Life is a Journey 5

int. alex's home, living room- night
Everyone is gathered around the TV watching the New Year's Eve coverage. Emily looks at the clock.
emily
Its time!
Charles sits up, checks the clock and starts counting down.
charles
5,4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Everyone cheers and claps. As it quiets down, Charles stands.
CHARLES (cont'd)
Another year ends and another begins. May 2015 be a joyous and wonderful year for all of us.
Another round of cheers start.
victoria
Alright, its time for bed now.
Victoria gets up and joins Charles.
CHARLES
Goodnight, everyone.
The rest responds and they go upstairs.
Mrs. ward
I just can't believe its a new year already.
alex
Yeah, time is fast.
EMILY
I'm going to bed too, night.
She stands and leaves while Alex and Mrs. Ward respond.
MRS. WARD
Alex, I noticed something about you lately.
ALEX
What do you mean?
MRS. WARD
You seem more...happy.
Mrs. Ward smiles at Alex.
ALEX
Really?
MRS. WARD
Yes, I thought since Chris left you would be feeling down, but you're not.
ALEX
At first I was sad but not anymore.
MRS. WARD
Is it because of Mark?
ALEX
Not really, its someone else.
MRS. WARD
Oh, who?
ALEX
Claire, I met her on Facebook.
MRS. WARD
Oh, a girl? Do tell me more!
Mrs. Ward moves to sit next to Alex.
ALEX
She's doing her PhD.
MRS. WARD
So, she's older than you?
ALEX
Yeah, but age is just a number right?
Alex gives a small laugh.
MRS. WARD
Are you two together?
ALEX
No. We just chat online and sometimes hangout and stuff.
MRS. WARD
So you're just friends?
ALEX
Yeah, but I don't think I should feel this way for a friend, right?
MRS. WARD
Ah, I know the feeling all too well. You get excited at the thought of seeing them. You get this weird feeling in your tummy. You feel as though your heart is going to burst out.
ALEX
And its the first time I've felt this way for someone. Is it love? Am I in love?
MRS. WARD
Love and liking someone are two very different things. Just like day and night.
ALEX
What's the difference?
MRS. WARD
Love is wanting the best for them, seeing past their flaws and putting their needs first before yours.
ALEX
Oh, I see.
MRS. WARD
Yes, so unless you feel that way, you're not truly in love, its just a crush. Sometimes we get confused and lost when our hearts get carried away.
Mrs. Ward stands up and pats Alex's shoulder.
MRS. WARD (cont'd)
Its time for bed. Goodnight, Alex.
Mrs. Ward goes upstairs while Alex sits there, thinking.
Int. alex's home, kitchen- day
Everyone is having breakfast.
CHARLES
What a fine day it is today.
Victoria looks at the two kids.
VICTORIA
Have you two packed your things yet?
Alex and Emily nod. The doorbell rings.
MRS. WARD
Who could that be?
Alex gets up and goes to answer it.
ext. alex's porch- day
The door opens and standing there with something in her hands is Mrs. Evergreen.
ALEX
Mrs. Evergreen, hello. What are you doing here?
Mrs. evergreen
I just brought you and your family a little something. May I come in?
ALEX
Sure, sure.
Alex widens the door and lets Mrs. Evergreen in.
Int. mark's home, kitchen- day
Mark enters to see his Dad making breakfast. His Dad turns around.
MARK'S DAD
Morning, Mark. Have a seat.
As Mark goes to sit down, his Dad brings over two plates of pancakes and sets one in front of Mark then takes a seat with the other.
Mark
Pancakes? I haven't had these since I was a kid.
Mark's dad
Oh! I forgot the milk!
Mark's Dad jumps up, goes to the fridge, takes out the milk and brings back two cups. He pours it out for Mark and himself and settles back down. Mark's Dad starts to eat.
MARK
Is something wrong, Dad?
MARK'S DAD
What do you mean?
MARK
You doing all these.
