WE ARE FAMILY

By

Jason Byram

FADE IN:

INT. LIVING ROOM

A WOMAN in her late twenties, holding a newborn BABY in her arms, sits down on a couch in a badly lit and cramped living room.

She places a milk bottle on the couch. She sits the baby upright.

A LITTLE GIRL with blond hair, no more than three, grabs the bottle and runs behind the couch.

The woman laughs.

WOMAN
Jodie!

The little girl/Jodie drinks from the bottle.

WOMAN
Come on, honey, give mommy the bottle back.

Jodie does not move.

WOMAN
Jodie, will you please come out from behind the couch?

The woman stands up, still holing the baby. She walks behind the couch and looks down.

She smiles.

WOMAN
Come on, baby.

The baby begins to cry.

WOMAN
See, you’re brothers hungry.

Jodie drinks from the bottle.

WOMAN
Damn it, Jodie! Now, I gotta make another one.

The woman walks out of the living room.

WOMAN
(to baby)
Ssh... Ssh... It’s okay. It’s okay. Ssh.
Jodie flings the bottle across the floor. She begins to cry.
INT. TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

A skinny teenage boy, TOBY GRIFFITHS, 15, pale, lies in bed, reading a book. He holds a mini-flashlight toward the book which illuminates the whole room.

He looks at a small alarm clock on the locker by his bedside. It reads 11:30pm.

He sighs.

Suddenly, light draws on Toby’s face. He diverts his attention from the book to his bedroom door.

LAURA GRIFFITHS, 42, looks older than her age, hair needs to be re-dyed, wearing a waitress’ uniform, stands at his bedroom door.

LAURA
Do you know where she is?

Toby shakes his head.

TOBY
Same place she always is, I guess.

Laura sighs.

LAURA
I’m not in the mood for this tonight. I’m so tired.

Toby sits up.

TOBY
So go to bed. Forget about her. She’s just gonna come home tomorrow and not even realise anyways. Like usual.

LAURA
Well Toby, I just can’t rest without knowing where she is. Okay?

Toby looks away. He lies back down.

Laura rubs her eyes.

LAURA
Go to sleep.

Laura closes the bedroom door.

Toby picks up his phone and dials a number. He puts the phone to his ear. There’s no tone.

He puts the phone down. He sighs.
INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - PARENTS’ BEDROOM - NIGHT

Laura switches on the light.

FRANK GRIFFITHS, 42, once attractive, unshaven, lies asleep in bed.

Laura shakes him.

LAURA
Hey! Hey!

Frank grunts. He opens his eyes.

FRANK
What? What?

LAURA
I love how you can sleep without knowing where your own daughter is, Frank.

Frank is half-asleep. He rubs his eyes.

FRANK
What? She hasn’t come home yet?

LAURA
Surprise, surprise.

FRANK
Well... Did you phone h-?

LAURA
(cuts him off)
Spare me the bullshit. You were here, this should have been your responsibility.

Frank sits up, red-faced.

FRANK
Right, ‘cause you’re the only one who works.

LAURA
Don’t play that card with me. I wasn’t here, it was your responsibility to know where she was, just like when I’m here, it’s my responsibility to know where she is!

INT. TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Frank and Laura’s screaming is muffled.
Toby sighs. He puts his book down.

He covers his face with his hands. He shakes his head.

TOBY
Damn...

He grabs his pillow and covers his ears with it.

His door bursts open.

He looks over in shock. Laura slams the door shut. She walks over toward the bed.

LAURA
Scoot.

Toby pushes toward the wall. Laura climbs into the bed.

Toby turns to face the wall, facing away from his mother. He wipes his eye.

Laura turns over, facing Toby.

LAURA
Sorry.

TOBY
Just forget about it. You know she’ll be back in the morning.

Laura closes her eyes. Toby doesn’t.

INT. TOBY’S BEDROOM - MORNING

Toby’s room is now filled with sunlight.

Toby looks at the alarm clock on the locker by his bedside. It’s 7.30AM.

He wipes his eyes. He tactfully, as not to wake Laura, climbs out of his bed.

INT. GRIFFITH’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

Frank gathers some tools from the counter top and places them in his tool box.

His phone RINGS. He answers.

FRANK
Hello?

No voice is heard.
He smiles.

FRANK
...I am. Where?
(pause)
Okay then. Bye.

He puts his phone back in his pocket.

He picks up a mug of coffee and begins to swamp it, unwittingly burning his mouth.

FRANK
Shit, shit, shit!

He covers his mouth in pain.

Toby, now dressed, walks in. 

He opens the fridge and takes the milk out.

Frank puts his mug in the sink. Grabs his tools.

Toby pours some cereal into a bowl. The back door slams shut.

Toby looks behind him. Frank is gone.

TOBY
Good morning to you too.

Toby brings his bowl to the table. He sits down and begins to eat.

EXT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING

Toby makes his way into the courtyard leading to the entrance of Northill High School. The building is old, enriched with busted windows and graffiti. It does not look appealing nor inviting.

The courtyard is CROWDED with many STUDENTS, varying in ages, either walking into the school or just hanging in groups outside it.

Toby lights a cigarette. He takes a drag.

Suddenly, a hand comes from behind him and snatches the cigarette from his mouth.

TOBY
(startled)
Hey!

JOHNNY DAVIES, 15, sallow, faces Toby and grins. He takes a drag.

Toby calms down.

TOBY
Politeness personified, Johnny.

Johnny takes another drag and hands it back to Toby. He now walks beside him.

TOBY
So, did you finish your English report?

JOHNNY
No, not nearly. I was working all weekend. What about you? Or do I even need to ask?

TOBY
Thirty pages.

JOHNNY
That’s a step down from your average fifty. Could too be a step down from your A.

TOBY
Well, I had things do this weekend too.

Johnny looks at Toby, disbelieving.

JOHNNY
Yeah, okay.

Toby suddenly stops as does Johnny.

JOHNNY
What is it?

Toby gestures, with his head, toward the school entrance.

JODIE GRIFFITHS, 17, blonde streaks of hair dispensing from a hood, dark eyes, stands smoking with a small group of FRIENDS.

JOHNNY
What’d she do now?

TOBY
Never came home. I wonder if she even bothered calling.

Toby takes a drag. He hands the cigarette to Johnny.

TOBY
Is that asking too much for someone so self-involved?
JOHNNY
Your family always makes too much of stupid things. So, she didn’t come home, no-ones dead.

TOBY
Yeah, well, have you ever hear of a chain reaction?

JOHNNY
What?

TOBY
Nothing, simpleton. 

Toby grins and walks on. Johnny follows.

A young FEMALE STUDENT waves Johnny over.

FEMALE STUDENT
Hey Johnny! I want you for a sec!

Johnny looks at Toby.

JOHNNY
(to Toby)
Catch me up later?

Johnny walks toward the female student. Toby watches.

TOBY
(quietly)
Bye.

Toby walks to the entrance.

TOBY’S P.O.V.:
The back of Jodie. Her arms are flailing around as if in mid-storytelling. Her friends are laughing and shouting loudly.

JODIE
...your motherfuckin’ fat ass out of this car before I scalp you! Well, I never seen a bitch run so fast in my life. Seriously, it was like-

Jodie laughs, as do her friends.

Toby tips her on the shoulder. Nothing.

He looks away nervously. He tips her again.

TOBY
Jodie!

She continues to talk and laugh.
TOBY
Jodie!

He sighs, exasperated. He walks into the school.

JODIE’S FFRIEND, female, 17, laughs. She points into the school.

JODIE’S FRIEND
Man, that was your brother! Your bother was just like-

Jodie’s friend makes a “tipping” motion.

Jodie looks bemused.

JODIE
What?

JODIE’S FRIEND
Your brother.

Jodie leans back and looks into the school. She looks back at her friends.

JODIE
Pfft... Faggot.

Her friends laugh.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - ENGLISH CLASSROOM - DAY

A FEMALE TEACHER, 50’s, collects manuscripts from STUDENTS row by row.

She reaches Toby and stops.

FEMALE TEACHER
Ah, Toby.

TOBY
Yeah?

FEMALE TEACHER
There’s something I need to ask you. You know the Northill Young Writer of the Year competition is open to submissions since the 25th?

Toby nods.

TOBY
Yeah, I know. And it’s closing date’s tomorrow.

FEMALE TEACHER
Oh, have you already entered?
TOBY
Am, no. I thought after last year there was no point really.

FEMALE TEACHER
Well, I don’t mean to interfere, but would you mind if I entered your essay, you know the one concerning modern teenagers and how past social skills no longer apply?

Toby grins.

TOBY
You really think that’d be good enough?

FEMALE TEACHER
Well, in my opinion it was inspired. And it’s worth a try. A little recognition could go a long way.

Toby’s grins grows wider. He nods.

TOBY
Alright then. Go ahead. Am, thanks Mrs. Lieberman.

She smiles.

FEMALE TEACHER
No problem.

Toby hands her his manuscript.

He rests his head on his hands, and dazes.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - BOY’S TOILETS - DAY

The school bell RINGS.

Johnny enters the boy’s toilets which seems empty.

He goes to the sink and turns on the water. Soap squirts from the dispenser. He washes his hands.

Uncontained laughing is heard.

He turns around, curious.

A toilet stall door bursts open and a MALE STUDENT, 17, grinning, walks out from it.

He leaves the bathroom.

Johnny turns around and continues washing his hands.

He hears a noise.

He looks in the mirror ands sees Jodie coming out of the same stall. She walks toward the mirror and fixes her hair.

JODIE
Boo.

Johnny looks at her.

JOHNNY
Hey.

Jodie begins to apply lip-gloss.

JOHNNY
Toby’s been looking for you.

JODIE
I heard.

Johnny turns of the tap. He walks to the paper towel dispenser and grabs a few sheets. He begins to wipes his hands.

JODIE
You got a light.

Jodie places a cigarette in her mouth.

JOHNNY
Sure.

Johnny walks to Jodie and lights her cigarette.

As he does she winks at him.

She hops up onto the sink. She inhales.

JOHNNY
God, anyone would think the boy’s bathroom was more appealing.

JODIE
Well, when it’s filled with fine, young men like you then there’s no competition.

Johnny grins and looks down.

Jodie laughs. She inhales.

JODIE
Know what? I’m starving. Here.

She hands the cigarette to Johnny.

JODIE
Don’t tell anyone I was in here.

Johnny shakes his head.

JOHNNY
I won’t.

Jodie turns around and walks out of the bathroom.

EXT. NORTHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

The school bell RINGS.

The courtyard is flooded with STUDENTS. Amongst them is Toby who runs to catch up with Johnny.

TOBY
Hey, wait up!

Johnny turns around.

TOBY
Guess what happened when you dossed English?

JOHNNY
I give up.

TOBY
Ms. Lieberman said she’s gonna enter my essay, you know the one about us teens, into the Northill young writer of the year competition.

Johnny nods.

JOHNNY
Well, what’s the prize?

TOBY
A thousand dollars.

JOHNNY
So, it’s likely there’ll be another certificate in the Toby hall of fame.

TOBY
I’ve only ever won three.

JOHNNY
Compared to who?

Toby smiles.

TOBY
Whatever. Talk to you later.

JOHNNY
See ya.

Toby walks straight on towards the open bus. Johnny turns off and walks down the sidewalk.

INT. BUS - DAY

At the front of the moving bus Toby sits alone. He stares out the window.

At the back of the bus Jodie sits alone, in a mood filled expression, she stares out the window.

The bus stops.

Toby gets up.

TOBY
(to the bus driver)
Thanks.

A few other STUDENTS walk off the bus, lastly followed by Jodie.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Laura, in her waitress uniform, hurriedly squeezes a mug into an overloaded dishwasher. She shuts it and turns the knob.

She grabs a cardigan from the back of chair. She puts it on and zips it up.

The sound of the front door opening is heard. Laura walks out of the kitchen.

LAURA
Jodie...?

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

Toby enters the house.

Laura approaches him.

TOBY
Hey.

LAURA
Your sister with you?
TOBY
She’s-

Jodie appears behind Toby. He moves out of the way.

LAURA
You! Where the hell were you last night?

JODIE
I was watching a DVD with Danika and fell asleep. What’s the big deal?

Laura shakes her head.

LAURA
Oh, bullshit, Jodie. That’s complete bullshit! I wasn’t born yesterday. 
(sighs)
Where were you?

JODIE
(irritated)
Oh my god! I just told you.

LAURA
Well, you’re a liar. A bad one.
(pause)
Know what? I haven’t got time for your crap. Your father will just have to deal with you when he gets home.

Laura goes back into the kitchen. She emerges with her purse. She aggressively points at Jodie.

LAURA
Do not move from this house and I mean that!

Jodie raises her hand in a “goodbye” motion.

LAURA
Dinner’s in the oven, Toby.

Laura walks behind Jodie and walks out the door.

Jodie’s “goodbye” motion changes to the middle-finger motion.

JODIE
Dickhead.

Toby looks at her.

TOBY
Are you actively trying to give a hand in her breakdown? I mean, is that your pursuit?
Jodie takes out a cigarette. She picks up a lighter form the stand alongside the front door. Lights it.

TOBY
And what was that lie. Do you even bother trying anymore?

Jodie walks past Toby and SMACKS in the face as she does.

JODIE
Fuck off!

Toby watches her storm off, incredulous.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - JODIE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Jodie enters her bedroom. She slams the door.

Her bedroom is purple. Clothes are everywhere, her bed is unmade, it’s generally messy.

Her phone rings. She answers.

JODIE
Yeah?

She smiles.

