SMASHED
Written by
James Ponsoldt & Susan Burke
September 24th, 2011
OVER BLACK:
CLINKING GLASSES and other assorted BAR SOUNDS.
KARAOKE ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Let's give a hand to Rodney!
Scattered APPLAUSE and LAUGHTER.
KARAOKE ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Next up, we've got a little lady
named...KATE!
Joyful APPLAUSE.
BAR VOICES (V.O.)
Yeah, Kate!
THE OPENING MUZAK STRAINS OF A "KARAOKE SONG TO BE
DETERMINED"
FADE IN:
1 INT. KARAOKE BAR - NIGHT 1
CLOSE ON: KATE HANNAH -- late-20s, pretty and wholesome and, *
oh yeah, piss drunk. She stands on a tiny
KARAOKE STAGE
in the far corner of a half-empty dive bar.
Kate holds a MICROPHONE and dances as she SINGS a bad karaoke
version of "SONG TO BE DETERMINED." What Kate lacks in talent
she more than makes up for with charm and enthusiasm.
At a table near the stage is --
-- CHARLIE HANNAH: Kate's husband, late-20's, scruffy but *
handsome, also pretty damn drunk. He enthusiastically claps
and points to Kate, making up a cheering section along with --
-- OWEN HANNAH -- Charlie's younger brother, early-20's -- *
who sings along with --
-- the small but energetic CROWD.
Kate begins to ramble between verses -- and gleefully points
to Charlie and Owen. For the moment, this drunk girl is the
Queen of Karaoke.
LATER
2.
Kate finishes the song and drunkenly tumbles off the stage to
join Charlie and Owen.
CHARLIE
That was so good, baby!
KATE
Bullshit.
CHARLIE
I'm serious. You sing like an angel
-- a drunk angel.
Owen and Kate LAUGH.
KATE
If you were writing about my
performance for your blog, what
would you say?
CHARLIE
I'd say that, uh...my wife is the
sexiest, most amazing woman alive.
KATE
That would be such a shitty article
-- nobody would read it.
Kate and Charlie laugh and kiss -- and then Kate glances at
Owen and makes a puppy dog face.
KATE (CONT'D)
(to Owen)
Aw...we need to find you a lady,
Owen.
OWEN
Yeah -- I've been trying to flirt
with the bartender, but...I can't
tell.
Owen motions to the --
-- FEMALE BARTENDER, early 20's. *
KATE
She's hot! What can't you tell?
OWEN
She looks like she could kick my
ass. No way would she go for a guy
like me.
3.
KATE
You're being a little girl -- just
go talk to her.
OWEN
(clearly shy)
I don't know...forget about it.
KATE
(not going to take "no"
for an answer)
I'll take point -- follow me.
Kate stumbles to the bar. Charlie and Owen follow. Kate puts
her arms around Owen and gets the attention of the bartender.
KATE (CONT'D)
I want to buy a gimlet for me and a
double-shot of whiskey for my
brother-in-law `cause he's had a
hard week.
FEMALE BARTENDER
`Kay.
The bartender quickly pours the drinks.
FEMALE BARTENDER (CONT'D)
That's fifteen.
KATE
Wait -- don't you wanna know what
happened to him?
The bartender rolls her eyes and checks around the bar to see
if there are other customers. It's pretty dead -- so she
listens.
FEMALE BARTENDER
(unenthused)
What happened?
KATE
He just got back from England --
because he went there for a girl! A
preppy, bitchy girl. Diane
Court...that was her name. He loved
her so much that he went with her
because she had a fellowship or
something. He gave up being a
kickboxer. A kickboxer! *
(sad)
And she dumped him.
4.
The bartender sizes up Owen. The trio waits with anticipation
to hear her response, which is --
FEMALE BARTENDER
(to Owen)
You kickbox?
OWEN
(caught in the headlights)
Yeah.
And...that's all Owen's got.
KATE
(jumping in)
And he teaches kids at the
kickboxing studio. Oh, they're so
cute!
The bartender glances back to Owen.
OWEN
(finally)
A lot of `em don't have parents --
so...it's kinda more than just a
teacher/student thing.
(beat)
I know it sounds silly, but I feel
responsible for them -- like...
(emotional)
...I could be their parent.
Kate slides down the bar to Charlie.
KATE
(hushed)
I think I got him laid.
CHARLIE
Yeah?
KATE
She seems totally game.
CHARLIE
Sure she just didn't want to get
into your pants?
Kate rolls her eyes.
KATE
I think I'm done for the night.
5.
CHARLIE
Yeah?
Owen wanders over, dejected. *
OWEN
She's seen "Say Anything."
CHARLIE
Eh, well...what're you gonna do,
huh?
(beat)
Wanna drive us home?
KATE
No -- he needs to keep working it! *
You guys stay here.
CHARLIE
I don't want to watch my brother
not score. I want to go to bed with
you and...
(whispered into Kate's
ear)
...you know.
KATE
I'll be home when you get there. We
can "you know" then.
OWEN
(to Charlie)
Yeah, man -- you don't have a job
to wake up for in the morning or
anything.
CHARLIE
Writing is a job! Not having to
report to an office only makes work
harder.
(to Kate)
Baby, you drank a lot. I think Owen
should take us home -- you're too
drunk to drive.
KATE
So's Owen.
(suddenly focused)
I'm not that drunk. Besides, you
know I focus when I drive -- it
sobers me up.
CHARLIE
Tell that to the cops.
6.
Kate kisses Charlie and hugs Owen.
KATE
(to Charlie)
I love you, baby. I'll be waiting
for you in a nice warm bed. You
have exactly one mission: get your
brother laid -- and don't talk to
any other women.
Beat.
CHARLIE
That sounds like two missions.
KATE
No, it's just one.
CHARLIE
(to Owen)
It kinda sounded like two, right?
OWEN
(nodding)
It did.
Kate grins and slowly backs away towards the door.
KATE
(really fast)
GoodbyeIloveyouboth!
2 EXT. KARAOKE BAR - PARKING LOT - NIGHT 2 *
Kate stumbles out of the bar and hears a GROAN. She glances
over and sees:
A drunk woman -- FREDA, 30s -- sitting on the curb. She MOANS
again.
Kate glances around the parking lot. Nobody else but her and
Freda.
KATE
You okay?
FREDA
(quick)
Yeah. Are you?
KATE
(taken aback)
Um...sure.
7.
FREDA
Good.
(whispers)
Hey, I'm not really okay.
KATE
Oh...
FREDA
My bitch sister just took off and
left me here so she could hook up
with some asshole. Now what am I
supposed to do? Huh? I don't have a
car here.
KATE
I guess I could...
FREDA
You'll give me a ride? Oh my god!
Thank you!
Freda gets up quickly -- and almost falls over. *
KATE
I was gonna say "call you a cab,"
`cause, you know -- I don't even
know you.
FREDA
It's not far. Please? Pretty
please...?
Kate looks dismayed. Not sure what to do.
CUT TO:
3 INT./EXT. SUBARU (MOVING) - NIGHT 3 *
The car passes through Chinatown on its way downtown. *
Kate drives with Freda in the passenger seat. Freda glances
down at the floor and notices a FLASK. *
FREDA
You know, you shouldn't drink and
drive.
KATE
I wasn't --
FREDA
Just kidding. Can I have a sip?
8.
Kate's speechless.
FREDA (CONT'D)
I'm really thirsty.
KATE
It's, uh...whiskey.
FREDA
Fuck yeah, it's whiskey! I love
whiskey. You're the real thing,
huh? A hardcore drinking bitch like
me!
Freda takes a swig from Kate's flask.
KATE
I don't know. No.
FREDA
Can I smoke in your car?
KATE
(slightly annoyed)
Okay, fine -- go ahead. Can you
just roll down the window?
FREDA
Of course -- I'm not uncivilized.
Freda takes out a --
-- CRACK PIPE and lights it, deeply inhaling crack smoke.
KATE
(in disbelief)
WHOA!
Kate immediately pulls the car over.
KATE (CONT'D)
Not what I thought you meant.
FREDA
Want a hit?
KATE
No, I...is that pot?
FREDA
(as though it's a
ridiculous question)
Of course not! What do I look like?
A stoner?
(MORE)
9.
FREDA (CONT'D)
(beat)
It's crack.
KATE
Oh, shit! No...no thank you.
FREDA
C'mon -- it's good crack.
KATE
I don't, um...I've never smoked
crack.
FREDA
(surprised)
Really? This stuff is the truth --
and it'll sober you up.
KATE
Uh...I think you should go.
FREDA
I'm not getting out in the middle
of nowhere. Do you know what could
happen to me all alone out here at *
night?
KATE
I don't know -- people might offer
you crack?
FREDA
Seriously? It's not a big deal --
just take a little hit.
Kate and Freda stare at each other. A stand-off.
KATE
I said no.
FREDA
One hit won't hurt you. It'll sober
you up.
Kate glances at the pipe, which Freda wiggles in front of
her.
FREDA (CONT'D)
(high-pitched cartoon
voice)
Smoke me!
Kate LAUGHS.
10.
KATE
One puff. Then we are both going
home.
Freda nods. Long beat.
KATE (CONT'D)
Fine.
Freda puts the pipe into Kate's lips and lights it. Kate
sucks in crack smoke. Her eyelids flutter.
FREDA
You've got money, right?
4 EXT. DOWNTOWN - STREET - NIGHT 4
Near some TENTS, CARDBOARD BOXES, and SHOPPING CARTS --
-- Kate smokes crack with FREDA and TWO OLDER MEN. They pass
around TWO PIPES.
LATER
Freda is passed out on a SLEEPING BAG on the sidewalk.
Kate is animatedly telling a story to the two guys -- who're
still smoking crack.
KATE
(mile-a-minute fast)
...'cause I feel like I understand
what it's like to be homeless, ya
know? I mean, if you didn't know
me, if we hadn't connected tonight,
you might think: "There's some
upper-middle-class, NPR listening,
self-congratulatory, insulated,
lazy liberal bitch. Probably never
had to worry about anything." But
that's not true at all! I grew up
poor, man. Single mother.
McDonald's used to have one day a
week where they sold 29 cent
hamburgers, and another day where
they had 39 cent cheeseburgers. My
mom and me would go there and she'd
get twenty burgers -- that was the
limit, probably set up for folks
just like us -- and then she'd put
`em in the freezer and we'd
microwave `em for dinner throughout
the week.
(MORE)
11.
KATE (CONT'D)
I was kinda overweight until high
school, to be perfectly honest.
Eating used to be my thing. When I
started drinking, though, I kinda
stopped eating so much.
(back on track)
But anyway, the point is: You and
me, we're not so different.
The two guys aren't paying much attention to Kate. They're
more concerned with their crack pipe.
5 EXT. DOWNTOWN - SIDEWALK - DAWN 5
Kate is asleep on the curb. She looks awful. Suddenly, Kate's
eyes widen. She looks around at her surroundings, confused,
then jumps to her feet.
6 EXT. DOWNTOWN - STREETS - DAWN 6
Kate runs through the streets.
6A EXT. DOWNTOWN - STREETS - DAWN 6A *
We TRACK along with Kate as she dashes past various *
buildings. *
6B EXT. DOWNTOWN - STREET - DAWN 6B *
We stare down a long, empty street, the downtown SKYSCRAPERS *
towering in the distance. From out of nowhere -- *
-- Kate appears at the end of the street and sprints towards *
the camera. *
A LEGEND APPEARS OVER THE IMAGE OF KATE RUNNING:
"SMASHED"
7 INT./EXT. SUBARU (MOVING) - DAWN 7
Kate drives -- a paranoid expression on her face and her
hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. She glances down
at --
-- her CELL PHONE in the passenger seat. 21 missed calls.
12.
She passes various sites on her way from downtown to Highland *
Park. *
8 EXT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - MORNING 8
Kate slowly pulls into the driveway of a small, cute house.
9 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/HALLWAY/KITCHEN - 9 *
MORNING
Kate walks into the kitchen to find --
-- Charlie asleep at the kitchen table. CELL PHONE next to
his head. Empty BEER BOTTLES litter the table.
Kate tip-toes across the kitchen.
Charlie quickly jerks up.
CHARLIE
(confused)
Huh?!
KATE
Shhh...it's okay, baby. Go back to
sleep.
CHARLIE
What happened? I came home and you
were gone and I waited and waited.
KATE
It's a long story.
CHARLIE
I was worried. I kept calling you.
KATE
I ended up...
Charlie SNIFFS Kate.
CHARLIE
You smell funny. What do you smell
like?
KATE
I fell asleep in my car. Near the
bar. I was too drunk to drive.
13.
CHARLIE
So, why didn't you come back or
call me?
KATE
Charlie --
(beat)
-- I'm fine.
CHARLIE
Well, maybe I'm not. I worry, baby.
I love you -- and you know how you
get sometimes.
KATE
I love you too. But I'm home. It's
over. I gotta get to work.
CHARLIE
I can't be worried about you all
the time.
Kate rubs Charlie's hair and kisses his forehead.
KATE
Don't worry so much. I'm fine.
(beat)
C'mon -- let me get you to bed.
CHARLIE
I'm up now -- how `bout I make us
bacon and egg sandwiches?
