AM I THE DAD? Written by. [Jennifer Longe]

Transcription

1 AM I THE DAD? Written by [Jennifer Longe]

2 "AM I THE DAD?" FADE IN: INT-HOUSE-LIVING ROOM-DAY A man, George Anderson, enters the living room. He is tall and a little overweight. He gets sited then looks at the camera. ANDERSON (Enthusiastical ly) Oh! Hi there. My name is George Anderson. I live in a nice neighborhood, filled with nice people. If there is one thing that has always made me sad, it is to never had discovered what became of my uncle William, he was my father s little brother. Laugh, smile with a dreaming expression. George The only souvenirs that I have of him are some old pictures. But at that time, I was young. One day, Uncle William said that he needed to change air and needed some adventure. And I never heard from him again. Except once he wrote to us to say that he just had a baby. 1

3 (Exited) Have you ever wonder why women always want for they newborn baby to look like their father? Imagine that your wife gives birth to a baby who looks just like your neighbor! Unbelievable? Well, believe it or not, I had the experience. And, to tell you the truth, it was a nightmare. 2

4 EXT- S NEIGHBOURHOOD- NIGHT Two stories houses with gardens and beautiful flowers compose George s avenue. A kid is running holding a kite followed by his dog. A car is parked in a driveway. George comes out of it. He looks at the house next door interrogatively. There is light inside. INT- HOUSE-NIGHT George crosses the door. (Shouting) Honey I am home! Suzan Anderson, George s wife is very beautiful and gracious. She goes towards her husband with a smile on her face. Hi honey. How was your day? Kiss Wonderful! Tell me, since when did someone move in next door? I saw light inside. 3

5 (Upset) See, you never listen to me. I have told you months ago that we have a new neighbor, his name is Peter, and that he is very nice. He is a professional dancer and gives me dancing lessons each time he can. (Dreamily) He is the most wonderful dancer I have ever seen. (Surprised) I don t remember you telling me any of these! Suzan stares at him with an angry look. (Promptly adds) But you can be sure that this time I won t forget. (Now happy) Ok. Fine. I m going to get ready. She runs up stair. (Surprised again) Get ready? For what? (Answering from their room with a concerned tone) Tell me that you have not forgotten! 4

6 Forgotten what? You promised to take me out tonight. (Now remembering) Yeah of course I remember. Hope that you have already made a reservation. You know how full the restaurant is on weekends. (With a convincing tone) Of course. There is nothing to worry about. The sound of a door shut. At the same moment, George takes out his cell phone and dials the restaurants numbers. Instead of hear a Ring, he hears a Bip. He looks at the cell s screen and reads Battery Low Damn it! He runs to the phone and dials the restaurant s phone number again. Someone picks up the phone. 5

7 (Whispering) Hallo! I would like to make a reservation for two please, for tonight please. THE RECEPTIONIST Tonight?! At what time please? How about 30 minutes from now. THE RECEPTIONIST Oh! I don t think that it is possible. We are so full right now. (With a supplicating voice) Please, you don t understand. You got to have a table for me. THE RECEPTIONIST I m sorry but there is nothing that I can do. Ok. Fine then. It is just that my wife,she is very sick. (Starting to sniff) She has an incurable disease. The doctor said that she only has less than 24 hours to live. And all I wanted was to make her happy one last time, by taking her eat to her favorite restaurant. 6

8 (Now faking to cry) But I won t be able to. THE RECEPTIONIST (Embarrassed) I m sorry. It must be horrible. You have no idea. Well, I guess that I will have to announce the bad news to her. THE RECEPTIONIST (Sad) This is so sad. Give me 10 minutes and I will call you back. May I have your phone number please? SURE! IT IS XXXXXXXX THE RECEPTIONIST I m going to see what I can do. (Relieved) Thank you, thank you, and thank you. He hangs up (VO) Problem solved. 7

9 (Behind him) What are you saying? (Turning around, surprised, a bit scared and stuttering) Nothing, nothing. I was just saying that I couldn t wait to get there. To the restaurant. (Happy and smiling) Great! Me too. Well, we better get going. (Scared) Now? But we can t (Surprised) Why not? Is there anything wrong? George starts to think fast (With a convincing tone) It is your outfit. (Puzzled) My outfit? What is wrong with it? 8

10 The outfit is white composed by a short skirt and a top, which is tight and a bit transparent. Well I think that it is not appropriate. Not appropriate? What do you mean? (Stuttering but keeping a convincing tone) Hmm, the skirt is too short, and the top is so tight and transparent that I can see all your ribs. (With a grimace) And the color! We are going to eat. If you spill anything on it, the spot is going to be so visible and I bet it will be hard to remove. (Astonished) I can t believe you are saying this, when you were the one who bought it for me and asked me to wear it tonight. (Puzzled) I did? (Changing expressions) I did! But I think that you should keep it for another occasion. Silence 9

11 (Giving up) If I do understand, you would like for me to get change. (Very happy) Precisely. Fine then. She goes back up stair. (Shouting) And take your time. At the same moment, the phone rings. George runs to it. Hallo! (Shouting) Hi buddy! How is life? There was loud music in the background. (Disappointed) Fine. You ll excuse me but I am waiting for an important phone call. 10

12 What is wrong with you? I just wanted to ask if Suzan and you were coming to Barry s party. Sorry but we have other plans. Wish him a happy birthday from us and tell him that we will send him his gifts by mail. Bye. Hold on he is right next to me. (Fast) No need to. It s alright. BARRY Hi George! You are missing a really great party. And the food is exquisite. Nicole really outdid herself once again. Are you sure that you can t make it? (Impatient) No. Maybe next time. Happy birthday. Enjoy yourself because you know what they say One more year on earth, one more year closer to death. Bye! See you next time. He hangs up. The phone rings again. Hallo! 11

