FADE IN
The screen remains dark, white lettering appears on the screen. "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21: 24-27"
EXT-FIELD-DAY
The camera pans downword toward the tall blades of grass. Then across them, splitting a path in the grass as it goes. The camera creeps upon two small CHILDREN laying in the field staring up at the clouds. One child is the main character ALEX, the other is a neighbor girl MEGAN.
ALEX
What do you see?
MEGAN
Heaven.
ALEX
You're supposda' see shapes.
MEGAN
You see what your imagination let's you see. What do you see?
ALEX
Clouds.
MEGAN
You not being very much fun.
ALEX
You ask me what I saw.
MEGAN
Why didn't you go to your grandpa's funeral?
ALEX
My Mom thought it would be better if I stayed here with your mom. I went to that display thing.
MEGAN
Viewing?
ALEX
Ok.....
MEGAN
I'm sorry about him.
ALEX
It's ok. (pointing up) He's up there now.
MEGAN
Can you see him?
ALEX
Not yet but I'm still looking.
MEGAN
I'll help you.
ALEX
I'm scared to die.
MEGAN
Why?
ALEX
What if we're wrong, what if there isn't a heaven? What if it's just darkness?
MEGAN
Of course there's a heaven.
ALEX
How do you know?
MEGAN
My mommy told me there was.
They lay there as the camera pans up. Giant FLASH of light. CUT TO: blurry images. We can hear heavy wheezy breathing. We are to assume that we are looking through Alex's dying eyes as he's about to pass away. Alex POV: blurry image of CHAS, Alex's daughter. He looks over to MEGAN RENE his grand daughter.
CHAS
(slightly garbled) Dad....Dad....Jeff get Megan out of the room please.
JEFF, Chas' husband grabs Megan and takes her out of the room.
MEGAN RENE
Grandpa.....(as she's being carried out)
Alex's POV: Pans over to JEREMY, Alex's son.
JEREMY
Is he.....?
Giant FLASH of light. Alex's POV changes. It appears now he's hovering over his body. We see Chas kiss her father on the head. She then falls crying upon a stunned Jeremy. Camera continues to pan up. Another giant FLASH. CUT TO: total darkness. We hear EMMANUEL's voice.
EMMANUEL
(O.S)Float in to the light.
ALEX
(O.S) Who are you?
EMMANUEL
(O.S.) I am Emmanuel. I will be your guide.
Tiny speck of light is seen in the center of the screen. It GROWS bigger, engulfing screen. We see a younger Alex float along "Russel Style" (similar to Russel Crowe's body floating scene in Gladiator) The camera pans up on Alex, as it does a wood floor appears beneath him. His eyes FLUTTER some what. He runs his hands over his face as like a blind person would to some ones face. He then slowly moves his left leg up, followed by his right. Then he slowly gets up.
ALEX
Emmanuel!!!!! Emmanuel!!!!!
Camera spins around. Fast CUT to Emmanuel.
EMMANUEL
I'm here.
ALEX
Emmanuel, where am I?
EMMANUEL
You have passed on.
ALEX
So I'm dead?
EMMANUEL
Your earthly body has died, but you are very much alive. This is just the next step of existence.
ALEX
Are you dead?
EMMANUEL
I once lived on Earth as you once did.
ALEX
My daughter, my son....
EMMANUEL
Yes?
ALEX
Are they ok?
EMMANUEL
Yes they are.
ALEX
I saw them, also my granddaughter,and my son-in-law. Then I saw my body, and then.....I ended up here.......
Alex looks around the structure he's in. It appears to be an old farmhouse.
ALEX
My grandfather had a farmhouse like this.
EMMANUEL
Yes I know.
ALEX
Is he here? And what about my parents?
EMMANUEL
Yes they are here.
ALEX
When can I see them?
EMMANUEL
In time. Did you like 25?
ALEX
Excuse me?
EMMANUEL
The age 25, were you fond of it?
Alex looks down at his body.
ALEX
Yes. That's when I met Elizabeth, my wife. (deep breath) Oh Elizabeth, she should have been the first person I thought of when I got here.
EMMANUEL
From the looks of things she was.
ALEX
I want to see her.
EMMANUEL
You will soon.
Alex again looks around. He spys a box in the corner.
ALEX
What's in the box?
EMMANUEL
You are free to look.
He walks over and kneels down. He starts riffling through the box. He comes accross a pair of wooden spoons.
ALEX
Wooden spoons.
EMMANUEL
Yes. Yes, they are.
Alex looks down at the spoons. CUT TO: Alex's childhood home, several years ago.
INT-LIVING ROOM-EVENING
Alex's parents LINDA and RAY are watching TV on the couch. They hear a scream comming from the back of the house. Linda rushes back there. CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S ROOM-EVENING
Linda rushes through the door and over to console the crying Alex.
ALEX
(crying)Bloody Mary is coming after me!!!
LINDA
What honey?
ALEX
(sniffling)The kids in school, turned out the lights and said "Bloody Mary" 10 times. She's coming after me.
LINDA
Honey nothing is going to get you. I won't let it.
ALEX
You can't stop the supernatural!
CUT TO:
INT-KITCHEN-NIGHT
Linda is riffling through cabinets. Ray walks in.
RAY
What are you doing?
LINDA
(still riffling)Trying to find something to attach these wooden spoons together.
RAY
Why?
LINDA
To make a cross.
RAY
Back to question one, why?
LINDA
So our son, will feel as though the Lord Jesus Christ is in the room with him. So he can protect him from the dead mother of Jack the Ripper that his friends conjured up today at recess. Anymore questions? (finding something in cabinet)(under breath) That'll do it.
RAY
What?
LINDA
Go to bed dear.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Camera CREEPS in on the peaceful, sleeping Alex. It pans up to show wooden spoon crosses above his bed.
CUT TO:
INT-FARMHOUSE-DAY
EMMANUEL
Did it work?
ALEX
The spoons? It did the trick at the time. (putting spoons back into the box) I was a screwed up kid back then.
EMMANUEL
How so?
ALEX
I had major O.C.D. I was always flipping out. It centered on a fear of going to hell. I would do rituals in order to feel safe from damnation. For example, if a heater was on in my room, I would spend 30 minutes before I left looking for any debris around the heater. My belief was that if a small piece of paper got in the heater and caused a fire and people died. God would blame me and banish me to hell.
EMMANUEL
That wouldn't be your fault though.
ALEX
It took me a long time to realize that. As a result I had a very unhappy childhood. I spent literally years in my room because of clinical depression.
EMMANUEL
Was it all bad?
ALEX
Not all. I do have some fond memories. (pauses) (smiles) Megan.
EMMANUEL
Megan?
ALEX
Yes. The fifth girl to go by the name girlfriend, but the first serious one.
EMMANUEL
Who were the others?
ALEX
Those one week relationships that everyone has in middle school. The "Will you be my girlfriend from math class till the end of world history" relationships.
EMMANUEL
Megan was different?
ALEX
Oh yes. We grew up together. We hung out all the time. Her parents would look after me when ever mine would have to leave for a great period of time. She moved when I was 12 years old. We lost contact for several years. Then my senior year we found each other and started dating. We were going to go to senior prom together, but she caught mono. Strange not too long after that I also caught mono(smiling)
EMMANUEL
So when did it go bad?
ALEX
That summer......
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-NIGHT
Alex and Megan, now teenagers, are in the middle of a make out session in the front seat of the car. Alex breaks from the passionate moment.
ALEX
I love you.....
Megan just stares at him back. CUT TO:
INT-COFFEE SHOP-NIGHT
Megan is busy reading the paper. Alex sits there staring at her, sipping his coffee.
MEGAN
Wow, they're putting a clover-leaf in at the downtown exit, off the Interstate.
ALEX
(pause) Megan, I love you.
MEGAN
(putting down the paper)Why are you heading it to this Alex?
ALEX
Because I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you Megan.
MEGAN
Whoa! You know I want to travel. Go to Paris, see the world. I'm not ready to have this discussion.
ALEX
I could do those things with you. We could see the world together.
MEGAN
I would love that Alex. But do you really see yourself leaving this town? You're held back alot by your fears. There will always be some excuse. It'll be something like, you don't want to leave your job behind. Which I might buy if you weren't a stock person at some dollar store.
ALEX
That's not fair, they might promote me.
MEGAN
You've been saying that for a year now. Alex you're 18 years old and you're ready to grow up and get on with your life now? Before we starting going out you seemed fun loving, but the minute we got in a relationship you started acting like your were 40.
ALEX
I'm just ready to settle down.
MEGAN
Alex, you haven't even experienced life yet. It might not hit you now, but it will eventually. And then you'll regret not slowing down.
ALEX
So you're not ready to settle down?(pause) Do you even love me?
MEGAN
I care about you. But I can't yet say I love you.
ALEX
I've been intimate with you, Megan.
MEGAN
Did I not just say that I cared about you?
ALEX
You "care about me"?(shakes head)I need more than this.
MEGAN
I can't give you anymore than this.
ALEX
You know, I can't continue going on like this. The day is going to come when you will be in Paris alone, and you'll think back to today and wish that you could go back and say things differently.
MEGAN
Maybe so. But if I settled down with you, the day would come where I would wonder what my life would be like in Paris. It's a no-win situation, so this is the choice I'm going with.
ALEX
So what now?
MEGAN
If you can handle how things are now, then we can continue on. But this is all I can give you. I won't promise you forever, but I can give you today.
ALEX
I don't know, Megan.
MEGAN
It's your call honey.
ALEX
I want to be on a ship that has a destination, not one that's standing still in the water.
MEGAN
We're going to a destination, just not the one you have in mind.
ALEX
(puts his head in his hands) Oh Megan......
She puts her hand on his head. CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-NIGHT
The rain is beating down on Alex's car as he pulls out in front of Megan's house. He puts the car in park and turns off the engine. He just sits there for a moment staring out the windshield.
ALEX
(sniffling) So this is it?
MEGAN
Wasn't my call to make.
ALEX
Yeah throw it up in my face.
MEGAN
(tearing up) No honey, no I'm not.
ALEX
I'll miss you.
MEGAN
Maybe after things cool down, we can be friends again?
ALEX
(slightly laughing) We wouldn't have worked anyway. I couldn't be with someone who uses cliches like that.
MEGAN
What?
ALEX
"Let's be friends"
MEGAN
I'm serious Alex. I don't want to lose you.
ALEX
(crying) Then why are you letting me go.
MEGAN
You're letting me go Alex.