Kate smiles.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
(knows he's got her)
Magic words.
10 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BATHROOM - MORNING 10
Kate takes a shower -- while she drinks a BEER. *
Gets dressed.
Puts on make-up.
11 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING 11
Kate walks into the kitchen, ready to go. Charlie is at the
stove, cooking bacon and eggs. He hands Kate a MUG OF COFFEE
and gestures to the table -- where there's a CHECK.
14.
CHARLIE
Check for your mom's on the table.
KATE
Thanks, baby.
Kate takes a sip of coffee.
KATE (CONT'D)
Why does the coffee taste so much
better when you make it?
CHARLIE
Because I make it with love -- and
bacon.
Kate LAUGHS and kisses Charlie.
12 INT./EXT. SUBARU (MOVING) - DAY 12 *
Kate takes a right on a STREET and then pulls into the *
PARKING LOT AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
She's about to get out, but then notices...
...the FLASK on the floor.
A FEW MOMENTS LATER
Kate chugs what's left in the flask.
ACROSS THE PARKING LOT *
MR. DAVIES -- the assistant principal, early-40's, slightly *
nerdy but not bad looking, watches -- *
-- Kate drink in her car. *
CHILDREN pass by in the distance. *
Mr. Davies takes a beat, but instead of saying anything he *
walks away through the parking lot. *
Kate doesn't notice she's been seen. *
13 OMITTED 13 *
15.
14 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY 14
Kate stands next to a CHALKBOARD in front of a class of THIRD
GRADERS. She's really animated -- doing her "game show
hostess" schtick.
On the chalkboard are the letters: "AN"
KATE
(to the class)
Now, if I add a "C," what word do I
have?
A STUDENT raises her hand.
KATE (CONT'D)
Yes, Hillary? *
HILLARY *
Can?
KATE
That's correct! Can. You've won an
all-expenses paid trip to the
blackboard, Hillary! *
Hillary hesitates. She looks embarrassed. *
KATE (CONT'D)
C'mon...there's a washer-dryer
combo in it for you.
Hillary shuffles up to the board and writes "CAN." *
KATE (CONT'D)
Great job, Hillary -- let's give *
her a round of applause!
The class APPLAUDS.
Hillary smiles and goes back to her seat. *
KATE (CONT'D)
Can anyone use "can" in a sentence?
A student -- ANGELA -- raises her hand.
KATE (CONT'D)
Yes?
ANGELA
"Hurry up in there -- I gotta use
the can!"
16.
The students GIGGLE.
KATE
(quickly moving on)
Wonderful, Angela. You get a Camaro
with flames painted on the hood.
The students CHEER.
KATE (CONT'D)
Now --
(to the class)
-- what's another word I could make
by adding a letter to "an"?
Nobody raises their hand.
KATE (CONT'D)
C'mon...
Finally, a student in the back -- RAMON -- raises his hand.
KATE (CONT'D)
Yes -- Ramon?
RAMON
P.
KATE
P...okay, what word would that make
if I added a "P"?
RAMON
Um...pan?
KATE
Pan! That's right. Ramon
Martinez...COME ON DOWN!
Ramon walks up and begins to write "PAN."
KATE (CONT'D)
Wow! Just look at that excellent
penman --
Kate stops suddenly and raises her hand to her mouth. She
quickly runs behind her desk, leans over, and discretely --
-- VOMITS on the floor!
Ramon -- who's just inches from the pool of vomit -- looks
horrified.
Kate glances up from behind her desk to see --
17.
-- the kids all make grossed-out faces and say things like --
KIDS
EW! GRODY! GROSS! YUCK! IT SMELLS
LIKE CHEESE! SLOPPY JOE! GRANDPA!
SHRIMP! BACON!
Embarrassed, Kate quickly gets TISSUES from her desk and
begins cleaning up the mess.
KATE
(to the class)
I'm so sorry you had to see that.
HILLARY stands up. *
HILLARY *
Mrs. Hannah -- are you pregnant?
KATE
What?
HILLARY *
My mommy threw up when she was
pregnant with my little sister. Are
you pregnant?
Some of the kids begin WHISPERING (saying things like "Ooh!"
"She's gonna have a baby.").
RAMON
Are you?
Kate seems flustered and says --
KATE
Yes.
15 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY 15
Kate sits across a desk from --
-- PRINCIPAL BARNES: female, early 50's, stern, scattered, *
and clearly a softy at heart, she wears a pair of GLASSES *
around her neck. *
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Vice Principal Davies will be
looking after your students for the
rest of the day -- so you don't
need to worry about that.
18.
KATE
Oh, that's really good to know.
I'll have to thank him.
(beat)
I just feel awful for getting sick
in front of my students.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Oh, please -- they're troopers. I'm
sure they've seen plenty worse.
(beat)
So -- how long have you been
pregnant?
KATE
Um...it's the first trimester.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Well, it's very exciting. You must
be thrilled.
KATE
(nods)
Uh-huh.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Can I ask a...personal question?
KATE
Okay.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
How's it...
(beat)
...going for you?
KATE
Huh?
PRINCIPAL BARNES
The pregnancy, I mean.
Kate's not sure how to respond.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
Having kids wasn't in the cards for
me. I came close, but...
Principal Barnes drifts off into thought for a moment, then
catches herself and quickly shifts gears.
19.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
...I mean, it's like I've got a
couple hundred kids here --
(forces a laugh)
-- but...I don't fool myself. It's
not the same.
KATE
(considers her reply)
Well...it's hard to explain.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Of course...
KATE
I wouldn't call it a burden, but --
PRINCIPAL BARNES
It's a responsibility.
Beat.
KATE
Yeah. Exactly.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
(nods)
You're so lucky.
(beat)
Can I...touch it?
KATE
Um, I don't...okay -- but it sleeps
a lot.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Of course.
KATE
Like...a lot.
Principal Barnes gets up and kneels next to Kate. She places
her hand on Kate's belly and closes her eyes.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
(whispers)
Hello in there. Can you hear me?
You're a tiny miracle. Did you know
that? A miracle.
Principal Barnes looks up at Kate and smiles -- with tears in
her eyes.
20.
16 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY 16
Kate walks down the hall and comes to the door of her
classroom. Through the glass she sees --
-- Mr. Davies. He notices Kate and smiles (the concerned
smile you give someone right after they've publicly
embarrassed themselves).
Kate mouths the words --
KATE
(silent)
Thank you.
-- and gestures "come here."
Mr. Davies gestures to the class that he'll be right back --
before he walks out to talk to Kate. He's got a slightly
nervous demeanor -- somewhere between "I never became
comfortable talking to women" and Asperger's.
MR. DAVIES
Is everything, um...okay, Mrs.
Hannah?
KATE
Yeah, well...I'm really embarrassed
-- but I feel a lot better. And I
just wanted to say thank you.
Mr. Davies glances down the hall.
MR. DAVIES
Look -- I'm not a fool.
(whispered)
I know you were drinking this
morning.
Kate looks shocked.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
I saw you.
KATE
(taken aback)
Oh, no, I...
MR. DAVIES
Drinking when you're pregnant is
really dangerous.
21.
KATE
I know that! Oh, God, I...
(long beat)
...listen -- I'm not actually
pregnant.
MR. DAVIES
What?
KATE
I'm just really hung over. The kids
started asking me questions after I
vomited and I panicked.
MR. DAVIES
Oh. That's...not good.
KATE
I know. I...please don't say
anything.
Mr. Davies looks torn, unsure how to respond.
MR. DAVIES
Just...go home. Get some sleep.
Before Kate can say a word, Mr. Davies heads back into the
classroom.
17 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BATHROOM - DAY 17
Kate has her face fully in the sink while water runs over it
and --
-- TWO LITTLE GIRLS curiously watch.
18 INT. NEIGHBORHOOD BAR - DAY 18 *
Kate and Charlie play POOL while splitting a PITCHER OF BEER.
It's a bit early to be drinking, but hey -- why not?
KATE
I had such a crappy morning.
CHARLIE
Me too. I spent like three hours at
the post office trying to buy
stamps and stuff.
Kate takes a long sip of beer.
22.
KATE
I told my class I was pregnant.
Charlie looks up at Kate with a beaming smile. He leans over
and grabs her hand.
CHARLIE
(excited and sort of
confused)
Oh, baby, that's --
KATE
I'm not. Pregnant. So don't worry.
CHARLIE
(deflated)
Oh.
(beat)
`Cause it would be great news -- if
it was true.
(beat)
`Course then I'd have to drink your
beer...
KATE
Well, it was a lie. I just lied to
my class. After barfing in front of
them.
CHARLIE
(cringes)
Ooh...
KATE
Yeah, that's what they said.
(long beat)
Listen...I can't do this anymore.
A look of complete terror and confusion passes over Charlie's
face.
CHARLIE
What do you mean?
KATE
I dunno. I think I might...drink
too much.
Charlie LAUGHS.
CHARLIE
Oh. That. Yeah...you kinda do.
Charlie swigs his beer.
23.
KATE
I know I do -- I'm a fucking
mess...
CHARLIE
Baby -- that's not true. You're
beautiful. And brilliant. And I
love you. I wouldn't be married to
a "mess."
KATE
I left work after puking in front *
of little kids. And...now I'm *
drinking in the middle of the day. *
CHARLIE
Well, those things happen
sometimes.
(beat)
I mean, they shouldn't happen all
the time, but...it's the price of,
uh, truly living life.
KATE
Isn't that like a slogan for some
kind of beer or toothpaste or
something...?
CHARLIE
No. And it's true -- you and me,
we're not just some boring couple
in the suburbs who don't sleep with
each other and have nothing to talk
about except whatever TV show
they're currently into.
(beat)
We, like...still know how to party.
KATE
Yeah...
(beat)
...I think I need to slow down.
(beat)
And I might need help.
CHARLIE
I'll help you.
KATE
I know, but...I might need more
help.
CHARLIE
Yeah? Like a therapist?
24.
KATE
I don't know -- I just get stupid
when I'm drunk, and I'm drunk a
lot.
CHARLIE
We just like to have a good time.
KATE
Yeah, well...
(beat)
...you've gotta promise not to tell
this to anyone.
CHARLIE
(curious)
I promise.
KATE
That includes Owen.
CHARLIE
Of course.
KATE
Well, last night I kinda, um...
(hushed)
...smoked some crack.
CHARLIE
WHAT?!
Some bar patrons glance at Kate and Charlie.
KATE
After I left the bar, I, uh, picked
up this drunk girl and...I don't
really remember what came next, but
I ended up smoking crack with her.
CHARLIE
(confused)
Uh...how's that even happen?
(beat)
You give someone a ride and she
rewards you with crack?!
KATE
Well...she seemed desperate. She
really needed a ride home.
CHARLIE
Where?
25.
KATE
Downtown. I think she maybe lives
in...a tent?
CHARLIE
What?
KATE
Well...she might be homeless. Or a
prostitute. Or just some lost
sorority girl.
(thinks about it)
To be honest, I'm not sure...
CHARLIE
(disgusted)
Oh, my god...you smoked crack with
some random stranger? Did
you...share a pipe?
Kate doesn't answer. She doesn't need to.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Ughhh...
(beat)
Just playing Devil's advocate, but
maybe it's the crack-smoking you
need help with and not the
drinking.
Kate gives Charlie a dirty look.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
I'm just saying.
KATE
The drinking led to the crack-
smoking. The drinking leads to
everything stupid I do.
(beat)
I mean...can you even remember the
last time we had sober sex?
Charlie begins to answer, but then...goes blank. He tries to
remember. And can't.
CHARLIE
We'll chill out with the booze for
a while. We can just be wine-with- *
dinner people.
(beat)
How's that sound?
26.
19 EXT. STREET - DAY 19
Kate and Charlie joyfully ride BICYCLES home from the bar.
CHARLIE
Maybe you should go to, uh... one
of those meetings. They have `em
over there.
Charlie gestures to a
BUILDING (could be a church or different type of building
where AA meets).
Kate LAUGHS.
KATE
Yeah, right.
CHARLIE
Remember when I was shit-faced and
took that Q & A pamphlet from
there?
KATE
(laughs)
Holy shit! And we answered "yes" to
like every question and at the end
it was like, "If you answered `yes'
to any of these you're an
alcoholic!"
CHARLIE
Yeah...
(nostalgic)
...that was fun, wasn't it?
Kate smiles and nods.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Hey --
Charlie gestures to the street.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
-- look out for that crack!
Kate looks down but sees nothing.
KATE
What crack?
27.
CHARLIE
Oh, sorry -- I thought there was a
crack there...
(grins)
...but you must have smoked it last
night.
Kate rolls her eyes -- and then jokingly swerves towards
Charlie, trying to knock him over. He LAUGHS and speeds away.
Kate chases after him.
20 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER 20
While an old 70's R & B song plays on a RECORD PLAYER, which
is next to STACKS AND STACKS OF RECORDS --
-- Kate and Charlie drunkenly slow dance, drink WINE, and *
LAUGH at an AA PAMPHLET.
CHARLIE
"Have you missed days of work or
school because of drinking?"
KATE
Absolutely.
CHARLIE
"Do you envy people who can drink
without getting into trouble?"
KATE
Envy isn't exactly the right
word...
CHARLIE
"Do you have `blackouts'?"