13 THE RECEPTIONIST Mr. Anderson? I got good news and a bad news. The good news is that I found a table for you; and the bad news is that in order for you to take it, you got to arrive here in 15mn (Promptly, glances at his watch) Ok. Thank you. We ll be there in 15mn. He hangs up and hurries up stair. Honey, I have been thinking, that outfit is great. Why don t you just keep it? BEDROOM Entering in their room, he finds Suzan s clothes on the floor. Suzan is still wearing the outfit and is looking for another one. No, you were right, I should get change. (Panicking) No, no, no. He grabs her and drags her downstairs. (Protesting) What is wrong with you? 12

14 He throws a coat to her. I suddenly feel hungry. Not you? But it is hot today. You ll leave it in the car then. EXT-THE DRIVEWAY-NIGHT George helps Suzan get in the car, and then gets in. And he starts to drive very fast. INT-CAR-NIGHT (Scared) Slow down or we will never make it alive. Trust me, we will. EXT-THE RESTAURANT-NIGHT They arrive at the safe and sound. George runs out the car fast. Suzan stares at him as he runs in without helping her get out of the car. 13

15 INT-RESTAURANT George runs to the reception. With one look, George notices how crowded it is. (Panting like a frog) Hi, I am George Anderson; I made a reservation for a table for two for now. Suzan appears behind him. THE RECEPTIONIST (Smiling) Yes. You are just in time. Table number 10. THE RECEPTIONIST (To Suzan with commiseration in her eyes) I hope that you will enjoy your last meal on earth. (To the receptionist) Thank you very much. (Taking Suzan s hand) Come Honey. George takes Suzan to the table. He pulls a chair for her then gets sited himself. (Wondering) What did she meant by my last meal on earth? 14

16 (Embarrassed) Some people are just weird, don t you think? Later after they finished their meals. That was great. Suzan (Hesitating) There is something that I wanted to tell you. (Worried) Is something wrong? (Smiling) On the contrary. George is swallowing a glass of wine. I m pregnant. Surprised, he spits the wine out on her face. I m sorry. It is just that you caught me by surprised. What did you just said? Silence I said that I was pregnant. 15

17 (In shock) And who is the father? Suzan looks at him with a half surprised half wondering look Heavy silence (Apologeticall) Sorry that was a silly question. (Worried) You are not happy? (Smiling) I am happy. Really! Just a bit surprised. 16

18 INT- S HOUSE- SUNNY DAY 9 months later George Anderson gets home sooner than usual. No answer Honey I am home! Is anybody there? He goes to the answering machine and finds that there is one message. ANSWERING MACHINE (An exited voice) George, it is Hannah. I am at the maternity with Suzan. Guess what? You are the father of a wonderful little baby boy. Don t worry, the mother and the baby are both fine and are waiting for you. Hurry! George runs outside to his car and heads to the maternity. 17

19 INT-THE MATERNITY- S ROOM Suzan on her hospital bed was lulling a tiny little newborn baby in her arms. Hannah and she were admiring the little thing. HANNAH Oh! Isn t he handsome?! (With a tender smile) Yes he is. HANNAH He reminds me of a kitty I had when I was a teen. So cute. (Now looking at Hannah) Really? HANNAH Yeah! I was spending most of my time with him, taking care of him, playing. But until the end. (Curious) What happened to him? 18

20 HANNAH (VO) Well, one day, I was coming back from school and I was pretty up set. I went to my room and just sat on my bed without paying attention to where I was putting my behinds. I remember hearing small complaining sounds and feeling tiny smarting on my behinds, but didn t bother. Later, I went to the kitchen for a glass of milk, and then started to look for my kitty. I looked in his basket, in the garden and all his favorite places. But nothing. Sad, I decided to go back in my room. When I opened door, I saw him, on my bed. Sleeping. (Pause) Forever. Suzan starts to look at Hannah with an interrogative look. Hannah realizes it. HANNAH (Quickly) Of course this will never happen to you and the baby. At the same moment, they hear a knock at the door. Then it opens: it id George carrying flowers. (Very happy and smiling) Hello there. Suzan has a relieved smile. Hannah looks a bit annoyed. 19

21 HANNAH Finally. I called your office and they told me that you had already left. Then I tried your cell phone, but it was off. I tried your home and got the answering machine. Where have you been? (Staring at his baby) Sorry but, I was at an important meeting; I turned off my cell phone then forgot to turn it on at the end. Later I decided to leave sooner and got stock in the jam. HANNAH Oh! What a chance that Peter was there. Peter? (Getting his mind off the baby) HANNAH Your neighbor. Hannah looks at Suzan with an interrogative look. George hasn t meant him yet. He even never tried to. 20

22 (Embarrassed, to Hannah) Because I never got the time to. (To Suzan) I tough that he had traveled because of some family business? He went to his father s funeral and got back yesterday night. This morning after you left, he passed by to say hello. And at that same moment, I lost the bones. He brought me here. And since nobody could join you, I asked him to call Hannah. He stayed with me till the end. He would have stayed longer if he hadn t received an important phone call. HANNAH (Shyly) Oh, by the way, would you do me a favor? Sure. HANNAH Could you try to find out is he has a girlfriend? (Surprised) Ok, I ll see what I can do. 21