JODIE
Hey, bitch.
(pause)
Of course. But she’s gone now, so there’s nothing she can do about it. So, you on for another session tonight?
(pause)
Oh yeah, love the lush life, baby.
(pause)
What about him? He won’t be home for another hour so... They can kiss my motherfuckin’ white girl ass.

She laughs.

JODIE
Bye.

Jodie throws her phone on her bed.

She goes to her mirror and picks up eyeliner from her vanity. She applies it.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY

Frank, holding his toolbox enters the house. He quickly shuts the door and drops his tools. 

He runs straight up the stairs.
INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Toby sits down at the table. His dinner is in front of him. He hears the door close and looks suspicious.

TOBY
(loud)
Hello?

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Frank runs toward the bathroom door just as Jodie walks out of it.

She looks startled.

FRANK
Quick!

Jodie moves out of the way. She stands there a few seconds. She hears the shower being turned on.

She shrugs and walks toward the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Jodie walks into the kitchen. She walks behind Toby and opens a coffee jar filled with dollar notes.

JODIE
Why’s he back so early?

TOBY
Who’s he?

Jodie grabs a few notes.

JODIE
Dad.

TOBY
I wasn’t aware that he was. What’d he say to you?

JODIE
Mind your business.

Jodie walks out of the kitchen.

Seconds later, Toby hears the front door slam shut.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - DAY

Toby enter his bedroom.

He walks to his computer and switches it on.

He walks to shelf, filled with three certificates and a few medals. He stops and reflects for a few seconds.

He goes to his bed and lies down. He stares up at the dark ceiling.

He hears a noise.

He gets up and opens his door.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

TOBY’S P.O.V.:

Frank, dripping wet and in a towel walks toward his bedroom.

TOBY
Why are you home so early?

FRANK
Oh, I’m all done. I got finished early.

TOBY
Where you going?

FRANK
Just out... with the guys.

Toby nods.

FRANK
Hey, where‘d your sister go?

Toby frowns, annoyed.

TOBY
Who cares?!

Toby slams his bedroom door.

Frank sighs.

FRANK
Shit.

INT. RESTAURAUNT - EVENING

Frank rushes into a fancy, dimly-lit restaurant.

He runs toward a table where a woman, ANITA BENN, 40’s, brunette, pretty, sits scanning a menu.
He sits down, out of breath.

FRANK
Hi. Sorry.

Anita smiles. She puts the menu down.

ANITA
I‘ll call off the search party. 

Anita giggles.

FRANK
It’s just a little hectic.

ANITA
I know. It’s hard to get away sometimes.

Frank smiles.

FRANK
Yeah.

ANITA
I ordered you a bud.

Frank looks down, notices his pint.

FRANK
How considerate.

ANITA
It might be dead, though. It’s been sitting out.

He tapes a sip.

FRANK
It’s fine.

ANITA
Good.

FRANK
I was so glad you called. Knowing I was meeting you tonight’s what made me get through today. I even finished work early.

ANITA
(jokingly)
Good boy.

Anita hands Frank her menu.

ANITA
And how’s the waitress?

Frank looks at her.

FRANK
She’s... tightly wound. Our Jodie’s been consistently brazen lately. If that’s how you wanna put it.
(pause)
And the engineer?

Anita forces a smile.

ANITA
Who knows? He left last week.

Frank looks gob smacked.

FRANK
Are you serious?

Anita nods.

ANITA
I’m a free woman, Frank. 

FRANK
So, I can see you on a more regular occurrence then?

Anita smiles.

ANITA
You could see me anytime you‘d like if you were a free man yourself.

Frank gives her a questioning look.

She giggles.

FRANK
So how’d the Bingdall avenue sale go?

ANITA
You know how it is, you can never please the rich. A whole fucking avenue designed for their comfort and all we have are couples in their twenties with high mortgages.

FRANK
Oh, I know. I can never please the rich, no matter what qualification I have. It’s always ‘you didn’t do this properly.’

Frank “phffs”.

FRANK (cont’d)
I can’t please my wife, certainly not my children. That’s me.

Anita gestures toward the WAITER.

ANITA
Well, c’est la vie. But, hey, what about me? Tradesmen are just straight up sexy. I think it’s got something do with them working with their hands. I mean come on, how many times do you think I could clog my drain?

Anita smiles as does Frank.

ANITA (cont’d)
I just wanted to watch you plumb.

FRANK
That wasn’t the only drain the needed plumbing.

Frank chuckles.

The waiter stops at their table.

WAITER
Good evening, are you ready to order? Would you like to hear the specials?

ANITA
Ah, no need. I’ll today’s special, the roast lamb.

The waiter nods.

WAITER
And you sir?

FRANK
I, too, will have the roast lamb, but hold the white sauce.

WAITER
Coming up.

The waiter picks up the menu and walks away.

FRANK
I love lamb so I might as well since I never get it at home.

ANITA
I cook amazing lamb.

She smiles.

EXT. PARK - NIGHT

Jodie walks up to a bench which is surrounded by other TEENAGERS (male and female), holding bags or bottles of vodka, or cans of beer.

One of JODIE’S FRIENDS laughs.

JODIE’S FRIEND
Oh, snap! How’d you manage to come out two nights in a row?

Jodie takes out a cigarette.
JODIE
When there’s no-one there, there’s no-one to care.

She lights it.

With the cigarette in her mouth, she bends down and takes a can of soda from a bag. She opens it and pours half away.

She takes a bottle of vodka and fills the can.

JODIE’S FRIEND
Still, though.

JODIE
Listen, right. During the summer I came home twisted every night and neither of them noticed ‘cause they were too busy praising my brother because they were helping him enter some other competition. Well, my mother was. My father’s just... Pfft.

JODIE’S FRIEND
Oh, I know that feeling. Wants you seen not heard.

Jodie nods.

JODIE
That’s a way of putting it. But, I didn’t come out for a counselling session.

Jodie’s friend bounces in her seat.

JODIE’S FRIEND
I’ll smoke to that!

Jodie’s friend lights a joint.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Toby is curled up on the couch. 

The TV is on but his eyes aren’t focused on it. He looks bored.

The phone RINGS. Toby answers.

TOBY
Hello?

LAURA (O.S.)
Hey, it’s me. Will you put your father on the phone?

TOBY
Am, he’s gone out.
LAURA (O.S.)
Gone out? Where?

TOBY
I don’t know. He just said out.

LAURA (O.S.)
With who?

TOBY
The guys.

Laura sighs.

LAURA (O.S.)
What’d he say to your sister?

TOBY
Am... I don’t think he said anything, he just came in and took off again.

LAURA (O.S.)
Well, what a surprise. Put Jodie on the phone.

Toby looks nervous.

TOBY
Ah, she’s not here.

LAURA (O.S.)
What?! Where’d she go?

TOBY
I don’t know. She’s hardly gonna tell me.

LAURA (O.S.)
I don’t believe her. Two nights in a row. You know what? I blame your father.

Toby sighs and shakes his head.

LAURA (O.S.)
I swear to god, when I come home, that man is gonna...

Laura sighs.

LAURA (O.S.)
Look, I got to go. You alright?

Toby nods.

TOBY
Yeah. I’m fine.

LAURA (O.S.)
Okay. See you soon. Bye.

Toby hangs up the phone.

TOBY
Fuck.

He grabs his phone from his pocket.

He writes a text message saying: “Please come home!” and sends it to Jodie.

INT. RESTAURAUNT - NIGHT

Anita swamps back the remainder of her wine. 

Both Frank’s and Anita’s plates are empty.

ANITA
So, how about it?

FRANK
How about what?

ANITA
You come back to mine for a few hours.

Frank laughs. Its clear he is uncomfortable.

FRANK
I... Don’t think so. I think, I think you’ve had one too many glasses of wine.

ANITA
Forget that. Come on. Devon’s with his dad. You look a little pale, it’ll get the blood pumping through your veins.

FRANK
Anita, I can’t.

ANITA
Why the conscience?

FRANK
You know exactly why.

ANITA
Get rid of her then.

Anita shrugs.

ANITA (cont’d)
You’re not happy. You haven’t been in a long time and I’m quoting you here so don’t even try and act coy.

FRANK
Look, alright. I’d love to. But I can’t.
(pause)
Well, would you have if you were still with him?

Anita looks away. She sighs.

ANITA
Just get the cheque.

Frank shakes his head.

FRANK
I can’t seem to win with you women.

Anita looks at him.

ANITA
I’m just... I don’t know. Horny?

They chuckle.

FRANK
Drunk.

Anita nods.

FRANK (cont’d)
So, when can we do this again?

ANITA
Whenever you’d like. Only next time, lets skip the meal.

Frank smiles. He raises himself from his chair slightly and reaches over to give Anita a kiss.

EXT. PARK - NIGHT

The teens laugh and fool around, quite drunk at this stage.

DANIKA, 17, wavy brown hair, plastered in make-up, sits on a bench alone. She smokes a joint and drinks a beer.

Jodie collapses on Danika’s lap.

DANIKA
You all partied out, Jodie?

Jodie smiles.

JODIE
What time is it?

Danika looks at her wrist-watch.

DANIKA
Eleven twenty.

Jodie smiles.

JODIE
They’ll be home soon. And I won’t be there.

Jodie takes the joint from Danika’s hand. She inhales.

JODIE
I love it.
(sighs)
I don’t wanna go home.

Danika smiles.

DANIKA
What’s new?

JODIE
No. I don’t mean it like that. I’m so sick of them. Why would anyone wanna live with them?

Jodie inhales.

DANIKA
I thought it was Toby you didn’t bother with.

Jodie shakes her head.

JODIE
Listen, he’s not gonna be the topic of our conversation as well.

DANIKA
Who else is he the topic of conversation for?

JODIE
Who’d you think?

Danika nods. She swamps the last of her beer. She puts the can down.

DANIKA
Look, if you wanna crash with me again, you can.

JODIE
No. I got to deal.

Jodie sighs.

JODIE
Maybe, I’ll get lucky and get home before them.

Danika helps Jodie stand up.

DANIKA
Okay. Come on. Let’s go.

Jodie rests her head on Danika as they slowly begin to walk toward the exit of the park.

They pass Jodie’s friend.

JODIE’S FRIEND
(to Danika)
Where you going?

Danika motions her head to Jodie.

DANIKA
(mouths)
She’s wasted.

They continue to walk.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Jodie stumbles ungracefully into the house. She closes the door behind her.

She runs up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby sits up in his bed listening to who’s just come in.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - JODIE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jodie slouches on her bed. She vomits mercilessly into a small bin.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Frank, a little tipsy enters the house.

He removes his jacket and hangs it on a stand. He turns around and begins to move into the kitchen.

FRANK
Laura?

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Frank enters the empty kitchen.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Laura storms into the house, rapidly closing the door behind her.

FRANK (O.S.)
Laura?

She drops her bag and starts toward the kitchen.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Laura stomps into the kitchen. Her face is consumed with rage.

Frank stands by the sink. He holds a glass of water. He looks at her.

FRANK
I just got-

LAURA
It’s good to know you have priorities.

Frank stays silent.

LAURA
And where were you exactly?

FRANK
I just went for a drink with some buddies.

LAURA
You chose to go out with some buddies over being a good father. Fantastic!

Frank angrily thrusts the glass of water into the sink.

FRANK
Christ! Can’t you just ever relax?

LAURA
Don’t even go there because you know what, maybe I could’ve if you’d played your part! God! Does it always have to be left to me?

FRANK
Well, you’re better at it than I am. You know me...

He smiles. She doesn’t.

LAURA
Don’t play baby with me, Frank. Really not in the mood.

Laura pulls out and chair. She sits down.

LAURA
Not only did you not bother to be aware of where Jodie was last night, you didn’t bother to make sure she didn’t go out again tonight. Which of course she did.

Frank sighs.

FRANK
Is it really fair to be blaming me for her mistakes?

Laura shakes her head.

LAURA
The word is PARENT!

FRANK
(angrily)
Alright, so I fucked up! Can I ever just come home lately without having a bust-up with you?!

Laura stands up. She points and inches toward Frank.

LAURA
Don’t even try make out your a victim in all this or that it was a one time deal! It was your responsibility-!

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby listens at his bedroom door. 

He bites his nails nervously. His face is that of sadness.

The arguing is muffled.

Suddenly, the kitchen door SLAMS shut.

LAURA (O.S.)
Stay on the couch!

Toby rapidly closes his door. 

He runs and jumps into his bed.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - JODIE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Laura forcefully pushes Jodie’s door open.

She stops and stays at the door. She looks a little surprised.

LAURA’S P.O.V.

Jodie asleep in bed.

She stares in a few seconds before closing the door again.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDRROM - NIGHT

Toby lies in his bed. Tears stream down his face.

INT. GRFFITHIS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING

Jodie, in pyjamas walks out of her bedroom. She walks down the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

Laura wipes down the kitchen table with a J-cloth.

Jodie enters the kitchen.

She grabs two slices of bread from the pan on the counter. She puts them into the toaster.

Laura stops. Looks at her.

Jodie notices.

JODIE
Now what?

LAURA
You defied me again last night, Jodie.

JODIE
What are you ta-

Laura simply shakes her head.

LAURA
No. Don’t. Stop the lying, Jodie. I rang home last night, you weren’t there.

Jodie looks away.

LAURA
Why do you keep doing this? Why? Your father and I haven’t even slept in the same bed for the last two nights and I...

Laura shakes her head.

LAURA
Do you even care?

Jodie looks at her.

JODIE
Why are you talking to me like that?

LAURA
Like what?

JODIE
Like it’s my fault you and dad are having problems.

Laura looks amazed.

LAURA
My god, Jodie. Open your eyes.