ALEX
There you go throwing it my face once again.
MEGAN
Damn it Alex! Just because I'm not willing to marry you doesn't mean I don't care for you greatly. I....Goodbye Alex. (opens car door)
ALEX
Megan....
Megan makes eye contact for a split second then shuts car door and walks away. Into the rainy night, into her house, and out of Alex's life. Alex sits for a moment, staring out into the rainy night. Scene gradually changes. CUT TO:
EXT-GRASSY FIELD-DAY
Alex sits in the field. Emmanuel comes up behind him.
ALEX
I loved this farm as a child. I loved spending time laying in this field.
EMMANUEL
It's my understanding you hated the outdoors.
ALEX
That's weird looking back I seem to remember having enjoyed spending time in this field.
EMMANUEL
It's funny how we only miss things after they are gone.
Alex continues to sit in the field. A breeze hits his face.
ALEX
Emmanuel....
EMMANUEL
Yes Alex?
ALEX
Is there anymore to Heaven than just this farmhouse? (pause) Are there more people here, or is this it?
The scenery starts spinning around, as Alex sits still. The scene changes as it spins.
EXT-OVERLOOK-DAY
Alex sits on a overlook above a wondrous heavenly metropolis. Camera pans over the town to show just how wondrous it is. CUT TO:
EXT-MAIN STREET-DAY
Alex and Emmanuel walk through the gold streets. Alex slowly tries to take everything in. The metropolis should be the most amazing, visually stunning heaven ever seen on film. As the two continue to walk people gradually start appearing, walking toward them. The two walk through the golden street, through the vast sea of people. Until they start to head out of town and into a lavish garden. Alex looks around in amazement at this Eden like garden. They then proceed to head out of the garden and toward what appears to be a lake sized pool. The design is similar to that of a hot tub, except of a gigantic scale. As Alex and Emmanuel walk down the steps the water parts for them. They continue to head down toward the center, at the same time JULIAN is heading down the opposite side. Alex and Emmanuel and Julian all meet up at the bottom. Julian starts talking to Emmanuel in Arabic. Emmanuel responds. The two continue to talk in Arabic for what seems to be about a minute. It appears they are talking about Alex. Julian then starts to slip out of the language and directs the conversation toward Alex.
EXT-LAKE-DAY
JULIAN
Hello Alex.
ALEX
Who are you?
EMMANUEL
He is Julian. He was a man, the same as you, and I.
ALEX
From Earth?
JULIAN
Yes.
ALEX
I'm sorry. I just wasn't sure if there were any other planets in the universe whose inhabitants can enter Heaven.
JULIAN
A person would be foolish to think that Earth is the only planet of it's type in the universe.
EMMANUEL
Julian was once a politician on Earth.
ALEX
And he made it in to Heaven?
JULIAN
That's an ugly stereotype Alex. You should know that through trust in Christ, people who have done a lot worse than work in politics can make it into Heaven.
ALEX
I apologize, I didn't mean to offend.
JULIAN
No, it's fine Alex. (pause)So do you have any questions, about me, or your surroundings?
ALEX
Well,is Heaven just a place for Christians? Or can other faiths enter here also?
JULIAN
Religions that believe in some sort of a God, are not banished in to Hell if that's what you mean. But they do have to accept Christ before entering the kingdom of Heaven, and they are given that chance. (looking Alex over) I figure you are feeling a bit disoriented, don't worry that will pass.
ALEX
Just taking everything in.
JULIAN
It will feel familiar to you in time. This is not only the place of your end, but also of your beginning.
ALEX
I've been jumping in and out of my past on Earth. Not just memories, but it feels like I'm actually living it all over again. For example when I was talking to Megan in the restaurant, it was in real time. It wasn't a memory. I was talking to Megan again. The only thing was I wasn't free to say what I wanted, it was like I was trapped in my mind.
JULIAN
It's ok Alex, that's normal. It will pass soon.
EMMANUEL
I thought it might help him to explore around a little bit.
JULIAN
Soon you will feel quite comfortable here.
ALEX
I think I would feel better if I knew where my family members were, or my wife.
JULIAN
In due time Alex, in due time.
ALEX
I thought I would've been reunited with my family when I first got here.
JULIAN
You will see them Alex....I assume I will run into you two at the feast?
ALEX
The feast? I was unaware you needed to consume food here.
JULIAN
There's not a need Alex. The feast is a symbolic thing. Many times throughout history we have given thanks to the Lord through the consumption of food. This is in the tradition of all those meals......Well my friends, I shall join you later.
Julian turns and walks up the other side of the lake side. The water rushes in as he walks up the steps. The water fills the screen, then we pan up to see Alex and Emmanuel sitting on the side of the lake.
ALEX
Where is everyone Emmanuel?
EMMANUEL
I just introduced you to a city full of people.
ALEX
No I want my family.
EMMANUEL
You will....
ALEX
Don't say in due time! I'm tired of hearing in due time. You think you can take me around here, show me some fancy buildings and wonderful scenery, then expect me not to care about my wife!?!
EMMANUEL
I never said that.
ALEX
It feels that way. And I'm guessing your fast talking P.R. person was supposed to calm me down. I'm a harder sell than that and you should know it.
EMMANUEL
Julian, was just here to answer questions, the same as I have done for you.
ALEX
No, you're both here to avoid truths and I'm tired of it.
EMMANUEL
What do you need me to do for you Alex?
ALEX
I need my family Emmanuel! Isn't that what the Scripture says. You'll be reunited with your family in the kingdom of heaven. Well I don't know you from Earth, I sure in heavens don't know Julian. I just want my family.
EMMANUEL
You will see your family.
ALEX
Am I even dead Emmanuel? How do I know I'm not in some coma somewhere. My soul could be floating around in limbo.
EMMANUEL
I already told you that you're not dead. You're onto another level of existence.
ALEX
So if I'm still alive, can I die here?
EMMANUEL
A soul can not be destroyed.
ALEX
Really? (getting up) Part the water again.
EMMANUEL
What?
ALEX
Part the water again.
Emmanuel PARTS the water and Alex heads down into the pool. He keeps walking till he reaches the middle.
ALEX
Crash it down on me.
EMMANUEL
What's this going to prove?
ALEX
If I can't die, nothing. It'll just keep me from being bored. Now drown me.
Emmanuel just stands there and watches.
ALEX
Drown me!
Emmanuel stands there and stares. Camera cuts back to Alex as the water rushes in on him. He raises his arms as the water engulfs him. CUT TO: Sink running with water. Pan up to show it's Alex washing his hands in a restroom. RANDAL, Alex's best friend comes up behind him.
INT-BATHROOM-NIGHT
RANDAL
Will you hurry up?
ALEX
I'm done, I'm done.
INT-THEATER-NIGHT
Alex and Randal are running down the aisle heading toward a seat.
ALEX
I feel out of place here.
RANDAL
Will you hush up.
ALEX
C'mon I'm not a cultural person. Now you, you are a cultural person.
RANDAL
(finding a seat and preparing to sit)The only difference between me and you is I write for money and you write for fun.
ALEX
(sitting)Writing Christian film reviews for a local religious magazine is a far cry from the great American novel.
RANDAL
I haven't wrote the great American novel yet.
ALEX
I'm just a manager at a dollar store.
RANDAL
Listen, you like plays right?
ALEX
Yeah.
RANDAL
And judging by your past taste I bet you'll love this one.
ALEX
Ok.....
RANDAL
Most of these people hate plays, they're just here because it's the "in" thing to do. So trust me you belong here more than anyone else.
ALEX
Are you trying to tell me to hush up?
RANDAL
You're quick to the draw.
Lights dim.
ALEX
That's our cue.
RANDAL
(sarcastic) No more arguing honey.
ALEX
I'm going to put a seat between us, if you don't stop.
RANDAL
That'S refered to as the anti-gay seat isn't it?
ALEX
I believe so.
RANDAL
I guess it's too late since I am already gay.
ALEX
It's not too late for me.
The play starts. It appears to be a pantomime. Suddenly one of the players comes out that catches Alex's eye. It's Megan. Alex just stares. CUT TO:
INT-GREENROOM-NIGHT
Randal is walking around shaking hands with the CASTMEMBERS. Alex spots Megan in the distance heading out a backdoor. He walks up to Randal.
ALEX
Hey......
RANDAL
Oh Shaw, this is my best friend Alex.
SHAW
Oh, he's a handsome fellow. (reaches out hand for Alex to shake)
Alex shakes his hand.
SHAW
Oh, nice strong handshake. It's nice to meet you Alex.
ALEX
Thank you, it's nice to meet you too. Um.. Randal I'm going to find the restroom, I'll meet you back down here.
RANDAL
Ok cool with me.
SHAW
Hope you enjoyed the show.
ALEX
It pleasantly surprised me.
Alex walks off.
SHAW
I think he liked me.
RANDAL
(shaking head "no") Like an arrow....
CUT TO:
EXT-PARKING LOT-NIGHT
Alex is in pursuit of Megan.
ALEX
Megan!!!!!
She SPINS, then notices it Alex. She RUNS up and gives him a hug.
MEGAN
Alex!!!! (After hug) My God how have you been?
ALEX
Great......I'm great.
CUT TO:
INT-COFFEE SHOP-NIGHT
MEGAN
You sure your friend is not going to mind you going out with me?
ALEX
No, I explained everything to him.
Alex is staring off.
MEGAN
You've haven't stopped staring at it since a I told you.
CLOSE-UP: Megan's engagement ring.
ALEX
I'm just in shock.
MEGAN
He used to be a part of the play group.
ALEX
What happened to traveling?
MEGAN
I guess love put a halt to that.
ALEX
(getting up) Well God forbid I stand in love's way. Thank you for a wonderful evening, I enjoyed your performance, on and off the stage.
MEGAN
What's this crap?
ALEX
I need to get home.
MEGAN
Same old Alex.
ALEX
What?!?.....(changes tone) What the hell is that supposed to mean?
MEGAN
Just run away. If things can't be your way, then you might has well run somewhere safe.
ALEX
To think I was wanting to find you all these years. Hoping when I did, that you'd realize the mistake you made.
MEGAN
Sorry I'm immune to the amazing Alex Prader charm.
ALEX
I'm not going to stay here and fight with you.
MEGAN
What is there to fight about? Why can't you be happy for me?
ALEX
You screwed me over Megan. I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm happy with that.
MEGAN
Who said that I was yours for all eternity?
ALEX
I lost my virginity to you. In God's eyes we are married.
