Life is a Journey 4

INT. alex's home, KITCHEN- DAY
Everyone is gathered. On the table sits an apple pie. Muffin is dancing around the table.
VICTORIA
OK guys, listen up.
She claps her hand.
VICTORIA (cont'd)
Last night our new neighbour just moved in across the street. And so we're going to go and introduce ourselves and welcome her. Alright, let's go!
Victoria takes the pie and gives it to Emily to hold. Everyone makes their way out of the house.
Ext. mrs. evergreen's porch- day
They have all gathered and Victoria knocks. The door opens and MRS. EVERGREEN looks out.
VICTORIA
Hello! Welcome to our neighbourhood! I'm Victoria Tiko and this is my family.
As Victoria introduces them, they each give a wave and smile.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Not forgetting our dog, Muffin.
Muffin shyly wags her tail while staying by Alex's side.
Mrs. evergreen
Thank you for your welcome. I'm Mandy Evergreen.
Mrs. Evergreen goes out to shake everyone's hands. She then bends and pats Muffin's head. Victoria pushes Emily forward and Emily holds out the pie to Mrs. Evergreen.
VICTORIA
We made a pie for you. I'm sure you and your family will love it.
Mrs. Evergreen accepts it.
MRS. EVERGREEN
Oh I live alone. My husband passed on a few years back and my children are overseas.
CHARLES
We're sorry to hear that. You can come visit us any time you want.
VICTORIA
While we're at it, come join our Christmas lunch.
MRS. EVERGREEN
Thank you but I have plans already. Maybe we can have a meal some other time.
VICTORIA
Oh OK, that's fine.
MRS. EVERGREEN
Thank you again.
VICTORIA
No problem, bye!
Alex and his family say their goodbyes and leave. Mrs. Evergreen watches them go.
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Everyone is helping to clean up the house. Charles is in the garden, Victoria takes care of the rooms, Mrs. Ward is in the kitchen with Muffin asleep by the garden door, Emily is in the washroom and Alex is in the living room. Victoria goes to the top of the stairs.
VICTORIA
Alex! Alex!
INT. LIVING ROOM- day
Alex stops vacuuming the rug, turns off the machine and replies.
ALEX
Yeah, Mom?
VICTORIA
Could you go to the supermarket and get me some detergent? We've run out.
Alex goes upstairs to get money from Victoria then he leaves.
Ext. damodar city, new world SUPERMARKET- day
Alex is sitting on the bench eating a quiche while watching people go by. Coming from the right is Mark. Alex sees him and waves. Mark sees him and waves back. He then joins him.
ALEX
Hey, what are you dong here?
MARK
Just doing some shopping.
ALEX
Me too.
Alex shows him the purchased detergent.
MARK
So, how's it?
ALEX
Everything's OK, just doing some cleaning at home...then I got hungry.
Alex laughs.
ALEX (CONT'D)
How about you?
MARK
Nothing much. Just work and home.
ALEX
What are you doing for Christmas?
MARK
No plans.
ALEX
Your family's not celebrating?
MARK
Something like that.
ALEX
My Dad's inviting you to join our Christmas lunch. Interested?
MARK
Your Dad?
ALEX
Yeah, long story. So, you coming?
MARK
Yeah, sounds great.
ALEX
What's your number? I'll text you the details and the address.
MARK
7813120
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Alex enters and goes upstairs.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, upstairs- day
He gives the detergent to his Mom.
ALEX
Mom, I invited Mark over for Christmas lunch.
VICTORIA
Oh, you saw him?
ALEX
Yeah, small world.
VICTORIA
Your Father and Emily's gone out to buy a tree. Mrs. Ward and I are going to prepare lunch. You can help out if you like.
ALEX
OK. I'll be right down after checking something.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- DAY
Alex is sitting at the table with his laptop. He checks his Facebook and sees no new messages from Claire. He then shuts down his laptop and leaves.