Jodie stares at her mother for a few seconds.

Her toast pops up.

LAURA
Needless to say, you’re grounded until further notice.

Jodie sighs heavily, angrily. She grits her teeth and she butters her toast.

LAURA
And I want a drug test.

JODIE
What?!

LAURA
I don’t even think you’re there anymore.

Jodie flings the knife on the table and storms over to the fridge.

LAURA
I guess you’ve obviously got something to worry about.

Laura sits down on the kitchen chair.

Toby enters the kitchen.
TOBY
Morning.

Toby walks to the fridge and takes out orange juice. He grabs a glass from a cupboard. He sits down at the table.

TOBY
(to Laura)
Everything alright?

Laura sits down, overtly making noise.

LAURA
It’ll be fine.

Toby fills his glass with orange juice.

TOBY
You know, I forgot to tell you, my English teacher, uh... Mrs. Lieberman, she entered one of my essays into the Northill young writer of the year competition.

Laura smiles.

LAURA
That’s really great, Toby.

TOBY
The prize is a thousand dollars.

LAURA
Which essay did she enter?

TOBY
It‘s about modern teenagers.

Laura looks at Jodie.

LAURA
I could write the handbook.
(pause)
And thank you because that’s about the best news I’ve heard in awhile.

Toby smiles.

Jodie looks on, venomously.

Laura gets up and leaves the kitchen.

Jodie puts her arms behind her head, resting it on them. She looks at Toby.

JODIE
What gave you the fucking arrogance to rat me out last night? What gives you reason to believe I shouldn’t have you kicked to shit?

Toby looks at her.

TOBY
Don’t put the blame one me alright. Take responsibility for you. If that’s not asking too much. Mom rang and asked to speak to you, you weren’t there, she did the math.

JODIE
No thanks to you. Now I’m grounded and getting a drug test.

Jodie shakes her head.

JODIE
Thanks a lot, loner.
(pause)
And you know, hearing about the little competition your entering and all, it just sprung something to mind. Your not talented ‘cause your lucky or even gifted, Toby. The only reason you can even bother writing is to kill the boredom that having no friends leaves.

Toby looks at her, sickened.

TOBY
Why would you even say that?

JODIE
Because you deserve it.

Jodie gets up and leaves the kitchen.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - MORNING

Jodie exits the kitchen and walks toward the stairs. 

Frank reaches the end of the stairs and stops in front of her.

FRANK
I need to talk to you for a minute.

Jodie sighs.

JODIE
Now what?

FRANK
Don’t act stupid, Jodie. You know exactly what. You’re grounded.

Jodie nods.

JODIE
Right. Well, you missed your cue. Mom said that and more not five minutes ago and at least she said it with a little conviction.

Frank looks stunned.

Jodie steps onto the stairs. She looks back at Frank.

JODIE
You can’t just be a father whenever you wanna be.

Jodie walks up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - PARENTS’ BEDROOM - DAY

Frank hurriedly packs gym clothes into a gear-bag that sits on his bed.

Laura walks into the bedroom holding a pile of laundry.

She places it on the bed.

LAURA
Where are you going?

FRANK
To the gym. I need to let off some steam.

Laura opens a drawer and puts some items of clothes away.

LAURA
Right. You need to let off steam.

FRANK
Look, I talked to her alright but you got there before me. What else am I supposed to do?

Laura stands up.

LAURA
Go to the gym, it seems.

She leaves the room.

INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY

Frank runs relentlessly on a treadmill in a very spacious and modern gym.

The sweat pours from his face. He grabs a bottle of water and squirts it into his mouth.

EXT. HOUSE - EVENING

Frank stands outside a nicely sized house in what appears to be a quiet and neighbourhood.

The door opens and Anita stands there. She smiles.

ANITA
Hey.

Frank steps into the house. The door closes.

INT. ANITA’S HOUSE - ANITA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Frank lies on a double-bed writhing in pleasure, pulling at the sheets. 

Excessive movement comes from beneath the sheets.

Frank groans in an expression of utter ecstasy, and Anita rises from beneath the sheets.

ANITA
I bet the waitress has never done that.

Anita grins as she gets comfortable, tactfully hiding her privates with the sheet.

Frank looks at her, still high.

FRANK
Ah, no. Not since the eighties anyway. And definitely not like that.

Anita strokes Frank’s furry chest.

ANITA
What a waste.

FRANK
I’d be lucky to touch her without getting my arm chewed off.

ANITA
I thought you didn’t.

FRANK
Well, yeah, I don’t anymore.

ANITA
And why would you?

Anita giggles.

Frank climbs out of the bed.

He stands up and reaches down to pick up his pants. He pulls them on.

ANITA
Gotta go, so soon?

FRANK
What are you talking about? I’ve been in that bed for nearly two hours.

ANITA
Two hours too little.

Frank pulls on his t-shirt.

ANITA
I wanna see you tomorrow night.

Frank looks at her. He sits on the edge of the bed.

FRANK
I don’t think I can.

ANITA
Why not?

FRANK
My company’s sponsoring one of the local kids, a cystic fibrosis sufferer who hasn’t gone long to live. They wanna send him to Disneyland or... Europe or something and tomorrow’s the benefit night.

Anita sits up, fuming.

ANITA
And you’re going? With who? Her?!

FRANK
Well, yeah.

ANITA
I thought it wasn’t going well.

FRANK
Believe me, it’s not.

ANITA
Well, why would she wanna go with you? Why would you wanna go with her?

Frank looks nervous. He discreetly plays with the sheets.

FRANK
Anita, she’s my wife. We bought those tickets almost two months ago, all our neighbours are going, my colleagues. It’s not an option to bow out.

Anita shakes her head.

ANITA
Spineless. Too bad your backbone’s not as big as your dick or your mouth.

She looks at him.

ANITA
So damn proud. But, you have nothing to be proud about in your marriage.

Frank stands up.

FRANK
I’m gonna go.

ANITA
Yeah. Do. Run along.

Frank apprehensively walks toward the door. He turns back.

FRANK
I’ll see you soon. Okay?

Anita looks at him. She nods.

Frank leaves the room.

ANITA
Yeah. Soon.

EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT

Toby stops on a sidewalk outside a row of houses. 

He looks at the lamp that brightens the street.

He looks across to the park and at the branches, that stem from a giant old tree, flowing out of the park railings.

INT. FRANK’S CAR - NIGHT

Frank drives along an empty street in his car.

He looks out his window and notices someone.

He clears his throat and taps his fingers, almost nervously.

He rolls the window down as he pulls up alongside Toby.

FRANK
Hey. Hop in.

Toby walks around to the passenger side and hops into the car.

He closes the door. He fastens his seat belt.

FRANK
So... Where were you heading?

TOBY
I was just walking around, trying to clear my head. Thought it’d help me write. It didn’t.

Frank nods.

TOBY
Where were you all day?

FRANK
I went to the gym for awhile and then just called into see David for awhile.

Toby looks at him for a few seconds, almost suspiciously.

TOBY
And you don’t like showering at the gym?

Frank looks at him.

FRANK
What makes you think that?

TOBY
Well, I live in the same country as you.

Frank nervously smiles.

FRANK
Ah... No, I didn’t. Thought I’d wait ‘til I got home.

Toby nods.
There’s an uncomfortable silence accompanied by lots of fake coughs, throat clearing, finger-tapping, and house observing.

Finally, they pull up in the driveway.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Laura, still lying on the couch, hears the front door close.

LAURA
(calls)
Frank?... Toby?

Toby enters the living room.

LAURA
Oh.

TOBY
Dad’s here too. He’s just grabbing his gym bag.

Laura nods.

LAURA
So. Any luck? Still stuck?

Toby shakes his head.

Jodie stands up, irritated.

JODIE
I’m going to bed.

She stomps out of the room.

TOBY
Na, no luck. Maybe I’m just tired.

Laura nods.

TOBY
I’m gonna head up, too.

LAURA
Alright, then. Night.

Toby turns to leave the living room.

Frank walks in.

Laura begins flicking through the channels on TV. Purposely.
FRANK
Hey.

LAURA
(still looking at the TV)
So, you do know where you live, then? Thought I should o’ left out breadcrumbs.

FRANK
I just stopped off at David’s for awhile after the gym.

Frank sits on the arm chair across from Laura.

FRANK
Can we talk... Just a minute.

Laura sighs. She reluctantly put the remote control down.

She looks at him.

FRANK
How long are we gonna go on like this?

LAURA
Until you play your part.

FRANK
I spoke to Jodie today. You just got there before me.

LAURA
Of course I did.

FRANK
Can you just stop with the smart comebacks, please.

Laura stays silent.

FRANK
(charmingly)
I wanna sleep in my own bed again.

Laura looks at him.

LAURA
Fine.

FRANK
Thank you.

LAURA
Just break your little habit. We’ll be peachy.

Frank stares at her. He clears his throat.

FRANK
So, about tomorrow night. You remember the benefit night for the Collins’ kid. We still on?

Laura looks at him.

LAURA
I don’t know. How can I be comfortable leaving her alone?

FRANK
But you’ve got to be realistic about this. The more you smother her the more she’ll pull away. We can’t stalk her twenty-four-seven, Laura.

LAURA
Don’t even patronise me, Frank. You’ve just wormed your way back in. So stop.

FRANK
I wasn’t. I’m just trying to make it easier on you... On us.

Laura looks at him.

LAURA
You know, you haven’t taken me out on a Saturday night in nearly a year. Hmm?

Frank looks down.

FRANK
So we’ll make up for it tomorrow.

LAURA
Yeah, well you just need to realise-

Laura stands up.

LAURA (cont’d)
-that it’s not that easy.

Frank looks up at her.

FRANK
I’m obliged to go, Laura. It’s work. I got to show up.

Laura looks at him for a few seconds.

LAURA
Alright then. But if she strays... You will deal with it.

Laura walks out of the living room.

FRANK
Fine. Fine.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Laura walks up the stairs and into the upstairs hallway.

Jodie waits outside the bathroom. She nervously bites her nails. Laura hands her a small container.

LAURA
There you go.

Jodie sighs and takes the container. She walks into the bathroom and slams the door.

LAURA
(quietly)
Don’t slam, Jodie.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - BATHROOM - DAY

Jodie enters the bathroom.

She puts her hand to her head in an aggravated state.

She looks in the mirror, biting her corner lip.

Finally, she sits on the toilet. She goes.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Toby comes out of his room and heads toward the bathroom.

LAURA
Hold on a sec, your sisters in there.

TOBY
Okay.

They wait.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - BATHROOM - DAY

Jodie puts the lid on the container filled with urine. She examines it for a few seconds, contemplating her faith.

JODIE
(quietly)
Shit...

She opens the door.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Jodie walks out of the bathroom and hands the container to Laura.

JODIE
Happy?

LAURA
Ecstatic.

TOBY
What’s that?

JODIE
None of your business.

Just as Toby retaliates:

LAURA
Jodie! Just stop.

She sighs.

LAURA
Toby, go the bathroom.

Toby walks into the bathroom.

TOBY
Whatever.

He closes the door.

LAURA
You don’t always need to do that, Jodie. It was a simple question.

JODIE
I don’t care.

Jodie walks into her bedroom.

JODIE
Now, do what you want with it!

Jodie slams her bedroom door.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - JODIE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Jodie lights a cigarette and inhales, deeply.

She walks toward a drawer. Pulls it open.

She takes out a pile of clothes. Concealed underneath them is a bag of weed and a bag of pills.

She observes them.

She inhales again.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - PARENTS’ BEDROOM - DAY

Laura opens her wardrobe. She eyes something, delighted.

LAURA’S P.O.V.:

A beautiful cream and gold gown, hanging alone.

She reaches in to take it out. Then:

FRANK
Hey.

Laura turns to Frank and closes the wardrobe. A hint of shame glowing on her face. The smile disappears.

FRANK
So, we gonna start getting ready for this thing or what?

Frank takes off his jacket and lays it on the bed. He takes off his shoes.

LAURA
Sure.

FRANK
Well, I’m gonna head into the shower, then.

Frank leaves the room.

Laura waits a few seconds. She opens the wardrobe again and reaches in to take out the dress.

She walks to the full-length mirror, carefully holding the dress in front of herself, admiring it’s beauty.

Her face is washed with joy.

TOBY (O.S.)
What’s that?

Laura turns around, surprised to see Toby at her door. She quickly hangs the dress back up.

TOBY
Are you going out?

LAURA
Yeah. Your dad and I are going to a benefit night, at the Woodland Hotel.

TOBY
You... and dad?

Laura sits on her bed.

LAURA
Well, yeah.

Toby half-smiles.

TOBY
Looks nice. Since when do you own a dress like that?

LAURA
It’s been in there for about six months. I just didn’t have the opportunity to wear it.
(pause)
I don’t know why I’m even bothering, tell you the truth.

TOBY
Why?

LAURA
Why do you think, Toby? What comfort am I gonna have knowing she’s home alone?

TOBY
Mom, Jodie’s seventeen. She’s gonna do what she wants when it’s down to it. You can’t keep your eye on her all the time.

LAURA
That’s what your father said.

A hint of surprise washes Toby’s face.

TOBY
It’s true.

Laura nods.

TOBY
So go. You deserve it. And I saw that look on your face too when I came in. There’s no reason to feel guilty about trying on a dress. Just ‘cause we’re not the tightest family at the moment doesn’t mean you can’t dress up.

Laura nods.

LAURA
Thanks.

Toby nods.

He turns to walk out of the room.

LAURA
Love you.

He looks back at her and smiles. He leaves the room.

Laura stands up and opens her wardrobe again. She grabs the dress and walks to the mirror, admiring herself.

