EXT. HOME - DAY
GAIL, a middle aged real estate agent, stands under an
umbrella, in the driveway. She checks her watch.
Emily turns a corner and walks quickly toward Gail.
GAIL
Mrs. Couch! There you are.
EMILY
Sorry. We hit some traffic. The
rain.
GAIL
Where's your car?
EMILY
Really?
GAIL
Um... would you like to stand under my
umbrella?
EMILY
I'm good. This is it?
GAIL
Three bedrooms, two and a half bath.
EMILY
(eyes take one sweep
across the outside)
We'll take it.
GAIL
Uhhh... would you like to see the
inside?
EMILY
I'm sure its fine.
The Honda barrels down the street and SCREECHES to a stop at
the new house. Tim, again, explodes from the drivers seat.
TIM
What the hell was that?!
EMILY
Tim, Gail. Gail, my husband, Tim.
TIM
You could have been killed!
EMILY
Well I wasn't.
TIM
What could I have done? I can't save
you from that! I can't magically lift
the cars from the freeway so they
don't hit you.
EMILY
I didn't ask you to!
TIM
Even if you did ask me, I couldn't!
Even if you wanted that!
EMILY
Which, clearly, I didn't.
Uncomfortable pause.
GAIL
You must be Mr. Couch.
EMILY
I told her we'd take it.
Tim looks up at the house. Eyes sweep over it once...
TIM
Yeah. We'll take it.
GAIL
I'd really like to show you the
inside...
EMILY
How fast can we close? The truck will
be here... what?
TIM
(checks his watch)
Ten minutes?
TIM
Ten minutes.
GAIL
Uh... its... I'm sorry?
FROM ABOVE-- we witness our players standing in the driveway
as a MOVING TRUCK pulls up. Early.
SMASH TO BLACK.
A TITLE CARD OVER BLACK--
Twas 'bout a year later...
INT. HOME - BEDROOM - MORNING
An alarm clock BLARES. Emily's hand smashes it silent. She
sits straight up and peels the covers away.
What is about to happen will appear highly choreographed.
It is not. And it happens without a single edit. Witness:
STAIRCASE
Emily steps slowly down, to the front door. Opens it. Grabs
the newspaper and, without looking, tosses it behind her.
TIM, halfway down the stairs, catches it. Continues casually
down as...
Emily moves into...
KITCHEN
Tim follows her.
Emily grabs a frying pan and fires up the gas stove as Tim
turns on the coffee maker. Turns and opens the refrigerator
and tosses two eggs. Emily catches them almost without
looking.
Tim moves to the...
BACK DOOR/YARD
where he lets ARTHUR, the dog, out. Follows the pooch out
and stretches. Surveys the yard and heads back into--
KITCHEN
where Emily already has the eggs frying. Tim grabs two
coffee cups out of the cabinet. Pours one cup, slides it to
Emily who snaps it up and takes a sip. Pours himself one.
Slides into a chair at the kitchen table as Emily flips the
eggs, waits a moment, flips them back onto a plate and spins
it over to Tim, who catches it, sets it down and starts in.
Emily crosses into--
HALLWAY
She grabs Tim's briefcase. Crosses back into--
KITCHEN
Tim, takes one more bite of egg. Closes his newspaper.
Stands and POP, snatches a piece of toast that's just been
sprung free. He shoves it in his mouth, grabs the briefcase
from Emily as he passes her, heading to--
FRONT DOOR
which Emily opens, Tim starts to pass through as their dog,
Arthur, suddenly stands directly in front of him. Tim SPILLS
to the ground.
Emily shoos Arthur away. Closes the door.
Morning routine... done.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY
Tim leans over a counter, staring intensely at rows of
jewels. He is looking for...
SALEWOMAN
Is there something specific you're
looking for?
TIM
Sadly. I won't find it here, though.
SALEWOMAN
Oh, don't give up. What's the
occasion?
TIM
Anniversary.
SALEWOMAN
A necklace then?
TIM
A ring. I'll take that one.
SALEWOMAN
All right. That was easy. Do you
want to know how much it is?
TIM
No.
SALEWOMAN
Lucky girl.
She carefully plucks the two carat diamond ring out as Tim
absently drops his credit card. Absent because he's focused
on the COUPLE to his left... a few feet away... a GUY and
GIRL, very early twenties.
They EMBRACE. Giggle and whisper to each other.
GUY
You make me so happy, baby.
Tim rolls his eyes. The couple kiss.
GIRL
I love you.
GUY
I'll love you forever, baby.
They kiss again. Tim goes back to his search.
GUY
I gotta take a whiz, baby. I'll be
right back.
She smiles wide. He plants one more on her before wandering
off.
Tim stands straight. Follows him.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE BATHROOM - DAY
The giggly GUY stands before a urinal doing his business.
Tim enters, unzips and takes the stand next to him.
A moment passes. Tim looks over. The Guy feels it. Looks
back. Nods, uncomfortably.
TIM
Hey.
GUY
Hey.
A moment.
TIM
You getting married?
GUY
Excuse me?
TIM
You're crazy in love out there.
Wondering if you're--
GUY
Do I know you?
TIM
Sorry.
Moment.
TIM
Do you mind?
Tim stays angled to the urinal, but slides a little closer to
the Guy.
GUY
Dude, what are you doing?!
TIM
I just want to ask you something.
The Guy is freaked out. He'd stop... if he could and beat
feat outta there. But he just trickles.
GUY
Look, man. I just wanna--
Tim leans in closer. Still... angled.
TIM
Did you mean it?
GUY
Mean what?
TIM
You'll love her forever.
GUY
I... I don't know. I guess.
TIM
Would you say it... if you really had
to?
Guy is pissing in bits and pieces now.
GUY
Huh?
Tim stares at him. Looks him over. Smiles. Slides back
over to his own porcelain. Stares straight ahead.
TIM
I'm just saying, you have to be
careful. That's all I'm saying. We
say stuff sometimes. We're guys. We
want to make them happy. Nine times
out of ten we're just lookin' to get
laid. And we're very goal oriented.
We know their weak points. We exploit
them. That's all I'm saying.
(beat)
Just remember. It's never too late...
to run screaming in the opposite
direction.
He shakes. Tucks. Zips. Leaves.
INT. SUPERMARKET - MEATS - DAY
Emily pushes a shopping cart down an aisle. MEATS. Eyes the
butcher, a young man of 17 (who, if we're keeping track, and
we are, is named, coincidentally, BUTCH). He's a handsome
kid but seems a little dull below the eyelids. Cutting with
a thousand yard stare. But the sight of him makes Emily...
catch her breath.
EMILY
Hello, Butch.
BUTCH
Hello, Mrs. Couch.
EMILY
I told you, it's Emily.
BUTCH
Uh... sorry. Emily. How's it goin'?
EMILY
Wonderful, Butch. Just peachy. You?
BUTCH
They got the new X-Men comin' out.
I'm psyched to get off.
EMILY
No doubt.
(beat)
Of work, that is.
He has no idea what she means. She rolls forward, but her
heart seems to stay behind. Just a little.
INT. SUPERMARKET - PARTY SUPPLIES - MOMENTS LATER
Emily stops before birthday candles. Eyes them. Picks out
the BIG NUMBERS. She frowns.
INT. SUPERMARKET - CHECKOUT LINE - MOMENTS LATER
Emily lines up her items on the conveyor belt. A bright-eyed
CHECKOUT LADY scans away. Hits the "birthday numbers"
CHECKOUT LADY
Havin' a party, Mrs. Couch?
Emily shakes her head.
EMILY
Anniversary.
CHECKOUT LADY
Congratulations, dear!
She scans a "2". Then an "0". Then an... "8"?
CHECKOUT LADY
Sweetie-pie, I think you got one too
many.
EMILY
Did I?
CHECKOUT LADY
How long you been married?
Emily takes a moment. Other SHOPPERS in line stare at her.
The Checkout Lady stares at her. One more beat, then--
EMILY
Eight-hundred and twenty years.
A long moment as everyone soaks this in.
The Checkout Lady suddenly gets the joke. Holds up her left
hand, displaying a puny diamond atop a fading gold ring. She
chuckles:
CHECKOUT LADY
I know what you mean.
JIMMY (the Bag Man), huge guy, little slow, soft heart,
finishes loading her groceries.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
You need help to da car, Mrs. Couch?
EMILY
I'm good, Jimmy.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
You ever let Jimmy know if he can help
you, now.
EMILY
I will, Jimmy.
Emily smiles and pushes on.
EXT. COUCH HOME - NIGHT
A single light on in the main room. Lets go inside.
INT. COUCH HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
A CAKE sits in the center of the table. Two pieces cut from
it. The BIG NUMBERS Emily purchased have fallen flat.
Tim and Emily sit on opposite sides of the table. We notice
the NEW RING Tim purchased is on Emily's ring finger. Though
it seems like more of an annoyance the way her thumb flicks
at it.
They silently chew. You can hear a mouse fart. Then...
EMILY
We have a session tomorrow.
TIM
Do you like the ring?
EMILY
It's fine.
They sit silently.
EMILY
The session is at three.
Tim sighs.
EMILY
Don't sound so excited.
TIM
I'm sorry. Gee! I can't wait to see
Dr. Merlinski! It's so damn yippee.
Silence.
EMILY
Me too.
Emily takes another bite.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Emily, alone, removes the new anniversary ring. Places it in
a jewelry box FILLED WITH DIAMOND RINGS. She shuts the case.
Looks near to tears.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. DR. MERLINSKI'S OFFICE - DAY
Emily and Time sit on a couch. The room is not typical;
rather wood walls that indicate some sort of wood cabin. The
lighting is poor, in fact most of it seems to come from
sunlight seeping through the panels of the walls.
They face camera. The voice of DR. Merlinski is deep. Aged.
Wise. But we never see him. Just our pained couple.
DR. MERLINSKI (O.S.)
But it hasn't always been this way,
correct?
TIM
I think it's been this way for awhile.
EMILY
Yeah, a long time.
DR. MERLINSKI (O.S.)
You need to remember. Think back.
When is the moment, Emily, that you
truly fell in love with Tim?
EMILY
You know, Dr. Merlinski.
DR. MERLINSKI (O.S.)
Remind me.
EMILY
That's silly.
(beat)
It's when he slew the dragon.
EXT. WOODS - TWILIGHT
Tim, (25) in the full metal ARMOR of a KNIGHT OF THE ROUND
TABLE, ducks behind his SHIELD as a DRAGON shrieks a column
of FIRE from his fanged mouth!
Flames HIT the shield, coning around the protected Tim, who
waits a moment for the blaze to stop, then LAUNCHES FORWARD
with a sword, DRIVING IT INTO THE DRAGON'S NECK!
The beast FALLS. Quivers a moment. Then DIES.
Tim rushes into the...
INT. DRAGON'S LAIR - CONTINUOUS
A cave littered with the skeletons of brave Knights who have
attempted and failed the feat that Tim has just accomplished.
Tim races to the back of the Lair where Emily, bound by what
appears to be a net of DRAGON MUCUS, awaits her champion.
With deftness, Tim whips his blade into the dragon mucus,
freeing Emily who leaps into his arms. They kiss the kiss of
love's true love.
SMASH BACK TO:
INT. DR. MERLINSKI'S OFFICE - RESUME SCENE
DR. MERLINSKI
Is that how you remember it, Tim?
SMASH TO BLACK.
Title Card over black:
821 Years Ago
EXT. DIRT TRAIL - TWILIGHT
Tim, in peasant dress, walks alongside his good friend ART,
through a meadow. TORCHLIGHT from a nearby village twinkle
in the distance.
ART
None more beautiful than if Venus
herself did step from the sea fully
formed.
TIM
More beautiful than Lady Gwendolyn?
ART
Aye.
TIM
I don't believe you. And she's been
taken?
ART
Aye. They say a dragon in these
nearby woods.
TIM
(clearly Art is fucking
with him. Maybe.)
No way.
Art and Tim come to a clearing closer to the village. And a
BOULDER, uncharacteristically placed in the middle of the
road.
ART
Take a look at that!
Tim eyes it. A MAJESTIC SWORD appears imbedded into the
heart of the bolder, its handle stretched out, daring anyone
to grasp it.
TIM
Methinks that's not normal.
ART
Methinks you're right.
Art grabs hold of the handle. Pulls. Nothing.
ART
Methinks its in there but good.
TIM
How could anyone put a sword into a
stone? And why?
ART
Give it a tug.
TIM
Methinks not.
ART
C'mon. Art though a coward?
TIM
Nay.
(beat)
I just don't feel like it.
ART
Coward.
TIM
Maybe its there for a reason.
ART
What good reason might thou think
someone would do such a thing?
Beat.