23 Hannah leaves. HANNAH (Glad) Thank you. You are the best. Got to go now. Bye and congratulations again. Suzan and George stay alone and continue to stare at the baby. Why do I get the impression that he doesn t look like me? (With a teasing tone) Maybe because he doesn t. But don t worry, it will come with time. Hope so. (Looking at the baby s tiny hands) Look! He got your hands. (Looking at them attentively) Really? Oh yes. But tinier. How are we going to name him? (Shaking his head thoughtfully) I don t know. How would you like to name him? 22

24 Hmmm. I was thinking about William George Anderson. To the memory of your favorite uncle. (With a proud smile) My only uncle you mean. William George Anderson. Sounds great to me. (To his son) Welcome to earth William. Few days later EXT-IN FRONT OF S HOUSE George s car is parked in the driveway. George gets out. Goes to the passenger side and open the door: Suzan gets out caring the baby in her arms. They go in. 23

25 Few weeks later INT-A BAR-NIGHT George Anderson with his friend Harry went to a bar, at the end of the day for a drink. Well, wasn t such a bad day? Tell me about it. How is the baby doing? Great! He now is now 3 weeks old. But he still doesn t have anything from me. Not even a nose or a finger or anything. Don t worry. On the outside he might not look like you, but I bet that on the inside he does. (Lighting up) You are right. Sure his character. Why didn t I think about it? At that moment, Barry comes in and goes to sit with them. Barry is George and Harry s co-worker. And like George, Barry and Harry are overweight. He looks depressed. 24

26 Hey Barry! What s up? Want a drink? BARRY (With a sad and distraught voice) Yeah. A big one. (To the waitress) Bring us a bottle of beer. (Worried) Are you alright buddy? BARRY (Looking at his hands) She left me. George and Harry look puzzled Who left you? BARRY Nicole. She said that she has found someone better. Really? Who? BARRY My neighbor. She said that he is everything she always wanted in a man. 25

27 AND (Simultaneously) Sorry man, really. Must be hard. Will you be ok? BARRY Me? I m fine. Do you know the hardest part? (Starting to cry) She went to live with him. Now I will have to see them together each time I go back home, I will have to pass them every time I go to the supermarket, each time I go jogging, (He is crying louder) I can t believe that she left you after what she has done to you. What do you mean? Come one! You know what I am talking about. FEW YEARS EARLIER EXT- AN ALLEY- SUNNY Harry, George and Barry years earlier walking down a street. 26

28 You can hear The Bee Gees STAYING ALIVE in the background. George and Harry are already big. But Barry is slim and fit. Harry and Harry are eating hot dogs. BARRY Really guys, you should think about changing your diet and doing some sport. I can assure you that you won t regret it. You feel good strong Yeah, yeah, yeah! We have already heard it a thousand times. Why can t you take a diet like ours and eat all the food you want? BARRY Because it won t be good for my body. And nothing I tell, do you hear me, nothing will ever make me change my mind. Meanwhile, they had entered into Barry s apartment building. INT-CORRIDOR-DAY Barry is not looking at where he is going and he hits a pretty girl by mistake. BARRY (Helping the girl to stand up) I m so sorry, you re alright? 27

29 THE GIRL Yes I ll be fine. BARRY It s the first time I see you around here. You re new? THE GIRL (Showing the door opposite to Barry s) Yes I moved in this afternoon. My name is Nicole. BARRY I m Barry and here are my friends Peter and Harry. AND Nice meeting you. NICOLE Would you like to come over to my place for dinner tonight? There is that new recipe I just discovered. (Interested) You are a cook? Yes, a chef. NICOLE Too bad, I got other plans. Me too. BARRY At what time? 28

30 8 o clock. NICOLE BARRY I ll be there NICOLE Got to go. See you guys next time. Harry and George are looking at Barry with a teasing smile What? BARRY You got a date. It s the first one after centuries. BARRY His last date only took 5 minutes and she was gone. BARRY Would you cut it off? They enter in Barry apartment INT-BARRY S APARTMENT You got to make the best out of this one and not mess it up. 29

31 I won t. BARRY I bet 20 bucks that they will be over in 2 days. Deal! BARRY Ok that is enough. Get out of here. What? BARRY You heard me. Get out. Barry closes the door. 8 o clock. Good luck with your date. INT-CORRIDOR-NIGHT Barry goes to the apartment opposite to him then knocks on the door. Nicole opens. NICOLE You re right on time. Come in please. Barry goes in. The food is already on the table. 30

32 Barry stares at it with horror. Sadly for him, they are all against his diet. Shall we? NICOLE Later All the dishes are empty. BARRY That was delicious. NICOLE Thank you! I have never met someone who appreciate my cooking this much. Back to the present, in the bar In the past again And you know what happened after that. INT-BARRY S APARTMENT A knock on the door. Barry opens the door; it is Nicole with a plate. This happens again, and again and again. INT-GYMNASIUM-DAY Barry is in a gym, trying to run but feels too tired. EXT-A PARK-DAY Barry and Nicole pass in front of George and 31

33 Harry. I can t believe that they have been together for two months. No biggie. It s not like he is going to marry her. INT-A ROOM-DAY They are in a white room with a cross on the wall. Barry is trying to close his tuxedo s flyer. BARRY (Frustrated) I must have put on some pound on. (Sarcastically) You? Never. Harry and George are in tuxedos too. Don t worry, you look perfect. INT-CHURCH-ON THE ALTAR-AFTERNOON Barry and Nicole are saying their vows. George and Harry are Harry s best men. George turns his head to look at the guests. His eyes stop at one person, who will become his wife a year later. 32