MEGAN
Well I used to think we shared something special that I could carry with me for my whole life. But, when you put it that way I guess I made a mistake. I'm sorry for that.
ALEX
Have a good life.
MEGAN
Alex.....
ALEX
(walking away) Goodbye Megan.
You see Megan sitting at the booth as you hear the door slam off camera. CUT TO:
INT-FARMHOUSE-DAY
Alex is laying on the floor. A voice is heard off screen.
MEGAN
(O.S.)Somethings never change, if you're not running away from me. You're running from Heaven. Always have to have it your way Alex.
Alex looks up to see Megan. She moves over to where he is, now sitting Indian style.
ALEX
Megan?
MEGAN
(sitting down) Hello Alex.
ALEX
How come every one, greets everyone by saying "Hello" here?
MEGAN
That is how you greet someone isn't it?
ALEX
A simple "hey, what's up" might make me feel more at home.
MEGAN
Hey what's up?
ALEX
I'm alive....or....I'm here.
MEGAN
Poor Alex.
ALEX
Please don't pity me.
MEGAN
No one is here to pity to Alex. We just wish you would slow down and enjoy things a little. Don't be so up tight.
ALEX
Oh and you were the choice as the person to loosen me up? What are you going to do, prove that even in Heaven you can turn me down?
MEGAN
Alex, relax. You shouldn't be showing this level of emotion.
ALEX
Why? What you're supposed to leave emotions behind when you leave your body? A soul isn't allowed to have emotions?
MEGAN
Not emotions of anger, not here.
ALEX
And how are they going to legislate my emotions?
MEGAN
There's no reason for you to be acting this way?
ALEX
How about I haven't seen anyone that I've known since I've came here.
MEGAN
I'm here.
ALEX
Oh you. The girl who've I've been hating most of my life.
MEGAN
Why's that?
ALEX
For starters, "I'm not ready for marriage Alex. I want to travel the world" Then the next time I see you, you're little miss housewife.
MEGAN
Alex there is a lot you don't understand.
ALEX
Then explain it to me Megan. Let me in. I need to know what's going on.
MEGAN
What do you want to know? Why I got married?
ALEX
That's a start.
MEGAN
Everyone has someone they're supposed to be with. The person that they meet on Earth and then spend eternity in heaven with. When you meet that person, any plans that you've had change. All that matters is being with that one person.
ALEX
And this guy, he was your one person?
MEGAN
Alex as much as you've thought about me over the years, you've got to know that I'm not the one. You're problem is Alex, that you're too busy looking for things to make you happy in the moment. Too busy looking for things you don't have that you miss out on things that were right in front of your face.
ALEX
Elizabeth.....I need Elizabeth.
MEGAN
I know you do.
Alex sits, staring off into space. CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-DAY
Alex's car is speeding along the highway, as he jams to rock music. His car proceeds to pull in to the parking lot of a restaurant. CUT TO:
INT-RESTAURANT-DAY
Randal, Shaw, RITA, and ELIZABETH are sitting at a table. Their in the midst of an involved conversation as Alex walks up.
RANDAL
Alex, hey sit down.
ALEX
Sorry I was running behind. (sits)
RANDAL
Don't be silly, you're just in time.
SHAW
Hey honey.
ALEX
....Hey...Shaw..
RITA
So this is the writer?
ALEX
I'm hardly a writer, just a little freelance work.
RANDAL
Yes, he's the writer, and he's way too modest.
SHAW
He's writing for that....um...religious magazine, correct?
RANDAL
My God, Shaw the man is right here. Knock of this "he" stuff.
SHAW
I'm not going to acknowledge him. He didn't sit beside me. (pause) Just playing Alexander.
ALEX
(half smile)Anyway....Yes, I write for a Christian film magazine.
RANDAL
He wrote this awesome article on how Christian films have become too sugar coated, and in order to capture an audience they shouldn't be afraid to be gritty. Don't always go for those sappy messages, and the happy endings. Show a graphic Hell. Scare the bejeebs out of people. I wish you could have read this article....well actually, you did, didn't you Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH
Yeah, I happened to catch it.
RANDAL
He's a genius.
ALEX
(sighs) Yep. Has he been talking me up all evening?
ELIZABETH
Hasn't stopped.
RANDAL
Oh you've met Elizabeth haven't you?
ALEX
Just now.
RANDAL
Elizabeth, Alex. Alex, Elizabeth.
Alex and Elizabeth shake hands.
ALEX
Nice to meet you.
ELIZABETH
I'm the one whose privileged. I don't meet too many genius writers.
Alex smiles and moves back down in his seat.
INT-PLAYHOUSE-NIGHT
Alex, Elizabeth, Shaw, Rita, and Randal (sitting in that order) are watching this crazy surreal play. Alex and Elizabeth steal glances at each other, when the other isn't looking.
INT-PLAYHOUSE LOBBY-NIGHT
Alex is hanging out, staring out a window. He's watching the manic pairing of Randal, Shaw and Rita conversing outside. Elizabeth comes up from behind.
ELIZABETH
Taking a breather?
ALEX
They can be exhausting. You seem kind of laid back to be a part of this group.
ELIZABETH
One could say the same for you.
ALEX
True, I guess every group needs that lone normal person.
ELIZABETH
I guess this one has two, although I don't know you too well.
ALEX
Exactly. I could be far from normal.
ELIZABETH
Are you planning on hanging with them for the rest of the evening?
ALEX
Not really I have to be up early tomorrow.
ELIZABETH
Do you need a ride back to your car?
ALEX
Ok....If you don't mind, of course.
ELIZABETH
Well I think we should excuse ourselves then.
EXT-PLAYHOUSE-NIGHT
RANDAL
...So he turns around and says "You big box of crackers".
Rita laughs.
SHAW
Oh Randal, that's so silly.
ELIZABETH AND ALEX WALK UP
RANDAL
Hey you two, what did you think of that play?
ELIZABETH
I enjoyed it.
RANDAL
And you Alex?
ALEX
It was good.
RANDAL
That guy is a genius with sets.
RITA
Randal, who isn't a genius to you?
RANDAL
Shaw.
SHAW
Bitch.
ELIZABETH
Well I'm going to duck out. And, I guess Alex has to work in the morning, so I told him I'd take him back to his car.
RANDAL
Alrighty, have a good evening kids.
RITA
Nice to meet you Alex.
ALEX
Likewise.
SHAW
TTFN.
RITA
Elizabeth, get ahold of me tomorrow.
ELIZABETH
Ok. Goodnight everyone.
ALEX
Yeah, see you guys later.
Alex and Elizabeth walk off. CUT TO:
INT-ELIZABETH'S CAR-NIGHT
Elizabeth is driving, Alex is sitting nervously in the passenger seat.
ELIZABETH
So why the Christian Film Review?
ALEX
It was really just a hobby.
ELIZABETH
I understand that, but why that publication?
ALEX
They were the first ones to accept me.
ELIZABETH
Do you always go with the first ones that accept you?
ALEX
Most of the time.
ELIZABETH
You know I don't normally do this?
ALEX
Do what? Drive strange men back to their car?
ELIZABETH
Yes.
ALEX
I'm sorry (smiling) I didn't mean to compromise you.
ELIZABETH
It's ok. (smiling) I just find it odd.
ALEX
As long as you don't find me odd.
ELIZABETH
Didn't say I didn't.
ALEX
I'm still stuck on that crazy play. All those crazy robot voices.
ELIZABETH
That WAS some cheesy special effects.
ALEX
I hope, it really would be awful if they really talked like that and we were making fun of them.
ELIZABETH
How convenient for them that they were able to find actors with voice boxes for the play.
ALEX
After two hours of that, I'm afraid that I'm going to start slipping into that voice. (robot voice) You have a very nice car Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
You're silly.
ALEX
At least I'm not odd.
ELIZABETH
No, but you are interesting.
EXT-ELIZABETH'S CAR-NIGHT
The car pulls into the restaurant parking lot, right behind Alex's car.
ALEX
(robot voice) Thank you Elizabeth. I had a very nice time.
ELIZABETH
I did too.
ALEX
(opening door and getting out of car)It's a shame. Two people, who both had such a great time, now having to part ways. If only there was some way to prevent this catastrophe.
ELIZABETH
Smooth, really smooth.
ALEX
Seriously, will I ever see you again?
ELIZABETH
You might. You just might.
ALEX
I hope so.
ELIZABETH
Good evening Alex.
ALEX
Good evening Elizabeth.
Alex shuts the car door, and heads toward his car. On the way there he reaches into his pocket and grabs out his keys. Once he has them out he drops them, then proceeds to bend over and pick them up. Alex then turns toward Elizabeth's open window.
ALEX
I dropped my keys. Well at least you got a good look at my butt.
ELIZABETH
(smiling) Goodnight Alex.
ALEX
Yes. (smiling) Goodnight again.
Alex heads over to his car, and unlocks the door. He then gets in and BUCKLES his seat belt, then puts the key in the ignition.
ALEX
I hope I see you again.
He glances out his passenger window as she drives off.
ALEX
I really hope.
CUT TO:
INT-ELIZABETH'S APT-DAY
Alex is walking around the apt looking around, like a curious child. Elizabeth is in the bathroom, off-screen, getting ready. He eventually gets to a very hi-tech treadmill.
ALEX
This thing is kind of scary. What did you do steal it off the Starship Enterprise?
ELIZABETH
(O.S.) Don't play with it, you'll kill yourself.
Alex then makes his way over to her movie collection and scans over it. Elizabeth comes in the room. Alex has his back to her, still looking at the movie collection.
ELIZABETH
Now what are you into?
ALEX
You can tell alot about a person from their movie collection.
ELIZABETH
And what can you tell about me?
ALEX
(smiling) You don't really want to know? (turning around) Wow......you look alot better then I do.
ELIZABETH
Well I got more make-up in there, if you want to take the time to fix yourself up.
ALEX
No, I can't wear that stuff it breaks me out.
ELIZABETH
(shakes head) So are we ready? I'm driving if that's ok?
ALEX
That's cool with me. Where are we going?
ELIZABETH
You'll see. C'mon.
CUT TO:
EXT-GHETTO DOWNTOWN-DAY
Alex and Elizabeth are walking down a brick street toward a row of antique shops.
ALEX
I've never been down here before. So this used to be the old downtown?
ELIZABETH
Yes, now it's just a row of antique shops, and privately owned museums.
ALEX
This place is neat.
ELIZABETH
You really think so?
ALEX
Yeah, I think this place is awesome.