KATE
Yeah, but who doesn't?
CHARLIE
"Has your drinking caused trouble
at home?"
KATE
No! We're great.
CHARLIE
Yeah. Definitely. But we still had
a lot of "yes" answers.
(refers to pamphlet)
Yep...we still qualify as drunks.
28.
KATE
I'm gonna go!
CHARLIE
(disbelief)
Yeah, right.
KATE
No -- I'm serious! I'm gonna go.
What time is it?
CHARLIE
Eight.
Kate gets up.
KATE
See ya.
CHARLIE
(doesn't believe her)
Uh-huh...
Kate takes a big sip of wine.
KATE
(quite serious)
This is me: going.
Charlie LAUGHS -- he doesn't buy it.
CHARLIE
You've been boozing.
KATE
So? You should come too!
Charlie LAUGHS.
CHARLIE
Yeah, right. You can't go to AA
wasted. It's like a rule or
something.
KATE
Oh, yeah? Watch me!
21 INT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT 21
An AA meeting is in progress.
An OLDER WOMAN stands at the podium sharing her story.
29.
The room is filled with --
-- different groups of PEOPLE, all of whom sit with their
"own group," like a high school lunch room -- but the people
are adults. There are distinct groups of --
-- "PRETTY WOMEN" --
-- "OBSESSIVELY TATTOOED PEOPLE" --
-- "BUSINESSMEN" --
-- and "HIPSTERS."
As Kate -- who's slightly confused -- enters the building, a
hip looking man -- DONOVAN, 30's -- stops her, extending his
hand.
DONOVAN
(whispers)
Hey, I'm Donovan. Welcome.
KATE
Hi Donovan -- I'm Kate!
Donovan "shushes" Kate.
DONOVAN
You must be a newcomer, huh?
KATE
A what?
DONOVAN
(whispers)
Um, I'm not really allowed to talk
to new chicks, but there are lots
of women here who can help you out.
KATE
(confused)
Okay.
(beat)
Do I just sit wherever?
DONOVAN
The meeting already started so just
try to find a spot anywhere.
Kate drunkenly stumbles to the back of the room, saying
things like "sorry" and "I like that jacket" as she takes a
seat next to two very CLEAN CUT WOMEN.
30.
As the woman at the podium continues to speak, the women next
to Kate quietly try to welcome her.
LILY *
Are you new?
KATE
To this? Yeah. Why's everyone
whispering?
SHANA *
It's hard, huh?
KATE
I guess.
LILY *
Everything's going to be fine.
You're home.
Kate doesn't respond -- just looks around with the fear
anyone would have if they felt they had just accidentally
joined Jim Jones' church.
LATER
The room is COMPLETELY FULL -- with over ONE-HUNDRED PEOPLE.
The tattooed man stands at the podium.
TATTOO MAN
Not to embarrass anyone, but so
that we may get to know you better -
- is there anybody here in their
first thirty days of recovery?
Several PEOPLE scattered throughout the room stand up and
introduce themselves as alcoholics.
Kate stands up.
KATE
I'm Kate. I...I'm...I guess I'm a
little drunk right now.
People burst into LAUGHTER.
KATE (CONT'D)
Do you want me to talk about my
childhood or something?
31.
TATTOO MAN
(painfully polite)
You know, Kate, we actually ask
that you don't share if you've had *
a drink or any mind-altering
substance in the past 24 hours.
KATE
(not listening)
I can -- I kinda hate my dad and
don't talk to him. And my mom...oh,
man...I don't even know where to
start. She's, like, stuck in the
80's and kind of a metalhead. Her
last boyfriend called himself a
drummer but really just gave drum
lessons to little kids and --
TATTOO MAN
(tries to shut Kate up)
Welcome, Kate.
(forces a smile)
It gets better.
KATE
(not picking up the hint)
I like drinking is the thing. I
mean, I don't want to say you guys
are wrong or anything...
Kate nervously LAUGHS.
Some of the PEOPLE in the crowd look embarrassed for Kate.
TATTOO MAN
Thank you -- we're all here to
help. We do have to move on,
though.
The woman next to Kate gets her to sit back down.
LILY *
Don't worry, sweetie -- there'll be
plenty of time to tell your story.
A young woman -- AMBER, 22 -- approaches the podium.
AMBER
Hey, I'm Amber, alcoholic. I can't
really believe that it's been five
years. I mean, my life was a mess
back then. Now I'm back in school,
I have an amazing man, I love my
parents -- it's crazy...
32.
KATE
(way too loud)
How old is that girl?! Can she even
go to bars?
(to Amber)
How old are you, Amber?
SHANA *
Be respectful.
Kate seems surprised at being chastised.
AMBER
(gaining intensity)
Um...okay? It's because I did the
work. I got down on my knees and
prayed every night! I went to a
meeting everyday!
KATE
Everyday?
AMBER
It wasn't easy, but I've gotta say,
I owe everything to AA. Well, AA --
and God, of course!
The whole room APPLAUDS.
LATER
Everyone is standing, holding hands, and saying the SERENITY
PRAYER.
EVERYONE
God grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change --
courage to change the things I can -
- and wisdom to know the
difference.
KATE
AMEN!
Everyone turns and looks at Kate.
KATE (CONT'D)
(embarrassed)
Okay...I think I'm good.
Kate quickly leaves the meeting as clumsily as she arrived.
33.
22 EXT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT 22
Kate chugs frozen Margarita straight from a PITCHER.
KATE
So much for that.
Kate and Charlie stand in their backyard, which is criss-
crossed by WHITE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and has some old LAWN
FURNITURE.
They drunkenly play CROQUET. *
CHARLIE
Was it a bunch of old biker guys?
KATE
No, it was...I don't know.
Enthusiastic people. A lot of
really ENTHUSIASTIC PEOPLE!
CHARLIE
Yuck -- I hate enthusiasm. I'm
sorry it wasn't cool.
Charlie thinks for a moment.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
I can't really imagine never
drinking. I guess I don't have to,
though --
(beat)
-- you're the one with the problem.
Kate nods in agreement. *
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Hey -- I love you. I don't want you
to have to drink.
KATE
I don't have to drink.
(beat)
I just really like to drink. *
CHARLIE
(sincere)
Good -- `cause you're my favorite
person to drink with in the whole
damn world.
Charlie leans in to kiss Kate. They make out for a moment,
and then Kate...
34.
...BITES Charlie's lip. Charlie pulls back, shocked. Kate
grins mischievously.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Oh, no you didn't!
Charlie lunges at Kate, who dodges him and LAUGHS. Charlie
dives and playfully tackles Kate. They begin to wrestle in
the grass -- it's cute and loving but perhaps a little too
intense.
23 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT 23
Kate and Charlie are making out on the bed. Kate starts to
unbutton Charlie's shirt. As it turns out, Charlie's
extremely drunk (and it's apparent in his movements and
voice).
CHARLIE
Are you trying to have some sex?
Kate removes Charlie's pants and takes off her clothing. She
climbs on top of him and --
-- they start having sloppy, drunk sex.
After a few beats, Kate notices that Charlie isn't moving.
She looks down to discover that --
-- he's passed out.
Kate pauses for a moment...then continues to ride her
unconscious husband.
24 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 24
Kate drinks what's left in the TEQUILA BOTTLE as she
drunkenly searches the fridge, counter, and cupboard for more
booze. She finds a few sips here and there at the bottom of a
couple BEER BOTTLES -- but she seems frustrated that there
isn't more alcohol in the house.
A FEW MOMENTS LATER
Kate puts on her slippers, robe and --
25 EXT. STREET - NIGHT 25
Kate drunkenly rides a BICYCLE down the street (still in her
robe and slippers).
35.
26 INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT 26
Kate tries to open the LOCKED glass fridge where the BEER is
kept. After several attempts, she gives up and grabs TWO
BOTTLES OF WINE from a shelf.
Kate sets the bottles on the counter. *
The CLERK -- a tired looking man in his 30's -- looks at Kate
with pity.
CLERK
You know I can't sell you this,
Kate.
An ELDERLY MAN -- shopping for frozen food -- glances over at
Kate. *
KATE
What? You can't tell I'm 21? Come
on -- I'm in here all the time. You
know me.
CLERK
Yes, I do, Kate. And I know you're
old enough -- but it's too late.
The clerk holds up his WATCH (which reads 2:45).
KATE
C'mon -- we can just pretend it's
before two...
Kate reaches down and tries to rewind the clerk's watch.
CLERK
(not amused)
Stop it.
KATE
It's just a little wine. I'm not
driving or anything.
CLERK
I don't think so. Sorry.
Kate gives him a big, flirty smile.
KATE
Come on, dude -- I'll let you have
a sip if you want.
Kate tries to do a "sexy" dance.
36.
CLERK
It's the law. I can't sell alcohol
after 2 a.m. You know that.
KATE
Why don't you give it to me, then?
That wouldn't hurt anything. A gift
-- because we're friends.
CLERK
I could lose my job.
Kate doesn't have anything to say back -- so she glances at
the Elderly Man in the frozen food section. *
KATE
(to the elderly man; meant
to be a whisper, but way
too loud)
You distract him, okay?!
The elderly man puts up his hands, not wanting any part of
it.
CLERK
Look -- why don't you get a bottle
of water or a coffee or something
instead?
KATE
Water or coffee? Fuck you. What --
just cause I won't suck your dick?
CLERK
(had enough)
Oh my god. Okay, enough -- you
gotta go.
Kate doesn't budge.
CLERK (CONT'D)
Seriously, Kate. You should go.
KATE
Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you!
Kate is hysterical and her eyes are starting to fill with
tears.
KATE (CONT'D)
This is bullshit!
(beat)
I have to pee.
37.
Kate runs down the aisle and tries to open the bathroom door -
- but it's locked. She hides from view, and then squats down
and begins to pull up her robe.
CLERK
What the fuck are you doing?!
KATE
(caught)
I didn't mean to! Sometimes I just
have to pee really, really bad. *
CLERK
(frustrated)
Get outta here NOW!
KATE
(pleads)
C'mon...can't we drink together?
The clerk clearly isn't going to budge. Kate nods, resigned,
and then...
...grabs a BOTTLE OF WINE and dashes out the door.
27 EXT. L.A. RIVER - DAWN 27
Kate is passed out on the concrete bank of the Los Angeles
River. The empty bottle of (screw top) wine is next to her.
Kate's bicycle lays in some weeds nearby.
A bird SQUAWKS.
Kate slowly wakes up, confused, and in a zombie-like state
she gets up and trudges home, wheeling along her bike.
28 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - MORNING 28
Kate is awakened by the deafeningly loud ALARM CLOCK and the
sound of a news radio ANNOUNCER. She looks at the clock and
realizes that --
-- it's 7:30.
She jumps out of bed in a panic.
KATE
Charlie!
Kate pauses when she realizes her back is wet. She looks down
at the bed, which is --
38.
-- COMPLETELY SOAKED.
KATE (CONT'D)
(mumbled)
Not again.
Half-asleep, Charlie rolls over onto the pee-soaked part of
the bed.
CHARLIE
Come back to bed, baby.
KATE
I have to go to work. You snoozed
my alarm again. I'm gonna be late.
CHARLIE
Well, you peed on me so I guess *
we're even. *
KATE
I have a weak bladder.
CHARLIE
Well...I can't go to work like
this.
KATE
You work from our kitchen.
CHARLIE
Yeah, but changing the sheets is my
real job.
(beat)
Hey -- where were you last night?
KATE
Huh?
CHARLIE
I woke up at like 4 a.m. and you
were gone.
KATE
Where would I go at 4 a.m. alone?
You must've been dreaming.
Kate then glances down and notices --
-- that HER FEET ARE COVERED IN DIRT AND GRASS.
She pauses, slightly alarmed, but continues getting ready.
39.
29 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - BATHROOM - STALL - DAY 29
Kate's on her knees, puking into a toilet.
A FEW MOMENTS LATER
Kate exits the stall to find --
-- Principal Barnes standing by the door.
KATE
I...
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I can only imagine the chemistry
experiment that's going on --
Barnes points at Kate's stomach.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
(smiles)
-- in there.
30 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY 30
Kate sits on a SMALL CHAIR reading a CHILDREN'S BOOK to her
class --
-- who're sitting Indian style in a semi-circle.
RAMON
Are you gonna have a boy or a girl?
KATE
I don't know yet.
HILLARY *
When will you know?
KATE
Not until summertime. You guys will
be on vacation.
RAMON
If you have a boy what will you
name him?
KATE
Maybe...Woodrow Wilson?
ANGELA
That's a name for a man -- not a
baby!
40.
The children LAUGH.
Kate LAUGHS too -- but looks a little freaked out.
31 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - TEACHERS' LOUNGE - DAY 31
Kate eats her PACKED LUNCH with Mr. Davies.
KATE
Thanks again for covering for me.
MR. DAVIES
I can't promise to cover for you
every time you get pregnant.
KATE
There won't be another time.
MR. DAVIES
I genuinely hope not. Look -- I
didn't tell Barnes, but if anything
like this happens again I'll have
to.
Mr. Davies smiles -- a sweet, genuine smile.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
Okay...Kate?
KATE
(nodding)
Okay...
(not sure what to say)
...David?