MARK'S DAD
Its a new year today. So I thought I'd do something to make up with what happened on Christmas.
MARK
Uh-huh.
MARK'S DAD
Also, I'm going to try to get a job somewhere. No use for me to be lying around all day waiting for them to call me back in.
MARK
Sounds great.
MARK'S DAD
Eat up, its getting cold.
Mark takes a bite while looking at his Dad.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
Mrs. Evergreen is seated with the Tiko family and Mrs. Ward. She beams as they all enjoy her cake.
VICTORIA
Mrs. Evergreen, this lime cheesecake is absolutely lovely!
Victoria takes a bite and savors it.
MRS. EVERGREEN
And its all made from scratch.
CHARLES
We're going to the beach after this. Would you like to join us?
MRS. EVERGREEN
Oh no, thank you. I have some knitting that needs getting done. Another time, maybe?
VICTORIA
How are you finding the neighbourhood so far?
MRS. EVERGREEN
Its nice and quiet, just how I like it.
CHARLES
If I may ask, why move here?
MRS. EVERGREEN
I lived in Tamavua for over 20 years. I needed a change of scenery.
VICTORIA
I'm sure you'll enjoy living here. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask us. You're always welcome.
MRS. EVERGREEN
Looks like I moved into the right neighbourhood!
Everyone laughs.
INT. CAR- DAY (TRAVELLING)
Everyone is in the car. Victoria sits beside Charles while Alex, Emily and Mrs. Ward are behind them. Muffin is right at the back with the bags and things.
CHARLES
The car's a little bit quiet.
VICTORIA
Why don't we sing some songs?
Groans from Alex and Emily.
ALEX
Can we listen to the radio instead?
VICTORIA
Why not? I thought you loved singing.
ALEX
We can sing along to the radio.
VICTORIA
Oh alright.
Victoria turns on the radio. Michael Learns to Rock's 'Nothing to Lose' plays and everyone sings along.
Ext. beach- day
The family enjoy their time together. Mrs. Ward, Victoria and Emily build a sand castle, Charles goes swimming and Alex walks along the beach, listening to his iPod with Muffin following him.
Int. alex's home- night
Mrs. Ward, Victoria and Charles are getting ready to leave.
CHARLES
Alex, you're in charge. Take care of Emily and the house.
VICTORIA
Bye sweethearts, we'll be back before you know it.
Victoria hugs both Alex and Emily.
ALEX
Bye, have fun.
They leave and Alex closes the door. He turns to Emily.
ALEX (cont'd)
What do you want for dinner?
EMILY
Noodles!
INT. KITCHEN- NIGHT
Alex and Emily sit at the table opposite each other, eating. Emily slurps hers and looks at Alex.
EMILY
(nonchalantly)
So you like Claire huh?
Alex chokes, quickly regains composure.
ALEX
Huh? What do you mean?
EMILY
What do you mean, 'what do you mean'. Its a very simple question brother dear.
ALEX
Do you even know who she is?
EMILY
Yeah, you were looking at her photos.
ALEX
I don't like her.
EMILY
Liar, I heard you last night.
ALEX
You spied on us?!
EMILY
I wouldn't call it that. I was about to go up when I had to untie my hair after an itch. Then I heard you guys. So you can't blame me for over-hearing.
ALEX
And then what? You just decided to stand there after doing your hair?
EMILY
No, then I had another itch on my back. So I just stood there trying to reach it.
ALEX
And then?? Another itch!?
EMILY
Nope, I was going up and you guys were done. So there.
Alex stares unbelievably at Emily. He then sighs.
ALEX
OK fine. I like her, happy? Don't tell Mom.
EMILY
I won't. Why should I give up such juicy blackmail info?
Emily laughs and slurps her soup. Alex finishes his food and stands.
ALEX
You're doing the dishes.
Alex leaves with Emily staring after him, a noodle hanging out from the corner of her mouth.
Int. usp ict center- night
The auditorium is filled with spectators as they watch the play. Ms. Rose enters on stage, disoriented and clings to the arm of another actor.
MS. ROSE
But for my plan to work, we have to stay here until its done. I've put in too much time and effort to get here.
Actor
Why don't you just leave it. We've been compromised, can't you see? Forget about it! Move on!
MS. ROSE
I know he's coming back. I've tracked him all this time. Now he's right where I want him.
ACTOR
This plan of yours is falling apart. Leave now, while you still can! Save yourself, before its too late!
The actor tries to pry Ms. Rose's grip on him but fails. Ms. Rose has a mad look in her eyes.
MS. ROSE
He thought he'd do that to me and I'd be fine? Ha! What does he know?!
ACTOR
You're crazy! Completely insane!
Charles, Victoria and Mrs. Ward watch with great interest.
CHARLES
Ms. Rose is such a great actor.
VICTORIA
(whispers)
Who knew she could perform so well? She almost looks like a real mad woman!
MRS. WARD (voice over)
So this must be the weird things Alex said she was saying. I was right, she was practicing for her role.
Int. alex's room- night
Alex is lying on his bed, eyes closed. A knock sounds at his door.
Int. outside alex's room- night
Emily continues knocking.
EMILY
Alex! Are you mad? I'm sorry. I won't tell Mom. Alex?
The door opens.
ALEX
Its OK Ems, I'm not mad at you.
EMILY
I was only joking! You're so dramatic.
ALEX
Sometimes I wonder why I'm a boy.
They both laugh and Emily goes to hug Alex while he puts his arm on her.
INT. ALEX'S HOME- NIGHT
Mrs. Ward, Victoria and Charles arrive home and go upstairs. Victoria visits Emily's room and tucks her in, kissing her forehead. She goes to Alex's room and puts a blanket over him. Then she stands at his door, watching him before closing it.
INT. MARK'S HOME- DAY
Mark is watching TV on the couch. The front door opens and Mark's Dad enters.
MARK'S DAD
I've got it, a job!
MARK
That's great Dad! What is it?
MARK'S DAD
A night time security guard at Damodar City. I start tonight.
MARK
Awesome.
MARK'S DAD
Thanks, son.
Mark's Dad goes to his room. Mark continues watching TV when his phone receives a text. He checks it.
ALEX (voice over)
Hey Mark. Are you busy today? Wanna go catch a movie with Emily and I?
Mark replies.
MARK (voice over)
OK. When and where?
Mark sends it and smiles to himself.
Ext. damodar city cinema- day
Mark is standing near the ticket booth, waiting. He looks around. As he stands there, Alex and Emily come up behind him and Emily pokes him, Mark turns.
MARK
Hey, you're here.
ALEX
Yup, lets go.
Int. cinema- day
Emily sits between Alex and Mark holding a box of popcorn, eating. Alex laughs at a scene and Mark slowly turns his head and looks at him.
Int. Damodar city food-court- day
Mark sits opposite from Alex and Emily. They are eating.
MARK
Thanks for inviting me to join you guys.
ALEX
No problem.
EMILY
You're different from Chris.
MARK
Chris?
ALEX
Chris was my best friend. He migrated.
MARK
Oh. What was he like?
EMILY
He was funny and he loved eating...a lot.
Alex laughs to himself upon hearing Emily's description.
MARK
He sounds like a nice guy.
EMILY
Yeah, he was. Alex's one and only friend. Are you his new friend now?
Mark looks at Alex.
ALEX
Yeah.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- NIGHT
Alex is checking Facebook when a notification for a friend request shows. Its from Mark. Alex clicks accept and Mark pops up on chat.
Int. mark's home- night
Mark is on the couch using his phone.
INTER-CUT BETWEEN ALEX AND MARK. (VOICE-OVERS)
MARK
Thanks for accepting.
ALEX
No worries.
MARK
Had dinner yet?
ALEX
Nope, you?
MARK
Yeah, had curry.
ALEX
You didn't feel weird hanging out with us today?
MARK
No, it was fun.
ALEX
OK.
MARK
You're lucky to have a sibling. Being an only child sucks.
ALEX
Emily can be annoying at times.
MARK
But then you still have someone to talk to and stuff. I don't have anyone except for my Dad.
ALEX
How about your Mom? Don't you keep in contact?
MARK
She calls from time to time to check up on us.
ALEX
No friends?
MARK
Not really...but then there's you.
ALEX
Haha, glad I could help brighten your life.
MARK
Yeah, you can't imagine.
ALEX
I gotta go for dinner. Talk later.
MARK
OK, laters.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- NIGHT
The family is having dinner.
VICTORIA
Its that time of the year again.
Everyone looks at Victoria, confused. She throws her hands up dramatically.
VICTORIA (cont'd)
Back to school!
Everyone realizes and laughs. Victoria looks at the kids.
VICTORIA
You two should write down what you need so we can go shopping tomorrow.
Alex and Emily nod.
CHARLES
What movie did you two watch today?
ALEX
Night at the Museum 3.
EMILY
It was funny! There was this scene where the monkey peed on a fire to put it out.
Emily laughs.
VICTORIA
Emily! Please mind your language while at the table.
EMILY
Sorry...Alex cried during the movie though.
Emily laughs again.
CHARLES
Emily, stop making fun of your brother.
VICTORIA
Aw, Alex...the emotional one.
ALEX
It was because a sad part of the movie was on.
EMILY
I didn't cry.
ALEX
Its because your heart is cold.
CHARLES
Alex...
Alex shoots Emily a look. Emily sticks her tongue out at him.
Ext. alex's home- day
Victoria, Mrs. Ward, Alex and Emily are making their way out of the house.
Ext. ms.rose's home- day
Ms. Rose is picking flowers from her garden.
INTER-CUT BETWEEN THE NEIGHBOURS.
Victoria goes toward the fence and calls out.
VICTORIA
Ms. Rose, good morning!
Ms. Rose stops what she's doing and looks over. She makes her way closer to Victoria.
Ms. rose
Same to you, neighbour.
VICTORIA
We went to your play the other night. It was wonderful, you were quite the actress.
MS. ROSE
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Alex stares at Ms. Rose and she catches him.
MS. ROSE
Something wrong, Alex?
Alex snaps out of his trance.
ALEX
Nothing...
Alex looks away as Ms. Rose eyes him suspiciously. She turns back to Victoria.
MS. ROSE
Where are you all off to?
VICTORIA
Doing some back to school shopping.
MS. ROSE
I see. Waste of money, that.
Ms. Rose looks at Emily.
MS. ROSE (cont'd)
You can still re-use your old things if they're still good. No need to spend more on something you already have.
VICTORIA
That's what I've been telling her. But she doesn't listen, has to have new things every year.
MS. ROSE
You're spoiling them too much. You and that husband of yours are too easy going with the kids. Should be more strict with them.
Emily makes a disagreeing sound which catches Ms. Rose's attention.
MS. ROSE (CONT'D)
And teach them some proper manners!
MRS. WARD
I'm sure Emily didn't mean anything by that.
VICTORIA
Emily, please apologize to Ms. Rose.
EMILY
But Mom I--
VICTORIA
(warning)
Emily!!
Emily looks at Ms. Rose.
EMILY
(mumbling)
Sorry.
VICTORIA
Like you mean it.
EMILY
Sorry, Ms. Rose. I apologize for my rudeness. It won't happen again.
MS. ROSE
(smugly)
Kids these days. Try to teach them what's right and they bring on an attitude.
Ms. Rose gives Emily a disapproving look and walks back in. Emily starts protesting.
EMILY
Mom!
VICTORIA
Quiet, Emily. I can't believe how rude you were. We didn't raise you to be like that. Please don't let it happen again.
Emily is about to open her mouth but Mrs. Ward stops her.
Int. post office- day
Victoria and Alex hold shopping baskets filled with exercise books and other things. They go around getting things off the list. Victoria picks up a textbook and checks the price.
VICTORIA
Goodness, the price of this can make anyone cry.
MRS. WARD
The cost of living is getting higher these days. I feel sorry for those who struggle to make ends meet.
VICTORIA
We all have our struggles, its up to us how we handle them.
Emily comes to Victoria holding something.
EMILY
Mom, can I get this?
Victoria looks to see what it is.
VICTORIA
Emily, you've got a lot of coloring books at home. You don't need another.
EMILY
But I don't have this one.
VICTORIA
Emily, please.
MRS. WARD
Emily, listen to your mother.
Emily reluctantly goes to return the book with Alex following her.
ALEX
(mockingly)
Haha...
EMILY
Shut up.
Int. uniform shop- day
Emily is trying on a light blue uniform dress with the help of Victoria.
Int. shoe shop- day
Emily is trying on school sandals with Victoria helping her.
Int. alex's parent's room- night
Charles is sitting on the bed with his legs outstretched, reading a book. Victoria sits at the dresser combing her hair.
VICTORIA
Charles, what do you think of Ms. Rose?
CHARLES
How funny. Alex asked me the same.
VICTORIA
Really? What did he say?
CHARLES
That he finds her weird.
VICTORIA
And do you?
CHARLES
Vicky, what's this about?
VICTORIA
She was a bit mean to the kids today. Especially Emily.
CHARLES
Why, what happened?
VICTORIA
Emily was just being...you know...Emily. And Ms. Rose over-reacted and I had to make Emily apologize.
CHARLES
Vicky, you know as well as I do that Emily can be a handful sometimes. Maybe a bit of disciplining would do her good.
VICTORIA
(upset)
Charles, we agreed that we would raise our kids in a way that would not make them fear their parents. You know how my Dad raised my brothers and I.
CHARLES
I'm sorry.
Charles sets down his book and gets off the bed. He makes his way to Victoria and gives her a back hug.
CHARLES (CONT'D)
I'm just tired and not thinking clearly. Ignore what I said.
VICTORIA
I just want to give them a life I never had. As long as they are happy, I'm satisfied.
Victoria looks into the mirror with a faraway look on her face.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
Everyone is having breakfast.
CHARLES
Alex, are you excited about USP?
ALEX
Yeah.
VICTORIA
I can't believe my boy's going to university already. Its just like yesterday when we first took you to kindergarten.
ALEX
OK, Mom. I'm just going to enroll. It's not like I'm getting married or something.
VICTORIA
Oh, now that you mentioned it. That is another day that I look forward to!
The others laugh as Alex gets up.
ALEX
Alright, I'm off.
Everyone says goodbye as Alex leaves.
int. usp, sas- day
Alex gets an enrollment form and fills it in. He then sits on the chair, waiting. As one person leaves, he goes to the counter and gives in his application and documents. Then he leaves.
Ext. around usp- day
Alex is walking around the campus, looking here and there.
Ext. usp, bus bay- day
A bus pulls up and Mark gets off. He enters into campus.
Ext. usp book centre- day
Alex sits at the stone table looking through his phone. Putting it away, he looks ahead. Coming out of Westpac is someone familiar.
ALEX
Claire?
He starts to get up but sees that Claire has joined someone. He hits his own forehead.
ALEX
Ugh, I'm so stupid. I forgot to ask her where she's doing her PhD. USP of course!
Alex watches Claire walk away.
EXT. USp library lower foyer- day
Alex sits on the bench reading a pamphlet. Coming from his left is Mark.
MARK
Hey, Alex!
Alex looks up, surprised.
ALEX
Mark! What are you doing here?
MARK
I'm a student here.
ALEX
Oh, right.
MARK
And you?
ALEX
I just enrolled. Have to wait for confirmation.
MARK
Don't worry, you'll get in.
ALEX
Thanks, I gotta go. Later!
Alex gets up and goes. Mark stares after him.
MARK (VOICE OVER)
You don't know how happy you've made me, Alex.
THE END.