A phone RINGS.

Laura places her dress on the bed. She picks Frank’s jacket up off the bed and reaches into one of his pockets.

Just as she answers the dress falls off the bed. Laura bends down to grab it.

ANITA (O.S.)
...Hello?

LAURA
Hello?

The phone goes dead.

LAURA
Hello? Who’s speaking?

Laura listens for a few seconds.

She looks at the phone confused, suspicious.

Frank enters the room, dripping wet with a towel wrapped around his waist.

Laura looks at him intently.

He notices.

FRANK
What?

LAURA
Some woman just rang your phone.

He knows.

FRANK
And what did she say?

LAURA
Hello. Then she hung up.

FRANK
Well, what number was it?

LAURA
It was private.

Frank shrugs it off.

FRANK
Well, it was probably just a work client. Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll call back.

Laura still stares at him.

LAURA
You sure?

Frank laughs.

FRANK
Of course I’m sure. Don’t be stupid.

Laura drops the phone on the bed. She picks up her gown and walks to the wardrobe.

LAURA
(looking at her gown)
Yeah. I’m just being stupid.

She hangs it up and closes the wardrobe door.

She walks out of the room.

Frank sighs and closes his eyes with relief.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Laura walks into the living room.

She looks a little dazed, a little confused. She stops.

Jodie sits on an armchair watching television. She looks up at Laura, coldly.

Laura looks down at her.

Jodie gets up and storms of the living room. She SLAMS the door.
Laura sits down, still confused.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby stands alongside his bed. He holds the phone to his ear.

JOHNNY (O.S.)
Hello?

TOBY
(to phone)
Hey Johnny?

JOHNNY (O.S.)
Yeah, man?

TOBY
I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to do something tonight? Like to the movies, the-

JOHNNY (O.S.)
Tonight?

Toby looks crushed.

TOBY
Well, yeah.

JOHNNY (O.S.)
Ah, I can’t tonight man. I’m actually getting ready to go to a party right now.

Toby looks sad.

TOBY
Oh... right. Well, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Maybe tomorrow night.

JOHNNY (O.S.)
Yeah.

Toby sighs.

TOBY
Well, I’ll let you get off to your party. Who’s is it?

JOHNNY (O.S.)
You know Danika Hicks?

Toby nods.

TOBY
Oh, yeah. Well, okay then. Have a good time.
JOHNNY (O.S.)
Bye.

The tone goes dead.

TOBY
Bye.

Toby throws the phone on his bed. He then sits down on his bed. He looks depressed.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Laura, looking beautiful wearing her gown, stands next to Frank, in a suit, at the bottom of the stairs by the front door.

Toby stomps the downstairs.

LAURA
Your sister coming?

Toby shrugs.

Laura walks up a few stairs.

LAURA
(shouts)
Jodie!

JODIE (O.S.)
What?

LAURA
Come down a second!

JODIE (O.S.)
I’m in the bathroom.

Laura looks at Frank. 

LAURA
Well, we’re leaving now and I mean it, Jodie-

JODIE (O.S.)
I know, I know! Just go!

Laura looks at Toby. Gives him a little smile.

LAURA
Don’t stay up too late. You got school in the morning.

Frank opens the front door.

Toby nods.

TOBY
I know. Bye.

LAURA
Bye.

Frank and Laura walk out the door.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Toby enters the kitchen.

He grabs a flat-pack of popcorn from the counter and puts it into the microwave. Turns it on.

Jodie, dressed for a night out, walks into the kitchen.

Toby looks worried.

TOBY
What are you doing?

Jodie shoots him a look.

TOBY
Why you gonna do-

Jodie looks at him. Toby stops, shakes his head.

TOBY
You’re so dead.

Jodie inches closer to him. She pushes him against the counter aggressively.

JODIE
You gonna fuckin’ tell them?

Toby doesn’t look at her.

TOBY
No.

JODIE
Move.

Toby scoots out of the way.

Jodie grabs money from the coffee jar.

She turns around to Toby.

JODIE
If they ring I’m in the shower. Got it?

Toby, bullied, nods.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Toby walks into the living room. He looks annoyed, defeated.

TOBY
(shouts)
Fuck it!

Enraged, he grabs an ornament and throws it at a wall.

He sits on the couch. He rests his head in his hands, saddened.

He looks down at the phone line. He runs over and disconnects it.

The microwave PINGS.

INT. FUNCTION HALL - NIGHT

Frank and Laura enter a massive function hall.

The function hall is filled with people, all in evening wear. 

A huge banner hangs above the stage where the BAND plays, saying: ‘Parkinson’s Plumbers Proudly Sponsor Little David Jones’ Benefit Night’

People attack the buffet table, like vultures.

A man, ROBERT EVERDINE, 40S, in a suit, approaches Frank and Laura.

ROBERT
Hey, Frank. Check me out, how’d you like the suit?

Frank smiles at him.

FRANK
Very impressive, Rob.

ROBERT
What can I say?

Robert smiles. He looks at Laura.

ROBERT
Is that Laura? That’s not your wife, Frank.

LAURA
Hey, Rob.

Robert looks her up and down.

ROBERT
Jesus Christ, I almost didn’t recognise you.

Laura smiles, politely.

LAURA
Thank you.

CARMEL EVERDINE, 40s, glamorous, walks over to Robert with a plate of food.

CARMEL
I swear to God, I think the chicken is undercooked.

She looks at Laura.

CARMEL
Fuck me hard. Laura Griffiths?

Laura smiles.

LAURA
How are you, Carmel?

CARMEL
Completely ashamed, considering I look like a bin liner compared to you.

Laura laughs.

CARMEL
Come on. Our seats are this way.
(to Rob/Frank)
Get our drinks, boys.

Carmel walks off with Laura.

Robert looks at Frank.

ROBERT
Women.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Jodie enters Danika’s CROWDED house.

Everyone is drinking, smoking, dancing to MUSIC, generally enjoying themselves.

Jodie makes her way to the kitchen.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Danika pours a cocktail from a large glass-jug into three empty glasses.

JODIE
Hey, bitch.

Danika looks at Jodie. She smiles.

DANIKA
You made it!

Danika puts the glass down.

JODIE
You never doubt the bee.

Jodie takes out a cigarette. She lights it.

DANIKA
You want one?

Danika hands Jodie a cocktail.

JODIE
No shit.

Jodie takes it.

JODIE
You will never guess what happened me today. I had to give my mom a drug test.

Danika looks shocked.

DANIKA
Fuck off?

JODIE
No lies. My grave is dug.

Jodie swamps her drink.

DANIKA
Well, I think that must’ve been a very stressful time.

JODIE
It was Dr. Dan, it was.

DANIKA’
Therefore, I prescribe-

Danika grabs a bottle of vodka.

DANIKA
-some vodka-

Danika grinds against Jodie.

DANIKA (cont’d)
-some dancing-

Danika hands Jodie a joint.

DANIKA (cont’d)
-and a doobie. You should feel right as rein within two hours.

They both laugh.

DANIKA
It won’t be too bad. They’re not gonna disown ‘cause you smoke a little weed every now and again.

Jodie raises her eyebrows. She exhales.

JODIE
I’m afraid to give them an inch.

DANIKA
Oh, wait! Give me your lighter. I totally forgot about the game.

Jodie hands Danika her lighter.

JODIE
What game?

DANIKA
Pick a dick. Everybody has got to put a lighter in a hat, and pick one out. Whoever you get, that’s who you’re going off with tonight.

Jodie nods.

DANIKA
You’ll be more enthusiastic when you’re drunk.

Jodie inhales her cigarette.

JODIE’S P.O.V.:

Johnny, taking a beer from the fridge. Johnny notices her. He smiles.

She doesn’t. Johnny approaches her.

JOHNNY
Hey, Jodie.

JODIE
Oh my god, my eyes do not deceive me. What is my little brothers friend doing at the big boys party?

Jodie smiles playfully. Johnny smiles back.

JOHNNY
Don’t be under the impression that I’m little.

Jodie laughs.

JODIE
Ooh. Innuendo. We’ll see about that.

Johnny takes a swig from his beer.

JOHNNY
Hopefully. I’ll talk to you later.

Johnny walks away.

Danika looks at Jodie.

DANIKA
That kid’s kind of fine, actually.

Jodie smiles.

INT. FUNCTION HALL - NIGHT

The night is in full swing.

Couples are dancing. People are eating and laughing. The ambiance is comforting.

Laura sits at a table with Carmel. She swamps back the last of her vodka-filled glass.

Carmel lights a cigarette.

CARMEL
...I told him, I said ‘honey, you don’t wanna wear the pink eye shadow on your first day of high school. Seriously, it’s like social death. Try the blue instead!’

Carmel bursts out laughing. Laura laughs along.
CARMEL
Well, I’m glad he had the balls to tell me at fourteen, you know? Integrity, honesty, confidence, those are qualities to be admired.

Laura nods.

CARMEL
What grade’s Toby in now?

LAURA
Ninth.

CARMEL
Aw, your baby’s becoming a man.

LAURA
He sure is. He seems older and older everyday.

CARMEL
And what about Jodie?

Laura looks at Carmel. She sighs.

LAURA
Jodie’s just... Jodie. She’s always been wild. It’s just manifested itself differently as she got older.

CARMEL
Same case with my Kim. I always said to her ‘you’ll know what its like when you’re a mother’ and bam, two years later she has twins. Now, she’s fuckin’ attached to my hip.

Laura looks at Carmel.

CARMEL
What I’m saying is, no matter how mean they are to you, how much they say they hate you, when they get older they always come back. ‘Cause you may never have a husband, a father, friends, but you’ll always have your mother.

LAURA
(pause)
Thank you. That’s comforting to hear.

Carmel smiles.

CARMEL
Now, come on, drink up! I wanna go dancing!

Laura picks up a full glass of vodka and swamps it back in one go.

She stands up. She holds out her hand.

LAURA
Let’s go!

Carmel laughs as she takes Laura’s hand.

They head to the dance floor, enjoying themselves to the fullest.

Frank and Robert return to the table. They set their drinks down on the table.

ROBERT
Now, where the hell are they?

Frank looks to the dance floor. He sees them.

FRANK
Oh, thank God.

ROBERT
What?

Frank points at them.

FRANK
Least it means I don’t have to.

Robert looks at him. He smiles.

ROBERT
I’ll drink to that.

They laugh. They sit down.

Frank takes a swig from the beer bottle. He observes for a few seconds. Then:

FRANK’S P.O.V.:

The back of a woman sitting at the bar. Her hair is luscious, beautiful, brunette. She swings around on her chair and catches the eye of Frank. It’s Anita. She looks stunning. She swamps back her drink, never taking her eyes off Frank.

Frank looks as if he’s seen a ghost. He’s been shot and is sweating pellets.

Robert notices.

ROBERT
Woh, you alright, man? You’ve gone real pale.
Frank looks at him.

FRANK
Yeah? No. I’m fine.

Frank looks at Anita again. She winks. He looks over to the dance floor and sees Laura laughing, dancing, having a ball.

He looks increasingly worried.

FRANK
(to Robert)
Would you excuse me a second?

ROBERT
Sure, buddy.

Frank walks toward the bar.

As he does, Anita swings around, facing the BARTENDER.

ANITA
I’ll have another white wine. Thank you.

She smiles.

Frank stands next to her.

FRANK
(to the bartender)
Two more vodka’s with a dash of white. Please.

The bartender nods.

BARTENDER
Coming up.

Frank stares straight ahead as he talks to Anita.

FRANK
Do you even know how incredibly sad you look sitting here alone?

ANITA
Frank, considering your wife is about twenty feet away from me I’d advise you to use your words wisely. Remember, I have nothing to loose.

FRANK
Well, what about self-respect? What about me?

ANITA
I’ve had an epiphany. You’re never gonna leave her, Frank. I was your medicine, your therapist, your escapism from her, that’s all.

FRANK
Why are you acting like this?

ANITA
You should have came to me tonight, Frank. Like I asked you to.

FRANK
And I explained very well that I couldn’t. Christ! So you decide to what? Come here, stare at me, sit alone at the bar?

Anita looks at him.

ANITA
No. Not anymore because you are going to invite me to your table.

The bartender places two glasses in front of Frank and one in front of Anita.

BARTENDER
That’s ten-fifty, sir. 
(to Anita)
That’s four-thirty, mam.

ANITA
(to bartender)
He’ll buy mine.

Frank looks at Anita, scared.

FRANK
Cunt.

Anita hops off her stool. 

ANITA
Come on now, Frank, wise words.

Frank stares at her, incredulous.

Carmel and Laura, both laughing, return to the table. They sip from their drinks as they sit down.

LAURA
(to Robert)
Where’s Frank?

Robert nods his head towards the bar.

ROBERT
Here he comes now.

Laura looks. She sees Anita. She looks suspicious.

CARMEL
Who’s she?

LAURA
I... I don’t know.

Frank and Anita reach the table.

Frank puts the drinks on the table.

FRANK
Everybody, this is Anita Benn, her friends never showed up so I thought we’d offer a little company.

Anita stretches out her hand toward Laura. They shake.

ANITA
Hi, I’m Anita. You must be Frank’s wife.

Laura nods.

LAURA
How do you know Frank?

ANITA
I was a client of his. He does amazing work. I just kept coming back for more ‘cause of those darn pipes. And now I’ve bumped into him here. Small world.

Laura nods.

Carmel raises her eyebrows at Laura.

Anita stretches out her and to Carmel, who exhales and pretends not to notice.

ANITA
Well, it’s nice to meet you all.

Anita and Frank sit down.

Frank swamps his drink.

ANITA
So what is it you do, Laura?