Beat.
MR. DAVIES
Dave.
Kate tries to hold back a smile.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
I know -- Dave Davies...yup...hah-
hah. Anyway, uh, is everything okay
with you?
KATE
I don't know.
(beat)
Um...no?
(MORE)
41.
KATE (CONT'D)
I puked in front of my class and
then told everyone I'm pregnant.
That's not really okay, huh?
MR. DAVIES
No, I don't think so.
KATE
I went to AA last night.
MR. DAVIES
(slightly uncomfortable)
Oh, yeah? What'd you think of it?
KATE
It was awful. I kept getting
shushed.
MR. DAVIES
I don't normally tell people I work
with this... but --
Mr. Davies takes a COIN that says "Nine Years" out of his
pocket and shows it to Kate.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
-- I'm a bit of an expert when it
comes to these things.
KATE
(shocked)
You?
MR. DAVIES
Yeah, me. I've lived a strange one. *
I'm nine years sober, AA and NA.
(beat)
I used to drink cocaine.
(off Kate's shocked
expression)
It's really cheap in the
Philippines.
Mr. Davies takes a beat to think about what he's saying.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
Listen, Kate. I know meetings can
be weird. Especially at first, but
if you want to...you never need to
feel like you have to...but the
ones I go to are pretty small. Nice
little groups.
(beat)
I'd be happy to take you.
42.
KATE
Maybe that would be good...I don't
know.
MR. DAVIES
No pressure, okay. That shit saved
my life, though.
Principal Barnes walks in.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
(switching gears)
Well, I'm scheduled to observe Ms.
Carol's art class. They're making
macaroni art, so...I'm pretty
stoked.
Mr. Davies gets up to leave -- discretely winking at Kate as
he exits.
Principal Barnes watches Mr. Davies leave, a puzzled
expression on her face.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
(to Kate)
Mrs. Hannah -- I've got something
for you...
Principal Barnes opens the MINI FRIDGE to reveal a huge jug
of ORANGE JUICE.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
Folic Acid! You need it now like
never before.
KATE
(beat)
Thanks.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I bet your mother is over the moon,
huh? Probably planning you a baby
shower...?
KATE
Oh, well...she and I aren't that
close.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Oh, I'm sorry. Well, listen -- any
motherly thing you need -- I'm *
here, okay?
Barnes hands Kate a large glass of juice.
43.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
Now drink up -- that baby in
there's thirsty!
KATE
Okay.
(takes a sip of orange
juice)
And...you're kinda the only person
at school -- besides Mr. Davies --
who knows I'm pregnant. Could
you...?
PRINCIPAL BARNES
My lips are --
Principal Barnes mimes "zipping" her lips.
32 EXT./INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/KITCHEN - DAY
32 *
Kate walks in the front door to see -- *
-- Charlie working on his computer. A BEER next to him. An
old record PLAYS on the record player.
KATE
Hey...
CHARLIE
Howdy.
Kate collapses on the couch next to Charlie and kisses him.
KATE
How was your day? And what's that
smell?
CHARLIE
Eh -- alright. Couldn't find
oatmeal so I made ketchup soup.
KATE
(cringes)
Charlie! You need to eat.
CHARLIE
What? It's tasty.
(beat)
So...I'm going to see that band *
from Iceland with the triplets play *
tonight. Want to come with me and
Owen to check it out?
44.
KATE
Oh, that sounds fun, but...
CHARLIE
C'mon -- Owen can't pick up girls
without you.
KATE
I don't know...this guy I work with
-- Mr. Davies --
CHARLIE
The Vice Principal?
KATE
Yeah -- turns out he's sober and
invited me to a meeting.
CHARLIE
(surprised)
Wow, that's...uh, cool.
Charlie goes silent.
KATE
What?
CHARLIE
Nothing -- I just...I didn't think
you really loved the meeting you
went to yesterday. In fact, it
sounded like you hated it. So I'm
kinda surprised you're going back.
KATE
Well...this is a smaller meeting.
It might be different. I dunno -- I
think I want to give it a fair
shot.
Charlie nods.
KATE (CONT'D)
Besides -- I was hammered last
night.
(beat)
Go on and have fun out drinking
with Owen tonight. Seriously. I'm
just gonna, you know, try something *
different...
Charlie pulls Kate close to him.
45.
CHARLIE
I'm here for you, okay? Even though
I drink -- I could slow down if you
need me to.
(forces a smile)
I'm sure I could.
33 EXT. CHURCH - AA MEETING ROOM - NIGHT 33
Kate approaches a small church.
Mr. Davies waits outside.
35 INT. CHURCH - AA MEETING ROOM - NIGHT - A FEW MOMENTS LATER
35
Mr. Davies walks Kate into a medium sized room where --
-- about TEN PEOPLE are getting coffee, talking, and setting
CHAIRS IN A CIRCLE.
Kate looks around the room, scoping out the people, who're
very different from the crowd at the previous night's meeting
--
-- several BLUE COLLAR MEN --
-- JENNY: 40-ish, with dark hair and a confident, sort of *
tough demeanor --
-- a few OLDER PEOPLE, and a YOUNG COUPLE.
Mr. Davies directs Kate over to a table with COFFEE and
COOKIES.
MR. DAVIES
This is a little more my speed. No
one here is the slightest bit hip.
KATE
Does everybody just...kinda, you
know -- talk here?
MR. DAVIES
Pretty much. Someone leads -- tells
their story. And then everyone else
shares -- talks.
KATE
So since you're taking me here does
that make you my sponsor?
46.
MR. DAVIES
No -- I don't think I could do *
that.
(off Kate's expression)
`Cause, um...
(nervously searches)
...well, it could get weird. But *
I'll help you find one if you want.
(gestures to the seats)
We should sit down.
Kate looks around the room at everyone taking their seats.
KATE
(takes a deep breath; to
Mr. Davies)
I can't believe I'm really here.
MR. DAVIES
It gets better. Weirder, maybe --
but better.
LATER
The meeting has begun and everyone sits in a circle of
chairs.
Jenny is midway through her speech. *
JENNY *
...all I knew about taking care of
myself was fucking people over and
lying to get by. I had no idea how
to even look for a normal job or
pay my bills on time -- or pay my
fucking bills at all.
(beat)
Now I pay my bills online.
The group CHUCKLES.
JENNY (CONT'D) *
And I found a love in cooking. I've *
got my own catering business now. *
And...maybe I just replaced alcohol
with chocolate chips and
cigarettes, but still...it's been
years since I woke up in a park --
in a different state.
LAUGHTER.
Kate leans in towards Mr. Davies and whispers --
47.
KATE
I kinda like her.
MR. DAVIES
Sponsor potential?
Kate nods.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
Get her number at break.
KATE
I feel like you're my wingman.
Kate grins at Mr. Davies, who smiles shyly and glances away.
LATER
An older man -- ARLO -- stands and announces.
ARLO *
Arlo, Alcoholic. There'll now be a
ten minute break. Smoke em' if you
got em.
As some of the PEOPLE go outside --
-- Kate walks over to Jenny, who's getting a cup of coffee. *
KATE
Hey, I liked your speech.
JENNY *
Thanks. All that dumb shit happened
so I'm glad that now it's at least
entertaining.
(beat)
What's your name?
KATE
Kate. This is my first meeting.
Or... first meeting where I'm not
wasted.
Jenny LAUGHS. *
JENNY *
Oh, yeah -- I remember doing some
of that.
KATE
I don't really know how this stuff
works.
(MORE)
48.
KATE (CONT'D)
But...could I get your number? I
mean, I may not need it, but...
JENNY *
Yeah, of course. I can help explain
it to you -- and also, we can just
talk.
KATE
Okay. Yeah.
(beat)
You've been sober since you were
24?
Jenny nods. *
KATE (CONT'D)
That seems really young.
JENNY *
I didn't have much of a choice -- I
crashed my car into a nursing home.
(beat)
I think the break is just about
over. This meeting is the kind
where everyone can share. Sharing
always helps me, so...if it's not
too weird -- try introducing
yourself and telling the group
what's going on.
LATER
Everyone is sitting down and sharing. The woman (TINA) next *
to Kate is finishing up.
TINA *
...anyway, that's where I'm at
today. Thanks for listening.
Everyone looks at Kate.
KATE
Okay, um...hello. I'm Kate and...
(long beat)
...I'm an alcoholic?
Kate nervously LAUGHS.
GROUP
Hi, Kate.
49.
KATE
Sorry. I don't mean to laugh --
it's just saying those words...
(beat)
...I think I'm an alcoholic, but I
don't really know. I drink -- a
lot. I've always drank. Everyone I
know drinks a lot. I never really
thought I had a problem -- lately
though it seems like maybe I do. I
just want to be able to drink a
beer without it turning into twenty
-- or wetting my bed.
(beat)
It seems like every time I drink
something awful happens. All the
shit that I used to laugh off isn't
really funny anymore. The dumb
drunk stuff has gone from
embarrassing to scary.
(beat)
I'm kinda...scared.
Kate stops. Looks around self-consciously.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
A SERIES OF short, quick scenes:
35 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY 35
Kate sits at her desk grading papers. Kate's hand has an
uncontrollable tremble as she tries to carefully make red
checks on students' papers. Self-consciously, she steadies *
her right hand with her left.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
36 INT. SUBARU (MOVING) - DAY 36
Kate shovels chocolate chips from the bag into her mouth
while driving.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
50.
37 INT. CHURCH - AA MEETING ROOM - NIGHT 37
Kate is at a meeting -- talking to Jenny. *
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
38 EXT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - NIGHT 38
While Kate and Charlie eat dinner, Kate drinks WATER but
focuses on Charlie's glass of WINE and the slow, careful sips
he takes.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
39 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 39
Charlie and Owen play video games and LAUGH while Kate tries
to concentrate on a book -- but is clearly distracted by how
loud the guys are.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
40 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT 40
Charlie sleeps on the other side of the bed as Kate writes in
a notebook. Kate stops writing. She stares at Charlie as he
sleeps.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
41 EXT. DOWNTOWN - DAY 41
Kate rides her bicycle hard. It might even be...exercise?
FADE TO BLACK.
MR. DAVIES (V.O.)
How about ninety days?
FADE IN:
51.
42 INT. CHURCH - AA MEETING ROOM - NIGHT 42
EVERYONE is dressed differently, some people have different
hair-cuts, etc.
Mr. Davies stands up, holding a PLASTIC CASE.
MR. DAVIES
Is there anyone here who has ninety
days of continuous sobriety?
Kate stands up -- she looks way more "together" than she did
earlier. She gives Mr. Davies a hug -- and he hands her a "90
DAY CHIP."
KATE
I'm Kate. I'm an alcoholic.
Everyone CLAPS.
EVERYONE
Hi, Kate.
Kate sits down next to Jenny and gives her a hug. *
JENNY *
(whispered)
Congratulations.
43 EXT. JENNY'S CATERING BUSINESS - NIGHT 43 *
Kate -- who eats a piece of CAKE -- sits on a patio with *
Jenny, Mr. Davies, and several other PEOPLE from AA. *
JENNY *
I'm really proud of you, Kate.
KATE
I kinda can't believe it's been
ninety days.
(beat)
The longest I've gone since high
school without drinking was, like,
a week.
MR. DAVIES
My first three months were such
hell. I think I'm only sober today
because I just never want to go
through that again.
52.
KATE
It's weird -- in after-school
specials the getting-sober part was
only like a minute of the movie and
suddenly...daddy's all okay.
Several people LAUGH.
KATE (CONT'D)
But it's so fucking hard and weird
and suddenly I have all these other
problems now that drinking isn't
the problem.
JENNY *
Like what? *
KATE
Everything else. Work, my non-
existent relationship with my
mom...
JENNY *
When was the last time you saw her?
KATE
(tries to remember)
A year, at least.
JENNY *
Well...maybe it's time.
KATE
Maybe.
(beat)
And then there's my marriage. I
mean, Charlie's great. Really
great, he's supportive, especially
at first. It's strange, though. I
feel like alcohol was the thing
that connected us and now that I
don't drink we lead these two very
different lives.
(beat)
We haven't slept together in
forever...
(laughs)
I haven't pissed myself in awhile,
though. So that's good.
JENNY *
It takes time.
Kate gives an exasperated look.
53.
JENNY (CONT'D) *
(half-stern cheerleader
tone)
Keep working the steps.
(glances at her watch)
Let's grab coffee tomorrow, okay? I
should actually run you home now
and come back. I need to start
locking up.
KATE
I could stick around and help
you...
MR. DAVIES
(to Kate)
I could take you home.
(off Kate's reaction)
If you want.
44 INT./EXT. MR. DAVIES' CAR - NIGHT 44 *
Mr. Davies pulls up to Kate's house.
MR. DAVIES
My ex-wife -- she doesn't drink --
well, not like us, but as soon as I
got sober I started to change and
she just...didn't.
KATE
I didn't know you were married.
Beat.
MR. DAVIES
Yeah, I was married once --
(laughs)
-- in my other life. But I
shouldn't be talking to you about
this stuff.
KATE
Why?
MR. DAVIES
I don't know...
KATE
Because you're a dude we can't
talk? I don't get that "men stick
with men, women stick with women"
stuff.
54.