TIM
It's decorative.
ART
Give it a tug, coward.
Sufficiently goaded, Tim slowly and carefully takes hold of
the sword by the handle. Art watches, amused.
Tim takes a moment... then pulls... EASILY DRAWING THE SWORD
FROM THE STONE!
In the near distance, a VILLAGER witnesses the miracle.
Shouts back to the Village.
VILLAGER
Someone has pulled the sword from the
stone! The stone! Someone has pulled
the sword! Come one, come all and
bear witness!
Art freaks out, convinced they're in trouble.
ART
How did you do that?!
Tim panics.
TIM
I don't know! I don't know!
ART
Well put it back! It clearly belongs
to someone!
Tim tries sticking the sword back in the stone; won't happen.
How the hell can you put the sword BACK in the stone?
They look down at the Village, where a small CROWD has
amassed, headed up the hill toward Tim and Art.
ART
Methinks we're in trouble.
Tim tosses the sword to Art.
ART
I don't want it!
TIM
It was your idea!
The Villagers are closer.
ART
Take back the sword!
TIM
Methinks... no.
Tim races off across the clearing toward a woods. Art wants
to follow but the crowd of VILLAGERS is suddenly upon him.
VILLAGERS
(a cacophony)
You did it! You pulled the sword!
TIM
I didn't do it! He did!
VILLAGERS
(a cacophony)
You did it! You are the one true
king?!
TIM
I didn't! I'm just-- wait, what?
VILLAGERS
(a cacophony)
The true king! Yes! Clearly! There
is no doubt! What is you name true
king?!
ART
Um... Art.
VILLAGERS
(together)
King Art!
ART
Well, it's actually Arthur. Art for
short.
VILLAGERS
(together)
All hail King Arthur, Art for Short!
They set Art on their shoulders and carry him off.
Meanwhile, close by...
EXT. WOODS - TWILIGHT
Tim RACES through the woods as quickly as he can. As his
heart beats through his chest... the woods grow darker.
Suddenly, he stops. Listens. Doesn't appear he's being
followed. Takes a breath and a step and...
FALLS straight into the ground!
INT. ENDLESS PIT - CONTINUOUS
Falling and bouncing off the walls of this ENDLESS PIT, Tim
reaches out for anything to grab onto. Twigs, rocks,
anything. He finally gets hold of a LARGE ROCK just as the
endless pit proves NOT to be an endless pit and...
TIM slams HARD onto the HEAD OF A DRAGON! Still grasping the
rock which, by force of the fall SLAMS into the Dragon's
skull, KILLING the beast INSTANTLY.
INT. DRAGON'S LAIR - CONTINUOUS
Tim settles a moment, unsure of where he is. Pitch black.
Then the Dragon lets out a death-rattling BELCH and FIRE
blows from its fanged mouth, lighting up the LAIR, and
catching various TWIGS and GRASS which light cavern.
Tim, of course, realizing where he is, flips out.
TIM
Aghhhh!!!!
He falls back, off the Dragon's head, and lands hard on the
ground.
After a moment, Tim picks himself up and gathers his
surroundings. Rocks, rocks, more rocks, and... a WOMAN,
trapped behind a web of DRAGON MUCUS.
TIM
M'lady?
It's Emily, of course. She pulls up her head and smiles.
EMILY
My champion! I knew you'd come!
With deftness, Tim picks up an errant stick and jimmies it
into the dragon mucus awkwardly, freeing Emily who leaps into
his arms. To Tim's surprise, she kisses him the kiss of
loves true love. He tries to return the favor.
SMASH BACK TO:
INT. DR. MERLINSKI'S OFFICE - RESUME SCENE
Tim stares blankly. More a statement than a question:
TIM
Why not.
EXT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MORNING
A nondescript building at the heart of an office park. We
still have no idea what city we're in. Midwest, maybe?
We do know the sky has opened up again and the rain is
soaking everything in sight.
INT. BREAK ROOM - MORNING
Inside, nice and dry, Tim STARES at a wall. But its not a
blank wall. He's not nuts, right? It's a sign-up sheet.
For skydiving.
Tim considers. Quickly decides no-way just as BABE BUELL, a
fetching 25 year old junior-adjuster, appears beside him.
BABE
You gonna do it?
Tim snaps out of his mini-trance and looks over to her.
TIM
Do what?
BABE
Jump? Skydive?
TIM
Oh. No. I don't like heights.
BABE
You afraid of them?
TIM
Afraid? No. I just don't like them.
BABE
It's okay. I'm afraid of spiders.
Babe looks at Tim; we can instantly tell she has an
earthquake sized crush on him masked by too much make-up.
Yeah, we must be in the Midwest.
BABE
I saw a Black Widow spider once when I
was a kid? Hid in a closet for three
days.
TIM
How did you--
BABE
--I held it. There wasn't much to
drink or eat. My Mom quit trying to
coax me out after six hours. Finally
she called the fire department.
Suffice to say, I'm afraid of spiders.
But nothing else. I'll do anything
else.
(beat)
I'm Babe. Babe Buell.
TIM
I know. You're an adjuster, right?
BABE
Junior adjuster. You're in sales.
TIM
I am. Tim.
They shake hands.
TIM
Don't you find it ironic, Babe, that
someone in a life insurance office
would post a group outing to skydive?
BABE
It's actually safer than getting in
your car. Statistics show one
skydiving death for every four hundred
thousand traffic deaths every year.
TIM
Still. You have to appreciate the
irony. Irony is so unappreciated.
Babe looks at Tim. Smiles. Signs up for the skydiving
event.
BABE
And life is short.
Babe saunters off, hoping he's watching her butt as she flips
her hips out of the break room.
He does.
EXT. SUPERMARKET - PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON
The rain has stopped for the moment. Sky is ominous, though.
Emily waits. Empty shopping cart before her. Faux shopping,
or starting to. She waits. But for what?
There. Butch appears, apron in hand, shift over.
Emily smiles. Pushes her cart toward him as he walks
forward. Pretends not to see him as she rolls her cart into
its stable. Then calls out.
EMILY
Butch?
Butch turns.
BUTCH
Oh, hey, Mrs... Emily.
EMILY
Just finish up?
BUTCH
Yeah. Weren't you just here earlier?
EMILY
Forgot the beef broth. You headed out
to get that X-Men comic?
BUTCH
Sure as shit. Oh. Sorry. I mean
stuff.
EMILY
That's okay, Butch. I've been there,
you don't have to soften it up for me.
You driving there?
BUTCH
I don't have a car just yet. Trying
to save up. My stepdad says he'll
match my savings so I might get one
soon.
EMILY
Give you a lift?
INT. EMILY'S LEXUS - AFTERNOON
Butch stares oblivious as Emily drives, stealing the
occasional glance at his beefy body.
EMILY
You work out, Butch?
BUTCH
I dunno. Sometimes. I get busy.
EMILY
You look... fit.
BUTCH
Not really. I like bread. And comic
books. I collect them.
EMILY
(trying to care)
Do you?
BUTCH
And figurines. I got 'em all. X-Men,
Avengers, Superman post 1976
Christopher Reeve B.S. Superman,
right? I don't think so. I got Iron
Man--
EMILY
--you're what, twenty-one then?
BUTCH
Twenty-two next month. But I still go
to Naperville Community College. I
got held back. My mom said it's cause
I have an overactive imagination that
interferes with my skills. Like
Einsted. My stepdad says it's cause
I'm dull. I'm not sure who to believe
anymore.
EMILY
What do your friends say?
BUTCH
They say I'm cool.
A moment.
BUTCH
You like comics?
EMILY
I like stories. Damsel in distress is
good.
BUTCH
In Superman 198, Superman totally
saves Lois from this tree creature who
has her locked in a weed dungeon. And
instead of using his might, guess what
he uses?
EMILY
I have no idea.
BUTCH
Weed killer. Fuckin' brilliant.
INT. COMIC BOOK STORE - AFTERNOON
Butch leafs through the comics until he finds the one he's
looking for. Holds it up to Emily.
BUTCH
It's like twenty dollars, though.
EMILY
That's fine.
She reaches into her purse and pays the clerk.
EMILY
Do you drink coffee, Butch?
BUTCH
I like beer. But I can do coffee if I
have to.
INT. TIM'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Tim stares at a computer screen. After a moment, his eyes
drift over to the picture on his desk. Of Emily in a white
dress, standing in a familiar meadow. Who knows, actually,
what color the dress is; the picture is sepia tone and faded.
Tim frowns. His forehead accordions.
He stands and turns to the window. Looks out at the vast
nothingness. And the rest of the office park.
You get the sense he wants to kick out the glass right there.
INT. STARBUCKS - AFTERNOON
Butch and Emily sit together at a little corner table.
BUTCH
So where is Mister Couch?
EMILY
At work. He sells life insurance.
Off Butch's quizzical look.
EMILY
It's insurance in case you die.
BUTCH
Gross.
A moment.
BUTCH
If you're married, why don't you have
a ring?
EMILY
I had one. I lost it a few years ago.
BUTCH
How old are you?
EMILY
Older than you. Much older.
BUTCH
You don't seem that old.
EMILY
I am.
BUTCH
How did you end up in this town?
EMILY
That's a very long story, Butch. We
move a lot. Suffice to say it was
more of a "put up a map and pick where
we go next" situation.
BUTCH
Nothing set up before hand?
EMILY
No.
BUTCH
You're a rick-taker, cool.
EMILY
Lets just say, I get into trouble.
But its been awhile.
BUTCH
Who keeps you outta trouble? Mr.
Couch?
EMILY
He does. Unfortunately.
BUTCH
You'd rather be in trouble?
EMILY
I'd rather be anything right now.
BUTCH
Anything other than what?
A beat.
EMILY
Stuck.
BUTCH
I don't understand. Stuck where?
EMILY
You ask too many questions, Butch.
BUTCH
I know. My Mom says I'm
inquasitionative.
EMILY
Inquisitive.
BUTCH
That.
EMILY
There's nothing wrong with being
inquisitive, Butch.
(beat)
You just have to ask the right
questions.
Butch kinda nods. Not too sure what she's trying to say.
Tries his best:
BUTCH
You're really pretty, Emily.
EMILY
Do you have an email address?
EXT. STARBUCKS - DAY
Emily and Butch walk together, a little too close, though it
is about to save his life. For as they hit the curb, Butch
starts across the street and Emily YANKS him back just as a
BUS streaks by, moments from sending Butch to the happy
hunting ground.
They fall back together. Emily before Butch who lands in his
lap.
He stares up at her as she cradles his head like a child.
BUTCH
You saved me.
Emily herself is out of breath at what she's just done. She
lays her hands over Butch's eyes as other PASSERS-BY gather,
having witnessed this Starbuck-adjacesnt miracle.
EMILY
I just...
(beat)
I guess I did. Wow. That felt--
EXT. FIELD - MORNING
Now Tim's hands cover Emily's Eyes. Then open.
EMILY
--Amazing!
They stand in A FIELD OF WILDFLOWERS looking at a thatch
home, hand-built, covered in twigs and flowers and ramshackle
but beautiful. An adult-child DREAMHOME.
Super the Legend--
Devonshire, England, 1158
Emily kisses Tim and rushes to it. Tim smiles wide.
INT. DREAMHOME - CONTINUOUS
Though just a few hundred square feet, it might be a mansion
to Emily, blushed and spinning carefree.
EMILY
It's lovely. I'll serve you mead but
here. And we can lie there.
TIM
I love you.
She stops.
EMILY
What did you say?
TIM
I said I love you.
She pauses. Then embraces him.
EMILY
I love you too.
They kiss passionately. Break.
TIM
I have another surprise.
EMILY
Another?
Tim goes back to the (makeshift) door. Returns with... a
DOG... Which races to Emily and drenches her with dog kisses.
EMILY
I love it! What's his name?
TIM
Her. It's a girl.
EMILY
What's her name?
TIM
Arthur.
INT. DREAMHOME - NIGHT (LATER)
Tim and Emily sit together, cross-legged, in the center of
the room. A campfire burns between them. They are both
beaming. Arthur, the dog, wanders about.
TIM
I want you to know, I will always
protect you, Emily. From any harm
that may befall.
EMILY
From everything? From dragons?
TIM
Well you saw what I did with the last
one.
Beaming, bursting, she believes him. And he mostly believes
him too. She leaps to him. He catches her from a crouched
position. They lock lips.
Suddenly, a knock at the (makeshift) door! They break.
Arthur BARKS wildly.
TIM
Arthur, hush!
(beat)
Who is there?
Emily seems frightened. Clings to Tim. The Voice of an OLD
MAN.
OLD MAN'S VOICE (V.O.)
I am a stranger walking alone. Cold
and hungry. Will you please allow me
in?