LAURA
I’m a waitress.

Anita gasps.

ANITA
Really? How fun.

She smiles.

Laura doesn’t. She looks at Carmel. They both give each other a look.

Laura notices Frank’s expression. He looks worried, and he’s still sweating.

LAURA
You okay?

Frank looks at her. He nods.

FRANK
Yeah, I’m fine. Why?

Laura just shrugs. She looks at Anita again. Something clicks.

LAURA
(to Anita)
Hey. Hey, you. You didn’t by any chance ring Frank’s phone today, did you? Then hang up, when I answer?

Anita shakes.

ANITA
Of course not. Why, it’s utterly unprofessional for workers to give out their cellular numbers.

Laura looks at Frank, angrily.

LAURA
Excuse me.

Laura gets up and walks away.

Carmel stands up and leans toward Anita.

CARMEL
What did you say to her?

Anita looks shocked.

ANITA
Nothing.

Carmel points in Anita’s face, exposing her extremely long and red finger nails.

CARMEL
Lady, I could scratch your fuckin’ eyes out.

Carmel turns away and follows after Laura.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The majority of the TEENS are sitting on the on the couch or on the floor in group.

Danika stands in the middle. She holds at hat full of lighters.

DANIKA
Now, y’all know how it goes down. Pick a lighter and you’ve picked your screwball scramble. And, because she’s my girl, and ‘cause I think she’s stressed I think her cooch needs a good seeing to fast, I’m gonna let Jodie have first pick. Come on, Jodie.

Jodie gets up off the couch. She picks a lighter.

Se holds it up.

JODIE
Who owns this?

Johnny, who stands behind the couch, raises his hand. He smiles.

The teens go ‘hoot’ and ‘scream’.

Jodie looks at Johnny. She walks toward him.

JODIE
It’s your lucky night, kid.

Johnny smiles.

JODIE
Let’s go.

Jodie takes Johnny’s hand and leads him out of the living room.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jodie enters a very plain bedroom, it’s neither masculine or feminine. It seems to be a guest room.

Johnny follows and closes the door.

Jodie sits on the bed.

JODIE
Lock it.

Johnny does.

JOHNNY
Shit...

He laughs.

JODIE
What? You scared?

He shakes his head.

JOHNNY
No. Just surprised. I’ve been crushing on you since I was like twelve.

Jodie nods.

JODIE
I noticed.

She removes her top.

JOHNNY
And you?

JODIE
What do you mean?

JOHNNY
Well, what do you think of me?

Jodie shrugs.

JODIE
Who knew my brothers friend would grow up to have a fine ass?

JOHNNY
Yeah?

He walks toward the bed.

JODIE
Yeah. My little brothers fine, funny friend.

He smiles as he approaches her. He sits down and leans in.

He licks her top lip.

She smiles.

JODIE
God, wonder what Toby would do if he knew about this?

Johnny stops, as if thinking for a second.

Then, he leans in and climbs on top of Jodie, kissing her passionately.

INT. FUNCTION HALL - BATHROOM - NIGHT

Carmel waits outside a stall in an empty bathroom.

She taps on the door.

CARMEL
Come out, Laura. Please

The door slowly opens. Laura wipes her eyes with tissue. She walks toward the mirror.

CARMEL
What did that whore say to you?

Laura shakes her head.

LAURA
Nothing. She’s just stuck up her own ass. That’s not the problem.

Carmel puts one arm around Laura.

CARMEL
Just tell me what’s wrong?

LAURA
You know what? Let’s just forget it.

CARMEL
No. You’re not okay.

Laura blows her nose. She wipes her eyes.

LAURA
No. I’m not. And it’s not you I need to talk to about it. 

Laura sighs.

LAURA (cont’d)
Can we just go back out there... And not talk to her?

Carmel smiles.

CARMEL
Done and done. Fix up first though.

Laura looks at her and smiles.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby lies in bed. He plays with his phone.

He writes a text message: Hey, how’s the party? And sends it to Johnny.

He puts the phone down.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jodie and Johnny are now both in the bed, very obviously in the middle of a sex session accompanied by all the usual various groaning and moaning.

INT. FUNCTION HALL - NIGHT

Laura and Carmel return to the table.

Anita is still there, slyly staring at Laura.

ANITA
Everything okay?

Laura smiles, politely and turns away.

Frank looks at Laura.

FRANK
What was that about?

LAURA
Nothing. Just nothing.

Laura grabs her drink and swamps it.

LAURA
Get me another drink.

Frank looks at her.

LAURA
Better yet, make it two.

FRANK
Alright, fine.

Frank stands up and walks to the bar.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Johnny lays in bed, basking in his fantasy come true.

Jodie sits at the edge if the bed, fastening her bra.

JODIE
So, how was I? Everything you imagined and more?

JOHNNY
And more.

JODIE
Now, there’s something you can tell your grandkids.

Johnny smiles.

Jodie pulls up her jeans.

JODIE
Come on, I’m sure there’s someone else dying for a bed.

JOHNNY
Oh. I thought we could like talk for awhile.

Jodie looks at him.

JODIE
We can talk downstairs, retard.

Johnny nods.

JOHNNY
So, could we maybe do this again?

Jodie looks at him. She thinks.

JODIE
Maybe.

Johnny smiles. He climbs out of the bed.

INT. FUNCTION HALL - NIGHT

Laura slumps in her chair. Her eyes are fixed. She’s obviously very intoxicated. Frank sits across from her.

Anita sits across from her, staring at her. She grins and shakes her head.
ANITA
Frank, go help your wife.

LAURA
I’m fine.

Carmel and Robert return from the dance floor. Carmel notices Laura.

CARMEL
Uh... Are you okay, Laura?

Laura looks at Carmel.

LAURA
I’m good. I’m fine.

Carmel smiles.

CARMEL
Honey, I’ve been in this situation one too many times to not know how you’re doing. You’re drunk.

Laura smiles.

LAURA
Thank god.

Carmel laughs.

She looks over at Frank.

CARMEL
Frank, I think it’s time you both called it a night. Come on, ring a taxi or something.

Carmel helps Laura sit up.

CARMEL
You are so gonna regret this in the morning.

LAURA
Hey, I could be dead by the morning.

Frank stands up and puts his coat on. He makes his way over to Laura.

FRANK
Come on, get your coat on.

Frank helps stand her up.

ANITA
Are you leaving? We were having such a good time, party poopers!

Frank looks at Anita in disgust.

FRANK
My wife’s had enough, Anita.

Anita stares at him intently for a few seconds.

ANITA
Right. Well, I guess you better do what you’ve gotta do.

FRANK
I will. Thank you.

Anita grabs her glass. She swamps it back.

EXT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - PORCH - NIGHT

Jodie opens the front door of Danika’s house.

The party is very obviously still in full swing inside.

Danika appears behind her.

DANIKA
You’ve never left a party so early in your life. ‘Specially not of mine.

JODIE
I know. I know. I’m pussy whipped.

Danika laughs.

DANIKA
Wait, that reminds me.

Jodie and Danika slowly walk of the house.

DANIKA
How was it with the kid?

Jodie smiles.

JODIE
Fun. Shits and giggles and all that hip hop, you know?

DANIKA
I’ll take that as positive. You gonna meet him again?

Jodie shrugs.

JODIE
He’s like a year and a half younger than me, so that’s a bit of a turn off. He hangs with my brother so he hasn’t got good taste.
(pause)
Maybe I’ll just fuck with him because he’s friends with my brother.

Jodie laughs.

JODIE
Bring him down for a little while.

Jodie looks at Danika.

JODIE
Night girl.

DANIKA
Be safe.

Danika turns around and begins to walk toward the house just as Johnny comes running out of it.

JOHNNY
Hey, Jodie!

Jodie turns around.

JODIE
Hey, Johnny-boy. What?

JOHNNY
You need a walk home?

He smiles.

JODIE
No.
(pause)
Go back inside. Have fun, least you can. Hook up.

JOHNNY
But I already did.

She stares at him.

He grabs her and passionately kisses her.

Jodie pulls away. She laughs.

JODIE
Goodnight, Johnny.

She walks away. He smiles watching her.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Toby lies asleep on the couch. Shadows from the TV bounce off his face.

The sound of the front door being opened is heard. Startled, he wakes up.

Jodie enters the living room.

He looks at her.

TOBY
Thank god, you’re home before them.

JODIE
Yeah?

Toby nods.

JODIE
Good.

She walks out of the living room.

Toby picks up his phone. He looks at it and looks disappointed.

Then, he hears the front door being opened again.

He stands up and walks to the foyer.

Frank, holding up a staggering Laura, closes the front door.

FRANK
(to Toby)
Could you just help me with her a second.

Toby looks worried. He runs over and takes the weight of Laura on himself.

TOBY
What happened to her?

FRANK
She just had a bit too much to drink.

TOBY
A bit?
(pause)
Go get her a glass of water... And a basin. I’ll help her to bed.

Frank nods.

FRANK
Alright.

Frank walks away.

Toby sighs.

He turns around towards the stairs, struggling to hold up a barely-conscious Laura.

LAURA
Toby... That you?

TOBY
Yeah. I’m bringing you to bed.

He conquers the first two steps.

TOBY
Come on, mom, you gotta work with me here?

LAURA
I’m sorry, baby.

Slowly and with sure struggle, they manage to make it up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - PARENTS BEDROOM - NIGHT

Laura lies down on the bed. Toby takes off her shoes.

TOBY
Come on.

He sits her up and takes off her jacket.

He pulls back the cover and carefully lies her down on the bed. He pulls the cover over her.

Dozy, she looks at him.

LAURA
Your sister here?

TOBY
Yeah, yeah. No worries.
(pause)
You gonna be okay? You feel sick or anything.

LAURA
No. I’m okay. Just tired. Thanks, baby. Go on out to bed now.

TOBY
Dad’s gonna bring you up water and stuff. Call me if you need me. 

Toby turns off the light switch. He leaves the room.

Laura instantly closes her eyes.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Frank is at the sink, running water over a glass.

Toby enters the kitchen.

FRANK
Don’t glasses get washed in this house anymore?

TOBY
The dishwasher was full. I was waiting to put it in the next load. So what?

Frank shakes his head.

FRANK
Nothing.

TOBY
Why did you let her get into such a state?

FRANK
What?

He turns around and faces Toby.

TOBY
Mom. She’s practically passed out. Were you even watching her?

FRANK
Toby, don’t talk to me like I’m a child.

TOBY
Yeah, well don‘t act like one. Jesus, dad, you could’ve watched the amount she drank.

FRANK
Hey, I can’t exactly dictate to her.

TOBY
Bull. You should’ve watched her. You know drink is a depressant and she hasn’t exactly been Mary sunshine lately.

Frank just stares at him.

Toby looks away. He looks back.

TOBY
You know, I’m really scared for her lately. It’s as if she keeps getting pushed closer and closer to the edge and I don’t want her to go over. I mean, is it only me who notices?
(pause)
‘Cause no-one seems to be doing anything about it!

Frank turns around. He fills the glass of water. He turns back around.

FRANK
Look, it’s okay. I understand, I do-

TOBY
What? Please, since when are you ever here to understand? Your as bad as Jodie. Easily know you’re related.

Frank looks angry.

FRANK
Toby, do not speak-

TOBY
No! You‘re fucked!

Toby angrily storms out of the kitchen.

Frank stands there, flabbergasted.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby enters his bedroom. He closes his door.

He sobs as he walks toward his bed.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

Toby walks along a crowded hallway, filled with STUDENTS.

He spots Johnny at his locker. He walks to him.

TOBY
Hey.

Johnny looks.

JOHNNY
Hey.

TOBY
So, how was the party last night?

Johnny stops. Thinks.

JOHNNY
Ah... It was good. Got drunk. You know?

Toby smiles.

TOBY
Well, no. So, did you go off with anyone this time?

Johnny doesn’t look at him.

JOHNNY
Nah. Not last night.
(pause)
So, uh, what did you get up to last night?

TOBY
Nothing special. Watched a bit of TV. You know, same old.

The bell RINGS.

TOBY
Talk to you after class.

Toby turns around and walks away.

Johnny watches him go. He closes his locker.

JOHNNY
Fuck.

His phone BEEPS. He takes it out and reads a text message, which says: Meet me in the parking lot, sexy.

Johnny starts walking, quickly.

EXT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Jodie leans against a car. She smokes a cigarette.

JODIE’S P.O.V.: Johnny walking her way.

JODIE
So, listen, right. I made up my mind.

Johnny reaches her. He stops.

JOHNNY
Yeah?

JODIE
Yeah. Fuck it, it was fun. Why not do it again?

She shrugs.

JOHNNY
Well... I was just talking to Toby and he’s asking questions about the party and I just... How am I supposed to hide it from him?

She inhales her cigarette. She flicks it away.

JODIE
Well if you’re too pussy...

JOHNNY
No. No. That’s not it.

JODIE
Good. So, meet me in the bathroom? Yes? No?

Johnny slowly nods.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

The school bell RINGS.

Dozens of STUDENTS fill the hallway. Amongst them is Toby. 

He walks down the hallway.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - BOYS’ BATHROOM - DAY

Johnny leans against the sink. He holds a cigarette as he bites his nails.

Jodie enters the bathroom.

JODIE
(sings)
Promiscuous girl... Wherever you are...!

She reaches him. He smiles. She grabs the cigarette from his hand. She inhales. She kisses him.

VOICE (O.S.)
Oh my god...

Jodie and Johnny turn back, instantly. Their eyes widen in shock.

Toby stands there, completely floored. He absolutely cannot believe it. His sister AND his best friend.

JOHNNY
Man, I knew this was a bad idea.