MR. DAVIES
Well, if you were sitting where I'm
sitting you'd understand.
KATE
Are you trying to tell me that you
have a crush on me?
MR. DAVIES
What am I, one of your students? *
Crush?
KATE
Yeah, crush.
MR. DAVIES
(long beat)
I kind of do, yes. I have a crush
on you. I know that's wrong --
you're newly sober and married and
I shouldn't be thinking about you
like that. But yeah, I should put
that out on the table.
(beat)
Honesty.
KATE
It's okay. I think you're a really
good guy.
MR. DAVIES
Oh, great -- good guys are the
nerds that carry the pretty girls'
books.
KATE
Oh, c'mon...
MR. DAVIES
I think you're beautiful.
Kate smiles bashfully.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
And smart, and sexy, and cool...
Mr. Davies moves slightly closer to Kate.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
And I know it's wrong, but -- in
meetings I stare at your lips and
your legs and all I can think about
is fucking your moist pussy.
55.
Kate jumps back, aghast.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
(off Kate's horrified
expression)
Oh, crap! I don't know why I just
said that. I'm really, really
sorry.
KATE
WHAT THE FUCK?
MR. DAVIES
(genuinely sorry)
Oh, that was a bad thing to say,
right?
KATE
YES.
MR. DAVIES
I'm so, so sorry. I'm just
confused, and I don't know how to
talk to women --
KATE
Jesus -- you can't just go around
telling people you want to fuck
their "moist pussy."
(beat)
Who even says that?
MR. DAVIES
I'm really sorry.
Kate gets out of the car, slams the door shut, then leans in
to say --
KATE
I have to go inside my house --
where I live with my husband.
(beat)
Thanks for your creepy version of
honesty.
45 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT 45
Kate lies in bed and appears slightly bored as --
-- Charlie is under the covers, going down on Kate.
KATE
You okay?
56.
CHARLIE
(from under the covers)
Yep -- I'm just pacing myself. The
tortoise wins the race.
KATE
Actually, I'm not really in the
mood.
CHARLIE *
But I wanted to give you a 90 days
gift.
KATE
It's okay -- the 90 days was the
gift.
CHARLIE
Sorry if I was doing a bad job --
I'm kinda hammered.
KATE
It's alright. Charlie...
(long beat)
...I miss you.
CHARLIE
Huh? *
Charlie comes up from under the covers -- and looks a bit *
tipsy. *
KATE
I mean...I don't know. I don't
really feel connected to you
anymore.
CHARLIE
Did I do something?
KATE
No.
(beat)
We don't talk that much.
CHARLIE
We used to talk, but now you come
home and go to meetings and by the
time you get back I'm --
KATE
Kinda drunk.
57.
CHARLIE
I was gonna say "tired."
Silence.
KATE
There's some stuff I need to do
this weekend. I think I'm gonna go
up to Lake Arrowhead.
CHARLIE
Really? To see your mom?
Kate nods.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Why?
KATE
(defensive)
Do I need a reason?
CHARLIE
With your mom? Kinda.
(beat)
Is this the "amends" step?
KATE
No.
CHARLIE
Well then why're you going?
KATE
(beat)
We send her checks. But we never
actually see her. Sometimes it
feels like I'm paying her to not be
in my life. I thought it would be
nice to visit her.
(beat)
And Jenny thinks it would be a good *
idea.
Charlie LAUGHS.
KATE (CONT'D)
What?
CHARLIE
I don't know...I mean, do you do
everything your sponsor tells you
to do?
58.
KATE
No. Do you think I'm brainwashed or
something?
CHARLIE
I dunno...it's been a long damn
time since you've seen your mom.
(beat)
And you didn't listen when I
suggested we visit her.
KATE
(suddenly gets that it's
an ego thing for Charlie)
Oh, baby -- I listen to you. This
just...it felt like the right time.
(beat)
With all the changes I'm going
through.
CHARLIE
Well, can I come with you? It'll be
like a little vacation.
KATE
Um...I think I should go alone.
CHARLIE
Come on, if you do that you'll just
get depressed. If I go we can try
to make it fun. Go hiking and
stuff.
KATE
Well, if you go, don't take this
the wrong way but -- I'd like it if
maybe you didn't drink.
(beat)
Just while we're there.
CHARLIE
(smiles)
I think I can handle not drinking
for like a day.
Kate smiles and snuggles up into Charlie's arms.
46 INT. SUBARU (MOVING) - DAY 46
Kate and Charlie drive and listen to MUSIC.
47 OMITTED 47 *
59.
47A OMITTED 47A *
48 INT./EXT. SUBARU - LAKE ARROWHEAD - RESIDENTIAL STREET - DAY
48
Kate and Charlie are parked in front of a --
-- HOUSE. Small. A little run-down. Sort of a vague ski cabin
look. There's some dirty lawn furniture in the front yard as
well as a DOZEN LAWN-GNOMES.
CHARLIE
Ah...the lawn-gnomes. I missed
those guys.
Kate playfully punches Charlie in the shoulder.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
(waving to a lawn-gnome)
Hi, Holger!
Kate LAUGHS. Long beat.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
So...we gonna go in?
Charlie glances at Kate and reads the anxiety on her face.
49 EXT. KATE'S MOTHER'S HOME - DAY 49
Kate and Charlie walk to the front door.
KATE
(unsettled)
I should've brought something.
CHARLIE
You're fine.
KATE
Something, you know? Flowers, or...
CHARLIE
Wine?
KATE
No. Definitely not that.
They get to the door. Charlie looks at Kate -- who seems like
she'd be okay if they ran back to the car.
60.
KATE (CONT'D)
(conceding)
Go on...
Charlie KNOCKS.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
S'minute!
KATE
(under her breath)
Oh, God...
The door opens, revealing --
-- ROCHELLE: late-50's, wears an old shredded heavy metal
band T-shirt and tight ripped-up jeans, looks like she enjoys
an afternoon drink or three.
ROCHELLE
(surprised)
Katie!
Rochelle wraps her arms around Kate.
ROCHELLE (CONT'D)
What're you doing here?
KATE
I left you a message, mom.
ROCHELLE
Oh, you know I don't check that
thing.
(notices Charlie; slightly
flirty)
Hello there, young man.
CHARLIE
Hi, Ms. Foster.
ROCHELLE
Well, then...
(beat)
...what a lovely surprise -- you
two came to visit. Hell has frozen
over.
(laughs)
Just kidding. Come inside -- let me
fix you both some drinks.
KATE
Just water for me.
61.
Rochelle LAUGHS as she leads the way. Kate glances at Charlie
-- she already seems slightly annoyed.
50 INT. KATE'S MOTHER'S HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY 50
Kate and Charlie sit down.
The place is a MESS. Magazines and junkmail everywhere. Too
much furniture thrown together in a chaotic manner. The walls
are covered with framed HEAVY METAL BAND POSTERS -- and there
are ASHTRAYS everywhere, filled to the brim with cigarette
butts.
ROCHELLE (O.S.)
...you wouldn't believe how much
the neighborhood's changed! After
Mr. Baker passed away and the kids
put Mrs. Baker in a home, the
people that moved in, oof!
Rochelle walks in holding a tray with THREE GIN AND TONICS.
ROCHELLE (CONT'D)
It's like they don't even
understand the concept of birth
control in their country!
Rochelle hands Charlie a glass and then goes to Kate and puts
a drink on the table in front of her.
ROCHELLE (CONT'D)
(confides)
If you ask me, I think it's a meth
house.
(beat)
They've always got those little
five year old twins "playing" in
the yard, but I'm pretty sure
they're the lookouts.
KATE
That's pretty wild, mom.
ROCHELLE
Right?
(notices that Kate hasn't
touched her drink)
What's wrong, honey? Think I forgot
how to mix `em?
KATE
I told you I just wanted water.
62.
ROCHELLE
Oh, please! Where I'm from, "no"
means "yes."
(to Charlie)
Am I right or am I right?
CHARLIE
(forcing it)
Huh-huh...
KATE
That's actually why I wanted to
come up, mom.
(beat)
I stopped drinking.
Rochelle LAUGHS -- then realizes Kate and Charlie aren't
joking.
ROCHELLE
(quickly serious)
Are you telling me I'm going to be
a grandma?
Rochelle tears up with joy.
ROCHELLE (CONT'D)
Oh -- that's so exciting! I'm gonna
be a grandma!
(to Charlie)
And you know that "no drinking when
you're pregnant" thing is just a
myth. I drank plenty when I was
pregnant with Kate -- and look how
she turned out!
Beat.
KATE
I'm not pregnant, mom.
ROCHELLE
Oh.
KATE
I just needed a break. I'm sober
for the first time in years.
ROCHELLE
Well...
(dismissive)
...we'll see how long that lasts.
63.
KATE
It's been a while, actually.
CHARLIE
(chimes in)
90 days.
ROCHELLE
(to Kate)
You've sure picked the right
partner --
(gestures to Charlie)
-- for this little mission.
CHARLIE
(defensive)
Hey -- I'm not drinking
either...today.
KATE
(to Charlie; slightly
annoyed)
Drink if you want to, Charlie.
(to Rochelle)
Charlie didn't stop drinking. I'm
doing it by myself.
(beat)
And...I started going to 12-step
meetings.
Rochelle looks slightly disgusted.
ROCHELLE
Ah...yes. Assholes Anonymous.
(to Charlie)
Katie's father went to those
meetings a few years after we got
married. Dried up. Left me. You can
see how well that worked out for
me...
(Rochelle gestures to her
living room)
...I raised his daughter in this
PALACE while he's somewhere in
Florida with his shiny new wife and
kids.
(beat)
Bastard.
(long beat; to Charlie)
You better be careful -- they
change.
Kate and Charlie exchange a glance.
64.
KATE
I thought you'd be happy for me,
mom.
ROCHELLE
Oh...I'm sorry -- I'm not being a
good hostess, am I?
Rochelle gets up, takes the drink away from Kate, and chugs
it.
ROCHELLE (CONT'D)
I'll microwave you your favorite.
A FEW MOMENTS LATER
Charlie, Kate, and Rochelle watch a REALITY TV SHOW -- while
eating...
...MCDONALDS CHEESEBURGERS. *
Rochelle rests her head on Kate's shoulder.
ROCHELLE (CONT'D)
I'm sorry if I acted like a bitch.
KATE
It's okay, mom. I know you can't
help it.
51 EXT. LAKE ARROWHEAD - SANTA'S VILLAGE - DAY 51
Kate and Charlie wander around Santa's Village --
-- an abandoned Christmas-themed amusement park (with giant
ginger bread houses, plastic Christmas trees, etc.) in the
middle of the woods. Creepy and nostalgic at the same time.
Looks like the set of a Christmas horror film.
Kate holds Charlie's hand as she leads him around.
KATE
This place shut down a decade ago
and then there was a fire and now
it's basically abandoned.
Charlie seems totally impressed by the weirdness of the
place.
KATE (CONT'D)
We came here every year the week
before Christmas.
(MORE)
65.
KATE (CONT'D)
And then I worked here in high
school -- selling hot chocolate.
And they had real reindeer, too.
They kept `em over there.
Kate points at the remains of a PEN.
KATE (CONT'D)
My mom worked here when she was
younger. I think everyone who grew *
up around here worked at Santa's
Village at some point.
Charlie just nods and listens -- he's in awe of this place.
KATE (CONT'D)
This is what I think of when I
think of Christmas.
(long beat)
Thanks for coming up here with me.
CHARLIE
Of course.
KATE
I'm sorry my mom's so awful.
CHARLIE
(shrugs)
She just can't handle her liquor.
Kate and Charlie look in each other's eyes. Seem to have a
moment. And then Charlie asks --
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Did you ever hook up with guys when
you worked here?
KATE
Huh?
CHARLIE
You know -- sneak off with a co-
worker and do it against a pine
tree or something?
KATE
Um...no.
66.
CHARLIE
I mean, if I were a teenage boy
working with a stone cold fox like
you I'd totally want to hook up
with you here. Like...in the ginger
bread house.
Charlie puts his arms around Kate.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
You were probably the coolest girl
in town -- and the prettiest. I'm
sure everyone was in love with you.
Kate giggles. They kiss. It's sweet.
52 OMITTED 52 *
53 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY 53
Kate walks in to her class to find --
TEACHERS
SURPRISE!
-- a GROUP OF TEACHERS -- including Principal Barnes and Mr.
Davies -- standing in the room, which has been decked out for
a --
-- BABY SHOWER.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I couldn't keep quiet. Sorry. I
just had to tell everyone so we
could celebrate.
KATE
(shock)
Oh...you shouldn't have.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
You don't have to thank me -- just
open your presents!
Kate looks at her desk which is stacked with PRESENTS wrapped
in pink and baby blue wrapping paper. There's also a CAKE.
KATE
Wow...
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Go ahead.
67.
OTHER TEACHERS
`C'mon, Kate! You're gonna love
what I got you! Is it a boy or a
girl?
LATER
Kate opens a present -- a MOBILE.
KATE
(seems nauseous)
Oh, it's so...nice.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
(enthusiastic)
It's to hang over the crib!
KATE
Uh-huh...
MONTAGE: Kate opens presents while the teachers CLAP.