TIM
We have no food here. This home is...
hastily prepared.
OLD MAN'S VOICE (V.O.)
You have heat. I can feel the warmth
and see the glow of a fire. Just to
warm myself, perhaps?
Tim stands. Courageous? Looks like it though he's scared
out of his mind. Looks back to Emily for a get out of jail
free card. Not happening. Slowly approaches the (makeshift)
door. Opens it.
REVEAL... yes, an OLD MAN. Haggard clothes. A long white
beard. Old, yet a sparkle to his eyes.
OLD MAN
Thank you, young man.
Disarmed, Tim stands away as the Old Man enters.
OLD MAN
So kind, so kind.
EMILY
I'm sorry we have no food for you.
OLD MAN
Five houses along the way denied me
entry. I am grateful just for the
chance to lay down these tired bones
beside a fire.
TIM
You are welcome to whatever we have.
EMILY
Which is just the fire, I'm afraid.
TIM
Oh, and my mandolin!
INT. DREAMHOME - NIGHT (LATER)
Tim finishes a medieval ballad, drawing applause from the Old
Man and Emily, seated before the fire.
OLD MAN
Quite good.
TIM
I haven't been playing long. It's not
like I could ever make any money doing
it.
EMILY
(beaming)
I think you could. I think you can do
anything in the world.
She kisses Tim. The Old Man peers at Tim and Emily. Smiles.
OLD MAN
You are in love?
EMILY
Very much.
TIM
(looking at Emily)
Forever. Yes.
OLD MAN
That's a long time. Really think
you're up for that?
TIM/EMILY
Without a doubt.
OLD MAN
So kind, you are to me. So loving of
each other. Seriously, you really
believe in everlasting love? Forever
love?
TIM/EMILY
Yes.
The Old Man warms his hands. Rubs them together.
OLD MAN
I believe you. That's why, if you
wish, I will grant you that.
TIM
Grant us what?
OLD MAN
Everlasting love.
EMILY
How will you do that?
OLD MAN
By granting you everlasting life.
A shock/pause moment.
EMILY
Are you a wizard?
The Old Man nods.
TIM
I don't believe in Wizards.
OLD MAN
Well I have a good mind to think you
don't believe in dragons too but we
see where that's taken you.
TIM
Wait, how do you--
EMILY
--Hush! He's clearly wizardly.
OLD MAN
I will give you everlasting life so
that your love can follow.
(beat)
However... there's a catch. Should
either of your become unfaithful to
the other... the spell will be broken.
You shall become mortal and live a
natural life.
TIM
When you say "unfaithful"...
OLD MAN
Wandering eyes you will both have,
that's a given. But neither lips
shall touch, nor loins may join,
another. And if you follow these
rules, and should your love be pure,
you will live across the ages.
TIM
That's amazing.
OLD MAN
Wait... Its not exactly all its
cracked up to be. You will watch
those you love beyond yourselves grow
old. And they will die as you move
on.
(beat, to Emily)
You will not be able to have children.
She gasps.
OLD MAN
What woman with eternal life would
wish to live to see their children
die? This is not a decision to be
taken lightly, I understand, but--
TIM
Yes. Emily, think of it! This moment
can last eternity... if its true,
which I have my doubts, of course. We
will never die!
OLD MAN
Oh, you can die, my son. Just not of
old age. So don't go pissing off any
Ogres and such. Steer clear and
you'll live an eternity.
EMILY
(hesitant)
But... no children?
TIM
We'll have each other.
(beat)
Yes, yes, Old Man.
The Old Man looks to Emily. She thinks a moment. Looks at
Tim. Smiles. Then looks back to the Old Man.
EMILY
Yes.
The Old Man closes nods. Closes his eyes. Waves his hands
and... opens his eyes.
TIM
Is that it?
OLD MAN
It is done. I must be on my way.
Thank you for the warmth of your fire
and your time. Enjoy your eternity
together.
EMILY
Will we see you again?
OLD MAN
Often, I'm guessing.
The Wizard leaves. Tim and Emily watch him go. Then turn to
each other.
EMILY
I don't know, Tim. What if it is
true? This is frightening.
TIM
It's wonderful. Think of it! You and
I... every waking moment. Think of
what we'll see! The journey's
together! Our love will stretch
oceans of time, if its true of course.
(beat, joyous)
We'll be together forever!
SMASH TO:
EXT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - ROOF - PRESENT DAY
Tim stands, suited, suitcase in hand, atop the, slightly,
windswept eighth floor roof of the Brighton Life Insurance
building. He just stares. After a moment, steps forward,
nearer to the ledge.
A moment. He sets down his suitcase and considers. Then one
foot up. Then two... and suddenly he's on the ledge.
Looking down and then out at the expanse.
A BLAST OF WIND catches him off guard...
TIM
Whoa!
Tim wavers, wobbles and dips forward when--
BABE (O.S.)
Gotcha!
Babe Buell's hand swats out and grabs the back of his belt.
Yanks him back to the roof.
BABE
Forgot to tell you: if you skydive you
need a parachute.
TIM
I wasn't skydiving. I mean, I wasn't
going to jump. I just like to--
BABE
--think about it. Sure, who doesn't?
I used to cut myself from the age of
twelve to twenty. It's a quirk.
TIM
Thank you for... saving me.
BABE
I saw you wander up here. Thought,
well that's odd. Usually people go
down the elevator at the end of the
work day.
TIM
I'm glad you did.
BABE
Then buy me a drink.
TIM
I should get home.
BABE
Wasn't for me, you'd be headed home to
the morgue.
Tim slowly smiles. Nods.
TIM
You're right. I owe you a drink.
BABE
Good. TGI Fridays is having a happy
hour price on the Mocha Tequila
Sunrise.
(beat)
I love Mocha Tequila Sunrises.
INT. TGI FRIDAYS - EVENING
Hustle and bustle of the Monday crowd at a Tuesdays; Tim and
Babe occupy a southern booth. She sucks a Mocha Tequila
Sunrise. He drinks just a Mocha coffee.
BABE
You don't drink?
TIM
Not since...
INT. WEST GERMAN BAR - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
ON STAGE-- Tim and three other BANDMATES are playing a catchy
tune to a group of DRUNKEN WORKERS.
Hamburg, Germany, 1958
Tim is on bass guitar. Looks pleased. And... hammered.
Between sets, chugs a pint.
TIM (V.O.)
...I was in a band.
BABE (V.O.)
You were in a band?
TIM (V.O.)
For a minute.
They start the next song. Tim is clearly inebriated. He
loses rhythm with the song and then... spills forward,
CRASHING onto the stage and SMASHING his guitar under his own
weight.
Booooos from the crowd. The band stops playing. The lead
singer and fellow guitarist, JOHN, English accent, checks
Tim.
JOHN
Are you okay, mate?
Clearly not. Tim is unconscious.
The BAR OWNER charges the stage, in a German accent:
BAR OWNER
Vat is dis? You don't finish, I don't
pay you!
John peers out into the audience.
JOHN
Sorry for the trouble, appears we've
had a slight problem. Is there,
perhaps, anyone out there who plays
guitar?
FIVE hands from the audience shoot up.
JOHN
Bass guitar?
Four of the hands go down. One remains.
JOHN
Wanna come up here, then, love?
A YOUNG MAN stands. Slowly approaches the stage. Stands
next to John.
JOHN
Cheers, mate. What's your name?
PAUL
(English accent)
Paul.
INT. TGI FRIDAYS - RESUME SCENE
Babe smiles. Takes a sip of her drink.
BABE
Cool. What was the name of the band?
TIM
I... don't really remember.
It was a long time ago.
BABE
So... you're married?
TIM
Yes. I am.
An uncomfortable pause.
TIM
It's my birthday.
BABE
Really? I had no idea! How
wonderful!
TIM
No really a big deal.
BABE
You, uh... probably wanna get home.
I'm sure you're gonna get... lucky.
TIM
Doubt it.
BABE
You don't get laid on your birthday?
TIM
She won't remember. Hell, I don't
blame her. I don't remember her
birthday.
BABE
What a horrible thing to say.
TIM
I'm sorry. I don't mean it that way.
BABE
That's awful. You both must be so
miserable, then. What's her name?
TIM
Emily.
BABE
There must be some reason. Or maybe
not a reason but something that keeps
it interesting, right? Otherwise
you'd be like my parents, which I
don't recommend. Something you still
have in common, right?
Now... Babe hangs on this answer. 'Cause it's a loaded
question and she's not hoping for the answer she gets.
TIM
American Idol.
Deflated, Babe lets this sink in.
BABE
You're going to be late, probably.
EXT. COUCH HOME - NIGHT
Babe's car pulls up before the curb. Tim exits. Says a
quick goodnight. Heads to the front door.
INT. COUCH HOME - FOYER - NIGHT
Emily appears, holding a bowl of popcorn, as Tim steps
through the front door.
EMILY
Where have you been?!
TIM
The car. Died again.
EMILY
You should take it to get fixed.
TIM
You think?
EMILY
We can't fight tonight. You barely
made it.
They cross together into the--
LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The both, as if an imbedded routine, plop onto the couch
together. Emily hits the remote and the familiar guitar rift
starts:
RYAN SEACREST (V.O.)
THIS... is American Idol!
Emily takes a handful of popcorn. Smiles. Tim takes a
handful too. Stares at the TV. The program starts... and we
PUSH IN on this troubled couple... as Emily rests her head on
Tim's shoulder.
And then... Tim smiles.
And suddenly they don't look so troubled at all.
RYAN SEACREST
(on TV with contestant)
First up, Steve Hollenbeck. What are
you singing, Steve.
STEVE
Crossbow by Red Hot Circuit.
RYAN SEACREST
Give it up for Steve!
Steve starts to sing. Tim... starts to remember.
EXT. CABIN - NIGHT
A lone cabin in the middle of a grassy field. No other
structures in sight. The glow of a fire pokes through
windows.
Palos de la Frontera, Spain, 1492
INT. CABIN - NIGHT
Tim holds up a CROSSBOW.
TIM
I love it!
They sit at a wooden table. A fire burns in a hastily built
hearth. It is the only light in this two room home.
EMILY
Do you really? I thought, you know,
it's the newest thing and all.
TIM
I love it.
EMILY
Would make hunting so much easier than
drawing the bow.
TIM
No drawing necessary. I love it!
They kiss.
EMILY
You should try it out.
TIM
I should!
Tim grabs the crossbow and heads out the door. TRIPS over
Arthur, who's planted himself just right there. Emma laughs.
TIM
Arthur!
EMILY
Be nice. It's a sign of affection.
TIM
He affects me all the time!
EMILY
It's his thing. Go with it. On now,
mighty Tim! Hunt me an animal. I'm
hungry for buffalo meat.
TIM
(eyebrows bouncing)
Art thou now?
EMILY
Get outta here.
She giggles as Tim EXITS.
Emily goes to clear the plates. After a few moments, a RAP
RAP-RAP on the door.
EMILY
Forget our bows did we?
She swings open the door to reveal a SPANISH CONQUISTADOR,
name of ANTONIO. Emily GASPS!
ANTONIO
Señora... I need help.
He collapses inside.
INT. CABIN - NIGHT (LATER)
Antonio shovels SOUP into his mouth as Emily watches.
ANTONIO
The ship fell apart as it hit the
rocks. I have very little memory of
it. Wandering for days.
EMILY
Awful. So what brings you to Palos de
la Frontera?
Antonio stops eating. Leaves a dramatic pause.
ANTONIO
I am on a secret mission.
EMILY
Really? Tell me! I love adventure
stories.
ANTONIO
This... is a tale of revenge.
EMILY
Revenge?
ANTONIO
Si. I am here to kill señor
Christopher Columbus.
Emily GASPS.
ANTONIO
Do you know of him?
EMILY
No... are you really going to kill
him?
Emily is now very uncomfortable.
ANTONIO
Si. He disrespected my family! My
sister in particular. And he will pay
with his life!
EMILY
Terrible. Well... good luck with
that. So... you should probably be on
your way, then. You know, killing to
be done and all.
Emily nervously stands. Antonio's eyes narrow.
ANTONIO
I am grateful I stumbled upon this
place and you are kind.
EMILY
Seems to happen a lot.
ANTONIO
The man of the house?
EMILY
He's hunting right now.
Antonio nods. Sees his in.
ANTONIO
You are alone then?
EMILY
(hesitant)
For the moment.
Antonio drops his spoon into the bowl. Takes on a ravenous
look.
ANTONIO
It has been many days... since I have
seen a woman.
EMILY
(very worried now)
I'll bet.
ANTONIO
Your man... he will be gone for some
time?
EMILY
Back any minute.
Antonio stands. Dramatically SWEEPS the table clear. GRABS
Emily!