34 Back to the present, in the bar (Indignant) And she dares to leave you after what she did to you? BARRY The way I see it, you are responsible too. Why didn t you stopping me from going on that date? Because it is not healthy to stand on the way of love. The waitress brings Barry s beer. (Giving him friendly taps on the back) Be a man and control yourself. Here, have a drink would you. She will come back. You ll see. Just give her some time, and when she will realize that he is not the right guy for her, she will come back to you. (In a low voice) Or find someone else. BARRY (Sniffing) You think so? 33

35 (Convincing) Of course I do. Come on, I m an expert in women. BARRY If that is the case, how come you are the only of the three of us who s not married and always gets dumped? George starts to laugh at him loudly. Harry looks at him with a disappointed look. (Noticing) Sorry. But continues to laugh, more silently this time. Another reason to believe me. So you want to eat something? BARRY This is one of the reasons why she left me: because I m too fat and that he is build like a real sportsman. He puts his hands between his hands, which are on the table, and restarts to cry. George and Harry are trying to comfort him. (Compassionat) There, there. 34

36 Later that night EXT-IN FRONT OF S HOUSE-NIGHT-WINDY George parks his car on the driveway. On his way to the house s door, he glances at Peter s house and notices that the lights in the living room are on. He was starting to get curious about the neighbor that he has heard so much about but has never met. This is why he decides to go to the house next door to say hello. He pushes the bell button. Few seconds later, a man opens the door. Peter? My name is George Anderson, I m PETER (Smiling, friendly) Suzan s husband! Nice to finally meet you. They shake hands. (Embarrassed) Hope that I didn t disturb you. It is just that I saw lights in the living room PETER No, no. Absolutely not. Come in please. 35

37 George enters. INT-PETER S HOUSE- THE LIVING ROOM (Staring at Peter thoughtfully) Tell me, have we met before? Because your face seems familiar to me. PETER That is funny yours too. But I really don t think so. Must be wrong. PETER What can I offer you? Anything without alcohol. I think that I have had enough for one day. PETER Ok. I ll be right back. Make yourself comfortable. Thank you. Peter goes to the kitchen. George takes a sit. 36

38 (VO) I have already seen this face. But where? I m sure that it was a long time ago and at the same time little time ago. This morning. Before going to work. The only persons I saw before going to work were Suzan and Peter comes back with two glasses of juice. PETER (Offering George a glass) Here you go. (Taking the glass) Thank you. Peter takes a sit in front of him. George takes a gulp of the juice then puts the glass on the coffee table. (Hesitating) So, Suzan told me that your dad passed away. Must be terrible. PETER Yes. But he was also very old. And where did you grow up? 37

39 PETER Everywhere. My father and I were moving every year. He liked the taste of adventure. But I didn t. That is why I decided to settle and to stay here. I see. Suzan told me that you have been giving her dancing lessons. PETER Yes. I m a professional dancer. When we met, she told me that she always wanted to learn dancing. And now, she is better than I. But she stopped coming because of her pregnancy. Tell me something, were you still giving her dancing lessons 10 months ago? PETER Yeah, I think so. (Annoyed) Excuse me but, I better get going. He put his glass of juice, which is still full, on the coffee table. At the door Thank you very much for your hospitality. 38

40 PETER It has been nice meeting you. Good night. (Nicely) Sure, same to you. EXT- S ALLEY-NIGHGT George looks as if he has seen a ghost. (On his way home, VO) This can t be. I must be dreaming. (With a determined tone) I got to be sure. He starts running to his house. INT- S HOUSE-NIGHT Everything is quiet. He runs up stair, to the baby s room. INT-BABY S ROOM-NIGHT-WINDY George switches the light on then goes towards the cradle and looks inside. (With a terrified tone) No, maybe that I m not looking right. 39

41 He takes the baby and brings him under the night-light. In the background, we could hear the 5 th Beethoven. Symphony of (Astonished) How could she? The symphony again. Then there is lighting and the power goes off. The baby looks just like Peter. INT- S- BEDROOM-NIGHT-RAINY George is staring at the ceiling. He looks horrified and worried at the same time. He turns to his right and sees the clock. It shows 12h30. The walkie-talkie is next to the clock. He hears the baby s bumbling. Irritated, he turns and stares at the ceiling. Few minutes later, he turns to his left. He is staring at Suzan s lovely sleeping face interrogatively. Hours pass by without him realizing it. Suddenly, Suzan opens her eyes. George closes his right the way. INT-BABY S ROOM-MORNING Suzan is changing the baby. The door, behind her, is open. George passes by and tries to have a look at the baby from where he is standing. Instinctively, Suzan freezes (George notices it) then glances behind her. But George is already gone. 40

42 INT-AT WORK PLACE- MORNING George s eyes were blood shoot because of lack of sleep. As soon as he arrived at his workplace, he started to look for Harry. Asking everybody he sees: Have you seen Harry? They all give him the same answer No. COLLEAGUE One even answered CO-WORKER (Irritated) It is the third time that you ask me and the answer is still no. On his way, he passes by Barry BARRY Morning George. (Preoccupied) Morning Barry. (Suddenly remembering, he calls him back) Barry? 41

43 Yes? BARRY (Turning around) (With a desolated face) I just wanted to tell you that I spent the entire night thinking about what happened to you. Really? BARRY (Surprised) Yes. And I wanted to tell you that I completely understand how you are feeling. BARRY Gee! Tell me are you Ok? I hope so. Embarrassed silence BARRY Well, thank you for your concern. You are welcome. Then he restarts looking for Harry. Since he couldn t find him, he left a message to the secretary. 42