Eventually, Kate begins to CRY -- which everyone assumes are
tears of joy.
Principal Barnes takes a bite of cake.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Mmmm...it's so moist.
Kate glances at Mr. Davies, who cringes.
54 EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - DAY 54
Kate walks to her car.
MR. DAVIES (O.S.)
Kate!
Kate looks back to see Mr. Davies running over -- but she
doesn't reply or slow down.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
Kate?
KATE
(stops)
What?
MR. DAVIES
Listen -- I am so, so sorry. You
have no idea how much this has been
eating me up.
68.
Long beat.
KATE
What you said to me was really
fucked up.
MR. DAVIES
I know.
KATE
What were you even thinking?
MR. DAVIES
I wasn't -- I was just...I try to
be really honest.
KATE
I get that. But you can't force
your "honesty" on everyone you
know.
Mr. Davies nods. He looks really embarrassed.
KATE (CONT'D)
(changing tone)
I'm flattered that you
have...feelings for me. I am. But
I'm married.
MR. DAVIES
I know. I'm sorry. I'll apologize
to your husband if you want.
KATE
No -- you don't have to do that. I
didn't even tell him. But...you
can't say that to a girl -- like,
ever.
MR. DAVIES
Okay.
KATE
Seriously. Consider that a rule of
thumb.
(beat)
Someday, you're gonna meet a nice,
available lady -- but if you say
"moist pussy" to her, you will
never, ever, ever get to see that
part of her body!
69.
MR. DAVIES
(even more embarrassed)
Okay.
(beat)
Thank you.
(nods)
I feel like this was a really good
talk.
Kate forces a smile.
55 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 55
Kate stares at a --
-- HALF-EATEN BIRTHDAY CAKE ("OWEN" is still sort of legible)
on the kitchen table. It's totally mutilated.
She walks out the back door into the *
BACKYARD *
where she finds *
Charlie, Owen, and one of Owen's friends -- *
-- GREG, 21 -- *
-- listening to loud MUSIC while they play FOOSBALL. *
They're all SHIT-HOUSED. *
GREG *
...getting married would fucking *
suck. I can't even imagine waking *
up to the same person for the rest *
of my life. *
Kate walks out. *
GREG (CONT'D) OWEN
What's up, Kate? Hey, Kate.
KATE *
I see you guys found the birthday *
cake Jenny and I baked. *
OWEN *
Yeah, thanks! You should get a *
slice. *
70.
KATE *
(to Charlie) *
I, uh...kinda thought we'd all eat *
it together. *
CHARLIE *
Baby -- I didn't even think about *
that. I'm sorry. *
OWEN *
It was really good. *
GREG *
We have plenty of tequila to make *
up for the cake. *
OWEN *
Kate's in AA -- so she can't drink. *
She hasn't drank in forever -- like *
thirty-eight days or some shit. *
KATE *
Ninety-five days, actually. *
GREG *
That sucks! Do you still smoke *
weed? *
KATE *
No, I wasn't a big weed smoker *
anyway. *
OWEN *
You smoked crack though, didn't *
you? *
Kate's face goes blank. She stares at Charlie. *
GREG *
Shit -- I hear crack gets you so *
high! *
CHARLIE *
No -- my wife doesn't smoke crack. *
Jesus... *
OWEN *
What? I'm joking around. I know *
Kate's not a crackhead or some *
shit. *
(to Kate) *
It was just that one time, right? *
71.
KATE *
(angry; to Charlie) *
Thanks, Charlie. *
Kate storms out of the room. *
CHARLIE *
(to Owen) *
It's your birthday, man, so I'm not *
gonna make a big deal out of this -- *
but you need to shut the fuck up *
sometimes. *
56 OMITTED 56 *
57 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BEDROOM/BATHROOM - NIGHT - 57 *
MOMENTS LATER
Charlie walks in to see Kate getting ready to go to bed. *
CHARLIE
Listen -- I'm sorry. He's
drunk...really drunk.
KATE
I'm not mad at him -- I'm mad at
you! You said you wouldn't tell
anyone about what I did.
CHARLIE
I'm...sorry. I...was drunk too when
I told him.
KATE
Great.
(beat)
Why don't you guys just go to the
bar now?
CHARLIE
You wanna come?
KATE
I'm hanging here.
CHARLIE
I'm sure they have near-beer, baby.
It'll be fun.
KATE
I'm staying in.
72.
CHARLIE
That sounds like a lot of fun.
KATE
Bye.
Beat.
CHARLIE
I love you.
Kate doesn't say a word.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
I love you...?
KATE
Yeah...
(long beat)
...I love you too.
58 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - MORNING 58
Kate stands at the BLACKBOARD -- teaching addition and
subtraction to the class.
A little girl -- ISABEL -- raises her hand. *
KATE
Yes?
ISABEL *
Mrs. Hannah -- shouldn't you be
more fatter?
KATE
What?
ISABEL *
`Cause of the baby. My mom got real
fat.
KATE
(taken off-guard)
Well..."Shouldn't you be fatter?"
is the correct way to ask that
question.
Kate goes back to the board -- clearly wanting to move on.
73.
KATE (CONT'D)
Now, one day when you're very old
and wise fourth graders, you'll
learn about multiplication and --
ISABEL *
Mrs. Hannah -- Shouldn't you be
more fat?
All the students look at Kate. She's on the spot. Flustered.
KATE
Well, I...
Kate searches for something to say. Anything. But then she
blurts --
KATE (CONT'D)
...I'm not going to have a baby.
CLASS
OOOH!
Kate immediately looks like she wishes she could take it
back.
KATE
See -- I was pregnant but, it
wasn't my time, I suppose...
Another little girl -- WINNIE -- jumps in. *
WINNIE *
Mrs. Hannah -- did you kill the
baby?
KATE
WHAT? No -- of course not!
WINNIE *
`Cause my mom says that when you
kill a baby you go to hell and you
can't even go to church to ask god
for forgiveness.
The students begin to WHISPER to each other.
Another boy -- TOBY -- asks --
TOBY
Mrs. Hannah -- are you going to
hell?
74.
KATE
No! I didn't kill my baby! Okay,
listen kids -- we shouldn't be
talking about this. But...
(beat)
...sometimes women get pregnant and
then early on -- before it's even a
baby -- they stop being pregnant.
WINNIE *
Because a doctor murders it!
KATE
No -- not because a doctor murdered
it.
(beat)
It's called a miscarriage. That
means it wasn't my plan -- it's
just what happened.
(composes herself)
Does anyone want to ask me any
questions?
The class nods but seems silently freaked out.
KATE (CONT'D)
Let's get back to subtraction -- or
addition. Or both.
59 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - TEACHERS' LOUNGE - DAY 59
Kate sits with Mr. Davies eating lunch.
MR. DAVIES
Well, that was bound to happen at
some point. Kids notice things like
that.
Kate nods.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
But I had no idea how pro-life
little Winnie Reddy is. *
(beat)
Remind me to wear my "May the fetus
you save be gay" T-shirt to the
next banana split night.
Kate half-laughs.
75.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
And just think: the kids got a
lesson about life and death that
nobody planned on. I mean, you're
years ahead of the standard
curriculum for, uh, third graders.
KATE
Does it matter that I lied? That I
was never pregnant?
MR. DAVIES
You want me to answer that as a
friend or as someone who takes the
twelve steps very seriously?
Kate shrugs.
MR. DAVIES (CONT'D)
Well, the good thing is that it's
all over now. Principal Barnes will
think you're a martyr for losing a
baby.
(beat)
The kids won't ask about it anymore
and as long as you don't toss your
cookies again you won't have to
deal with it.
KATE
(long beat)
And the bad news?
MR. DAVIES
You lied. To your boss -- and a
bunch of small children. Who trust
you. And rely on you to help them
differentiate right from wrong.
KATE
(slowly nods)
That's all, huh?
60 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/DINING 60 *
ROOM/KITCHEN/BEDROOM - NIGHT *
Kate and Charlie eat TAKE-OUT FOOD in SILENCE. Kate texts on
her CELL PHONE -- not even paying attention to Charlie.
CHARLIE
Well...
(beat)
(MORE)
76.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
...I gotta say -- this is the
boringest meal I've had in about as
long as I can remember.
Kate doesn't look up.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Who're you texting?
KATE
(still looking down)
Jenny. *
CHARLIE
She's like a parole officer.
KATE
She's my sponsor.
CHARLIE
I'm glad to know every little fuck-
up I have is gonna become a topic
of conversation with some chick I
don't even know.
Kate finishes her text. Puts down her phone.
KATE
(fake enthusiasm)
So...what'd you do today, honey?
CHARLIE
I finished some writing and met up
with Owen to watch the game and
toss a few back. Dear.
(beat)
You do anything special?
KATE
I lied to my class again. I told
them that I had a miscarriage.
Charlie LAUGHS.
KATE (CONT'D)
That's not funny.
CHARLIE
Yeah, it is. Telling kids fucked-up
stuff is totally funny...in, you
know -- a kinda fucked-up way.
77.
KATE
Great, well -- I'm glad I'm not
actually having a baby.
CHARLIE
God, Kate -- come on. What else
were you supposed to do?
KATE
Well, I feel like a piece of shit
for lying.
CHARLIE
It's not that big a deal. Jesus. Is
this what those meetings teach you?
To make drama out of nothing?
KATE
It's not nothing. I lied to little
kids and to my boss because I can't
take responsibility for my actions.
CHARLIE
Why don't you go and tell the
Principal that you were never
pregnant? That the reason you puked
is because you smoked crack all
night? Would you feel better about
yourself then?
Beat.
KATE
I've been thinking about doing
that, actually.
(thinks about it)
Yeah. I think I would feel better
about myself.
CHARLIE
Fine. Do it, then. I guess you
don't need a job.
KATE
I could be like you -- I could stay
home drinking all day and never do
anything responsible.
CHARLIE
(hurt)
I never do anything responsible?
What about buying this house that
we live in? Or the food that we're
eating?
78.
KATE
Having rich parents doesn't make
you responsible. I think it's
pretty much done the opposite.
Charlie looks stunned. *
CHARLIE
Oh, I'm sorry that I have a family
that supports us -- and not the
other way around.
KATE
What the fuck is that supposed to
mean?
CHARLIE
Nothing, Kate. But you can't be mad
at me because my family has helped
us out. You should be grateful we
don't have to struggle.
KATE
I wouldn't care if we struggled
with money. I've struggled with
money my whole life.
(beat)
I'd rather worry about where my
next meal is coming from than if I -
- in some drunken stupor -- married
a man who just wants to party and
meet bands.
CHARLIE
What the fuck are you talking
about?
KATE
I'm talking about you being a baby.
A selfish baby.
CHARLIE
You know what?
KATE
What?
CHARLIE
I fucking hate AA! It turned you
into a bitch. A brain-washed bitch.
KATE
At least I'm not drunk all the
time.
79.
CHARLIE
Yeah, you don't drink booze for
three months and suddenly you're
some saint? You have it all
together and I'm just a baby?
Kate doesn't answer.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
I'm trying, Kate. I'm trying to
understand you. But it's hard.
You're different and maybe it's
good that you're different. Maybe
I'm bad and bad for you or
something -- because I didn't think
the person you were before was so
awful. I loved that person. Yeah,
she drank a lot and she did some
silly things...but she was my Kate.
KATE
You loved that person? Do you not
love me now?
CHARLIE
Yeah, of course. But it's
different. You're different.
KATE
Before I was a mess.
(beat)
I'm finally getting my life
together -- and you loved me more
before?
Charlie looks at the floor.
CHARLIE
(soft)
Kinda, yeah.
Charlie looks like he immediately regrets what he said.
61 INT./EXT. JENNY'S CATERING BUSINESS - NIGHT 61 *
Kate follows Jenny from her patio to her kitchen as she *
cleans up. *
KATE
I feel so fucking weird right now --
Charlie doesn't love me like he
used to and I've lied to my
students multiple times.
(MORE)
80.
KATE (CONT'D)
(beat)
I just don't feel...normal right
now.
JENNY *
Well, you're not normal.
(beat)
None of us are.
KATE
Everything in life isn't connected
to being an alcoholic.
JENNY *
I'm not just talking about
alcoholics.
(beat)
People are fucking weird. We all
have a lot of shit we carry around
in our heads that doesn't make
sense.
(beat)
At least alcoholics have tools to
work through it. *
KATE
"Steps"...
JENNY *
Yeah, steps -- and talking and
listening and crying...
KATE
I have the crying part covered.
JENNY *
I know, right? I think my first
year I cried tears I'd been saving
since I was eight.
(beat)
It's hard to live your
life...honestly. You know?
Kate nods.
JENNY (CONT'D) *
Any idea what you're gonna do about
your school situation? What you're
gonna say?
Kate shakes her head.
81.
KATE
I don't know what I'm gonna do
about anything.
JENNY *
Listen...you wanna stay in my guest *
room tonight? You can watch movies,
get some good sleep...?
KATE
You sure that's okay?
JENNY *
Yeah, of course. That's why I spent
money on a guest bed -- so people
could sleep in it.
(beat)
I know it might feel like it, but
really, you don't have to figure
everything out tonight.
(smiles)
You've got time.
62 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM - DAY 62
Kate goes into her classroom and finds a NOTE on the desk.