JODIE
No. It’s no-ones fucking business.
(to Toby)
It’s not yours either.

Johnny looks guilty. He doesn’t look at Toby.

JODIE
Well, you gonna stand there and watch or something?

Hurt, Toby turns around.

TOBY
Assholes.

He walks out of the bathroom.

Johnny rests his head on Jodie’s chest, ashamed.

JOHNNY
Damn...

JODIE
Oh, get real. No-one’s dead.

He lifts his head up. He looks at her.

EXT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - DAY

Toby exits the high school. He stops at the entrance.

He lights a cigarette. He inhales, deeply. His face is full of sadness.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - ENGLISH CLASSROOM - DAY

Toby rests his head on his hand in class. His eyes are fixed and his mind is obviously elsewhere.

The rest of the class seems to be writing.

Mrs. Lieberman, who walks around the class, stops in front of Toby.

He doesn’t notice.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
Toby?

He snaps out of it. He looks up at her.
TOBY
Yeah, Mrs. Lieberman?

MRS. LIEBERMAN
Why aren’t you doing your assignment?

He looks at down at is blank sheet of paper.

TOBY
Oh, I... Was just thinking about what I was doing for a bit.

Mrs. Lieberman gives him a ‘what do you take me for?’ look.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
Is everything alright?

Toby nods after a few seconds.

TOBY
Fine.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
That’s funny. I thought you’d be full of beans today, considering the letters concerning the Northill young writer of the year award were posted today.

TOBY
They were? I guess I left for school before the postman came.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
Yes. They contain all the information about the night it’s on, the prize. You know? Something to look forward to.

Toby nods. The look of sadness just doesn’t lift from his face.

MRS. LIEBERMAN (cont’d)
It’s things like this that motivate us. Keep us going.
(pause)
You don’t want to turn out like your sister. After all, she’s failing everything.

He looks up at her.

MRS. LIEBERMAN (cont’d)
So, get motivated and do your work. Okay?

Toby nods.

Mrs. Lieberman walks away.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Laura polishes the mantelpiece above the fireplace. She hears the front door open and walks out of the living room toward he foyer.

Toby walks in. He closes the door.

Laura looks surprised.

LAURA
What are you doing home?

TOBY
I signed out. I didn’t feel too good.

Laura nods.

LAURA
You want me to get you aspirin?

TOBY
No. I’ll be grand. I’ll sleep it off.

LAURA
Okay.
(pause)
Oh. A letter about the competition came today.

Laura walks into the living room and picks the letter up form the arm chair. She walks back to the foyer and hands it to him.

LAURA
There.

TOBY
I know. Mrs. Lieberman told me. I’ll read it in awhile.

He walks into the living room. Laura follows.

LAURA
Jeez, I would have thought you’d be hitting the roof. Aren’t you excited?

Toby sits down on the couch.

TOBY
I suppose. I just...

LAURA
What’s wrong?

Laura sits down.

LAURA
Tell me.

TOBY
It’s nothing. Really, mom.

LAURA
Well, if you say so.

TOBY
So, you got pretty drunk last night.

LAURA
Yeah. I did. Comfort drinking. Old habits die hard.

TOBY
Why were you comfort drinking?

Laura shakes her head.

LAURA
It’s okay now.

TOBY
No. Tell me. Did he do something again?

She looks at him.

LAURA
You know what? I don’t know. Yesterday, his phone rang and this woman spoke and hung up soon as she heard me. Then, last night, he invites this snob to come sit with us and I swear something was up.

TOBY
So you think he’s having an affair?

LAURA
Makes sense doesn’t it? He’s certainly not happy here. Maybe that’s where he is when he says he’s spending all them hours at the gym, and doing house calls. You know?

Toby nods. Laura’s eyes well up. She’s quick to wipe them.

Toby sits next to her, to comfort her.

TOBY
But, hey, maybe you‘re wrong. We don’t know.

LAURA
But it makes sense, Toby.

TOBY
Well, maybe it doesn’t. Maybe this woman had the wrong number, maybe that snob was just his friend, maybe he’s getting overtime and just wants to look good or something. You know?

Laura nods.

TOBY
Don’t stress. Just talk to him. I’m sure he’ll have a good explanation for it all.

Laura smiles.

LAURA
Alright. I’ll talk to him. Shit...

She hugs him.

He doesn’t look comforted. He looks worried.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER

Toby sits on the couch. He watches television.

Jodie enters the living room.

He looks up at her and immediately turns back to the television.

She brazenly struts past him. She walks toward a magazine pile She retrieves a magazine and sits on the arm chair.

He slyly looks over at her as she flicks through it.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - PARENTS’ BEDROOM - DAY

Laura takes off her jumper. She takes the shirt from her uniform which is laid on her bed and puts it on herself.

Frank walks in.

Laura looks startled.

LAURA
Jesus!

FRANK
Sorry, sorry.

LAURA
God...

She sighs.

LAURA
How come you’re home so early?

FRANK
Just finished a job earlier than expected... But now, I’ve got to make a house call. So, I’m actually not finished at all.

Laura stares at him, crushed.

LAURA
A house call to who?

FRANK
Some Angela Burroughs woman from Corkislane.

Laura nods.

LAURA
Right.

FRANK
How’re you feeling today?

LAURA
I’m okay.

FRANK
(snidely)
That head of yours any better?

Laura takes off her pants.

LAURA
Does it have reason to be?

FRANK
What’s that supposed to mean.

She turn away from him as she pulls up her skirt.

LAURA
(bitterly)
Nothing.

He stops for a second.

FRANK
Well, I’ll see you when I get back.

A tear trickles down Laura’s face. You would not hear it in her voice.

LAURA
Alright.

Frank walks out of the room. He closes the door.

As if her legs were removed from under her, Laura crashes onto the bed. She holds her face as she sobs.

INT. DINGY CAFÉ - EVENING

Laura stands in front of a table occupied by a MAN and WOMAN. She writes down their order.

Her face is lifeless. Her mind’s not there.
WOMAN
...And fries, with a diet coke.

Laura nods.

LAURA
Coming up.

Laura walks to the counter and hands a piece of paper to the COUNTER GIRL.

COUNTER GIRL
Hey, Laura. Number eleven is up.

Laura nods. She takes a tray filled with food from the counter.

She walks toward a table occupied by two WOMEN.

She begins to place the plates of food in front of the women.

LAURA
Anything else I can get you?

WOMAN #1
Well, you could start with our right orders.

Woman #2 chuckles.

LAURA
Excuse me?

WOMAN #2
These aren’t our orders.

Laura realises.

LAURA
Oh... God, I’m sorry.

The two women nod.

Laura begins to put the plates back on the tray.

LAURA
I’ll be back soon with your orders, okay?

Laura turns around and accidentally BUMPS into a CUSTOMER. The tray and plates SMASH off the ground.

LAURA
Shit!

She looks at the customer.

LAURA
I’m sorry.

She crouches down on the floor and starts to pick up the broken plates.

LAURA
Fuck!
 
Woman #1 turns to Woman #2.

WOMAN #1
Didn’t she get her degree in waitressing?

Woman #2 chuckles.

INT. ANITA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Anita sits upright on an armchair in her lavish living room.

Frank stands by the fireplace.

ANITA
I didn’t think you’d have called so soon. I really must be that alluring.

Frank smiles, smugly.

FRANK
I want to end this. Now.

ANITA
End what?

FRANK
This... This affair. What do you think?

Anita smiles.

ANITA
Oh really? And how would you like to seal the deal, peachy cheeks?

She giggles.

FRANK
What you did last night was totally uncalled for and... Spiteful. I would’ve never done that to you.

ANITA
Well, you didn’t have to. Did you?

FRANK
I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing it.

ANITA
Again, I’ll say you didn’t even need to because he found out.

FRANK
What?

ANITA
He found out. Devon caught us one night after hockey practice was cancelled. He told Steve.

FRANK
How come you never told me this before?

Anita clears her throat.

ANITA
Revenge. You ruined my marriage. I will do the same to yours.

Frank looks at her incredulous.

FRANK
I ruined your marriage? And what did you do... Were you perfect wife or something?

ANITA
(bitterly)
As far as he knew I worked, came home, cooked dinner and looked after his kids. So yes, I very much was.
(pause)
And then he found out... 

FRANK
And now you’re gonna tell my wife. Destroy my marriage, my family? Is that it?

ANITA
Frank, you’re family’s already destroyed. Believe me, I should know. It was me who listened to you for hours, acting as your therapist as you cried on my pussy.

FRANK
Why didn’t you just tell her last night then?

ANITA
Because I made the worst mistake of my life. I fell in love with you. And you’re not gonna leave her. I only realised that last night. But don’t worry, everything will happen in due course.
Frank sits down, taken aback.

FRANK
What will it take to keep you to shut up?

ANITA
You could not sound more fucking sleazy this minute.
(pause)
Nothing. You can’t give me anything. I thought about it. There’s nothing I want from you.

FRANK
Except my marriage.

ANITA
Well, yeah, except that.

FRANK
When are you gonna tell her?

ANITA
Who knows? Could be next week? Next month? Could be next year. I haven’t decided on that yet. When I can be bothered to ruin your life it’ll be done. ‘Till then. Wait.
(pause)
Now, get out.

Frank stands up.

FRANK
I can’t believe you. I really can’t.

ANITA
Yeah, well, a woman scorned and all that.

FRANK
You know, I’m very sorry your husband left you.

Anita looks at him, angrily.

Frank turns around. He walks out of the living room.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby sits at his computer desk. He types on his computer.

INT. JOHNNY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Johnny sits on his bed in his messy room. He holds a phone to his ear.

JOHNNY
Come on, Toby. Pick up.
INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby looks at his RINGING phone. He sees that it is Johnny calling. He hangs up.

INT. JOHNNY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Johnny realises he’s been hung up on.

JOHNNY
Damn.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Toby slams the refrigerator door shut.

He places a carton of orange-juice on the table. His face has a constant smile.

Laura sits down at the table reading a letter.

Jodie enters the kitchen.

TOBY
Are you gonna get off work?

Laura looks away from the letter.

LAURA
Ah... Hopefully. I’m gonna call Alice and ask her to fill in for me.

Jodie sits down.

JODIE
What are you talking about?

Toby pours a glass of orange juice.

TOBY
The award show is tonight.

Jodie doesn’t react.

LAURA
Don’t worry, Jodie. There’s something for you to look forward to also. Your drug test results are ready at the clinic.

Laura smiles smugly.

Jodie masks her surprise.

JODIE
Yeah? Thought they take longer.

LAURA
Nope.

Laura swigs from her coffee. She stands up.

LAURA
I think I’ll get the excitement out of the way.

Laura walks out of the kitchen.

Jodie bites her nails.

JODIE
Fuck...

Toby looks at her. He grins.

She notices.

JODIE
What’s your problem?

TOBY
I haven’t got one.

She sighs.

JODIE
Yeah, right.

TOBY
Why should I?

She looks at him. She quickly gives him the finger and darts out of the kitchen.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - JODIE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Jodie runs into her bedroom. She closes he door.

Frantically, she takes off her pyjamas and throws on a hooded-top and pants.

She quickly ties her hair back.

She opens one of her drawers and grabs a notepad and a pen.

She stops and thinks for a moment.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

Toby strides down the CROWDED hallway.

Johnny is at his locker loading books into it.

Toby strides right past Johnny.

Johnny turns around and notices Toby walk past.

JOHNNY
Hey! Hey, Toby!

Toby doesn’t turn around.

Johnny looks hurt. He closes his locker.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - DAY

Laura steps into the house. She quickly closes the door.

She holds a letter in her hand. Her face is filled with angst. She quickly sprints up the stairs.

INT. CLINIC OFFICE - DAY

A NURSE, 50’s, sits across from Laura in a small office. A desk separates them.

NURSE
...As you can see, her urine sample proved positive for the substances including: cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine...

Laura listens. She’s disgusted.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

Laura strides toward Jodie’s bedroom.

INT. CLINIC OFFICE - DAY

The Nurse continues to talk with Laura.

NURSE
...Usual hiding spots... Behind the bed post, any jewellery boxes, DVD boxes, in drawers under clothes, anything like that...

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - JODIE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Laura pulls out one of Jodie’s drawers. Ferociously, she spills them onto the ground. Nothing but clothes fall out.

She pulls out the second one. She spills it out. First come the clothes and landing right on top of them... A bag of weed and bag of pills.

Laura stops and observes for a moment, taking it in.

She sits down on Jodie’s bed. She picks up the drugs. She holds her hand to her mouth and silently cries as she studies the reason for her daughters erratic behaviour.

She lays them down on next to her. In doing so, she notices a piece of paper. She picks it up and reads it:

LAURA’S P.O.V.:
I’m not coming home tonight. I’m sick to death of being in that house. If you don’t start letting me out again, I swear I’ll just throw myself off a bridge or something...
Laura stares in horror. She realises her child is in control.

In a rage, she jumps up and rips the letter to shreds.

She picks up one of the drawers and throws it off a wall.

LAURA
Cunt!

She falls to her knees, crying, as she tear’s Jodie’s clothes to pieces.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY

She stomps out of Jodie’s room and into the hallway.

LAURA’S P.O.V.:
A picture of Laura and Frank, smiling, hanging on the wall.

Her face is consumed with anger. 

LAURA
You!

She immediately grabs the frame and smashes it off the wall.

She runs down the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Laura rushes into the kitchen, still crying.

She drops to her knees and opens the cabinet under the kitchen sink. She grabs a bottle of vodka and gulps the majority of the bottle in seconds.