ELIZABETH
Well, so far you're passing the test.
ALEX
Really?
ELIZABETH
Yes, so far.
They keep walking along till they reach the Harmony House shop.
ELIZABETH
You mind if we go in here?
ALEX
That'd be great.
ELIZABETH
(opening the door) Another point.
As they walk in there is a OLD LADY sitting at a check-out desk.
OLD LADY
Welcome, how are you folks doing?
ELIZABETH
Good.
ALEX
Great.
OLD LADY
Wonderful, holler if ya need anything.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
Alex and Elizabeth walk around the store looking at things. Elizabeth points a few things out that she thinks are pretty. They then come upon an old wood cooking stove.
ALEX
My grandpa had one of those at his farm house.
ELIZABETH
That is so gorgeous looking.
ALEX
Yeah, I don't know how well one of those things work. But it's very neat, and familiar to me.
They keep walking around the store. Elizabeth still stoping if she finds something cute. They come upon an old phone booth.
ALEX
Now this is awesome.
ELIZABETH
That is neat.
ALEX
Look it has a stool and a exhaust blower in it.
ELIZABETH
That is pretty cool.
ALEX
I'm going to own one of these someday.
ELIZABETH
I don't doubt that.
They continue their round and make it toward the entrance again.
OLD LADY
You all come back again.
ELIZABETH
Thank you for letting us look around.
OLD LADY
Thank you for comming by. (pointing at a jar) Want a cookie?
ELIZABETH
No thank you. (turning toward Alex) Do you want a cookie?
ALEX
Sure.
OLD LADY
Well he won't turn down free food, will he?
ALEX
(grabbing cooking from lady) Thank you.
OLD LADY
You're welcome.
Elizabeth and Alex head out of the store.
EXT-GHETTO DOWNTOWN-DAY
ALEX
This has been an awesome day. Thank you.
ELIZABETH
No thank you. But the day isn't over yet.
CUT TO:
EXT-OUTDOOR RESTURANT-DAY
Alex and Elizabeth are eating at a quaint little outdoor restaurant. Seventies music is playing in the background. A WAITER comes up.
WAITER
More wine?
ELIZABETH
Yes thank you.
Waiter pours wine, then leaves.
ALEX
For such a classy place, I find it weird they're playing 60's and 70's music.
ELIZABETH
You don't think that 60's and 70's music is classy?
ALEX
No I didn't say that. It just doesn't quite match the decor of the place.
ELIZABETH
What decor? We're outside.
ALEX
You know what I mean.
ELIZABETH
You know, you don't seem like the type of person that would be friends with Randal.
ALEX
What type of person would you expect to be friends with Randal?
ELIZABETH
You just seem too calm to be friends with him.
ALEX
Well, I think he makes me feel sane.
ELIZABETH
You don't think you're sane?
ALEX
I'm saner than he is. (pause) I don't know, I just feel out of place.
ELIZABETH
Out of place? How so?
ALEX
I don't feel like I'm actually living life. I feel like I'm watching life pass by as a viewer, not a participant.
ELIZABETH
Then participate.
ALEX
It's not that easy.
ELIZABETH
Why?
ALEX
I don't know it just isn't. I just feel like I'm a mess. I'm 25, I'm no where in my life. I'm a manager of a dollar store for heavens sake. I'm un-married...
ELIZABETH
Whoa! Hold up, I'm 28. I'm un-married and I work at the college I graduated from. But, I am enjoying life. Why are you even worried about marriage right now? 25 isn't that old.
ALEX
I've been worried about marriage since I was 15.
ELIZABETH
So when did you find time to be a kid?
ALEX
I really didn't. I always was 10 years ahead of myself. Working on my own little time line, marriage, kids, then death.
ELIZABETH
There's a lot in between there though.
ALEX
I guess it just seems like time goes by so quickly, that's all there is really time for.
ELIZABETH
Time does go by quickly, that's why you take things a day at a time.
ALEX
Of course, we're all going to die anyway so why bother doing anything. Sorry I have a fear of death.
ELIZABETH
It's very tiring to be you isn't it?
ALEX
I have a fear of death, dying alone, going to hell.
ELIZABETH
Is there anything you're not afraid of? (pause) Going to hell? I thought you were a Christian?
ALEX
I am, I'm just afraid God will up the requirements at the last minute and I'll be left out of Heaven.
ELIZABETH
That's not putting a whole lot of faith in God.
ALEX
I'm probably ruining this first date aren't I?
ELIZABETH
No, it's like I told you that night in the car. I find you interesting.
ALEX
Interesting enough to spend the rest of your life with?
ELIZABETH
I think you're jumping the gun.
ALEX
You don't think you want to be with me long term?
ELIZABETH
(smiling) What did I tell you about slowing down? You know most girls would get freaked out by talk like that.
ALEX
Yes, but you're unlike any girl I've ever met.
ELIZABETH
Well, let's just get through today. And, tomorrow we'll see where God takes us.
ALEX
(smiling) yes, we'll see....
As they sit there music starts playing in the background. The song will help the next few scenes float along. The song should have the same effect that "Tiny Dancer" had for "Almost Famous Or "Secret Garden" did for "Jerry Magiure".
INT-WEDDING CHAPEL-DAY
This is the first of the series of scenes. This features Alex, Ray and Randal getting ready for Alex's wedding. Alex is adjusting himself in the mirror.
RANDAL
C'mon we don't have forever Ray comes up behind Alex.
RAY
You look fine, son.
ALEX
I hope so.
CUT TO:
Elizabeth walking down the aisle. Alex, Ray, Randal, and ANOTHER MAN are standing up at the alter. Alex acting as though he's worried about how he looks.
RAY
(whispering) You look wonderful, son.
ALEX
(spotting Elizabeth) No Dad..she looks wonderful.
Another shot of Elizabeth walking down the aisle. CUT TO:
INT-HOSPITAL DELIVERY ROOM-DAY
A DOCTOR and several NURSES are helping Elizabeth deliver her baby. Alex is at her feet watching this miracle of life wide eyed.
ALEX
My God....
DOCTOR
Push! Push!
ELIZABETH
UGGGGH!
ALEX
Almost there hun. (pause, spotting baby, under breathe) wow....
CUT TO:
INT-PRADER HOUSE-DAY
Chas runs to meet Alex at door when he gets home from work.
CHAS
Daddy...
ALEX
Hey you.
Picks up Chas.
ALEX
C'mon Chasity Leann let's say hello to your brother.
Walks over to pregnant Elizabeth, whose on the couch. Kisses her then SWOOPS Chas down to her mothers stomach. CUT TO:
INTO-PRADER HOUSE-DAY
Alex is checking on a crying Jeremy. Then walks back into the living room to find Chas in his tie.
CHAS
I'm going to work.
ALEX
Honey, daddy needs his tie.
CHAS
I'm going to work.
ALEX
Yeah, actually daddy is, and daddy needs his tie sweetie.
KNOCKS at the door.
ALEX
Someone's knocking on my chamber door....
CHAS
I'm going to work.
ALEX
That's what you keep saying.
Alex answers. It's the BABYSITTER.
ALEX
You'll have your hands full today.
Chas comes up from behind in his tie.
CHAS
I'm going to work!
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD-DAY
Alex is working with a few of his FEMALE CO-WORKERS. Elizabeth, Chas, and Jeremy (in a stroller) come up the aisle.
ALEX
(kissing Elizabeth) How's my two favorite ladies? And favorite tiny guy? (picking up Jeremy)
FEMALE CO-WORKER 1
Oh look at the little family man.
Alex puts down Jeremy. Then takes his tie off and puts it on Chas.
CUT TO:
INT-COLLEGE LOBBY-DAY
Alex, Chas, and Jeremy (in Alex's arms this time) walk into the lobby.
ALEX
C'mon gang, it's time to pick up mommy.
CHAS
I don't see mommy.
ALEX
We'll see her in a second.
They get to where they can see Elizabeth on the other side of the lobby.
ALEX
....There's mommy....
Alex just stands there and stares for a moment at her. As he stands there, the music during these series of scenes fade. The people in the lobby slowly fade away. Then Chas and Jeremy fade. Then lastly Elizabeth starts to fade. CUT TO: Alex and Emmanual standing in the lobby.
ALEX
....And I'm back again.....I'm really getting tired of this jumping back and forth thing.
EMMANUEL
You two seemed to have had a good marriage, on the surface at least.
ALEX
On the surface at least? What's that supposed to mean?
EMMANUEL
I think you're focusing on all the good moments, which I think is fine. But, you are also forgetting you two had several problems.
ALEX
Every marriage has problems.
EMMANUEL
I'm not refering to every marriage, I'm refering to yours.
ALEX
What's this Emmanuel? Are you trying to goat me now?
EMMANUEL
Goad.
ALEX
What?
EMMANUEL
Are you trying to goad me now?
ALEX
Anyway, you can't be with someone forever and not have problems.
EMMANUEL
That's fine. You are exactly right, every marriage has it's problems. Again though we are not talking about every marriage, we're talking about yours. There were times where you were not exactly fair to Elizabeth.
ALEX
Ok, I made some mistakes, but who doesn't.
EMMANUEL
True, everyone makes mistakes. But, I think it's time that you deal with yours.
ALEX
Ok, fine. Tell me about my mistakes, because at the moment I can't really see any mistakes that are bad enough to make me a horrible husband.
EMMANUEL
I never said you were a horrible husband. I just said it was time to explore some mistakes.
ALEX
Well fine, I'm waiting...
EMMANUEL
You seem uptight. I thought Megan warned you about showing emotion?
ALEX
Do not start in on that!
EMMANUEL
I'm being serious Alex. You need to be more even tempered.
ALEX
You know I'm having a hard time at the moment believing this is the ultimate in perfection. Since I've been here, I haven't seen one person that I know. Oh...wait...with the exception of the one girl I've hated all my life. I've had you and that Julian guy give me the run around. Then to now have you to tell me I was a horrible husband. Finally to top everything off I keep bouncing in and out of my life, in an attempt, I assume, to allow me to learn some grand lesson. But, in fact all it's done, is teach me that I liked my life on Earth much better then my stay here thus far.
EMMANUEL
Are you done?
ALEX
Yeah I think so.
EMMANUEL
So what are you going to do? Escape from Heaven?
ALEX
I doubt that's even possible.
EMMANUEL
I think maybe you need to talk to Megan.
ALEX
Why do I need to talk to Megan?
EMMANUEL
I just think that you need to talk to Megan.
ALEX
Ok, I'll bite. Where do I find Megan?