ANTONIO
Though I may not be proud of it, this
will take less than a minute.
Emily SCREAMS!
EXT. FIELD - NIGHT
Tim DRAGS a dead boar behind him, bow planted securely in the
animal's side.
TIM
So, what's your name?
Keeps dragging the animal.
TIM
No answer? You are such a bore.
Tim makes himself laugh. Approaches the shack.
INT. SHACK - SAME
Tim springs open the door.
TIM
I got a boar!
Emily screams!
EMILY
Help!
Tim, confused, sees Antonio molesting his wife.
TIM
Hey!
He steps into the door as, of course, Arthur is right there.
Tim FALLS. The Crossbow goes off... FIRING AN ARROW straight
into Antonio's back.
He CRIES OUT! Falls. Dies.
Tim springs to his feet. Emily crosses to him and wraps her
arms around him.
EMILY
You saved me!
TIM
What the hell is going on?!
EMILY
That man! A Conquistador came to the
door while you were gone. He attacked
me. But... you saved me!
Tim looks down at the dead Antonio.
TIM
Well, I didn't mean to kill him.
EMILY
It's probably for the best. He was in
town to kill some guy named Colombo.
TIM
Hmmm.
Emily kisses Tim's cheek as he stares at the body on the
ground, wondering what to do next.
EXT. COUCH HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
American Idol has ended. Emily is asleep. Tim lowers her
head. Stands and covers her with a blanket. Leans in and
kisses her cheek.
Pauses a moment... notices a scrap of PAPER sticking from the
back pocket of her jeans. Hesitates. Then plucks it out.
Opens it. In poor penmanship, it reads:
Had a greate time! Butch
buthisreallyspiderman@gmail.com
Tim frowns. Tucks the scrap of paper into his pocket.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. TIM'S DESK - MORNING
Tim on the phone.
TIM
I'm not a kid, sir. I know what I'm
talking about.
(beat, listening)
I sound young? Well you sound old
which is all the more reason you
should be listening to me. The choir
invisible is calling, Abe!
Dial tone. Call done. Tim Hangs up.
BABE'S DESK - MOMENTS LATER
Babe looks up.
BABE
Hi, Tim? What's wrong?
TIM
I need help. But I can't tell you
why.
Babe lifts an eyebrow as Tim takes out the scrap of paper.
Hands it to her.
TIM
Can you tell me who this is?
She looks at the scrap.
BABE
All I need. That's the best thing
about being an adjuster. Just give me
an email address and I can track down
your entire life.
She types quickly into her computer.
BABE
Okay, got it. His name is Butch
Bowman. Butcher... cute... at
Andersons. That's a supermarket.
TIM
I know. It's where my wife shops.
BABE
Twenty one years old. No criminal
past. Attends Naperville Community
College. Pretty clean.
TIM
Thanks.
BABE
Are you okay?
TIM
Remains to be seen. Thanks again.
Tim wanders away. Babe follows him with her eyes.
Concerned.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - EVENING
End of the day. Tim turns off his computer. Looks around.
Few people remain on the floor. Babe is among them. She
watches him.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS
About to push the "UP" button, he looks back to the office
floor-- notices Babe's eyes on him. Hits "Down".
Babe gathers her things.
EXT. ROAD - EVENING
Tim's Honda moves through the night. Another CAR follows not
far behind.
EXT. BRIDGE - EVENING
Tim's Honda slows to a stop. He climbs out.
INT. BABE'S CAR - SAME
At the turn, Babe's car stops. Turn right, she confronts
him. Go straight, she goes on with her life.
Babe sighs. Not her fight. She pushes the accelerator and
moves on.
EXT. BRIDGE - EVENING
Tim heaves himself over the rail to the edge. Stares down at
the water.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. COUCH HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Tim finishes his meal quietly. Emily, opposite, does like.
A quiet moment. Then:
EMILY
I'm going back to work.
A moment.
TIM
Okay.
EMILY
I'm bored here.
TIM
Okay.
EMILY
You're not going to ask me what I want
to do?
TIM
Okay. What do you want to do?
EMILY
I want to teach history at Naperville
Community College.
TIM
(eyes narrow)
Oh, do you now?
(beat)
Well, you've had jobs before.
EMILY
I'm not talking milkmaid, Tim. I want
a career. A real career. Since I
can't have children.
TIM
Low blow. You know that.
(beat)
Teaching history?
EMILY
I think I'm more than qualified, don't
you think? I think I'd actually offer
a neat perspective.
TIM
You can't tell anyone.
EMILY
I know.
TIM
You don't just waltz in and get a
college teaching job, you know? You
need credentials.
EMILY
So forge them. You've been doing it
for hundreds of years, for
christsakes.
TIM
(picking at the last
bites)
Okay. Whatever.
INT. STUDY - LATER
A small room just off the foyer. A COMPUTER sits on a
hastily assembled IKEA desk.
But the CROWN JEWEL of the room is in Tim's hand right now:
An authentic mahogany 1955 Les Paul standard electric GUITAR.
Tim sits in a chair, strumming, unplugged. Playing a song,
actually.
TIM
(singing)
Little darlin', the smiles returning
to the faces. Little darling it seems
like years since it's been here. Here
comes the sun...
IN THE LIVING ROOM-- Emily hears the song. Crosses into the
foyer and peeks into the study, watching Tim. And her face
softens. A slow smile reaches her lips. A flood of love
fills her heart and she remembers... he can still take her
breath away.
TIM
(singing)
Here comes the sun, little darlin'.
Here comes the sun and I say, it's all
right...
And suddenly she feels very sad. Takes a breath and goes
back into the kitchen just as Tim looks up. Never knowing
that she was there.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. DEAN OF FACULTY'S OFFICE - MORNING
The DEAN of the Naperville Community College is impressed.
Sets down the resume.
DEAN OF FACULTY
Well, Mrs. Couch, you're more than
qualified. In fact, with your
credentials, uh, Stanford undergrad,
Harvard Law, doctorate from
Columbia... I'm a little shocked
you're not interviewing at State.
Or... at any other real school.
EMILY
This is as real as I need, Dean. I
like to get to the kids that maybe
need that extra push, you know? Sure,
it might pay more. But I'm not in it
for the money.
(beat)
I want to probe young minds.
Good enough for him. Offers his hand.
DEAN OF FACULTY
Welcome.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - BREAK ROOM - DAY
Tim stares, once again, at the skydiving sign-up sheet.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE
Tim approaches Babe's desk. She looks up. Her eyes
brighten.
BABE
Hello, Tim.
TIM
You've done it before.
BABE
I've done lots of things before.
Exactly what are you referring to?
TIM
Skydiving.
BABE
Yes.
TIM
I think I want to do it. I think I
want to do it with you.
BABE
Tandem.
(beat)
I'll be on top. Strapped to you.
TIM
It's safe? You promise?
BABE
As safe as anything else, Tim. There
are no guarantees in life. No matter
what you sell. You know that.
(smiling)
I'll protect you.
Tim seems suddenly... relieved. He smiles. Then frowns.
TIM
Our loins won't touch, right?
Babe squints. Really?
BABE
No. Our loins... won't touch.
TIM
Okay. This Saturday then. Good.
Tim wanders back to his desk.
INT. COMMUNITY COLLEGE LECTURE ROOM - AFTERNOON
Mrs. Emily Couch stands before the class in what they call a
lecture room... but really just looks like a high school
classroom.
Yet, she seems confident. Like she's addressing the U.S.
Senate.
EMILY
So, in 1905 the Russian Revolution was
marred by strikes, terrorism... not
unlike what we've seen in Persia...
um... I mean, modern day Iran.
In the fifth row, Butch listens intently; this may be the
best education he's ever received. Not for the info, of
course... he's hot for teacher.
EMILY
For many, it was kill or be killed.
So--
The BELL BLASTS out. Kids leap a half-second before it and
are out the door. All, that is... but Butch.
Suddenly... they're alone.
EMILY
Is there... something I can help you
with, Butch?
Butch stands, almost in slow motion. He steps... carefully
forward. Right before Emily's face.
EMILY
Yes, Butch.
BUTCH
I want you, Mrs. Couch.
EMILY
Emily.
BUTCH
I want Mrs. Couch. Right here. On
the ground of this lectern hall.
EMILY
Lecture hall.
BUTCH
Whatever. I would like to nail you to
the floor!
He GRABS her, with passion.
EMILY
We can't, Butch. You don't
understand...
BUTCH
Oh, I think I understand. Our loins
are gonna touch. Big time.
He kisses her PASSIONATELY. Her knees weaken.
SMASH TO:
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Emily SHOOTS UP, panting, awake, sweating, tingly. And
panicked.
EMILY
Oh my God! I didn't mean it!
Tim, asleep beside her, grunts. Asleep. She shakes him.
EMILY
Tim! Did you hear me!
TIM
(sleepily)
What.
EMILY
I didn't do it. It was just a dream.
TIM
Good for you.
She starts HITTING him.
EMILY
Wake up!
He shoots up, pissed.
TIM
What?! What-what-what?!
EMILY
I've cheated. Our immortality is
gone.
TIM
What?!
EMILY
Just now. I had a dream. Another
man. We kissed! Our lips touched!
That's all it takes!
He STARES at her.
TIM
Eight hundred years, you've never had
a sex dream?
EMILY
You have?
TIM
All... the... time.
EMILY
Tim!
TIM
We haven't done it since 1973. I
think I deserve it.
EMILY
With another woman?
TIM
With lots of other women.
EMILY
You... sonofabitch.
TIM
I'm right here, Emily. Wanna have the
flesh and blood boom-ya? I'm here.
Really? Huh? Gimmie the pie
sweetheart! But no. I guess not.
(sweeping under the covers
again)
You couldn't find my loins if I pinned
a map to your eyeballs.
EMILY
Who wants it?!
TIM
Clearly not you.
EMILY
Clearly.
TIM
Good night, Emily. Sweet dreams.
Bang away.
Tim rolls over. Back to sleep. Emily huffs. Gets out of
bed. Leaves the bedroom....
INT. COUCH HOME - STUDY - MOMENTS LATER
The house is dark. Emily, in only her nightgown and still
fuming, fires up the computer. Opens her email. Enters:
"butchisreallyspiderman@gmail.com" and types a simple one
line note:
"Want to get together this weekend?"
Hits "Send". Stares at the screen with this look: That'll
show him. Stands. Leaves.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. HOME - BEDROOM - MORNING
An alarm clock BLARES. Emily's hand smashes it silent. She
sits straight up and peels the covers away.
What is about to happen will appear highly choreographed.
But not in a good way. And it happens without a single edit.
STAIRCASE
Emily steps slowly down, no robe this time... she's also
dressed for work... to the front door. Opens it. Grabs the
newspaper and, without looking, tosses it behind her.
TIM, halfway down the stairs, MISSES it. Reaches down to
pick it up, loses his balance and falls down the stairs.
Not noticing, Emily moves into...
KITCHEN
Tim, grabbing his ankle, hopping, follows her.
Emily grabs a frying pan and fires up the gas stove as Tim
turns on the coffee maker. It's not been prepared. He
fumbles for the coffee. Makes a mess. Finally gets it
going. Turns and opens the refrigerator and tosses two eggs.
Emily is a few seconds late. The eggs drop and SPLAT on the
ground.
As Emily starts to wipe the eggs and fix the mistake, Tim
moves to the...
BACK DOOR/YARD
where he lets ARTHUR, the dog, out. Follows the pooch out
and massages his ankle. Gets hit by the dog on the way in
and FALLS AGAIN!
TIM
Sonofabitch!
We FOLLOW Arthur the dog into--
KITCHEN
where Emily already has NEW eggs frying. Tim enters, cursing
to himself, grabbing one coffee cup, SPILLING it. Grabs the
other (leaving Emily with none) POUNDS IT and slides it to
Emily who lets it FALL and BREAK in the sink. Slips into a
chair at the kitchen table as Emily flips the eggs, waits a
moment, flips them back onto a plate. PICKS UP THE PLATE,
GRABS A FORK AND EATS THE EGGS!
Tim sighs. Emily shrugs and crosses into--
HALLWAY
She grabs Tim's briefcase... and her own. Crosses back into--
KITCHEN
Tim, hungry, closes his newspaper, which has left ink stains
on his fingers. Stands and POP, WHACKS a piece of toast
that's just been sprung free across the room. He sighs
again, grabs the briefcase from Emily as he passes her,
heading to--
FRONT DOOR
which Emily opens. Crosses out.
Tim starts to pass through as their dog. STOPS as Arthur
suddenly stands directly in front of him.
TIM
Not today, dog.
Arthur, shamed, moves out of Tim's way. He splits and Emily
closes the door.