44 Later, at lunch time INT- S OFFICE-AFTERNOON A knock at the door Come in! Harry enters. (With a happy smile) What s up pal? Heard you have been looking for me like hell. (Relieved) Where have you been? Oh got some problems with my mum. You know how she can be some times. Why were you looking for me? Harry cuts George short. Well, everything started Wait, what about telling me everything in front of a nice meal? I m starving. (Up set) Can t it wait? 43

45 An empty stomach has no hear. Ok, fine, let have lunch. EXT-AT THE RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD-NOON They are eating fries and burgers. Actually, only Harry was eating. George was telling him what he had discovered the other night. William George Anderson is not my child but Peter s. Are you sure that you weren t too drunk yesterday? (Desperate) That is what I thought. But this morning, I looked at him again: he looks just like his real father! You? (Puzzled) (Annoyed) No, Peter. What makes you so sure that you might not have been given the wrong baby at the hospital? 44

46 I thought about it. But the problem is that he has Suzan s smile and fingers. Oh man. This is crazy. Come on, there got to be a solution. First one: eat. Fine. And why would Suzan cheat on you? I wonder what that guy has that you don t. George who had the burger on the way to his mouth, puts it back on the plate, then put is aside. What? You are not hungry? I know what Suzan sees in him: the first thing, which attracted her, was dancing. The second thing, he looks just like a sportsman. I better start losing some weight and take her out to dance. After all, I am not a bad dancer. Not a professional, But I do know some moves. (Taking George s burger) Well, guess that you don t need this. (And he starts eating it.) 45

47 Want an advice, you better try finding out the truth before doing anything stupid. (Convinced) The truth, I know it. But I love her so much that I am ready to forgive her. As long as it doesn t happen again. Hope that you are right. (Puzzled) Right about what? (Puzzled) What do you mean? Harry cuts him short. (A bit scared) Do you hope that I m right that the baby is mine, or that Suzan had been cheating on me or that one day Peter might start living with her right next to me, or I meant that I hope that you are doing the right thing. Nothing else. Ok? (Confused) Sure. Sorry 46

48 INT- S HOUSE-DINING ROOM-NIGHT The mood is a bit tense. George only eats vegetables. This is all you are eating? Yes. I m thinking about losing some weight. (Surprised) It is the first time that I hear you talking about losing weight! Why are you doing this anyway? (His voice a bit teasing) What do you mean? Won t you be happy if I looked like a sportsman? No. What? (Surprised) Absolutely not: I like you just the way you are. 47

49 (Trying to smile, hesitating and choosing his words) Well. This is really nice of you. (VO) Hypocrite. You came back late yesterday. Yes. I had a couple of drinks with Harry and Barry. By the way, did you know that Nicole dumped Barry? (Surprised) No I didn t. And for who? (Hopefully) Can t you guess? Give it a try. I m sure that you will get it right. Suzan starts thinking for a moment. Sorry but I can t think of anybody. (Looking indignant) Really? I was so sure that you would have guessed! She dumped him for the neighbor. 48

50 (Astonished) No. How could she? And how is Barry taking it? He is cool. As long as he doesn t meet them, together. (Feeling hurt) I feel sorry for him. (Suddenly) Why did you say that you were sure that I would have guessed? No. Just a funny feeling. Nothing more. Tell me. Don t you think that Junior looks just like someone you know? I do. (Shocked) Really! To who? (Exited) To your uncle William. To who? (Puzzled and astonished) 49

51 Yeah, your uncle William. I was going thru the family album and I got to a picture of your uncle when he was young: he looked just like Junior. Silence (Worried) George what is it. Why aren t you saying anything? (Tensed and very calm) No I don t think that Junior looks like my uncle. You are probably right. I must be wrong. I just thought that he had something from your side. Let s just forget about it. Suddenly (Smiling) What are you doing tomorrow night? (Thoughtfully) I don t know. I haven t planned anything. Why are you asking? Well, I was thinking that we should go dancing tomorrow. 50

52 (Looking at him astonished) You and me? George shakes head positively. Going dancing? George shakes his head affirmatively. To George s astonishment, Suzan starts laughing. George who does not understand anything and starts to laugh with her. They laugh so much that tears start going down their cheeks. And they are hitting the table with their hands. After a minute, they finally start to come down and to wipe their tears away. (Still laughing and wiping her tears) This was the best joke ever. (Puzzled) Joke? What do you mean joke? Come on. I remember what happened the last time we danced. At that moment, the baby starts to cry. Suzan gets out of the room. (Wipes away the last tears) I ll get it. That was great. You should do more of that. 51

53 George stays alone. Deep in though. FLASHBACK (VO) The last time we danced? It was on our wedding day. Oh Yeah, I do remember now. I danced so much that I spent most of the honeymoon on a chair because my fit were pumped up and were aching. As well as my back. And I was feeling pain in my back too. Since then, I swear that I will never dance again; and Suzan said I m sure that one day you are going to forget and will want to dance again. And she was right. 52

54 EXT-VIEW FROM S PORCH- SUNNY DAY George could see Suzan, holding the baby going to the house next door: Peter s. Peter was standing under his porch. He lets Suzan and the baby in. PETER (To George) You are such a loser. At that moment, he hears himself screaming. (Screaming) Suzan, please stay with me I love you. INT- S BEDROOM Suzan is shaking George. George! Wake up! You are having a nightmare. George opens wide his eyes. He is sweating. He sits down sees Suzan, and then starts to calm down. (Calming down) It was jus a dream, it was just a dream. That is what I have been trying to tell you. Do you want to talk about it? 53