Emmanuel waves his hand. The room spins and changes. CUT TO:
INT-GLASS OVERLOOK-NIGHT
Alex is at the top of what appears to be a gigantic glass tower overlooking the metropolis. Alex stands there looking at the huge window at the city below. Megan walks up beside him.
MEGAN
Since you weren't that big of a trouble maker on Earth, you decided you would give chaos a try in heaven?
ALEX
Why is it everytime you show up you chastise me for something?
MEGAN
Would I have to if you weren't constantly into something?
ALEX
Emmanuel said I should talk to you?
Megan walks over to where she is right beside Alex.
MEGAN
Remind me to introduce you to Robert at the feast.
ALEX
Is that the...um...the "soulmates" name?
MEGAN
Yes. (pause) So you're wanting to get home?
ALEX
Nothing slips by you guys.
MEGAN
I stay well informed.
ALEX
Yes I want to go back to Earth. If that's even possible.
MEGAN
Again, we'll have to wait till the feast before we can explore that option.
ALEX
When is this feast?
MEGAN
Soon.
ALEX
I hate the way you guys answer questions. (pause) So what is the feast symbolic of? Is this like a last supper sort of thing?
MEGAN
Not exactly. You'll get all your questions answered.....
ALEX
...soon.
MEGAN
(smiles) (pause) Can we pick up on the discussion you and Emmanuel were having? The one before you decided to take a journey back to Earth.
ALEX
(sits) Great, are you going to tell me I'm a bad husband too?
MEGAN
I don't think he was calling you a bad husband. (sits in front of Alex) Did you love me?
ALEX
honestly thought I did.
MEGAN
But, you changed your mind?
ALEX
Yes.
MEGAN
When?
ALEX
That night after the play. You know that night in the coffee shop.
MEGAN
And you forgot about me after that?
ALEX
Well I always remembered you.
MEGAN
Did you love Elizabeth?
ALEX
Yes, that's why I married her.
MEGAN
You sure that's the reason you married her? You sure that it's not because you couldn't have me and she was the first girl to give you the time of day?
ALEX
You're kind of full of yourself aren't you? Anyway there's a lot of girls who liked me and were willing to date me.
MEGAN
Yes, but how many were willing to marry you Alex? That's what you've wanted from day one. You were 15 Alex when you insisted on having two pillows on your bed so you could pretend the other one was your wife's.
ALEX
So I'm messed up now, because I liked to pretend as a child?
MEGAN
Alex, I know you, you've always have been obsessed with marriage. Do you really think that it was fair to Elizabeth to marry her, just so you wouldn't have to die alone?
ALEX
I loved her!
MEGAN
I think you would have, if you had gotten to know her.
ALEX
What is this?!?
MEGAN
You spent your whole relationship with her, being afraid of death, stuck on the thought that God hated you, looking for the next best thing, or imposing your hurt that we were no longer together on her.
ALEX
Don't give me this Megan! You weren't there!
MEGAN
What's funny is that you were, and you refuse to see it.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Alex and Megan stand invisible, watching Alex and Elizabeth fight.
ALEX
Don't give me this crap Elizabeth. I swear to God I would have never got this from Megan!
ELIZABETH
Why do you continually through her up in my face? Would you rather be with her?
ALEX
Do you think I couldn't be with someone else?
ELIZABETH
Then walk away! I'm not stoping you! I'm tired of this rollercoaster!
ALEX
I just don't have to put up with this.
ELIZABETH
Put up with what Alex?!? Everytime a discussion...
ALEX
It's a fight Elizabeth, or are you afraid to say that?
ELIZABETH
Fine Alex! A fight doesn't go your way you thow Megan up in my face. Or threaten to leave!
ALEX
Megan treated me a lot better then you do!
ELIZABETH
That was a high school girlfriend! I'm your wife and have been for 10 years. But obviously that means nothing!
CUT TO:
INT-CHAS BEDROOM-NIGHT
We can still hear the sounds of Alex and Elizabeth fighting. Chas is in bed snuggled up in her covers with a frightened look on her face. Alex and Megan, still invisible, stand witness.
MEGAN
Did you actually think your children were immune from this display?
CUT TO:
INT-JEREMY'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Same muffled fighting sounds. Alex and Megan are in the room, again invisible. Jeremy lays in bed, a tear trickles down his face.
MEGAN
Did you actually think they weren't affected?
CUT TO:
INT-GLASS OVERLOOK-NIGHT
Back to Megan and Alex sitting Indian style on the floor.
ALEX
So....what, am I going to Hell now?
MEGAN
No, these are just some things that you need to know.
ALEX
I know I made some mistakes Megan, but how can I change that now?
MEGAN
You can't.
ALEX
I don't get it. Are you trying to teach me some sort of life lesson?
MEGAN
No. The only option you have is to regret, from now till the end of eternity.
ALEX
Well, I'll just add that to my list of wonderful things about Heaven thus far.
MEGAN
You need to relax.
ALEX
Do not tell me I need to relax!
MEGAN
Calm down.
ALEX
With what you described Megan I might as well be in Hell!
MEGAN
Trust me Hell is a lot worse, and this place is not as bad as you're making it out to be. Anyway you do have the option of going back. But, first you need to calm down and chill out till the feast.
ALEX
Ok then. So when's the feast? And , don't say soon.
MEGAN
I will take you straight there, we just need to chat a few moments longer.
ALEX
(deep breath) Fine (pause) what do you want to chat about?
MEGAN
Sara.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD BACKROOM-DAY
Alex is supervising TIM and JIM ,two of his stockboys, as they are moving around pallets of cleaning items and paper products.
ALEX
Can you try not to kill Jim with that pallet?
TIM
If he doesn't know when to watch out, I can't help him.
JIM
You'll be the one needing help when I bust you in the face with a case of laundry detergent.
Alex is walking around the backroom writing on a form of some sort.
JIM
So what are you in to Alex?
ALEX
Ad order for next week.
TIM
Do me a favor? Don't order any more laundry detergent.
ALEX
Noted.
SARA enters the backroom with a cart.
SARA
Excuse me.
She heads over to the baler to crush her boxes. Tim is staring wide mouthed everytime Sara bends over. Jim turns to Alex.
JIM
(whispering) That's quite a butt there.
ALEX
I won't argue with that.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S OFFICE-DAY
Sara walks back with a timecard in hand and hands it over to Alex. Who is sitting at his desk, doing some paperwork.
SARA
I didn't clock out for my break.
ALEX
Oh that's cool. (while writing on the time card) You heading out for the evening?
SARA
Yes my 12 hour day is over.
ALEX
Hey, thank you for that.
SARA
It's no problem. I needed the money.
ALEX
Well thank you anyway.
SARA
It's hard to believe you are a store manager.
ALEX
Excuse me?
SARA
You're just so young. You're what? 35?
ALEX
Pushing 40. That's all I'll say.
SARA
You're not that old.
ALEX
Why do I feel old?
SARA
Maybe you feel like you're stuck. Like there's something else you would rather be doing with your life.
ALEX
Well you're right on both counts. There is something I would rather be doing with my life. And, I do feel stuck at the moment. I fell into this when I was 17, I don't think I would know how to do something else now.
SARA
So what is it?
ALEX
Excuse me?
SARA
The thing you would rather be doing?
ALEX
A writer, I'd rather be a writer.
SARA
Then do it. It's not too late.
ALEX
Well I do some freelance writing, but I haven't made a career out of it yet.
SARA
Well see you have a really good start.
ALEX
Yeah, I guess so. (pause) It's hard to believe you are so insightful.
SARA
Why?
ALEX
Well you're what 20?
SARA
23
ALEX
And still wise beyond her years.
SARA
(smiling) I call them like I see them.
ALEX
(handing her the timecard) Here you go. (pause) And thank you.
SARA
Oh I enjoy talking to you.
ALEX
You enjoy talking to someone so old?
SARA
You enjoy talking to someone so young?
ALEX
immensely...
SARA
(smiling) Goodnight Alex.
ALEX
Goodnight Sara.
Sara leaves.
ALEX
(deep breath) You have a helluva personality to go with that butt Sara.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Shot of Alex and Elizabeth in bed together not touching each other. They are sleeping together like they were strangers. CLOSE-UP on Alex's face staring off into space.
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN-DAY
Elizabeth is at the stove fixing breakfast. Chas and Jeremy are at the table. Elizabeth brings the food over and sets it in front of her children.
CHAS
you mommy!
JEREMY
Yeah!!
She grabs another plate from the counter and brings it into the living room.
INT-LIVING ROOM-DAY
Alex is in the recliner watching tv. Elizabeth brings a plate into him. He doesn't take his eyes off the tv.
ELIZABETH
Are you having an affair?
ALEX
What?!?
ELIZABETH
I want to know.
ALEX
What kind of question is that? No I'm not having an affair.
ELIZABETH
Alex....
ALEX
Elizabeth, I'm married to you till death do us part. I am not having an affair.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD-DAY
Alex is working on resetting shelving. He's on top of a ladder staring over at Sara who is working in the next aisle. While he watches her, he sings Fleetwood Mac's "Sara" under his breath.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD BREAKROOM-DAY
Sara and Jim are sitting back there talking.
SARA
So are you interested in doing something tonight?
JIM
Sure girl, I just have to drop by my house real quick after work.
SARA
Ok just give me a call when you get home.
JIM
I'll probably be by around 8. I can still call when I get home if you want me too.
SARA
That's fine. I love it when you call.
JIM
So it's a date then?
SARA
Yes (pause) It's a date.
CUT TO:
INT-DOLLER WORLD BATHROOM-DAY
We cut from the breakroom to the restroom right next door. There we see Alex listening to Jim and Sara's conversation. Following the "It's a date line" from Sara, Alex slams his fist into the wall. He pulls back to reveal a bloody knuckle.
CUT TO:
EXT-LAKE-DAY
CLOSE UP: Alex's fist. Pan up to show Alex looking at his fist then toward the water below. Megan comes up behind.
ALEX
Why are you doing this to me?
MEGAN
I'm not the one doing it to you Alex.
ALEX
When will this be over?
MEGAN
Not for a while.
ALEX
I never meant to dishonor her....I was a good husband. You don't understand the whole Sara situation.
MEGAN
Why don't you tell me.
ALEX
It was nice for someone who wasn't Elizabeth to show interest in me.
MEGAN
Is it not equally as nice for Elizabeth to show interest in you?
ALEX
I don't know....I don't know what I was thinking.