INT. MARK'S HOME- DAY
Mark enters with bags of groceries. His Dad is on the couch watching TV.
MARK'S DAD
What took you so long?
MARK
I met a friend on the way.
MARK'S DAD
Get lunch ready, I'm getting hungry.
INT. MARK'S HOME, KITCHEN- day
Mark puts in three packets of Maggi noodles into the boiling water. Continues to chop up the cabbage then adds it in. Opens up a tin of corned beef and puts it in. He also puts in the noodle flavourings and stirs it. Turns off the stove and carries the pot to the table. He gets two bowls and utensils from the cabinet. Ladles out the food and calls his Dad. They then both sit down to eat.
MARK'S DAD
What do you want to do for Christmas? Let's do something special.
MARK
I got plans.
Mark's Dad stops eating to look at him.
MARK'S DAD
Huh? With who?
MARK
A friend.
MARK'S DAD
You mean a girlfriend?
MARK
No. Its a guy and his family.
MARK'S DAD
With his family?
MARK
Yeah, its just lunch.
MARK'S DAD
Maybe we can have a Christmas dinner then. I'll prepare it.
MARK
You sure you don't want me to help?
MARK'S DAD
Nah, its OK. I can handle it. Go spend time with your friend.
MARK
Thanks Dad.
Int. alex's home, living room- day
Charles and Emily are decorating the tree. Muffin is sniffing at it.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- day
Alex, Victoria and Mrs. Ward are busy preparing lunch. Then they gather to eat.
VICTORIA
So Mark will be joining us for Christmas lunch.
CHARLES
Good, good.
MRS. WARD
He's not celebrating with his family?
ALEX
No.
MRS. WARD
Aww...how sad.
VICTORIA
After lunch we're going Christmas shopping. I hope you all still remember who you're buying for from our secret santa game.
Victoria looks around the table and is satisfied with the nod of heads.
MONTAGE- VARIOUS.
A) Ext/int. around town and various shops- day
The Tiko family and Mrs. Ward are out and about shopping. They visit Prouds, Jacks, Tappoo City and MHCC.
B) INT. MHCC, RESTAURANT 88- NIGHT
The family feast on a variety of food. Beef, chicken, lamb, noodles, rice and soup. Smiles and laughter go around the table.
C) INT. MHcc, supermarket- night
The family are now shopping for groceries for Christmas lunch. Emily sits on the trolley which is being pushed by Alex.
D) INT. ALEX'S HOME- NIGHT
They then arrive home, tired but happy. Charles, Victoria and Mrs. Ward take the groceries into the kitchen to put away.
MONTAGE ENDS.
INT. LIving room- night
Alex and Emily slouch on the couch watching TV. Alex takes out his phone and checks it. He sees a new Facebook message from Claire.
CLAIRE (voice over)
Hey, Alex. So what are you reading now? I'm reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Alex types back a reply.
ALEX (VOICE OVER)
None yet, been a bit busy. Just came back from Christmas shopping.
He then sends the message and puts his phone away.
EMILY
I'm gonna go sleep. Do you want me to take that up for you?
Emily points at Alex's shopping bag.
ALEX
OK, thanks.
Alex passes it to her and she goes upstairs. Victoria and Charles enter.
VICTORIA
Honey, we're off to bed. Goodnight.
She rubs his arm.
CHARLES
Night, kiddo.
ALEX
Night, guys.
They head upstairs. Alex turns off the TV and goes to the kitchen.
Int. kitchen- night
Mrs. Ward is about to boil a kettle of water.
MRS. WARD
Alex, do you want some tea?
ALEX
Sure.
Mrs. Ward puts in more water and then boils it. She joins Alex who is sitting at the table.
MRS. WARD
So your friend will be joining us.
ALEX
Yeah.
MRS. WARD
I wonder if his family's alright. Since they're not going to do anything.
ALEX
Maybe you could ask him.