INT. NORTHILL HIGH SCHOOL - ENGLISH CLASSROOM - DAY

Mrs. Lieberman walks up and down classroom handing each STUDENT a sheet of paper.

She reaches Toby. She stops.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
You excited about tonight, Toby?

Toby smiles.

TOBY
Yeah. I’m a little nervous but I’m more exited than nervous. I’m just trying not to get my hopes up.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
Aren’t we modest?

TOBY
Well, look what happened last year.

MRS. LIEBERMAN
Toby, you are a great writer. Okay? No matter what happens tonight.

Toby nods.

TOBY
Thanks, Mrs. Lieberman. Thanks for entering me too. You know?

Mrs. Lieberman smiles and continues to hand out the sheets to other students.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Letters, bills and junk lay splattered all over the living room floor. The drawers have been pulled out.

Laura sits on the arm of the couch, maniacally scanning a personal phone book.

In between page turning she guzzles from a vodka bottle.

She stops. She’s found it.

LAURA’S P.O.V.:
Anita Benn Cell - 0553184241

Laura picks up the telephone. She enters the digits. She puts the phone to her ear.

LAURA
Pick up you little bitch.

INT. MODERN LAVISH KITCHEN - DAY

Anita, dressed for work, stands in a very lavish, modern kitchen. Two interested buyers, MALE and FEMALE, 30s stand across from her, listening.

ANITA
...very spacious indeed. Complete with a...

Her phone rings.

ANITA
I- I’m sorry. You’ll have to excuse me one moment.

Anita opens the slide door which leads to the back garden. She steps out and closes the door again.

EXT. BACK GARDEN - DAY

Anita flips her phone and puts it to her ear.

ANITA
Anita Benn speaking. How may I help you?

Nothing.

ANITA
Hello?

LAURA (O.S.)
I know.

ANITA
Excuse me?

LAURA (O.S.)
You heard me. I know.

ANITA
Who is this?

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Laura guzzles from the bottle. She sinks into the couch.

LAURA
Ah... This is Frank Griffiths wife, you know, the waitress you met the other night.

ANITA (O.S.)
Of course, you’re Laura.

LAURA
Please, do not say my name like that.

Laura sniffles.

LAURA
He told me everything.

EXT. BACK GARDEN - DAY

A hint of a smile appears on Anita’s face. She slowly walks away from the slide-door and toward the pool.

ANITA
Everything being?

LAURA (O.S.)
I’m talking about the affair. Christ, how much clearer do you want me to be?

ANITA
No. I understand now. You’re right. We’ve been seeing each other.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Laura freezes. Her mouth drops. A hint of shock appears, no matter how much she suspected it.

LAURA
Shit...

Tears begin to stream down her face.

LAURA
(a whisper)
You whore.

EXT. BACK GARDEN - DAY

Anita looks behind her to see the couple still standing in the kitchen.

ANITA
You know what? Fuck you bitch. If you’d a kept your husband happy he wouldn’t have come running along to me, using me for the sex and reliance he wasn’t getting from you.

LAURA (O.S.)
You don’t have a clue what the hell you’re talking about! Okay?! Who are you to speak to me like that when I’ve just discovered what you’ve been doing with my husband? Who?!

ANITA
Who am I? I’m an estate agent, sweetie. I weigh one hundred and twenty pounds and am I beautiful. I am considered a catch. And what are you? A waitress. No more needs to be said.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

The looks of amazement and shock is yet to leave Laura’s face. She’s hurt.

LAURA
You know what? Make sure to tell Frank to go home to you tonight. Okay?

ANITA
Oh, honey, I don’t want the loser.

LAURA
Then what the fuck were you doing with him?!

Laura grabs the bottle and guzzles again.

EXT. BACK GARDEN - DAY

Anita notices the client are now looking at her through the sliding doors.

ANITA
You know what? I don’t have time to listen to your ‘poor little me’ routine. I’m sure your husband will gladly answer any questions you have. Goodbye.

LAURA (O.S.)
Don’t fucking hang up! I’m not done with you yet!

Anita hangs up. She flips her phone again.

She stops for a second. She looks down, reflecting.

She raises her head, accompanied by a smile, and walks toward the sliding doors.

She opens them.

ANITA
I’m very sorry about that...

She steps in and closes them.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Laura puts the phone down.

And as if punching itself from her mouth, she lets out an almighty SCREAM.

She holds her hand in her hands and she cries relentlessly and wholeheartedly.

Crying, she flops to one side of the couch. She then slides to the ground. She screams in between her cries.

EXT. STREET OUTSIDE GRIFFITHS HOUSE - DAY

Toby steps off the school bus. It pulls away.

He walks toward his house.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - DAY

Toby enters the house.

He can faintly hear whimpering/crying.

TOBY
...Mom?

INT. GRIFFTHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Toby enters the living room. His stupid smile disappears.

TOBY
Mom?

TOBY’S P.O.V.:
Laura, still bunched up on the floor, crying.

Toby runs to her side.

TOBY
Mom? Mom? What’s wrong? What is it?

Toby tries to sit her up.

LAURA
Leave me alone!

She shrugs him off.

He notices the empty bottle of vodka.

TOBY
Mom, what happened? What are you doing?
She ignores him.

He leans in again.

TOBY
Mom, please, just tell me what happened.

LAURA
Toby, I’m serous... Back the fuck off!

Toby stops.

He stands up.

TOBY
No...

Toby begins to well up.

TOBY
What’s wrong? Please, tell me.

Laura stands up. Enraged, she grabs Toby and forces him out of the living room.

LAURA
Nothing. Nothing is wrong. Just go... Go upstairs!

TOBY
Mom, please, stop! Stop it!

She pushes him out of the living room and slams the door shut.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - OUTSIDE LIVING ROOM - DAY

Toby, now crying, slides down to the ground. His ear is glued to the door.

TOBY
Why are you acting like this. Why won’t you just tell me...

LAURA (O.S.)
Toby!

He stands up.

He runs up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - DAY

Toby hurriedly enters his room.

He dials a number on his phone. He holds it to his ear.

TOBY
Pick up, dad, just pick up, pick up, pick up...

After a few seconds:

TOBY
Fuck!

He hangs up.

TOBY’S P.O.V.:
Jodie - 0552156712

He presses a button. He puts the phone to his ear.

After a few seconds he gives up.

TOBY
Assholes!

He throws his phone on his bed.

TOBY
(to himself)
What the fuck is going on?

Toby sits on his bed for a second.

He gets up and opens his bedroom door.

He begins to walk down the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - DAY

Toby reaches the bottom of the stairs. He walks toward the closed living room door.

He stops. He listens. Laura’s cries are still heard.

A look of fear fills his face.

He immediately turns around and runs up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY

Toby runs into his room. He closes his door.

He dives onto his bed and grabs his iPod/mp3 player. He puts his head phone on.

He closes his eyes tightly.

EXT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - DAY

The small house seems so quiet from the outside. The day passes... The house is haunted by shadows as the sun goes down...

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Laura, smoking a cigarette, sits on the floor, knees to her chest. She’s downing her second bottle of vodka.

Her face is yet to dry.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - EVENING

Frank enters the house, quietly.

He seems nervous. He goes to open the living room door.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Frank stops. He stares at Laura. He’s not surprised. He looks ashamed.

Laura stares at him. She shakes her head in disgust.

LAURA
What...?

She turns away from him as she wipes her eyes. She turns back to him.

LAURA
Go on then... I’m sure you’ve got to go to the gym or something.

Laura cries.

LAURA
Make... Make a house call?

Frank looks down.

LAURA
Hmm?
(pause)
Say something!

FRANK
I’m sorry.

Frank puts his hand to his head as he fights back the tears.

FRANK
I’m sorry.

LAURA
Sorry you got caught.

Laura tries to stand up but falls back down again.

FRANK
Jesus... Laura, what are you doing to yourself?

Laura looks at him with absolute contempt.

LAURA
None of your business.

She tries to stand up again, this time managing to maintain her composure.

LAURA
I cannot believe you... All the shit that I’ve had to face lately and you... You! My companion... Supposed to be husband, you just add to it...
(pause)
Why?
(screams)
Why did you cheat?

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - EVENING

Toby sits up on his bed. He takes the earphones out of his ears.

He can hear muffled screaming.

He walks to his door and opens it just slightly. He listens as the voices and what they’re saying become clearer.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Frank moves closer into the living room.

FRANK
Don’t ask me that, Laura... Please. It’s not gonna make you feel better.

LAURA
No? Well, not much can now, can it? So, why?

Frank stops. He thinks.

FRANK
I just needed someone... To talk to.
Laura picks up the empty vodka bottle and violently FLINGS it at Frank.

He moves out of the way and it hits the wall.

He says nothing.

LAURA
What about me?! I was your wife! You never talked to me!

FRANK
I know. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.
(pause)
I just... I just needed a break from this... Situation, this house.

Laura scoffs.

LAURA
Because what? I think it’s a fuckin’ right la-di-dah?
(pause)
You’re a prick. When your daughter was acting out you were too busy screwing Anita Benn to care. When your marriage was failing, you were too busy screwing Anita Benn to give a shit. And now you don’t have wife, or Anita Benn... You know, I don’t know how I’m not six feet under with the grief you’re giving me! But, no, you need someone to talk to.

Frank just stares at her.

FRANK
I’m sorry. But, I did, Laura. I was going insane. I couldn’t take it anymore.

LAURA
You couldn’t take it? What exactly did you do? When did you ever deal with any of it?

FRANK
Hey, it’s not that simple to discipline Jodie.

Laura wipes her eyes.

LAURA
Oh yeah, there’s another curve ball. She’s up and run away... Threatened to throw herself off a bridge too.

Frank looks worried.

FRANK
What?

Laura nods.
LAURA
Yep. But I guess that’s my fault too right? ‘Cause I had to get her drug tests, and care about her, and because I am a parent!

Laura laughs.

LAURA (cont’d)
Oh, oh... I drive my husband away, I drive my daughter away... And I’m a waitress, something your little girlfriend must’ve thought I forgot!

Laura grabs the other bottle of vodka. She swamps it.

She looks at Frank.

LAURA
Get out.

Frank shakes his head.

FRANK
We still need to talk.

LAURA
We just did. Get out!

FRANK
Laura, no... You’re not sober.

Laura becomes more and more agitated and erratic.

LAURA
Frank, I mean it, get out. Get out, or I will go into the kitchen and grab the biggest knife, and I swear I won’t hold back...

Frank shakes his head.

FRANK
No, no. We’re not done.

Laura looks at him. She suddenly EXPLODES, kicking the furniture, busting glass frame, tearing pictures off the wall, etc...

LAURA
(whilst destructing)
We couldn’t be more done!

Laura rapidly brushes past Frank and rushes out of the living room.

FRANK
Laura!

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - EVENING

Laura opens the front door and tears out it.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING’

Frank sits down on the couch. He sighs, exasperated.

FRANK
Fuck’s sake.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - STAIRS - EVENING

Toby slowly comes down the stairs. The look of shock seems scarred to his face. He knows.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING

Toby enters the living room. He stares intently at his father, who’s head is buried in his knees.

TOBY
What’ve you done?

Frank looks up, startled. He’s crying.

TOBY
(screams)
Why did you do that?

FRANK
Toby, you don’t know... You can’t know how sorry I am.

TOBY
I don’t care.

Toby shakes his head in disgust.

TOBY
God, you didn’t even go after her. You’re worthless! Fuck back to your whore!

Toby turns around and runs out of the living room.

Frank stands up.

FRANK
(calls after)
Toby!

Defeated, he plops back down again. He cries harder.
EXT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - EVENING

Toby runs out of the house.

The dark street is luminated by street lights.

Toby runs down the sidewalk, observing ferociously.

EXT. ROAD - NIGHT

On another street, Toby hurriedly runs across the street dodging a car in the process.

DRIVER (O.S.)
Hey! Fuckin’ idiot!

Toby gives him the finger.

TOBY
Fuck yourself!

Toby continues to run onto another street.

There’s nothing but houses and empty lawns.

TOBY
Mom?!

Toby looks frustrated. He continues to run.

EXT. ANOTHER STREET - NIGHT

Toby, out of breath and panting, suddenly stops. He bends down trying to catch his breath.

He hears music coming from inside a house. He looks up.

TOBY’S P.O.V.:
Danika’s house. The front door is opened. Music is being played loudly. A house party is going on.

A gust of contempt hits his face. It stays. He walks toward the house.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Toby makes his way into Danika’s trash-filled and TEENAGER filled hallway.

He walks toward the living room.

INT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Toby squeezes his way into the living room.
TOBY’S P.O.V.:
Jodie and Johnny lay on the couch. Jodie lies on Johnny, his hands all over her, as they kiss.

Toby freezes. He observes, disgusted.

TOBY
You absolute pair of assholes!

People begin to notice Toby.

Johnny and Jodie realise who it is. They both sit up.

TOBY
(to Johnny)
Some fuckin’ friend you turned out to be!

Johnny cuts eye-contact, ashamed.

TOBY
(to Jodie)
And you... You’re the reason for it all... And here you are taking none of the responsibility, as usual.

Jodie shakes her head.

JODIE
What the fuck are you talking about?

Toby scoffs.

TOBY
Why would I even bother?

JODIE
‘Cause you’ve interrupted the party. That’s why.

Toby swallows.

TOBY
Fine. Thanks to you... And thanks to dad, mom’s gone. She’s ran out. You get what you want.

JODIE
What are you talking about? Where?

TOBY
Well probably a river, considering the state she was in.

Jodie just stares at Toby.

TOBY
Nothing to say for yourself then? You ashamed? You gonna help? Any regrets?
(pause)
Of course not. Selfish Jodie, the world revolves around her. 