MEGAN
I don't know either.
ALEX
I never meant to hurt Elizabeth.
Alex gets up and heads down into the water.
MEGAN
What are you doing Alex?
ALEX
I want to swim. Do people swim in Heaven?
MEGAN
We don't have time for this.
Swimming around in the water.
ALEX
Will you just give me a few seconds? This is the first time in a while I've had time to just lay back and relax. Of course that's probably bacause I have all the time in the world...You know being dead and all.
MEGAN
That's probably it.
Alex continues to splash around in the water
MEGAN
It's time for the feast, Alex.
Alex gets out of the water and gets right up in Megan's face.
ALEX
I want to leave here Megan.
MEGAN
Ok then(pause)I'll show you how. C'mon let's go.
INT-BANQUET HALL-DAY
Camera pans into the celestial banquet hall. Seated at this long last supper style feast is: Megan and ROBERT. SEVERAL COUNCIL MEMBERS, Emmanuel and Alex, and Julian at one end. At the other end sits another HEAD COUNCIL MEMBER.
ALEX
(whispering in Emmanuels ear) So that's Robert?
EMMANUEL
Yes it is.
ALEX
They look extremely good together.
EMMANUEL
Now do you see why the two of you wouldn't have worked out?
ALEX
Yes they seem to really enjoy each other.
The Head Council member quiets everyone down. Then proceeds to lead in prayer. After the prayer everyone sits in silence. Then they start to eat.
ALEX
I can not believe I'm actually in Heaven eating a meal.
EMMANUEL
I don't know why that's so hard to believe.
ALEX
Everyone is so silent.
EMMANUEL
You think that would be a cue for you.
They continue to eat in silence. Alot of time seems to be passing by. After a while everyone is finished. The Head Council member stands.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Now it is time for us to retire to the portal.
ALEX
(to Emmanuel) The portal?
EMMANUEL
You'll see.
ALEX
Did anyone ever tell you that you were wonderful at form answers? Did you used to be on some sort of presidential commitee on Earth?
Emmanuel grabs Alex's arm leading him up. The two rise along with everyone else. They form a line and head out of the room.
INT-PORTAL-DAY
The line of people walk through this cave like structure. At the end they reach this beautiful "fortress of solitude" like structure. They enter and form a circle. Megan and Robert stand in the middle. Angels appear forming an outer circle around the circle Alex and crew just formed.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Megan....Robert, it's time for you two to return. Are you both prepared for this undertaking?
MEGAN
Yes.
ROBERT
Yes sir.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Go around the circle and say your goodbyes.
Megan and Robert start on opposite sides of the circle saying goodbye to everyone. They meet up when they get to Alex and Emmanuel.
MEGAN
Goodbye Emmanuel.
EMMANUEL
Not goodbye. I'll see you soon enough Megan. Good journey.
MEGAN
Good journey. (turns to Alex) Alex.
ALEX
I...I don't understand.
MEGAN
Until the second comming we have the option to continue to go back. To gain more knowledge, to become a more mature spirit.
ALEX
I still don't....
MEGAN
You will, in time. This is your way Alex. If you want to go back, this is the way.
ALEX
Then how do I?
MEGAN
Emmanuel will help you.
Robert walks up.
EMMANUEL
Good journey Robert.
ROBERT
Good journey Emmanuel.
MEGAN
This is Alex, Robert.
ROBERT
It's good to finally meet you.
ALEX
(shaking hand) You have yourself a good women there Robert.
ROBERT
Yes, she is.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Robert, Megan, it is time.
ROBERT
I hope this is the last time we have to do this.
MEGAN
They said it would be.
ROBERT
Well at least we'll be together for one last ride down there as husband and wife.
ALEX
Good luck.
ROBERT
See you soon Alex.
ALEX
You might be seeing me sooner then you think.
MEGAN
(hugging Alex) Goodbye Alex.
ALEX
(shaking finger and smiling) Good journey.
MEGAN
(tear in eye, smiling) Good journey.
Megan and Robert go over and stand in the middle of the swirling portal. The Head Council member does another prayer. After he closes his prayer:
MEGAN
So where to this time?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You will be a house wife in a suburb in Florida. You will have 3 kids, who will grow up to do some very good things for this country and Christianity. Robert, you will be unable to have children your goal is to be there for your wife who will also go onto do some great things for the world.
ROBERT
You mean we won't be together down there?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
will be when you return.
ROBERT
I don't understand.
MEGAN
Noooo! The last time we were on Earth he died 20 years before I did. I could barely handle that wait. Now you're asking me to wait a lifetime. I can't, I won't be separated from him again!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You have to be. This is an important mission for Earth. You will be reunited when you return here.
MEGAN
Robert.. (with tears in her eyes)
ROBERT
(grabbing megan's hand) It'll be ok Megan.
ALEX
(stepping out of circle) These people are soulmates and you are going to make them be intimate with other people. I don't understand this.
EMMANUEL
Alex....
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Who is this?
JULIAN
This is Alex Prader sir. Alex step back in line please.
ALEX
I just don't understand how God can play games like this with people's lives.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Silence, and step back in the circle.
EMMANUEL
Alex, step back here.
ALEX
No, I can not allow this to happen.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
This is none of your concern.
ALEX
This woman is a friend of mine. It is my concern. Even if she wasn't, this is wrong.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
I will not allow you to interupt this service. You will step back now!
JULIAN
Alex please step back.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You will step back or you will be removed.
Alex continues to stand.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
This is your final warning Alex. Step back or be removed.
ALEX
Fuck (pause) you.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Remove him (pause) and start the portal.
The portal spins around faster almost engulfing the sobbing Robert and Megan. The Angels from the outer circle make their way in to grab ALex. Who in turn jumps up and pushes the Head Council Member.
ALEX
(while pushing) Bastard!
The Angels TACKLE Alex.
ALEX
Megan!!!!You will not silence me you bastard!
The Angels start to drag Alex away.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Ready him for a hearing.
ALEX
(being dragged) You want a war! You bastard! Bring it on! You can't destroy my spirit!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
That is where you are wrong Mr Prader. This is the place of your creation. God is the reason you exist, he can easily make you cease to exist.
Alex still screaming as he is being carried away.
CUT TO:
Total darkness. A light FLASHES.
ALEX
What now Emmanuel?
Room engulfed with light. We appear to be in some sort of cell. Alex is on the floor, Emmanuel kneels beside him.
INT-CELL
EMMANUEL
This is quite the mess Alex.
ALEX
You're telling me.
EMMANUEL
Why can't you just go with the flow of things? Why do you always think you know what's best for the world? Why can't you give God some credit?
ALEX
That was wrong Emmanuel.
EMMANUEL
You didn't have the authority.
ALEX
I have human decency. A respect for the human spirit.
EMMANUEL
A spirit that will be destroyed in you.
ALEX
What is going to happen to me?
EMMANUEL
During the war between Heaven and Hell, Lucifer tried to rally and take over Heaven...
ALEX
And he was banished from Heaven, blah blah. Everyone who has had Sunday school has heard the story.
EMMANUEL
Well God will not tolerate even the threat of another revolt in Heaven. So anyone found guilty of doing so, will have their soul destroyed.
ALEX
Like Death?
EMMANUEL
Worse then death. Having your soul destroyed means you will not exist. Nothing but blackness. A fate worse than death.
ALEX
I thought you said that a soul couldn't be destroyed? Remember at the lake, when you crashed the water down on me.
EMMANUEL
I'm sorry, I made a mistake.
ALEX
Some mistake.
Alex puts his head in his hands.
ALEX
(lifting back up)So what now?
EMMANUEL
You'll have a hearing, to determine if your soul should be destroyed.
ALEX
Why not just send me to Hell?
EMMANUEL
That's for crimes on Earth. The rules are a lot different for crimes in Heaven.
ALEX
How did this happen?
EMMANUEL
Because you can't control your temper.
ALEX
What temper?
EMMANUEL
Should we explore the numerous times you've taken swings at Elizabeth?
ALEX
I've never made contact with her.
EMMANUEL
And that makes the difference? (pause) And this isn't the first time you've cursed God.
ALEX
Everybody curses God at some point in their life.
EMMANUEL
Yes but not everyone makes a trip to the Holy Land just to do it.
ALEX
You're taking that out of context, there's a lot more to that story.
EMMANUEL
Ok...
ALEX
You don't know what all I was going through during that Jerusalem trip. (pause) (leaning back and taking a breath) God never gave Randal a chance.....
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX'S CAR-DAY
Alex is crusing down the city streets listening to music in his car. He pulls in front of a Christian magazine building.
INT-DARREN'S OFFICE-DAY
DARREN sits at his desk. Alex is across from him. It appears they have been talking for a while.
ALEX
Are you serious about this?
DARREN
Very serious.
ALEX
It's just hard to believe after all these years of writing freelance, that you're after me now.
DARREN
We've been sitting on a gold mine. You should have been a full time writer for us after your first year of freelance.
ALEX
Benefits and everything?
DARREN
Yes. I'll get out a packet so you can review them. There's 401k also.
ALEX
This is great. I need someone to show me how to roll over my 401K at Dollar World.
DARREN
That's not a problem. I can get you a hold of someone at HR. She can answer your questions on that.
ALEX
This is so hard to believe Darren.
DARREN
And,if you sign on, I actually have an assignment for you immediately.
ALEX
Really? What is it?
CUT TO:
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN-DAY
Elizabeth is standing up talking on the phone.
INTERCUT
ELIZABETH
Jerusalem!
ALEX (FILTERED)
It's only for a couple of weeks. They're doing a series of religious films there. I'm going down over to cover the shoot.
ELIZABETH
What's so special about these films?
ALEX
I guess the budget is phenomenal.
ELIZABETH
Oh gosh!
ALEX
What's wrong?
ELIZABETH
That's just a long way for you to be going.
ALEX
Yes but I told you what they were going to pay me.
ELIZABETH
I know, but that's just a long way to go. (pause) Hold on a sec...
Jeremy is playing with that phone booth from earlier in the film.
ELIZABETH
You know better then to play with that. It's an antique. Dad would flip if you did something to that!
ALEX
Actually in the mood I'm in, I doubt it would phase me.
ELIZABETH
Honey that's such a long way to go.
ALEX
I love you dear.
ELIZABETH
Hmmph.....Love you too. I'll talk to you when you get home. (pause) Bye.
CHAS
(at kitchen table) Was that dad?
ELIZABETH
Yes.
CHAS
How's he doing?
ELIZABETH
Good, till warring nations take him hostage.