MRS. WARD
I hope he doesn't feel awkward around us. He hasn't known you or us long.
ALEX
Mmm...
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- NIGHT
Alex is on the laptop.
INT. CLAIRE'S ROOM- NIGHT
Claire is also on the laptop.
INTER-CUT BETWEEN ALEX AND CLAIRE. (voice-overs)
CLAIRE
Tell me more about yourself.
ALEX
There's not much to know.
CLAIRE
Come on, don't be so shy.
ALEX
I like listening to music.
CLAIRE
I think everyone does that too haha...
ALEX
I also like star gazing, walks on the beach and singing.
CLAIRE
Oh my gosh! You sound like the romantic!
ALEX
Haha...
CLAIRE
Seriously, I've never met a guy who likes to do those things. And you know what's the craziest thing?
ALEX
What?
CLAIRE
I love to do those types of stuff too! What are the odds?!
ALEX
No kidding?
CLAIRE
Yup, too good to be true. You must be my other half ahahaha...
ALEX
So, are you still studying? Or working?
CLAIRE
Still in school. I'm doing my PhD in Literature.
ALEX
Cool, I'm doing a BA in the same subject.
CLAIRE
Yay, we're Literature buddies!
ALEX
What is your thesis about?
CLAIRE
I'm researching William Shakespeare's work, particularly Hamlet.
ALEX
Oh, Hamlet. I studied that in high school.
CLAIRE
Its interesting huh?
ALEX
Yeah, I also like his stuff. Haha another common interest there!
CLAIRE
Wow! Why didn't I meet you any sooner? =)
ALEX
Haha...what else do you like?
CLAIRE
I love cats. I have one mama cat and 5 kittens. Do you want one?
ALEX
No, its OK. I have a dog and she doesn't like cats.
CLAIRE
Hey, its nearly 2. Aren't you sleepy yet?
ALEX
Wow, time is fast.
CLAIRE
Yeah, I'm yawning my head off. I'm off to bed now. Nice chatting with you, night.
ALEX
Yeah OK, talk to you later. Goodnight.
Alex closes the window and shuts down the laptop. He then goes out to his balcony and lies on the recliner. Looks up at the night sky and enjoys the bright sparkly dots.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, living room- DAY
Underneath the Christmas tree are various sizes of coloured boxes with ribbons tied on them. Some are wrapped in Christmas wrappings. Muffin sniffs at them. Mrs. Ward enters and shoos Muffin away.
MRS. WARD
Muffin, you're not supposed to be near the tree nor the presents. Come now!
Muffin obediently follows her back into the kitchen.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
Victoria, Emily and Mrs. Ward are preparing cakes, cookies and puddings for Christmas.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, LIVING ROOM- DAY
Alex and Charles are on the couch watching TV.
CHARLES
How did you meet Mark?
ALEX
It was all because of Muffin.
Charles laughs.
CHARLES
He could become your new best friend. Just like Chris.
ALEX
Yeah, but Chris can't be replaced.
CHARLES
True, true.
ALEX
Do you find Ms. Rose weird?
CHARLES
Weird? Not really...why?
ALEX
I just get weird vibes from her.
CHARLES
I'm sure its just nothing. Remember we shouldn't judge people.
ALEX
I know.
CHARLES
Alright, I'll go see if the ladies need any help.
Charles gets up and goes to the kitchen.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- DAY
Alex is on Claire's Facebook profile, looking at her pictures. Emily comes creeping in and she stands behind him.
EMILY
Ooh, who's that?
Alex whips his head around and pushes the screen slightly down, blocking Emily's view.
ALEX
No one.
EMILY
Is that your girrrrlfriend?
ALEX
No, she's not. She's just a friend.
EMILY
Yeah, a girlfriend. I'm gonna tell Mom.
ALEX
Oh no you don't!
Alex gets up and starts tickling her. Emily bursts out laughing.