EXT. COUCH HOME - FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS
It is an unusually warm, unusually sunny and beautifully
bright day.
Tim calls out to Emily, who's about to get into her car.
TIM
I forgot to tell you... I have to work
this weekend. Big account from
Wichita is coming in.
EMILY
That works for me. I have lunch date
planned with Martha.
TIM
Who's Martha?
EMILY
Do we care?
Thinks about it.
TIM
Nope.
She nods. Gets in her car. Starts it.
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY
Emily settles her nerves as the bored STUDENTS slope into the
classroom. She wears a bright smile. Especially when Butch
enters the room and grabs a desk, waving to her.
EMILY
Welcome everyone. My name is Mrs.
Couch.
(beat)
Although, I want you all to just call
me Emily.
She looks at Butch. Nearly winks.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE - MORNING
Tim stands at the entrance to the main office with a fair
view of the BREAK ROOM. Sighs. Scans the room and sees Babe
at her desk. He smiles. Stares back to the break room and
gets a faint look at the Skydiving sign-up sheet. Smiles.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. COUCH HOME - FOYER
Doorbell DINGS! Emily appears and swings open the door to
reveal: JIMMY THE BAG MAN (from the supermarket).
INT. COUCH HOME - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Jimmy sits in an EZ-Chair.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
So, you want me to whack him?
Emily sits on the couch opposite.
EMILY
No! I don't want you to "whack" him.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
I mean hit him. Like with my fist.
EMILY
I just want you to scare him.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
With a gun?
EMILY
No. Yes. Maybe. Do you have one?
As long as its not loaded. I just
want you to pretend to be his mugger.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
His mother?
EMILY
His mug-ger. I want you to try and
mug him. M-u-g. Then I will spring
into action.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
I don't know. I'm a pretty big boy.
EMILY
I can take care of it, Jimmy. Trust
me.
(beat)
How much are we talkin'?
Jimmy thinks.
JIMMY THE BAG MAN
For this job, like a thousand?
EMILY
Mother--
SMASH TO:
EXT. SKY - SAME
TIM
--fuc....!!!!!!!
The obscenity is lost in the turbulence as Tim LEAPS from a
plane, attached to Babe. Both suited, Tim scared out of his
mind.
They spin gracefully in air. Tim slowly loses his fear and
starts to get juiced.
TIM
Yeah, yeah!
BABE
Whoa!!!!
TIM
I can't believe I'm doing this!!!
BABE
It's amazing!!!
TIM
Don't let me fall!!!
BABE
Too late!!!
At some point a cord will be pulled. But for now, for an
instant... they float.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Elsewhere... Butch and Emily walk together at a town center
park.
BUTCH
This is nice.
EMILY
It is, isn't it.
BUTCH
I mean being with you. This park is
lame.
EMILY
Oh. That's sweet.
(beat)
I got you something.
Emily opens the bag she's holding... revealing an X-Men #1.
BUTCH
Are you fucking kidding me?
Butch looks like he's about to have a heart attack.
EMILY
(coy)
Is that one... a big deal.
BUTCH
Holy crap! Holy crap!
(pointing out the cover)
1963. Mint! Shit! It's real! Oh my
god, how did you get this?!
EMILY
I have my ways.
BUTCH
What are the ways?
EMILY
Stop asking questions, Butch.
BUTCH
Emily... you don't know how much this
means to me.
Butch stares in her eyes. And, while its been flirtatious to
this point... Now it gets dangerous. He starts to lean in to
kiss her. She hesitates. But only slightly. And the end is
almost neigh when...
A MASKED MAN jumps from the shrubs, holding a gun!
MASKED MAN
(unconvincingly)
Gimmie you, uh, stuff!
Bad timing. Butch freaks out. Gets behind Emily, protecting
the comic most of all.
EMILY
No.
MASKED MAN
Um... please? I have a gun
Emily gets into a karate pose... and then KICKS THE SHIT out
of the Masked Man, in ways that would make the Karate Kid
shit his pants. Spin kicks, drops, twists. We're DAZZLED.
So is Butch! And the Masked Man lies on the ground,
crumpled, bleeding, planing on using that thousand bucks,
now, on medical/dental.
Emily grabs Butch... pulls him from the scene. Smiling.
Butch is AMAZED.
BUTCH
You saved me... again.
EMILY
I know.
BUTCH
How did you learn how to do that?
EMILY
Master Gichin Funakoshi.
(off his confused look)
Ladies self-defense class.
(beat)
We should do this again, Butch.
BUTCH
What, that thing? I dunno.
EMILY
What are you doing next weekend?
BUTCH
There's usually a party or something.
EMILY
Uh... exactly. You're coming to my
party. Invite your friends!
BUTCH
My friends?
EMILY
All of them. And, really... please
stop with the questions.
INT. BABE'S CAR - DAY (DRIVING)
Babe behind the wheel... Tim is BEAMING. In his own world
right now. Proud of himself.
TIM
I think I want to do that again.
BABE
It's amazing, huh?
TIM
I've never felt like that! In eight
hundred years!
BABE
What do you mean?
TIM
(realizing his mistake)
I... It's an exaggeration. I just
mean its been a long time. Never,
actually, that I felt that kind of
rush.
BABE
Never?
TIM
There've maybe been a few times. But
that was top of the list.
BABE
You know what I feel when I do that?
(beat)
Immortal.
TIM
Why would you say that?
BABE
I dunno. I feel like I can see the
whole world, eternity, and it's mine.
And I know, even though I'm falling, I
will be safe.
TIM
Hmmm. And what makes you so sure?
Accidents happen.
BABE
I know. Because I packed the chute.
EXT. COUCH HOME - SAME
Babe's car rolls to a stop.
INT. BABE'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
TIM
Thanks for today, Babe.
Tim looks out the window. At his house. A feeling of dread
washes over him in high contrast to the last few hours.
Babe picks up on it.
INT. COUCH HOME - LIVING ROOM - SAME
Emily peeks out the window. Sees Tim in the car with Babe.
Frowns.
INT. BABE'S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Tim sighs. Reaches for the handle when--
BABE
Do you know why most marriages fail,
statistically?
Tim lets go of the handle. Looks to Babe.
TIM
Enlighten me.
BABE
Lack of communication. Kids, work,
distractions. Et cetera. Husband and
wife fail to communicate, thus
destroying the very foundation of
what's been built to, theoretically,
stand the test of time. Which is much
harder than surviving an earthquake or
a tsunami, statistically.
TIM
Clearly, you've never been in love.
BABE
Not exactly.
(beat)
I thought I was once. I now chalk it
up to indigestion.
Tim smiles.
TIM
I'll see you tomorrow.
He gets out.
EMILY-- quickly disappears from the window before Tim notices
her there.
Tim heads to the front door.
BACK IN THE CAR-- Babe pines a moment. Then drives off.
INT. COUCH HOME - KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Emily is building a sandwich. For herself. Tim enters.
TIM
Hey.
EMILY
Oh. You're home. How was weekend
work?
TIM
Fantastic. How was Martha?
EMILY
Who?
TIM
Exactly.
Tim sits at the kitchen table.
TIM
Is that for me?
EMILY
No.
She takes a bite.
EMILY
Who was that with you in the car?
TIM
Babe Buell. We work together.
EMILY
Do you now?
TIM
Do I detect a hint of jealousy?
EMILY
You wish.
Emily throws the remaining half of her sandwich in the
garbage. Dramatically.
TIM
Thanks.
EMILY
Oh, we're having a party.
TIM
We are?
EMILY
Yes. Next weekend.
TIM
We've never had a party.
EMILY
About time, then, dontcha think?
TIM
What the hell is going on, Emily?
EMILY
(cool as a yogurt stand)
Don't talk to me that way.
Tim sighs. Buzz gone, he buries his head in his folded arms.
Lifts it. Finally notices her ring hand:
TIM
Where's the ring I bought you? That
was really fuckin' expensive!
EMILY
With the others.
TIM
That's what this is isn't it?!
She leaves the room.
TIM
It's the ring!
SMASH TO:
INT. DR. MERLINSKI'S OFFICE - DAY
Maybe yesterday. Maybe a hundred years ago. Same setting;
Tim on the left side of the couch. Emily on the right.
DR. MERLINSKI (O.S.)
Tell me about the ring.
EMILY
I don't want to talk about it.
TIM
(shaking his head)
She's never gonna forgive me.
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - MORNING
A pristine Emily, dressed in flowing lace, yet primped dress,
an ornate hat and dragging a suitcase approaches a large
SHIP.
SUPER THE LEGEND:
Southampton, England, 1912
She finds a SHIPMATE. Hands her ticket. He directs her up a
ramp.
EXT. SOUTHHAMPTON - STREET - SAME
Tim TEARS through the street at breakneck speed. SHOVING
people out of the way.
TIM
Emily!
He CRASHES through a fruit cart. It barely slows him.
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - PASSENGER LOADING - MORNING
Emily struggles to get her bag up the loading gate. And no
one seems to want to help her, which she finds particularly
annoying. When suddenly, Tim appears at the base of the
dock.
TIM
Emily!
EMILY
Go away, Tim! I've made up my mind.
TIM
Please!
EMILY
I'm just sick of your shit, Tim! I
want a regular life!
TIM
Then we'll have one!
EMILY
That's impossible! Together.
TIM
Emily, no!
EMILY
Excuse me?!
Tim marches up the ramp and GRABS his wife.
EMILY
What are you doing?
TIM
Taking back my wife, damnit! I'm sick
of this crap.
He YANKS her down the dock by the hand. Pulls. Accidentally
pulls the wedding ring... the irreplaceable one he gave her
700 or so years ago... from her finger.
It FALLS in slow motion. Almost floats for a moment. Hits
the water. SINKS into the water.
EMILY
My ring!
Tim pays no attention. Yanks her off the dock. Picks up her
case and marches her far from the enormous ship.
The same ship that gets ready to sail now. Ramps retracted,
the steamer BLOWS ITS HORN. Begins its voyage. As it floats
past we see the christened name of this vessel: TITANIC.
INT. DR. MERLINSKI'S OFFICE - RESUME SCENE
And finally... we SEE Dr. Merlinski; he is THE OLD MAN, the
wizard, that granted Tim and Emily eternal life. He looks
much better now, though. Still old, but the beard is cropped
to a handsome goatee. Very Donald Sutherland (if he's
reading this).
DR. MERLINSKI
You're still angry about that, Emily?
EMILY
Why wouldn't I be? That was the very
symbol of our love. Our life.
(beat)
You know what? This is pointless.
You should have let me go back then.
Emily stands. Exits the room dramatically.
TIM
You see what I have to deal with?
DR. MERLINSKI
Do you want to continue alone?
TIM
I mean, Merlin, what's the point?
DR. MERLINSKI
It's Merlinski now. Doctor Merlinski.
TIM
I'm sorry, but seriously.
DR. MERLINSKI
No one has that name anymore. It's
not like "Tim" or "Emily" or "Phil".
You can't go around saying my name is
Merlin without someone thinking you
think you're a wizard.
TIM
But you are a wizard.
DR. MERLINSKI
Beside the point.
TIM
She doesn't know. But I felt really
bad about the ring.
DR. MERLINSKI
How bad?
SMASH TO:
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - MORNING
No ship in sight. Just Tim. Standing right at dockside.
Staring down at the water.
SUPER THE LEGEND:
Day 2
Tim JUMPS into the water. Stays under. Awhile.
Resurfaces... without the ring.
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - AFTERNOON
Exact same scene. Tim. Dock. Jumps in.
Day 15
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - AFTERNOON
Exact same scene. Tim. Dock. Jumps in.
Day 75
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - AFTERNOON
Exact same scene. Tim. Dock. Jumps in.
Day 228
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - AFTERNOON
Exact same scene. Tim. Dock. Jumps in.
Day 584
INT. DR. MERLINSKI'S OFFICE - RESUME SCENE
Tim shrugs his shoulders.
TIM
I went back to try and find it.
(beat)
A lot.
Dr. Merlinski nods.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE
Tim sits at his desk, occasionally gesturing, trying to get
Babe's attention.
She finally looks up. Spots him. He waves her over. She
stands. Crosses to him
BABE
I have a phone, you know?
TIM
I need your help.
BABE
Again? What's the email address?
TIM
My wife is throwing a party.
BABE
Okay... What do you need, streamers?
TIM
Guests.
BABE
Invite your friends.
TIM
I don't have any.
BABE
You've been here a year and you
haven't made any friends?
Acquaintances?
Tim shakes his head.
BABE
Is this your way of inviting me to a
party?
TIM
And hoping you have other people that
will some.
BABE
Amazingly, I know very few of these
jokers too.
She scans the room.
BABE
There's The Juggler.