INT-ALEX'S CAR-DAY
Alex hangs up his cell phone, turns back up the music and jams. Cell phone RINGS.
ALEX
Hello?
RANDAL (FILTERED)
Alex?
ALEX
Randal, what's going on?
RANDAL
You haven't been returning my phone calls.
ALEX
we get into this everytime I talk to you. You know that life is hectic at the moment.
RANDAL
Eric left.....
ALEX
Oh, Randal I'm sorry. Damn 10 years....what happened?
RANDAL
Was going to be 11 years. He wavered the whole relationship...
ALEX
Wavered..?
RANDAL
You knew he had a girlfriend before me?
ALEX
No, I actually didn't
RANDAL
Yeah pretty long term, they were engaged.
ALEX
Well using my keen detective skills I've gathered on what you are trying to grab at here. Randal 11 years is a long time to pretend you are gay.
RANDAL
Like I said he wavered.
ALEX
How do you know for sure?
RANDAL
I've caught him on several occasions.
ALEX
And you took him back?
RANDAL
It's not as easy for me as it is for you.
ALEX
What do you mean?
RANDAL
Do you realize how hard it is for a gay man to find someone to be his soulmate?
ALEX
Randal, it's hard for anyone to find someone in this world.
RANDAL
Naive heterosexual...(pause) Goodbye Alex, you're a good friend.
ALEX
Randal....?....Randal?
Alex hangs up cell phone.
EXT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S HOUSE-NIGHT
Alex's car pulls into the driveway.
INT-ALEX AND ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN-DAY
Alex enters the front door and makes his way to the kitchen. Chas and Jeremy are at the table.
ALEX
I come baring ice cream. Chocolate chip cookie dough.
JEREMY
Awesome Dad!
ALEX
After dinner of course.
CHAS
See Mom you can't be mad at Dad for being late. How can you be mad at a man with ice cream?
ALEX
You were mad? C'mon smile you can eat out of the carton.
ELIZABETH
I was just wondering where you were.
ALEX
Stopped to see Mom and Dad, bought ice cream....oh and Randal called me. I really should have dropped by but time was getting away from me. I guess him and his....you know...broke up...
CHAS
It's ok Dad we know Randal is gay.
ALEX
How do you know about gay people?
CHAS
Um....school.
ALEX
See honey I kept saying private school, private school, private school. But hey you're big on the public school system. Now our kids know about gay people. (pause)Don't frown honey, I'm kidding. Hey, I have ice cream.
JEREMY
I got called a faggot at recess yesterday.
ALEX
Hey! Don't use the "F" word.
JEREMY
Which one?
ALEX
Any "F" word. Just don't use any words that begin with "F" ever again.
ELIZABETH
Can I see you for a second, in the other room?
ALEX
I was just kidding honey. He can use "F" words as long as they're decent.....Want some ice cream? (following Elizabeth in other room)Is there something wrong?
ELIZABETH
(pause) Randal's sister called. His townhouse neighbor heard a loud bang and went over to investigate. Randal killed himself.
Alex sits on the couch.
ELIZABETH
I'm sorry.
Alex just sits there and stares off into space.
INT-FUNERAL HOME-DAY
Camera pans through Randal's funeral. Among the people is Rita and Shaw. Alex, Elizabeth and children sit together looking very solemn during service.
INT-PLANE-DAY
Alex looks over his papers for the project his about to work on. He drops the papers and looks out his window.
INT-JERUSALEM-DAY
Alex is busy working with members of the FILMCREW. AIDY, a manic female, seems to be some sort of guide for Alex. Directing him around amongst the people.
INT-JERUSALEM OUTSKIRTS-DAY
Alex and Aidy are climbing up a hill that overlooks the city.
AIDY
Where are you going Mr.Prader?
ALEX
Just something I need to do Aidy.
AIDY
But the filmcrew is back down there.
ALEX
I'm on a break.
AIDY
But we just took a break.
ALEX
I needed another one.
They reach the top of the hill.
ALEX
You know Aidy, you don't have to keep following me around?
AIDY
But I'm you're guide Mr. Prader.
ALEX
Well I know where I'm at now Aidy. Wait for me at the bottom.
AIDY
But Mr Prader.....
ALEX
Please just 5 min.
Aidy reluctantly goes.
ALEX
So this is your land God. Among your chosen people. Every year thousands of people from around the world come to Israel and here to be closer to you. As I have also done. (pause) To tell you that you are a bastard! You didn't give him a chance! Your rules state he has to accept your son. That he can't take his own life. He was your creation. We take care of our own. You should have taken care of your own. You didn't give him a chance! He was a good man, and because of your rules he will burn. That's cruelty on your part! (drops to knees) God why? (crying, head in hands) Why?
Aerial shot of Alex on hill. CUT TO:
INT-CELL
Alex on huddled on floor. Emmanuel appears.
EMMANUEL
It is time.
Emmanuel marches Alex down a corridor to a platform. The platform raises the two up to the "courtroom"
INT-HEAVEN'S COURTROOM
The Council members sit Supreme Court style in this otherworldly courtroom. The Head Council Member is at the head seat. Julian is also seated at the panel of judges. AS Emmanuel and Alex walk in, Emmanuel veers off. Alex continues to walk till he is in the middle of the floor.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
ALEX PRADER! (Pause) You are before this Council to determine soul disintegration. (pause) In the course of this hearing we will determine, by reviewing your life whether your soul is deemed worthy enough to exist on this plane. What do you have to say for yourself about your actions at Megan and Roberts transportation?
ALEX
I have nothing to say. I feel as though my actions were justified.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Justified? Cursing, Attacking me! How can you justify those actions?
ALEX
I would like to know how YOU justify your actions?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
My actions? Why should I justify my actions? My actions are of the will of God?
ALEX
Then how does God justify his actions?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Why should God justify his actions? He is God.
ALEX
Yes. But God is a creator. A father and/or mother figure. He guides and teaches us. He is disappointed when we have done wrong. But a puppetmaster? Playing with people's lives, like one would play with toys. That is a trick of the Devil not God.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You dare compare God to the Devil?
ALEX
No. (pause) No, I'm not comparing God to the Devil. I just want someone to justify to me his actions.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Why should we justify his actions? He is God. All you need to know is that you must worship and obey him.
ALEX
If I'm to do his bidding then I must know my place in the universe. As a servant to my Lord or as a puppet.
JULIAN
And there's a difference Alex?
ALEX
Yes there is? Servants still have their own minds. They do the bidding of their masters, but they still have a lot of free will too. But puppets are just mindless pieces of plastic who are made to move in whatever way the puppetmaster decides.
JULIAN
But do you not have free will on Earth?
ALEX
How can you call it free will? When we find a person to love and want to spend eternity with, only to find out in Heaven that we can't be reunited with that person.
JULIAN
But Megan and Robert were reunited.
ALEX
Only to be separated again. And that is my reason to the Council on why I acted in the fashion I did.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
But what gives you a right to decide that God's will is unfair?
ALEX
Who says that was even God's will?
JULIAN
Both Megan and Robert had missions to complete on Earth. These missions were deemed important to the structure of our whole universe.
ALEX
Robert not being able to have children and Megan being a soccer mom is important to the whole universe.
JULIAN
The smallest thing can strengthen the structure of the universe (pause) or destroy it.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Enough! This line of questioning is going no where. It is your life we are reviewing Alex Prader! Not Megan and Roberts. Is it not true that your only motivation for going to the transportation was so that you could find a way out of Heaven?
ALEX
It wasn't my only motivation for going, I was told to go. But, yes I was looking for a way out of Heaven.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Are you unaware that Heaven was God's reward for living a good life on Earth?
ALEX
Some reward. Strict guidelines, crazy rules, not being able to see my loved ones. I might as well be living in a communist state.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
So you are an unruly person?
ALEX
No I just want the same free will in Heaven that I had on Earth. Do on Earth as is done in Heaven. Free will is on Earth, why is it not in Heaven?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
I was unaware you made the rules for Heaven.
ALEX
You don't even make sense. I think your whole purpose is to take every point I make and try to find a way to make a mean and nasty comment based on it. For Heaven's sake man! The so-called "unruliness" stems from the fact that I want to see my wife.(pause) I want to see my wife!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Oh yes, the wife you claimed to have loved.
ALEX
I did love her!
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
And did you love her when you were pushing me to save Megan?
ALEX
I did that out of respect for Megan.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Oh and did you respect your wife everytime you threw Megan up in her face?
ALEX
That isn't exactly.....
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You have been jumping in and out of your life right?
ALEX
Yes.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
So all of this is fresh in your memory?
ALEX
(pause) Yes.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Your lack of faith in God?
ALEX
I never had a lack of faith. I always believed, I accepted Christ.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Yes, but you never allowed him to totally take over your life. You spent your whole life, from the time when you were very young, worrying about Hell. Thinking that God was going to desert you at the last minute despite being active in Christianity. You actualy thought that God would be vengeful upon you for not checking a heater before you left a room. That to me shows a great disrespect to God. That's not a display of faith that Christians are supposed to have in God.
ALEX
I was young then, I had O.C.D.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Yes you had O.C.D. then, and had it your entire life. That shouldn't inhibit faith though. (pause) Were you young that night in the Italian restaurant?
ALEX
What?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
The night of your heart attack?
ALEX
I don't remember.....
The room spins and scenery changes. The next thing Alex knows he's standing with Elizabeth at an outdoor gateway to an Italian restaurant.
EXT-RESTURANT-NIGHT
ALEX
I wish that would stop happening.
ELIZABETH
You wish what would stop happening?
ALEX
Nothing. (pause) Wait that's weird. I've never been aware I was doing it before.
ELIZABETH
Doing what before? You're acting weird. Are you ok?
ALEX
See usually I have to follow this script, it's like I'm watching my life as a viewer, understand?
ELIZABETH
What?
ALEX
I'm guessing no.
ELIZABETH
Honey, people are going to start looking at us.
ALEX
Hmmmmm.(pause)Are you real?
ELIZABETH
What? Is your sugar low?
ALEX
Alright....this is ok....I'm going to be ok. I'm just going to hang on and enjoy the ride.
ELIZABETH
Um...honey...(pause. place card in hand vibrates) Oh the thing is vibrating, our table is ready.
CUT TO:
INT-RESTURANT-NIGHT
Alex and Elizabeth are at their table, looks as though they have been there for a while. Alex just sits there and stares at Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
(smiling,sweetly) What?
ALEX
It's so good to finally see you.