55 No thank you I am fine. What day are we? Sunday. The baby starts to cry. You promised to get the baby ready for church. Sure. (Getting off bed) INT-BABY S ROOM George is dressing up the baby. Something on the baby s left shoulder catches his attention. Looking closely, he notices that it is a big black spot. (With a tender playing tone) Oh, what do we have here? Maybe that it will go away with time. (Observing the baby s face) I know that you are not mine but I do know that I love you. At that moment, the baby starts to laugh. 54

56 George joins him by laughing too. BABY (With Peter s voice) You are such a jerk. George opens wide his eyes with fear. Now, it is not a baby s face that he is seeing anymore, but a grown ups : Peter s. (With fear in his voice) What the (Behind him) Is everything alright? George turns around and sees Suzan. He looks at the baby. He (the baby) has recovered his face and voice. (Stuttering) Everything is ok. 55

57 INT-THE CHURCH-MORNING-SUNNY Suzan and George are on their seats. THE PREACHER It is always a pleasure to welcome you all brothers and sisters at this holy place. Shall we all open our bibles at John 8 verse 1-11? Then each went to his own home. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. A t dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him and he sat down to teach them. The Teacher of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus Teacher this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law of Moses, he commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, straightened up and said to them, If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time. The older ones first, until only Jesus was left with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? No one sir. She said. Then neither do I condemn you Jesus declared. Go and leave your life of sin 56

58 While the Preacher was reading George could see the entire scene in front of his eyes. But the woman caught, was none other than his wife. (VO) It is best that I give her a second chance and put all this behind us. 57

59 INT- S HOME The living room s door opens. Suzan, George and the baby (hold by Suzan) came in. Could you make me a favor and take a pie to Peter so that you can finally meet him. I have already met him. Two days ago. But is ok, I ll do it. EXT-PETER S PORCH George goes towards Peter s house. He arrives under the porch, goes to the door an presses the bell button. After a while, Peter comes to open the door. He was wet and had a tower around his waist. PETER Hi. Sorry I took so long. I was under the shower. No it is my fault, I should have call first. (Walking backward) I think I ll just come back later. PETER No come in. I won t be long. But George is not moving. He is staying at his place. 58

60 Looking at Peter s left shoulder. Actually, a black spot on it. PETER (Nonplus) George? Are you coming in? (Dreamily) I don t believe it. PETER I beg your pardon? (Shaking his head and getting out of his thoughts) No, nothing. What were you saying? PETER Would you like to come in? Sure. INT-PETER S HOUSE-LIVING ROOM (Handing the pie to Peter) Suzan made you this. PETER Oh, that is nice thank you. Could you please put it in the kitchen while I go get dressed? It is this way. 59

61 He goes to the kitchen. Ok! (Alone) I must have seen wrong. INT-THE KITCHEN George puts the pie on the table. He is nervous and sweating. Water. I need a glass of water. He takes a glass, opens the tap, and fills his glass. Then starts drinking. He puts the glass in the washbasin. Now he hears the sound of a phone ringing. He makes one way to the living room. But before he was in, he sees Peter answering it. George gets freezes. PETER (With a happy loving tone) Hallo! Hi Suzan honey. (Murmuring) Suzan? Honey? PETER I ll see you in 60

62 (Taking a glance at his watch) Half an hour Ok then. at The Good Eating? I ll be there. Ok Bye Love you too. He hangs up. George comes in. (Fast) I am not going to take more of your time. PETER You are going already. Yes. I just remember that there is something that I need to do. Bye, nice seeing you again. EXT-ALLEY George runs out of the house to his. He enters by the kitchen door. INT-THE KITCHEN George slams the door. He finds Suzan preparing herself to go out. Where are you going? 61

63 I promised Hannah that I ll meet her at The Good Eating in 30mn. I won t take long. The baby is up stair sleeping. His feeding bottle is in the microwave, in case he is hungry. Quick kiss, then she runs toward the door. She is opening the door. (Thinking) The Good Eating? That name sounds familiar. (Then remembering, VO) Peter, she is going to meet Peter. Wait! (Shouting) The door is half opened. What? (Wondering) (Alarmed) You cannot go. Why not? Because there is something on the TV that you do not want to miss. 62

64 (Looking interested) Really? What? (Thinking fast) Heu. Oprah is pregnant. (Surprised) No way! And who is the father? That is precisely what she is about to announce. And you know you do not want to miss that. For nothing in the world. But Hannah is waiting for me. (Lighting up) I got an idea: why don t you record it and I will watch as soon as I get back. Got to go. Bye She runs out. No! EXT-PORCH He runs outside and tries to call her back, but she was already too far. INT- S HOUSE He goes back in and calls Harry. 63

65 (Breathing fast) Harry, what are doing? Watching TV. Why? (Trying to stay calm) I need your help. Do you think that you could get here in 10 minutes? Is anything wrong? It is a matter of death or life. What is going on, you are dying? (Angry voice) No my marriage is. Anyway, get here as fast as you can. He hangs up EXT- S HOUSE 15mn later, Harry s car parks in the driveway. At the same moment, George gets out of the house caring the baby in his car seat. 64

66 He installs him in the back of the car, and then gets in the passenger sit. What took you so long? (Carefree) You asked me to arrive as soon as I could. I couldn t make it faster. And you better have a good reason to have made me come. (Gesticulating) It is Suzan, she is meeting Peter at The Good Eating. They agreed to meet there. By Peter you mean your neighbor? (Shakes his head positively) Yes. The real father of my baby. (Annoyed) Oh, is this story still continuing? Please I need your help. And how? 65