TIM
Who?
BABE
I don't know his real name. We just
call him The Juggler.
TIM
Why?
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Tim's Desk, specifically. PAT "THE JUGGLER" DAVIDSON, late
thirties, has one knee up on Tim's desk.
A paunchy, cocky guy in a loose suit. Chubby babyface. Full
of confidence that betrays his complete ineptitude.
Babe stands next to him, her arms folded.
DAVIDSON
Babe here says you're rockin' a crib
this Sat.
Pat starts BOUNCING HIS BALLS with his right hand. A nervous
habit and clearly the source of his nickname.
TIM
Huh?
BABE
I told him about the party. he wants
to come.
DAVIDSON
Will there be chicks?
TIM
My wife.
BABE
And I'll be there.
Davidson looks at her. Huffs.
DAVIDSON
Right. Well, count me in.
(beat, raises his ball
scratching hand)
High five.
Tim ignores this. Just,
TIM
I'll... see you there.
INT. HONDA - CONTINUOUS
Tim puts the key in. The engine won't turn. He tries again.
And again. Then FREAKS OUT, bashing at the wheel!
TIM
Goddamn car piece of rotten crap
mother--
Starts BANGING his head on the steering wheel.
TIM
Why won't things work?!?!?!
INT. COUCH HOME - EVENING
Emily is dressed to the nines. More cocktail party than
anything. The doorbell rings. She crosses it and wearing
her brightest smile, opens.
PARTY DUDE
Yo! Where's the beer?!
He's not the only one. 15 TWENTY-SOMETHINGS charge into the
house.
Tim, on the living room couch, is dressed casually.
TIM
(delightfully
condescending)
Your guests?
EMILY
(slightly embarrassed)
Yes.
TIM
This is gonna be fun.
EMILY
Shut up.
INT. COUCH HOME - LIVING ROOM - LATER
This impromptu frat party is in full effect. MUSIC is
POUNDING, BEER is CHUGGING. Someone's brought in a KEG
that's sitting in a bucket of ice in the KITCHEN. The whole
scene littered with community college cliches (too many to
list here, so its left to your imagination).
Suffice to say, this is no the type of party Emily
envisioned.
Tim moves slowly through the party, sipping a can of Pepsi.
Smiling at this disaster. From the CORNER Babe waves. He
crosses to her.
BABE
Interesting party.
TIM
I didn't invite them. I think they're
my wife's students. And their
friends. And their friend's friends.
(beat, looking her over)
You look beautiful.
BABE
(blushing)
I overdressed.
TIM
Not at all there was no way to
anticipate this.
ACROSS THE ROOM--
Pat "The Juggler" is talking to a 22 year old CO-ED.
COED
So why do they call you "The Juggler"
DAVIDSON
Want me to show you?
IN THE OTHER CORNER--
Butch is doing a KEG STAND. He finishes with a ROAR as Emily
approaches.
BUTCH
Yea!
High-fives all around. Emily gets caught in the spray.
EMILY
Are you having a good time, Butch?
BUTCH
Yo, this party rocks, Mrs. Couch!
EMILY
Sure.
Butch notices her displeasure.
BUTCH
Is something wrong?
EMILY
I just don't get you, Butch.
BUTCH
Why?
EMILY
I just wasn't expecting... I mean,
you're like this geeky, dorky comic
book loving guy, no offense. But then
you're also this beer chugging jock.
BUTCH
So?
EMILY
It's just... incongruous. Ironic.
That you're those things.
BUTCH
Why can't I be both?
Emily chuckles to herself. She gazes at him a moment. It's
enough, across the room, for BABE TO NOTICE--
BABE
Who's that your wife is talking to?
Tim looks.
TIM
Remember when I had you run that name
for me? That's the guy.
BABE
Butch?
Tim nods. Can't think about it. Looks to Babe.
TIM
Want to see something cool?
BABE
Sure.
He leads her out of the room. To...
INT. STUDY - CONTINUOUS
Tim closes the door, muting the revelry in the house.
Crosses to the Les Paul enshrined in the corner.
TIM
Here it is.
BABE
A guitar?
TIM
Not just any guitar! This is a 1955
Les Paul Standard, PAF pickups.
BABE
I'm sorry, I don't know guitars.
TIM
Well, if you did, this would be a
really big deal.
BABE
Oh, right, you were in a band.
Sore subject when Tim recalls it. Babe notices this.
BABE
Uh, can you play me a song?
TIM
I'd have to go find the amp.
BABE
Just play it like you had one.
Acapulco.
TIM
A Capella I don't know.
BABE
Please?
TIM
What would you like to hear? I know
everything.
BABE
Your choice.
She sits in a leather chair. Smiles. Tim smiles back.
TIM
Okay. Probably something modern. But
not too modern. Music got weird
lately.
INT. KITCHEN - SAME
A crowd of Partygoers chant:
PARTY DUDES AND CHICKS
Down,. Down, down!
And we see Emily do a keg stand. Finishes like a pro, back
to her feet; she's hammered!
INT. STUDY - SAME
Tim rests the base of the guitar on his lap. Starts
strumming. And sings.
TIM
Any minute now, my ship is coming in.
I keep checking the horizon. And I'll
stand on the bow and feel the waves
come crashing in. Come crashing down
on me.
(chord change)
And you say... be still, my love.
Open up your heart, let the light
shine in. Don't you understand, I
already have a plan... I'm waiting for
my real life to begin.
He stops but Colin James Hay's "Waiting for my Real Life to
Begin" continues.
BABE
That was beautiful.
TIM
It would be better with an amp.
BABE
(softly)
I don't think so.
They STARE at each other. Long, quiet moment. She leans
in... and the end is neigh when--
Suddenly the DOOR swings open. It's Emily, barely able to
stand.
EMILY
(hammered)
There you are! We're out of vodka!
I'm gunna go drive and get sum.
TIM
I don't think that's a wise plan.
BABE
I'll go.
EMILY
Who da heller you?
BABE
I'm Babe.
TIM
We work together.
Emily nods an annoyed and slightly suspicious but too-drunk
to-care nod.
EMILY
Ahhh... right. I member you now.
(calling out to the party)
Hey, my hubby's babe is gonna go! Par
tee!!!!
Emily leaves, shutting the door behind her.
Tim looks to Babe.
TIM
That's very nice of you but you don't
have to go.
BABE
I don't mind. Thank you for the song.
(beat)
It made my night.
She stands.
BABE
Oh!
TIM
What's wrong?
BABE
I got you something.
TIM
You didn't have to get me something.
She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small wrapped
present. He takes it. He unwraps the copy of Romeo and
Juliet.
BABE
Irony, right? It's unappreciated.
Tim chuckles.
BABE
Why are you laughing?
TIM
I'm sorry. It's wonderful. You have
no idea how correct you are.
BABE
I'm gonna... go get the vodka.
Tim nods. Stares long and hard into Babe.
INT. KITCHEN - SAME
Emily gets ready for another keg stand. Tussles Butch's
hair.
BUTCH
You're hella cool, Emily.
EMILY
I am hella cool, aren't I?! I always
thought so too.
(beat, re: keg stand)
Les do this bitch!
She does. Like a pro.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (LATER)
The house is TRASHED. Tim moves slowly through the wreckage.
The party is long over. He surveys the damage; looks like a
great party.
Emily is passed out on the couch.
He stares down at her. Her sleeping face. God, she's
beautiful; her pale skin glistens. Her body, amazing.
Tim grabs a BLANKET. Covers Emily, lovingly. Stares at her
a moment more.
He smiles. Then looks at the copy of Romeo and Juliet Babe
gave him. Frowns. Sighs. Leaves.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE
Tim sits at his desk. STARING at the copy of Romeo and
Juliet. He waits a beat. Picks up the phone.
TIM
(into phone)
Are you available for lunch?
(beat)
I know they will. We'll get there
separately. Dragon Cafe at noon?
Okay.
INT. DRAGON CAFE - AFTERNOON
Tim sits alone at a back booth in this low budget Chinese
restaurant. He TAPS his fingers nervously.
Babe appears.
BABE
Hey. Are you okay?
(beat)
You sounded weird on the phone.
TIM
Lets order a drink.
BABE
A little early, doncha think? Anyway
you don't drink.
She takes a seat opposite him. A WAITER approaches.
TIM
Today I do.
(to Waiter)
Two vodka gimlets.
BABE
Seriously?
TIM
You're gonna want it, trust me. We
need to take the rest of the day off.
BABE
You're scaring me.
TIM
Don't be scared. But drink.
The drinks arrive just as he says this. She takes a hesitant
sip. Tim POUNDS his. Quickly orders another. Then, to
Babe:
TIM
How old do you think I am?
She's confused and slightly frightened.
BABE
I dunno. 28?
TIM
I'm going to tell you something I've
never told anyone. I wasn't really
allowed to tell anyone. For a long
time. But now... it's time. Because
I trust you and I am very confused.
So... here it goes...
(beat)
I am one thousand-two hundred and
eleven years old. Last Thursday.
Babe looks at him like he just sprouted a tail. Purses her
lips and nods.
BABE
Well. You look great.
TIM
I'm serious.
BABE
And you're seriously freaking me out
here! What is this? Why would you
say something so... crazy... to me?
TIM
I'm not crazy.
BABE
That's what all crazy people say.
That's why it's always such a
surprise.
TIM
Just let me explain. This is hard.
It stared a long time ago. With a
wizard.
Every neuron in her head is telling Babe to stand up and
leave. But she doesn't She holds there a moment. Listens.
Starts to get sucked in.
MONTAGE--
Dissolving frame after frame as Tim tells his story. Of
dragons, Spanish Conquistadors...
TIM
...there was no way out...
Discovering America...
TIM
Columbus wanted to go south and I'm
like, no, stay straight...
The Titanic...
TIM
...really big ship...
The Beatles...
TIM
I was, like, No, that's cool. I get
it. This guy Paul is a really good
bass player. Good luck with that.
I'm sure you guys will do fine. All
you need is Paul.
Babe laughs, frowns, just hangs... on every story. Sucked in
is an understatement. Babe, as the story reaches its end,
has fallen in love.
INT. DRAGON CAFE - LATER
MANY finished vodka gimlets. Tim sighs.
TIM
So, now you know it all.
Babe looks dazed.
BABE
I... believe you. I don't know why
but, I do.
TIM
I think I'm done.
BABE
What happens next?
TIM
I have no idea. I just know that
something has to change.
BABE
Have you talked to your wife about
this?
Probably wanna give her a heads up on
that. Giving up immortality and all,
affects her too.
TIM
I can't. You told me before about
marriage being about communication?
I communicated for the first four
hundred years. The next four hundred?
I could have been channeling the next
great gospel of from above and you
know what I got?
BABE
Resistance?
TIM
Dial tone.
BABE
I'll honest, there's part of me that
wants to tear your clothes off, Tim.
Take you home and let you have your
way and let you know that that's what
I want you to do.
(beat)
And then there's part of me that wants
to help you save what you already
have. Which is not like me.
(beat)
If you are who you say you are... if
you really are eight hundred plus...
why would you give that up?
Babe is near tears.
TIM
Have dinner with me.
BABE
It's not right.
TIM
As friends. My wife has to work
tonight. We'll go back to our special
place.
BABE
TGI Fridays?
TIM
And we'll talk more there. I have big
decisions to make. I want to make
them with you.
She smiles. Rests her head on his shoulder in a familiar
position... that makes Tim... uneasy.
INT. SUPERMARKET - MEATS - DAY
Emily pushes her cart to the butcher section. And there he
is, without fail, Butch. He's cutting bacon.
EMILY
Have fun last night, Butch?
Butch smiles.
BUTCH
Hey, teech!
EMILY
Now--
BUTCH
--Emily. I know. I had a blast. I
dunno why you're so nice to me.
EMILY
Really?
BUTCH
(suddenly uncomfortable)
I have the hots for you, no doubt,
Emily. But I don't get it. You're
married.
EMILY
I am.
BUTCH
Isn't that... wrong?
Butch stops cutting the bacon.
EMILY
(nodding)
Completely.
They whisper now after it looks like another BUTCHER is
eavesdropping.
BUTCH
I really don't know how to handle
this. You're, like, my professor, and
like this hot lady that shops at my
market, and a cool friend. But if I
do you I'm like crossing a bad line.
EMILY
I understand how you feel. But my
husband hasn't been a husband for a
long time. It's time, in my mind, for
a change.
BUTCH
That's why my Dad is living in Brazil.
EMILY
How about we start light, then? Just
a dinner.
BUTCH
Like a date?
EMILY
Yeah. A real date. And at the end of
it, just so you know, you're probably
not going to have to try too hard.
Beat.
BUTCH
You want meat?