63 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE - DAY 63
Principal Barnes hugs Kate.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I'm so sorry, Kate.
(beat)
I haven't told many people this,
but when I was young -- younger
than you...I lost a child too.
Kate's stunned. Looks like she feels terrible.
KATE
I'm...I'm really sorry.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
It's okay. It was a long, long time
ago. Still hurts sometimes. But
eventually...you move on. You have
to.
(beat)
Have a seat.
Kate sits down.
82.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
I got a phone call from a very
upset parent. That's how I found
out about...you know. Frankly, I'm
not sure why you didn't feel like
you could tell me.
KATE
I freaked out -- a student asked
why I wasn't fat and I just froze
up and then another student was
saying I killed my baby and I
didn't know what to do.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I'm not angry with you -- but I
need to be clear that this doesn't
happen again.
KATE
It won't. I promise that.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
By "not happening again," I mean
that you don't discuss any
controversial topics -- things the
school board deems "family matters"
with your class.
(beat)
No sex. No god. No drugs and
alcohol.
KATE
Okay, I...
Kate straightens up in her seat, takes a deep breath. She
seems...exhausted.
KATE (CONT'D)
...I can't keep doing this. I feel
awful.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
(confused)
I know this all must be hard for
you --
KATE
No. You don't understand.
(beat)
I have to be honest with you.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
What do you mean?
83.
KATE
Principal Barnes...I wasn't ever
pregnant.
Principal Barnes looks shocked.
KATE (CONT'D)
I lied -- to the class and to you --
because I was scared.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
But...you vomited in class.
KATE
I know. And when that happened I
didn't know what to do because the
truth is --
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Oh, my god -- are you really ill?
Is it cancer?
KATE
No, well, yes. I have a disease,
but, um...
(beat)
...it's alcoholism.
Principal Barnes goes from concerned -- to angry.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
What?
KATE
I've been working on it. I'm one-
hundred days sober. When that
happened I'd been out drinking and
was hung over and --
PRINCIPAL BARNES
You vomited in front of children
because you were hung over?
KATE
Yes.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
And lied, saying that you were
pregnant?
KATE
Well, a student asked if I was
pregnant -- and "yes" just kind of
fell out of my mouth.
84.
Principal Barnes looks disgusted.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
That's sick, Kate.
KATE
I know.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
No, I don't think you understand
how wrong that is. To lie to me --
to the children. You know I felt so
terrible for you when I found out
that you had a mis -- ?
(beat)
-- how can you play with people's
emotions like that?
KATE
I was sick.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Jesus...you told us you had a
miscarriage.
KATE
I'm sorry.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I threw you a baby shower.
KATE
I'm really sorry. I am. I've been
wanting to tell you the truth
because honesty has become really
important to me. I'm in AA now and
doing the steps and working with a
sponsor and everything.
(beat)
It's really hard. I mean, I think
my husband might hate me, and --
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I'm sorry, but what you did is
totally irresponsible.
KATE
I know.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
(beat)
I can't have you here anymore.
85.
KATE
(surprised)
Am I being fired?
PRINCIPAL BARNES
No, no -- the state wouldn't allow
that without a report. I'm not
going to write a report. Because,
frankly, I have no idea what that
report would say.
(beat)
But I'm forcing you to take a leave
of absence and I think it's in your
best interest if you find a job
elsewhere.
KATE
Listen -- I'm really sorry, but I'm
doing the right things now.
PRINCIPAL BARNES
I believe you -- or I want to. I
really do. But honey -- I believed
you before.
(beat)
I'll have a sub take over your
class starting tomorrow. It's late
enough in the year that we can just
say you're having personal problems
--
Principal Barnes looks at Kate.
PRINCIPAL BARNES (CONT'D)
-- which seems to be the truth.
KATE
Principal Barnes --
PRINCIPAL BARNES
Not another word. I'm upset right
now -- very upset -- and I think
I'm doing you a favor by not
reporting you.
Kate struggles to say something, to try to explain herself
but no words come out until she musters --
KATE
Thank you.
Kate stands, defeated, and leaves the Principal's office.
86.
64 INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - STAIRS/HALLWAY - DAY 64 *
Kate glumly marches down the stairs -- holding a BOX filled *
with some of her things (including the BABY SHOWER GIFTS).
Mr. Davies stops her.
MR. DAVIES
Kate -- what's going on?
KATE
I told Principal Barnes about
everything.
MR. DAVIES
(terrified)
What? Everything? Did you tell her
about...?
Mr. Davies gestures to Kate's crotch.
KATE
(confused)
Huh?
(gets it)
Oh, God -- no. I told her that I'm
an alcoholic. And that I lied. And
she fired me.
MR. DAVIES
(relieved)
Oh...
(but concerned, too)
...my god, Kate -- I'm sorry.
KATE
I've been going to AA and trying to
be sober and this is what it got
me.
(beat)
Fired, for telling the truth.
Mr. Davies awkwardly puts his arm around Kate's shoulder.
MR. DAVIES
I'm sorry. I wish there was
something I could do.
KATE
I'm a fuck-up. I'll always be a
fuck up. I'm just like my mom.
87.
MR. DAVIES
(confused)
No, no -- you're a wonderful, smart
woman Kate. You can't let this get
you down.
KATE
I gotta go.
Mr. Davies takes Kate's box of things from her.
MR. DAVIES
Let me walk you to your car.
Kate throws her arms around Mr. Davies and begins to --
-- full-on SOB.
Mr. Davies seems flustered and a little scared but tries to
comfort Kate.
65 INT. SUBARU (MOVING) - DAY 65
Kate cries as she drives.
She glances in the backseat at --
-- all the baby shower gifts --
-- and sobs even harder.
66 INT. DIVE BAR - DAY 66
Kate walks into a near-empty, depressing dive. She nervously
sits at the bar.
The BARTENDER -- a gruff looking guy with the sleeves rolled *
up -- approaches.
BARTENDER
What do you need?
KATE
Whiskey. Double.
The bartender gives Kate her drink. Kate immediately downs
it.
KATE (CONT'D)
Can I have another one?
88.
BARTENDER
Sure -- you gotta pay for the first
one, though. Eight bucks.
Kate puts a TWENTY DOLLAR BILL down.
The bartender pours her another shot.
LATER
Kate has clearly been drinking for awhile -- she's curled up
at the bar, nursing her BEER.
BARTENDER (CONT'D)
Look, Miss -- I don't wanna be a
downer or anything `cause I take it
you've had a bad day, but um... I
think you need to go home.
KATE
Why?
BARTENDER
Cause you're pretty drunk -- and
it's four p.m.
KATE
What about him?
Kate points to an old CRUSTY MAN at the other end of the bar.
KATE (CONT'D)
You're not kicking him out.
BARTENDER
I'm just trying to be a pal.
KATE
Stop it -- you aren't my pal. I
just got fired, and I just quit AA.
(beat)
It didn't work.
BARTENDER
Oh, boy...
KATE
You know what? I was fine -- had a
husband that loved me and maybe I
sometimes did embarrassing stuff,
but it was a phase.
(MORE)
89.
KATE (CONT'D)
I go to AA and sober my husband and
I start fighting and stop fucking --
and sober I get fired! Isn't that
what's supposed to not happen?
BARTENDER
Wow, okay, well...I'm real sorry.
But this place gets a little nuts
after sundown and I don't think a
pretty girl who just left AA should
be here.
(beat)
I'm gonna call you a cab.
KATE
NO! I don't want a cab. I want --
(glances around)
-- drugs. Can you hook me up?
The bartender rolls his eyes.
KATE (CONT'D)
C'mon...let's go out back and smoke
some crack.
BARTENDER
Lady, you're done.
KATE
You think I'm above smoking crack?
`Cause I'm not. And are you really
gonna tell me you're not a little
attracted to me...?
Kate leans across the bar, trying to look "seductive" -- but
she just looks like she might fall off her bar stool.
BARTENDER
No.
KATE
Just a teensy bit...?
BARTENDER
Not in the slightest.
KATE
Well...you might want to consider
investing in glasses, buddy. `Cause
I'm a...a stone cold fox. And I'm
smart. And I'm...
Kate begins to cry.
90.
KATE (CONT'D)
...a good person.
BARTENDER
I think it's time for you to go
home. Now are you gonna let me call
a cab?
KATE
(suddenly angry)
NO! I'm not. I've got friends.
They'll pick me up.
BARTENDER
You do that.
KATE
I'll call Mr. Davies. He has dreams
about me.
The bartender takes a long look at Kate -- as though he's
trying to size up if she's insane.
BARTENDER
Hope that works out for you.
KATE
Can't believe my luck. I just want
to get drunk and a bartender won't
let me.
(beat)
Life is stupid.
Kate stands up -- almost falling over -- and glares at the
bartender.
KATE (CONT'D)
You hear me? Life is FUCKING
STUPID!
Kate goes over to the old man at the end of bar, winks at
him, then picks up his drink and chugs it.
67 INT. MR. DAVIES' CAR (MOVING) - DAY 67 *
Kate is slumped in the back seat.
In the front seat is Mr. Davies and Jenny. *
KATE
Davey-wavey...I called you. Why'd
you bring her?
91.
JENNY *
We're worried about you, Kate.
KATE
(accusing)
Parole officer.
MR. DAVIES
She's your sponsor.
JENNY *
It's gonna be okay. You stumbled.
You'll get back up.
Silence.
KATE
How `bout we drive to Mexico and
party our asses off? My treat.
Jenny and Dave glance back at Kate -- *
-- whose face reveals what a bad state she's in.
KATE (CONT'D)
(holding back tears)
Sounds fucking stupendous, right?
68 EXT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - DAY 68
Kate gets out of the car. *
Mr. Davies and Jenny watch with concerned expressions as -- *
-- Kate stumbles to her front door.
JENNY *
Kate! Are you sure you're --
KATE
(over her shoulder)
Fuck off.
69 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING 69
ROOM/KITCHEN/HALLWAY/BEDROOM - DAY *
Charlie plays a VIDEO GAME -- with the TV hooked up through
his STEREO SPEAKERS.
Kate opens the doors and walks in, wobbly.
92.
CHARLIE
(not looking up)
Babe -- you gotta hear this with
the speakers hooked up. It's
insane.
Kate says nothing. Just stares at Charlie.
Charlie looks up -- and is surprised to see Kate clearly
drunk.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Whoa...what happened to you?
Charlie stops playing the game.
KATE
I'm drunk. I'm fired from my job.
CHARLIE
Oh, no...
KATE
We got any drinks?
CHARLIE
Uh...we have soda. I can make
coffee.
KATE
Don't be cute with me. You know
what I mean.
CHARLIE
So...I guess you aren't doing the
AA thing anymore?
KATE
What gave that away?
Kate turns and goes to the kitchen --
-- reappearing a moment later with a BOTTLE OF TEQUILA, salt
and limes.
KATE (CONT'D)
Come on, baby -- let's do some
shots.
CHARLIE
What's going on?
93.
KATE
I'm celebrating. What the fuck does
it look like?
Kate takes a shot.
KATE (CONT'D)
Are you gonna be a little girl or
are you gonna drink with me?
CHARLIE
I don't know what the right thing
to do here is.
KATE
Okay, so let me see if this makes
sense: you say you miss the old
Kate -- the Kate who drinks and
blacks out and has fun.
(beat)
Well...here she is.
Kate smiles -- but she looks more desperate and drunk than
fun.
CHARLIE
Baby, I didn't mean that. I was
just being a jerk.
KATE
Fuck yeah you were. And what? Now
you won't drink with me?
CHARLIE
I don't know. Having a beer or
something is one thing, but...I
think you really may have a
problem.
Kate LAUGHS.
KATE
Well thanks for all the support
when I was trying to be sober!
Kate takes another shot.
CHARLIE
I'm sorry. I didn't realize --
KATE
Of course you didn't realize! You
don't fucking care about me.
94.
CHARLIE
What are you talking about?! Of
course I care about you. I love
you.
Kate takes a shot and approaches Charlie.
KATE
I love you too. Love is the easy
part. It's the rest of the shit
that's hard.
Kate kisses Charlie.
KATE (CONT'D)
Take off your pants.
Charlie gently pushes Kate away.
CHARLIE
Look -- I think you should get to
sleep. You're really wasted.
KATE
I don't wanna sleep. I wanna fuck.
Kate pulls Charlie -- who struggles -- down to the
couch...and straddles him.
CHARLIE
Please, will you stop?
KATE
No! I want you to fuck me!
Charlie calmly tries to move Kate off of him.
CHARLIE
Really. This is weird.
KATE
Be a man and fuck your wife!
Charlie -- who's creeped out now -- forcefully pushes Kate
off.
CHARLIE
No! Jesus -- what the fuck is wrong
with you?
Kate has become quite angry and belligerent by this point --
and begins picking up HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS and throwing them at
Charlie.
95.
KATE
With me? With me?! What the fuck is
wrong with me? I try hard and I get
shit on! Fucked up family, fired
from my job -- this marriage.
Nothing's wrong with me! What's
wrong with YOU?!
CHARLIE
Kate, you need to --
KATE
What? What? What do I need? I can't
drink because I'm crazy or
something and I can't stay sober
because of you!