INT. LIVING ROOM- night
Everyone is gathered, seated on the couch. Charles is reading Luke 2 from the Bible. They then sing 'Holy Night'. The clock strikes midnight and they wish each other a Merry Christmas.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- DAY
Emily comes running in with Muffin. They both jump onto his bed and try to wake him.
EMILY
Wake up, sleepy head! Its Christmas!
Alex groans and pulls his blanket closer. Emily pulls it off and shakes him.
ALEX
OK, OK!
INT. MARK'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
Mark is frying some eggs. He then turns off the stove, puts it onto a plate and carries it to the table. Two cups of coffee and a loaf of sliced bread waits there. His Dad enters and they sit down to eat.
MARK
Merry Christmas, Dad.
MARK'S DAD
Same to you, Mark.
MARK
What are you going to do today?
MARK'S DAD
Watch some TV. Eat a little something for lunch then prepare dinner.
MARK
Why don't you visit Mom?
MARK'S DAD
I doubt she'd want to see me.
MARK
She asked about you when she called.
MARK'S DAD
And she also asked for a divorce.
Mark silently eats.
Mark's dad (cont'd)
Its just you and me now, Mark. She chose to leave us.
MARK
(mumbling sarcastically)
And I wonder why in the first place.
MARK'S DAD
What was that?
MARK
Nothing.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
It is a buzz of activity as everyone helps to prepare for lunch. Victoria and Mrs. Ward are cooking, Charles and Alex set the table, Emily is putting icing and cream on the cake. Muffin excitedly sniffs the aroma filled kitchen. The doorbell rings and Alex goes to get it.
ext. ALEX'S porch, day
Mark nervously waits, holding a bottle of wine. He fixes his hair as the door swings open.
ALEX
Mark! You're early!
MARK
Better than late, right?
Mark gives a nervous little laugh. Alex holds the door wide open.
ALEX
Come in, make yourself at home.
Mark enters and Alex closes the door. He leads him into the kitchen.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
They both enter. Alex claps his hands.
ALEX
Hey guys, our guest has already arrived. Everyone, this is Mark.
Alex's family and Mrs. Ward greet Mark and go back to their tasks. Mark puts the wine on the table.
CHARLES
Alex, you can hang out with Mark. I can handle it here.
ALEX
OK Dad.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, LIVING ROOM- DAY
Alex and Mark are sitting down watching TV. Mark looks around, admiring.
MARK
You have a nice house. Big too.
ALEX
Thanks. Do you want something to drink?
MARK
No, I'm fine. Its cool how you guys have a tree with presents and all. Just like in the movies.
ALEX
Yeah, except for the snow.
They both laugh.
INT. MARK'S HOME, DAD'S ROOM- day
Mark's Dad sits on his bed looking at a framed picture. It is of his family. He touches his wife's face with a sad look. He then hugs the picture, burying his head and cries.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
Everyone is tucking into lunch. They pass the food to each other and Mark looks at them, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
VICTORIA
So, Mark, your family doesn't celebrate Christmas?
MARK
We used to...when my parents were still together.
VICTORIA
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that.
MARK
Its OK.
Mark stares at his plate. Charles takes a sip of the wine and exclaims, trying to lighten up the mood.
CHARLES
This is really good wine, Mark. Do you usually drink?
MARK
No, I don't drink.
VICTORIA
Sorry, but I saw you that day at MHCC with beer.
MARK
That wasn't for me. I was getting it for my Dad.
Charles shoots Victoria a 'I told you so' look. Victoria looks ashamed.
CHARLES
Tell us more about yourself, Mark.
MARK
I work part-time at McDonald's. Dad's laid off at the moment.
VICTORIA
What does he do?
MARK
He's a road worker with LTA.
VICTORIA
I see. Is he looking for another job?
MARK
Not at the moment. But we're doing OK.
CHARLES
We're glad that Alex has made a new friend. He tells me its through Muffin.