EMILY
Bacon, please. Bring it.
EXT. TGI FRIDAYS - NIGHT
Emily and Butch approach the entrance. They're laughing. He
grabs the door for her.
INT. TGI FRIDAYS - CONTINUOUS
The approach a cheery, pretty young HOSTESS.
EMILY
Two, please.
HOSTESS
It's about a twenty minute wait.
Would you like to wait at the bar?
EMILY
(to Butch)
Buy me a drink?
BUTCH
Sure.
And that's where they head. Meanwhile, back outside...
EXT. TGI FRIDAYS - SAME
Tim gets out of his car. Crosses to the passenger side and,
gentlemanly, lets Babe out, holding her hand.
BABE
Wow. Gracious.
TIM
Grace is important.
BABE
As important as irony?
TIM
(coy)
The evening's not over yet.
He flashes a smile. Hooks his arm. She takes it.
INT. TGI FRIDAYS - BAR - SAME
Butch and Emily take a seat at the bar.
EMILY
Two beers, please.
HOSTESS STATION - SAME
Tim and Babe approach the still smiling Hostess.
TIM
Table for two?
HOSTESS
It's about a twenty minute wait.
Would you like to wait at the bar?
TIM
Okay with you?
Babe nods.
Tim nods and leads Babe over to the bar area when he SPOT
EMILY WITH BUTCH. Freezes.
BABE
Is there something wrong?
Tim feels rage, then shame ('cause he's "cheating" a little
too).
TIM
I... need to use the bathroom. Bad.
BABE
Wow. Okay. Well you should go then.
TIM
Just, uh--
BABE
(a little confused)
--I'll go sit at the bar. And wait
for you.
BAR - SAME
Emily, nodding to something Butch has said, lets her eyes
wander and SEES TIME WITH EMILY. Quickly turns back to
Butch.
EMILY
Shit.
BUTCH
What's wrong?
EMILY
Nothing.
Emily peeks back and sees Tim move hastily to the bathroom.
Emily slides off her stool.
EMILY
I'll be right back. I forgot
something in the car.
BUTCH
What did you forget?
Emily doesn't answer. Stands and brushes past Babe. Who
notices her. Gets it. Nods. Crosses to the bar and takes a
seat one stool down from Butch.
EXT. TGI FRIDAYS - PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
Emily races to her car. Gets in.
Moments later, sneaking out the back door of the restaurant,
Tim appears. Spots Emily's car as it starts... and drives
off.
He waits. Wants her to get home first. Slowly crosses to
his car. Keys his way in.
INT. TGI FRIDAYS - BAR - SAME
Butch scans the restaurant, looking for Emily. Babe
snickers, knowing they're both gone.
BUTCH
Something funny?
BABE
No. Just want a drink. Badly.
The BARTENDER is at the other, far end, of the bar. Out of
arms reach, for sure. To which Butch opines:
BUTCH
Too bad you're not Wonder Woman.
BABE
Says who?
(calling out)
Barkeep!
The Bartender turns. Babe reaches for a fake invisible lasso
at her side. Whips it over her head and tosses it at the
Bartender. Starts pulling. The Bartender, getting the joke,
smiles and pretends to be dragged back over to Babe.
BARTENDER
Okay, okay. Sorry. What can I get
you.
BABE
Stoli and soda.
She looks over to Butch... who's JAW IS ON THE FLOOR!
BABE
What?
BUTCH
Do you like comics?
BABE
They're okay, Butch.
Jaw drops, now, through the floor.
BUTCH
How did you know my name?
BABE
Super powers.
(smiles, he's cute)
I'm Babe.
BUTCH
Yeah you are.
INT. COUCH HOME - KITCHEN - SAME
Emily buries her head in her hands at the kitchen table
looking sick.
EMILY
(softly to herself)
How could you be so stupid, Emily?
EXT. COUCH HOME - SAME
Tim's car pulls into the driveway.
INT. COUCH HOME - KITCHEN - SAME
Emily hears the car. Springs up, grabbing a bowl of lukewarm
popcorn. Crosses into the --
FOYER - CONTINUOUS
She's there waiting as the door swings open and Tim steps
through. He wears no expression.
She, on the other hand, fakes cheery.
EMILY
You're home! Must have been a long
day. Just in time. Idol is on in
twenty minutes. I made popcorn.
Heavy, quiet moment.
TIM
Yes, it was a long day. I'm tired.
I'm going to bed.
Another tense moment. The Emily's eyes narrow. She looks at
him with a you hypocritical lying bastard look.
EMILY
Here?
She pivots and stomps into the living room. Tim, uneasy,
steps slowly up the staircase.
FADE TO BLACK.
OVER BLACK-- an alarm clock BLASTS its wake up call.
INT. BABE'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Babe awakes. Naked, covered just by the white sheets, she
shuts the alarm off.
BUTCH continues to sleep beside her. She nudges him awake.
BUTCH
Huh?
BABE
I have to go to work.
Babe slides out of bed.
INT. BABE'S APARTMENT - LATER
She's dressed. Butch is too but doesn't look like he knows
what to do next.
BUTCH
Um, I really had a good time. But I
totally get it if you don't wanna hook
up again.
BABE
Is that what you want?
BUTCH
I'm not much of a catch.
BABE
Says who?
BUTCH
(smiling)
You ask more questions than me.
Babe moves to him. Kisses him.
BABE
I like you. Last night wasn't an
accident.
BUTCH
It wasn't.
BABE
You're complex. Lots of duality
there. Like Spiderman.
BUTCH
(smiling)
I doubt it.
BABE
You are. I just think you lack
confidence.
BUTCH
Confidence?
She nods.
BABE
Have you ever been skydiving?
Babe smiles. Gives him a hug. Then suddenly her face turns
to HORROR as she spots:
BABE
Spider!!!
BUTCH
Huh?
She CLINGS to him.
BABE
Right there! In the corner! No!
Butch looks to the corner where an innocent looking BABY
LONGLEGS wanders.
BUTCH
Got it.
Butch steels himself. Approaches the corner slowly. Aims.
Steps on it.
Babe looks at him. Beams actually. Her hero!
Butch is Spiderman.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE
Tim enters. Late, he crosses quickly to his desk. Sits and
fires up his computer.
After a moment, he lifts his head. Scans the room. There.
Spots Babe. A quickening in his chest. She raises her head
and catches his stare. Tim quickly drops his head.
BABE, at her desk, STANDS, picks up a file and CROSSES to
Tim's desk. Frowning. Stands there until... he slowly...
looks up.
TIM
Hi, Babe.
BABE
Thanks for dinner.
TIM
I'm sorry about last night. I--
BABE
--I know exactly why you ditched me.
I saw your wife there.
TIM
Oh, you did? It was just--
Babe FLOPS the FILE in her hand down on Tim's desk.
BABE
You're immortal? You're eight hundred
years old, huh?
(beat)
You're full of shit, is what you are.
And that file proves it!
Tim opens the file. Stares at the contents.
BABE
I told you, I can dig up anything on
anybody.
(beat)
So I dug you.
Tim stands. Hands the file back to Babe.
TIM
Can we talk about this in private?
INT. BREAK ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Tim closes the door to the break room. Makes sure no one is
in earshot.
TIM
Let me explain.
BABE
Timothy William Couch, born 1985,
Syracuse New York. Mother, Kate.
Dad, James.
TIM
It's an invention--
BABE
--in your mind!
She opens the file. Flips though.
BABE
I have your birth certificate, your
school records, your... marriage
certificate!
(reading)
Timothy William Couch and Emily
Gwendolyn Connely. August 16th, 2003,
Onondaga County.
(beat)
I checked her records too. Same high
school as you. Sweethearts, I guess.
Cute.
Babe shuts the file.
TIM
They're forgeries. What I told you is
true! It's a skill I had to develop
over the centuries. New drivers
licences, new birth certificates. Or
we'd be found out.
BABE
Stop! This is pathetic. Look, I had
a crush on you. But I wouldn't break
up a marriage. I mean, I thought
about it for a moment but just a
moment.
(beat)
Seven years married. Man up. What
are you afraid of... commitment Kids?
Tim looks shamed. Says nothing.
BABE
Whatever it is, face it. Don't run or
that's all you're gonna do the rest of
your life.
(beat)
And don't lie to people, Tim.
Because, for just a moment, when you
told me those amazing stories, I
wanted to believe you. I wanted to
believe that something like that was
possible.
Suddenly Tim SNAPS. Shouts:
TIM
You have no idea what you're talking
about! You're a kid!
BABE
You're right. I'm an idiot.
(beat)
There are no buffalo in 15th century
Spain. I checked.
Babe drops the file on the ground. Starts to leave then
SPINS back.
BABE
Oh! And, for your information Stuart
Sutcliff was the original bassest for
the Beatles!
She leaves in a huff.
Tim slowly bends down. Picks up the file. Pulls out the
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. Stares at it.
INT. COUCH HOME - STUDY - EVENING
Emily sits before the computer. And an email... from
"butchisreallyspiderman@gmail.com":
"Hey, Emily... I knw things were mssed up the other nt. But
it wz the best night of my life. Hit me back!!!"
Emily starts to respond when the DOOR OPENS.
Tim appears in the foyer, looks left and sees Emily shut down
the computer monitor hastily. Stand and face him.
EMILY
Hey.
TIM
What's going on?
EMILY
(nervously)
Nothing. Just... surfing the net.
TIM
(doubting)
Really?
She takes a moment..
Tim looks at her curiously. Then... a look of
disappointment.
That's all it takes.
EMILY
Do you know, Tim... how easilly you
can hurt me?
TIM
What?
EMILY
All it ever taken is a look from you
and I feel worthless. Do you
understand that? You can say things,
and I can say things, and things may
happen.
(beat)
But one look from you can cut me to
the bone.
A moment.
TIM
I'm sorry. Have I done something
wrong? I just stepped through the
door.
EMILY
The same door. The same look.
Emily leaves. Tim waits a moment. Then follows her into--
KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
TIM
So what is the crisis this time,
Emily? Your little boy toy no longer
as "into you"? What prediciment do I
need to rescue you from now?
Emily spins back.
EMILY
I don't need you to save me. I want
you to want me!
(beat)
You want to know what's been missing?
You used to kill dragon's for me!
Kill conquistadors! I may not be
trapped in a witch's coven any more.
That doesn't mean I don't want you to
toss water on them!!!
TIM
There are no more dragons and witches
and Conquistadors! It's now! What do
you want, Emily?!
EMILY
Proof!
TIM
Proof of what?!
EMILY
Proof that you meant what you said in
that dream house! You didn't have to
become a king, just a companion.
Proof you meant what I said that day
because, honestly, I don't remember.
(beat)
I want proof that this was worth it.
The sacrifices we made, that this is
what we wanted!
Tim stands still a moment. Lowers his head.
EMILY
Maybe its time.
Tim looks up at her. Has no answer. She leaves the kitchen
and shoots upstairs. Tim stands still. Hears the bedroom
door SLAM.
He waits a moment. Then crosses into...
STUDY - CONTINUOUS
...to the computer. What was she typing that she didn't want
him to see?
He slicks on the monitor. Stares at the screen, face washed
in electric blue light. Breaths in. Shuts it back off.
Crosses to--
FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS
He opens it. Looks out. The skies have opened up again.
The rain is falling.
Hard.
INT. HONDA - MOMENTS LATER
Tim climbs behind the wheel. Sucks in a breath. Turns the
key. Turns on the windshield wipers. Backs out...
INT. TAVERN - NIGHT
Tim and a shot of whiskey and a beer share a spot at the bar
of this small Irish tavern. A BARFLY waves at him from the
other end of the bar. He waves and fake smiles back. Sighs.
The BARTENDER takes notice of Tim's barely masked pain.
BARTENDER
Everything okay, pal?
Tim CLOSES HIS EYES. Opens them. Looks up--
AND SUDDENLY the BARTENDER is dressed in 16th century garb.
And so is Tim. In fact, this TAVERN is suddenly right out of
1594! And not only that... but 1594 LONDON, complete with
accents!
BARTENDER
(Cockney accent)
That's three shillings, bloke.
Tim pays. A man takes a seat next to Tim. Early 40's. Name
of WILL. Gets a beer and turns to Tim. Holds up the drink.
WILL
Cheers.
TIM
Cheers.
After a moment...
WILL
You're looking troubled, if I might
say.
Tim nods. Shrugs.
WILL
Wife? The Misses? The ol' ball and
chain?
TIM
(sighing)
It's just... sometimes she drives me
crazy!
WILL
I hear ya. I got one of my own. And
three kids. I understand. It can be
tough. Hell, that's why I'm here and
she's lounging around Stratford-on
Avon eating fuckin' French chocolate.