CHARLIE
You're blaming other people for
your problems.
Kate picks the tequila bottle back up, takes a sip, then --
-- runs at Charlie and tackles him to the ground.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Stop it! You're acting like a
freak!
Kate rips Charlie's SHIRT --
-- and holds the bottle over his head while straddling him,
as if she's about to hit him with it.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
No! What's wrong with you?
Kate holds the bottle in the air and looks hard at Charlie.
She begins to weep.
KATE
I can't be sober and be with you.
Kate gets a flash of anger again and just as it seems like
she's about to hit Charlie with the bottle, she --
-- upturns the bottle and begins to chug the tequila.
Charlie tries to yank the bottle away, but Kate holds on
tight. With the bottle at Kate's lips -- and tequila pouring
down her chin -- the couple wrestles for control of the
bottle.
96.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
70 INT. JENNY'S CATERING BUSINESS - KITCHEN - DAY 70 *
Kate wears a UNIFORM and carefully works on a CAKE. *
On the other side of the kitchen, Jenny makes APPETIZERS. *
JENNY *
How's it coming?
KATE
You tell me.
Jenny walks over and tries the icing. *
JENNY *
(nods with approval) *
Delicious. *
KATE
(proud)
Thanks.
71 INT. CHURCH - AA MEETING ROOM - NIGHT 71
A middle-aged MAN stands at a podium in front of a medium
sized group of PEOPLE -- about twenty-five or so, including
Kate, Jenny, and Mr. Davies -- and says -- *
CHUCK *
At this meeting we give cakes to
celebrate sober birthdays. We have
one birthday tonight -- for Kate,
for one year.
(beat)
Jenny and Dave are giving her the *
cake.
Kate hugs everyone -- then blows out ONE CANDLE on a CAKE
before standing at the podium.
KATE
Hey, I'm Kate, alcoholic.
GROUP
Hi, Kate.
97.
KATE
I've heard that your best day
drinking is worse than your worst
day sober.
(beat)
Well...that is SO not true! I had
amazing times drinking, dancing,
and laughing...feeling like the
most adorable, charming girl in the
world. And I was adorable.
(beat)
I'd piss my pants, but I was still
cute.
People in the crowd LAUGH a little bit.
KATE (CONT'D)
When I first tried getting sober, I
figured that as long as I didn't
drink...everything else would just
magically work out. But it didn't.
(beat)
My marriage fell apart. I got fired
from my job. And that shit happened
SOBER! I never read that in any
pamphlet...
(shakes her head)
...that isn't what I signed up for.
(beat)
Um...so, I relapsed. Another shitty
slogan I've heard in the rooms is
that when you're sober for a bit
and drink again "the disease waits
for you, picks up where it left
off."
(beat)
I'm sorry you guys, but I HATE
those slogans. They all sound like
bumper stickers. But, I have to
admit...for me, that last one is
pretty damn true.
(beat)
When I drink...I become another
person. And that person is a pretty
big asshole. Well, unless you want
to give me drugs or buy me drinks --
then that person is awesome.
People knowingly LAUGH.
KATE (CONT'D)
I wasn't happy being the "good-time
girl," though. And honestly, I
wasn't very good at it.
(MORE)
98.
KATE (CONT'D)
(beat)
My life is really different than it
was a year ago. I live alone. I'm
bored a lot more. I have a job that
pays a lot less.
(beat)
I'm thankful for the program -- for
my friends in here who took the
time to help me and give a shit
about me.
Kate glances at Jenny and Mr. Davies. *
KATE (CONT'D)
There are people that used to be a
part of my life that I miss -- a
lot -- but...
(long beat)
...I'm really grateful for this
boring new life of mine.
Kate smiles and steps down from the podium as people CLAP.
72 INT. BAR - NIGHT 72 *
Charlie, Owen, and a woman -- MILLIE -- stand at the bar,
drinking BEER and WHISKEY SHOTS. Owen speaks -- but Millie
seems way more into Charlie.
OWEN
I was in North Carolina for a while *
-- Durham -- playing minor league
ball. I had some real heat. That's
when I met Crash, here.
(gestures to Charlie)
He'd been sent down to single-A to
teach me how to carry myself as a
pro ball-player. We got involved
with the same woman -- an older
chick -- but Crash won her in the
end.
(beat)
He's really taught me
some...important life-lessons.
Millie nods.
MILLIE
Wow...that's a pretty crazy way to
meet.
OWEN
Yeah. It is.
99.
MILLIE
You guys are sorta like that
movie...what's it called?
OWEN
(plays dumb)
I don't know. Which one?
(to Charlie)
Do you know what movie she means?
Charlie -- who's pretty hammered -- shakes his head.
MILLIE
"Bull"...something? What is it?
Charlie and Owen feign ignorance.
MILLIE (CONT'D)
Whatever. It'll come to me.
(to Charlie; flirty)
So...what do you do now, Crash?
CHARLIE
I write about music.
MILLIE
Really?
Owen gestures to a WAITRESS to bring THREE MORE SHOTS.
CHARLIE
Yeah...I do freelance for a lot of
magazines. But print really is
dead. So now most of my stuff winds
up on websites. Which is
depressing. `Cause you can't hold
it -- you can just look at it. It's
like...
Charlie seems lost in drunken thought. Long, awkward silence.
Millie puts her hand on Charlie's arm.
MILLIE
Like what?
CHARLIE
Huh?
MILLIE
You were talking about writing for
websites and you kinda trailed off,
honey.
100.
OWEN
(trying to save the
situation)
So, Crash -- why don't you tell
this nice lady about the 21 days
you were up in "The Show," and what
the crowds were like, and --
CHARLIE
It was crazy. I...
Charlie drifts off for a moment.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
(to Millie)
I'm sorry -- I'm sure you're a
great lady. You have lovely hands
and hair but...
Charlie begins to walk away, wobbly on his feet.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
...I'm gonna go to the...I'm just
gonna go.
Charlie stumbles off.
MILLIE
(as Charlie leaves)
You want a ride...?
Charlie exits the bar.
MILLIE (CONT'D)
(to Owen)
Um...is he cool to drive?
OWEN
Yeah, he'll be fine -- on his
bicycle.
MILLIE
He rides a bicycle?
OWEN
Oh, yeah --
(smiles)
-- as a teenager, he was a bike
racing champion growing up in
Bloomington, Indiana. He and his
friends were called the "Cutters" --
and they beat a bunch of rich
college kids in this big race. It
was great.
(MORE)
101.
OWEN (CONT'D)
(beat)
Back then, I was a kickboxing
instructor...
73 EXT. STREET - NIGHT 73
Charlie rides his BICYCLE down the street. Swerving all over
the place, he's obviously drunk.
Red and Blue LIGHTS flash behind him. Charlie turns to see --
-- a POLICE OFFICER. *
74 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 74
Charlie leaves Kate a VOICEMAIL MESSAGE.
CHARLIE
(into phone; seems sort of
nervous)
So, I got into a little trouble --
drunk in public. On a bicycle.
(beat)
Um, I was thinking...maybe I need
to go to one of those meetings. I'd
like to go with you, though. If
that's cool.
(beat)
Let me know if we could discuss it
sometime, okay? Maybe you could
come over to our -- um, my house?
(beat)
Uh...yeah. Thanks.
Charlie hangs up the phone.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
(to himself)
"Let me know if we could discuss it
sometime?"
(shakes his head)
Such an idiot...
75 EXT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - STREET/FRONT YARD - DAY 75 *
Kate and Charlie stand by Kate's car, which is parked in
front by the street. She's just arrived. Awkward tension.
CHARLIE
Miss our house?
102.
KATE
Um...yeah. Sometimes.
CHARLIE
(hesitant)
Miss me?
Beat.
KATE
Sometimes.
(long beat)
I've been sober for a year.
CHARLIE
Really?
KATE
Yeah.
Kate reaches into her purse and takes out her ONE YEAR CHIP,
showing it to Charlie.
CHARLIE
They gave you that?
KATE
Yeah. A couple of days ago.
Tuesday.
CHARLIE
Oh...wow. Congratulations. That's
really...really...just great. I
mean it.
(beat)
Tuesday is the night I got pulled
over.
(laughs)
Parallel lives, huh?
Kate rolls her eyes.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
So -- you dating anyone?
KATE
(taken aback)
Charlie...
CHARLIE
Are you?
Silence.
103.
KATE
No.
Charlie seems relieved.
CHARLIE
Me either. Owen keeps trying to get
me to be his "wing-man" and it's
ridiculous and these girls in bars
are so lame and I just keep
thinking how I wish I was meeting
you in a bar for the first time and
I didn't come with any baggage and
I could buy you a drink and flirt
with you all night and ask for your
number.
(beat)
Wanna go out sometime?
KATE
I don't think it's a good idea.
Charlie nods. Long beat.
CHARLIE
I fucked up, didn't I?
Kate looks down, doesn't speak.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Yeah, I did. I know I did. I had a
beautiful woman who used to love me
and now when I see her she doesn't
even want to look me in the eyes.
KATE
Charlie, please don't do this.
CHARLIE
I miss you. I miss the way you
taste and smell and...I miss things
about you that used to drive me
nuts! I miss you liking shitty 80's
music and fake punk-rock from the
90's...
KATE
I don't like shitty 80's music.
(beat)
I like good 80's music.
104.
CHARLIE
...and all I want to do is touch
you one more time to just, remember
-- to make sure it was real.
Silence. Kate looks Charlie in the eyes and gives him a
slight smile.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
(changing course)
Or...maybe I'm a just a delusional
fucking idiot.
76 INT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/KITCHEN - DAY 76 *
Kate and Charlie walk in -- it looks sort of the same, but a
number of items are missing, and it's messier. In general,
the room looks more "dude."
KATE
You look really thin.
CHARLIE
Yeah?
KATE
When did you last eat?
CHARLIE
I dunno -- like...I'm not sure.
(seems slightly concerned *
that he can't remember)
I think, um...
KATE
Should we order something?
CHARLIE
Sure, yeah -- or I could make a
bacon and egg sandwich...
KATE
I don't know. I haven't really been
doing the meat thing.
CHARLIE
Jesus. It starts with alcohol. Then
meat.
(beat)
Have you given up fun, too?
Kate looks at Charlie -- he's half-smiling, not sure if she
finds him funny.
105.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
(off Kate)
Sorry. Bad joke.
Kate cracks a smile.
KATE
Fine. Bacon and egg sandwiches. But
I'm gonna make them.
Charlie raises his eyebrows.
CHARLIE
Okay...
LATER
Kate's at the stove, cooking bacon and eggs.
Charlie goes to the FRIDGE and gets a BOTTLE OF BEER.
Kate glances at him.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Sorry.
Charlie puts the beer back in the fridge.
KATE
I don't care if you drink a beer.
CHARLIE
You sure?
KATE
Yeah. Whatever.
CHARLIE
(thinks about it)
No...I'm good.
LATER
Kate stands by the stove and watches as --
-- Charlie -- who sits at the kitchen table -- wolfs down the
bacon and egg sandwich.
Kate seems pleased that Charlie enjoys it so much.
77 EXT. KATE & CHARLIE'S HOUSE - BACKYARD - TWILIGHT 77
Kate and Charlie play croquet. *
106.
They look a little tired -- like they've been playing a
while. Kate seems to be much better than Charlie.
CHARLIE
Have you been playing a lot?
KATE
I haven't played in over a year.
CHARLIE
Then how're you beating me?
KATE
I don't know. Innate talent?
They keep playing.
CHARLIE
I haven't met anyone even vaguely
interesting since we separated.
KATE
Um...stick to the game, okay?
Long beat.
CHARLIE
I've been masturbating like crazy.
KATE
Charlie --
CHARLIE
I miss you.
KATE
Stop it.
CHARLIE
Okay. Fine.
Beat.
KATE
You could've been killed.
CHARLIE
(confused)
What?
KATE
Riding your bike -- drunk.
107.
CHARLIE
But I wasn't.
KATE
But is that really the point?
CHARLIE
What are trying to say?
KATE
(beat)
I worry about you.
CHARLIE
(laughs)
Yeah, I can understand that. I used
to worry about you. But now I know
you're okay.
(beat)
That makes me happy...I mean, it
fucking sucks that you're better
off without me but I'm glad you're
doing well.
No reply from Kate.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Would you move back in if I came to
meetings?
KATE
You should go for yourself, not to
make me happy.
CHARLIE
But, would you?
KATE
I'm not moving back in.
That wasn't the response Charlie wanted to hear.
KATE (CONT'D)
Listen, I should go. It's gonna get
dark soon.
CHARLIE
We can always turn the lights on.
KATE
I don't know...
Beat.
108.
CHARLIE
So, would you at least...let me
take you out on a date?
Kate says nothing.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Maybe...?
Kate shakes her head.
Charlie seems hurt -- but still determined.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Okay...fine. 0 for 2.
(new direction)
Last question: can we just...play
one more game?
Kate doesn't answer.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
C'mon...you keep kicking my ass.
It's embarrassing. You've gotta
give me a chance to redeem myself.
(soft)
Please.
Kate thinks about it for a long beat, and doesn't say yes...
...but she also doesn't say no.
There's a look of hope in Charlie's eyes.
CUT TO BLACK.
THE END
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