67 I got to caught them together and I need a witness so that they won t be able to deny it later. Man this is crazy. But I am with you. I don t know why. (Relaxed) Thank you. You are the best friend ever. What is the name of the restaurant again? The Good Eating. (Starting the car) You are lucky that I happen to know where it is. 66

68 EXT-THE GOOD EATING-AFTERNOON The Good Eating is a restaurant where people can eat in the open air or inside depending on people s choice. It was opposite to a road. And they serve all kinds of food. As soon as they park the car, George gets out. (By the car s window) Stay here. I m going to see if they are in. Then I ll call you. George takes a look thru the huge window and finds Suzan and Peter sitting at a corner. Together at the same table having lunch. They are laughing. Suzan puts Peter s hand in hers; they stare at each other. At that moment, something goes thru George s heart. INT-THE GOOD EATING George goes right to their table. (Looking very calm) Hi there! Suzan and Peter look at him surprised. Then he gets something out of his pocket. Someone screams A WOMAN S VOICE Ho my God he got a gun! 67

69 Then he shoots Suzan and Peter. George? It was his imagination. Suzan and Peter are looking at him with a surprised look. (Puzzled) Hi. What are you doing here? It is ok. I know everything. (Puzzled) You know everything? Exactly what do you know? And where is the baby? Don t worry; he is in the car with Harry. He is fine. (Exited She looks at Peter, then at George) You would never guess what I just found out. PETER (Concerned) George, are you alright. Do you need a sit or anything? 68

70 (Tensed) Do you really want to help me? PETER Sure, you look horrible. (Lifting his shoulders up, then down) You looked for it. Get up. Come on get up. Peter gets up. And at the same moment, George gives him a pig punch on the face. Peter fells down on the table, which broke, under his weight. All the looks were now on them. Suzan is staring at her husband. Astonished and her mouth open. (To Peter, while massaging his hands) Thank you. Now I feel better. With a sad face, he gets out of the restaurant. At the door, he heard Suzan apologizing to Peter and offering him help. He goes back to Harry s car. INT- S CAR-AFTERNOON The baby is still sleeping. Let s get out of here. 69

71 (Worried) Are you all right? What happened in there? (In a whisper) Can we just go? Harry starts the car and heads to George s house. 70

72 INT- S HOME-LIVING ROOM-NIGHT The baby is up stair. Harry was gone a while ago. George is in the living room, on the rocking chair. Swinging while listening to Suzan and his favorite song, Whitney Houston s I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, dreamily. He starts to think about the first time they met at Barry s wedding. The first time he had seen her. FLASHBACK EXT- PARK-DAY-SUNNY Suzan and George are having a pick nick. They are both laughing. Then he looks into her eyes, gathers all his courage. Would you marry? Suzan stares at him with surprise. The music pauses. The music continues (Very happy and smiling) Yes. Yes, I will marry. 71

73 EXT- CHURCH-NOON FLASHBACK George and Suzan get out of the church followed by family and friends congratulating them and showering them with rice. He remembers the first time he laid eyes on Junior then Peter. He hears Suzan s car in the driveway. BACK IN THE PRESENT She storms inside the house slams the door and runs in the living room. She finds him sitting in front of the window. As if he wasn t there. With tears going down his cheeks. At that scene, she softens. She squats next to him. George. (With a soft voice) At that moment, he gets out of his thoughts, wipes his tears. But he is still looking outside. 72

74 (After taking a deep breath) Your stuff as well as the baby s is all packed up. And you can take anything else you want. It hurts me but I want you to be happy. (With a compassion look) I know what you are thinking: that I am having an affair with Peter. Right? (Silent) (Caressing his cheek with her hand) But it is not the case. Really. I thought that you went to The Good Eating to meet Hannah not Peter. 73

75 Yes I was with Hannah but she left sooner than I. I was about to leave when I saw Peter. He looked so distraught; he had a date with his fiancée but she couldn t make it because something came up. Few minutes before you arrived, she called and told him that they could meet later at his place. (Silent) (Begging) Please, tell me that you believe me. I would never do anything to hurt you. George stands up. Suzan does them same. They stare at each other. He looks calm but she could see anger in his eyes. (With a calm voice) Could you explain to me why Junior doesn t look even a bit like me, but like Peter? (Surprised) Yes you are right. They do look a like. A little. 74

76 (With a sarcastic laugh) A little! He looks just like him. (Increasing the tone of her voice) No he doesn t. (Annoyed and yelling) This morning when I was dressing up Junior, I noticed that he has a spot on the left shoulder. And when I went to see Peter, he was wearing a towel. And guess what? What? (Shouting) Suzan He has the same spot, on the same shoulder. So do you. What? (Astonished) (Amused) You too got the same spot on the same shoulder. George starts to think for few seconds. Then checks his left shoulder: he got the spot too. 75

77 (Breathing fast, thoughtfully) I am sure that I heard Peter calling someone on the phone HONEY. What about that?? Tell me. Someone was knocking at the door. Suzan goes to open and lets Peter and a young woman in. (Angry) What is going on? (With a malicious smile) George, this is Peter and this is his fiancée. Suzan. (Astonished) Fiancée? His fiancée s name is Suzan. Oh no! Oh Yes. One more thing. Do you know what Peter s last name is? (Shakes his head negatively) Anderson. Just like yours. 76