(beat)
Bitch.
(beat)
But... I do love her. We married
young.
Tim huffs a laugh. Offers his hand.
TIM
Tim Couch.
WILL
Will Shakespeare.
TIM
I've heard of you. You write...
poems?
WILL
Poems, yeah. Sonnets. Plays mostly.
TIM
A lot of love stuff, then?
WILL
Goes with the territory.
TIM
So give me some insight, Will. Why is
love so hard?
Will sighs.
WILL
Well, the way I see it, we come into
this world alone, and we leave it
alone. The journey between those two
points is easier, and more fun I've
found, with someone else.
TIM
What if you never reach the end?
WILL
Ah, we all reach the end, Tim. Just a
question of when and how. Hopefully
not at the tip of a sword, am I right?
Am I right? But seriously, a soul is
more complete with another soul, in my
experience. And make sure appreciate
what you have, right?
(beat, leaning in)
A bird in the hand is better than
those two at the end of the bar.
Sure, it might be fun for a night, but
in the morning, they fly away, if
you're lucky. And you're right back
where you started.
Beat. Tim is dazzled.
TIM
You're good.
WILL
I spend a lot of time thinking about
this stuff.
(beat)
Like this new play I'm writing, Romeo
and Juliet. At the end, rather than
live apart, they make a suicide pact!
In a church late at night!
(beat)
It's a romantic tragedy. No one's
ever tried it.
TIM
They kill themselves?
WILL
Yeah. But for love.
Long moment.
TIM
What if one thinks the other one is
gone? But, she's really in a deep
sleep. But he poisons himself. Then
she wakes up... and sees he's dead...
and then she does herself in?
Will raises an eyebrow. Genius!
TIM
I don't know the story, but--
WILL
--no, that's brilliant! Irony! It's
so unappreciated.
Will finishes his beer. Shakes Tim's hand.
WILL
Good luck, Will. Don't give up.
Every dark cloud slowly moves to give
way the sun. And a rose by any other
name still has as many thorns.
He winks and exits, stage left.
AND SUDDENLY... WE'RE BACK IN THE BAR IN MODERN DAY...
And Tim, alone at the bar, takes his last sip of beer.
Tosses a few bills and stands.
INT. BEDROOM - SAME
Emily sits, stone faced and cross-legged on the bed. She
stares at a single photo of she and Tim. A Christmas photo.
They look... happy.
Emily begins to cry softly.
She looks at her wrists. The blood pumping through them.
Matches her breathing to her pulse she can see barely beating
below her skin.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
The rain is falling in sheets. The Heavens have opened up.
INT. HONDA - NIGHT (DRIVING)
Tim is also stone faced, pushing forward, but maybe not sure
where.
INT. CABIN - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Tim is alone, shortly after telling the Titanic story.
Merlin takes notes opposite him.
TIM
I mean, what is the point?
MERLIN
You ask a lot of questions.
TIM
I know. I just don't get it, though.
This gift you gave me. This life?
What's the point?
MERLIN
Man's been searching for that one a
long time.
TIM
I'm not talking big picture.
MERLIN
But you are.
TIM
I've rescued her, Merlin. Through the
years... by accident! She thinks I'm
something I'm not! And I've pretended
the whole way, doing nothing to help
anyone.
MERLIN
And there you're wrong.
INT. HONDA - NIGHT (DRIVING)
Tim white knuckles the wheel. Slows to a stop. Kills the
engine.
EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
Tim gets out of the car. The rain soaks deep into his
clothes.
TIM (V.O.)
How am I wrong?
INT. CABIN - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Merlin sets his notepad down.
MERLIN
Every one of us changes the world
merely by being a player in it. Just
because we don't see the results of
our influence doesn't mean we didn't
have it.
EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
Tim steps over the rail of the bridge.
MERLIN (V.O.)
Without you, without her... the world
would be a very different place. And
that's true for everyone. But for
you... it was the particularly
important.
INT. CABIN - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Merlin leans back in his chair.
MERLIN
I didn't come to your home by
accident. I don't make those.
Tim stares at Merlin.
EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
Tim peers down at the rain pounding the black waters... just
a step away from him.
Knows how to end this movie.
SMASH TO BLACK.
FADE IN...
INT. BEDROOM - DAWN
The rain continues to fall outside the window. A POW of
THUNDER waking Emily.
She looks to her left; untouched. Tim never came home.
INT. COUCH HOME - LIVING ROOM
Emily probes through the house, calling softly, panic
building.
EMILY
Tim? Baby?
Nothing. The house is still. Quiet, save the rain outside.
Emily begins to openly panic.
INT. EMILY'S CAR - MOMENTS LATER (DRIVING)
Still in her nightgown, Emily holds back tears. Eyes
scanning the horizon past the wipers for any sign of Tim.
EXT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MOMENTS LATER
Emily's car SLIDES on the rain, to a stop at the front of the
building.
INT. BRIGHTON LIFE INSURENCE - MAIN OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Emily EXPLODES into the main office, eyes and clothes
drenched.
EMILY
Tim?! Tim?!
The OFFICE WORKERS stop what they're doing and stare. From
her desk, Babe leaps to her feet and races to Emily's side.
BABE
Mrs. Couch, what's wrong?
EMILY
Tim. He's missing! Was he with you
last night? I won't be mad. I just
need to know where he is.
BABE
No, of course not. Maybe he's just at
a motel.
EMILY
He hates motels! I'm really scared!
(beat, looks hard at Babe)
We've never spent a night apart.
Ever.
Babe nods slowly.
BABE
It'll be okay.
EMILY
Promise?
(beat)
He always does.
Emily gives Babe a hug. But, look at Babe's eyes... she
knows where to look first. Unfortunately.
EXT. BRIDGE - MORNING
POLICE and FIRETRUCKS jam the bridge. EMERGENCY WORKERS and
POLICE crowd the scene.
DIVERS drop into the icy waters.
NEARBY--
Emily watches it all. Stone faced again. Babe stands by
her. Reaches out to comfort her.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. COUCH HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Emily sits alone with a bowl of popcorn. Shell-shock. The
television washes her in blue.
RYAN SEACREST (O.C.)
This... is American Idol!
She shudders.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Emily wanders to the CABIN.
EMILY
Merlin?!
She pushes open the front door.
INT. CABIN - CONTINUOUS
Emily moves through the room: there is no furniture. No
couch. No chair. Just an empty room.
She collapses in the corner.
EMILY
Merlin?
Nothing. She buries her head.
EMILY
(softly, to herself)
This isn't what I wanted.
A moment.
MERLIN (O.S.)
I disagree.
She looks up. MERLIN leans against the opposite wall.
MERLIN
This is what you both wanted, so my
notes indicate. Bored, tired.
EMILY
You're just... mean. You're just a
mean Merlin. Bad wizard.
Merlin smiles. Approaches Emily. Kneels down to her.
MERLIN
Sometimes a hard lesson takes time,
kiddo.
Emily looks at him.
INT. COUCH HOME - DINING ROOM
Emily eats alone. Barely keeps her food down.
The rain outside has just stopped.
Emily chews. Swallows. Then stops. Feels something.
Confirmed moments later by...
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
She sets down her fork. Another KNOCK. She stands. Moves
slowly. Then quickly... to the door. Swings it open to
reveal:
TIM--
Still wet from the just ended storm. He eyes Emily. Her
body is in shock. Takes a breath and then WRAPS HER ARMS
around him. Kissing his face in every possible place. Then
holding it back, smiling, crying, and looking into his eyes.
Every part of her body with one question:
EMILY
(crying)
Where were you?!
Tim looks at her. Drops to one knee.
SMASH TO:
EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
The rain pounds the world. Everything we see is soaked.
Including, over the rail and at the edge of the end:
TIM-- he peers down at the water. Nods.
Climbs back over the rail. Gets back into his car.
INT. HONDA - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)
Turns the key. It won't start.
TIM
Of course.
He opens the door again.
EXT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)
Tim stands in the rain. Sighs. Starts walking.
INT. AIRPORT - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Tim stands at a counter. Pays and takes his ticket.
INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Getting ready to take off, Tim buckles his seatbelt. Listens
to the emergency instructions.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
His plane streaks through the clouds.
EXT. SOUTHAMPTON DOCK YARD - MORNING (FLASHBACK)
No ship in sight. Just Tim. Standing right at dockside.
Staring down at the water.
SUPER THE LEGEND:
Day 35,862
Tim JUMPS into the water. Stays under. Awhile.
Resurfaces...
INT. COUCH HOME - FOYER - RESUME SCENE
Tim, still on his knees, presents Emily the ring. The one he
lost back in 1912.
TIM
Found it.
She looks at him, tears rolling down her face... and takes
the ring.
INT. TGI FRIDAYS - DAY
Butch sits alone at a table. Waiting. He does lightsabers
with his knife.
Then Babe appears. He drops the knife. Stands and gives her
a kiss.
BUTCH
Hey, beautiful!
BABE
What are you doing here, Butch?
BUTCH
Well, good question. I got this note--
BABE
--from Mrs. Couch.
BUTCH
Emily. Yeah. Babe, it was totally a
friend thing. I'm not unfaithfulness.
BABE
What are you talking about?
BUTCH
I hardly ever know.
A moment.
BABE
I got the same note.
BUTCH
Weird. Right?
And Emily appears.
EMILY
You too look like quite a wonderful
couple. Really.
BUTCH
(carefully)
Hey, Emily?
BABE
Mrs. Couch, any word?! How are you
holding up?!
Just then, Tim appears. Babe almost LEAPS out of her chair.
BABE
Tim! You're alive! Oh my god, I
thought--
TIM
--I know. Lets sit.
Emily takes a seat next to Butch. Tim next to Babe.
TIM
We called you here to help us with
something.
Butch and Babe look clueless. Emily smiles. Finally,
BUTCH
Did we do something wrong?
EMILY
No, Butch. We did. So... get ready.
BABE
For what?
And, again, suddenly, Emily KISSES Butch square on the lips.
Passionately. At the same time Tim KISSES Babe. Equally
passionately. Both couples hold a moment. Break.
Tim and Emily stand. Take each others hand.
From a nearby table... DR. MERLINSKI smiles.
DR. MERLINSKI
You're on your own now.
Tim WINKS at him. Leas Emily out of the restaurant.
Merlin sips coffee. Nods. Smiles.
DR. MERLINSKI
Good call.
FADE TO BLACK.
A TRAFFIC JAM - DAY
It is an unusually warm, sunny and beautiful day.
The freeway snakes far, but the cars do not move in the
southbound lane.
Northbound is moving fine.
And that's where we see a 2038 model HONDA move swiftly in
lane three.
EXT. HOME - DAY
The car parks outside a BEAUTIFUL HOME. An Old Man's hands
open the drivers door. An Old Woman's hands open the
passenger door. Cross to the back and open the rear door.
ARTHUR the dog limps out slowly. He's OLD and a little mangy
but loved. Steps carefully right in front of the door as his
PUPPIES (now grown dogs) trip over him as they exit the car.
And now we see them: TIM, seventy-three.
TIM
Arthur! Leave your puppies alone!
She moves from the door and nestles with a couple of them.
Emily, seventy-one, gets out of the car. She smiles.
Crosses to Tim. They lock hands and head to the front door,
which springs open to reveal MERLIN, forty...
...their son.
MERLIN
Mom! Dad!
Suddenly GRANDKIDS flood the scene.
GRANDKIDS
Grammy! Grandpa!
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
73 year old Tim cuts a turkey. His family before him, KIDS,
GRANDKIDS. A full family. He looks to Emily. She smiles
back.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Tim and Emily sit on a SOFA.
GRACE, their precious, beautiful two year old granddaughter,
scurries over to Tim. Sits in his lap. He pats the girl'
head. Looks up to a WALL OF PICTURES opposite. Emily does
too. We see them each...
One of Tim and Emily and their large family. Kids.
Grandkids. A happy pose in a park.
Another... of Tim alone on stage. Younger, rocking out on a
guitar, on stage, to hundreds of fans...
Another... of Emily teaching at Harvard to a giant auditorium
of underclassmen...
Another... of Butch and Babe at the altar, on their wedding
day....
Another... of the cover of Butch's COMIC BOOK: "Forever
Girl", which looks a lot like a kick butt version of Emily.
Signed, "To Tim and Emily, I owe you everything. Butch"
Another.... of Tim and Paul McCartney posing together,
buddies, at a book signing...
And one more. Of Merlin the wizard. Smiling from a hospital
bed. Tim and Emily are beside him.
Emily looks to Tim.
EMILY
Did this really happen?
Tim narrows his eyes. Pets his granddaughter's hair. And
more a statement than a question:
TIM
Why not.
Tim smiles.
BLACK.
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