ELIZABETH
Um...thank you. Are you sure you are ok?
A WAITER comes to the table.
WAITER
Your dinner will be right out.
ELIZABETH
Thank you.
WAITER
More bread sticks?
ALEX
Yeah, that would be great.
Sets down basket of bread sticks. Waiter leaves.
ALEX
(eating a bread stick) I'm actually afraid to eat. Last time I ate two people got transported on me and I got arrested.
ELIZABETH
Great! It's our 15 year wedding anniversary and you're going insane.
ALEX
(to himself) That's right it's our....(grabs chest) Uhhhh!
ELIZABETH
Are you ok?
ALEX
(leaning back in the chair) I'm....oh God.......
ELIZABETH
(getting up) Someone call an ambulance! (running over to Alex's side of the table) Honey....Honey....
Alex's POV: Elizabeth's words fade out, till all Alex can see is her mouth moving. He looks down at his salad fork as it morphs into a pitchfork. Then the mirrored walls of the restaurant melt away. Soon Elizabeth fades away. Fire engulfs the scene. Suddenly the fire stops. Total blackness. Then Alex is JOLTED back to the courtroom.
INT-HEAVEN'S COURTROOM
ALEX
(off-the cuff)I really hate that. (standing) That was a little exaggerated.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You did pass out, and you did hallucinate. Why did you think you were going to Hell?
ALEX
I don't know.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Why would God banish you to Hell Alex?
ALEX
I don't know.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You were a Christian were you not?
ALEX
Yes.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Then I have proven my theory of you having a lack of faith.
ALEX
You've proven nothing.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You wasted your life Alex. You spent your entire life Worrying about Hell, worrying about being single, Wishing you were single. You continued to do this until you died, a sad pathetic man.
ALEX
I had a good life.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You realize that now looking back. You didn't even realize you loved Earth until you were here. Then you spent almost your whole stay here trying to escape. You truly are a hard man to satisfy.
ALEX
You're making it sound like I was a total waste.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Weren't you? I think we can prove destroying Alex Prader's existence is beneficial to operation of the universe. Actually you might even be able to prove that the world would have been better off if Alex Prader didn't exist at all.
ALEX
You know what, I'm not going to argue this. You are bound and determined to destroy me no matter what. What is it? Is it because I embarrassed your Council during the transportation? Afraid that more people will start thinking for themselves and start a revolt?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Mr. Prader, I would hardly call you a pioneer. The stunt you pulled has been done before, by an Angel no less. That's a creature much more powerful than you, and we dealt with him just fine. You are no threat to me or this Council.
ALEX
Now who's comparing who to the Devil?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You have more in common with Lucifer than any one of us.
ALEX
Then why not just banish me to Hell then?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Because you committed your crimes in Heaven, and we will not tolerate another revolt.
ALEX
If you've made up your mind, then why not destroy me now?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Because the hearing isn't over yet. We will determine when or if we will destroy you.
ALEX
With all due respect, I think you and the fellow Council members are just getting off on torturing me.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
And you don't believe you deserve it? You made a mockery of us.
ALEX
I was just trying to do what was in the best interest of my friend.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
You do not determine what is in her best interest.
ALEX
Again with all due respect, if you are the one looking out for her best interest, then God help her.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Young man, you are not attacking me with every comment you make you are attacking our Lord! And God is the only one that can help her now.
COUNCIL NUMBER 1
Before this gets out of control again, may I step in? (HCM nods) It is true that Alex Prader committed the crimes he is accused of in Heaven. So before determining disintegration, we need to explore his life on Earth. All I have heard so far is the negative aspects of his life. I find it hard to believe you've lived you whole life Alex and have never done anything worthy.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Yes Alex, what have you done that has been worthy?
ALEX
I wrote for the Christian magazine, doing God's work.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Writing Christian film reviews hardly counts as worthy.
ALEX
How about raising two children, would you count that as worthy?!? Helping to raise a grandchild, how about that?!?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Oh yes, Chas and Jeremy. Chas did grow up into a very nice woman. She got married, had a baby girl. Did you know that she later had a son following your death?
ALEX
No, I didn't know that. (half-smile) I'm glad. She always wanted a boy.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Yes, she married a guy named Jeff right?
ALEX
Yes.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Poor Chasity....
ALEX
Why did you just say poor Chasity?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Where you hurt that Jeremy didn't get married?
ALEX
I was concerned.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Because you measure a person's worth on whether that can find love or not.
ALEX
That's not true.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
And that's why you got upset when you were unmarried by 25. You were so anxious for Chasity to get married when she found someone that you jumped right in. So got so involved that you were completely unaware that this man was abusing your daughter.
ALEX
He was beating her?
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Oh no. If it were physical abuse Chasity would have left long before the wedding. No because of her father she has learned that emotional abuse must be ok. I mean her father was a good man, and that's how he treated her mother. Why shouldn't she expect that treatment from her own husband? (pause) The same emotional abuse that has Jeremy scared to even get involved in a relationship. You and Elizabeth's marriage was the only example he had. And that example has effected him so much that he will die a lonely man.
ALEX
Jeremy.......
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
And that chain doesn't end there. Megan Rene and her brother will also have relationship problems,the same with their children and their children's children. I guess we were wrong Alex Prader, you are a man whose left his mark on the world.
Alex stands in silence.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Is there anything you have to say for yourself Alex?
ALEX
There's nothing to say.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Does anybody have anything further?
JULIAN
(pause) Actually I do.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Julian, you have the floor.
JULIAN
Like the one Council member said earlier, it's hard to fathom that your life was a total waste. Did you take anything with you from your life on Earth? Any life lessons?
ALEX
(deep breath)The main thing I got from my life, is that you got to do the best that you can do to survive. You probably are going to make mistakes that will change the world as you know it, but you just got to keep going on. You just have to keep fighting to stay alive. That's why 80 year old men can be laying in a hospital bed refusing to give up. One might say, "Hey you've lived a full life, just let go." But it's all about survival. I've taken that belief with me into the afterlife. No mater how many mistakes I have made. No mater how much I've altered the universe. Everything I've done, I've done with the best of intentions. I refuse to give up. I will not give.
HEAD COUNCIL MEMEBER
Unfortunately, it is no longer up to you Alex. (pause) Me and the Council will confer, remove him.
With a wave of HCM's hand Angels appear and escort Alex away. Julian watches with distraught in his face as the escort Alex away.
INT-CELL
Alex sits on the floor of his cell next to Emmanuel.
ALEX
What do you think they will decide?
EMMANUEL
I do not know.
ALEX
You know whether I believe they were right or wrong, I did mess up a lot in my life.
EMMANUEL
Doesn't everyone.
ALEX
We're not talking about everyone, we're talking about me.
EMMANUEL
Have we reversed rolls?
ALEX
So Jeremy dies alone?
EMMANUEL
Yes, I'm sorry.
ALEX
So he will never have children?
EMMANUEL
Just because he never gets married doesn't mean he doesn't get involved with people.
ALEX
How many does he end up having?
EMMANUEL
Three that he claims.
ALEX
Cheese and rice. He got around didn't he?
EMMANUEL
He certainly did.(pause) He got the phone booth.
ALEX
What?
EMMANUEL
After you died he inherited the phone booth.
ALEX
That's good. I was hoping he would get it. I never mentioned it in the will. (pause) What about Chas?
EMMANUEL
She stays married because she believes in forever, but she and her husband will live separate lives.
ALEX
And the grandchildren?
EMMANUEL
They will have relationship problems, but I think overall they will be ok.
ALEX
You know I want to say thank you. Thank you for being my guide, trying to look out for me and all. Thank you for being my friend up here.
EMMANUEL
I don't believe I did that great of a job as a guide. I mean you are facing extinction.
ALEX
Oh well you win some you lose some. When Megan comes back tell her thank you too. And tell Robert to hold on to her.
EMMANUEL
I will.
ALEX
And will you do me one more favor?
EMMANUEL
Yes.
ALEX
Will you tell Elizabeth that I'm sorry. I screwed up. Tell her.......
Alex's world again shifts and changes until....CUT TO:
INT-HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM-DAY
Alex is an old man now sitting in a chair in the waiting room. Megan Rene climbs off his lap.
ALEX
.....I love her. And here we go again. (looking down at hands) And I'm old this time.
Megan Rene trys to walk out of the waiting room. Alex is in pursuit.
ALEX
(singing) Don't walk away Rene, you won't see me follow you back home. Some mean heaven cop wants to destroy my soul-oh-oh-oh. Don't make an old man run. (catches her. In normal voice) Gotcha ya.
Chas enters the room.
CHAS
She giving you problems Dad?
ALEX
No were having a good time. Once children learn to walk they don't want to stop.
CHAS
Jeremy is still in there. Did you want to go back in?
ALEX
Go back in?
CHAS
To see Mom...
ALEX
Oh God....
CHAS
Are you ok Dad?
ALEX
Yeah, just thinking about Mom.
CHAS
I know. (hugging Alex) it'll be ok.
ALEX
Yes I want to go see her.
CHAS
(grabbing Megan Rene's hand) Stay with Mommy.
Alex walks down the hospital halls toward Elizabeth's room. His memory guides him where to go. Jeff runs into him half way down the hall.
JEFF
Hey Mr. Prader. Are you going back into see Mrs. Prader?
ALEX
Yes, heading that way.
JEFF
Is Chas in the waiting room?
ALEX
Yes, she's there with Megan.
Jeff starts to walk away.
ALEX
Oh Jeff.
JEFF
Yes, Mr. Prader?
ALEX
If you ever hurt my daughter physically or emotionally....I know I'm an old man and that I might die soon, but I will come back from what ever type of afterlife that I'm in to kill you.
Jeff stands and stares as Alex walks toward the room.
INT-ELIZABETH'S HOSPITAL ROOM-DAY
Jeremy is in there holding is Mom's hand. Alex enters and walks over beside him.
JEREMY
I think she's almost gone.
ALEX
Are you ok?
JEREMY
I shouldn't have said that. She can hear me. Even though she can't talk she can hear me.
ALEX
It's ok son.
JEREMY
(getting up) I love her so much.
ALEX
I know you do. (hugging his son) It'll be alright son.
Jeremy cries in his arms.
ALEX
(as Jeremy breaks from the hug) Can you give me a few minutes alone with her?
JEREMY
Yes.
ALEX
Jeremy, can you do me a favor?
JEREMY
Yes Dad.
ALEX
Don't give up on love because of any mistakes I might have made.
JEREMY
..