78 Everybody is smiling. Except George, who is confused and doesn t understand anything. (Going to Peter) Your last name is Anderson? He starts to think deeply, then his face lights up. (With a relief smile) This is nothing more than a coincidence. (Folding her arms and going to George s direction) That is what I thought at the beginning. Till this morning at the restaurant. Do you remember your uncle William? This is his son. George opens his mouth in shock and does not know what to say. He starts to look at everybody. Peter goes to him with smiling, offering his hand. PETER Nice to meet you cousin. George takes the hand and shakes it. Then they hug each other. 77

79 PETER Dad has always told me about you. After you moved, he lost tracks of you. I never thought that I will meet you on this corner of the earth. (Still in shock) And I never thought that I would have ever met my cousin. They hug. The baby starts crying. PETER I think this is my nephew who is crying. She runs up stairs. I m going to take care of that. (To Suzan) Nice meeting you. The pleasure is all mine. (To Peter) I m sorry about earlier, I shouldn t have punched you. PETER It s OK, it was nothing. 78

80 Really, I am sure that I put all my strength into it. PETER It did hurt but now I am feeling better. The door bell rings. He opens the door. It is Harry. Glad to hear that. (To Peter and Suzan) I m going to take that; and please make yourself comfortable. Sorry. I know that it is a kind of late but, the baby left his slipper in my car and I just wanted to give it back. He hands the slipper to George. (Taking it) Oh, thank you. Why don t you come in for a minute? No, Suzan and you got plenty of things to work out. Don t worry about it. Anyway, there is someone I would like you to meet. 79

81 Harry comes in. You can go to the living room; I m going to look for something to drink. Harry goes to the living room and finds a couple there. (Waving at them) Hi I m Harry, George s best friend. I m Peter PETER (Suspicious) Let me guess, the neighbor. Yeah. PETER I have heard a LOT about you. PETER I don t doubt it. Suzan comes in with the baby in her arms. She goes to greet him. Hi Harry, how are you doing? 80

82 Fine. (To the baby) And what about you little guy? (To Suzan) Can I hold him? Sure! George comes in with glasses and a bottle of champagne. Harry goes to him. (Murmuring) George, when you were talking about the resemblance thing, I thought that you were exaggerating. George starts to laugh. Gives Harry a friendly tap on the back. Well Harry, as I can see, you ve met my cousin Peter Anderson, he is Uncle William son, and his fiancée Suzan. (Astonished and stuttering) Cousin? So that means that you are family! Well, I guess that Junior is the image of his Uncle. The doorbell rings again. Then Hannah comes in. 81

83 HANNAH Sorry to come like that but the door was opened and I It is Ok. Hannah joins them (Introducing Harry) And I guess that you already know George s friend? HANNAH (With sparkling eyes) Yes. We have met couple of times but have never got the time to know each other. Hannah and Harry exchange a loving look. I m going to look for another glass. Excuse me please. Excuse me too. INT-KITCHEN-NIGHT Suzan? (Embarrassed) She turns to fix him. 82

84 (Choosing his words) I would like to apologize for not trusting you and She puts a finger on his lips. Shh! I understand you. At least all this helped me realize how much you love me and care about me. Passionate kiss (Smiling) Till death do us part. Oprah isn t pregnant isn t? Suzan starts to laugh. Absolutely not. (Pause) I guess. INT-LIVING ROOM (To Hannah) Are you free tomorrow night? HANNAH I m sorry but I promised my dog that I was going to spend the evening with him. 83

85 (With a disappointed face) It is ok, I understand. HANNAH (With a mischievous look) But I am sure that he will understand. (Smiling) Is that a yes? HANNAH (Smiling) You bet it is one. George and Suzan come back with the glass. George fills them all the glasses. Then everybody stands up and raises his glass (Full of happiness and emotion) I would like to make a toast to every single one of you in this room. Family and friends. Cheers!!! EVERYBODY 84

86 Few years later EXT-A PARK-SUNNY Peter and George are doing some walk. Junior is playing with the other kids. Now, he looks just like his father. Peter s cell phone rings (VO) Well, what is left to say? Everything turned out good for everybody. Hannah and Harry got married. Nicole returned to Barry because her sportsman guy didn t like her cooking and was always complaining that her cooking was going to make him fat. Peter and Suzan, not mine, got married, move to another city and were expecting their first child. We went to visit them for Christmas and got the chance to say a prayer on my uncle s grave. PETER Hello! Yes When?...Which hospital?... Ok, we are coming. (To George) It was Suzan. Suzan, I mean mine, have lost the bones and is now in the delivering room. (Promptly) What are we waiting for? Junior we got to go. 85

87 INT-HOSPITAL- IN S ROOM The two Suzans were looking at the newborn baby. A knock at the door then George, Peter and Junior get in. PETER I am sorry; we got here as fast as we could. PETER It is ok. (Showing the baby) What do you think of your son? PETER (With a smile) He looks marvelous. LATER INT-HOSPITAL S CORRIDOR Peter, George and Junior are in the hospital s corridor 86

88 PETER (To George, deep in thought) Tell me, did you notice that the baby doesn t look like me? Yes I did. But don t worry. Surely that he will start having something from you with time. PETER You are right. Now that you mention it, I think that his face looks a bit familiar to me. PETER Me too. But I can t get my finger on whom. JUNIOR I think that he looks like Mr. Perry. Who is Mr. Perry? JUNIOR Uncle Peter s neighbor. George and Peter look at each other toughly. Then shake their head negatively PETER AND No it can t be. (To Junior) You must have seen wrong. 87

89 EXT- MR. PERRY S PORCH-DAY He comes out of the house, closes it. Then he turns around. He really is the image of Peter s baby. THE END FADE OUT 88