MARK
Yeah, good thing I was still around for her to find me.
Mark laughs.
EMILY
Alex also has a girlfriend!!!
Alex chokes on his food, takes a drink of water.
ALEX
Emily!!!
Everyone turns to look at Alex.
VICTORIA
Is this true Alex?
ALEX
No! She's just a friend.
EMILY
You were looking at her pictures!!
CHARLES
Emily, stop making fun of your brother. Its OK for him to be...exploring life.
ALEX
She's not my girlfriend, we're just FRIENDS!
VICTORIA
Matter of fact, you also seemed to be on your phone a lot too.
MRS. WARD
I think that's enough now. Its Alex's business and we should respect his privacy. He's not little anymore, he's a young man now.
Mrs. Ward smiles at Alex and he gives her a thankful look.
VICTORIA
Alright. But I'd be really glad if you did.
MONTAGE- VARIOUS.
INT. MARK'S HOME- day
Mark enters expecting his Dad to be preparing dinner. He sees nothing cooking, no sign of his Dad. He goes to his Dad's room.
INT. MARK'S HOME, DAD'S ROOM- day
He sees his Dad asleep, hugging the picture frame. Beer cans strewn about the bed. Mark goes and takes the picture from him and looks at it. He then looks at his Dad and sighs.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, living room- night
Everyone happily opens up their presents. Muffin joins in on the happiness.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- NIGHT
Alex is on the laptop.
INT. CLAIRE'S ROOM- NIGHT
Claire is also online.
INTER-CUT BETWEEN ALEX AND CLAIRE. (voice-overs)
CLAIRE
How was your Christmas?
ALEX
Good, ate a lot. My belly feels as if its about to burst.
CLAIRE
Hahaha, me too. We went to the Holiday Inn buffet. My plate was filled to the brim!
ALEX
Did you get any presents?
CLAIRE
Yeah, a few. Hey, do you wanna meet up sometime?
Alex thinks then replies.
ALEX
OK, when and where?
CLAIRE
How about next Wednesday, 1pm? At the library?
ALEX
Sounds good.
CLAIRE
Great. See you then!
Alex stands and goes out to his balcony. He takes in a deep breath of the cool air and smiles.
EXT. library- day
Alex is sitting on the bench, waiting. Anxiously looks around. Suddenly he hears a voice call out his name. Turning in every direction, searching. He then sees the familiar face of Claire. He stands and waves. Claire arrives and they sit down.
CLAIRE
It feels kinda weird to see you in person.
Claire laughs.
ALEX
Yeah, a little bit.
CLAIRE
Do you wanna go get something to drink?
ALEX
OK, where do you want to go?
INT. MHCC, Gloria Jeans- day
Alex and Claire are seated opposite one another with their drinks.
CLAIRE
So how did you get into Literature?
ALEX
I read a lot when I was younger so it kinda stuck.
CLAIRE
That's good. Not many people enjoy reading these days.
ALEX
I know. In primary school I usually stayed in during recess and lunch to read the books in our classroom library.
CLAIRE
Impressive. I'm sure your teachers were proud.
ALEX
Yeah, one of them said I was an avid reader. And one time the teacher asked the class who was the best reader in class and they all said my name.
CLAIRE
Wow. You were famous!
They both laugh.
CLAIRE(cont'd)
So what do you want do when you graduate? Teach?
ALEX
Its funny how most people think those who study Literature will be teachers. No, I want to do something else. Maybe like an office job or something.
CLAIRE
OK. I've always wanted to be a teacher. But not in a primary school, its too stressful.
Claire laughs.
CLAIRE(CONT'D)
Yeah, so maybe in a high school or university.
ALEX
OK. I'm hungry...do you wanna get something to eat?
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- NIGHT
Alex is lying on his bed listening to music. He then lies on his elbows and picks up his phone. He looks at a picture of Claire and smiles.
The End.