Toby shakes his head as she looks at both of them.

TOBY (cont’d)
Know what? You too were made for each other. Fuck you both!

Toby turns around and walks out, shoving people out of his way.

Everyone stares at Jodie.

Danika hands her a beer.

DANIKA
Here. I think you might need this.

Jodie knocks the beer out of Danika’s hand as she passes it to her. It spills everywhere.

JODIE
No. I don’t want a fucking beer, alright?

Danika looks shocked.

DANIKA
Alright!

Johnny looks at Jodie. He begins to stand up.

JOHNNY
I better go and see...

Jodie sighs. She stands up.

JODIE
No. Don’t. I’ll go. This is my problem.

Johnny nods.

Jodie makes her way through the crowd and leaves the living room. 

Johnny watches her go.

EXT. DANIKA’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Jodie runs out of Danika’s house. She runs onto the lawn and out onto the sidewalk.

She just manages to see the back of Toby running down the street.

JODIE
(calls)
Toby! Toby come back!

He continues to run.

JODIE (cont’d)
(to herself)
I didn’t mean for this to...

She gets frustrated as she loses sight of Toby.

JODIE
Damn it!

Jodie begins to run in the direction that Toby was.

INT. FRANKS’S CAR - NIGHT

Frank drives rapidly. He scans his surroundings carefully.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

Toby enters the house. He closes the door.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

He shuffles into the kitchen.

He plops himself down on a chair. He begins to cry.

TOBY
God, please...

He looks at his watch.

TOBY’S P.O.V.:
His watch indicates that it is 10:00pm.

He hears the front door open.

He looks up, almost eagerly.

Jodie enters the kitchen.

He looks away, angrily.

Jodie stops. She stares at him, anxious.

JODIE
Just tell me what’s going on.

Toby gets up. He walks to the sink. He leans on it.

TOBY
I already told you.

Jodie lights a cigarette.

JODIE
No. You gave me a sound bite and then ran away. Now, what’s going on?

Toby turns around. He’s angry. His face is wet with tears.

TOBY
Why do you even care? This is all your doing. This what you wanted.
(pause)
I came home and she was drinking. Then, it became apparent that she discovered dad was cheating.

JODIE
What?

TOBY
I’m sure the fact she got your drug test results back didn’t help either.

Jodie gasps.

TOBY
What?

JODIE
I left a note.

TOBY
What do you mean?

JODIE
I was scared about the results. I left a note saying I need to go for awhile, and if I didn’t I’d... I threatened to kill myself.

Toby shakes his head. The tears come flooding again. He points at her, angrily.

TOBY
There you go again, Jodie! So fuckin’ selfish! You made it worse!

JODIE
I didn’t know... I didn’t think this would happen.

Toby stares at her with contempt.

JODIE
And what do you mean dad is cheating?

TOBY
I don’t know the whole story. Okay? That’s all I know.

JODIE
What an asshole.

TOBY
Like daughter like father. You’re just as much to blame as him.

Jodie takes it in. She sits down on the a chair.

TOBY
If anything happens to mom, I’m blaming you. I’m blaming you more than I would dad... Because you’ve been purposefully pulling shit like this for months now! Why Jodie? Why do you always need to have her on the brink of a breakdown? Why?

Jodie doesn’t look at him.

JODIE
I... I just wanted a little freedom.

TOBY
Bullshit. You’ve got that. It’s more than that. Why do you do it?

Jodie stands up, angrily.

JODIE
Well, why do you think, genius? You’re the one with the brain in the family, figure it out!

TOBY
I have no idea.

JODIE
Fine. If you really wanna know. How do you think it makes me feel when you’re praised by them and I’m just unnoticed.

TOBY
You think they don’t notice you? What?!

Jodie looks away. Toby realises.
TOBY
Right... Now, they do. That’s what it boils down to, isn’t it? Jealousy? Plain old fuckin’ jealousy. I write, get praised whilst you look on envious. So you act like this to bring attention to yourself. Isn’t that it?

Jodie looks at him.

JODIE
Well, it’s not as simple as you make it out to be, okay?

TOBY
Well, enlighten me.

Jodie sits down.

JODIE
You’ve always been the smart one. The witty one. The one who was destined for college and to stay out of trouble. And all I ever got was, ‘you as good of a writer as your brother’’... I’m not, I’m nothing. I wanted attention, and that’s just how I got it.

TOBY
And now you’re seeing my best friend.

Jodie looks down.

JODIE
That was just fun when it started. And yes, okay, I did do it to hurt you. But I do like him now. That’s the truth.

Toby shakes his head as he cries.

TOBY
I can’t believe this what it comes down to... Because you’re selfish and insecure and want attention you drove mom away... And you’re blaming me? Because I’m smart! Well, I’m sorry you’re such a loser!

JODIE
God, you don’t even get it.

TOBY
Oh, I get it! You drove my mother away, stole my best friend... What else do you wanna take?

Toby gets up, angrily and hurries out of the kitchen.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

Toby runs toward the stairs. Frank enters the house.

Frank looks at Toby, almost scared.

FRANK
No luck.

Toby gives him a look of disgust and runs up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - BATHROOM - NIGHT

Toby rushes into the bathroom and opens a cabinet. He grab a small white container.

He looks in the mirror and wipes his eyes.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Toby sits on his bed. He opens the container. He observes it for a second.

He cries.

He brings the container to his mouth, hesitantly. He pours the pills from the container into his mouth.

He bites into them. Crunching and munching is heard.

He lies back on the bed.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Jodie stands in front of the sink. She smokes a cigarette.

The phone rings. She immediately darts to the phone hanging on the wall. She answers.

JODIE
Hello?

Nothing is heard.

A looks of disappointment sweeps her face.

JODIE
Okay.

Jodie hangs up. She nods to herself as she walks back to the sink. 

Frank covertly walks into the kitchen.

Jodie turns around and looks at him. Her face remains blank. She throws her cigarette into the sink.

He stops, startled, not knowing whether to go further.

JODIE
What have you done?

Frank looks away.

JODIE
What have we done?

He looks at her.

FRANK
I’m sorry.

JODIE
I think that it’s a little too late for us to be sorry now.

FRANK
(quietly)
I know... But I don’t know what else to say. She’s been gone hours.

JODIE
Well, maybe you should go.

FRANK
What?

JODIE
Just go. Go to a hotel for a night or something, go back to whoever she is. I don’t think it’s gonna do any good if you’re here. Toby’s completely despaired, he’d lose it if he sees you.

Frank nods.

FRANK
Okay.

JODIE
So maybe it’s just best if you went for awhile.

Frank nods and then breaks down. He cries unashamedly.

Jodie doesn’t move. She just looks at him.

FRANK
This is it, isn’t it? I’ll never sleep here again.

Jodie just stares. She shrugs.

Suddenly, the front door can be heard opening.
They both look at each other, eager.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

Frank and Jodie run into the foyer.

Laura stands at the door. Her face is dry. She seems much more sober.

LAURA
Where’s Toby?

JODIE
Upstairs.

Laura starts up the stairs.

Jodie looks devastated.

JODIE
(calls after her)
Mom!

Laura stops. She looks down at Jodie.

Jodie looks at her with a sorrowful face.

Laura continues her way up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Laura slowly enters Toby’s bedroom.

She stops at the door.

LAURA’S P.O.V.:
Toby lying “asleep” on the bed.

Laura slowly moves closer.

She sits on the bed next to him. She strokes his head.

She gently begins to shake him.

LAURA
Toby.

She shakes him more intensely.

LAURA
Toby.

More intensely.

LAURA
Toby.

Laura stands up, perplexed.

She sees the empty pill container next to Toby. She immediately pick it up and examines it.

She looks absolutely terrified and horrified.

LAURA
Jesus Christ. Toby!

She shakes him violently.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - FOYER - NIGHT

Laura’s screaming is heard.

LAURA (O.S.)
Toby! Help! Jodie!

Jodie and Frank look at each other and immediately take flight up the stairs.

INT. GRIFFITHS HOUSE - TOBY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Frank and Jodie burst into the bedroom.

Laura is holding Toby as she cries.

LAURA
Toby... Please, God.

Jodie gasps.

JODIE
Oh my god.

Frank, his mouth dropped, walks over to the bed.

FRANK
Is there a pulse?

Laura pushes him away.

LAURA
Don’t fucking touch him! Get out! Get out!

JODIE
Mom, he can drive us to the hospital. We gotta go now.
(to Frank)
Start the car!

Frank runs out of the room.

Jodie darts to the bed. She checks for a pulse on his neck.

JODIE
I think we’ve still got time.

She grabs Toby’s legs.

JODIE
Come on, get his arms.

Laura grabs his arms. They lift Toby off the bed and carry him out of the room.

LAURA
Jodie, how long has he been up here?

JODIE
Not very long, not very long, fifteen minutes the most. I swear.

They carry Toby out the door.

INT. FRANK’S CAR - NIGHT

Frank drives, rapidly. 

Jodie sits in the passenger seat, biting her nails.

Laura sits in the back, crying, stroking Toby’s head as he lays across the back.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Frank is driving rapidly down their street.

Robert and Carmel Everdine steps out of their car in the their driveway.

Carmel notices the Griffiths car. She smiles and waves in at Laura.

Laura remains distraught and doesn’t even react.

Carmel watches as the car rapidly drives off.

									FADE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - MORNING

Laura, Jodie and Frank sit in a row in the waiting room.

Obviously, they are very anxious.

A male DOCTOR walks toward them.

DOCTOR
Mrs. Griffiths?

Laura immediately stands up.

DOCTOR
He’s awake now. You can go see him.

Jodie looks at her mother. She gets up and goes.

LAURA
Thank you, doctor.

The doctor nods and walks away.

Frank stands up. Laura turns around to him.

LAURA
I think it’s for the best if you just went now. Now you know he’s fine and awake.

Frank nods.

FRANK
I’m just happy to know he’s okay.

Laura does nothing.

FRANK
I really never thought it would end up like this. Never imagined this could happen, not to us. We used to be in love.

LAURA
Well, I can’t for forgive you, Frank. I will never forgive you. So, just go.

He looks at her.

He turns around and walks away.

Laura watches as he does. Her eyes well up.

INT. HOSPITAL - TOBY’S ROOM - MORNING

Toby sits up in the bed.

Jodie slowly makes her way in. She half-smiles.

So does he.
She stops at the side of his bed. It’s almost awkward. They look at each other.

Then, Jodie wraps her arms around, squeezing him and kissing him.

Her eyes fill up with tears. As does his.

JODIE
I’m so fucking sorry for everything. I’m such a shitty sister and I love you so fucking much.

She stops hugging him. She looks at him.

JODIE
I want to change. I want us to forget all the shit, you know?

TOBY
Yeah. Sure.

He smiles.

JODIE
And I swear... I’ll totally stop seeing Johnny..

TOBY
No, don’t. Actually, that was more about my jealousy. I mean, if you really do like him and vice versa, then go ahead. Okay?

JODIE
Are you sure?

Toby nods.

TOBY
Yeah. It’s okay. Swear.

She smiles.

JODIE
Oh shit, guess what? After those very depressing series of even, it figures that you won that competition.

TOBY
What?

JODIE
You won! You won the young writer competition.

TOBY
What? Are you serious?

Jodie nods.

JODIE
Yeah. Some lady rang the house last night. You got it.

TOBY
Oh my god, I won a thousand dollars.

Jodie smiles.

JODIE
Think that you just might deserve that.

He smiles.

Laura enters the room.

She runs to him and hugs him.

TOBY
Mom...

LAURA
Oh, my baby. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry...

She looks at him. He nods.

TOBY
I don’t wanna see dad.

Laura understands,

LAURA
He’s gone, baby.

TOBY
Good.

LAURA
I’m so sorry for running out like that. Please understand that I just needed to get out for awhile. I was always coming back for my kids.

Toby nods.

TOBY
I didn’t know. I got scared.

Laura hugs him again.

TOBY
And did you hear?

She kisses him.
She stands back.

TOBY
I won the Northill young writer of the year competition.

Laura smiles.

LAURA
That’s fantastic.
(pause)
Can you forgive me for not being in the right frame of mind for taking you there?

Toby nods.

TOBY
It’s okay now. It’s all okay now. Isn’t it?

EXT. HOSPITAL - MORNING

Frank walks to his car. He opens the driver’s door. He stops and looks at the hospital.

								FADE TO:

INT. KITCHEN

The woman (Laura) holds the baby (Toby) who is still crying.

A much younger Frank is under the sink fixing a problem.

LAURA
Honey, will you run into Jodie, I think she’s starting to cry.
(to Toby)
No baby, no, ssh... Ssh...

Frank comes out from under the sink and makes his way into the living room.

Laura grabs a bottle from the counter. She takes the top off and begins to feed Toby.

She looks down at him smiling.

LAURA
There, there... Now. God boy.

Frank enters the kitchen holding Jodie. Her face is wet from tears.

FRANK
(to Jodie)
You wanna see your little brother?

Jodie looks at Frank.

Frank moves closer. Jodie looks down at Toby. Toby stares up at her with his huge gazing eyes.

Jodie giggles.

FRANK
Say hi Toby.

Jodie slowly reaches out her arm and touches his face.

Laura looks at Frank beaming.

Frank looks at Laura and reaches over to give her a kiss.

									FADE TO:

EXT. HOSPITAL - MORNING

FRANK’S P.O.V.:
Through a bottom floor window you can see Laura sitting on the bed with Toby and Jodie standing next to it.

He looks at them. He smiles sadly.

He gets into his car. He drives away.

								FADE TO BLACK: