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i wanted to see if i could do it |
Scene 1 Int. Bert’s place. Time unknown. We open in a room, dark, a sudden movement in the corner draws attention. A man sits up. A voice begins. As the voice speaks the man rubs his head in an attempt to recover. Narrator There is a moment when you wake up from some night of sin and debauchery. A moment before the headache, when you can’t remember what happened the night before, the day before, the week before. There is a complete feeling of peace and freedom, no worries, no sins, no problems, no past, you are simply because you are… moments like these are fleeting Int. Bean Streets Coffee parlor. Dusk, six or seven o’clock. Cut to black. The camera stays stationary as a voice says next. Bones walks forward, his back formally being against the camera the surroundings appear as he walks away. We find ourselves in Bean streets. Bones orders a coffee, waits pays and walks back to the table. The camera follows. As he sits the camera also come to a rest next to him. The camera look out from the back corner, Bert walks past the window, he is dressed quite well and is clearly in quite a hurry, the camera looks out at him, follows as he makes his way through the entrance, he waves away the waitress who wants to take his order, he walks back to the table and sits down as he approaches the camera pulls back and as he sits the camera comes in for a full two shot. Bones: Bert, you’re actually on time for a change. Bert: Hey, you said five, I was here at five, really how could you expect any less? Bones: Not thirsty? (Gestures towards counter) Bert: Not that big of a coffee guy. That stuffs bad for ya you know. Bones: So Bones’ has heard(laughs lightly) Madison still getting on your case? Bert Yeah, it’s just cause she cares so I can’t really complain. Bones Hey, old Bones ain’t got no one to go and love up on em’, so be happy, you a lucky guy. Bert Don’t talk about yourself in third person, please Bones How about you not try and control what Bones does, if Bones wanted to speak in first person Bones would have spoken in first person, so back off, please. Bert Sometimes your and idiot, have I ever told you that? Bones Sometimes the things you say hurt the ones you love, has Bones ever told you that? Bert You are not a man Bones Watch it, you probably shouldn’t push what friends you still got. Bert Oh, I heard today Cecelia is pregent, Dominic is happy but their both kind of freaked out about it. Bones God, Bones haven’t seen Dominic since… what Jessee’s Halloween party. Bert Has it been that long? Bones Bones thinks so, anyway it’s been a while. Bert We should all get together soon, this weekend maybe? Dominic is off work, and I’m pretty sure Liam and Colin are off Saturday too. Bones Liam and Colin? Bones don’t much feel like spending a lot of time with those two, Bones knows their your friends and all but Bones never did get along too well with those two, at least Liam. Bert I forgot all about the two of you. What started the two of you going at it anyway? Bones He got 200 dollars richer off Bones Bert What do you mean? He stole from you. Bones Yeah, he stole from Bones. Bert Come on, be fair, how can you be so sure that it was him that did it? Bones Bones woke up and he was taking it out of Bones’ wallet. Bert Oh, well it was just a thought. (pause) OH shit, what time is it? (pulls out cell phone), I supposed to meet Madison and some of her friends for dinner. Bones So you got to head out? Bert I got a little more time before I have to be down there. Bones Bones was wondering why you were all dressed up, Bert Only partly for dinner, Mostly it’s for you, I got to look nice, I haven’t seen you in a little while. Bones Are you sure you want to buy tonight? Bones means if your going out to dinner? Bert Man, Madison has me freaking out as it is. Believe me I need something to pull me through tonight Bones If that’s all you wanted I’m not sure this is what you should get. Bert Why? Bones You may wind up seeing some things that you won’t expect. Bert I need something stronger than what I’ve been getting anyway Bones It’s your night… damnit Bert, now Bones don’t mean to pry, but why do you keep doing this to yourself? Bert No, I can take this from Madison, and everyone else… but I won’t listen to this from you. Bones We were friends long before anything else Bert Here’s for the coffee(lays down several bills) Bones Wait until Bones leaves, under this side of the table Bert Alright I guess I should head off towards dinner anyway. Bones You know my number… take care of yourself Bert I always take care of myself Bones Yeah, Bones would ask you to say hi to Madison for Bones, but somehow Bones don’t think It would be a good thing for her to know you and Bones saw each other Bert It’s not you, it’s just what you do Bones Madison never understood, a man is who he is, not what he does Bert What can you do? Bones Who knows. Hey take it easy with this, your system don’t know this stuff, and Bones don’t want to see nothing happen to you. Bert Okay, I’ll see you later man. Bones Bye Bones gets up, slowly walks for the door and walks out, looks both ways and slowly walks off into Asheville. Bert sits, he never looked back, he appears extremely lost in thought. He sits a moment longer. His face appears upset, he shakes off the thought, reaches under the table shoves the baggie in his jacket pocket. Turns and walks with a quick pace to the door and out of Bean Streets. Scene 2 Ext. Street down town, late, night. Bert and Madison stand on a street corner, Madison watches the street looking for someone or something, Bert’s foot taps as he quickly looks back and forth, checking his watch often, they are both very well dressed . Bert remains extremely impatient. Bert Isn’t that them? Madison Who? No that’s not them. Bert That? Madison That’s an elderly pair of… Chinese men…holding hands. Bert How about them? Madison looks in the direction Bert’s starring Madison Yeah, there they are Bert It’s about time Madison (Hits him lightly) Be nice Bert I’m always nice Also on the street, night Another couple also dressed well approach Bert and Madison, the female (Laura) points towards Bert and Madison the male (David) nods in recognition. Laura and Madison do a slight run to each other, meet and hug Madison Laura, hey, I was worried, it’s not like you to be late, and you’re always so … punctual Laura David decided that it would be quicker to go through downtown rather than the interstate, apparently so did the rest of Asheville. David and Bert proceed with the handshakes and small talk. Bert You ready for dinner? David Oh yeah, Laura couldn’t remember, what’s the name of this place again? Bert Its John Henry’s I think. David Is it new? I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of that place before. Bert I’m not sure, it might be but either way, I just heard about it from a friend of mine the other day David Oh, cool, I’m hungry so let’s see what damage we can do Both laugh softly, The four walk on to the restaurant, they are shown to a table, they sit, Madison I don’t know what I want, Laura what are you getting? Laura I’m thinking maybe Fettuccini Alfredo, or maybe… oh the Charleston Shrimp Scampi. Madison That does sound good. Bert how about you? Bert I’m not sure yet. Waitress comes to the table. Waitress Hi, my name is Gwen, I’ll be your server tonight, Can I start you out with some drinks, or would you like some more time first. Bert I’m ready I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ll have a sweet tea. David Uh just water for me Madison Can I get a Sprite? Waitress We have Sierra Mist, will that be okay? Madison Yeah sure. Laura Sierra Mist sounds good to me too. David So, what are you guys doing this weekend? Bert I’m not sure if we have anything planned yet Laura David and I were thinking about going up north in a few days, would you two like to join us? Madison Sounds like a blast Bert Sure Why not. The waitress returns Waitress Are you guys ready for appetizers? David Soup Du Jour Laura Oh, what is this, Greek style stuffed Portabella Mushrooms Madison French Onion Soup Bert Just a… I’m not sure, okay Shrimp Cocktail Waitress Alright, are you guys ready to go ahead and order your Main Course? Bert I’m hungry so… how about the Bacon wrapped Fillet Mignon and shrimp Scampi over Angel Hair pasta Laura Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken Madison Charleston shrimp scampi David Vegetable Lasagna Waitress Very good, your appetizers will be out in a second, um, can I get anyone a refill? Bert No I think we’re all good. Waitress Ok, if you need anything just ask for Gwen. Gwen walks away; they all look around in a brief moment of silence. Bert Um excuse me; I have to run to the bathroom. (Bert stands up and walks towards the bathroom) Laura So Madison, how are you two? Madison We’re great... Cut to Bert in the bathroom Bert goes into a stall puts down the seat and pours a small amount of cocaine on the seat; he cuts it into a short line. He looks at it for a few seconds then pours more cocaine on to the seat and cuts a line almost twice as long as the original. He pulls out a dollar, rolls it and snorts the line up. He shakes his head, wipes his nostril and puts the rest of the baggie back into his pocket; he comes back to the table. Sits down slowly his movements are slow. Madison (to Laura) So what did he say when he found out? Laura What could he say, he said good job and I got the raise. David Laura and Madison laugh Bert fakes a laugh, Bert goes through the process of trying to focus himself, Madison So, Bert got a raise and… Madison looks at Laura, they lock eyes, Madison takes her hand and gently caresses Laura’s cheek they pull each other closer until their lips are almost one pair, shot of Bert, sweating slightly and completely distracted, holding that shot. Madison Isn’t that right Bert Bert shakes his head back into reality Bert Exactly right, sorry I’m a little spaced out right now, David A bit, you haven’t touched you plate, Bert looks down, shrimp cocktail is pushed off to the side and his other plate sits in front of him. Bert I’m not that hungry all of a sudden Bert looks down at his plate, for a flash it’s his meal but where the pasta should be razor blades sit, he pokes at it with his fork. A flash of black as long as a blink then it’s food again. David Bert, are you ok, you don’t look so well. Bert Um, yeah, just feeling a little under the weather all of a sudden, I’m not sure. Laura If you have to go it’s okay, I guess. Bert Wow, um I hate to do this, but I’m feeling(Bert looks up and sees Laura’s fork filled with razor blades, he tenses up and looks away) I think, I should head off, we have to do this again. David Definitely, we have to. Bert gets up and walks slowly away from the table Madison I don’t know what’s wrong with him, um I’m so sorry, I’m going to go with him, I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow Laura Yeah don’t worry about it. Madison rushes off after Bert David So do we have to pay for their food too? Laura Hush Both laugh Scene 3 Interior, taxi, backseat, Madison and Bert are both sitting in the backseat, Madison’s holding Bert’s hand, she looks slightly worried, Bert looks pale and he appears to be sweating. Madison (to taxi Driver) This is it, the brownstone on the corner is my place. The car comes to a stop Madison gets out to walk to her door Bert( to driver) One second, I’m gonna walk her to her door Bert gets out behind Madison, the two of them walk hand in hand to her building’s front door Bert Okay honey have a good night okay. Madison I’ll be fine, you just feel better okay, you don’t look so good, Bert Yeah, I just need a good nights sleep They kiss, at first a quick soft kiss, soon it is a slow deep passionate kiss, Bert pulls away Bert The cabs waiting Madison Okay fine, I love you Bert Love you two Maddie The door opens and a pregent lady steps out. Jenny Madison, your home early, oh, hi Bert. Bert Hey Jenny They hug Madison Bert wasn’t feeling too well Jenny Oh, well, I hope you feel better, bye sweetie. Bert Bye Jenny. Bert goes back towards the cab. Bert Driver, back to the restaurant, I need to get my car Driver You Sure buddy? Bert Yeah, I’m fine. Driver Okay The car goes back to the restaurant Bert gets out, pays, then walks through the parking lot to go and get his car. He gets in, starts the engine and leaves. Interior of the car with Bert Bert is on his cell phone Bert Hello, Yeah Liam what’s going on tonight, awesome, I was thinking about it. If it’s cool with you and Colin that is. Great, I’ll be there in a few minutes Bert hangs up the phone, reaches down in his pocket and pulls out a baggie of white powder, Bert You my powdery white friend, will be gone , long gone by morning (Smiles) Bert pulls up at an apartment/ house/ or trailer, he gets out and walks to the front door. He knocks on the front door, a yell greets him back Liam What Eejit is at my house at this hour! I will tear ya Bollocks off you bloody wanker Bert Liam, It’s Bert Liam Get your arse in hier ya dum bastard Bert walks in and we see a skinny redheaded man with a bottle in his hand, he is clearly intoxicated. Bert Liam! Liam Bert! Bert Where’s Colin Liam Em, he’s in the shitter. I’m gonna have a puff, care for a fag ? Bert No, I don’t smoke Liam Still kills me, all you do and you say smoking kills. Bert What can I tell you, so are you going to introduce me or am I on my own? (he points around the room 2 guys and 3 girls sit around, all either drinking or drunk) Liam (Picking one at random then going to the left) Leslie, Owen, Ben, Tonya, and Pammy, ya happy. Bert Sure, we can say that. Liam Ya feeling a bit puckish, we got some chips, some bangers and I believe some mash in the fridge, if you want it. Bert Na, I just finished dinner Liam, yea and how was … Jesus Christ Colin light a match or spray something Colin Go fuk yourself, Bert A huge drunk Irishman runs to bert, picks him up and gives him a bear hug Bert Colin, how ya been ya big ox, Colin Oh good, me back been givin me a bit of a time but siden that I been good Bert And your job Colin They fired me. Bert Why? Colin For comin in a little tipsy one day Bert Really Colin Yeah I was thinking about suing them, Alchaholism is a diesese after all Bert Well I wouldn’t let you be my safety supervisor at a construction site if you were drunk. Colin Yeah, thats why I don’t work fur ya Bert Yeah, that’s why. Colin Why ya out are way t’nght Bert Madison’s been on my case a bit lately , I needed a night off, I figure at my place she’ll just walk in. Liam Dirty Cunt, ya shoulda lef er’ a long time ago, any puss who don’t like me mates ain’t worth it. Drunk guy on the couch lifts his head Owen Ah, Liam your all talk, you’d be whipped, it any lady gave you a second look. Liam Is ya drunk arse callin me a liar, ye somebitch (smacks him, owen covers his head, Owen sticks up a foot to push liam away, Liam pulls off his shoe and starts to hit him with it.) I’ll beat cha ta death with ya own bloody shoe ya dirty wank. Bert Colin, you think I could just go and crash? Colin Guest rooms all yours Bert Night Liam Liam Ya call me a liar in my own house, bastard (hits Owen again) Bert goes to a guest room, locks the door, pours out the remainder of the powdery substance, cuts a long line snorts and drops on to the bed, Bert looks at a Star Wars poster on the wall. Shot of the poster Yoda Mmmm, High on Cocaine you are Bert Huh, that’s new Fade to black Scene 4 Interior, afternoon, Close up on Bert’s eyes, closed a deep sleep, slowly pull back from the close up to show Bert, slowly waking up, on the floor of Colin and Liam’s house. He slowly begins to go through the waking process and Bert looks over at his phone, he looks at it, his eye brows worried looking, and then his eyes get wide Bert Holy Shit (Bert’s Phone) You have 19 messages, message 1 of 19… Bert’s eyes get wide and he starts to go into a slight bit of shock, his jaw drops as the message continues. Madison Bert, pick up… Jenny’s water just broke, meet me at the hospital (Phone) Message 2 of 19… As time goes on you see Bert going through various stages of both shock and mental anguish and pain. Madison Where are you, meet me at the hospital, I’m almost there as it is (Phone) Message 3 of 19… Madison I’m at the hospital, where are you, the doctor says she could go into labor at any time, get over here as soon as you can. Look of pure dread crawls across his face Bert I’m going to die. Madison is going to kill me. (Phone) Message 4 of 19… Madison Jenny’s Fiancé’ Jeffery, my parents and me, we’re in the waiting room, um still waiting for you to call or get here. (Phone) Message 5 of 19 Madison Damnit, Jenny wants me to be in there with her… when you get these messages were at Mission, room 407, just hurry, please (Phone) Message 6 of 19 Madison Bert,(sounding upset, almost as if giving up) where the hell are you, Jenny’s starting to go into labor get over here as soon as you get this I guess. Phone Message 7 of 19 Jeffery The doctor wouldn’t let Madison bring her cell phone in the delivery room, she asked me to call you every so often. Why are you doing this to her. Phone Message 8 of 19 Jeffery She’s started into labor, where the fuck is you Bert? Phone Message 9 of 19 Jeffery It’s a boy, I have a son, fuck you too ass hole, fuck you too Phone Message 10 of 19 Madison My sister had the baby, William Michael Stanley, and she needs sleep and I’m leaving the hospital. I’m going to drive by your building and I’m praying I see your car, cause I have to drive past your drunken ass friends place, Liam and Colin’s, and if I see your car… Please be better than that, don’t let me think you missed this to go get messed up, please be better than that Bert. Bert (Eyes wide, facing the ceiling) Oh my god… no Phone Message 11 of 19 Madison (In a way to calm voice) You fucking asshole, I thought you were at least better than that. God damnit (she starts to cry, then hangs up) Phone Message 12 of 19 Bert’s dad Bert, hey it’s your father, I’m just calling to remind you, your mothers birthday is in two weeks, now I know money is tight and all but if you can get up to Ohio it would be an amazing surprise for your mother. Okay son, call your parents soon, your mother would at least like to hear from you. I love you son, bye, oh it’s dad, bye bye. Bert Huh Phone Message 13 of 19 Madison Bert I’m going to my parent’s house for a while, it’s probably best if you don’t call the house, their going to be swamped with phone calls with the baby and all. Phone Message 14 of 19 Mark Hey, its Mark Madison’s brother, she just got here… give me a call when you get this, you and I might need to have a talk Phone Message 15 of 19 (A moment of silence then they hang up) Phone Message 16 of 19 Madison Call my cell when you get this Bert, we need to talk. Phone Message 17 of 19 Madison Jesus Christ, It’s 2 in the afternoon, are you still passed out, what’s wrong with you; do you want to kill yourself? Bert God Damnit(almost yelling) Liam pops his head in the door Liam YOU okay, I heard ya’ shouting Bert Fine Liam Yeah keep telling yourself that, it’ll get true eventually boy Bert GO (points towards out the door with the little finger) Liam Fuck ya too(laughs a loud obnoxious laugh and gives him the finger and pulls his head out) Phone Message 18 of 19 Madison Bert (then very quietly) why am I even bothering. (She hangs up.) Phone Message 19 of 19 Madison Fuck you Bert Bert Shit. Scene 5 Bert is pulling into the driveway, it’s swamped with cars, he gets out of his car he checks his watch and double times it to the house He starts off towards the house, Jeffery is reaching into the car to grab something. Bert (running to him) Jeffery, hey Jeffery (looking up at him) Bert, what the fuck are you doing here? Bert (shocked) What? Jeffery I’ve spent the last hour and a half comforting Madison, cause some asshole couldn’t bother to be woken up for this. Bert It was a deep sleep, Jeffery Fuck you, my fiancé has been giving birth to my son for the last 13 hours and you’ve been asleep. Leave, now. Bert Just tell Madison that I’m here. Jeffery Why so you can hurt her again? Bert I never meant to hurt her Jeffery Yeah, well you did, so go, now, please Bert, this is a joyous day, don’t bring this around my son, you’ve pissed me off twice already today. I don’t want to remember you today, go home. Mark walks by the door, pauses and starts to walk outside. Mark (walking out the door) Bert, you mother fucker, you brought your coke addicted ass to my parents house.(smiles a half smile) Bert Mark, relax, help me explain to Jeffery what’s going on. Mark Oh sure, You see Jeffery (Quickly swings a right hook and drops Bert in the drive way) That’s my little fucking sister you fucking with, (spits on him) Madison comes running out to the driveway, and sees what’s going on. Madison Mark, get away from him. Mark steps back Jeffery I don’t need this shit (grabs a blanket out of the backseat and goes back inside) Bert is getting back up, holding his jaw Mark Maddie, you want me to throw him out of here? Madison No, this is between us. Bert Son of a bitch that hurt Mark Your lucky, asshole Bert(to Madison) I’m bleeding Madison slaps Bert Madison You got high last night didn’t you Bert No Madison Don’t lie to me Bert I didn’t Madison You were at Liam’s house weren’t you Bert That doesn’t mean She slaps him again Bert Fuck yes is that what you want to hear Madison Were you high at dinner last night? Bert How could you ask me that Madison Answer me, and I swear to god if you lie, I will never speak to you again Bert I was nervous and Madison That dinner was important to me and you were stoned. Bert I’m sorry Madison That’s not good enough this time Bert Maddie Madison No, no don’t, (starts to walk away) Bert (Grabs her arm) Madison, don’t do this, I love you Madison And I love you, that’s why this is so hard, cause I can’t leave you, but I can’t sit here and watch you do this to yourself. Bert I love you so much, and I’m so sorry Madison If you were sorry you wouldn’t have to apologize, cause this wouldn’t have happened Bert Please Madison Please, (crying) don’t, I need to think Bert No, look I can stop Madison (tears in her eyes) (looks at him) I know, that’s what kills me, you can, but you won’t, Bert I Madison Don’t( pulls away and walks back to the house) Bert MADISON! Mark Leave, now Shot inside, Madison crying Madison’s mom Why do you stay with him? Madison Because I love him Madison’s mom cradles her in her arms Madison’s mom Shhh sweetie, don’t cry, it’s okay Outside Bert (yelling) Madison, for someone who preaches about love so often, you just keep pushing the one love away. Bert gets in his car and leaves Mark I should have broken his jaw Madison’s dad laughs for a second then in shot a dirty look from Madison’s mother and quickly backhands mark in the bicep region when mark looks back at his dad his dad shoots him a dirty look and points his finger at him and shakes his head, mark raises his eyebrows and puts up his hands open palmed and shrugs. Scene 6 Interior, Bert’s place. Bert is still holding his jaw. Bert picks up the phone, dials a number. Bert Hey, it’s Bert. Not bad the food was good As beautiful as ever of course Hey watch it You feel like coffee? I know it was yesterday; maybe I’m trying to make you a caffeine addict What was the coffee you had yesterday? Yeah it was very tasty; I think I need another shot of espresso myself Yeah, a little bit stronger I think the strongest they have today I know For all I care make it pure espresso Bert hangs up the phone, goes over to the VCR, lifts it and grabs a handful of bills and heads to the door. Interior Bean streets Bert is at a table, sipping on a coffee and Bones walks in, orders one and gets it, then goes to the table Bones Bones was surprised when you called so soon, but to beat Bones here, what’s up? Bert Nothing at all, I went to Liam’s place last night Bones You didn’t use it all did you? Bert No, I think someone swiped it last night, it wasn’t bad though, can we just take it up a notch? Bones You sure about that? Bert The best you got. Bones You know your Bones’ Brother, but that’s still very pricy even for family. Bert I’ve never got to say this before, but under the table Bones reaches under the table; a huge stack of bills is taped there Bert That should cover it and then some, just use the rest as a down payment, just think of it as next time you owe me a cup pf java, or what have you Bones looks a bit worried Bert You know what I’ve been thinking a lot about lately? Bones No, what Bert God Bones Is Bones’ boy finding religion? Bert No, I was thinking, the Indian and Norse Gods the people invented to help explain what they didn’t know. Bones Yeah, like why is there thunder, because Thor wanted there to be thunder Bert Exactly, so look at the times of the earliest Christians, times of death, corruption and all this horrible stuff. Bones Yeah Bert So somebody says you have to be good and kind to your neighbors, and someone else says why? And they answer because god wants you to. Then comes heaven and hell and next thing you know you have a religion. Bones You believe this? Bert I don’t know what I believe; I mean there’s a god that thought is put in your head your entire life. But when everything you know is pointing against it how can you believe? Bones It’s all about faith, it’s not about what you can prove, and it’s about what you really believe in. Bert But if you don’t believe in anything than nothing can touch you. Bones What do you mean? Bert No God, no sin, no sin all you have holding you back are your own fears. Bones Like spending your life in jail somewhere. Bert Your one to talk about abiding by the law. Bones Not the point. Bert Look, if everyone is afraid of hell or so hopeful for heaven that they prevent themselves from fully experiencing life, than the one who has no fear can do everything. Bones You’re really over estimating what people do and don’t do because of religion. Bert You know what I mean Bones Bones have a feeling he know almost what you’re thinking he guesses. Bert Whatever, I need to work on this in my head a little longer Bones Yeah, that’s it. Bert Look do you have my Coffee or not. Bones Here Hands him a small container, an altoids can, Bert Okay, I’ll call you later Bones Bert, Bones thinks we’ve both had enough coffee for a while, its good coffee so don’t drink it to fast, you might burn yourself Bert Oh God forbid Bert laughs and walks out of Bean Streets Bones (blown away) What the hell was that? |